When pro-gun advocates suggested arming teachers, I thought, "What a horrible idea." However, after reconsidering this proposal, I have decided to support this idea. I am not happy with this, but I believe in action based on the dangerous realities of the present.

I don't think we should require educators to be armed, but allow them to volunteer. They should purchase their own pistols or revolvers and ammunition. Perhaps allow them tax deductions for these purchases. Training should be provided by the state, alongside police firearms training. Teachers would need to be bonded to cover these incidences should they occur. Funding could be raised by a tax on guns and ammo sales.

I also support background checks at all points of sale. This will probably need to be a federal program. In order for this to work, mental health records would need to be included. This raises privacy issues, so whether this can be done remains to be seen.

As for support for the mentally ill and their families, I suppose it will take more people and money. Not so easily done these days.

There are no easy answers to the problems. No magic formula to eradicate evil. But I refuse to sit on the sidelines wringing my hands. I have nephews, grand-nieces and -nephews I want to protect from these demons. This is my only agenda: Sensible gun control and whatever else it takes to make the world safer.

Kevin Johnson

Belleville