[quote name='berzirk']I actually sway back and forth on whether guns on campus are a good thing. I'm definitely pro-gun, but even trying to push that bias aside, I just don't see how law enforcement can be prepared for all threats they may encounter in Norway or anywhere else in the world, without a lethal means of defense.
Regarding recidivism rates, I just read that in some Scandinavian country it is only 20% compared to our 60%. It's true there are completely different societies and norms to consider, but I still get back to the same issue. Let's say there's a crazy running around with a knife slashing at people. There is a cop on site, but he has to run off to get his gun, or risk being slashed himself by apprehending the guy by hand. Why be put in that risky situation when something as simple as having law enforcement armed could reduce the risk?
I don't think we necessarily need a bunch of vigilantes running around with a six shooter, but I'm sure glad law enforcement is armed here in the States.[/QUOTE]
I might be a far left loonie, but I support gun ownership if one is so inclined. Let's be real for a moment.
The ability of two police officers to effective contain, dis-arm, and apprehend a suspect in situations like VT and Norway are extremely slim. A vast majority of cops aren't marksmen or trained in urban warfare. Whenever there's a case of someone walking around shooting shit up, hundreds, or thousands depending on the situation, of rounds are fired by cops. Only a few ever hit their targets. The same applies on any battlefield on the planet as most rounds are fired to provide cover. So having a couple of cops armed to the teeth has been proven to not work time and time again. Hell, last year a cop was shot to death trying to apprehend someone that just tried to rob a Kohls. One robber against 2 cops and one cop was killed. This is not some abberation.
I'm not saying that cops trained in urban warfare or carry hi-cap automatic rifles will help, but that a cop with a gun won't make much of a difference in these types of situations. Stress

s people up in very profound ways and an organized response is always preferable because not every cop will be an elite operator and we don't need a militarized police force...or at least anymore than it already is. By the time the first shot is fired, it's already too late.