[Cross posted from www.hiramhover.typepad.com]
For more than 20 years, "Take Back the Night" rallies--with their symbolically powerful candlelight vigils--have been a popular means for American college students to protest the sexual and other violence that threatens women's safety and personal freedom.
The Young Americans for Freedom at Penn State University think that sounds great, but advocate more of what you might call a Ted Nugent approach to the problem.
The Digital Collegian:
YAF President Shauna Moser said the 8 p.m. information session in 110 Wartik Lab about concealed weapons, self-defense tactics and other methods women can use to protect themselves presents what they say are "better methods" of protection.
Local National Rifle Association representative Charles Jones will conduct the program, offering information about gun possession and fielding questions from the audience.
More on the flip....
Take Back the Night Coordinator Addie Dunn said she disapproves of YAF's ideas about sexual assault prevention.
"Carrying concealed weapons is reactive, not proactive," she said. "A proactive approach is education on consent and other preventative methods, not just acting while being attacked."
College Republicans chair Vicky Cangelosi said she advocates gun possession. "It's a much better approach because we see sexual assault so often at universities," she said. "College-aged women are at such a high risk."
I, for one, wouldn't feel safer at the thought of pistol-packing College Republicans on campus--especially at a time when David Horowitz and his student lackeys are bemoaning "liberal bias" in the classroom. If students have to be armed, I suggest they stick to pies.