Definitely a point of discussion as well. I would probably also include mental health care as something else to consider and evaluate.

 

I may not agree with Obama on much but I have hope that he will look into what CAN be done and make an effort to help the issue. Seems many on here think we just need to roll over and accept what we have...

 

Wrong, I've seen nothing but people from both sides stating that something must be done. The status quo isn't working and something must be done, but what is that something. Thats what we are getting into here.

Right, but where's the security guard/officer?

 

If the entrance to the school is that way, why can't the classroom doors be that way?

 

Why can't a couple teachers be designated "carriers" that have a gun on their person at all times?

 

That's what I was referring to.

 

Budgets keep security (resource officer) from being at every school, every hour, every day. I mentioned that budget is the watchword and taxes.

 

I think some schools have interior door locks. I don't know if this one did or did not.

 

As to the last, it's been pointed out that might be a topic of discussion but I place this into that mix: At higher level schools, where students are larger, more developed and physical - are we inviting a dangerous scenario? I've seen enough High School fights in our small community to know that sometimes a viscious enough student can "take down a teacher." Suppose it's the one that's the designated "carrier?" Suppose the kid secures the gun and turns it on teachers, kids, etc?

 

I think it's a valid discussion point but "all" scenarios need to be discussed as well.

I'll be the first to admit, when it comes to health care I don't know much about the mental health care field. What I know is from direct personal experience with the local state hospital and from one of the private institutions I deal with somewhat frequently. Here's my non-linked, personal experience with those facilities: They over medicate more patients than they should. Again, just my opinion, but the problem doesn't seem to resolve or doesn't seem to have a manageable end for many patients I see, only meds on top of meds. So, based solely on my experience with patients I see personally, the climate where I live is that the problems either are misdiagnosed or masked by meds.

 

With that said, I don't know what the situation with diagnosed or perceived aspergers and this particular kid, but I have a feeling he may have been misdiagnosed or mistreated. And again, this is my opinion only, mental health is the biggest stab in the dark in health care. I think there's a definite lack of education for parents or caregivers to potential very serious problems with behavior.

 

I believe meds have been made the "cheap" and easy "fix" to serious mental health issues.

 

Meds serve a great purpose for a great need but not without the counseling and therapy that should accompany it. There cost is much, much higher than the phramaceutical costs so people with tight budgets go that route.

 

That's my experience.

I think law abiding citizens will be the only ones that will be affected. Why? You have to realize how many guns are in this country at this point. The intention is admirable, I just don't see it working here.

So you can't also work to get rid of what we have here? It won't be an overnight change for sure.

This, by far, is the most inaccurate comment you've made thus far in this thread. I don't think anyone feels that way. What many want, I certainly know I do, it solid solutions to the problem. Knee-jerk solutions don't save lives.

I find it ironic that this follows post #129.

Wrong, I've seen nothing but people from both sides stating that something must be done. The status quo isn't working and something must be done, but what is that something. Thats what we are getting into here.

I don't think it's all people. For example, spindoc seems to be quite open to some changes and I applaud him for that. Others just seem to be shooting down ideas...

Budgets keep security (resource officer) from being at every school, every hour, every day. I mentioned that budget is the watchword and taxes.

 

I think some schools have interior door locks. I don't know if this one did or did not.

 

As to the last, it's been pointed out that might be a topic of discussion but I place this into that mix: At higher level schools, where students are larger, more developed and physical - are we inviting a dangerous scenario? I've seen enough High School fights in our small community to know that sometimes a viscious enough student can "take down a teacher." Suppose it's the one that's the designated "carrier?" Suppose the kid secures the gun and turns it on teachers, kids, etc?

 

I think it's a valid discussion point but "all" scenarios need to be discussed as well.

I would be very nervous to actually PUT guns in our schools. Are there schools that currently do the "designated carrier" idea?

I don't think it's all people. For example, spindoc seems to be quite open to some changes and I applaud him for that. Others just seem to be shooting down ideas...

 

If the idea is banning guns, then it should be shot down immediately IMO.

I don't think it's all people. For example, spindoc seems to be quite open to some changes and I applaud him for that. Others just seem to be shooting down ideas...

I will add this, I do fear that whatever "we" decide is an appropriate avenue that the outcome won't be effective because of the politics and angling that will inevitably ensue. That's the damn shame of it all.

If the idea is banning guns, then it should be shot down immediately IMO.

Why? Because you don't like it? I provide this link:

 

A Land Without Guns: How Japan Has Virtually Eliminated Shooting Deaths - Max Fisher - The Atlantic

 

It seems to work...

McVey didn't need a gun... The 9/11 terrorist didn't need a gun.. Hitler didn't need a gun.. Yet they were all murders...

I will add this, I do fear that whatever "we" decide is an appropriate avenue that the outcome won't be effective because of the politics and angling that will inevitably ensue. That's the damn shame of it all.

I too share that fear.

McVey didn't need a gun... The 9/11 terrorist didn't need a gun.. Hitler didn't need a gun.. Yet they were all murders...

I think this defeatist attitude won't get us anywhere.

I believe meds have been made the "cheap" and easy "fix" to serious mental health issues.

 

Meds serve a great purpose for a great need but not without the counseling and therapy that should accompany it. There cost is much, much higher than the phramaceutical costs so people with tight budgets go that route.

 

That's my experience.

 

Agreed.

 

Add to the mix the fact that the pharmaceutical lobby is, shall we say, well-heeled.

 

A wise person once told me to always follow the money.

I don't know what the answer is but I look at the faces of the parents and my heart breaks. I can say this, if one of you ever harms my child, I'll do my very best to find you. You can say it's pre-meditated because I'm telling you now. First degree for me if I find you. But as a dad, how would I possibly handle this? How can I be anything but furious and heart broken? Something has to change. I don't think gun control is the answer. I don't know what is. I hate having Yahoo as my homepage because every time I get on there it's another heartwrenching image of a parent in sheer anguish. I hope that there aren't any on here that think things are ok. Because they're not. Some of the issues we discuss here are frankly more intelligently debated than they'll likely be on capitol hill. I know the topic is basically about the angling politically of this president on this issue. Maybe he did. Maybe he'll use it to further his agenda towards gun control, I don't know. I just can't imagine what it takes to harm kids. I don't get it. And whatever we have to do in our schools to protect them I'm all for. Raise taxes to place an officer at the front door with one way in and one way out and put that dude in armor. I don't care, but do something.