But now, in the aftermath of the horrid events at Sandy Hook, discussion is popping up everywhere about guns, who should be carrying one, who should not. I live in Texas. I am pretty sure on election day they don't even count the votes here, they just call it in for the Republicans. People here believe in their right to carry a gun (not all of them - but I guessing more than don't). And many are calling for teachers to start packing. Not in my district, but in the state in general. THIS. SCARES. THE. CRAP. OUT.OF. ME.
But a very small part of me is starting to wonder if this might be a real option. Which even as my fingers type sounds CRAZY - I have never even TOUCHED a gun (and I never want to honestly). Gun shops are offering discounts to teachers willing to be trained, and one tiny district here already brags about their teachers carrying guns. But where could it possibly be kept safely? Would it be possible to store a gun securely enough and still be accessible to get in time for protection? I can't imagine being in a room of children with a gun in the room. OMGoodness. But then again, last week I couldn't imagine anyone being in a room with gun and a bunch of little kids and SHOOTING them...
I wish I knew the answer. Teachers are first responders in a school tragedy, and I wish their was a way to defend the children in our charge and ourselves from crazy, but this? I hate the whole thought of all of it. ALL of it! What do you think? I can't believe these things are even thoughts that have to thought.
http://todaynewsgazette.com/texas-teachers-with-guns/
http://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-teachers-with-guns-newtown-connecticut-school-shooting-sparks-gun-proposals-86902/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/17/crockett-keller-gun-store_n_2316413.html
And while I am broaching the subject of CRAZY... why would anyone ever need a semi-automatic gun if they weren't in the military or police force? Is there ANYTHING good that can come of that?
I would never agree to carry a gun at school. Ever. We've had the discussion around here too. I can just see one of our special friends who should be in a self-contained class but isn't somehow getting their hand on it and then you've opened up a whole 'nother can of worms. No.Thank.You.
ReplyDeleteI know. I do wish that armed guards were affordable options, but we would need them at every entrance. Uggghhhh.
ReplyDeleteHeidi
I am also a Texas teacher and we had this very conversation at lunch today. I'll admit I have my CHL and keep a gun in my home as well as one under the seat of my pick up for various safety reasons. I'm honestly torn on the issue, I terrifies me to even think of having a gun in my classroom. If I were to ever agree to it then it must be OUT OF REACH to the kids and they MUST NOT know. If my district voted on it, I would probably agree. I know I'll catch heck for saying that. I live in a very rural area. I can 100% relate to the article. The closest law enforcement is 20 miles away. BUT I wouldn't never want to give my students the impression that it's ok to bring a gun to school and that's one reason why I'm also against it. I truly am honestly torn. If something like that was to ever happen in my classroom, I'd have no problem aiming it. I hope I'm not judged for this and I hope it never comes to this in my district. I wish there were easier ways. I wish we didn't have to deal with this at all.
DeleteI dnt think I could shoot anybody...even a mass murderer. I don't think it would be a fair thing to ask a teacher to go.
ReplyDeleteKathy O
I have never held a gun but feel like I would not have any problem aiming at anyone shooting at my kids, either my own kids our my kids at school. I would just never want to. I would be okay with people who really knew how to use them having them if there was a way to keep them without possibility of a child getting to one.
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