My response to CCAC letter regarding the VT shootings.

[MichaelB]

Below is the E-mail I received from CCAC to I assume make me feel good about all they are (not) doing to make me safe. Further down you can read my response. I am not an articulate man but hopefully I got my point accross.

On 4/19/07, ssutin@ccac.edu <ssutin@ccac.edu> wrote:
April 18, 2007

Dear Michael,

We have all been moved by the tragic events at Virginia Tech this
week. I know you join me and others worldwide in thoughts of
condolence for grieving families and students and in hopes for the
full recovery of those who were injured.

Along with those at many other colleges and schools, we also have an
understandable concern: Could something like that happen here? I
fervently wish that the CCAC administration could answer
definitively, "no, never here". In truth events in Blacksburg,
Virginia, rural Pennsylvania Amish country and elsewhere have shown,
no such complete assurance is available.

At CCAC, however, we are using all the information, expertise and
resources we have available to make our campuses and centers safe and
healthy environments for students and employees. Even before the
events of this week, our senior vice president of administration and
our director of safety, security and risk management, had been
working on a review of our Emergency Guidelines. Affected staff, such
as campus business managers and security directors, have had input on
needed revisions - as will campus safety committees and local law
enforcement agencies. Training sessions to educate campus and center
employees about the guidelines will also be scheduled as soon as is
practical.

At its next meeting, President's Cabinet will discuss any other
measures that should be taken to deal with the potential for crises,
and the college community will be kept informed.

There are no simple solutions. It is my hope that all of us together
will remain alert to any potential for trouble while we educate our
students in a safe and healthy environment. Meanwhile, let us pray
for healing among students, staff, faculty and family associated with
the sad and senseless loss of life at Virginia Tech.

Sincerely,

Dr. Stewart Sutin
CCAC President



Dr. Sutin,
There is one simple policy you could change to effectively make the CCAC student body safer, allow students who have a state issued CCW license to carry on school property.
The "bad guys" are never going to follow the zero tolerance policy you have in place. Allowing law abiding citizens to practice their legal, and god given rights while on your campus will only help to keep unarmed students safe from threats of mass homicide.
Knowing that my class mates who possessed legal firearms and a CCW permit are carrying on campus would make me feel safer then posting a policeman at every building entrance.
I appreciate you taking the time to consider this as a viable option to doing nothing and telling us we are safe.
Best regards

Michael Blackmon

[Emptymag]

Articulate or not, you took the time to respond.

I also must point out that some have stated that they don't fully trust "kids" on campus to arm themselves. First of all, 21 isn't a "kid" and in the case of places like CCAC (Community College), there are MANY, MANY "grown-ups" who attend class there. Take down the no "firearms" signs, they are pointless.

I appreciate you taking the time to consider this as a viable option to doing nothing and telling us we are safe.

By the way, it doesn't get much more "articulate" than that last line.

[MichaelB]

I am certainly not a kid. I just turned 30. Through talking to man y students on campus, most of them even at 21, have started families and work hard. I would definitely think they are more "grown up" then a lot of students at four year state or private colleges.
I would also say that there is a much larger criminal element at a community college due to the easy access and cheap tuition.
All I want is to be able to protect myself if necessary. Lord knows I would much rather NEVER see anyone have to draw a firearm in defense of themselves, but that is not the world we live in.

[BearTitan]

Back in 95, I carried at my school in spite of the policy. I never needed the gun and no one was the wiser. I think, in light of this weeks events, that many students such as yourself will do the same.

Life, liberty, and the pursuit...Life is first.

[Emptymag]

Mike,

Click and scroll down to see the sign I have at work.

http://www.pafoa.org/forum/concealed...your-life.html

[TRB]

Well done sir. A letter has more impact than any other format. Print out your email response and mail it to his office. Encourage your fellow students to do likewise.