Two things before I get started
Mods: Feel free to move this thread to a more appropriate location. I couldn't find one, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
All: Some of the things in this story are a step in the right direction. Other things have me so royally... um... upset that I am ready to throw my coffee at the computer and give up on the internet. Some of the things stated in this story, and my reaction to them, can't be good for my health.
Below please find a URL for a story from Fox News titled 200 Utah Teachers Take Free Firearms Training Class
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/12/28/teachers-in-utah-ohio-get-free-gun-training/
The class is sponsored by the Utah Shooting Sports Council, and in my mind it is officially a good thing. Knowing that so many educators are of a more liberal mindset, this exposure to the safety aspects of firearms use can only help.
There are quotes in the story from a few teachers that favor having a firearm presence in schools. Some say that anyone that qualifies should be allowed to carry while another makes mention of unarmed teachers being sitting ducks.
In other parts of the story there is mention of a 24 hour tactical firearms course for a few Ohio teachers, and Arizona is considering changing state law to allow "an educator in each school" to carry.
Some of the more acceptable statements point out the fact that teachers can react more quickly than law enforcement in the even of a problem. I agree with this. They would be on scene as soon as the incident started.
What I don't know is whether their response would be appropriate, and I base this on the level of training they are most likely going to get, and the level of practice time they are going to invest in their new duty. I would hope that the school boards allowing armed teachers would have some clear cut guidelines on responsibilities and require the teachers to drill, much like they do fire and severe weather drills. I would hate to see untrained teachers mowing each other down in a crossfire, or worse yet, killing the students they are trying to protect.
Before anybody gets their knickers in a knot, I support having an armed presence in the schools. What I don't know is if arming teachers is the answer. If a teacher normally carries outside the school, has adequate training and can clearly demonstrate proficiency, allow it. Allow them to carry in addition to providing dedicated armed guards or LEOs to protect the school grounds, staff and students.
This brings me to the point that has me absolutely livid.
There are already police officers in some of the nation's schools. Parents and educators, however, have questioned how safe the NRA proposal would keep kids, whether it would be economically feasible and how it would alter student life.
Economically feasible? What is your child's life worth? Give me a number. Tell me where you draw the line on how much you want to spend to keep your kids alive. How much money would it cost each individual to keep their town from mourning the loss of their children to a whack job like this one? When has your wallet become a more valuable asset than your loved ones?
How about that "alter student life" part? Kids all over this country are now afraid to go to school. There is a run on bullet resistant backpacks. I would call that an alteration. I would rather have their life altered than ended.
I'm done. Thank you for tolerating my rant. If you are as PO'd as I am, contact your local elected officials and let them know.
