Bear spray should be carried by school staff

While politicians quibble and quarrel about gun control as a solution to mass shootings, let us resolve the problem now! Let us protect our children now!

Just a dose of bear repellent spray in the face of a would-be shooter would instantly deter and discourage any gunman with murderous intentions. In fact, he would immediately flee the scene with all thoughts of killing replaced by the desperate need to seek relief from the burning and irritating spray. He would have no other choice.

Just recently, a woman in a wheelchair repelled a home invasion attack by four shotgun-wielding thugs armed with only a can of bear spray. It’s like being hit with a miniature flame-thrower.

Perhaps it should be made mandatory that every school employee in every school carry a can of bear spray on their person. I believe that such a powerful tool in the hands of so many people would, if not totally deter, greatly reduce the number of victims and that terrible scenario like the shooting in Connecticut would be a thing of the past.

It’s cheap (about $30), highly effective (it will stop a 700-pound rampaging grizzly bear), practical (it has a working range of 30 feet), safe (it’s non-lethal) and simple to use. Is there a more logical solution than bear spray?

Let’s get the word out! Every home and business should consider them, too.

C.A. SETTLE

Bonners Ferry