promilitary wrote:
Seriously??? Why wouldn't you want an armed teacher or a well-trained military man on premises
to protect these kids? I'm sure most if not all schools had a dad who is ex-military who would be glad
to step up. What plan do YOU have for protecting them?
I honestly don't think that on average a teacher or ex-military dad with a gun will be all that effective in protecting the children, especially against a suicidal assailant with an assault weapon.
So, I'll answer with four points...
1. teach the kids what to do in the event of an attack to increase their own chances of survival.
2. have schools and local police establish quick response plans.
3. ban high-capacity weapons to decrease the chance of high-capacity murders.
4. accept the reality that life is dangerous and unpredictable and that safety is NEVER guaranteed.
That last point means all we can really do is mitigate risk, not prevent it. That being said, I think my suggestions offer some help in reducing the potential for casualties. I think arming teachers and parents is asking for trouble because then we're relying on factors that are far more unpredictable. For instance in one of those recent shooting incidents there WAS an armed guard on campus and he froze. Also, I don't have a high degree of confidence that a minimally trained civilian, such as a teacher, an NRA member or even an ex-military dad won't get jumpy and shoot someone by accident. In fact, I think that's more probable than the attack they are supposed to be ready for.
'cause, ya know... another source of more gun deaths per year than assailants with assault weapons are accident shootings and I know for a fact that the NRA has its fair share of excitable Barney Fifes.
And this is why I bring the police into this is because it's already their job to protect and serve. Teachers teach, policemen protect (in most cases). Many police officers ARE ex-military but when it really comes down to it the police are better trained to deal with civilians than the military is. Also, the police are active, meaning they continue to be tested and certified for their effectiveness. Ex-military could mean some guy did one tour in Vietnam and has since turned into a fat and senile old man.
I know a lot of ex-military dads would love to be a hero but this is about mitigating risk to the children in very real terms not satisfying the fantasies of gun-owners that want to be heroes. If an ex-military dad wants to stand around campus with his gun ready for that .001% chance of an attack, I would suggest he join the police, get the training he needs and become part of a coordinated and well-regulated effort.