Protect ourselves — and our children

Protect ourselves — and our children

All Americans hearts have been wounded by the murders of the children and teachers in Newtown, Conn. This was a senseless act of cruelty by a terribly disturbed young man. We must find a way to protect our most vulnerable citizens. We must also preserve our ability to defend ourselves. The 2nd amendment codifies our God given right to defend our lives, liberty, and property.

Schools in Israel were formerly easy targets for terrorist attacks until some teachers were asked to accept the responsibility of being trained and armed. 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 Herald, Tex school district chose to do just that. Teachers with CCW permits were given the option of receiving additional training and being armed in the classroom. No child in the district has been harmed since then.

“Gun Free Zones” must be eliminated because they offer a false sense of security and a target rich environment for criminals; 49 states have found that having responsible adults carrying arms makes us all safer. Seconds count when the police are only minutes away.

Politicians calling the loudest for gun control are hypocrites who have people with guns protecting them. Their lives are no more valuable than ours.

We all must have the ability to protect ourselves and our children.

Victor M. LaPorte

Elgin