We first heard the news at noon today. We've been praying for the victims and their families since. This is not the first time a gunman has been on the loose at VA Tech. Hopefully the campus powers will learn something this time.
Several bills have been introduced here in Virginia's General Assembly to allow lawfully armed citizens who have concealed carry permits to carry on campus. This would include faculty and students. The bills never make it passed the first round of cuts. You must pass firearms safety training, present proof of training, submit to and pass a criminal background check, and be at least 21 years of age to receive the permit.
The alleged gunman does not qualify to carry any firearm lawfully on Tech's campus. VA state code prohibits firearms on state campuses except by law enforcment.
I wonder if some of today's victims would be alive if any one of them had the right to be lawfully armed and excercised that right.
The following made me sick to my stomach. I received it from
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL), the website of Virginia Citizen's Defense League.
From January 31, 2006:
"House Bill 1572 didn't get through the House Committee on Militia,
Police and Public Safety. It died Monday in the subcommittee stage,
the first of several hurdles bills must overcome before becoming laws.
...
Virginia Tech spokesman Larry Hincker was happy to hear the bill was
defeated. "I'm sure the university community is appreciative of the
General Assembly's actions because this will help parents, students,
faculty and visitors feel safe on our campus."
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