michaelnewbern.com

I have been working closely with friends in Colorado defending the right to self-defense on college campuses in that state. I have done so at the expense of sleep and time with my friends. I have a special interest in what’s going on out there because I think it can have far-reaching implications.

Last night, my interest took a whole new meaning.

Last night I watched the debate and vote on the campus carry ban unfold.

I watched testimony from victims of violent crime practically beg for the right to defend themselves.

I watched as one Senator told a rape victim that she likely would have died when her attacker took her concealed handgun from her, despite the fact that he had a handgun of his own.

I watched a Sheriff asked the committee if he would be forced to instruct his daughters to break the law in order to ensure their safety.

I watched as the committee chairwoman told the room she promised to vote yes and tow the party line while she wept tears of regret.

I watched as those brave young men and women relived the single most horrific events of their lives when the votes were tallied 3-2 in favor of the campus carry ban.

I watched them weep.

And I wept as well. I wept for their bravery. I wept for the defeat I felt. I wept because Colorado is closer to relegating law-abiding citizens into easy targets for thugs.

And then I wept because that’s exactly what is happening in Ohio. Our lawmakers are telling our future they are not capable of deciding the most effective method of self-defense when they cross the arbitrary boundaries of college campuses. They are telling our Veterans coming home and pursing a better life that while we trusted them with our common defense, they cannot be trusted with their own.

Our legislators are yielding to emotion and irrational fear of what-if, doomsday scenarios that just haven’t played out only to produce more stories of rape, assault, and murder.

It’s time that stopped.