Arming teachers is no answer to shootings

Arming teachers to stop gun violence in the schools is a ridiculous idea. A teacher in a classroom would be in poor position to defend students when a gunman bursts in. Even at the entrance to a school, a gunman armed with an assault weapon would have the advantage. There would be a lot of collateral damage. Do parents want their children to be in the midst of shootouts in their schools? Do they want to pay higher taxes to arm and train teachers? Do teachers want such a responsibility? A determined gunman would not be deterred by the threat because they often kill themselves afterward or choose suicide by cop.

The question should be, why is it so easy for someone to buy an assaultstyle rifle with high-capacity magazines and bump stocks to increase the rate of fire? Why would any law-abiding citizens want to buy such a weapon of mass destruction? George Magakis Jr. Norristown, Pa.

Is our problem really about guns or the core values and character of American culture? From the treatment of our indigenous people to the inequality and greed of today, our history of misdeeds is well documented. Our mentally ill are put on the streets to fend for themselves. Eventually, they become warehoused in a prison system with no viable help.

Those who elude the prison system are helped by loving, but weary, family members and friends navigating an unknown, overwhelming and sometimes horrifying journey.

We allow very few of the many to define us. The majority are overwhelmed with an exhausted sense of helplessness. Only when the majority of Americans stand strongly united with a very loud voice, demanding change to our core values, can we change the culture of our society.

Our children are showing the way! Jean E. Winkler Washington, Utah

WANT TO COMMENT? Have Your Say at letters@usatoday.com, @USATOpinion on Twitter and facbook.com/usatodayopinion. Comments are edited for length and clarity. Content submitted to USA TODAY may appear in print, digital or other forms. For letters, include name, address and phone number. Letters may be mailed to 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA, 22108.