A bill that advanced through the state Capital yesterday would cut the amount of time necessary to earn a concealed handgun license by more than half.
The bill, proposed by New Braunfels Republican Sen. Donna Campbell, would reduce the class time necessary to get a CHL to a measly four hours because it’s apparently “long, redundant and boring” to spend the requisite ten hours learning how to properly and responsibly carry a potentially deadly weapon.
Um, does high school algebra ring a bell? That’s long, redundant and boring — but guess what?
You have to do it anyway.
Why? Well, I’m not sure.
I haven’t used algebra since I left high school, but I’m of the opinion if you intend to carry a gun, the least you can do — both for yourself and your potential hapless victims — is invest extra time to make sure you know exactly what you’re doing.
I don’t object to CHLs in general. I just object to those inadequately trained in gun ownership having the power to end life if they perceive a threat. How can four hours possibly be enough to teach someone about that awesome responsibility? I’d sooner sacrifice high school algebra.
This move tells me that American lawmakers are becoming more and more irresponsible in their attitude about firearms as the debate over their use heats up. If you ask me, this attitude represents the true threat to the Second Amendment. Don’t ruin it for the people who use guns responsibly by allowing others who might not legal protection.
Safety is not yet redundant.
Caroline Brewton is a junior journalism major from Beaumont. She is the editor-in-chief of the Lariat.
