by Christopher Howard

Created on: April 01, 2009   Last Updated: April 07, 2009

Our second amendment rights are being stripped away every day thanks to criminals committing armed robbery, mass murders, and various other crimes. On top of that, we have a nave government that thinks that regulation or prohibition is the answer. The truth is our law enforcement agencies are out numbered by criminals and unfortunately outgunned.

Another truth is gun crimes happen in all places. Even places like banks which are federally regulated against carrying a firearm on the premises'. This regulation does not stop armed robbery. It just makes the penalty more severe and a dangerous situation even more dangerous. So banning them on college campuses is not going to stop a tragedy like the terrible events at Virginia Tech.

How many lives could have been saved that day if a law abiding citizen carrying a concealed weapon would have stepped in. We will never know the answer. We can spend hours combing over the statistics but there is no point. The truth is that guns are necessary, prevalent, extremely difficult to regulate, and never going away.

Unfortunately, many campuses will not allow their security forces to carry firearms. They rely on local state and municipal law enforcement agencies to step into situations where seconds are vital. In the time it takes for law enforcement to respond to a shooting, many lives can be lost. A law abiding college student with carrying a concealed carry license and firearm can save time, in turn saving many lives.

Firearm usage is not just a question of morals but a question of intent. Human nature has and always will be to destroy each other for beliefs, values, and property. A firearm is a tool, similar to a hammer, knife, axe, or power drill. In the wrong hands, they are dangerous weapons. The only difference is how the law defines them.

For example, when a hammer, axe, knife, or power drill is used criminally to kill or harm a person, it is considered a dangerous weapon. This is because these instruments were designed for uses other than to kill or harm a human being. Firearms on the other hand are considered deadly weapons as they were designed to kill. The real truth is that, many deadly crimes are committed with instruments other than firearms. It doesn't matter what instrument is available, people will find a way to harm or kill another.

As US citizens we need to be able to defend ourselves from our enemies, neighbors, and government. Whether we are at the bank, school, grocery store, or in our own home firearms are the best protection. Banning firearms on college campuses is just another way our government and other establishments are chipping away at our rights and abilities to legally defend our lives, and the lives of others.

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