Editor,
In response to the letter by Melanie Unruh published in the Daily Lobo on Wednesday in which she argues against carrying guns on campus, I offer the following for the consideration of readers.
First, to carry a concealed firearm on campus is against the law. I call your attention to NMSA 30-7-2.4: Unlawful carrying of a firearm on University premises. Whoever commits unlawful carrying of a firearm on University premises is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
It is also unlawful on public transportation and in licensed liquor establishments, including saloons, bars, taverns, pubs, night clubs, racetracks, sportsplexes, coliseums, pavilions, concert theaters, hotel lounges, gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, supermarkets and mixed-product stores.
It is a felony to carry any firearm, loaded or unloaded, into any area of these businesses covered by a liquor license. This also applies to all licensed concealed-weapon carry persons without exception.
Students who take a certified course by the Department of Public Safety are aware of and respect these restrictions. It is also true that a study at the University of Chicago published in July 1996 concluded that when state right-to-carry laws took effect, murders dropped by 8.5 percent, rapes by 5 percent and aggravated assaults by 7 percent.
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Licensed holders are probably the most carefully screened people in the nation. This is particularly true in the states that passed right-to-carry laws. Therefore, I must take exception to Unruh's statement: "The idea of allowing guns to occupy an even bigger place in our society only promotes more fear and mistrust."
Unruh, unfortunately we live in a violent society. On Thursday, the Albuquerque Journal reported that in 2007, this city experienced an average of four violent attacks each day from business holdups to home invasions.
I spent more than 25 years combating crime only to find it was rare when I would be on scene to prevent a violent attack, rape or domestic violence. I was limited to do what I could in the area of prevention or after-the-fact investigation and prosecution.
I believe that in addition to working with law enforcement and following crime-prevention techniques, a person should not be deprived of his or her right to defend themselves, when no other option is available and only as a last resort.
Good intentions do little for the victim of a crime looking at you from intensive care.
Michael D. McGinnis
Certified concealed-carry instructor
