the Armed American (sort of..) Teacher

[israel67]

There's one thing bugging me, the more I sit here and browse all these threads, and that's the teacher in me. BGs are everywhere, and Virginia Tech showed the world that places of education are not protected by 'gun-free zone' signs.

But I respect the law. It'd be a bit hypocritical of me to start ignoring law, when the ink on my green card will still be wet.

Now the answer is probably to leave the weapon in the car, but I'm one of these 'green' Europeans in that I don't have a car. Indeed, I just treated myself to one of these ... http://www.dawescycles.com/files/bikes/ ... _474x0.jpg. Once stateside, I really want to be able to cycle to work, rather than using a car.

No way am I going to be able to leave a Kimber 1911 (*drool*, *drool* ...) in the panniers of a bicycle, and even if it were legally possible, I'd consider it somewhat irresponsible, considering the ease with which a weapon stored in this manner, could be stolen.

So what's the solution? Leave the gun at home? What if I decide to socialise with colleagues? Do I resign myself to being unarmed?

[WildBill]

So what's the solution? 1. Leave the gun at home? 2. What if I decide to socialise with colleagues? 3. Do I resign myself to being unarmed?

1. Yes
2. It depends on where you do the socializing. If you don't go to a bar you can ride your bike home, pick up your gun, and ride your bike to meet your colleagues. If you socialize at a bar, your gun stays at home.
3. Yes, you will be unarmed at work and on the way to and from work.

[Venus Pax]

Also note that concealed campus is trying to get that portion of the law changed. It may not be much longer before you can carry on your body while in campus buildings.

I hope this changes soon for the sake of the growing numbers that will be taking public transportation as gas prices rise.

[israel67]

Also note that concealed campus is trying to get that portion of the law changed. It may not be much longer before you can carry on your body while in campus buildings.

Well I'll be teaching at school, rather than college, so the 'campus' aspect doesn't really concern me (which doesn't mean that I don't support 100% the campaign to allow law-abiding citizens the right to defend themselves anywhere they happen to be).

I hope this changes soon for the sake of the growing numbers that will be taking public transportation as gas prices rise.

A very valid point, because if it doesn't change, people are going to be faced with the choice of being unarmed, or breaking the law.

[The Annoyed Man]

Now the answer is probably to leave the weapon in the car, but I'm one of these 'green' Europeans in that I don't have a car. Indeed, I just treated myself to one of these ... http://www.dawescycles.com/files/bikes/ ... _474x0.jpg. Once stateside, I really want to be able to cycle to work, rather than using a car.

Have you considered either a hybrid, or an all electric car like a Tesla Roadster? Then you'd be more green than most, even if not as green as a bicycle, and you could leave your weapon in the car.

[israel67]

Now the answer is probably to leave the weapon in the car, but I'm one of these 'green' Europeans in that I don't have a car. Indeed, I just treated myself to one of these ... http://www.dawescycles.com/files/bikes/ ... _474x0.jpg. Once stateside, I really want to be able to cycle to work, rather than using a car.

Have you considered either a hybrid, or an all electric car like a Tesla Roadster? Then you'd be more green than most, even if not as green as a bicycle, and you could leave your weapon in the car.

I hadn't, no. *checks website* Very sexy. http://www.teslamotors.com/ Do I want to check the price of those things, or is it only going to raise my blood pressure ..?

[ArmedTeacher]

Being the Armed Teacher that I am, I bought a console vault from http://www.consolevault.us/ to lock my gun in while I'm at work. Now, depending on the district, you might have to park your vehicle off campus to avoid being in any violation. It's a small price to pay in order to make sure I can travel to and from work while carrying.

[Venus Pax]

Israel,
Mercedes has introduced a vehicle called the Smart For-two. It's a tiny little two seater that looks like a running shoe driving down the road. The MSRP for the base model is between $11k-$12k. I think it gets around 40 mpg. It also has surprisingly good safety features.
I researched this car for my baby sister, who will be driving to college before too much longer.

[WildBill]

Israel,
Mercedes has introduced a vehicle called the Smart For-two. It's a tiny little two seater that looks like a running shoe driving down the road. The MSRP for the base model is between $11k-$12k. I think it gets around 40 mpg. It also has surprisingly good safety features.
I researched this car for my baby sister, who will be driving to college before too much longer.

Funny you should mention the Smart-For-Two. I saw one yesterday and didn't know what it was. It's amazing they can sell for that price. Many motorcycles cost more.

[israel67]

Israel,
Mercedes has introduced a vehicle called the Smart For-two. It's a tiny little two seater that looks like a running shoe driving down the road. The MSRP for the base model is between $11k-$12k. I think it gets around 40 mpg. It also has surprisingly good safety features.
I researched this car for my baby sister, who will be driving to college before too much longer.

Funny you should mention the Smart-For-Two. I saw one yesterday and didn't know what it was. It's amazing they can sell for that price. Many motorcycles cost more.

All things considered, do I really want a car? Nah ... I don't think so. A bicycle and this would suit me well ...

http://www.bikez.com/pictures/large.php ... wasaki.jpg

Just started to e-mail the appropriate folks in TX who can answer some questions about teacher certification. The ball is rollin', people!!!

[WildBill]

Once stateside, I really want to be able to cycle to work, rather than using a car.

I don't much about the weather in France, but in Texas, sometimes it rains. Sometimes it rains very hard for long periods of time. I suggest you buy a pick-up truck so you can throw the bike in the bed when it rains.

[NcongruNt]

There's one thing bugging me, the more I sit here and browse all these threads, and that's the teacher in me. BGs are everywhere, and Virginia Tech showed the world that places of education are not protected by 'gun-free zone' signs.

But I respect the law. It'd be a bit hypocritical of me to start ignoring law, when the ink on my green card will still be wet.

Now the answer is probably to leave the weapon in the car, but I'm one of these 'green' Europeans in that I don't have a car. Indeed, I just treated myself to one of these ... http://www.dawescycles.com/files/bikes/ ... _474x0.jpg. Once stateside, I really want to be able to cycle to work, rather than using a car.

No way am I going to be able to leave a Kimber 1911 (*drool*, *drool* ...) in the panniers of a bicycle, and even if it were legally possible, I'd consider it somewhat irresponsible, considering the ease with which a weapon stored in this manner, could be stolen.

So what's the solution? Leave the gun at home? What if I decide to socialise with colleagues? Do I resign myself to being unarmed?

You could see if you could get written permission...

PC §46.03. PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED. (a) A person com-
mits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly pos-
sesses or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon
listed in Section 46.05(a):
(1) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution,
any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by a school or
educational institution is being conducted, or a passenger transporta-
tion vehicle of a school or educational institution, whether the school or
educational institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written
regulations or written authorization of the institution;

[israel67]

There's one thing bugging me, the more I sit here and browse all these threads, and that's the teacher in me. BGs are everywhere, and Virginia Tech showed the world that places of education are not protected by 'gun-free zone' signs.

But I respect the law. It'd be a bit hypocritical of me to start ignoring law, when the ink on my green card will still be wet.

Now the answer is probably to leave the weapon in the car, but I'm one of these 'green' Europeans in that I don't have a car. Indeed, I just treated myself to one of these ... http://www.dawescycles.com/files/bikes/ ... _474x0.jpg. Once stateside, I really want to be able to cycle to work, rather than using a car.

No way am I going to be able to leave a Kimber 1911 (*drool*, *drool* ...) in the panniers of a bicycle, and even if it were legally possible, I'd consider it somewhat irresponsible, considering the ease with which a weapon stored in this manner, could be stolen.

So what's the solution? Leave the gun at home? What if I decide to socialise with colleagues? Do I resign myself to being unarmed?

You could see if you could get written permission...

PC §46.03. PLACES WEAPONS PROHIBITED. (a) A person com-
mits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly pos-
sesses or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon
listed in Section 46.05(a):
(1) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution,
any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by a school or
educational institution is being conducted, or a passenger transporta-
tion vehicle of a school or educational institution, whether the school or
educational institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written
regulations or written authorization of the institution;

That would mean revealing the fact that I carry. And if I've learned one thing on this group, it's: always carry, never tell!

[Rokyudai]

Israel,

Don't forget about 'layers' of protection. Many will agree that a preferred set up would include having unlimited access to and carrying of a firearm for personal protection anywhere you go. We unfortunately do not yet have that free reign to do so. I like to think of layering my protection like layering clothes. Now, if you are from an area that would do this, say, up in the Northern US , some days you could start off with a winter jacket, sweater, gloves and hat, and by mid-day you are shedding these garments for what is most comfortable or appropriate for the marked temperature change.

In this case, we cannot necessarily carry a gun in a particular environment but you may be able to posses something else. Have you considered perhaps carrying chemical mace? It is a relatively inexpensive option. Kimber makes the LifeAct which I will carry when not in an environment that will not allow CCW's. I don't like leaving my 1911 at home either but sometimes there are situations where the environment dictates availability and selection. Just my opinion based on your situation and my personal experience.

Now before I get yer hopes up too much. Please be sure to review applicable state laws with regard to carrying a 'chemical dispensing device' into school. (Honestly, not entirely convinced that personal defense sprays are included in this category). I am not sure but leaving a $40 item in the side compartments of a bike may be easier to accept if stolen rather than that tasty Kimber you are going to have!

Here is a linky:

http://www.life-act.com/

good luck, stay safe!

Rok

[israel67]

Israel,

Don't forget about 'layers' of protection. Many will agree that a preferred set up would include having unlimited access to and carrying of a firearm for personal protection anywhere you go. We unfortunately do not yet have that free reign to do so. I like to think of layering my protection like layering clothes. Now, if you are from an area that would do this, say, up in the Northern US , some days you could start off with a winter jacket, sweater, gloves and hat, and by mid-day you are shedding these garments for what is most comfortable or appropriate for the marked temperature change.

In this case, we cannot necessarily carry a gun in a particular environment but you may be able to posses something else. Have you considered perhaps carrying chemical mace? It is a relatively inexpensive option. Kimber makes the LifeAct which I will carry when not in an environment that will not allow CCW's. I don't like leaving my 1911 at home either but sometimes there are situations where the environment dictates availability and selection. Just my opinion based on your situation and my personal experience.

Now before I get yer hopes up too much. Please be sure to review applicable state laws with regard to carrying a 'chemical dispensing device' into school. I am not sure but leaving a $40 item in the side compartments of a bike may be easier to accept if stolen rather than that tasty Kimber you are going to have!

Here is a linky:

http://www.life-act.com/

good luck, stay safe!

Rok

Thanks for the link, Rok... 'gotta admit, though ... I can't go to the Kimber page without my eye (and mouse) being drawn to that '1911' heading in the sidebar ...

Not really sure that the mace or whatever would be sufficient. It's not that I have a particular desire to tote a piece wherever I go (OK ... I do!), but I am very attached to my pupils. Some of them are preparing to move on out to the big, wide world this Summer, and it will be a wrench to see them go. We've spent two or three years learning together (and they have taught me much, just as I hope to have contribued to their education), and had a lot of laughs. People don't often associate teaching with laughing, but it happens. One of my proudest moments was when I was leaving the school grounds a few months back, and bumped into some of my 'Première' boys (probably the equivalent of your 'K11') on their way to lunch. So I walked along with them for a few hundred yards, and one of them said, 'you know the thing we love about your classes, Sir? It's that we learn loads of stuff, but that we have fun at the same time. It's awesome!'

Wow. That was incredible to hear, I can tell you !!

So whilst they are under my authority whilst in my class, I consider it to be equally (if not more) important that they are under my protection.

So far, we've been lucky here in France, for there has been no school shooting like at Dunblane. But it's a matter of time. One day, some whackjob with a grudge against humanity is going to walk into a school and start gunning people down. The response to that event will be typically European: there will be calls to 'crack down on gun ownership'. At no point will it occur to the cretins who'll make such calls, that France already has some of the strictest firearms legislation on the planet, and that it won't have stopped the killing.

Anyway, sorry for going off on one. I do like a good rant ...