In today’s world, the conversation around child safety is more urgent than ever. As I gaze at my little one, just eight months old, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of protectiveness for every child, including yours. I’d gladly put my life on the line for your child because you’ve entrusted me with your most precious treasure. But here’s the truth: I shouldn’t have to.
While we have lockdown drills and safety protocols, what protection does a locked door really offer against someone armed? To an intruder, it merely indicates where frightened children and teachers are hiding, silencing cries and frantic prayers. Each educator undoubtedly has their own makeshift plan in these scenarios. Are there large enough closets? Can we barricade the door with furniture? Can we escape to safety through the windows?
Instead of preparing for the worst, let’s focus on prevention. Why are we tolerating gun laws that allow anyone to possess an automatic rifle? Just because someone wants one doesn’t outweigh my right to live, nor does it shield my 33 students from harm. I want my child to grow up in a world where she can attend school safely—where her life isn’t jeopardized by someone’s desire to own a weapon.
The mantra “Guns don’t kill people; people kill people” misses the point. If disturbed individuals didn’t have access to weapons of mass destruction, would they be able to inflict such devastation? Even if they were determined to commit heinous acts, shouldn’t we work to limit their capacity for destruction? The world will always have its tragedies, but allowing these events to unfold without intervention is akin to standing by while bullying occurs.
You may argue, “I have the right to bear arms.” But what’s the purpose of that right? Protection? If you truly feel the need to own a firearm, why not opt for a handgun? The likelihood of facing a dozen home invaders is astronomically low. If that situation arose, your chances are slim, regardless of your arsenal. For recreation? Try target shooting with a regular rifle. Surely, you can find other ways to enjoy yourself without wielding a semi-automatic rifle.
“The Constitution says so!” But does it advocate for the ownership of weapons designed for mass shootings? Such firearms didn’t exist when the Constitution was penned. Should we also be able to possess grenade launchers as long as we have identification? Absurd, right? That’s how ridiculous it is to own an AR-15.
Sure, you might say, “But drugs are illegal, and that hasn’t stopped dealers!” True, but it has certainly reduced drug circulation. You don’t just stroll into Walmart and pick up a bag of cocaine alongside your groceries. Sounds ludicrous, doesn’t it? Just as ludicrous as casually purchasing an assault rifle. While outlawing such weapons wouldn’t make them completely inaccessible, it would undoubtedly make them harder to obtain—an essential step forward.
Imagine a world where hashtags for thoughts and prayers are less frequent, where psychological evaluations of shooters are conducted before tragedy strikes, and where red flags are taken seriously. We can reduce the number of school shootings.
Having experienced a mass shooting in college, I know the pain all too well. A classmate, Sarah, was killed that day. She had transitioned from an Army contractor to pursuing a degree in elementary education, hoping for a safer career. Tragically, her desire for safety turned fatal, a grim reminder of the threats teachers face daily.
When I come home, I hug my baby a little tighter. I’ll be back in the classroom soon, embracing my students, while worrying about the alert system lights. We’ll diligently practice our drills, hoping they understand the gravity of the situation without knowing the full extent. My first graders may say it’s “in case there’s a bad guy,” and that’s as much as they should know.
I refuse to let my six-year-old students return home thinking, “I survived another day at school. I didn’t die today.” We owe them better. So, I ask you: what’s more important—your right to own a weapon or the life of a child? It’s time to reflect on that, America.
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In summary, we must prioritize child safety over the unfettered right to bear arms. By re-evaluating our gun laws and taking action, we can create an environment where children can attend school without fear. It’s time for America to consider what truly matters.
Keyphrase: Gun Control and Child Safety
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