Newest Classroom Accessory: a Gun

April 18, 2007 - 3:05 pm By CC Staff

While the VTech tragedy was a rare, stupefying, isolated incident, the debate over carrying concealed weapons has been cracked open once again.

Here in Texas, now the site of the second-and-third most deadly mass shootings on American soil, people from students to doctors are arguing passionately for their right to carry a gun. Many conservative pundits (check out nationalreview.com for coverage of the pro-gun debate) are suggesting that it may be essential for every student to carry a gun in order to protect themselves should something happen in a classroom, or anywhere, for that matter.

I never really consider if anyone around me is carrying a gun; I don’t think I’ve even ever seen a real gun up close, besides on a police officer. But it is frightening to think that more people than I could imagine have weapons in their homes, their cars or actually on them.

And the thought of guns in the classroom, well, it makes me not want to go to class. Ever. I value safety and security, but not to the point where the pursuit of it causes me to live in fear of my lab partner’s semi-automatic going off in class.

I’ve never heard a positive story about a gun “saving” someone’s life or acting in a heroic manner. To be a hero you have to use your brain, not a gun– the two don’t mix, especially in a school setting. What do you think– would you carry a gun to class? It may seem like a ridiculous question, but it could become a real option.

Keith Blow says:
Wed, 18th Apr 20071:37 pm

Well, Leah, I cannot share the same views that you have about guns. As a soldier in the United States Army, I know hundreds of people whose lives were saved by guns. In order to secure the freedom of the country, men like me with guns have to protect the people. That is what this country is based on. All citizens should have to right to carry a concealed weapon if they choose so. You should really think about all the soldiers that died for you so you could enjoy freedom in this great country.

Curtis Frantze says:
Wed, 18th Apr 20071:54 pm

I totally agree with Leah. All guns should be banned

janeX says:
Wed, 18th Apr 20074:35 pm

Conceal this Mr. Blow. You kinda need guns in the army – ya thinK???

Claire says:
Thu, 19th Apr 20074:51 pm

Wow Keith, brain washed much?

Keith says:
Fri, 20th Apr 200712:36 pm

You could call it brain washed, or better yet FACING REALITY!

noah says:
Thu, 26th Apr 20074:37 pm

guns in the military, whether or not one agrees with how they are used, are a necessity. by definition – an american army must have many kinds of ammunition. this is a) not the same as a civilian right to own guns and b) not same as the right of a citizen, espeically one under the age of 18 or 21, to carry one in public educational settings. you’re all making bad, vague, inarticulate arguments.

noah says:
Thu, 26th Apr 20074:38 pm

keith – maybe not owning a gun is the best way to prevent more deaths and pay hommage to those who have died to protect our lives.

Armed Med Student says:
Wed, 14th Jan 20096:39 pm

I Agree with Mr. Blow It should be every citizens right to choose. Not only am I a college student But I have a concealed weapons permit. It is illegal to carry in the school setting, or even on the schools property unless actively engaged in a sports team. It should be said that people with carry permits are often exmilitary, ex-law enforcement, and sometimes just normal people, but these people have all gone out of their way to recieve extra training and the endorsement of their local sheriff to be able to carry a concealed weapon. I have never been so upset at people who I would usualy consider contemperarys. People do some research! I would think that most of you might be 12 by the way most of you jumped on Mr. Blow. Some times i cant belive how stupid people are!

semper fi

Kyle says:
Fri, 10th Apr 20095:39 am

I believe students that are 21 and licensed should be able to carry a gun on campus – perhaps with an extra certification and license to do so. Requiring an extra safety course would be wise.