School shootings are by far one of the worst tragedies that ever occur. So many valuable lives with loads of potential are snuffed out in an instant, some even before they see their teenage years.

Some may say that schools are a place where our kids and family members can be safe. The fact is that schools are such an easy target for tomorrow’s crazy person because they are labeled as “gun-free zones.” That means that there would be a very small amount of bullets flying back at a potential shooter. But, what if the tides changed a little bit and not only were there armed cops on a campus but also armed teachers? That shooter’s plan will completely change the second someone else pulls a trigger in self-defense.

House Bill 1157, a bill that states that all Colorado schools would have the option to choose if they would allow teachers to carry concealed weapons while at work, was rejected last week. What it stood for, however, could have made a huge impact on threats at schools.

We obviously trust the fact that teachers are somewhat sane because they educate our kids. But why are they only allowed to teach and not defend our children?

We should put guns in the hands of teachers. The school districts and the teachers have a choice if they want to carry it or not, which they should in the first place since it is their right to do so.

If one out of every two teachers carried a gun in a school with fifty teachers, there are obviously going to be 25 guns on campus. Additionally, the resource officers on duty would make 27. That is 27 armed Americans against one lone gunman. The odds would be forever in the teachers favor, plain and simple. It just makes sense.

If a shooting were to occur, it would be quickly squashed. But the big picture is that it would prevent it from even happening or being planned in the first place. We all want to watch our kids get on that big yellow bus and know that the chances of bullets flying through their chemistry books will be slim to none.

I vote yes for HB 1157. Unfortunately, 45 percent of Coloradans disagree with this bill. There is no reason why our teachers should not get the proper training they need to carry a gun, defend themselves and defend our children.

braber@mavs.coloradomesa.edu