Letters to the editor - Jan. 16, 2013

MONSTERS

Virginia, there might not be a Santa Claus, but there are monsters!

Thank you for deciding to become a teacher. We are fortunate to have people like you who will educate and care for our children. We wish you a long and rewarding career and will try to provide you and our children with a safe learning environment. Unfortunately the news headlines suggest that we may not be successful. No matter how hard we try, you and our children may become victims of the monsters in our society and here in Montana we leave you with no means of defending your self or our children. Even having an armed guard (dead or alive) somewhere in the building cannot guarantee your personal protection. Only you can do that.

How could this happen in America? The bearing of a firearm for self defense is your constructional right, yet you are required to give up that right to work your job! In the most horrific circumstance, your only defense against the monster is to place your self in the line of fire in a futile attempt to protect those we love. Several of your fellow teachers have done this, and they died along with the children. Perhaps they would very much like to have had the option of being armed and been able to defend. Those who would not allow them that possibility are the real monsters. They are the ones who violated our constitutional rights. The blood of our children is on their hands. I feel like there is blood on my hands; I let them get away with it.

Every teacher in our state should be able to choose to have a concealed weapons permit and, if they choose, to have a firearm on their person. Also, any person with a concealed weapons permit should be able to exercise the right to carry in any setting. There can be no more clusters of potential victims. A society which is ready to defend is a more safe society. Even monsters do not want to be shot at!

Good luck, Virginia. Do not be a victim. However, if changes are not made, you really might want to reconsider your career choice!

Gerald Geske, Superior

Retired Educator