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SB-1214, The Objections

I'm just a little curious. Does anyone else find the objections to SB 1214, the legislation that would exempt CCW permit holders from the weapons bans on state college campuses, a bit creepy? I mean, what does it say about how the people who make those objections see other people?

The fascinating thing about SB 1214 is that it removes any reasonable objection to the presence of guns on government campuses by making it a privilege available only to CCW permit holders; in other words, only to those who are twenty-one and older, have had background checks, education in the law regarding the use of deadly force, training in safe firearm handling and maintenance, and have had demonstrated competency at the shooting range.

Yet, the objections remain. There exists a blind faith belief in "Gun Free Zones." Guns remain objects of fear and disgust. You know that their argument is lost when they fall back to politically correct "yes men" - in this case, police chiefs and college presidents. Now, it is true that while the jobs of the chiefs and presidents are primarily administrative, they are also largely political, and they are occasionally called upon to give pious politically correct proclamations.

I have said this before, but it still bothers me. Why does the same state that issues the permits, reject the authority of the permits when it comes to state property? Clearly, the state does not believe in its own permit system.

Actually, though, there is a dirty little secret. Here's how you can have fun with it: ask a gun-hating friend, "Do you think campuses should be Gun Free Zones?" He'll say, "Of course!" You say, "Did you know that the campus police carry guns?" He'll say, "Well, yeah, but that's different." You'll say, "Why?" He'll give you a weird look and say, "C'mon, law enforcement officers are educated in the law regarding the use of lethal force, they've had background checks, they have training in weapons handling, and they have to demonstrate competency at the range! That's what makes it safe for them to be armed." He'll give you an even stranger look because he won't know why you're laughing. Before you loose his attention, ask, "Would you support requiring cops to check their weapons before entering campus to maintain the integrity of the Gun Free Zone, or are you rethinking the whole idea?" At this point he will probably try to avoid the point by changing the subject, and even get a little angry.

Feel free to keep him going as long as you can. You will not change his mind – it is like a religion – but it can be entertaining.

So, the dirty little secret is that neither side really wants Gun Free Zones. Those who dislike and fear guns want exemptions for trained and authorized government agents only, while supporters of the bill want exemptions for trained and authorized civilians too.

Alas, I must apologize. I kept describing the people who object to SB 1214 as fearing and disliking guns. This obviously is untrue, since they are quite comfortable around guns that hang from the utility belts of policemen. The difference is not the guns, but the bearers. These folks do not fear and dislike guns, they fear and dislike other people, and are calmed by an overpowering government. That's creepy.

"Guns remain objects of fear and disgust."