Readers takes a different view of School Safety debate
We can all debate about what other measures would help, but there is no question that bricking up the windows at each school would provide some additional protection.
We can all debate about what other measures would help, but there is no question that solid steel doors with bank quality time release locks at each school would provide some additional protection.
We can all debate about what other measures would help, but there is no question that arming student at each school would provide some additional protection.
We can all debate about what other measures would help, but there is no question that a moat around each school would provide some additional protection.
We can all debate about what other measures would help, but there is no question that forcing all students to disperse and home school would provide some additional protection.
We can all debate about what other measures would help, but there is no question that a double enclosure of electrified and barbed wire fences at each school would provide some additional protection.
We can all debate about what other measures would help, but there is no question that requiring each student to wear a bullet proof vest and full Kevlar suit with full face mask at each school would provide some additional protection.
We can all debate about what other measures would help, but there is no question that bulldozing all of the schools and providing a virtual classroom experience for students at each school would provide some additional protection.
You’re Correct … ther eis no need for debate
The loss of civility in public debate is truly sad. Rather than discussing possible solutions in a productive manner, you resort to absurd strawman arguments. Ridicule is the lazy way to debate. You should aspire to be better than that.
An armed police officer at each school is a valid proposal, the pros and cons of which should be discussed. It is also the only proposal that provides IMMEDIATE additonal protection while the public debates whether it is a long term solution or whether another solution would be better.
Certainly, some of your tongue-in-cheek proposals would provide additional protection against a gunman, but they would also raise other issues that people may or may not be willing to accept. For example, bricking up the windows would have negative consequences in the case of a fire and would create lighting issues (however, if you suggested bullet-proof glass, it would be a fair proposal). In short, your intentionally absurd proposals serve only to show the lack of seriousness you have for this issue.
If you care to be serious, what proposal do you have that would have an immediate impact on the safety of kids at school when confronted with a gunman?
(Most) of these ARE valid proposals… many of which would provide MORE student safety than the window dressing of a lone police officer in each school building.
Bricking/Baring windows and providing more secure doors works – and is done now in high crime areas
Armed legal licensed conceal carry teachers/administrators in schools are MORE effective than the lone police officer.
Physical deterrents – double fences, electronic gates, physical barriers (i.e. moats, etc) ARE proven safety features and would protect students.
Protective clothing (aka bullet proof vests) worn by students and Faculty ARE better protection than an on presence police officer.
Virtual Classrooms spread out the students and a) make the targets more difficult to reach and b) make the “impact” of any killings less grandiose and are most definitely a deterrent.
Your REAL problem is that these BETTER solutions are not as politically (and physically) attractive.
YOU are the one who is being disingenuous and lazy in your approach to protecting our kids.
YOU are the one who is not being serious.
So we secure the schools and the deranged will just go to the mall or sports events.
Security at the schools is an important issue but there will always be flaws. We can’t protect ourselves 24/7 against the element of surprise.
Yes, that is right. The PUBLIC has the responsibility to secure PUBLIC schools where our kids are required to be. The mall or sporting locations are the responsibility of private owners.
Schools are a prime target because killing children is such an attention grabbing tragedy for the deranged. Obviously, we cannot secure every possible publicly owned space. But if there is one place where we should insist on securing isn’t that place the schools where our children and teachers are confined for so much of their day?