Our World

A Wisconsin lawmaker proposed the idea of arming school workers with guns in order to add safety to the schools. The congressman claims that if the teachers are properly trained the weapons could deter and prevent school shootings. He makes reference to the success other countries have had with the idea and plans to propose a bill to allow this. I personally find this idea to have many downsides and I think it is unlikely that it will help the situation. Many of the school shootings end with the gunmen killing themselves. I believe that the knowledge of teachers carrying guns would not deter a person who plans to end his life anyways. Also there is the terrible possibility of someone stealing a gun carried by a teacher and using it. Another downside is the doubt that many teachers would be able to shoot a student no matter what the situation. One thing I found curious about the congressman’s argument was that all the countries he mentioned having success with the idea are all currently unstable countries that are in the middle of war. I do believe that something needs to be done to stop school shootings but I doubt if arming teachers is the answer. What I find to be reasonable solutions include hiring more security guards, practicing lock down drills, counseling people who are troubled, and possibly even having metal detectors at school doors. I think that the idea of arming teachers is not a practical solution and the amount that it would cost the government could take away from affective measures of security.



Armed Teachers?

posted by Anonymous @ 10/05/2006 05:26:00 PM