It is so wonderful when the entrenched fascists of academia have to start discussing actual constitutional rights. In recent years, that discussion has not been all that fruitful for those of us who believe constitutional rights are positive.
While we are all familiar with the subordination of First Amendment free speech rights to the tender sensibilities of the cry bullies, the Second Amendment believers have opened a second front in the discussion with a movement to allow open and concealed carry on campus.
The State of Texas was the eighth legislature to pass and get signed into law legislation that will allow concealed carry on campus by students. Legislation in Texas went into effect December and the Texas University in Austin is none too pleased with the prospect. They have responded by crafting university level rules that all but prohibit any carry or storage of firearms and ammunition on campus.
Throughout the festivities, we have seen a larger than normal amount of chest beating and pontification by leftist professors who claim to be now fearful of their students. This would be a Good Thing, I believe as it reinforces Heinlein’s observation that an armed society is indeed a polite one.
We here in Alaska have similar legislation (SB174) working its way through the Alaska Legislature. And professors in the University of Alaska system are making the same sorts of bleating noises in opposition. Too bad for them, ’cause like it or not, it’s coming.
Alex Gimarc lives in Anchorage since retiring from the military in 1997. His interests include science and technology, environment, energy, economics, military affairs, fishing and disabilities policies. His weekly column “Interesting Items” is a summary of news stories with substantive Alaska-themed topics. He is a small business owner and Information Technology professional.
