Commenters on the AJC Get Schooled blog had a range of reactions to a poll in which 78 percent of Georgians said they opposed allowing guns on the state’s college campuses. Despite concerns from the public and universities, the General Assembly is expected to take up a bill that would expand where guns can be carried, including churches and colleges. Here is a sampling of reader comments:
Straker: Will the Georgia Legislature listen to the wishes of the people, or to their corporate sponsors in the gun industry? Why does anyone even ask that question?
Thomas: My daughter goes to school in one of those states that allow law-abiding, licensed citizens to carry on campus, and although her college is smack dab in the middle of a large city, it has only a fraction of the crime that Georgia Tech has. She considered going to Tech — it was certainly closer and cheaper — but crime was a serious consideration. Now that she's old enough to defend herself, however she chooses, that would also be a consideration.
SAWB: As for campus carry, why should law-abiding citizens be denied their freedom simply because they are mature enough to pursue additional education? Also, it's sort of sad that the same folks who support denying Second Amendment rights are the same people who oppose holding individuals accountable when they actually commit a firearms-related crime. At the end of the day, people need to put away their fear of freedom and stop trying to dictate to others how they live their lives. This includes who you marry, what you eat or drink, where you live, what you drive, and if you choose to own a gun.
BCW: Most lawmakers today at the local and federal levels are out of touch with the general public. Why should we expect any less from ours?
Classof98: When that kid murdered over 30 people on the Virginia Tech campus a few years ago, he wasn't overly concerned about it being a "gun-free" zone. It would have been nice if some good ole boy with a concealed-carry permit could have popped a cap in him and saved a few dozen innocent lives.
Tread: I'm sure there are a lot of Georgia Tech students behind right-to-carry, as they are victimized almost daily by the thugs that surround that campus.
Joanne: Dumbest idea yet from the Gold Dome.
Bernie: The clown posse at the Gold Dome will most likely allow these weapons in students' hands, despite the many objections. The reality of that folly will soon follow after the first senseless death that will certainly occur at the hands of some enraged or angered student.
AM: It might interest readers to know that 20 states currently allow the carrying of firearms on college campuses, including neighboring Alabama, where the legal age to apply for a handgun permit is 18. It does not seem to be a problem there or elsewhere in these 20 states. In fact, it does not seem to be as dire a problem as most are being led to believe. Would you like to talk responsibility? I've seen more maturity exhibited by college freshmen and high school seniors than I have seen in some of the comments by people on this issue.
Red: I believe the governor and members of Georgia's Legislature should lead by example on this issue and allow guns in the state Capitol. If they are not willing to do that, then they should not enact a law allowing guns in churches and on college campuses.
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