Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College ISSUE 1 FALL 2011

Who has guns? By Mary Stevens [email protected]

Over one million people In the state of Florida have ownership of a gun. In order to have a gun, you must meet only a few condi- tions; be a Florida resident aged 18 or older, and not have been convicted of a felony. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for administering concealed weapon licenses. In the past year, 5,159 out of 5,328 con- cealed weapons license applications were accepted by the FDOA in Orange County alone, and 123,759 out of 128,398 appli- cants were granted a license to carry a concealed weapon in the state of Florida. 80,016 licenses were renewed. The majority of gun owners are men, ac- cording to the Florida Department of Agricul- ture and Consumer Services. Over 120,000 men between the ages of 21 and 35 own guns. In the same age group, only 28,000 women own guns. Women only account for 19 percent of the gun owners in Florida. Commissioner Adam H. Putnam gives this advice on gun ownership: “Applying for a license to carry a con- cealed weapon or firearm for self-defense is a right of law-abiding Floridians. However, you must remember that a license to carry a weapon or firearm concealed on your person does not authorize you to use that weapon. Use of a concealed weapon or firearm is reg- ulated by other provisions of Florida law. It is my hope that you will exercise your lawful right to carry a concealed weapon or firearm Special Report: Guns responsibly, properly, and safely.” Valenciawww.ValenciaVoice.com Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College SPORTS June XX, 2011 22 Case dismissed in West Campus gun incident Freedom goes to young man fingered in fight Alleged gun-toting

By Jeff Shedden both he and the actual perpetrator According to Danielle Tavernier, student hopes to [email protected] shared a similar hairstyle. the public information officer for the Capi also claimed that the cloth- state attorney’s office, Capi’s case was continue education Hudson Capi, the former Valen- ing he was wearing on the day of dismissed due to the lack of deposition By Shay Castle cia College student accused of pos- his arrest would be impossible to from two key witnesses. An attempt [email protected] sessing a gun on Valencia property, conceal or even carry a firearm in. was made to have the case continued got a break on Monday when the He says he was wearing basketball to a later date, but Judge Davis denied Hudson Capi is unlike most young people his charges against him were dropped. shorts with no drawstring, and if he this request. Capi’s trial was quickly dismissed by had tried to carry a gun in them, his Since the case did not result in an age; he is willing to fight to go to school. Judge Jenifer M. Davis. pants would have fallen down. actual verdict, it is possible that the The case was dismissed against Capi, who Capi had entered a ‘not guilty’ Capi’s cousin, Rony Boyer, was also state may re-file the charges if they faced a third degree felony charge of posses- plea, maintaining that his arrest was arrested for possession of a firearm on are able to collect witness depositions. sion of a weapon on school property stemming based around a case of mistaken iden- school property, due to the AK-47 as- Following his arraignment, Capi from an incident in which he allegedly dropped tity, and that neither he nor any of sault rifle located in the trunk of his said that this whole incident had a handgun on the Valencia College West Campus the other occupants of the vehicle he car. Charges were dropped against been a source of major embarrass- during an altercation. was arrested in were anywhere near Boyer, who was the legal owner of the ment for him and his family. With Capi was always confident that he would come out on top. “I know this thing is going to get the scene of the fight. He claimed to weapon, which was properly secured the dismissal of his case, his life may Bryan Levine / Valencia Voice have been picked up simply because in accordance to Florida state laws. return to normal. Hudson Capi at his pre trial in Orlando, Oct. 12 cleared up,” he said at his pre-trial hearing on Oct. 12. He said his biggest concern was being able to continue his education. A fight breaks out in The possession charge Capi’s arraignment is set Public defender Tiffany Capi was expelled from Valencia following a Building 3 at West Cam- against Rony Boyer is for July 26. Henson re-affirms Capi’s plea pus. Reports of a student dropped. of ‘not guilty’ at a pre-trial formal disciplinary hearing. He is banned from all Capi pleads “not guilty.” with a gun are made. hearing. campuses under a trespass order. Valencia representatives would not comment Hudson Capi and his cous- Capi’s pre-trial is set for The State Attorney’s Of- in, Rony Boyer, are arrested October 12, and his trial fice attempts to get witness on the possibility of re-admitting Capi. for possession of a firearm for October 17. depositions, but the two key Capi said that where he continued his educa- on school property. Capi speaks to Valencia witnesses do not appear. tion was not important, and hoped that the inci- Voice so his side of the Capi makes bond and is The charges are dropped dent wouldn’t “mess up” his chances at getting in story can be heard. released from jail. against Capi and the case is another school if he cannot return to Valencia. dismissed by circuit Judge Jenifer M. Davis. “I want to get the message out there that I want to go back to school,” he said. “I don’t care if it is at May June July Oct Front cover photo by Christopher Correa / Valencia Voice Valencia or not, I just want to go back.”

“I own a gun for protection for my family. The gun laws are fair, but they need to change how easy it is to obtain a gun. I know people who have guns and they shouldn’t.” — Sherlyn Leonard, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 3 Valencia steps up security message, of emergency events on campus, students to the appropriate resources so Gun incident which are now being integrated into social they can be restored to model students.” media and the college website. Safety procedures prompts changes “Right now it is an opt-in program,” The May gun incident was handled said Lopez. Students can sign up through a quickly and without injury, so most people By Shay Castle link on their Atlas homepage. The system on campus weren’t even aware that anything [email protected] has seen a “nominal increase” in participa- had happened. Few professors followed the tion, but the numbers are still lower than protocol of ‘locking down’ their classrooms, Valencia has stepped up security follow- Lopez would like. “I have made the rec- but those that did were left to wait in the ing an incident during summer semester in ommendation to the college for the alert dark for an all clear that never came. which a gun was brought on West Campus. program to be an opt-out program, where That feature has been added to official “It took us back to review our re- students are signed up automatically and procedures, said Lopez. The CRT (Cam- sponse protocols,” said Tom Lopez, AVP have to choose to opt out of it.” pus Response Team), is now charged with of security, safety, and risk management Behavior assessment checking every building on campus to make for Valencia College. “We continue to “Valencia takes great pride in student sure people know it is safe. Evacuation revisit and reassess.” success,” Lopez said. “The means to that procedures were also revisited following Lopez, a former police chief, highlighted is to know how to respond to situations the water main break on West Campus that Sebastian Arbelaez / Valencia Voice the biggest changes the school has made to involving disruptive students, so we can forced a campus closure and evacuation. Changes to security procedures after the gun incident are evident throughout Valencia’s campuses. ensure students’ safety remains a priority. remove them from the environment and “Those incidents led us to be more crit- Greater police presence restore peace and order.” ical of ourselves in terms of how we evacu- “It is next to impossible to know how there, they are visible.” In addition to the five or six Valencia A behavioral assessment team, includ- ate the campuses,” Lopez said. The school many students are on campus at one time,” Events like the gun incident are rare, security officers on campus during the day, ing the dean of students and security of- now has a plan for local law enforcement Lopez said. “An open campus presents a and usually a result of a dispute between there is, at minimum, one police officer on ficials, evaluates disruptive behaviors and to direct traffic flow out of campus, and an challenge.” An ‘open campus’ is one that students who know each other. Lopez campus at all times during the week when decides the best course of discipline. The alternate site was chosen for those students invites the public on site without regulat- points to this particular case to prove that classes are in session. It is this police presence team is trained to get the best estimate of a riding the Lynx bus and being picked up ing parking. Anyone can come in on the student are safe from “random accosting,” that sets Valencia apart from other commu- person, to see if it is a continual problem or by parents or friends. buses or park their car and walk around something that has not been an issue for nity colleges in terms of security, Lopez said. an isolated incident that is causing the be- Room for improvement the school. Events are open to the public, Valencia. He also reminded students that “We are unique. My peers at other col- havior. With that process, students can get Valencia does not have means of track- as are services such as the dental clinic. no one sustained injury, and the weapon leges don’t have contracted law enforcement,” re-directed to the appropriate resources. ing the exact number of persons on cam- Lopez remains optimistic about the was recovered by staff within seconds of he said. On campus officers carry Valencia This process allows officials to distin- pus as any given time. The SASS data safety of Valencia’s campuses, and his posi- being spotted. radios, and typically respond within five guish between the student who continually warehouse keeps track of how many stu- tive attitude is supported by a good history of “We’ll never know what was at the root of minutes of the first call. conflicts with the values of Valencia Col- dents should be on campus for different low crime. In part, Lopez said, this is due to the problem,” Lopez said. “The goal of Valen- Valencia alert system lege, and those who are reacting to stress. times of day and days of the week, depend- the constant presence of his security team. cia was to make sure the safety of the campus The security team has worked hard to “So many things can be affecting ing on class enrollments, campus events, “I’ll hear students say they see secu- was reasonably assured, and we did that.” create and maintain a system which noti- students; parents separating, health condi- etc, but those are general guidelines, not rity guards just sitting around or driving The rest, he said, is up to law enforce- fies students, staff, and faculty via text tions, finances. It is good to re-direct those an exact number. the carts,” he said. “The point is; they are ment and the legal system.

“I don’t think the gun laws are strict, and I would get one because I have gotten things stolen from me.” — Anthony Lamson, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 4

County waiting periods Sharpshooters push for safety unaffected by new laws By Mark Schlueb Suggest stricter state standards Orlando Sentinel If the Legislature’s aim in ordering the repeal of all local By Shay Castle like that it is all discipline, not physical. gun laws was to clear up confusion over a hodgepodge of [email protected] It’s all concentration. You are shooting rules, it didn’t work. against yourself, not other people.” Gun-rights advocates applauded new penalties that went For all the talk about colleges being Smith shot for six years in 4-H into effect this month for city and county politicians who pass bastions for liberal thought, it might competitions, and one year with the or enforce local gun laws. The rush to kill firearm ordinances surprise people to know that many Va- NRA, aiming for a target no bigger meant gun owners wouldn’t have to worry about inadvertent- lencia students not only support gun than the tip of a pen from 20-40 me- ly violating the law by visiting a city with different rules. rights, but take advantage of them. ters away. Olympic shooters manage But it turns out, one of the most widely applied rules, Many students actively employ their scores of 100 across the board, and waiting periods that vary by county, is unaffected. Today, Or- Second Amendment rights by owning Smith was shooting an average 92 ange County is expected to repeal several local firearms reg- weapons, and their knowledge, skill kneeling 96-97 prone. ulations, including a three-day waiting period for handgun level, and respect for the potentially He no longer participates in com- purchases. But other counties have no plans to repeal their deadly instruments is impressive. petitive shooting. “Too expensive,” he waiting periods, which often exceed state law. said. But he still has his guns. It’s creating confusion for gun buyers and sellers who ex- Courtesy of Florida Security Training Academy “I’m not going to get rid of them pected the Legislature’s action to erase all local firearm rules. ‘The laws aren’t too strict, Student Dave Thomas (left) practices proper weapon handling during his safety training. in case I ever need them again. You “I’m sure there are a lot of mom-and-pop stores that as- but they need to make people take classes, they need to make know, in case of a zombie apocalypse permit and class D and G licenses, within 10 feet, and it’s all over in 2 sume those local waiting periods are gone,” said Charles them cheaper. I don’t know or nuclear fall out.” which allows open carry for on duty seconds. The average person doesn’t O’Meara of Shoot Straight Inc., which owns six gun stores how you do that, but that’s Smith is in favor of the current gun police officers and security guards. know statistics. ” around the state, including Apopka and Casselberry. what they should do.’ laws, but thinks safety classes should be “All the classes I’ve taken, it’s pret- Though Thomas thinks gun own- The state already imposes a three-day waiting period for — Devon Smith required for people to own a weapon. ty intense,” he said. Thomas spent 42 ers need to be better informed, he the purchase of handguns. But Florida voters amended the “I would say that the majority of hours of class time for the D license doesn’t want to change the laws. state constitution in 1998 to give counties the authority to en- people probably don’t know what and 32 hours for G license, including “I think Florida is the best out of act their own waiting periods. These county waiting periods “I used to shoot competition .22 they are doing,” he said. “I think they range time. That made the concealed all the states for gun activists for peo- can be as long as five business days and can apply not just to precision air rifle in NRA competi- should make everybody who owns a carry class, at a mere four hours, seem ple who enjoy their rights. It’s a good handguns but to shotguns and rifles, too. tions,” said aerospace engineering ma- gun take a class, but it is so expensive inadequate by comparison. thing for responsible people.” The result can be puzzling for consumers. Someone who jor Devon Smith. Smith started out it would be wrong to say, ‘You have to “Classes should be longer, harder, Smith agrees. “The laws aren’t buys a shotgun in Hillsborough County must wait three shooting for a project with his 4-H do that, but give us $120.’” and more informative on what some too strict, but they need to make days to take delivery, but could leave the store with his new club when he was 10 years old, and was Dave Thomas, a general studies ma- of the issues are versus how to stop it,” people take classes, they need to shotgun the same day in neighboring Polk County. The hooked. “It was our club project. The jor, knows how expensive classes can be. he said. “For the D and G classes, they make them cheaper. I don’t know same buyer has to wait five days in Palm Beach, Broward adults started their own shooting club, Thomas, who hopes to go into teach you that 80 percent of shoot- how you do that, but that’s what they and Miami-Dade counties. and I was like, ‘I like this,’” he said. “I criminal justice, has a concealed carry ings happen within 25 feet, 60 percent should do.” — MCT Campus

“Guns are fine. Everyone should be able to access a gun, but gun laws should be strict enough to make humans feel safe.” — Timothy Gross, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 5 Rollins robbery suspects still at large By Fred Lambert another crime found its way onto Rollins’ [email protected] campus in the early morning of Sept. 19. Seminole County sheriffs chased down Guns on Valencia is not the only Central Florida three suspects fleeing in a vehicle that was campus dealing with gun crimes. believed to be stolen. A pair of Rollins College students were The pursuit ended and the suspects Campus robbed at gunpoint on Sept. 25 near Rollins’ were immediately apprehended after Holt Hall dorm area at the bright and sunny abandoning their vehicle and attempting Recent incidents hour of 2:30 p.m. escape by way of the campus soccer field. The students were in a parked car before Winter Park police and the Seminole at Florida colleges being approached by a Red Chevy Tahoe or sheriffs coordinated, sweeping the area and GMC Yukon. An armed gunman emerged recovering two firearms. A third was discov- from the vehicle and accosted the two stu- ered in nearby bushes the next day, accord- Christopher Correa / Valencia Voice dents, relieving them of their wallets. Anoth- ing to a Rollins Timely Notification Bulletin. er suspect was driving the SUV; both were Winter Park police described the two By Mary Stevens described in a Timely Notification Bulletin incidents as having no connection, and [email protected] Courtesy of the Winter Park Police Department from Rollins’ website as African-American the high-speed pursuit ending on Rollins’ Police sketch of the Rollins robber, described as an Sept. 25 — Armed robbers accosted two Rollins College students near the dorms males between 20 and 30 years of age. campus as pure coincidence. African-American male between 20-30 years old. at two in the afternoon, pistol-whipping one across the face. The gun wielding suspect was said to Valencia’s Tom Lopez, assistant vice May 26 — A gun was dropped, and quickly recovered, during an argument on have shoulder-length dreadlocks, baggy president of security, safety and risk man- informed and on the lookout. The investi- Valencia’s West Campus. clothes and darker skin than the driver, who agement said that he was in email corre- gation of the Sept. 25 mugging is ongoing, May 7 — Officer Randy Davidson was forced to retire after he used a stun gun on was noted to be of “lighter complexion.” spondence with Rollins security, and they and the Winter Park police have declined to a student at Rollins College. One of the students was pistol-whipped had made arrangements to keep an eye out comment on further details of the case. Jan. 9 — FSU student Ashley Cowie, 21, was shot and killed after a gun was ac- in the mouth before the two thieves sped off, for the suspects from the Sept. 25 incident. Any information about this crime or cidentally fired at an off-campus fraternity house. according to a press release from the Winter If incidents like this occur on Valencia the suspects involved can be reported to May 5, 2010 — The University of Miami was put under lock down after a man Park Police Department. The identities of the campuses, the typical procedure is to send CrimeLine at 407-423-TIPS, or detective was seen walking around with a gun. Officials arrested the suspect and identi- students are not being released. out a bulletin similar to the Timely Notifi- Phil Owen of the Winter Park Police De- fied the weapon as a toy gun. This incident came just days after cations that Rollins issues, keeping students partment at 407-644-3316. Nov. 20, 2009 — The University of Miami was put on lock down when four sus- pects fired a BB gun. A student was injured when a BB gun pellet hit her arm. No other injuries were reported. 1999 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Oct. 6, 2009 — The University of South Florida was frozen for over three hours af- 13 7 5 32 5 13 8 6 ter three reports of gunmen with a bomb and a knife were made. Vincent Thomas Columbine Brookfield, Nickel Mines, Virginia Tech N. Illinois Binghamtom, N.Y. Appomattox, Va. Tucson, Perry McCoy, 23, was arrested for the false reports, the result of a practical joke. (Colo.) Wis. Pa. University University Ariz. July 24, 2009 — Students at University of South Florida in Tampa were forced High School 5 9 into lock down mode for over an hour after a man called the crisis line saying he Pearcy, Ark. Hartford, Conn. 9 People killed in mass had a gun he intended to use. No shots were fired, and the man, whose identity 9 Red Lake, 10 5 was not released, was subdued. Atlanta Minn. shootings since 1999 Samson, Ala. Bellville, Texas

“I own guns for protection and as a hobby. I go hunting at times or to the gun range, but they are always locked in cases.” — Joe Haars, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 6 Gun battle cracking to life in congress Working to make laws same in all states

By Fred Lambert Fourteenth Amendment (which says that visitors to carry concealed firearms even if [email protected] no state may create laws that “abridge the those visitors have not met the standards privileges or immunities of citizens of the for carrying a concealed weapon in the Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) introduced Unites States.”) The NRTCRA goes on to state they are visiting.” H.R. 822, otherwise known as the National claim other justifications, including that 48 This all comes less than a year after the Right-To-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011, states issue concealed carry permits; most Orlando Weekly reported the gun-slaying of in February. This legislation would enable people who exercise the right to carry con- a Philadelphia resident named Irving Santana relatively legal ease for owners of concealed cealed handguns are law abiding and “pro- by Marquis Hill, in an article titled “Shoot carry permits traveling state boundaries, vide crime prevention or crime resistance First, Ask Questions Later.” Hill had been making the licenses for carrying stashed benefits” and that prevention of legally car- stripped of his Pennsylvania concealed car- handguns valid across states where they are rying concealed firearms outside a person’s ry permit after assaulting a police officer in already awarded to local residents. home state “interferes with the constitu- court, but easily obtained another in Florida, “Just as driving licenses are valid in tional right of interstate travel, and inter- whose laws provide that out-of-state citizens other states,” Rep. Stearns said, “this would state commerce.” may apply for a permit due to the high fre- make it the same for carry permits.” quency of non-resident visitors, or tourists. The plan has drawn fire from others Florida’s standards for receiving a per- in Congress, namely Rep. Bobby Scott (D- ‘If your’re going to have a concealed mit are much more lax than many states, VA), a member of the House Subcommit- weapons permit and you have to leave the and don’t provide for police discretion in tee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland state, you should be able to have that with the issuing process as states like Pennsylva- Security. Scott contends that the bill will you without being prosecuted.’ nia do, according to the Weekly. If an ap- interfere with a state’s right to be selective plicant meets the basic standards, they are — Matthew Anderson, in who they issue a permit to. Computer Information Technology given the permit. “Setting aside for a moment the issue of Since Hill’s offense was only marked whether it’s a good idea to allow or encour- as disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor, he age the carrying of concealed firearms,” Scott made the cut. The truth is that Florida is said in a subcommittee hearing on Sept. 13, Scott finds his reasoning with law en- in reciprocity agreements with many states “it would certainly be unwise and improper forcement in places like Virginia. Citing already (34, according to Handgunlaw.us), displayed by Bobby Scott, who referred to about how best to protect their citizens.” for us to discard the ability of states to protect a letter from the Virginia Association of and one is Pennsylvania. H.R. 822 would state’s rights at the Sept. 13 subcommittee Scott said. “However, we in Congress must the safety of their own citizens.” Chiefs of Police at the subcommittee hear- merely extend this to a national level. hearing. “If a state decides to enter into a not strip them of the power to decide and This controversy trails back to the US ing on Sept. 13, he read, “H.R 822 would The Santana slaying is just one example reciprocity agreement with another state, as to protect the safety of their citizens.” Constitution. H.R. 822 cites the reasser- severely undermine state concealed carry of how differing state gun laws could com- many states do, that is their right and they tion of the Second Amendment, and of the licensing systems by allowing out of state plicate the matter of the NRTCRA, a feeling continue to exercise independent judgment — Continued on next page

“As long as the right people have them, I think it should be allowed.” — Kenny Adomopoulos, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 7

­— Continued from previous page

As the bullets zip through the House, it almost seems like a partisan battle with fa- Safe storage of miliar tones to it – Republicans vouching for gun owners and Democrats fighting for gun control – but the bill is in fact co-sponsored firearms required by North Carolina Democrat Heath Shuler, along with 244 other representatives from both sides of the aisle. This debate seems to Section 790.174, Florida Statutes transcend party lines, at least for now, and should provide an interesting display of side- 1. A person who stores or leaves, on a premise under his or her control, taking once a vote comes around. a loaded firearm, as defined in s. 790.001, and who knows or reasonably Where does the rest of America stand should know that a minor is likely to gain access to the firearm without the on this fractious issue? Valencia students lawful permission of the minor’s parent or the person having charge of the weighed in, and many sounded off in sup- minor, or without the supervision required by law, shall keep the firearm in port of Stearn’s plan. a securely locked box or container or in a location which a reasonable per- “I do think that having concealed hand- son would believe to be secure or shall secure it with a trigger lock, except gun licenses will help crime rate go down,” when the person is carrying the firearm on his or her body or within such said Stefan Castro, senator of government Christopher Correa / Valencia Voice close proximity thereto that he or she can retrieve and use it as easily and affairs in Valencia’s SGA. With every state making their own gun laws, congress is now being pushed for standard regulations. quickly as if he or she carried it on his or her body. “It makes sense, for what they’re going for,” said Matthew Anderson, a computer in- Bill Symolon, professor of US Govern- reasonable accommodations, and I think 2. It is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. formation technology major. “If you’re going ment and International Politics at Valen- the states should have enough respect for 775.082 or s. 775.083, if a person violates subsection (1) by failing to store or to have a concealed weapons permit and you cia’s Winter Park Campus, referenced the each other to realize that no state is going leave a firearm in the required manner and as a result thereof a minor gains have to leave the state, you should be able to Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Consti- to willingly and knowingly give a permit access to the firearm, without the lawful permission of the minor’s parent or have that with you without being prosecuted.” tution when asked about his stance on H.R. to someone who is mentally unbalanced the person having charge of the minor, and possesses or exhibits it, without Economics major Micheal Sloan, who 822. “I like the idea of Federalism, where and shouldn’t have a gun.” the supervision required by law: sat next to Anderson chatting between states control what happens within their Washington should remain a con- classes, chimed in. “I think it falls in line own limits,” he said. “In the same token, tested skirmish zone as the National In a public place; or with other acts and public records that the Constitution already requires states to Right-To-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011 states are obliged to recognize, such as honor the laws of other states.” gains momentum in the coming months In a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner in violation of s. 790.10. criminal records and marriages,” he said. Symolon, a former Marine officer and and President Obama tries passing his Others weren’t completely on-board Vietnam-veteran, scoffed at Rep. Scott’s jobs bill. The House Judiciary Commit- This subsection does not apply if the minor obtains the firearm as a re- with the NRTCRA, like Maria Siciliano. “I arguments against the bill. “I hesitate to tee is marking up H.R.822, or consider- sult of an unlawful entry by any person. don’t think they should be carried around agree with any law or regulation that’s ing amendments to it, during mid-Octo- really, because when people have it they’re trying to prevent all bad things from hap- ber. Amid this, Americans should squint 3 As used in this act, the term “minor” means any person under the age of 16. going to use it. It’s not always good people pening. You can’t prevent them from hap- through the smoke to gain a clear per- — Courtesy of ‘The State Senate,’ that get the license,” she said “But I do like pening. Bad things are going to happen,” spective of where their cross-state gun 2011 Florida Statutes - 790.174 going to the shooting range a lot.” he said. “The best you can hope for is rights are headed over the next year.

“We should have guns, but only at our homes to protect the family, not in the car or with you.” — Ken Squazzo, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 8 You cannot own a gun in Florida if: Guns ranges review safety procedures You have renounced US citizenship

You are a fugitive from justice After rise in range related suicides

By Jennifer DiDomenico Between April and July of 2009, three You are currently under arrest or [email protected] suicides occurred at different central Flori- charged with any felony da gun ranges. The most notorious of these The suicide rate in the United States is involved a mother, Marie Moore, 44, who You are currently under arrest or extremely high. According to the American took her son Mitchell, 20, out for a regu- charged with any crime of violence Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), lar afternoon activity at the Shoot Straight (including domestic violence) over 36,000 Americans die by suicide every range in Casselberry, Florida. year- 57% of those with a gun. Before she took her own life, she used You are currently under arrest or A woman sued Walmart in 2004 for the rented gun to shoot her son in the back charged with a crime relating to con- selling her daughter, a young, diagnosed of the head as he aimed at the target. The trolled substances manic-depressant schizophrenic, a shot murder suicide was captured on security gun, which she used to commit suicide. cameras at the gun range. You have been convicted of using a fire- According to CBS News’ resources, the The woman wasn’t diagnosed medically arm while under the influence of alcoholic company did perform a background check. with a mental disorder, but a suicide note beverages, chemical substances, or con- However, the woman’s name did not show to her boyfriend revealed that she had been trolled substances in the past three years up in the database. hearing voices and having delusions, be- Former Valencia student Kat Norcross lieving her son to be the Anti-Christ. Hilda M. Perez, Orlando Sentinel, MCT Campus You have been charged with public intoxi- was able to relate to this issue. She knew “I had to send my son to heaven and Rhonda Kirkland, Sarah Price and Adrian Dozier practice shooting at ‘Shoot Straight Gun’ range in Fla. cation, disorderly intoxication, or driving a young man who took his own life in the myself to Hell,” Moore wrote in the letter. under the influence in the past three years same manner. Moore had also been thrown out of a according to a statement by Shoot Straight ary of 2010, and cannot be refiled. “It wasn’t his dad’s gun or anything. It gun range for suicidal talk once before, as attorney Joerg Jaeger reported in the Or- The gun ranges still rent guns without a You are an unlawful user of a con- was a gun that he bought somewhere. He reported by the Orlando Sentinel. Since lando Sentinel. background check, which is required to pur- trolled substance was seventeen,” said Norcross. “Guns are a background checks are not required to rent Tommy McWilliams, 27, sent a suicide chase a gun. Representatives from several sort of snowball-effect weapon.” a gun at a shooting range, these issues were note to his mother on her cell phone just central Florida ranges declined to comment. You have been involuntarily committed Statistics show a high rate of suicides in unknown to Shoot Straight employees. moments before taking his own life at the During a survey this week, Valencia to a mental institution shooting ranges. Shooting ranges are areas Another suicide later the same month Casselberry location in June of this year. students were asked their opinion on gun designed for the practice of firearm use to at the Casselberry location prompted the Another man attempted to kill himself at control and who they believe should be able You are a Veteran of the Armed Forces gain various skills. Several ranges can be chain to alter its policies regarding rentals. the Apopka Shoot Striaight in August, but to have a gun in possession. Though many were you discharged under dishonor- found throughout the state of Florida, along Jason McCarthy, a 26 year-old from Winter failed to mortally wound himself. The man’s students believe guns are okay for safety able conditions with nearly every state in the United States. Springs took his own life three weeks after name had not been released at press time. purposes, student Annie Curtis does not. The only requirement to rent and shoot a the Moore murder-suicide. Shoot Straight The gun range chain faced a wrongful “Guns are not a tool of safety,” she said. You suffer from a physical infirmity gun in a semi-private booth, in Florida, is suspended the rental of guns for one year death suit for the Moore murder-suicide “They give people the authority and ability that prevents the safe handling of a a Florida identification card for someone after the incidents, but began the practice from Mitchell Moore’s father, Marvin. The to hurt others.” weapon or firearm over the age of 18. again to be competitive with other ranges, suit was dismissed with prejudice in Janu- Shay Castle also contributed to this story.

“I don’t own a gun because I’m scared of them. I don’t really care about guns as long as those who own one have a background check.” — Allison Conrad, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 9 Accused Seal Beach shooter faces charges, victims families By Mona Shadia Tony Rackauckas is seeking. member he lost. Wednesday with a bulletproof vest and three Beach Police Chief Tim Olson. Huntington Beach Independent, Calif. The arraignment for Scott Evans A woman shouted, “I hate you! I hate guns, Rackauckas said. He allegedly stopped The case was forwarded to a family Dekraai, 41, at the Central Justice Center in you!” repeatedly at Dekraai, just as Judge to reload his gun amid the rampage. law court, Olson said. The Huntington Beach man accused Santa Ana was postponed to Nov. 29. His Erick L. Larsh dismissed court for the day. “For almost two minutes, Dekraai shot All of the victims who died were shot in the worst shooting rampage in Orange defense attorney requested more time to Attorney Robert Curtis of Jarvis & victim after victim, executing eight people multiple times in the head and chest. Some County appeared in court Friday, where prepare for the case and assemble a team. Krieger appeared on Dekraai’s behalf. by shooting them in the head and chest,” survived by hiding or playing dead. he faced eight counts of first-degree Dekraai showed no signs of guilt or The Long Beach-based family law firm Rackauckas said. “He was not done. He About 20 people were in the salon when murder, one count of attempted murder remorse. He gave one-word answers and represented Dekraai during his child the attack began, Rackauckas said. and the pained remarks of the victims’ stated his full name loudly and with clar- custody battle with his ex-wife. The motive of the rampage, Rackauckas ‘When a person, in a case such as this, grieving family members. ity. Family members and friends appeared Jarvis & Krieger plans to assemble a said, was revenge. goes on a rampage and kills innocent The charges in Orange County Supe- distraught, holding back and wiping tears. defense team of attorneys from outside the Dekraai was not satisfied with killing people in an indiscriminate, bloody rior Court include special circumstanc- “Coward!” one shouted. firm, Curtis said. Dekraai chose not to use only his ex-wife; instead, he went about massacre, I will, of course, seek the es that could result in the death penalty, “Scumbag!” said another. the aid of a public defender. killing others because he believed they were death penalty.’ which Orange County District Attorney One man held two photos of a family Davis asked Larsh to allow Dekraai to “enablers” and supporters of Fournier, the — Orange District Attorney, take his anti-psychotic medication and use district attorney said. Tony Rackauckas a spinal cord stimulator that he has been During the incident, Dekraai’s son was using since his 2007 boating accident. reportedly at his school principal’s office Larsh said he would have a team of then walked out of the salon and shot a waiting to be picked up. “That little boy is doctors review Dekraai’s condition and ninth victim, a male, who was sitting near- also a victim,” Rackauckas said. “He is now determine his needs. by in a parked Range Rover.” left to mourn the murder of his mother, and Prosecutors expect an insanity defense. Dekraai’s ex-wife, Michelle Fournier, grow up with the knowledge that his father Curtis said after court that he may file a whom he was reportedly targeting following committed a mass murder.” change-of-venue motion to relocate Dekraai’s their bitter custody battle over their 8-year- — MCT Campus case because he believes it could be hard for old son, was among the first two killed. Dekraai to get a fair trial in Orange County. Dekraai is known to have had a con- Earlier in the day, in an emotional press tact with Fournier the day of the shooting, conference, Rackauckas appeared shaken by although it was unclear who initiated the the details and held back tears as he spoke. contact or if it was by phone. “There are some crimes that are so de- Dekraai and Fournier had a custody praved, so callous, so malignant, that there is hearing in court Tuesday, the day before only one punishment that will fit the crime,” the shooting, that did not go Dekraai’s way, he said. “When a person, in a case such as Rackauckas said. this, goes on a rampage and kills innocent Several months ago, Fournier called people in an indiscriminate, bloody massa- the Seal Beach Police Department to re- cre, I will, of course, seek the death penalty.” port a dispute about Dekraai picking their Mark Boster, Los Angeles Times / MCT Allen J. Schaben, Los Angeles Times / MCT Prepared to commit murder, Dekraai son up from school before the court had Shooting suspect Scott Dekraai, 41, faces Two women place flowers at the memorial for the eight victims of the Oct. 12 mass shooting. walked into the Salon Meritage at 1:20 p.m. granted him permission, said acting Seal eight felony counts of first degree murder.

“I have no need for a gun. I don’t really know too much about gun control in Florida, but I think they should be more strict.” — Jean Chosil, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 10

YOUR VOICE No real safety on campus with guns

By Gary Stein sidering campus-carry laws, with Texas expected tional parks, in Starbucks you name it -- and now Sun Sentinel to enact one this year. Yep, Texas thinks it’s great the GLA (Gun Lovers Lobby) wants to make sure to have students and professors armed to the teeth you have your God-given right to carry your Glock Ah, college. A place of higher learning. A place with concealed weapons. Things could get very dic- onto campus. to broaden your horizons and improve your spiri- ey in Psych 101, if you get my drift. Why? The GLA doesn’t need a reason why. They Ted Richardson, Raleigh News & Observer / MCT Campus tual being. A place to socialize with many types of Florida is hardly innocent here. SB234 would just say why not? And gun-loving (and GLA-fear- A small group of Virginia Tech faculty and students gather to honor people. A place to have a beer or two. delete the current prohibition against carrying a ing) legislators go along with it. the anniversary of the shootings and to protest gun proliferation. And hey, a great place to carry your weapon in weapon on the property of colleges, universities, Crazy? Sure. case you have to blow somebody away, right? and certain other schools. Just make sure when you send your kid a care That’s the way the world is going, folks. Kind of makes you feel warm and fuzzy all over, package to school, you include ammo along with There are presently about a dozen states con- doesn’t it? We have guns all over the place -- in na- cookies and cereal. Students have right to self-defense By Rofkens Petit-Homme with law enforcement taking the final shot. What will be the consequences of allowing Melina Yingling, Judy Treible / MCT Special to Valencia Voice As of right now only one state allows concealed weapons on campus? weapons on a post-secondary educational campus; One of the biggest debates in every state legis- Guns. Pun aside, it’s a loaded word. Place the Utah. Legislation was passed last February by State lative building is about gun-safety. Why shouldn’t term with anything related to any physical educa- Senator Greg Evers to allow citizens to carry con- public and private educational institutions be on tion environment, and the conversation becomes cealed weapons, effectively lifting the ban in place top of this inevitable skyscraper? even more tense. on colleges and universities in the state. If a political extremist, or suicidal gun-person hap- The State of Florida Statue 790.115 says, “Possess- One of the reasons people attend and commit pen to infiltrate campus walls, emergency law enforce- ing or discharging weapons or firearms at a school- to post-secondary education is to be informed and ment will probably be to late to avoid any casualties. sponsored event or on school property prohibited.” taught aspects of survival and independence. Why If there is a plan to take down the perpetrator already Anyone caught with any type of weapon on campus then can we not talk seriously about allowing stu- developed, the emotional bearings of contacting loved can and will be arrested. But what about self defense? dents to carry concealed weapons on campus? ones of the afflicted can be diminished significantly. Multiple instances have occurred on collegiate Why can’t responsible student citizens bring The thought of someone taking another per- campuses, where a shooter has gone on a rampage, their own weapons on campus? son’s life for no apparent reason is a daunting one. killing anyone with in sight of the barrel of their Why not develop a top notch system to monitor Although if there is a slight chance to save doz- Oliver Douliery, Abaca Press, MCT Campus boom stick. In the Virginia Tech scenario it ended weapon holders? (That should have tons of compa- ens, with the help of a fellow Second Amendment Demostrators carried their weapons openly at rally in Arlington, in a murder-suicide. Other shootings have ended nies foaming at the mouth to develop.) supporters, it shall pass. Virginia, citing Second Amendment issues as their cause for protest.

“I have a gun for self defense. Guns should be allowed. You never know when you need it to defend yourself.” — Jamarcus Lane, Valencia student Valenciawww.ValenciaVoice.com Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College SPORTS June XX, 2011 1111 MY VOICE Special Report Staff

Editor-in-chief Shay Castle Christopher Correa-Ortega Jennifer DiDomenico Managing Editors Bryan Levine Brittany Gil Do guns keep America safe? Jeff Shedden Juan Gutierrez Mary Stevens Neda Hamdan Fred Lambert By Shay Castle They don’t work, because I’m not afraid of sit- the War of 1812? James Tutten Lawrence Laguna [email protected] uations that, statistically, are unlikely. It definitely hasn’t hurt our chances. An un- Photo Editor Sebastian Arbelaez Hadassah Lansiquot Which is why I was surprised when his armed population is certainly easier to subdue. Web Editor Brittany Rose Manny Marquez Gun rights are a hot topic in which most next theory made me pause. Second Amendment supporters point to Joseph Morrison Ad Director Jeremy Williams people take a passionate stance on one side of “Why do you think this country has never their guns as the primary reason our own gov- Felicia Roopchand the issue or the other. That arena of discussion been invaded?” he asked. “It is because too ernment has not established tyrannical rule, Chief Designer Marianella Zapata Noriega Wesley Thompson is not a place you’d find many people who are many of us have guns. A military takeover but in today’s tumultuous global environment, wishy-washy on the Second Amendment. would never be successful.” the fear of invasion is far more real to me. Member, Associated Collegiate Press I thought I had my mind made up. You Lewis didn’t totally convert me. His lack have every right to own a weapon, but your “A well regulated Militia, of concern for gun registration and proper The opinions expressed are those of the Valencia Voice, its staff members and contributors, right ends at the expense of my safety. The being necessary to the security safety training, which are two measures that and are not necessarily those of Valencia College, its staff, faculty, or student body. proliferation of guns in this country means would go a long way in stemming a wide All content obtained from MCT Campus is paid for by the Valencia Voice. too many deadly weapons end up in the wrong of a free State, the right of the range of issues, was troubling. hands. Therefore, less guns equals more safety. people to keep and bear Arms, He opened my mind a little more, essen- But then I met Warren Lewis, an NRA shall not be infringed.” tial for a healthy debate that will hopefully recruiter and gun store owner. He went with — Second Amendment, lead to smarter solutions. We can only honor the old standby to try to convince me: If you U.S. Constitution the spirit of the Second Amendment when were in a restaurant and a gunman came in, people are protected from enemies, foreign wouldn’t you want a concealed carry person Could that be true? Are the nation’s 52 and domestic, and their fellow citizens. there to save you? million gun owners the key to our relative “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to I hate these types of arguments. Every gun domestic tranquility? Is this why no foreign the security of a free State, the right of the people rights supporter invokes fear-based scenarios. troops have set foot on mainland U.S. since to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Tweet of the Week “Eliminating open carry for guns in Calif. just means the gangs will wear baggier pants.” — @hale_razor

“I don’t feel there’s a purpose for guns. They should be more strict in Florida when it comes to gun laws.” — Chele Touze, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 12 Pinko hippie liberal gun nut Luger loving lefty proves that guns aren’t just for conservatives

By Jeff Shedden reason is that I’ve actually fired a gun. in the dead of Winter with 20 gauge shot- in her from time to time, though. I’ll never [email protected] Firearms have actually been a major guns. While my brother was at one station forget the time I was sitting up, late at part of my life since I was about 10 years spewing forth yee-haws and dadgums and night, playing videogames when my mom I’m about as liberal as a person can get. old. I joined the rifle team when I was at dang-olds, I was holding my own at the bursts in. She had heard a noise outside I’m rather anti-corporate, pro-tolerance, military school and did fairly well with other. At the end, our scores were very and I was still awake. “I need you to cover equal-rights and all the other squishy stuff. .22 rifles that we were issued. Rifle teams close, but from his expression, I may as me,” she said. It often comes to people’s surprise when use Daisy air rifles now, for some wimpy well have raised the Titanic. To most people this would sound they find out that I’m completely against reason I’m sure. There was just something There is something definitely mas- exciting, or even a little scary, right? I’m gun control. about the loud crack, the whiff of gun- culine about the power and the noise sure it would have been a tense mo- I also do not support the NRA, but powder, and the hole that appeared in the erupting from your hands, but it’s in no ment, were I not covering my mother that’s mostly because I don’t support any faraway target. way limited to those of us who are more who was bedecked in a pink, fuzzy corporatist lobbying group, and the NRA testosterone-laden. I have to lay much of robe, bunny slippers, a headfull of curl- heavily politicizes the issue. But the issue the blame for my acceptance of guns on ers and carrying the biggest hand can- is simple in that the Constitution says we We need to stop baby- my own sainted mother. non imaginable. It was like Dirty Harry get to have guns, and therefore we can My mother worked in the medical field meets Mama’s Family. have guns. sitting our population for many years, and then one day just up Luckily there was nothing actually hap- We can get down to semantics in deter- and decided that firearms were more fun pening outside. I don’t know how much mining what constitutes a gun- for ex- and saying what we than phlebotomy, and joined the police help I would have been since I was devot- ample, is a flame thrower a gun? If it’s not, can or can’t have. academy. She just recently retired from the ing all of my energy into not screaming then it can be restricted, and if it is, then Sheriff’s Department where she was con- in hysterical laughter. Actually, now that I it’s flambé time! sistently tops in marksmanship. I can say think about it, anybody sneaking around I agree that guns have a huge presence with great pride that my mom can circum- the back yard would be having similar in violent crime, and most murders are I recently got the chance to do trap cise a housefly with a shotgun. problems, so my mom was safe either way. committed by firearms. But people per- shooting with my brother for the very first When you visit some people’s mother’s My experience with guns has allowed fected the art of hurting and killing each time. My brother is somewhat of a redneck houses, you can open up drawers and find me to de-politicize the entire issue, and I other years ago. and really enjoys making things blow up knick-knacks, or knitting needles. At my can understand that they’re only as dan- So why is a pinko like me not trying real good. mom’s house, you find guns. She has big gerous as the person in control of them. to keep these mean, evil guns out of the He also forgets that while I’m more of a guns, little guns, guns for killing snakes, guns But I also have a little secret. hands of gun-toting Neanderthals? For city boy, I’ve always been pretty good with for turning intruders’ pants yellow, and even The only gun I currently own is a Nerf starters, my opinion is that we need to stop a boomstick. guns for picking off foreign despots. Maverick, and am not likely to own a real Courtesy of Susan Seay babysitting our adult population and say- While we are both accustomed to using The combination of guns and her firearm any time soon. Why? As fun as Jeff’s mother, Susan Seay, at her Alabama ing what we can or can’t have. The other guns, neither of us had shot clay pigeons profession instilled a little bit of paranoia they are, I don’t actually think I need one. home exercising her Constitutional rights.

“Guns should be more protected or else you risk putting them in the hands of criminals.” — Mike Wetherbee, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 13 Personal freedom above all, gun dealer says

By Shay Castle ber and tell you where it came from, but the [email protected] further down the line it goes, the chances of tracing it are slim to none. Warren Lewis, owner of Ballistic Gun & Are you opposed to registering guns? Pawn in Ocoee talks about all things guns, Yes. Why does anybody need to know from responsible ownership, safety, laws, how many guns I have and where I have and what needs to be changed, and what them. Why should I register my gun? Why will always stay the same. should you register your car? I’m a first time customer. I’ve never What guns do you have in your personal owned a gun before, and I walk into your collection? store to buy one. What’s the process? A little bit of everything. Some hunting Fill out a 4473. Everybody fills one of rifles, an AR-17, a few handguns, and an AK. these out. This is to make sure you are able What do you recommend in terms of to legally own and possess a firearm. This storing your guns in the house? takes about five minutes. If you do not have It all depends on what you’re going to use a Florida concealed weapons license, you your gun for. Guns are like tools, it depends have to wait three days on the purchase of on what the job is. If you have one in the a handgun. It’s called a cooling off period, house for home protection, you don’t want it in case you want to go do somebody harm. in the safe, disassembled, bullets over there. What if this comes through and a red That’s not going to do you any good. flag come up? You are an NRA recruiter. Do you rec- Then you don’t get the gun ommend being in the NRA to gun owners? How often does that happen? I do. Anybody that is concerned about

Very rarely. Most of the time people that Christopher Correa / Valencia Voice the second amendment, whether they own are convicted felons know they can’t come in Warren Lewis, owner of Ballistic Gun and Pawn in Ocoee, says law abiding citizens shouldn’t lose their rights because of criminals who steal guns. a gun or not, needs to be an NRA member. here and get a gun. They get it off the street. What are some of the benefits? What about the gun show loophole? Money and time. Six months $1,000. What type of gun would you recom- What about the cost for registering a gun? There is a long list of benefits. The num- There is no gun show loophole. That’s a Do you recommend safety classes to mend for first time buyers? There is no registration in the State of ber one reason is that the NRA is the most crock. Everyone who is a federally licensed first time buyers? A revolver. It’s real simple; you just load Florida. Period. Everybody thinks when powerful lobbyist organization fighting for firearms dealer makes buyers fill out one of No, there is nothing required that you the bullets, pull the trigger, and it goes bang. you fill out one of these, you are registering your Second Amendment right. Thanks to these (4473 forms.) The only thing that is have to have a safety class. Do I recommend If it doesn’t go bang, pull the trigger again. the gun. This goes through FDLE. The only them, the FDLE has 24 hours to destroy all maybe considered a loophole is private sell- them? Sometimes. A lot of times people What is the typical cost for a first time record of you owning and possessing that the information I have given them so that ers, but private sales between you and I is come in here, you can tell by the way they buyer? firearm stays with me in the shop. We keep they can’t compile a list of gun owners. nobody’s business. hold a gun and I give them pointers. I try to With a gun and some ammunition, all of these because the ATF says we have What does it take to be a licensed dealer? help them out that way. maybe $300 to $400. to. They can trace it back by the serial num- — Continued on next page

“I think guns are dangerous. They could get you in a lot of trouble if used wrong. I think guns should be more controlled.” — Tamara Heimer, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 14 ­— Continued from Page X Common weapon You only have to fire a weapon one time to qualify for your concealed carry license. & Is that enough? firearm definitions The law says the instructor has to see you safely discharge a firearm. Everybody does Concealed firearm: Any firearm which is carried on or about a person their classes a little different. It is not a gun in such a manner as to conceal the firearm from the ordinary sight of safety class. The concealed carry class is to another person. teach you the law as to where you can and can- not carry them. Christopher Correa / Valencia Voice Concealed weapon: Any dirk, metallic knuckles, slungshot, billie, tear Lewis recommends revolvers for first-time shooters. ‘You pull the trigger, and it goes bang. Simple.’ Like on government property and college gas gun, chemical weapon or device, or other deadly weapon carried on or about a person in such a manner as to conceal the weapon from campuses? it doesn’t work. Where do you think people get illegal guns? the ordinary sight of another person. They should be able to carry on campus. It If the citizens don’t have any guns, then They steal them. They don’t come in here would stop a lot of the things that people are the government can do anything they want to and buy them because 99 percent of them can’t Firearm: Any weapon which will, is designed to, or may readily thinking about. It doesn’t make any sense not do.Can they come through your town with an pass the background check. be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the to carry one. If the bad guys are going to come army tank? They can’t do that, because there How do you think we can stop guns from frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm in with guns, wouldn’t you like to have one? are too many people with guns out there. getting into the wrong hands? silencer; any destructive device; or any machine gun. You have to take a safety course do get your Think about why nobody has ever invaded When they get caught they should go to license to drive, but not for guns. Would you us on our home turf. It is because too many jail. They need to enforce the laws we have. Slingshot: A small mass of metal, stone, sand, or similar material fixed change that? citizens have guns. It would be impossible to Go and look at how many crimes were com- on a flexible handle, strap, or the like, used as a weapon. I think it’s fine like it is. It’s not that hard. Al- take us over. mitted by someone who legally owned and pos- ways treat your gun like it’s loaded, never point Do you think we are headed the way of sessed a gun. That’s not the problem. Weapon: Any dirk, knife, metallic knuckles, slungshot, billie, tear gas it at anything until you’re ready to shoot, keep no guns? The criminals are going to find a way to do gun, chemical weapon or device, or other deadly weapon except a fire- your finger off the trigger. It’s pretty simple. I think they will always try to take our guns, what they do, and if you pass more laws, the only arm or a common pocketknife, plastic knife, or blunt-bladed table knife. Anything you would change about gun laws? I don’t think they’ll ever be successful because people you are hurting are law abiding citizens. I think you should be able to carry wherev- there are too many of us. Like Charlton Heston The people who are going into Circle K and Electric weapon or device: Any device which, through the application er you want to carry. I do like the fact that you said, ‘From my cold, dead hands.’ sticking them up; do you think they care how or use of electrical current, is designed, redesigned, used, or intended to have to have a license to carry, but you should What would you say to people who are un- many laws you pass? They don’t. be used for offensive or defensive purposes, the destruction of life, or the be able to carry decided about where they stand on gun issues? What is the biggest issue facing gun infliction of injury. Are concealed carry laws more strict If you were in a restaurant, a bad guy come owners today? than ownership? in and starts shooting everybody up, wouldn’t One of the big things today is they are find- Dart-firing stun gun: Any device having one or more darts that are Same things apply to carry as it is to own you rather have somebody there beside you ing it hard to take your guns. They are focus- capable of delivering an electrical current. and possess. The only people that can open that is a concealed carry person, whether you ing on different avenues, like if you don’t have carry in state of Florida is on duty police of- want to or not? Don’t you think it’s their right any ammunition, your gun is pretty useless. Securely encased: In a glove compartment, whether or not locked; ficers and security officers. to do that? Its my choice, not yours, and don’t For me, it’s all about freedom. Leave me snapped in a holster; in a gun case, whether or not locked; in a What do you see for America if there tell me what I can and can’t do. alone. As long as I’m not bothering anybody zippered gun case; or in a closed box or container which requires were no guns? What would you say to me if I was com- else with what I do, why should anyone come a lid or cover to be opened for access. It would be total chaos. Look at the pletely against guns? along and tell me what to do? Florida statute 790.001 crime rates in countries have banned guns; I would say that you’re an idiot. Christopher Correa contributed to this story.

“Only responsible people should own a gun. I think it’s wrong to take away our right to the Second Amendment.” — Susannah Snavely, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 15 Gun Safety: Interview with Paul E. Rowe Criminal Justice Institute coordinator for Valencia talks trigger discipline By Marianella Zapata Noriega specific instructions by a certify firearms Is there any training that people can get [email protected] instructor. Normally it is going to be NRA when they go to a gun range? (National Rifle Association) instruction, A lot of times the range will ask if you With gun related accidents happening or you can benefit from a certified fire- need help with the weapon. If you are every day around the country, I sat down arm instructor from the law enforcement renting a weapon, all they will show you with Valencia Criminal Justice Institute’s department to come and give you a course is the particulars of how to open the slide, corrections coordinator Paul E. Rowe to or a class on firearm safety. the cylinder, how to load the weapon, and talk about gun safety. some principles on how to fire the weapon. Where do the students here do their fire- As far as safety training goes, there is What are some of the institute’s basic arms training? very little training for an individual going rules on safety while doing the firearms We do the training at the Sheriff’s into a gun range. portion of the training? office shooting range. When they rent the lanes to people The essential part of firearm training that bring guns of their own, they assume is safety, not how to shoot a weapon; it is There have been a lot of incidents in (and that gets a lot of people in trouble) how to handle a weapon safely. The owner shooting ranges. Any thoughts? that they know how to handle the weapon of the weapon must know how the weapon At Shoot Straight in Casselberry they’ve safely and that they have been trained on functions, how to store it in a safe condi- had three incidents. One was a mother who the weapon. A lot of times they haven’t. tion that follows Florida state statues. killed her son. As he was in the process of One of the biggest things is realiz- Marianella Zapata Noriega / Valencia Voice using a weapon, she walks behind him and ing firearms that don’t kill; people kill. A Students at Valencia College’s Criminal Justice Institute in one of their many in-class lectures. shots him then turns the gun on herself. firearm is an extension of the individual There have been another two incidents in who has it in their possession. Now de- For someone that wants to learn how to look for, when you get to riffles and shot- the same location where individuals have pending on what that individual wants to use a gun, what are the steps that they guns that is a whole different type. For gone in and committed suicide. do, depends whether or not that weapon is should take? protection most people get a handgun. Now how do you tell whether and indi- going to be used in commission of a felony, One of the first things that they should The next thing you have to decide vidual is suicidal or not? You don’t. By the which might be killing someone. do is think about their reason for getting a when you go to a gun store is what type of same token how do you look at a person gun. Most people will say protection. The gun do I want. If you make your mind up and tell whether they are a burglar or not? What are some of the things people question then is do you want it for self- for a revolver, then what name brand do You don’t know. should know before picking up a gun? protection or home protection. you want. Most people will look at the aes- There is no specific way of questioning You should never pick one up until the The second thing is to ask yourself thetics of the gun itself, does it look pretty? an individual when they come into a gun individual who has the gun explains how what kind of gun you want. There are two; Think about what type of gun you want range and knowing that one this individual to pick it up, how to hold it, and what the revolver and semi-automatic. Those are size wise, large or compact. is going to commit suicide or to commit Marianella Zapata Noriega / Valencia Voice function of the gun is. the two types of handguns that you would For the safety and so forward you need murder and then commit suicide. Students get back after finishing firearm training.

“I think you should be put through intense training to be able to own a guns. I think only police officers and people who have it on them for their jobs should be allowed to carry it on them daily.” — Estefania Zuluaga, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 16 Have video games become too violent? Graphic realism worries some, pleases others

By Manuel Marquez At the time and with the current tech- game: shoot and kill everything in your path. [email protected] nology, these games were considered vio- The difference lies in the amount of realism lent. Now with the improvements in tech- that is acceptable to the viewing audience. Violence Sells. But have video games nology, people don’t simply disappear in As the level of realism and gore has become more violent in order to sell more? a cloud of smoke. increased with the technology of video In the early years of gaming, violence Today when the enemies die, they games, some people have become more de- was less graphic, even cartoonish. In games bleed, they explode in chucks of meat, and sensitized to violence. such as Super Mario and Space Invaders a grotesque image of a corpse remains with This past weekend I attended a Major when you kill the enemy, they disappear the gunshot or cut wound left behind. League Gaming circuit where gamers were in a cloud of smoke or a small explosion. Just because the level of realism has shooting, stabbing, punching, and explod- When the hero dies, they simply fall off the changed does not mean that the games have ing each other to win money. They were screen or disappear like their enemies. become more violent, the goal is still the congratulated for their victories and all of their simulated kills. The crowd would stand and jeer, stop and shout whenever a player killed another player. While there I spoke to one of the cheering fans, Giovany Rodriguez. “I do think that video games have be- Courtesy of Electronic Arts. come more violent, but does it make a per- Bulletstorm encourages gamers to ‘kill with skill,’ rewarding players for uniquely killing enemies. son violent?” he asked. “I don’t think so. A stable person would know the difference people in general are more likely to be gam- that there are no lasting effects from video between fiction and reality.” ers — 90 percent of boys and 40 percent of games, while other researchers and poli- Does simulated violence make kids more girls play. The overwhelming majority of ticians like Indiana University School of violent? According to federal crime statis- kids who play do not commit antisocial acts. Medicine and Kansas State University want tics, the rate of juvenile violent crime in the The strongest risk factors for school you to believe that video games do “in- United States is at a 30-year low. Researchers shootings centered on mental stability and crease emotional arousal.” discover that people serving time for violent the quality of home life, not media expo- There have been numerous studies that crimes typically consume less media before sure, according to a 2001 U.S. Surgeon support both sides of the argument. The committing their crimes than the average General’s report. only thing that can be said for sure, in a person in the general population. There are two sides to every tale. Video business where consumers spend $25.1 It is true that young offenders who have game companies, and those whose rep- billion on video games, hardware and ac- Satah J. Glover, Philadelphia Inquirer / MCT committed school shootings in America resent them such as the Entertainment cessories, the effects of violent play are still The Bonners pictured at their home in Haddon Township, Pennsylvania, playing ‘Halo 2’ on XBOX 360. have been video game players. But young Software Association, want you to believe clouded in mystery.

“I don’t have a gun, but I think everyone should be able to have one to protect themselves from danger. I would buy one to have in my house in case someone tries to break in.” — Charles Morris, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 17 Effects of media violence on the impressionable Young have the desire to bring what they see to life

By Brittany Rose modeled after shows or films that they “If they haven’t been talked by an adult [email protected] watch on television, such as Star Wars, can about gun safety, then they’re not going to teach a child to love and to crave violence, understand the bad things that can happen When you see a child playing “cops while others believe that it teaches them as- when they use them.” and robbers” or with light sabers, your sertiveness and impulse control. Is a child that grows up watching tele- first thought won’t likely be that movies It can help to teach them limits as long as a vision shows with guns and violence more and television have made kids believe that parent is around to remind them that hurting likely to commit a violent crime with a gun guns are cool or that violence is acceptable. people is wrong, so this is only for pretend. than one who is shielded from those types A child playing games like that is socially “Many kids who start off using guns of programs? acceptable and isn’t something that sets off do so because they think it’s cool and they When a child brings a gun to school alarms in the minds of most people. don’t understand the consequences behind and uses it, the first thing that the families Several parenting books and sources the weapon because they are too immature and the victims begin doing is wondering argue the point from both sides. Some say to know that,” said Danny Banks, Chief of why the child turned out that way and what that playing war-type or fighting games Investigations for FDLE, Orlando region. could have been done to prevent it. Mona Reeder, Dallas Morning News “I think that it’s a matter of, will you let Fatih Uyan, 10, holds a toy gun to the head of Ugur Kan, 9, as they play in the street in Istanbul, Turkey. the media affect you like that,” said Josue Simplice, a Valencia College student. “A kid ence their kids properly rather than letting Programs like this are being used to spread doesn’t have to see guns portrayed in the the television influence them instead.” awareness not only from adults to stu- media and then automatically choose to So what happens to the children who dents, but from students to other students use them.” don’t have adults with good advice, but only as well with national awareness days and “It’s about not letting the media control the media to go by? meetings about violence. you, and talking to your parents about your “The media tends to glorify guns and Nearly every school in the U.S. has some thoughts on it.” to make kids want to possess them, and kind of SAVE program, and through it, Many people seem to agree on the fact show them to their friends,” said Banks. many kids are being taught not only about that children who are able to communicate “Unfortunately too many kids grab guns keeping themselves safe but they’re also be- and have open-ended conversations with and use guns because they think that it’s ing taught to make adults aware of situations their parents or adults are the ones less socially acceptable.” before they are able to get out of control. likely to pick up a gun and use it or show it Schools are taking special care to teach Teaching children about the fact that off without regard for the safety issues sur- kids about the special safety that they violence in the media is not a cool think to rounding them. should take in their lives when it comes actually imitate as well as taking programs “If you’re a parent, parent your kids,” said to violence as well – with programs like such as SAVE can really begin to fix the Tod Roberson, Dallas Morning News Steven Glass, a Valencia College student. “It’s SAVE, a nationwide club that stands for problems with violence in schools as long James Richards, right, plays guns with his brother, Peter, outside their trailer home in Wyre Piddle, UK. about the parents making an effort to influ- “Students Against Violence Everywhere.” as the children are open to these things.

“I don’t think guns are safe to carry; they cause temptation. If more people have guns, more crime happens.” — Luis Rodriguez, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 18 Boutiques to bullets; my first time busting a cap

By Brittany Gil thing I thought I was going to do. changed completely. It took a total of about ten minutes for [email protected] My views on guns have always leaned Walking into the Oak Ridge Gun Range, us to rent out a SIG 9 mm and 50 bullets. more toward the anti-gun side. I never I was intimidated, nervous, and very un- After soaking up some pointers on how to I get bi-weekly manicures, shopping is understood the actual reasoning behind sure of what to expect. Jeff Shedden, also hold and prevent recoil from the gun, it was my favorite sport, and I “EEEEK” at the owning a gun if you weren’t law enforce- a writer for the Valencia Voice, was my ac- time to lock and load. sight of mud. Shooting a gun was the last ment, but this week my views on guns have companiment for my gun range experience. As I patiently watched Jeff load and set the gun up, I couldn’t help to look around and check out the two other pairs of shoot- ers aiming and shooting at the targets. The pairs also took part in small side conversa- tions about aiming techniques and impact of the gun recoil. It hit me then that this was more than a sport; it was a bonding experience. Jeff signaled to me that the gun was all set up and ready. I couldn’t help but ner- vously wobble my way to the station. I prepared myself for a intense first shot,

still unsure, and still extremely nervous. As Jeff Shedden / Valencia Voice I slowly pulled on the trigger I thought to Target after first round at Oak Ridge range. myself, ‘Don’t lose control of your arm, stay still, and don’t close your eyes. As much as chest, brains, and pelvic area. After about you want to, DON’T DO IT!’. 25 tries, I was done, but had found a new I shot my first bullet. Unsure of where it understanding to owning a gun as well the could have landed, I was surprised and felt use of guns as a sport. as if this heavy load on my shoulders had My experience at the gun range was eye been lifted off of me by gun loving angels. opening. I can understand why people take Once I started I couldn’t stop. The first a joy out of owning a gun and using it as a bullet went straight through the chest of sport. It’s stress relieving, exhilarating, and the target, and the five to six bullets after addictive. (Not to mention that all the dif- went everywhere but. I even managed to ferent types of guns and history that guns shoot off the string that moved the target have is very interesting.) back and forth. Who would have thought that going to Jeff Shedden / Valencia Voice I soon became very comfortable with a shooting range can bring people together, Brittany Gil learns to shoot a gun for the first time at Oak Ridge gun range in Orlando. “I was intimidated, nervous, and unsure of what to expect.” Gil said. the gun. I managed to hit the target in the as well as great memories?

“If everyone’s carrying a gun I don’t feel safe.” — Seth Byrd, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 19

All graphics provided by manufacturers Remington 870 Gun collecting for beginners By Jeff Shedden ket it as protection from carjackers. The final must-have weapon in any new spray, so you aim with the barrel, not with [email protected] The Judge has a rifled barrel, which qual- gun collection is probably the simplest of sights or scope. ifies it as a pistol, and not a short-barreled them all: the Remington Model 870 12 gauge One thing to understand about gun own- Americans embrace firearms like no shotgun. The rifling keeps the shot pattern shotgun. This is the most popular shotgun ership is that ammunition can be expensive. other culture. For those looking to start a tight and gives it good stopping power at in the world, at over 10 million units sold. It’s Because of this, many gun owners will keep gun collection, it can be a daunting task. short distances. The Judge will also fit a .45 lightweight, with a fairly short barrel and the a simple 9mm pistol or .22 revolver just for The key is to start with a solid collection colt slug, but what’s the fun in that? capacity to hold eight rounds. “play” shooting. SIG makes great 9mm pis- of practical arms, avoiding the silly toys A better place for that .45 bullet is in the Any shotgun is a useful tool for sport, tols, and Smith & Wesson make grand .22 SIG 9mm that might be seen in the movies. Don’t be SIG-Sauer P220 semi-automatic. The P220 hunting or personal defense, but Reming- revolvers. The ammunition for these is fairly fooled into starting with something ridicu- is a lightweight, easily concealable pistol ton is the best. A burglar will respond to cheap, so you won’t break the bank spending lous like an Uzi or a TEC-9 because of some that is favored by police and civilian owners the visceral sound of a shotgun cocking a the afternoon at the shooting range. guy waving one in a music video. alike. It’s durable and expertly crafted, and the hammer, requiring a manual release lot faster than the vague threat of a pistol. Before you begin collecting these weap- A great place to begin is with the “Judge” with good maintenance, it will last for years. if not firing. If the worst happens, a shotgun doesn’t re- ons, absolutely make sure you take a gun 4510 by Taurus. It is a five chambered re- Training on the P220 is a must, since While the P220 is okay for defense and quire the precise aim that a pistol does and safety course first. Your local police depart- volver, designed to hold .410 bore shotgun the pull is a little different than many nov- target shooting, there’s a certain satisfaction is more likely to hit in the dark. ment will provide you with all of the infor- shells. It got its nickname when Taurus dis- ice shooters might be used to. The P220 of firing a more powerful weapon. Again, training is necessary because the mation you will need. Gun ownership can covered that it was being carried by Miami also requires a more safety-conscious For this, you’ll want to make sure your kick is hard, and aiming a shotgun is not be satisfying and rewarding as long as you judges in high-crime areas, and they mar- owner, as chambering a round also cocks collection has a Smith & Wesson Model 686, the same as a rifle. Shotguns fire pellets in a are safe and responsible. a long-barreled, six-round, .357 revolver. This is a very familiar firearm, and carries a lot of recognition and security with it. The Model 686 also requires some training, since it has a fierce kick, and many a novice has dropped the pistol from the re- coil, or worse, gotten hit in the face from the kickback. Once you’re comfortable handling it, you’ll discover the satisfaction of not just putting a hole in a target, but nearly obliterating it. Smith & Wesson 357 Taurus Judge

“We all have a right to use guns. You have to use guns to protect yourself and your family. It’s a crazy world out there.” — Sam Dasilva, Valencia student Valencia Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College 20 Dark side of ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ History of violence By Jeremy Williams [email protected] Mellow sound of summer hit song disguises disturbing message 2000s

By Steve Johnson “Pumped Up Kicks” has been very, very good to Foster Eminem is no stranger to controversy; Chicago Tribune the People, the L.A.-based trio who released it as their first in 2000 he released the video to “Stan,” a single. From nowhere, they’ve gone to playing Lollapalooza song that puts a disturbed fan in the spot- CHICAGO — It was when my wife shoved the music this summer. They’re on a mostly sold-out tour right now. light as he abuses his pregnant girlfriend. player back across the table that I realized I needed to think And the tune has been top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 More recently, 2010’s “Love the Way You harder about the tune I was playing for her. chart since Aug. 27, No. 3 for the last five weeks. It’s a nice Lie,” with Rihanna, was attacked for glo- “Pumped Up Kicks” has been hailed as the song, or at story, almost. rifying domestic violence. least a song, of the summer, although it first hit the charts Mark Foster, the group’s Cleveland-bred frontman, did in spring and is peaking now, in fall. not respond to an e-mail request to address some of the 1990s It is a perky pop ditty with just enough low-fi murkiness questions raised by the song. to make it hip. And its bright carousel of a chorus gets in But in interviews, when the song’s dark subject matter After the Columbine shooting in 1999, Christine Marie Saraceno / Valencia Voice Marilyn Manson’s music and lifestyle was your head and spins merrily around. has been an issue, he’s seemed able to satisfy questioners by Mike Foster, lead singer of Foster the People, performing blamed for causing the assailants to open “Pumped Up Kicks” is also a song about a kid preparing to referencing Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood.” ‘Pumped up Kicks’ at the House of Blues in Orlando Oct. 20. shoot his classmates at school. He has said that he wrote the song because he’s been fire in the school, killing 12 students and 1 teacher. A firestorm debate began, not only “All the other kids with the pumped up kicks,” says the troubled by school shootings, telling, for instance, NPR Mu- more in control of his lyrics: if he were not, for instance, over gun control and school violence, but chorus, “you’d better run, better run, outrun my gun ... sic’s “World Cafe” that he wondered “what would it be like switching from third to first person in the few lines he’s also on Manson’s messages in his songs. You’d better run, better run, faster than my bullet. to be inside of a kid’s head that’s a teenager and is basically written or offering as the only possible bits of explanation Maybe we’re desensitized by the almost absurdly vio- losing his mind.” for the shootings sneaker envy and the tidbit that “Daddy 1980s lent first-person-shooter video games so many kids spend Yet, when that interview went up on the NPR website, works a long day.” their afternoons playing. Maybe naming the song after the introductory text reduced the song to “a breezy sum- Popular music, to be sure, is full of murder songs, many N.W.A. came under fire in 1989 with fancy sneakers instead of the weaponry creates enough mer jam with a subtly sinister edge.” of them classics: Johnny Cash “shot a man in Reno just to the release of “Straight Outta Compton” emotional distance. I’m not sure what’s subtle about “outrun my gun” or the watch him die.” Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” opens with whose lyrics glorified drug use, degrad- Or maybe we figure, as I initially did, that it’s just pop verse in which the protagonist appears to shoot his dad. a son confessing murder. ed women, and encouraged violence to- music, and its ear-candy qualities trump whatever the point But acknowledging that the song is dark is about as far as “Pumped Up Kicks,” by contrast, introduces its star as wards the police. of view might be. most critics who have reviewed “Torches,” Foster the Peo- “a cowboy kid” with “a rolled cigarette hanging out (of) But after looking closely at the song’s lyrics and listen- ple’s debut album, have come to engaging with “Pumped his mouth.” Oldies ing to it many extra times, I have come to agree that this Up Kicks.” We don’t know why he’s planning to do what he does, song is more deserving of a push away than the warm em- I’ll go further and say that while I will certainly stand up only that the songs temporary narrator sees him as sort of Even our parents were not free from contro- brace it has mostly received. for Foster’s right to try such a thing, and while I don’t doubt glamorous. And, if we bother to think beyond the song’s 4 versy when it came to violence in music. In I don’t for a moment fear that my kids or yours are one ill- his sincerity, his reach simply exceeds his grasp. minutes and 16 seconds, we know that he will bring a life- 1955, Johnny Cash released “Folsom Prison considered pop song away from going bad, but I’d just rather You might argue that the tune’s cheeriness is a symbol of time of agony to people who have done nothing to deserve Blues” where he so proudly exclaims, “…I not have their environment include a school shooting treated just how far off the deep end this kid has gone. That would it. That just doesn’t feel very pop. shot a man in Reno just to watch him die…” with all the gravity of bubble-gum pop, with whistling! be a more reasonable interpretation, though, if Foster were — MCT Campus

“Gun laws are not strict enough. My next door neighbor’s kid got a gun and I’m scared to go outside when he is.” -Lucy Marten, Valencia student Valenciawww.ValenciaVoice.com Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College SPORTS June XX, 2011 2121 Sports stars pack heat Athletes feel need to self-protect with guns

By David Barron Former Jaguars lineman Richard Collier “I don’t drive around in a flashy car, but Houston Chronicle was shot 14 times. His left leg was ampu- I see how people look at me. I see how they tated, and he is paralyzed below the waist. look at Mario (Williams),” Weaver said. “If From a distance, be it one created by Police believe the gunman was retaliating you’ve got a license and if you know what geography, lifestyle, fame or finances, against Collier for a nightclub altercation. you’re doing, it’s something you’re enti- it’s easy to consider the plight of Plaxico Arizona Falcon’s defensive back, Dunta tled to have with you to protect yourself. Burress, the wideout who couldn’t shoot Robinson, gave ESPN magazine this descrip- I think it’s worth it.” straight, and pass it off as slapstick. tion of the robbers who held him at gunpoint Weaver said he was one of at least 20 Tex- In fact, one observer quickly compared at his Houston-area home last year. “One of ans who received instruction in gun laws and Burress, the Jets’ wide receiver who acciden- the guys was like, ‘You’re a good player, so gun safety as part of a seminar sponsored by tally shot himself in the leg with a handgun at I’m not going to kill you,’” Robinson said. the team. He said he received his license to Craig Ruttle, Newsday / MCT a New York nightclub and now faces weapons Each of the three situations, in addition carry a concealed weapon through the De- Former Giants’ WR Plaxico Burress was charged with two counts of felony weapon counts after charges, to the ultimate goof with a gun. to the Burress case, differs in the degree partment of Public Safety but does not know he shot himself in the leg in a New York nightclub in 2008. The gun in question was not registered. “Plaxico Burress,” said Adam Schefter to which the player put himself in harm’s how many teammates have similar licenses of NFL Network, “has become the Barney way or was victimized by someone at- in Texas or other states. how to handle it and know what to do and he owns 10 guns, including a .50-caliber Fife of hip-hop.” And such is the enduring tracted to his celebrity. But each is a sce- The Texas Legislature last year ex- what not to do. You’re better off not having Browning machine gun rifle, a Desert Ea- nature of Don Knotts’ character from The nario considered daily by thoughtful men empted concealed handgun permits from one. That’s the bottom line on your per- gle pistol, and AR-10 and AR-15 rifles. His Andy Griffith Show that even players of who see themselves as potential targets. disclosure under the Texas Open Records son. If they need guns, they’re going to mother, Mary, who told the newspaper she Burress’ generation understand (and oc- “Some people don’t place any value on Act, so it is not possible to determine how places they shouldn’t be.” owns five handguns, said she taught Mario casionally snicker) at the comparison. human life, and they see us as an oppor- many members of the Texans or of Hous- Ryan Reichert, the Texans’ director of to shoot when he was 8 years old. Slapstick, however, obscures the very tunity,” said former Texans defensive line- ton’s other pro teams have permits. security, said the team has arranged semi- Offensive lineman Eric Winston, noting real dangers that can confront young, man Anthony Weaver. “I know billionaires Texans owner Bob McNair said the nars for players with Houston Police De- recent speculation that at least 50 percent of successful, wealthy athletes, and it’s a fac- don’t walk around with weapons, but you team discourages players from carrying partment officers to address gun safety but NFL players own guns or rifles, said he has ile means of addressing lifestyle choices don’t see billionaires on TV every day, ei- guns but provides instruction should agreed with McNair’s description of the no reason to disagree with that estimate. that can result in unfortunate decisions ther. You wouldn’t know Warren Buffett if they choose to do so. team’s weapons policy. “I don’t know about personal licenses and grim consequences. he walked past you on the street.” “Our official position is that we would “We discourage guys from having guns,” (for concealed weapons), but I would On the same weekend that Burress ac- And so Weaver, who says he and his wife rather they not have a handgun on their he said. “Most of the time, having a gun es- say (gun ownership) would be at least cidentally shot himself, for example, the are licensed to carry concealed weapons in person,” McNair said. “If they want to calates the situation where not having a gun 50 percent,” he said. “You go one to one Washington Redskins honored Sean Tay- Texas and 26 other states, says he has his have one at home, fine, but to be carrying might not lead to a drastic outcome. “ here, I guarantee you there are 25 guys lor, the defensive back who died in No- gun with him 99 percent of the time when one, we would rather they not do that. Policy aside, gun ownership and use is in this locker room who have guns.” vember 2007, a day after he was shot by he isn’t at work. He estimates that a dozen “They need to be schooled, and they a significant hobby for some players. Wil- intruders at his home in Miami. or more of his teammates own guns as well. need to be properly licensed so they know liams told the New York Times last year Continued on next page

“I’ve never shot a gun before. Regulations should be based on population and density of each state. More regulation for denser and vice versa.” -Jose Guzman, Valencia student Valenciawww.ValenciaVoice.com Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College SPORTS June XX, 2011 2222

Continued from page X occurred in 2007, when Telfair was with the club and was the “luckiest man in the Boston Celtics. He was sentenced to three world” that he was not more seriously in- Another Texans player who has ac- months’ probation. jured and that a bystander was not injured knowledged owning a firearm is Robin- The team education sessions touch on when the gun discharged. son, who in September 2007 was bound specific points of Texas law. For example, Barkley said he owns a handgun but does R.I.P. and held at gunpoint by robbers at his as of September 2007, a person who can le- not carry it on his person and instead relies on suburban home. Robinson told ESPN gally possess a firearm can carry a handgun security guards when he is in a public setting. The Magazine that he never thought he in a motor vehicle and can carry it to and Former Rockets guard Rafer Alstonr needed a gun until the incident. from his vehicle without a license. said he understands the mindset. NFL victims “I’ve heard the league say you don’t need It is a criminal offense, meanwhile, “When you go out, you need some sort a gun,” he told the magazine. “But if you to carry a handgun while intoxicated. of security, but I don’t think the security of gun violence haven’t been in my situation, you really can’t Texas law also prohibits handguns from is the gun,” Alston said. “You need to let a answer that question. I would never use a a business where alcohol is sold if more security guard do what he does. If there’s a weapon in the wrong way or look for trouble. than half of the business’ revenue is from situation, he’s trained to defuse it .” Mike Haskey, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer / MCT But I’ll tell you this: I will protect my the sale of alcohol for on-premises con- Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson, Pat Tillman, the former Arizona Cardinals safety, who was killed by friendly fire house. My gun definitely makes me feel sumption. It also is illegal to carry a gun who played with Sean Taylor at the Uni- while serving in Afghanistan. He was 28. a little safer.” at locations where high school, college versity of Miami, is equally aware of the Robinson would not address his situ- or pro sports events take place. need for players to be vigilant regard- ation last week but said he understands ing security issues. However, he ques- why athletes would feel more comfort- tions the benefit of carrying a concealed able with a weapon. He noted that one of “I guarantee you weapon in that effort. Burress’ Giants teammates, Steve Smith, “If you have a gun, you need to keep it was robbed at gunpoint outside his house there are 25 guys in locked away. I don’t think it’s something you in New Jersey. this locker room who should be walking around with,” Johnson “I don’t know about carrying a gun into said. “You do have to be aware of your sur- a nightclub,” Robinson said. “But I under- have g u n s .” roundings and be aware of the people who stand how you would feel that way because —Eric Winston, are around you. It’s something I think about. of things going on with players in this Houston Texans You never really know who is out to get you.” league. You just want to be safe.” Weaver sympathizes with Burress but Gun safety is an issue for every pro doesn’t defend Burress’ lack of judgment. league. The NBA and Major League Base- Given those restrictions, anyone who “I feel for him. It’s an unfortunate situa- Harry Walker / MCT ball, along with each league’s players union, emulated Burress by carrying a gun into tion, having it loaded and losing control of A Redskins fan mourns the death of de- sponsor annual seminars on security issues, a nightclub in Texas would be subject to the gun,” Weaver said. “I worry about Plax, fensive back Sean Taylor, who was shot and each league monitors cases involving prosecution. Such restrictions indicate the and I hope everything is fine with him. and killed by an armed intruder in his Miami home during a robbery in 2007. weapons, as does the NFL. degree to which players, like the general “But you’ve gotta be smart. You know The NBA, for example, suspended Min- public, should rely on common sense in what they say. Guns don’t kill people. Right:Thirteen-year NFL veteran Steve nesota Timberwolves point guard Sebas- dealing with security issues. Stupid people with guns kill people.” McNair was found dead in his condo with multiple gunshot wounds. His mistress, tian Telfair without pay for three games this Former Rockets star Charles Barkley Chronicle staff writers John McClain and Sahel Kazemi, 20, was convicted in what season after Telfair pleaded guilty to crimi- said in a radio interview that Burress was Megan Manfull contributed to this report. police ruled as a murder-suicide. Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun / MCT nal possession of a weapon. The violation “idiotic” for carrying a gun into a night- — MCT Campus

“I own a gun for protection for me and my family. I believe the gun laws are fair, but they need to change how easy it is to obtain a gun.” — Sherlyn Leo, Valencia student Valenciawww.ValenciaVoice.com Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College SPORTS June XX, 2011 2323 Life after football Former NFL vet trades game for guns

By Jim Baumbach mass mailing to anyone he could think opened Jay’s Tactical Gear and Accesso- Newsday of in the NFL. ries, a licensed gun shop that he operates Want to buy a gun? Call me. out of his home south of Charlotte, N.C. After 10 years of chasing quarter- “I believe in my right to bear arms,” he Although the majority of his sales are backs as a defensive end with the Dol- said, and he won’t ever apologize for that. from online auctions or gun shows in phins, Rams and Panthers, Jay Williams That’s because selling guns is now North Carolina, he estimated that he has retired in 2004 and immediately sent a his way of life. Four years ago, Williams sold guns to 10 NFL players. He refused to identify those players, and indicated most of his transactions in- volve handguns.hey need guns for their own protection, he said, because profes- sional athletes are constantly at risk.

“Criminals are jealous,” Williams, 37, Christopher A. Record; Charlotte Observer / MCT said in a phone interview. “They’re jeal- Williams, 96, with the Carolina Panthers, tries to tackle Saints’ running back Ricky Williams. ous of your stature. They’re jealous that you’re making it playing ball. And it’s a It’s up to the athletes to be prepared, because you just never know. notch on their belt to take you down a Williams said. “Whenever I got to a new team, the couple of levels.” “When they have a gun, for a crimi- first people I got with were the security “That’s why they follow someone like nal, that represents power,” he said. “You guys, especially the security supervisor,” Steve Smith home. And you know what? may do everything they ask of you, but it’s he said. “I would ask, ‘What are the gun After they robbed him, I bet they were that power they feel they have over you at laws for this state?’ And they would give talking it up to each other when they that time. To them, they’re thinking, ‘It’s me a printout and I had that information went back to wherever they came from. up to me whether you live or die.”’ right there.” How he was scared, and how he ain’t all The son of a former Washington, D.C. That’s exactly what Williams does with that big now.” police officer, Williams has spent his whole his clients. He said he gives them all the “Because, basically, criminals are cowards.” life around guns. He said he knew when he information they need, from state-to-state But it’s one thing to be a coward and an- made it to the NFL in 1994 that he needed laws to advice on when it’s permissable to other thing to be a dangerous coward. And a gun of his own for protection. use a firearm (a life-threatening situation.) that’s the threat that criminals with guns Williams said he’s never been in the “The guys I have sold guns to that pose to professional athletes, Williams said. position where he used his gun, or even play in the league,” he said, “you’ve never Al Diaz, Miami Herald / MCT You never know what they might do. felt close to using it. But he’s glad he has heard any stories about them.” Williams, 91, on the Dolphins, attempts to sack quarterback Anthony Wright of the Ravens. You never know when they might attack. one on him all the time, even nowadays, — MCT Campus

“I’m from Japan, it’s very strict there. There are other ways to protect yourself.” — Saya Takeda, Valencia student Valenciawww.ValenciaVoice.com Voice Official Student Media of Valencia College SPORTS June XX, 2011 2424

MY VOICE Penalty for Trifecta for tragedy: gun too harsh?

By Dan Le Batard Young, black, armed McClatchy News Services By Leonard Pitts Jr. There is a reason people under 30, like Critten- Miami Herald ton, accounted for about two-thirds of them: Young I have a “What’s the big deal?” attitude about people tend to have poor impulse control. There is a most of the outrage surrounding our games. The last time most of us heard the name Javaris reason males, like Crittenton, accounted for about 90 Let’s start with Gilbert Arenas, by me apologizing Crittenton, it was as the other guy in a news story percent of them; males tend to be more aggressive. for what might sound too much like an apology for starring Gilbert Arenas. And there are multiple reasons young black men, Arenas when all I’m really doing is wishing Arenas The story grew from a December 2009 incident in like Crittenton, account for about half the arrests: worked in an environment that didn’t force insincere the locker room of the NBA’s Washington Wizards in one being that black men tend to be more hyper- apologies from people who clearly aren’t apologetic. which a supposed “joke” between the two escalated vigilant about, and to guard more jealously against, Arenas was wrong, period. You can’t defend the until they produced guns from their lockers. Arenas perceived threats to their manhood. dumb and dangerous. Bringing guns into any work- got most of the attention, and blame, which is fitting. You’d think having a chance at some sort of future place, never mind an emotional one, is certainly He was the team’s star, considered one of the better would insulate you from those forces. You’d be mis- that. I can tell you that good guy Greg Anthony players in the game. Crittenton, by contrast, was a taken. Crittenton, young, male and black, struck a admitted to The New York Times in 2003 that he journeyman who had bounced from team to team. dangerous trifecta. used to bring a pistol into the Knicks’ locker room. After the incident, he was bounced out of the His lawyers, by the way, say that when he was I can tell you that since the in-home muggings of NBA proper, ending up in its Development League. arrested, their client had checked in for an Atlanta- Antoine Walker and Eddy Curry, basketball players Still, he might have made it back to the big time, bound flight, intending to turn himself in. They are more armed and alarmed than ever -- so scared might have played overseas, might have wound up say he is innocent and looks forward to clearing his that Antawn Jamison usually circles his neighbor- coaching at some level. name at trial. hood two or three times when returning from any- But if Atlanta police are correct, all those might If he does, great. If he does not, we will hence- where just to make sure no one is following him. haves just went away. Crittenton, 23, was arrested at forth regard with new eyes that locker room stand- I’m more interested in how this mess has got- John Wayne International Airport in Orange County, off a couple years ago. We already know it suggests ten Arenas a stiffer penalty and more backlash than Calif., on Monday. He is suspected of killing Julian immaturity, already know it suggests knucklehead- former New York Jet Damien Robinson received a Jones, a mother of four, who was shot to death in a edness. But it also suggests something we see all too Harry E. Walker / MCT few days after the terrorist attacks of Sept.11,2001, Crittenton got fined by the NBA for bringing guns into the drive-by earlier this month as she stood outside her often in violence-scarred urban hellscapes: young Wizards locker room in 2009. Now he is a murder suspect. when he drove to the stadium with a semiautomatic home with two other people. Authorities say she black men trying to validate their manhood on the weapon and 200 rounds of ammo in his trunk. was not the intended target and that Crittenton was cheap, trying to find it in the barrel of a gun. toward violence reduction to formulate means that Arenas was suspended for being funny. after someone he believed had stolen jewelry from A man or boy has a psychological, perhaps even allow boys to fulfill that imperative constructively. Real guns at work? Those didn’t get him pun- him. His fall offers a tragic coda to the events of 20 biologicaneed to prove his capability, durability, At the very least, teach them that a gun is not a ished. Making imaginary guns with his fingers at months ago. Tragic, but not surprising. fearlessness, toughness. Recognizing this, it would be penis. It’s a tragedy that Crittenton didn’t know that. work? That will go down as one of the most expen- The FBI reports that 9,775 arrests were made in a worthwhile mission for families, schools, worship It’s a bigger tragedy that he’s not the only one. sive jokes in sports history. 2009 for murder and non-negligent homicide. houses and other community institutions working ­­— MCT Campus — MCT Campus

“I don’t have a gun and I don’t believe in violence myself.” — Jason Small, Valencia student