Pantagraph.com | News | Student group wants more guns on campus

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

give a good reason why they shouldn't wrote on Jan 30, 2008 5:43 PM:

" why shouldn't students who already carry off campus be allowed to carry on campus? I mean come on, all citizens of the united states have a right to protect themselves from violent crime. Texas law states that a citizen has the right to use deadly force to prevent criminal mischief, I don't know about you but I would consider a crazed phsyco shooting up a campus criminal mischief!!! all you sceptics need to take a good long look at the # of police reports of shooting incidents that involve C&C permit holders and you will find that 9 times out of 10 the permit holder was justified to use the amount of force that he or she used. "

Tom Terrific wrote on Nov 22, 2007 7:00 PM:

" More guns means less crime. People think twice about criminal activities in area where concealed carry is the law. They know that law abiding citizens can fight back. "

facts wrote on Nov 22, 2007 10:42 AM:

" In 2005, 13,113 lives were lost in speeding-related vehicle crashes. That's more than your 'gun violence' numbers. I guess we had better take cars away from everyone. You say banning guns will result in fewer deaths. Well, speeding is already illegal but in 2005, 13,113 people died because of it. People will always disobey the law, no matter what the consequences. Banning something only affects those willing to obey the law. www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-30/NCSA/TSF2005/SpeedingTSF05.pdf "

to people leftist wrote on Nov 22, 2007 7:48 AM:

" 96.75% of the deaths that you are quoting in the U.S. was gun use in inner city gang related, drug related, already wanted by law enforcement killing each other. The poor unfortunate and tottally inocent are the ones who suffer most who are brought up in this cycle of poverty and cannot escape. "

Jack Daniel Devine wrote on Nov 22, 2007 4:41 AM:

" Law abiding citizens should be allowed to carry weapons everywhere they go. Gun free zones are the best place for criminals to find unarmed victims to slaughter. If more of these punks met immediate armed resistance there would be less incidents and less victims. Gun laws protect criminals therefore I view those of you in favor of gun laws with the same disdain I have for the thugs. Sincerely, Jack Daniel Devine "

reader wrote on Nov 21, 2007 7:02 PM:

" Amen... "

Better Blue than Red wrote on Nov 21, 2007 4:22 PM:

" When I saw this headline I incredulously said to myself; WHAT!?! Then I saw that it came from Texas and I calmed down and said; OK, that makes sense now. "

To: Meg wrote on Nov 21, 2007 4:04 PM:

" Please Meg define and show me a 100% fool proof way of identifying law abiding citizens that own guns. Because the nutcae that shot up VT was a law abiding person that owned guns legally. "

Meg wrote on Nov 21, 2007 3:34 PM:

" "lol" is exactly right. Most liberals would hate to see all the criminals actually getting what they deserve. It would wipe out a whole voting block for dems if they did. If you don't support *law-abiding* citizens, all you are doing is supporting criminals. Please remove your heads from the sand. "

Matt wrote on Nov 21, 2007 2:45 PM:

" It's as simple as this. Criminals do not obey the law anyway, so laws that prohibit do not hinder nor deter. It is our right to carry a gun to defend ourselves if we choose. If you don't want to fine, that is your choice, but step off telling me whats good for me. "

To People wrote on Nov 21, 2007 2:40 PM:

" Gun Violence - Young Lives Cut Short • In 2004, nearly 8 children and teenagers, ages 19 and under, were killed with guns everyday.[11] • In 2004, firearm homicide was the second leading cause of injury death for men and women 10-24 years of age - second only to motor vehicle crashes.[12] • From 1999 through 2004, an average of 916 children and teenagers took their own lives with guns each year.[14] • Each year during 1993 through 1997, an average of 1,621 murderers who had not reached their 18th birthdays took someone's life with a gun.[15] Guns in the Home - A Greater Risk to Family and Friends • For every time a gun is used in a home in a legally-justifiable shooting there are 22 criminal, unintentional, and suicide-related shootings.[16] • The presence of a gun in the home triples the risk of homicide in the home.[17] • The presence of a gun in the home increases the risk of suicide fivefold.[18] "

To : People wrote on Nov 21, 2007 2:39 PM:

" In 2004, firearms were used to murder 56 people in Australia, 184 people in Canada, 73 people in England and Wales, 5 people in New Zealand, and 37 people in Sweden.[8] In comparison, firearms were used tomurder 11,344 people in the United States.[9] • In 2005, there were only 143 justifiable homicides by private citizens using handguns in the United States.[10] "

lol wrote on Nov 21, 2007 2:33 PM:

" Are all you anti-gun people afraid that a bad guy might get shot for a change? "

To People wrote on Nov 21, 2007 2:29 PM:

" YOu are absolutely wrong on that one NRA nutcase. The Virginia Tech guns were purchase legally and he went through the waiting period as required and still people were killed. You CAN NOT say that legal carrying persons will not kill that is completely wrong. IN the past 20 years ALL count them ALL mass murders that were committed were done so by legal gun oweners. Try again and next time check your information. "

To: People wrote on Nov 21, 2007 2:16 PM:

" Your argument that because someone carries a gun legally = they won't commit a crime is laying it out thick. Plenty of people with carry permits have been arrested and convicted of crimes involving their guns. Having a carry permit does not make one more responsible, just legal. "

stupid wrote on Nov 21, 2007 2:07 PM:

" this is so stupid...there is not one student that should carry a gun....even though i am sure there is more guns on school campuses that people think "

People wrote on Nov 21, 2007 2:06 PM:

" These are college students and they are adults, they are not children. If guns were legal for carry on campus most people would never even take advantage of it. Those that do carry are responsible - I know this because statistically speaking, those that carry legally are less likely to commit crime of any sort than even police officers (who in turn are less likely to commit crime than an average person). I would rather sit in a room of people carrying legally than in a room with 1 mentally unstable person who has a gun and is breaking the rules. You cannot argue against something using a line like "that would be a disaster, they will get drunk and shoot the place up" unless you have proof of it - and you don't. In every major shooting at a school the person in question was illegally in posession of their gun and obtained it illegally and didn't care about the rules. There was even a shooting a few years back that WAS STOPPED by a student who chose not to obey the no guns on campus rule for his own safety. "

to ban guns wrote on Nov 21, 2007 1:04 PM:

" Austrailia did just tha, banned all guns a few years back. Guess what ? A national 85 % crime increase in the use of firearms the first 5 years in effect. That was an INCREASE not a DECREASE ! It may be an old out dated saying but it so true that when you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns ! "

Amen wrote on Nov 21, 2007 12:35 PM:

" Finally, some sence is being spoken. These kids need self-protection. The bad guys will think twice about pulling a stunt like columbine at that school in Texas if it works. Good job to the people trying to put that together. Liberal Illinois could only hope for something like this. "

Question wrote on Nov 21, 2007 12:31 PM:

" For those who indicate it will just lead to more shootings. Can you provide the stats where those with CCW permits are using them to commit crimes? Can you provide the doom and gloom stats that show mass killings by those with permits? If you are going to preach doom and gloom if people are allowed to carry provide the stats that show it is happening. "

No Freakin' Way... wrote on Nov 21, 2007 12:20 PM:

" I was an RA in a college dorm for a year. The last thing those residents needed were guns. "

To: To Worried wrote on Nov 21, 2007 12:12 PM:

" Yes, and one mass killing at a college campus dictates that we need to all carry weapons. Hate to tell you but that will lead to more issues. It is more imporatnt that additional security be provided and tougher laws enforced on gun ownership if not an outright ban of certain weapons. It is outrageous to say the answer to violenec is more guns. That is like saying to a drwoning person here is a glass or water. You NRA lovers and nutcases need to wake up. "

Interesting Historic Quote wrote on Nov 21, 2007 12:01 PM:

" "This year will go down in History.For the first time a civilized nation has complete gun registration.Our streets will be safer,Our police more efficient and the world will follow our lead into the future" Adolph Hitler -Germany 1935 "

To Worried wrote on Nov 21, 2007 11:48 AM:

" Are you serious! At VA Tach, would there not be 32 deaths if they were all carrying pepper spray? Would a couple of classes in Karate have helped? I think not. There's not much one can do when one is facing small, almost imperceptable projectiles, hurling at one with speed greater than that of sound. I agree with other posters. If some crazed madman starting shooting up the place, I want to have a way to defend myself, not only for myself, but for my family. "

Hey Mr Ban.. wrote on Nov 21, 2007 11:47 AM:

" Constitution says I can arm myself.... It doesnt say Right to bear arms,until the hippies say Stop. It doesnt say Right to Bear arms but only long guns. It says I HAVE THE RIGHT TO PROTECT MYSELF and MY FAMILY. I will defend my family and my home no matter what you say. Stop stepping on my rights............. When Guns are Outlawed,Only outlaws will have guns. God Bless America and the NRA......... "

Common Sense wrote on Nov 21, 2007 11:16 AM:

" So my choice is to either sit in a classroom in which several other students may be packing guns under their coats on a daily basis -or- a classroom with no guns but a 1 in 1 million chance that a random shooter will attack this classroom on this campus. I'll take choice B. Most gun-rights folks will probably opt for choice A. Are they all cowards afraid of even the longest of odds? "

amanda wrote on Nov 21, 2007 11:03 AM:

" I was almost arrested on isu's campus when i was a student for wearing a boot knife. I simply looked at the officer and said, "i live in a neighborhood where two dead women were found in a car last weekend. There were 3 assaults on the quad so far this semester. I take night classes 3 nights a week and have to walk across the entire campus alone in the dark at 9 pm since commuter parking is the farthest away from campus. you arresting me isn't going to stop me from carrying a knife in the future. and if you have any better legal ideas of how to protect myself, feel free to tell me." He let me go and said he understood. And for the record, pepper spray doesn't work on everyone. I have two friends that are cops and they've seen people laugh in their faces when sprayed directly in the eyes with law enforcement strength pepper spray. I'd conceal and carry if i could. I believe that responsible owners of guns should be allowed to conceal and carry. Keyword is responsible, meaning requiring training, registration, safety, and target shooting. "

einstein wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:59 AM:

" HMMMM... guns in the hands of stressed-out and drunk college kids taking finals and writing term papers? BRILLIANT! "

Rolling Eyes wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:57 AM:

" Ban Guns: Washington DC, Chicago, and London are all completely free of gun-related crime with their bans in place, right? No. They have become havens for criminals who know they have millions of easy, defenseless victims. "

WORRIED wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:54 AM:

" I agree with JUST A THOUGHT. I am all for being able to defend yourselves, BUT there are MANY other ways and PREVENTION (not putting yourself in various situations - ESPECIALLY FEMALES) would go a long way. Maybe self-defense classes, pepper spray on a key chain. We need to find a better solution than for everyone to start carrying a gun due to the fact most of those wouldn't even know the first thing about how to safely handle a weapon. Security on campuses is why we have police on campuses...THOUGH NOW WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO LET EVERYONE KNOW, ISU DOES NOT EVEN HAVE AN AMERGENCY PLAN IN PLACE. CHIEF Swan, please DO NOT wait until something terrible happens at ISU to implement this. It is rumored your staff is working on a plan, but seems they are all talk and no action. "

Logic wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:40 AM:

" I wholeheartedly agree with Guzman. Students should have the right to defend themselves. Maybe the next attacker, mugger, or other thug would think twice before attacking some student if they knew that student could be carrying the means to defend themselves. How many attacks, rapes, and other crimes could be prevented if the victim had the right to defend themselves? Conceal Carry laws allow the law abiding not be be held captive by those who seek to do them harm. It's time Illinois joins the rest of the nation in allowing people to defend themselves. "

I agree wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:33 AM:

" The more drugs on campus the less drugs will be used. "

Ban Guns wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:33 AM:

" this is a joke. the more people who have guns, the more people are likely to use them. BAN ALL FIREARMS "

this sounds like a bad idea wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:32 AM:

" Having been on a campus with a large international student and faculty population. I think that this would be somewhat alarming to them. Also having Americans on campus being allowed to carry guns in such an environment could easily be perceived as an intimidation factor. I say the Americans being allowed to carry guns because all of the concealed carry laws I have seen allow only citizen residents to carry. This is a dangerous idea and should not be allowed to gain any support. A college campus is somewhere that all students and faculty should be considered equals. It is a dangerous slope if you start advocating this type of response. To those unfamiliar with the culture of Higher Education all I can say is that there are far too many factors to explain in 200 words but is type of response would have sweeping irreparable ramifications to a university campus. "

no way... wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:22 AM:

" I agree with the comment that "Laws only affect the people who voluntarily abide by them". However this is a poor excuses. I think that concealed carry is a very very bad idea for a college campus. There is way to high a chance that someone untrained yahoo pulling a gun on a situation with just make it much worse. If we agree that people should be packing then lets do it wild west style no concealed BS if you are going to have a gun have it on a gun belt. Right out in the open if you want a deterrent factor there it is. If you want to argue that would "scare" people CC is just a scary it is still a gun in the hands of an unpredictable person. There is no way to know if they are going to make a dangerous situation better or worse. HAND GUNS ARE PURPOSE BUILT THEY ARE FOR KILLING PEOPLE one would hope no person would hope that they get the chance to use it. "

To Just a thought ... wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:22 AM:

" They already carry off campus and believe it or not ... the horror senerio you describe is EXTREMLY rare and almost non-exsistant in the 48 states that allow concealed weapons. But perhaps Illinois and Wisconsin people are different and would not follow national trends and massacre each other . I highly doubt that ! You got to remember to conceal leagally you have to go through some background testing and be a responsiable person and pass written tests on guns etc. Its not like any dirtbag that would have a permit ! "

48 states wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:20 AM:

" In 48 other states, college students can carry concealed. Most not on school property however. How come we don't hear all these stories about kids there getting drunk and shooting up the place? I guess we should take all the cars away from the drunk college students too. "

al wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:14 AM:

" pretty much the people carrying on campus are already carrying off campus....they just can't at the school......if they aren''t shooting people for fun on the weekend I don't think they would start during the week at school "

Uhm... wrote on Nov 21, 2007 10:11 AM:

" ... How can these students afford guns? They have to buy their clickers! "

bert wrote on Nov 21, 2007 9:51 AM:

" youth in the story said ""Laws only affect the people who voluntarily abide by them," Flitcraft said. '.........HE SHOULD RUN FOR OFFICE.....he understands "

There's no way wrote on Nov 21, 2007 9:50 AM:

" I would ever teach on a campus like that. "

Just A Thought wrote on Nov 21, 2007 9:28 AM:

" Let me get this...Students want to be allowed to carry weapons....Wait....I really trying to think about this...I just can't think of the right words...Oh Yeah...Now I have it...DUH!!! Giving guns to more students to carry when they go and get on thier drinking benders...and somoene looks at their girlfriend/boyfriend wrong or bumps into them accidently and they are drunk...Wow...I can't imagine how many shootings there would be. I can't imagine what it would cost to but all the Fire Depts bullet proof vest and even guns to protect themselves...COMMON SENSE people... But hey who am I...Feel free to disagree which I am sure some will. "

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