Dear Dr. Adams,
I have a license to "conceal carry" a firearm in 32 states. (Alas, California is not one of them!) I would very much like to carry a CCW in California and would welcome the opportunity to conceal-carry on campus as a "backup" in the event of armed aggression and/or use of deadly force against our students and/or faculty. I have received dozens of hours of training in the use of deadly weapons for self defense; was awarded the "expert marksmanship" ribbon in the U.S. Air Force; and as sure as hell would prefer fighting back with a serviceable side arm ("taking the fight to the enemy," as it were) to cowering in a corner, hiding with my students, waiting to be executed.
I invite you, as Superintendent of CVUSD, to advocate on behalf of our district's students and employees by appealing to the legislature of the State of California to empower and authorize select certificated and classified personnel (including trained teachers, administrators, security guards, even bus drivers!) to "conceal carry" for the purpose of insuring/promoting the security and protection of our students and employees. I would be willing to undergo any further training necessary to receive the opportunity to participate in this endeavor.
The presence of trained concealed-carry personnel on campus would not endanger or disrupt educational services (any more than armed law enforcement personnel on campus do now) inasmuch as NO ONE (ELSE) WOULD KNOW until the services of the concealed-carry holder were called upon. Having several well-armed and well-trained employees on campus, operating under strict supervision and guidelines, would best insure the protection and security of our staff and students in circumstances such as those unfolding yesterday in San Bernardino.
No law can written that will, by itself, guarantee the safety or security of any individual. Law-breakers, by definition, do not follow the laws and rule-breakers do not obey the rules. That's why our nation's Founders bequeathed to us the 2nd amendment.
Thomas Jefferson observed: "Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who don't." They'll also get themselves killed.
When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns. Someone quipped (but with deadly seriousness): "When seconds count, a police officer is only minutes away." A deadly attack -- like that occurring yesterday, killing at least 17* and wounding over a dozen more -- can be initiated, executed and completed long before any police officer receives a report of a "disturbance." Thus having a proper means to defend one's self -- including armed resistance, immediately available on the scene -- is the best preventative and deterrent to violence, as well as the best response.
We have been warned that we will be attacked by those who wish to do us harm! Schools are now "soft" targets, practically inviting violent aggression by those who wish to maximize casualties and terror while minimizing armed resistance and, thus, risk to themselves. (The first one to die will be the lone police officer on campus, taken by surprise.) It is inconceivable, indefensible and utterly inexcusable that -- in "the land of the free and the home of the brave" -- we Americans (and Californians) are not now permitted (in violation of the 2nd amendment) to protect ourselves at every moment, but must disarm, remaining defenseless and powerless to oppose murderous evil.
I urge you to act in light of these facts with the best interests of our district in mind.
Sincerely,
--Will Carter
*As of December 3, the actual number was 16 (14 victims, plus the 2 assailants).
*As of December 3, the actual number was 16 (14 victims, plus the 2 assailants).
This is excellent. I had a discussion with my children's school principal yesterday asking what I would need to do to support our teachers carrying. This is a much wiser proposition. Very well said, thank you.
ReplyDeleteMove to Utah. The Utah concealed firearm permit allows you to carry on any public school campus, K-12 and all public universities.
ReplyDeleteCalifornia, on the other hand, just passed a law, signed by governor Moonbeam, that took away the ability of California permit holders to carry on campus. I, for one, consider California to be a terrible state when it comes to 2nd amendment rights, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
I do not understand this. There will be no guns in Zion. This post seems directly at odds with the admonition to beat our swords into plowshares.
ReplyDeleteLast I checked, we aren't living in Zion at the moment. I am under no obligation to lay down my life to satisfy the wants of thugs and thieves.
DeleteThe right to bear arms is about being able to defend oneself and to act as a bulwark against tyranny. When we're living in Zion, guns won't be necessary. As things are now, they are needed.
Dear BS Tree,
DeleteA cursory survey of the Book of Mormon -- the most perfect book on earth capacitated to bring us unto God -- reveals a willingness, even a propensity, of those who love and serve God and their fellow man -- from Nephi to Moroni, from Ammon and Captain Moroni to Helaman and Mormon -- to take up arms in defense of their people "in memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children."
There were those who buried their weapons of war for peace, it's true. The people of Ammon laid down their lives rather than defend them. But they had been murderers in their former lives, before they were "born again" unto Christ. Their desire to suffer death themselves, rather than to inflict it on others, filled them with sweet, redeeming delight. They thus demonstrated to both God and man that they were completely repentant. That spirit and obligation, however, did not fall to their innocent children, who fought valiantly in defense of their lives, and those of their families and countryman, God bearing witness of His approval of their deeds by His miraculous delivery of them from death.
Likewise Ammon, their benefactor, who took up the sword in their defense, disarming their enemies (literally), preserved life whenever possible. He defended himself by the sword, it's true, but primarily fought to unselfishly defend the lives of others (think of the waters of Sebus and the servants of King Lamoni; later, King Lamoni's father, who sought to slay his son). When Ammon could not defend himself (think of when he was overcome by the Spirit), the Lord defended him. That is the hallmark of a righteous man: he receives the Lord's approval and His power and protection.
When holy men have "evolved" in Zion to the point that they can command the very elements to obey them -- like Jacob spoke of, being able to command trees to be cast into the sea or waves to cease their commotion -- then weapons of man's devising will no longer be necessary. "Bigger guns" will the Lord bring to bear: veritable mountains will be moved and raging rivers will be turned from their courses. Fire will fall from heaven, to be poured out upon the wicked at the Lord's command.
Meanwhile, we are commanded to defend life, not abuse it; to preserve life, whenever and however possible, not take it (except as the Lord shall direct). I see no contradiction here between what is needed and the kind of people who shall inhabit Zion.