Lost in the shade from all the 'narrowly avoided potentially catastrophic to our oh so fragile recovery' doom and gloom talk yesterday, comes a slight bit of a bright spot in Arizona, where a bill has made it to the Governor which would allow firearms on college campuses.
Now, this isn't a total victory, as the bill does not allow the carrying of firearms into buildings on the campus...it simply allows them in the streets, parking lots, and sidewalks. Still, this is a huge step forward...at least you don't need to leave your gun at home to avoid breaking the law.
All Democrats in Arizona voted no, as well as 5 Republican Representatives, who have produced such quotes as:
"I'm extremely troubled by our desire to put weapons on an educational campus," said Rep. Bob Robson, R-Chandler. "It makes absolutely no sense if you've been on a college campus and recognize the emotional highs and lows that students have."
Rep. Kate Brophy McGee, R-Phoenix, opposed the bill and said it was part of an incremental effort to expand where guns are allowed. "Next year it'll be in the classroom, and then it's only a matter of time before it gets to K-12," she said.
Sadly, it must be incremental. Today (after the gov. signs) one may carry in parking lots, store in vehicles, and walk around armed. But not carry in classrooms? Maroons!
ReplyDeleteSo the target-rich "gun-free zones" are getting a little bit smaller. It's a good start.
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