Editor:
I would just like to point out that Stephanie Mcfeely answered her own question. In her March 28 Letter to the Editor, “Keep U Gun Policy,” she asks, “Why in the hell would anyone need to bring a pistol to writing or drama class after the various school massacres throughout the nation?”
That is exactly the reason people take the time to obtain a concealed weapon. They believe in the right to self defense. They understand that the police cannot be everywhere at once. That is so obvious it pains me to have to mention it.
May I now ask you a question or two? Do you really think that the U’s toothless and illegal policy will stop someone from committing murder? How is the threat of being suspended from the U worse than life in prison? Answer that.
Did you know that the student who went on a rampage in the Virginia law school was stopped by a citizen who had to run to his car to get his pistol? No, you didn’t did you? And no, he wasn’t a cop.
Did you know that there is a difference between the legal and illegal use of firearms? Your assumption is that the mere possession of a firearm leads to criminality. That is insulting to every law-abiding gun owner. I have carried concealed nearly everywhere I go since I obtained my permit and have never had even the slightest urge to hurt anyone. I carry because there is the chance that one day I will have to defend myself, and thanks to people who have a clue, like Mark Shurtleff, I will be able to.
Finally, I have some advice for you. Don’t bother getting a permit. If you don’t even understand the fundamental principle of self-defense, you ought not to take on the responsibility of a concealed weapons permit.
Paul Peterson, Junior, Economics