There's No Way On God's Green Earth That I Would Send My Kids To A School With Armed Teachers Or Janitors. Would You?

     One of the most controversial subjects being discussed by Americans today is the issue of arming our school teachers.  It's already legal, in some states, for a teacher to be "packing a rod" - and the numbers could start growing very soon.

     In Utah, for instance, not only does the law allow a teacher to carry a concealed handgun in his or her classroom, but parents don't have to be notified.  Let me repeat that.  A teacher can have a pistol or revolver - hidden under his or her clothes - and the mothers and fathers of the students for which he or she is teaching - do not have to be told - that their kids are being taught by a teacher - who has a firearm available to use - should the need arise.  Such a teacher doesn't have to tell other teachers or even the administrators of the school that a gun is present.  In fact...ANYONE...with a concealed carry permit - can bring a loaded gun in to a school - and according to Utah state law - parents do not have the right to know that their children are sitting in a classroom everyday where their teacher - or any visitor - could be carrying a loaded gun.  THIS...IS... TOTALLY...INSANE!!!

     Were the legislators of Utah - including the governor - on drugs the day they passed such a law?  Did they not realize the risk they are putting our children in by allowing guns to be in schools?

     On December 21st, 2012 - exactly one week after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut - the National Rifle Association's executive vice president, Wayne LaPierre, held a news conference whereby he proposed a plan to arm teachers in America's schools.  A new poll by Public Policy Polling shows that the NRA's favorability rating has declined significantly since LaPierre's statement.  The poll also found that voters - Democrats and Republicans alike - including gun owners - oppose LaPierre's suggestion to allow teachers to carry guns.  Furthermore, the poll indicates that most Americans are against putting armed police officers in every school.

     In Spring City, Utah, officials are recommending that the head of every household own a gun and be trained to know how to use it.  The Spring City town council is also proposing that all school teachers in their community be given the appropriate instruction for gun use as well.  According to the most recent census data, there are 956 people who live in Spring City, Utah.  A majority of the more than 300 households in that municipality already own guns.

     Across the country - in Montpelier, Ohio - a board of education in that community has voted unanimously to allow its four school janitors to carry loaded handguns - once the custodians have completed a two-day training course; scheduled for March.  Officials believe that by arming the janitors is the best way to protect the kindergarten through 12th grade students who attend the school.  Montpelier is a small village of approximately 4,000 people, located in the northwest part of "The Buckeye State;" about 65 miles west of Toledo.

     Local lawmakers in cities and states throughout America are following the lead of such towns as Spring City, Utah and Montpelier, Ohio and are at least discussing the possibility of implementing similar plans. 

     Would you send your kid to school with armed teachers and/or janitors?

     I'd homeschool my child before I'd let him or her go to a school where teachers and/or custodians were walking around with guns on their belts.

     The United States Constitution provides Americans with a 2nd Amendment right to bear arms.  Fine.  I support a person's right to own a pistol for protection in his or her own home.  I also support the rights of sportsmen - with the proper permits - and during seasons that are designated to go hunting for deer and other animals that people are legally allowed to hunt - to be able to own the appropriate weapons for such activities.   I - and I don't believe anybody else - is challenging the 2nd amendment.  But there needs to be a sensible and logical discussion with the NRA about guns.  Wayne LaPierre and NRA supporters are just not being rational.

     There is no reason for teachers or janitors to carry concealed loaded handguns in schools; and there is no reason for any American citizen to own an assault weapon of any kind.  Assault weapons are made for one reason and one reason only - to kill people.  They are used by members of the military and by trained personnel in law enforcement.  There is no need for anyone in this country - or anyone on the planet - to own an assault weapon for home or personal protection.

     An individual can buy thousands of rounds of ammunition on the Internet with no background check.  There are currently no laws that prevent a person from making such a purchase.

     On January 9th, 2013, former President Bill Clinton - during a speech at the Consumer Electronics Show - said those who opposed gun control measures such as banning the sale of high-capacity magazines were crazy. The President said, "I grew up in the hunting culture...but this is nuts.  Why does anybody need a 30-round clip for a gun?  Why does anybody need one of those things that carries 100 bullets?  Half of all mass killings in the United States have occurred since the assault weapons ban expired in 2005.  Half - in all of the history of the country."  It was 1994 when Mr. Clinton signed that assault weapons ban.

     Meanwhile, President Barack Obama has been clear that Congress should reinstate the assault weapons ban and The White House has said that avoiding this issue just because it's been politically difficult in the past is not an option.  After the tragic massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, when is the NRA going to agree?

     On January 10th, Vice President Joe Biden said, “There is nothing that has gone to the heart of the matter more than the image people have of little 6-year old kids riddled...not shot...but riddled, riddled, with bullet holes in their classroom." 

     You and I can't board an airplane in this country without taking off our shoes and belts; and in many instances being examined by a controversial full-body scanner, which creates an image of a person's naked body through their clothing.  There is certainly the privacy implications of the government taking naked pictures of our citizens.  And if that's not invasive enough - we can then be frisked.  But in Utah - and who knows at this point what other states may end up doing the same - anybody can walk in to a school with a concealed handgun.  But giving guns to teachers and janitors is not the answer.  How can the NRA or anybody give such a responsibility to our teachers?  Arming our educators and other school employees is an awful... terrible...horrible...bad, bad, bad idea!  Teachers do not have the training for a high pressure situation that includes the snap judgment of dealing with a deranged madman with a highpowered gun.  Let our teachers do what they do best - and that is teach.  If a teacher had to carry a gun to school everyday - I can guarantee you that he or she is going to be thinking about that gun - and when he or she has to use it.  Teachers are not cops.  Let our teachers focus on teaching.  The more guns that are in school...the more dangerous it's going to be.

     And that's The Controversy for today.

     I'm Gary B. Duglin.

Please express your opinions in the comment box below.  You do not have to register your name and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.  The Controversy wants to know your views on the essay above and on any other commentaries written on this blog.  Just click on the word "Comment" below and write your thoughts in the box that appears.  Make sure please that when you finish your statement that you click on the word "Publish."  Thank you.

Copyright 2013 Gary B. Duglin and TheControversy.net. All Rights Reserved.