We have seen too many dead people in schools not to understand that deranged people have no respect for designated gun-free zones. It boggles the mind that a law to allow responsible adults to provide real and meaningful protection for children from such deranged people is not already on the books. As reported in a Feb. 7 Columbian online story, “Rep. Pike introduces bill to allow armed teachers.” Hats off to Rep. Liz Pike, R-Camas, for stepping forward with House Bill 1788.
What has Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver, offered to address the lack of protection that now exists? What would she consider to be the right approach?
The concerns of teachers union representative, Ellen Joslin, quoted in the story, are trivial compared to the very real concern of making schools as safe as can they be for the students and staff who attend them. Does she really not see that keeping the children alive outweighs her warm and fuzzy interest in providing a nurturing environment?
Rep. Jim Moeller, D-Vancouver, may be right about the Democrat-controlled House leadership blocking the bill from getting a hearing. They seem to be content to let the children remain at risk as long as they can maintain their feel-good gun-free zones.