baseballguy2001 wrote:I've been lurking a bit, reading the posts about the recent legislative session. Educate me: if one of the current OC bills pass, and become law, then will CHLs be threatened by new signage that bans all carry, without the specific 30.06 rules that is current law now? Additionally, campus carry could be threatened for the same reason? So, Side A says, lets get campus concealed carry, relax some of the places where CHL's are now prohibited, and work on OC later. Side B says, the sign issue is bogus, 30.06 doesn't pertain to open carriers, the sign law will be the same, lets get licensed open carry passed. Do I have the arguments even close?? My .02 - campus carry should be a low priority. Campus crime is a concern, but I honestly don't think there is much demand for it. Besides, honestly, in my case, I wasn't responsible enough to carry, open or concealed in my college days. I never got in trouble, but came close a few times. The option to Open Carry on a hot day is tempting. I carry all the time, but those brutal August days we all know are tough. So what's wrong with a licensed open carry? Law enforcement will know open carriers have had background checks, training, and the good history that CHLs have had since '95. Like I said, educate me.
How old are a LOT of college students? Under 21 years of age. They won't be getting CHLs. Next thing, how many of the remaining college students would spend the money and take the time to go through the class and fill out the paperwork to get one? A small number. Its not like every wild and crazy college "frat boy" (or girl) will be "packing heat". That argument is fairly invalid. The intent of campus carry is many fold, but one thing it does is give people who are able to the OPTION to defend themselves in those areas like they would in so many other places. Additionally, bad guys will come to know that some folks will be carrying firearms. They MIGHT know who, but the odds are against it. Thus, instead of simply attacking anyone with impunity, they are then forced to think that their target may indeed fight back, or that someone in the vicinity may defend their target. Crime is thus reduced and people become safer. There is much to commend about campus carry. Others will add more, I'm sure.