VA Tech

Before commenting on the reactions, it must be made clear that what the VA Tech gunman did was deplorable, reprehensible, and immoral. There is no justification for murder - mass or otherwise, whatever the means used.

Today's comments from the Gun Owners of America are spot-on:

It is also worthwhile to note that Virginia Tech is -- because of
deliberate policies set by its administration -- a victim disarmament
zone, where even those with a state-issued concealed carry permit are
denied their right of self-defense.

In fact, pro-gun forces just last year tried to get the Virginia
legislature to address the problem. The bill to allow permit holders
to carry on state-supported college campuses died, due in no small
part to rabid opposition from Virginia Tech itself.

VT spokesman Larry Hincker put it this way after it became obvious
that the bill would not pass: "I'm sure the university community is
appreciative of the General Assembly's actions because this will help
parents, students, faculty and visitors feel safe on our campus."

The unfortunate irony continues when one recalls that not long ago,
two students at nearby Appalachian School of Law managed to stop a
gunman at that institution. Happily, they were able to dash
off-campus to retrieve their guns from their vehicles.

If a person licensed to carry a concealed pistol were present, and had the will to stop the murderer, many lives could have been saved. That is the bottom line. It isn't gun owners and advocates for all the liberties the Constitution recognizes who have blood on their hands today, it is those who would take away any means for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves against the Cho Seung-Hui's of the world.