As a fellow member of the Birdville school district bond committee and fellow ex-mayor of Haltom City and fellow "speaking for himself" citizen, I disagree with Jack Lewis regarding arming classroom teachers. (See: "Ex-mayor backs letting teachers carry handguns," Feb. 1)
As a practical matter, I believe it unwise to have a loaded gun inside a public classroom unless a certified police officer is just dropping by to say "hello." I do agree with the bond committee's recommendation to upgrade security with intelligently designed building changes and processes.The mere presence of a lethal armament inside a classroom reduces safety for everyone in the room. Where is it kept? Is it loaded? How will the weapon be ready for use as soon as the door is kicked in and yet made safe from access by all except the licensee? If the teacher is somehow disabled, what keeps the weapon out of the hands of a student, or worse, a classroom invader intent on violence?-- Bill Lanford, Haltom CityHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
