Sir, – Arming teachers.
An American solution to an American problem? – Yours, etc,
DAVID DORAN,
Bagenalstown,
Co Carlow.
Sir, – This business is not being thought through properly. President Trump’s idea to arm the teachers is not a brilliant one as each would require an AK 47 to meet the possibility, indeed likelihood, of an encounter with a visitor equipped with modern weaponry against which a mere pistol would be useless. The proper approach would be to arm every pupil in every school with pistols, say a 22-calibre light model for the youngsters rising to a 357 magnum for the seniors. End of problem, and the NRA would benefit from increased demand for firearms, and all Americans would be able to exercise their constitutional right to carry arms. – Yours, etc,
SEAMUS Ó DUNLAING,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.
Sir, – One has to admire the initiative of the NRA and its presidential supporter. There are over three million teachers in America and some bright executive has seen a potential market arising from the tragic events of the past few days. One just hopes that they are offering discounts in pursuit of this noble goal of tackling the problem of guns by providing more guns! – Yours, etc,
DAVE ROBBIE,
Booterstown, Co Dublin.
Sir, – I recall occasions, at heated moments in my school days, when the teacher (always male) would fire the blackboard duster at some delinquent in the back row. Invariably he missed and ended up apologising (or not) to the unfortunate person sitting next to the intended target. I am not sure how this scenario works with live bullets. – Yours, etc,
IVAN RUSK,
Quin, Co Clare.
Sir, – My 23-year-old niece teaches middle school in Washington DC, and it is a job she loves. Now her president wants her to carry a gun into class with her to protect her pupils. I don’t think so! – Yours, etc,
ANN CARROLL,
Carbury,
Co Kildare.