Here is the text of what I wrote to Texas Senator Robert Duncan today regarding Senate Bill 1164, relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on university campuses:
Senator Duncan:
I’d like to express my support of SB 1164 concerning the right of persons possessing a concealed handgun license (CHL) to carry their lawfully owned, concealed handguns on university campuses, and request that you do the same.
To deny a law-abiding adult the right to defend themselves by any means necessary is shameful.
To deny an adult who has lawfully obtained and trained with a firearm, who has taken the required course, passed both a written test and a shooting proficiency test, and has paid all applicable fees in order to obtain a CHL the right to carry their concealed handgun in certain locations based on the premise that such a location is a “gun free zone” is laughable. Such a law-abiding citizen, carrying a concealed handgun, is no more likely to engage in violent behavior on a university campus than any other law-abiding citizen.
A person that engages in such violent behavior is a criminal, and balks at the notion of a “gun free zone”. Designating a given location a “gun free zone” is as ineffectual and inconsequential as would be designating the same area a “crime free zone” or “violence free zone”. Such designations do nothing to change a criminal’s behavior, and only serve to restrict the law-abiding citizen’s right to self defense.
Law-abiding citizens should have the right to protect themselves from criminals, or otherwise those with such a criminal or predatory mindset, regardless of where that citizen happens to work or go to school, and by any means at their disposal.
As a voter and as your constituent I urge you to support this bill. There is no valid statistical or otherwise factual basis for doing otherwise.
Thank you for your consideration,
Joseph Ellis
It’s not the most eloquent letter ever written, but it gets the point across.
You can write to him here.