TO THE EDITOR:
I would first like to commend the DTH for putting the topic of gun control and concealed carry laws into the spotlight with the March 14 “Viewpoints” column.
I take issue with Mr. Jacobson’s claim that banning highly regulated individuals from carrying legally purchased firearms in a concealed manner on campus puts everyone else at risk. First, these individuals must undergo a rigorous process to acquire a concealed carry permit in the state of North Carolina. Without getting into detail it is fair to say North Carolina, and specifically Orange County, has one of the most stringent concealed carry application processes in the country. This process is designed to allow only the most highly mentally competent and qualified individuals with no criminal record of any sort to legally carry firearms.
Allowing concealed carry of firearms on campus does not increase public access to firearms, and I think it would certainly be fair to mandate specific storage laws or only allow off-campus students to carry firearms, as storage might pose a greater risk in dorms.
The simple fact is that carrying a firearm is precautionary rather than anticipatory. It is better to be prepared than to be dead.
Mr. Jacobson, I believe that your personal discomfort, along with many other people I’m sure, comes second to my safety and the safety of those around me should a situation like Seung-Hui Cho’s attack on the Virginia Tech classrooms occur here at UNC.
Michael Veasey
Junior
PWAD
