Campus paper wants to interview me.

[Thain]

I'm a student in the paralegal program at Lansing Community College, and have struck up a short correspondence with the News Editor and the Student Editor-in-Chief of the campus' "independent" student newspaper, the Lookout.

You see, back after the Virginia Tech shooting I wrote a letter to the editor explaining my views on "Gun Free School Zones," since this is THR you can probably guess how I feel about those. That letter got published. After a recent news piece explaining LCC's plan to install an emergency text message system, I wrote another letter. This one didn't get published, but apparently my suggestion that they "open a dialogue" on the subject of disarmed students struck pay-dirt, and they have asked for an interview.

Now, the paper has the typical soft Leftist bias that is de rigueur for all newspaper a on college campuses these days. The Student Editor-in-Chief has most certainly drunk the moveon.org kool-aid. One of his most recent "editorials" actually included the words "campus Republicans are ignorant and malicious by nature."

The other guy, the News Editor, and the one who actually requested the interview seems to be, if not necessarily "on my side," at least open to holding a civil conversation. I have already decided that I will do the interview, and I will be bringing a tape recorder to cover my assets, as it were...

Any advice or feedback from THR would be very helpful. I want to have my facts and figures ready for the inevitable questions about suicide, accidental deaths, training, et cetera...

So, I guess the question is what caliber facts should I use on (potential) Brady zombies?

Oh, and before anyone asks, I do not yet have my CCW so I am not worried about "outing" myself as someone who carries.

 

[Thain]

Sorry, mods. This was meant to be in General Discussion. Mea culpa.

 

[jlbraun]

"College students are legally adults. Why not treat us like adults?"

"How could a gun in Norris Hall carried by a law-abiding citizen have possibly made things worse, resulting in more than 32 dead?"

"The University of Utah allows CCW on campus since 2002(?). They've had no problems."

 

[Ohio Rifleman]

Lucky.

I recently got a pro-CCW on campus letter published in my campus newspaper too, and have gotten some mostly positive response for it. I sure would like it if they'd interview me.

 

[SLCscottie]

Recommend a Poll

Recommend they do a Poll about legally armed students / citizens during the Interview. We see it on different Media.

I can't remember the details but it has been mentioned here and seen on The History Channel. About the Campus in Texas where the students / citizens went and got their own rifles to pin down the sniper in the tower. The police weren't as prepared.

Good Luck

 

[Aguila Blanca]

I can't remember the details but it has been mentioned here and seen on The History Channel. About the Campus in Texas where the students / citizens went and got their own rifles to pin down the sniper in the tower. The police weren't as prepared.

The Texas Tower sniper episode would undoubtedly not go down the same today. Whitman (the sniper) was exceptionally well-prepared and (to use a cliche) he "held the high ground" -- in spades.

It is true that locals responded with their hunting rifles and helped keep the sniper pinned down, thus reducing the body count. It is also notable that three people ultimately went up the tower to get the shooter ... and one of them was a university employee, NOT a police officer. The cops handed him a weapon as they went up.

Art Eatman did a recap on this just a couple of weeks ago, IIRC.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=308139&highlight=Texas+tower

 

[Trebor]

Congrats on taking the initiative to contact the paper. My gun club recently had a very positive write up on our NRA "Women on Target" clinic run in MSU's State News student paper. If we aren't willing to try to get a positive image for gun owners into the media then we are just giving up and letting the anti-gunners portray as however they want.

The only suggestion I have is to NOT tape the interview. You want to come across as personable and friendly. Taping the interview gives the message that you don't trust the reporter and comes across as you looking for a way to "get him" if you don't like how the interview came out.

As far as "facts and figures," don't try to dazzle him with statistics. Know your sources so you can debunk the old "Firearms in the home are 43 more likely to kill a family member then a burgler" nonsense, but don't bury him in figures.

Instead, tell a story. Talk about your personal experiences with firearms and explain how trying to disarm the criminals only disarms the victims.

I'm a member over at CCRC in Williamston. If you want to invite the reporter to go shooting, I'm more then happy to host you both there as my guests.

 

[Fisherman_48768]

Have them give you the questions in writing, answer in writing and keep a copy, insist that they print your responses verbatem without exception. If you don't they will twist, contort and screw with your responses to fit their feeble liberal minded needs.

 

[SLCscottie]

Fear of Copy Cat Episodes

You may want to add a Question to fellow students during the interview. There is a history of Copy Cat shootings once it has been on the media. Are we prepared individually? What is our police response Time?

 

[mnrivrat]

Don't feel a pressure to give an instant answer to every question. Take the time you need to think about what your response should be and what it sounds like - also how it could be spun .

Don't get drowned in the details , or lead into the abbis . Keep it simple and know the facts regarding what you comment on. When you don't know , don't make it up , and when you do know, don't let them make it up.

Anticipate what some of the questions might be and prepare. When they come up against some statement in their questioning that is not factual - point that out . Too often they (anti-gun people) quote non-factual past statistical hype that has long ago been debunked. Call them on it.

If your going to be a spokes person for the RTKBA , then study the main issues (talking points) and know the difference between fact and fiction, between anti-gun hype , and reality .

Google "9 myths of gun control" and read, along with other info. Good Luck

 

[Trebor]

Have them give you the questions in writing, answer in writing and keep a copy, insist that they print your responses verbatem without exception. If you don't they will twist, contort and screw with your responses to fit their feeble liberal minded needs.

There is no editor in the world who would agree to those restrictions.

When I was editor at my campus newspaper I'd be so insulted if you suggested that that I'd just bag the whole interview.

 

[SamTuckerMTNMAN]

Hey there,
familiar ground - you are doing a great thing.

I agree on the facts stuff, it can end up being a fruitless argument over stats. The ideals and principles are important and always remember that lib's and conservatives BOTH agree that coporate controlling massive corrupt and malicious government is bad, and it is clear that an armed populace has more equalization than one in which only police and military are armed (or private contractors). And mention Kinnessaw GA, a city where residents have to keep a gun in the house. It has the lowest crime rate of any place in Georgia, as opposed to more restrictive cities where guns and crime are related - not allowed to have them, more people shot and killed. I also bring up that we go by feeling more than reason nowadays, and guns are hard to feel good about unless you've felt the sense of relying on one for safety and protection. Sheltered people deny that there is evil often until they are confronted with it. I also discuss how people trained in firearm use are more likely to respond to situations of conflict with calm and measured responses whereas others can be very out of balance with fear and anger from a feeling of helplessness - warriors choose pacifism, all others are condemned to it!

Good luck let us know how it goes.

ST

ps - if you stay calm and are an example of the community, the major psycho antis reveal their own insanity quickly enough....

pps - and if anyone mentions the gun making people more aggressive on the table by the study in psychology, simply ask if aggresive is always bad, and if we perhaps have been slowly conditioned by both an idolizing of false peace and poor examples of masculinity to fear aggression in any sense, and if any controlling group would want critical, self aware, potentially aggressive people running counter to their own dogmatic institution....agression can be intellectual too.

ok done

Sam Tucker, veteran of many collegiate verbal 'gun' battles

 

[Waitone]

Seems to me we had an extended discussion of this very topic not all that long ago. Do a site search. IIRC the advice offered was all over the board.

 

[Thain]

Well, actually it looks like they might have to go to press before they get to talk to me face-to-face. I'm going to try to met with him tomorrow morning. Just got this e-mail from the reporter:

10:30 would be great. We also go to press tomorrow. Your e-mail quotes were really good, that's why I wanted to use them. You offer an excellent counterpoint (or point in this case). Here is what I wanted to print:

There were some differing opinions on the LCC campus about whether people licensed to carry weapons should be allowed to do so on campus.

[Thain], who is a student in the paralegal program, is a proponent of allowing licensed citizens to carry weapons on college campuses. He has gone so far as to apply for concealed weapons permit in the state of Michigan.

"As a holder of a Michigan Concealed Pistol Permit I will have passed background checks by the FBI, Michigan State Police, and the Ingham County Sheriff's Department," [Thain] said in an e-mail. "I will have completed a thorough course of study and training in the safe operation of my weapon, in addition to lessons in safe handling, conflict de-escalation, conflict avoidance, and personal safety training."

Would that be ok?

I'm thinking that the above would be okay to print. I'm only editing out my real name, which would be used in the paper, because I've got some paranoia about the internet. Not that anyone who knows me couldn't figure it all out.

But, looks like I'm going to get my fifteen minutes of fame sometime next week! I'll try my best to keep the "Aluminum Hats and Black Helicopters" sterotype from shining through.

Might even invite him to the range, like Trebor suggested. Trebor was the guy that ran my NRA intro to pistol class, so who better?

 

[Zundfolge]

seriously, I would expect everything you say to be edited to make you look like a raving lunatic.

I wouldn't do it unless I was allowed to tape the entire exchange ... at least that way they can't spin it to get you kicked out of school.

 

[Trebor]

Might even invite him to the range, like Trebor suggested. Trebor was the guy that ran my NRA intro to pistol class, so who better?

Feel free to give him my name and contact info if he has any questions.

I'll be happy to host you both. If he's interested just give me some possible times and we'll set something up.

 

[apollosmith]

I work at a university. Luckily, concealed carry is allowed here (in Utah). But, I know very well the politics of universities. Administration is a very hard, liberal nut to crack. DO NOT attack them. Do not attack existing policies. Do not bring up issues about police response time. Simply state the positive aspects of allowing students to be armed without turning it into an us vs them thing, because if you do, I promise administration will see it that way also.

 

[Autolycus]

Originally posted by SamTuckerMTNMAN: I agree on the facts stuff, it can end up being a fruitless argument over stats. The ideals and principles are important and always remember that lib's and conservatives BOTH agree that coporate controlling massive corrupt and malicious government is bad, and it is clear that an armed populace has more equalization than one in which only police and military are armed (or private contractors). And mention Kinnessaw GA, a city where residents have to keep a gun in the house. It has the lowest crime rate of any place in Georgia, as opposed to more restrictive cities where guns and crime are related - not allowed to have them, more people shot and killed. I also bring up that we go by feeling more than reason nowadays, and guns are hard to feel good about unless you've felt the sense of relying on one for safety and protection. Sheltered people deny that there is evil often until they are confronted with it. I also discuss how people trained in firearm use are more likely to respond to situations of conflict with calm and measured responses whereas others can be very out of balance with fear and anger from a feeling of helplessness - warriors choose pacifism, all others are condemned to it.

Do you have any statistics that show Kinnesaw has the lowest crime rate. I do believe it is low but to say it is the lowest is hard to believe. There are so many other factors that I doubt gun ownership is the reason. I also know that not everyone has to own a gun necessarily. I believe people are exempt if they feel uncomfortable with guns, are conscientous objectors to the law, are unable to afford a gun, and are prohibited by law from owning guns. In essence it is a feel good law. While gun ownership may deter crime I dont think it is the only factor in a lower crime rate.

 

[Thain]

It is not the college's policy that prohibits carry on campus; Michigan state statutes also include among the 'no carry' areas "[any] dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university." LCC has a policy that stacks on top of that and forbids carry by any student or staff anywhere on campus.

So a licensed non-student could walk across the downtown campus with his concealed firearm, at least as far as I understand the law, but a CHL holding student could not.

So, in a nut shell, I'm concerned about both the state law and the school policy. I'll never get either changed on my own, but perhaps some exposure can help me attract enough of my fellows on campus to organize an SCCC, Pink Pistols, or other type "club" on campus. If nothing else, its a chance to put one more nail in the coffin of the "crazy-people, thugs, skinheads, and rednecks" sterotype.

To borrow an old phrase from the Marines, "Be polite. Be professional. And have a plan to get everyone you met interested in the shooting sports."

 

[ilbob]

I would ask him to submit questions in writing in advance that might require factual research. Thats a reasonable request, since you can't possibly be expected to have every fact on hand on anything he might ask. But, one of the tricks they may well use is to ask you questions it is unlikely that you know the answers to in the hope that you will give the wrong answer, then they can claim you are a liar.

I agree that it will probably be a hit piece, but you never know. There are a few, not many, but a few, liberals that will give you a fair shot in such an interview. based on the comments he has already made, it seems unlikely.

I would not expect to have a pleasant time at such an interview. Think of it much like a police interrogation, very coercive and with no attempt to search for the truth, just to admit you are wrong, and guns are evil.

If you agree to the interview, make sure you are well rested. Go to the bathroom before the interview. Don't drink the coffee or pop they offer. Bring your own water bottle, and only sip at it to keep your mouth moist. One of the oldest tricks in the book is to get you agitated and uncomfortable so you say things without taking the time to think them through. They will probably show up 15 or 20 minutes late to keep you waiting so you will be aggravated. another old trick. It is also likely that you will be outnumbered.

 

[Colt]

Another effective tactic is "putting them into the scenario."

As in: "If you're sitting in your afternoon English class, and a mentally disturbed student busts in and starts shooting your classmates, wouldn't you want to be able to defend yourself?"

Or: "How many of the VT murder vitims could have been saved if one or more of their classmates had been carrying a concealed weapon?"

The anti's love to play the victim, and always wring their hands over what will happen to the innocents. Use scenarios that put them in a position of power to protect the innocents.

 

[Thain]

Um, ilbob, I know you mean well... But this is the campus newspaper for a community college, y'know like the song says "discount knowledge at the junior college," I'm not exactly sitting down to an interview with Dan Rather here.

Also, the guy who asked for the interview has been nothing but polite, he's the News Editor refered to in my OP. Its the other guy who's been a bit of a pain, and even he's more or less polite about it.

If there is one thing learning to be a paralegal teaches you, it is how to keep your mouth shut when tempted to give legal opinions. I'm going to stick to how I feel, what I know, and so on. I'm not going to play any kind of statistics game, certainly not when sitting in a coffee shop for a fifteen minute chat. If he wants numbers, I'll refer him to the NRA, DOJ, and CDC.

I'll update everyone when I get back.

 

[ilbob]

Um, ilbob, I know you mean well... But this is the campus newspaper for a community college, y'know like the song says "discount knowledge at the junior college," I'm not exactly sitting down to an interview with Dan Rather here.

I suspect Dan uses the same tricks, but most of the work gets done by underlings in his case.

Also, the guy who asked for the interview has been nothing but polite, he's the News Editor refered to in my OP. Its the other guy who's been a bit of a pain, and even he's more or less polite about it.

people are often polite when they want something. it means nothing.

 

[Thain]

All due respect, ilbob, of course the man wanted something. An interview. The thing is, I wanted the same thing... to be interviewed.

We met in the little coffee shop across the street from campus. My wife, Delta9, and daughter (Delta 4.5), were with me. The interview really wasn't an interview so much as it was him getting a few quotes for a couple of questions. The paper goes to print sometime this afternoon, so he was looking at a hard deadline.

He had two questions, and a few follow ups. Basically, why do I think licensed students and staff should be able to carry? And, did I think that LCC's "open campus" contributed to the safety risk.

I more or less stuck to the simple and basic facts that CHL holders carry everywhere else, so why not campus? And that criminals aren't stopped by signs...

He was nice, listened fully to my answers, and even agreed with me on the inane nature of "Gun Free Zone" signs...

I'll post the full text of the story once it runs.

 

[Thain]

Although I specifically said that I had not applied for a Concealed Handgun License in an e-mail to him before our "interview," he says I have. I am a little disappointed about that bit, and have sent him an email saying so. That said, I'd say this is a fairly good article... Its short, it doesn't make me sound like a paranoid, and it is roughly balanced between the pro- and anti- sides.

[Italic emphasis mine.]

Should students be allowed to carry weapons?
David Barker
News Editor

LANSING - In the wake of recent school shootings at Virginia Tech, Delaware State University, and SuccessTech Academy, there has been speculation in the [Michigan] State House of Representatives about the validity of licensed students and faculty carrying concealed weapons on campus.

In fact, 16 state law-makers have sponsored legislation that would make it legal for teachers, administrators and other school employees to carry concealed weapons on school property, according to stateline.org, a website that tracks state legislation.

According to Dr. Timothy Wheeler, director of Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership, there have been several instances of students and/or teachers retriving guns from cars to stop shooters at schools. However there is only one state - Utah - that allows concealed weapons on college campuses.

The state of Michigan's website states that carrying a concealed weapon in "a dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university," is illegal. It does not expressly forbid the carrying of weapons on the general campus. LCC, however, has a policy that forbids the carrying of concealed weapons on school property.

LCC's website defines school property as, "all College owned or leased buildings and surrounding areas such as sidewalks, walkwaysm driveways and parking lots under the College's ownership or control."

It adds that, "College vehicles are covered by this policy at all times regardless of whether they are on College property."

There were some differing opinions on the LCC campus about whether people licensed to carry weapons should be allowed to do so on campus.

[Thain], who is a student in the paralegal program, is a proponent of allowing licensed citizens to carry weapons on college campuses. He has gone so far as to apply for concealed weapons permit in the state of Michiga[sic].

"As a holder of a Michigan Concealed Pistol Permit I will have passed background checks by the FBI, Michigan State Police, and the Ingham County Sheriff's Department," [Thain] said in an e-mail.

"I will have completed a through course of study and training in the safe operation of my weapon, in addition to lessons in safe handling, conflict de-escalation, conflict avoidance, and personal safety training."

LCC employee Joe Torok, who works in LCC's writing center, had a different perception of allowing guns on campus.

"It's make me feel less safe; I don't feel any need for (concealed weapons)," Torok said. "If campus felt unsafe I suppose I would feel differently. There are already (officers) on campus with weapons."

LCC Chief of Police John Imeson said he had no offical position on the issue.

"I'm aware of the arguements on both side and I have no offical opinion one way or another," he said. "But as long as (LCC) policy is in place, we will abide by what it says."

[Thain] said he feels LCC's policy might not be enough.

"Everywhere I go while carrying (a concealed weapon) ...[1] you will be safer for my presence," he said.

"Had someone, anyone, at Virginia Tech been able to carry a licensed concealed handgun ...[2] then there is little doubt in my mind that the tragic events of this past April would have been curtailed," he added.

Torok said he prefers to not have "anonymous strangers" carrying concealed weapons around campus.

"I don't know why we would need complete strangers who aren't (professionally) trained in how to use a firearm," Torok said. "They might be able to pass a test or a psychological exam, but I still wouldn't like it."

I added the footnotes, [1] and [2], because the part excerpted by the ellipsis are telling.

[1] was originally: "Everywhere I go while carrying, or any where any of the other 53,000 Michiganders who go out likewise trained and ready, you will be safer for my presence."

[2] was: "Had someone, anyone, at Virginia Tech been able to carry a licensed concealed handgun—which Virginia state law allows, but VT policies forbid, then there is little doubt in my mind that the tragic events of this past April would have been curtailed."

Anyhow, he's already wrote back to apologize for the mistake in printing that I had applied for my CCW. I'm happy with this report... It ain't perfect, but its a step.