TexasCHLforum.com

Since there is a lot of confusion over quoting previous posts, I won't quote anyone specifically. However, I want to assure you that there are college faculty that support the right to carry and are indeed working on campuses to ensure it is accepted and implemented as efficiently as possible. Just like with every new and controversial issue, forward progress is often made behind the scenes and not in the typical "in your face" squabbles that usually make the news. Ignorance usually speaks louder than intelligence. I believe that is what we are seeing currently.

These stories that make headlines are more about sensationalism and contain little to no actual facts. The presentation by UH and several sentiments from UT liberals are nothing more than elitist power grabs and poor attempts at sound bites. I hope the real work is going on behind the scenes. Personal conversations with colleagues, students, and policy makers and educating others along the way is very important.

For instance, after viewing the UH faculty senate's powerpoint, I brought the subject up with a colleague from another school. For personal reasons, he is now teaching at a local high school after 20 years in higher education. We are both pro-gun. I was discussing the absurdity of their "Arguments" on the last page and thought he would echo my sentiments. When he didn't, I was surprised. Furthermore, he stated that he didn't understand why people should carry on a college campus. Shocked, I exclaimed that while teaching on campus, it is the most vulnerable time of my day. I brought up the issue that gun free zones don't stop criminals, but they lead to helpless victims. He paused, and then said, "I've never thought of it before like that. You make a valid point. I now understand why campus carry is necessary."

One other example. Recently, we had a shooting at a local restaurant. Before one of my classes, I overheard a young lady mention that she was a waitress at that restaurant. I asked if she was working the night of the shooting and she replied affirmative. She then proceeded to tell us about the events. Seeing an interesting conversation unfold, I moved away from the lectern and sat down in one of the chairs. I asked if the restaurant allowed concealed carry (yes they do) and whether or not it would change the policy afterwards. Her answer was no. The policy would stay the same and that her manager (and the customer) both understood how important concealed carry is. Interesting enough, this class is an all female class. It's not designed that way, it just randomly happened. The young ladies then moved into a discussion about CHL/LTC. As the conversation unfolded, I listened and was prepared to answer any questions they had or clear up any misconceptions. They all spoke in favor of carrying. Yes!

Through those types of discussions, progress is made and reinforced. While many faculty choose not to participate in the one sided tar and feathering charades, we are working behind the scenes.