GUNS: What works, and doesn't

After reading Sunday’s letters about guns, I compiled some of those thoughts I think are valid, along with some of my own.

More legislation is not much of an answer, as criminals and psychos pay no heed to laws and gun-free zones are especially prime targets for them.

Raising semi-automatic long gun buying laws from 18 to 21 won’t accomplish much. Some semi-automatic pistols have high capacity magazines, and with a pocket full of magazines, a lot of carnage can be done. My small Ruger 9mm came with two 10-shot and one 17-shot magazines.

Secure perimeter fencing with limited, bonafide guarded entrances can be a good start. A prison ensures that criminals stay inside. A secured school can do the same (in reverse) by keeping criminals out.

As metal detectors are used at airports, courthouses, sports events, etc., why not schools? Worth repeating is about Israel using armed guards. Why not hire some of our retired ex-military and police who still want to work?

I believe that unknown, secret qualified armed teachers would be a definite asset for schools. If the news media would withhold all information about a shooter and not show things like victims fleeing for their lives, maybe possible future shooters would not be influenced so much.

I truly believe that the only thing that can stop a bad person with a gun is a good person with a gun.

DAVE MINICH

Rathdrum