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A university professor, several years ago on the first day of class, told his students to be prepared for a fake shooter to enter the amphitheater classroom anytime during the semester. He handed out empty water pistols and told the students to have them during every class. He said nothing about how to carry or store the pistols. They would discuss the outcome after the event. The class was made up mostly of regular students with a smattering of middle age and two law officers who did not carry their issued fire arms.

A few minutes before the end of class that same day, the fake shooter aggressively slammed through a door near the front of the classroom and started shooting blanks. Many reacted in fear. Several ran into and around others to get out of the room. Most ducked down at their seats. Some fumbled for their pistols that they had stuffed in purses and bags. The two officers ducked down. One quickly retrieved his pistol. The other officer fumbled around and dropped his.

Then the debrief. Many were surprised at their fear and discombobulation after such a recent explanation of what might happen. The consensus was that with fear and pandemonium, there was a high probability that some students would be killed and wounded by friendly fire.

Research shows that the judgement portion of the brain is generally incomplete until somewhere in a person’s mid-twenties. Add to that the lack of reasonable judgement in many adults, especially those who should never have a gun for a variety of reasons. If I had a child killed at school by a legislature-allowed simple citizen, I would be inclined emotionally, though not actively, to introduce to my weapon those who voted for guns in schools - and it wouldn’t be pretty. I have talked to twelve teachers and one principal about the pending gun legislation in Idaho. Not one wants guns in schools except with an assigned police officer.

There is no constitutional, practical or moral right for anyone not a law officer to carry weapons at schools, period!

LAWRENCE BLAKEY

Sandpoint