I had a brief mini-debate with a couple of co-workers yesterday, one of whom was appalled that people would advance any pro-gun argument in response to the Virginia Tech shootings. Ironically, I - who have never fired or even held a gun - was defending gun rights to two guys who have both fired weapons. They also expressed disbelief over the recent D.C. Circuit decision to overthrow a thirty-year-old gun ban in the District of Columbia.

As states and colleges across the country review their gun policies in light of the tragedy, many in Utah are proud to have the nation's only state law that expressly allows the carrying of concealed weapons at public colleges.

"If government can't protect you, you should have the right to protect yourself," said Republican state Sen. Michael Waddoups.

"What happened at Virginia Tech might have been stopped," said Christine Zabawa, a medical researcher at the university. However, she said it is a bad idea to allow guns in dormitories, and fears an accident could happen during a party on campus.

"Alcohol and guns. It's a bad combination," she said.

Oda said banning guns on campus might do more harm than good. He said people bent on violence might resort to other, perhaps bloodier methods, such as swords.

"A person that's got skill with a sword in a very big crowd could put a lot more people down with a sword than a gun," he said. "They're silent. You'll have people screaming, but nobody knows what's going on."