Americans' hearts have been wounded by the murders of the children and teachers in Newtown, Conn., on Dec. 14. That was a senseless act of cruelty by a terribly disturbed young man. We must find a way to protect our most vulnerable citizens and preserve our ability to defend ourselves. The Second Amendment codifies our right to defend our lives and liberty.
Schools in Israel were easy targets for terrorist attacks until some teachers were asked to accept the responsibility of undergoing weapons training and carrying arms. Those attacks stopped. A few sheepdogs among the sheep are all that is needed to stop the wolves. We arm air marshals to protect travelers. Should we not give the same level of protection to our children? In 2007, the school district in Herald, Texas, chose to do just that. Teachers with concealed-carry permits were given the option of receiving additional training and being armed in the classroom. No child in the district has been harmed since.
"Gun-free zones" must be eliminated because they offer a false sense of security and a target-rich environment for criminals. Forty-nine states have found that having responsible adults carrying arms makes us all safer. Seconds count when the police are minutes away.
VICTOR LAPORTE
Elgin, Ill.
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