Every Friday, The Daily Cardinal’s Opinion Staff weighs in on a topic. This week, David Clarke, Milwaukee’s Sheriff, advised the citizenry of Milwaukee to arm themselves in order to protect themselves better in a publicly funded radio ad.
It might be ludicrous to suggest such a sentiment, but is it not the role of police officers to be ready, willing and able whenever and wherever a crisis occurs? Clarke’s statement comes across as both uncompromising and irresponsible; we have police so that we don’t have to own guns.
—Caleb Nesser
Sheriff David Clarke’s use of fear tactics to mislead the public of imminent danger is not only shameful, but represents a driving force behind America’s gun problem. Instead of riling up citizens and calling them to arms, we should be working to reduce violence by taking guns off the streets.
—Jacob Riederer
Although Milwaukee doesn’t have the gun problems of its neighbor to the south, Chicago Ill., advocating for more guns on the street is irresponsible. Milwaukee’s police force should speak out against this massive miscalculation by Sheriff David Clarke.
—David Ruiz
A citizenry that can protect itself has many benefits. The police rarely stop crime; so theoretically, people who have a way to fend off crime themselves will be safer. However, a call to arms is only helpful if the citizens who arm themselves receive training. I agree with the chief, but I doubt people will always seek training to be safe and effective firearm owner.
—Matt Beaty
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Tuesday that a 36-year-old intoxicated woman fired a weapon in a Milwaukee neighborhood. When police arrived to ask why she had fired the weapon, she explained that Sheriff David Clarke said it was OK for her to arm herself. Need I say more?
—Mike Brost
Since the most recent shooting spree in Connecticut there has been talk of hiring armed personnel for public schools. David Clarke’s ad is only another such idea, which in my opinion, should be considered seriously by the public since the federal government is letting people keep their AR-15s.
—Max Cisneros
Please send all feedback to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
