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EDITORIAL The Wichitan en Español

Over the past years, MSU’s Hispanic student demographic has grown to 22.3% of the student population, one step closer to MSU becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution.

In light of this, The Wichitan has introduced The Wichitan en Español. This section will consist of Spanish translations of key Wichitan articles that document the MSU experience. The Wichitan en Español will also include original Spanish content. It will be the same Wichitan with a more inclusive approach to news reporting. The Wichitan en Español is just the beginning, in the future we hope to grow The Wichitan alongside the MSU community. ------------------------------------------

Durante los últimos años, la demografía Hispana ha crecido en MSU representando 22.3% de la población estudiantil, un paso más cerca para que MSU se convierta en una Institución de Servicio para los Hispanos.

A causa de esto, The Wichitan introduce The Wichitan en Español. Esta sección consistirá de traducciones de artículos que documentan la experiencia en MSU. The Wichitan en Español también va incluir contenido original en Español. Va ser el mismo Wichitan con un enfoque en reportajes más inclusivos. The Wichitan en Español es solo el principio, en el futuro la esperanza es que The Wichitan crezca con la comunidad de MSU.

Vol. 86 | No. 10 Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

More guns, safer world

Columns are the opinions of only the authors and do not necesssarily reflect the views of The Wichitan as an organization.

Gun control is one of the most debated discussions in the recent political climate. Whether it is in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles or New York, there are always Alan Quezada shootings going on. People either fight for more gun control or against it. But how often do people think of reducing gun control?

In today’s climate, there are a plethora of issues like mental health, paranoia and crime. Imagine a solution that can help bring these three issues together. In 1318 the Scottish parliament made it a requirement that anyone with 10 pounds or more should be well-armed. This was back in 1318 when swords were commonly used. How can this be applied to today’s world?

Imagine that at the age of 21, the law

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID A LANDRY FROM PEXELS In 2020, the Giffords Law Center ranked Texas’ gun laws as the 15th weakest in the country.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PNW PRODUCTION FROM PEXELS Law HB 1927, taken into effect on Sept. 1, 2021, allows Texans to carry a handgun in a public place in Texas without a license to carry.

requires each law-abiding citizen to have a week off. During this week, there is a required mental health evaluation. If the citizen passes the evaluation, then extensive firearm courses covering safety requirements and de-escalation will follow. After these procedures are done, the citizen will be commissioned with a firearm, ammunition and a holster. Furthermore, the citizen will be required to carry the firearm either on their person or on their property- unless they go to bars or anywhere with alcohol. I’m looking at you Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission.

Implementing a system that requires firearms will make more people aware. This is important in a world where women are on edge when walking at night and intruders kick doors in on couples with children. People have the right to protect themselves by carrying a firearm. If most people carry a firearm, others will most likely think twice before committing a heinous crime. The extensive training and availability of guns will provide a sense of security. It is important to have the ability to protect oneself, as police officers do not always arrive in a timely manner and dangerous interactions can happen in seconds. Therefore, people should have their own protection and be responsible for their safety to help reduce these anxieties.

Of course, this can be related to crime because there is no telling what will happen in a life or death situation. If the choice is between your life or the other person’s, it is vital that you have the proper protection. Maybe this could help lower crime. Who would break into a house if they knew the owner had a firearm? Implementing a system of yearly or bi-yearly mental health checks and firearm courses could help further research and developments towards this plague attacking Americans.

Editor in Chief: Stephanie Robledo Managing Editor: Samuel Koone Design Editor: Omar Combie Photography Editor: Colin Stevenson Business Manager: Abigail Jones Social Media Manager: Rebekah Gardner Section Editors: Joseph Nelson, Thalia Doe Issue Staff: Joey Arthur, Marielena Castro, Javier Contreras, Natalie Cook, Danielle Hardin, Lizbeth Jaimes, Keza Muvunyi Advisor: Jonathon Quam

Copyright ©2022. First copy free. Additional copies $1.00 each. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.