OCR Text |
Show Page 5 Gun Control ; Issues Swirls Signpost May 1, 1981 T-J Hern o (1 by Dave Struve As the embers of indignation over the attempted assassination of President Reagan die down, many important issues emerge. Besides questioning the ability of the Secret Service to adequately protect the presi-dent, and noting the remarkable coolness and leadership ability of George Bush, we see the problem of gun control leap again to the fore. This turbulent issue, of course, has swirled for years. It seems that we are no closer to resolving this conflict than we were thirty years ago. But be it a fruitful discussion or not, the matter of gun control must be raised. It is not my purpose to determine whether mere legislation will immediately banish all handguns. For we all know, gun control laws will probably be no more effective than the prohibition laws of the Twenties or the marijuana laws of today. Yet, in a society based upon law, it is imperative that we remove all legal sanctions on this all too common means of homicide. Thousands may vehemently protest gun control laws, but once implemented, the majority of Americans will obey these laws. Much has been made of the fact that if "guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns." This is undeniable. But there are X' number of handguns in the country. If laws are enacted, then that number will be greatly diminished, thus lessening the possibilities of violent crimes in which handguns are used. We should not be so fatalistic and pessimistic of our legal system to believe that a national law will have no effect upon the number still using guns for crimes. Some hang on to their handguns as a measure of self protection. Usually, household handguns are of little use when a thief is in the house. And what about muggings, rapes and street beatings? A handgun hidden under the bed will do little good in these instances. There are many safe and effective self protection devices on the market, such as mace, chemical sprayers, whistles, and alarms. In my opinion, a good German Shepard is a far better guard than a Smith and Wesson. The Second Amendment to the Constitution states that the "right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."For two centuries, legislators have interpreted this to mean that Congress can pass no law inhibiting the private ownership of guns. But laws are covenants, not proclamations. If, as a nation, we could be wise with handguns and use them only for defense and for recreation, then this law would be viable. But since we have failed to use handguns judiciously, then this law ceases to be useful for society. Besides, shall we, as Pharisees, ascribe to the dead letter of the law while thousands fall each year from handgun - inflicted wounds? The constitution is interpreted nearly any way which pleases the members of the Supreme Court. Former Chief Justice Hughes (a conservative) once said the consititu-tion "is what the Supreme Court says it is." Perhaps legislators could enact laws restricting only handguns, which are easily concealed, inexpensive and often used in violent crime. Since they are not used widely, except for hunting, rifles neecj not be outlawed. If public opinion supported a law such as this, the court would not strike it down, for the court does consider carefully what people want and need. This is a burning issue, and surely I have not convinced all the readers of the Signpost regarding my stand. For the sake of constructive debate, a rebuttal to this article is welcomed. It is clear that there are many factors contributing to crime in the streets, and that the need to ban handguns is unfortunate. But it is time for us to lay aside prejudice and move forward. A law banning guns will not erase all social ills, but it will reduce today's fertile environment in which murder by handgun thrives. RHA Complimented Dear Editor, I am addressing this letter to the student body of Weber State College, to inform them of what the Resident Hall student government is doing to improve the life in the Resident Halls. The membership of the Hall Association includes all of the student residents on campus. The students comprising the governing body is totally voluntary and do not receive any sort of monetary compensation. These officers give their time and effort in the interest of improving the Residence Hall life for the fellow student. The RHA held elections last Monday and new officers were elected. I wish to state some of the programs achieved by the out-going officers, some of whom are still involved. The Residence Hall activities involved not only the students but also the housing personnel. This combined effort brought about a better feeling and understanding among the Residence Hall students and their advisors. The most important aspect of the RHA student government is to alleviate some of the more chronic problems that Residence Hall students face. One of the most important is the food service contract. RHA has provided invaluable inputs to both sides of the contract negotiators. This year also, there has been more dorm activities, which include dances, banquets and video movies which are shown free of charge every weekend. In all of the activities we have had a very high turnout of students, due to effective publicity and better organization. This breakdown in the student apathy has been achieved by more intense involvement of all students in RHA. Involvement in RHA provides a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable leadership experience and insights. Students gain experience in the Inter-Hall Judical Council, National Residence Hall Association and many other social and cultural committees, all this pays off rich dividends and is a definite asset in one's future career. This letter is not meant to trumpet the achievements of the officers of last year, but it is said with the hopes and goal that more students will get involved in the residence hall student government and thus provide for a fuller and richer residence life for all concerned. Yours sincerly, Amjad Khan Chairman of Public Relations, RHA Drill Team Thanked Dear Editor, Although this is a bit late, I deeply and sincerely thank the members of that very spirited and disciplined group of precision artists known as the Chatonelles Drill Team. What a superb performance they demonstrated on the evening of Mar. 12, the last night of the 44th General Session of the Utah State Legislature. The spectators thrilled to their masterful performance. The artists were spectacular. I might venture to say that the discipline demostrated by the group when the group "froze" in position after the music accidentally stopped was the talk of the town. It was almost as though that was a "part of the act!" And, too, we all appreciate the skillful manner in which the director taught the young ladies. For them to volunteer their time and expense will be a long remembered act of graciousness. Once again, a sincere and warmly affectionate thanks to the Chatonelles Drill Team and to your efforts. Sincerely, Samuel S. Taylor It's your return that counts! Support 7T Unless you nep. March of Dimes Birth V, jit. A THIS SPACE CONTRIBUTED BV THE PUBLISHER ssOjgsSsSz tor You get more plays your quarter! CELEBRATE THE 1950's WITH RAX I "V ! a i Cj ea. r DHV CM BIT I ROAST BEEF ! I SANDWICH so I SHAKE so & HUilVll A ILAAhJ .... JUC NEXT WEEKEND ONLY. FRI.. SAT. & SUN. MAY 1ST THRU THE 3RD. FROM10:00-MIDNIGHT. MSTBESF 4235 South Harrison Blvd. In Country Hills Plaza |