A Capitol Offense?

Should you be able to ban guns in your home?  I say yes.  It is your property, and you get to decide whether guns are allowed in your house.  Can I have guns in my house if I want? 

Yes, it is my property.

How about the state capitol?

I presume most of you are aware that there was a man shooting his gun at the capitol in January.  There has been discussion concerning the allowance of guns at the capital.

Who decides?  Well, the capitol is owned by Texas.  That means the people of Texas.  So, does that mean I can bring 100 friends and kegs of beer to the state capital for a toga party whenever I want?  What if you want to have a toga party the same night?  I guess either we can fight it out or have someone make the decision.  

Let’s presume that our great legislators get to decide whether guns are allowed in the capitol.  Would it be a good policy to ban them? 

Recently, New Hampshire decided to ban guns in their state capitol.  It is not being universally well received.  At the moment it appears Texas does not have the same idea. 

Imagine you are the one walking around in the state capitol when a crazy person runs in and starts firing.  They ran right through the metal detector and the law doesn’t matter to them.  Do you feel safer with a law or with a weapon to defend yourself?

Perhaps this story from a former legislator, Suzanna Hupp, might be of interest:

In the case of the shooting in January, the shooter did not fire inside the capitol.  Metal detectors would have had no effect on someone walking up and firing on the capitol steps.  What can be effective is capitol security on patrol, as well as people like you providing a deterrent and a response to anyone with a wild idea.

So the next time someone frightens you about guns at the state capitol, consider whether you are safer with a law or with a method of self defense.  It can be well concealed with a toga.