Debating the Right to Bear Arms

Following tragedies like Columbine, and Virginia Tech, it is no surprise that teachers and school officials want to carry firearms not only for their safety but the safety of the school campus – which could prevent similar horrific events. One Oregon teacher wants to be allowed to take her concealed weapon with her to work because of threats made against her by her ex-husband.  

The teacher believes that having “responsible armed adults on campus” may be key in preventing other school tragedies.  

I have never felt comfortable around guns. Even guns that are on safety or empty make me uncomfortable. I guess the idea that a piece of crafted metal that can end my life in an instant is a legit sort of fear.  

I don’t know how comfortable I would be in knowing my teachers were carrying around firearms. Sure, it would potentially defuse a really bad situation if someone came to school with a gun and opened fire. However, there are a few ‘what ifs’ that come to mind. If teachers and the potential shooter started exchanging bullets from one side of the room to the other who is to say students wouldn’t be caught in the middle, adding up to an even deadlier outcome.  

Given the rise in school violence it is obvious some action needs to taken in school security. However, having teachers walk around with firearms seems like something you do as a last resort. In a typical A to B then C setup, instead going through the traditional steps, it seems like people seem more interested in realizing the problem (A) skipping over (B) and jumping over to C. Schools need to be better equipped in dealing with school violence. Instead of turning school faculty into gun slingers there needs to be a way of tackling the issue of school violence without applying factors that may end up instigating it.  

UPDATE: Maybe I need to clarify myself a little further. I am not advocating whether or not people in general should not be using firearms. My concern for firearms rests only in school staffers who are allowed to carry them. Carrying about a loaded pistol in a school of students from middle school, high school and so on is not the only way of dealing with the problem of school violence.  

It is a matter of safety. Guns should not be a school campus. Period. Even if it is under a registered permit. As I stated before, there should be other ways of dealing with the threat of school violence. Something that doesn't require getting all trigger happy. -- Eming Piansay