Response to criticism re: Eric Thompson’s speech
In the concealed carry debate going on here at Virginia Tech, as well as nationwide, there are a few issues. One is that some are still looking for people to blame. When I lost a friend to a car accident a few years ago, I didn’t blame Mack trucks or the truck dealership. Similarly, we should not blame gun manufacturers or dealers for the events at VT or NIU, as both entities followed the laws exactly as they should have. Further, laws regarding mental health and gun purchases have been tightened since April, much to the approval of both sides of the debate. So many people seem upset that TGSCOM, Inc. sold a firearm to the VT shooter. This doesn’t make much sense considering that they didn’t even run the background check, the local gun store did before passing ownership to Cho; TGSCOM simply made a sale like any other.
The biggest issue with the misplaced blame is that it raises concern in those who know the stages of grief.
If, over a year later, many people are still in the “anger” stage of grief and are looking to place blame, maybe the community is not recovering as well as is believed. I know otherwise, as I am a deeply engaged member of the VT community, and am healing from my loss, too. Jeremy and I were close like brothers, and his father told me that I am family; my pain feels much the same as his. I’ve watched my own recovery and keep a close eye on those around me, and don’t believe that this is very representative of how the VT community is doing.
The other issue is that not enough people are getting involved. It seems that unless someone is directly upset by something, they tend to not put much effort into considering it. If the controversy of Mr. Thompson’s speech is an aide to engaging more people into the debate, then so be it. It was not the intention, but perhaps it can be become a positive. Educational institutions are a place for learning, not a place where students should fear for their lives. Experts on these incidents agree: attackers choose unarmed victims in places like schools, churches, and malls. Unfortunately, it looks that “If you want peace, prepare for war” applies here, and the only way to take back our learning institutions from these heinous crimes is to send a message to would-be criminals:
“You will not find defenseless victims here; we will defend ourselves and protect our beloved campus.”
I don’t like carrying a firearm for protection any more than I like having an extinguisher in case of fire, but if that’s what it takes to bring peace of mind, then I will take the responsibility.
In closing, I simply ask that you wait until you hear the speech tonight before you pass judgment. There is clearly a reason that Mr. Thompson was so persistent about coming here to speak, paid his entire bill to do so, and is forgoing profits on sales for the next two weeks. Give him a chance to speak, just as you would want if you were on the other end of such emotions. University spokesman Larry Hincker is trying to get everyone worked up to support his opposition to self-defense on campus; stand up and show him that you think for yourself. Mr. Thompson’s speech will inevitably be aired on many news outlets and online, so please tune in.
Regards,
Ken Stanton
VT Campus Leader, Students for Concealed Carry on Campus
You know so many interesting infomation. You might be very wise. I like such people. Don’t top writing.