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Editor:
Lately the local school systems have wisely, in my opinion, started discussions on ways to address the issue of firearm security. Sadly, in the world we now live in there are deranged cowards who chose to take their problems out on innocent people of all walks of life.
The one thing these tragedies seem to have in common is that most of them involve gun violence in places where people are vulnerable and helpless. Every day we send our children to a place where there is very little or no protection against this type of danger ... that is their school.
All public buildings are required to have systems in place to protect occupants from disasters using fire alarms, emergency exits and a pre-determined plan to either evacuate or, if necessary lock down the building.
Why not give the schools the ability to protect and defend our children and the school staff? By simply labeling our schools and public buildings as armed and protected facilities as opposed to "no firearms allowed" and defenseless, we could greatly reduce the likelihood of an armed confrontation.
Those with ill intent will be less likely to confront others who have the ability to defend themselves. Simply put, these acts happen in predetermined places where the coward will face little or no resistance. That said in every situation a firearm should be the absolute last resort in solving any confrontation.
My intention here is not to publicize my own views but to simply keep the conversation on the forefront in the meantime while these decisions confront us. Sadly, these mass casualties seem to come and go like changes in the weather. One thing I have noticed when reporters interview families and friends of victims the response is the same, "I would never have imagined that something like this would ever happen here!"
As we all know there are no guarantees in life; maybe it will never happen but should that occasion arise will we be able to say that we were prepared to handle the situation, or will we be left to hide in the restroom curled up in a ball begging for mercy? Unfortunately, mercy has no guarantee either. Like it or not that is simply the case.
Thank you to all of those in the various school systems who have chosen to address the brutal honestly of this unfortunate trend in society. Obviously, this is not an easy decision to make and will encounter many different viewpoints, that's OK. Everyone doesn't need to think the same, but they do need to think.
Michael McCormick
East Palestine