As part of its post-Newtown School Shield Program, the NRA has unveiled a 225-page report on school security. [Click here to read. Click here for the summary.] As expected, it includes recommendations for a model program to train school personnel to carry firearms. At a press conference presenting their plan, NRA’s point man for the project backed away from Wayne LaPierre’s initial call for a cop in every school. Former Arkansas Rep. Asa Hutchinson said it was “important” for every school to have at least one armed person on site but . . .
He acknowledged the decision is “locally made” based on unique budget circumstances. He also eased away from LaPierre’s armed volunteers in schools idea. Hutchinson said there was “great reluctance” from superintendents for that proposal. Right until there isn’t. Which I hope never happens.
Gun control advocates condemned the report—without bothering read it At the huffgintonpost.com, Josh Sugamann said the NRA wanted to . . .
turn our schools into prisons, complete with perimeter fences, security cameras, armed guards, and even armed teachers. But never talk about the guns used in such attacks . . .
The tone and substance of the measures put forward by the NRA at their press conference today are so out-of-sync with the horror of Newtown, Aurora, Tucson–and the many mass shootings that have preceded these tragedies, let alone the ones that are certain to come–that anyone within earshot should be deeply offended. When the next massacre occurs at a workplace or shopping mall or other public space, will the NRA offers its self-serving solutions for security in those locations? Where exactly does this end?
It doesn’t Josh. It never does. The fight against evil—as represented by criminals, terrorists and madmen—will continue as long as people exist. Besides, what exactly is your plan?
Contrary to the NRA’s circular self-serving logic, the only way to stop a “bad guy” with a gun isn’t just a “good guy” with a gun. It’s making sure that the voices of the vast majority of Americans who support effective policies to prevent gun violence are heard across the nation and on Capitol Hill.
Yeah no. I’m with the good guy.