MADISON, Wis. - In the wake of school shootings in Wisconsin, Colorado and Pennsylvania during the last two weeks, a state legislator says he plans to introduce legislation that would allow teachers, principals, administrators and other school personnel to carry concealed weapons.
Rep. Frank Lasee, a Republican, said Wednesday that, while his idea may not be politically correct, it has worked effectively in other countries.
"To make our schools safe for our students to learn, all options should be on the table," he said. "Israel and Thailand have well-trained teachers carrying weapons and keeping their children safe from harm. It can work in Wisconsin."
I am a teacher and I don't think that it would be a bad idea to give people who are willing and properly trained the option to carry a weapon. It would definitely give those who are bent on taking innocent children's lives a second thought before entering a school.
However, what is proper training? It would have to be no less than what SWAT forces receive. To have a teacher fire a weapon and possibly endanger the life of a student is almost unthinkable. I don't see how a good educator has the time to go through that kind of training. I hardly have time for my wife and simple hobies as is.
Proper hardware? CCW for sure. Nobody could know that you were carrying. Ammunition would have be chosen very carefully - over penetration is totally unacceptable. What about tasers? Difficult if some one is using a child as a human shield.
As predictable and interesting as this concept is, I doubt the future of this kind of legislation. The newsgroups are massive flamewars, nobody seems open to a different opinion.
3 comments:
" "Israel and Thailand have well-trained teachers carrying weapons and keeping their children safe from harm. It can work in Wisconsin.""
Israel and Thailand have compulsory militry service. Start a draft in Wisconsin and I'll agree with that, but until then, they aren't trained.
"To have a teacher fire a weapon and possibly endanger the life of a student is almost unthinkable." However, to see your student(s) in harms way and know that you could or should have done something to protect them; now that is indeed unthinkable.
I live in Utah and it has been legal for a number of years for CFP holders to carry in schools. In fact, many CFP instructors offer a reduced rate (or free) instruction to educators who are interested in getting their permit.
The administration of the University of Utah made a big fuss about no guns being allowed on campus, even if it was permitted by state law. The state legislature passed a specific bill allowing permit holders to carry on all state universities and colleges.
So, what has been the result? Number of school teachers who carry in elementary school through high school? Who knows. Number of CFP holders involved in shoot-outs at schools? Zero. It there is one, you can bet it will make the national news. My wife sometimes works late at the University, and she feels a lot better about walking out to the car on dark evenings.
People can say whatever they desire about Utah CFP holders and the instruction they receive. It is, however, made abundantly clear that if you brandish your weapon or use it irresponsibly, then you are going away, possibly for a long time.
Take classes; take training; take your wife to the gun range, even if she shoots better than you.
I disagree with the first post. It's a very good argument, but I don't think compulsory military service anywhere is the end-all-and-be-all to safer schools and a competent, law-abiding armed civilian population. It wouldn't hurt, but I think that in lieu, the training offered by the many high quality self-defense schools would be just-as good if not better in some situations.
The training at self-defense schools and CCW permits covers topics the military doesn't. Civilians don't have the resources that the military does and frankly doesn't need regimental training in my opinion.
Compulsory military service does provide everyone with firearms training for free, and that is a good thing. Perhaps, the government could subsidize training for civilians who care about their freedoms and the protection of their children. Yeah, right.
And Joe, I'll be the first to say that my wife, with a little more practice could easily learn to out shoot me. I've got a wicked vision handicap and it isn't getting any better. :-)
Post a Comment