LTE: Schools should employ gun-safety program
April 5, 2005
Columbus Dispatch
I respond to the March 19 Dispatch editorial "Zero tolerance." I had to check the masthead to make sure I was reading The Dispatch. It was there in black and white: an editorial with a favorable reference to the National Rifle Association.
The message quoted in the editorial was taken from the NRA’s Eddie Eagle firearms safety training program. Many schools, however, don’t (or won’t) take advantage of this program. Is it really any wonder then that "curious children only 6 and 7 years old," brought up on a steady diet of shoot-’em-up TV, movies and video games, sometimes bring their guns to school?
If The Dispatch advocates "zero tolerance" for these children, then shouldn’t it take the same stance for adults?
I suggest taking a survey of local schools to identify those that have firearms-safety training programs in their curricula. If a principal hasn’t included such training, then remove him or her for one year. Of course, retain the appeals process "so special consideration can be given in cases that warrant it."
Bud Cohan
Gahanna
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