Don’t take the law into your own hands

In reference to Mr. Sirakos’ article in Wednesday’s Technician (Campus Forum, “Concealed carry on campus”), I feel really sorry for people who feel so threatened by the world around them that they feel the need to carry around a concealed weapon with them. Also, allowing students to take the law into their own hands would in no way make for a safer campus. Leave justice where it belongs — in the hands of police officers.

Charlie Burnettfreshman, First Year College

Don’t trample free speech

Mr. Omar, in your April 3 column, “No campus in sight,” you write about how we should restrict the speech of the Brickyard preachers since they are offensive to people and may dissuade prospective students from picking this university.

This kind of action would be contrary to the free exchange of ideas which is the basis of the university. Without that exchange, the campus will lose its basis for existence. Your recommendation would also trample upon the First Amendment rights of the people. We cannot let either happen.

You state: “The America I know is tolerant of all religions, ways of life, ways of thinking, cultures, ages, races, backgrounds and diversity in general.” This is completely contradictory to the premise of your column as well as your very next sentence: “Those preaching self-righteous and over-indulgent bigotry should have restricted access to a college campus.” What you, sir, are suggesting is self-righteous bigotry and the restriction of religious freedom and speech in a setting where there should be no restriction on either.

The fact that you are a journalist makes the whole situation more ironic, as you rely upon the First Amendment to state your views, yet want to stifle others from expressing their views.

Thomas Knightsenior, civil engineering