[hackerspaces] Firearms in Hackerspaces?

[Andrew LeCody]

We have restrictions on firearms, ammunition, gun powder and primers being
stored at the space. Like many of the other US hackerspaces have said, we
have no restrictions on those members who wish to legally carry concealed.
The statistics in Texas are clear, those with Concealed Handgun Licenses
(CHLs) are much less likely to commit a crime, as reported by the Texas
Department of Public Safety (DPS)[1]. Here is a quick break down:

Overall - The general population over age 21 is over 15 times as likely to
commit any offense listed by DPS as are CHLs
Assault - The general population over age 21 is over 26 times as likely to
commit an assault as are CHLs
Burglary - The general population over age 21 is almost 100 times as likely
to commit a burglary as are CHLs
Terroristic threat - The general population over age 21 is over 20 times as
likely to commit a terroristic threat as are CHLs
Prohibited Weapons - The general population over age 21 are almost 30 times
as likely to be convicted of possessing prohibited as are CHLs

We have a number of members who are getting into reloading and hand-loading
ammunition and have had a class on the AR-15 rifle platform. We will likely
have more such classes in the future. I believe that training and
knowledge, even about something you may dislike (like firearms), is a good
thing and makes everyone safer.

1. http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/rsd/chl/reports/convrates.htm

On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 5:25 PM, William Reyor <opticfiber at gmail.com> wrote:

> I'm part of a Hackerspace called NESIT based in CT in the US
>
> Our rules state that members and guests don't break the law, and like
> noise bridge "Be Excellent to each other".
>
> Many members carry and have permits to do so. Of the three years we've
> operated this has been a never been an issue for us.
>
> - William Reyor
>
> On Jan 14, 2013, at 6:12 PM, Jake <jake at spaz.org> wrote:
>
> > one of the reasons I am skeptical about the idea that more guns == more
> safety is your statement below.  You seem to think that "removing a gun
> wielding ass-hat would not a huge issue." if you and/or others had guns.
> >
> > bullets don't care who they penetrate.  They go flying until they hit
> something or someone, and it's hard enough to aim them when you're not
> stressed out in a firefight with a crazy person.  That's why if a shooting
> starts where I am, I am going to look for something to get behind that
> might stop bullets, which are hopefully coming from a single source.
> >
> > you seem to propose that multiple sources of bullets would make everyone
> safer, or that if the situation hasn't progressed to shooting yet, the "gun
> wielding ass-hat" would be more easily escorted off the property by armed
> hackers (as opposed to law enforcement or unarmed hackers).
> >
> > the NRA and gun nuts like those who suggest every school should have an
> armed guard (some say every classroom) say that more guns == more safe.
> Those people include Nancy Lanza (mother of the Newtown schooter and his
> first victim) and Keith Ratliff (found shot in his office) and countless
> parents whose children found their guns and killed themselves or others.
> >
> > I live in a neighborhood where I hear shots every week or two nearby.
>  My friends have been mugged all over this city, often by a person with a
> gun. Fortunately they were not injured, but they lost their phone / wallet
> / cash. They did not fight back.  They didn't want to get shot.  Would you
> prefer to have a gun in that situation?  Someone is pointing a gun at you
> and demanding your wallet, a few hundred dollars worth of your money. It's
> a speeding ticket. Do you really want to get in a gun battle and risk your
> life in that situation?
> >
> > it's obvious to me that people who advocate guns everywhere are a bit
> excited by the idea of using it to shoot a bad guy or save the day when
> there are bullets flying.  it's also obvious to me that that is
> unreasonable and dangerous thinking, and that's why I would oppose people
> following through with that line of thinking (by carrying a gun) in any
> community space I am a part of.
> >
> > disclaimer:  I own one and i shoot bottles and car parts and TVs with
> friends about once a year but i don't Carry it anywhere, Ever.  I can't
> think of a single situation (other than hunting) that i would find myself
> in where that would be a good idea.
> >
> > note:  if you're worried about muggers or hoodlums who are not carrying
> a gun, consider a crowbar for protection.  They are available in several
> sizes, and are unlikely to be taken away from you if you hold onto the hook
> end, and should be enough to fend off anyone demanding your holdings
> without proper credentials (a gun).
> >
> > -jake
> >
> > Chris Weiss wrote:
> > ...
> > so, ArchReactor has no specific gun rules.  We do have a "don't be a
> > dick" rule though, and we have enough concealed carry licensed members
> > (that discretely do so) that removing a gun wielding ass-hat would not
> > a huge issue.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Discuss mailing list
> > Discuss at lists.hackerspaces.org
> > http://lists.hackerspaces.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
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