Why such a huge percentage of the North American mass killings happen at educational institutions is something that desperately needs to be figured out. I doubt the answer will be quick, or simple, or even satisfying, but until we get a better handle on why this crazy shit happens, we will have to keep reading about it. According to an LA Times article, this is the fifth school shooting in a week.

There are already more then enough articles covering the details. I am sure there will be more trying to explain this. Are the explanations there, and we are just not listening? Or believing? I remember thinking that Michael Moore’s documentary Bowling For Columbine made some good points. Did anyone pay attention?

Apparently not. An article in USA Today describes legislations proposed in 12 states to allow concealed guns to be carried on campus.

12 states debate guns on campus – Pro-firearm bills proposed after Va. Tech killings

“The only way to stop a person with a gun is another person with a gun,” says University of Cincinnati sophomore Michael Flitcraft, 23. The mechanical engineering major has a license to carry guns but is prohibited by university rules from bringing one onto the campus.

I am almost speechless. Almost. Does anyone else think this is absolutely fucking crazy? I am trying not to cuss too much these days, but if every a cuss word was needed its here. WHAT THE FUCK ARE THESE PEOPLE THINKING? I understand people’s need to feel safe, but what about EVERYONE ELSE’S need to feel safe? I would not feel safe knowing that anyone around me, at any time, may have a loaded gun in their jacket. How is that safe for anyone?

Some thoughts:

– with the ban on guns in place, it is easier to identify SOMEONE WHO IS PLANNING ON SHOOTING PEOPLE. If everyone can carry a loaded gun, you don’t know who the HOMICIDAL MANIAC is until he threatens, or shoots someone.
– your armed campus police will be a hell of a lot more jittery and violence-prone if they have to suspect every person of carrying a loaded, concealed weapon. Imagine every time you go to a call on campus for some loud, drunk students, having to worry that some asshole is going to shoot you? I bet a lot more excessive force would be used.
– drunken fratboys
– someone without a gun takes your gun and shoots you, your friends, and some other people for good measure.
– Now the SUICIDAL, CRAZED KILLER can walk around with a loaded weapon waiting for the ideal time to go on their RAMPAGE OF DEATH without worrying about being arrested until they have started.

These students killing people may have been disturbed, but they are not stupid. The last guy at Northern Illinois was a graduate student. If you give them more opportunities, they will use them.