Editor,
I'm sure Virginia Tech has a no-weapons policy, similar to UNM and every other campus in the U.S. Didn't this gunman know he couldn't have a firearm on campus? Didn't he read his student handbook? Obviously, he didn't. The point I am trying to address is that policies, signs, student handbooks and contracts don't prevent people from coming on campus with a gun - or anywhere, for that matter. They only provide people with a false sense of security.
It has already been established by the Supreme Court in Warren v. District of Columbia that the police have no obligation to protect the individual. So where does that leave us? The only person responsible for your safety is you. Yes, you. How much will happen between the time you call 911 and the response? It seems in the case of Virginia Tech, long enough for 33 people to die, not to mention the numerous wounded.
One might say incidents like these are a case for more gun control. I disagree. It's a fallacy that will have only dire consequences for the individual. Numerous studies have shown gun control has no effect on crime. On the flip side, the lack of gun control has no effect on crime. But by providing citizens with the ability to arm themselves, it guarantees the safety of the individual. It is that point that seems to be lost on gun-grabbers.
If residents of Albuquerque recall, a couple years ago, an individual who had a concealed carry permit was able to save an innocent woman from a domestic violence incident at a local Wal-Mart. That individual's quick reaction saved the lives of not only the woman, but also numerous patrons of the store.
Criminals will always have guns, and gun control leaves only the honest citizen defenseless. Thankfully, it seems more states are recognizing the people's right to defend themselves. More states are becoming like New Mexico, and only two states - Wisconsin and Illinois - don't issue permits to carry pistols at all. Castle-doctrine and stand-your-ground laws are also becoming more common.
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So, while more states are finally giving the people the ability to defend themselves, companies and universities like UNM take them away. Company and university policies disarm individuals, denying them the ability to defend themselves. Signs, student handbooks and contracts do not prevent criminals from coming in with a gun and shooting random people. Meanwhile, those who follow the rules are the ones who get killed.
The police are obviously lost. So, who's to blame? The answer: universities that deny their students and employees the ability to defend themselves. I can only hope that one day, these businesses and universities will be served justice by being sued for violating civil rights and denying people the ability to protect themselves.
Daniel S. Martinez
UNM student
