Brandeis University Shooting Club
I know, the title seems a bit oxymoronic, but it's a reality.
Hearty congratulations are in order for Ben S., a student at Brandeis University, who recently succeeded in getting a shooting club chartered and funded (partially, at least) by the university's student activities finance board - no small feat, given the "progressive" environment on campus. Kim has the pics up over at his site.
So, what was involved with getting this club chartered, you might ask? Well, check out some of the Q&A session and debate on the topic, as recorded in the Student Union Senate Meeting Minutes from the 27th of February:
Oh, no! Not REAL guns! (cower cower)
"Maybe bring opposing sides"? Yeah, that's just what the gun control crowd need 'round these parts, another platform from which to express their point of view. You might as well bring members of PETA along for a foie gras tasting. Thanks, but no thanks.
Yeah, it's "potentially dangerous", unlike the Equestrian Club, the Scuba Diving Club, the F1 Racing Club, the Surfing Club, the Fencing Club, and the Archery Club.
Nope, no inherent risks there. I won't even get into the category of organized contact sports. Hell, they even have a knitting club on campus. I'll wager more people injure themselves this year with knitting needles than they do at the pistol range.
Here's more - first, the voice of reason:
Next, the voice of uncertainty (though, she seems willing to give it a shot - no pun intended):
And, last (and least) the voice of ignorance:
Wow. Shooting on a shooting range - what kind of crazy notion is that? I wonder where Josh would prefer them to go shooting. And, as far as this nonsensical claim over "benefiting the Brandeis community" is concerned, let's have a look at some of the other clubs the Student Union Senate has chartered in the past:
The Simpsons Club
...and Console Gamers X.
I suppose there could be some benefit to the Brandeis community from a bunch of kids sitting around watching cartoons and playing video games, it's just not jumping off the screen at me right now. Might I propose the "Get Off Your Ass and Do Something Productive Club"?
One last note (I couldn't let this one go unmentioned), perhaps Ben and his shooting club should team up with the Vagina Club (I wish I was making this stuff up).
Fun and informative? Sounds like a day at the range to me.
Hearty congratulations are in order for Ben S., a student at Brandeis University, who recently succeeded in getting a shooting club chartered and funded (partially, at least) by the university's student activities finance board - no small feat, given the "progressive" environment on campus. Kim has the pics up over at his site.
So, what was involved with getting this club chartered, you might ask? Well, check out some of the Q&A session and debate on the topic, as recorded in the Student Union Senate Meeting Minutes from the 27th of February:
Q-Edgar: what kind of guns?
A-real guns, in contact with professional and private gun owners
Oh, no! Not REAL guns! (cower cower)
Q-Emily: what is the mission of this club, maybe bring opposing sides?
A-trying to keep clubs away from politics, main priority as of now are people who are interested in guns and shooting
"Maybe bring opposing sides"? Yeah, that's just what the gun control crowd need 'round these parts, another platform from which to express their point of view. You might as well bring members of PETA along for a foie gras tasting. Thanks, but no thanks.
Noah, speaking in favor, similar to many other interest groups having come before Senate, take people off campus to have fun, engage in activities, low cost, not a huge deal of chartering
Sam, speaking in the middle, more in favor of recognizing this club, not in favor of spending student union money for a potentially dangerous activity
Yeah, it's "potentially dangerous", unlike the Equestrian Club, the Scuba Diving Club, the F1 Racing Club, the Surfing Club, the Fencing Club, and the Archery Club.
Nope, no inherent risks there. I won't even get into the category of organized contact sports. Hell, they even have a knitting club on campus. I'll wager more people injure themselves this year with knitting needles than they do at the pistol range.
Here's more - first, the voice of reason:
Albert, speaking in favor, in favor of this club, recreational shooting is a sport, despite political baggage attached to this
Next, the voice of uncertainty (though, she seems willing to give it a shot - no pun intended):
Jenny, not sure that there is a great interest on this on campus, but by getting recognized, still can organize trips, see how popular involvement is
And, last (and least) the voice of ignorance:
Josh, idea of shooting on a shooting range, does not think that SAF should be paying for this in any way, does not benefit Brandeis community
Wow. Shooting on a shooting range - what kind of crazy notion is that? I wonder where Josh would prefer them to go shooting. And, as far as this nonsensical claim over "benefiting the Brandeis community" is concerned, let's have a look at some of the other clubs the Student Union Senate has chartered in the past:
The Simpsons Club
The Simpsons Club is dedicated to the art of watching the Simpsons.
...and Console Gamers X.
An all inclusive co-ed video gaming club to gather those members of the Brandeis community who enjoy video games together into a relaxed environment to play and socialize.
I suppose there could be some benefit to the Brandeis community from a bunch of kids sitting around watching cartoons and playing video games, it's just not jumping off the screen at me right now. Might I propose the "Get Off Your Ass and Do Something Productive Club"?
One last note (I couldn't let this one go unmentioned), perhaps Ben and his shooting club should team up with the Vagina Club (I wish I was making this stuff up).
Our purpose is to educate the Brandeis community about violence against women and how to prevent it through fun and informative events...
Fun and informative? Sounds like a day at the range to me.
