Following the mass shooting that recently took place in Parkland, Florida, the gun control debate has, once again, escalated. Everyone has an opinion, as they should, but no one has the perfect solution. It's a difficult topic, and there are many angles to approach the issue from.
An idea that has been suggested in the past and that has been brought back into focus is allowing teachers with concealed carry permits to carry in their classrooms.
Yes. This is controversial. No. This isn't going to end the occurrence of mass shootings, but it's a step in the right direction. Quite frankly, I'm shocked by just how many oppose this idea. Let's think logically for a few minutes...
First of all, regardless of the gun restrictions and new gun control laws we implement, people who want to obtain firearms for the purpose of harming others are going to find a way to do so. This doesn't mean it's fruitless to put more stipulations on obtaining guns, but adding a few more background checks and a mental health evaluation isn't going to solve this problem either.
There's also the argument that arming teachers could cause more harm than protection during the event of a mass shooting because people act unpredictably in chaotic situations.
OK. I see your thought process. It's possible the teacher "freezes," unable to react, which will have the same result as if he/she wasn't armed because "freezing" means he/she won't access the concealed weapon (no additional harm).
There's also the fear that more people will be harmed if the teacher misses the intended target due to panic or irrational behavior under stress. To this, I can only point out that we're putting a lot of trust in a hypothetical scenario.
I can't tell you whether, in that terrible moment, someone who the active shooter would choose to spare may be taken down unintentionally by an armed teacher's stray bullet. But I can tell you the alternative -- the unarmed teacher and their helpless students are unprotected, at the complete mercy of an armed gunman with the intent to kill.
As long as schools remain gun-free zones, they remain easy targets for people who have the desire to do harm. And no. One armed security guard on a school's campus is not going to cut it. Teachers with concealed carry permits should absolutely have the right to carry in their classrooms and, at least, have a fighting chance to protect themselves and their students.
Additionally, to the people blowing up my social media feeds with their sarcastic memes, exaggerated posts, and hateful words toward President Trump, please stop turning mass shootings into a discussion about sexism, patriarchy, racism, and "Republican ignorance." Whining will get you nowhere (except maybe on mine and, I'm sure others', growing lists of muted "friends").
However, willingness to entertain ideas other than bans, restrictions, and wishing death upon our president might just get the ball rolling in the direction of making Americans feel safe in their classrooms once again.
