An Update on Guns and Policy

If you haven't heard yet, Mr Obama signed presidential orders for measures to reduce gun violence this week. Mr Biden and Mr Obama made their statements live on PBS Newshour, which was streamed live and then put on YouTube, which you can view here. (There are a few glitches from the recording, so be prepared for odd noises in the first 7 minutes or so.)

President Obama effectively shifted the responsibility to Congress on a number of initiatives, offering his arguments for them. A few things he hopes for:  more extensive universal background checks, 10-round limit on clips, mental healthcare reform, and an assault weapons ban.

Mr Obama cites Reagan, who wrote to Congress asking them to "listen to the American public and to the law enforcement community and to support a ban on the manufacture of military-style assault weapons."

Obama understands our right to bear arms, and supports that. He believes we can keep this right while ensuring the safety of our children and fellow Americans. With rights come responsibilities, and we are obligated to allow others their right to life as we allow ourselves.

All peachy-keen, right?

On Guns in Schools

Consider this half-way a response to Rep. Phil Lowe's recent opinion piece featured in the Greenville News, located here. 

Honestly, when I first heard an argument for arming the teachers in schools I thought the person was joking. A chuckle to myself and a few replies later and I realized the opposite. It's so shocking to me that arming teachers in schools is now becoming something many representatives are considering supporting through legislation.

I have maintained relative silence about control and gun rights (though my Twitter and Facebook have sometimes indicated the opposite), but I strongly believe that it would be foolish for us to arm our teachers.