Illogical arguments

A potent sign of this nation’s gun-sickness is the extent to which people will twist themselves into pretzels of illogic to discuss any problem other than the real elephant in the room, or to suggest bizarre solutions other than some measure of gun control. I read repeatedly of the need to “harden” the schools. Typically, one speaks of hardening strategic air hangars or missile sites. The term is inherently militaristic and accepts as a premise a world full of imminent violence, as do the grotesque ideas of arming teachers, bullet-proofing children’s backpacks, or requiring that backpacks be transparent, and all at whose expense? What tolerance of a state of war does this all suggest that Americans will accept in order to avoid restraining gun owners, the NRA, and the manufacturing industry for which the NRA lobbies?

Likewise, consider the suggestion of metal detectors in the schools. How many of those who entertain the idea have had recent business in the federal building downtown, or seen how long it takes one, on average, to clear the TSA lines at the airport? By the time all persons clear the detectors at the main door, the school day must be already waning. Moreover, the gross expense in hardware and specialist employees must be staggering for a population of taxpayers who repeatedly reject additional funding for learning resources and teacher salaries. Woe be to citizens who will accept the cost of metal detectors in schools but not the costs of books and computers.

It is more logical and far superior to accept some significant curtailment of gun ownership, markets, and gross sales, at least of certain weapons, just as we accept limitations and restrictions for driving and manifold other adult responsibilities. Government restraint of citizens’ expression of violence is no different in kind from a good citizen’s restraint of his or her malicious tongue or clenched fist. SHEARLE FURNISH

Little Rock