Could Arming Teachers Prevent School Terror Attacks?

Israel and Thailand seem to think so.

In his latest column Dave Kopel addresses the issue.

Gun-control laws in Thailand are extremely strict, and are being tightened even more because of three school shootings (perpetrated by students) that took place in a single week in June 2003. Two students were killed.

But though Thailand’s government is extremely hostile to gun ownership in general, it has recognized that teachers ought to be able to safeguard their students and themselves.

So, even an anti-gun society realizes that gun ownership may be the only way to defend against gun toting terrorists. I'm not sure how anti-gun activists would fight against terrorists if ever put in the situation, maybe they'd use spitballs (waits for Chris Mathews to appear and berate him). Maybe they'd just sit there and let fate take its course.

Kopel continues on how Israeli schools have been targets since 1974! For 30 years these school attacks have been happening, it's not a recent phenomena with the Russian hostage situation. The article goes on explaining how Israel implemented the armed teachers program and the results of it. It's a good read with excellent sourcing, go have a look.

My take on it is that as long as the teachers are trained individuals and that the firearms are safeguarded well enough that they couldn't possibly be accessed by children by mistake, then I am all for it. While not a "gun nut" myself I do believe in the second amendment and the usefulness of guns for defense.

The only people I can see against such an alternative, if handled in a safe manner, is someone who is in denial to the current state of terrorism or school shootings. If you are against this, please, please, please, comment below, I would really like to hear how you could possibly be against such an action as having the ability to defend school kids if they are threatened.

Remember when you were a kid sitting in math class, maybe passing a note to friend or day dreaming about recess. Now imagine that being interrupted by some lunatics busting through the classroom door with guns, entering the classroom and scaring the crap out of everyone. Wouldn't you want someone who is potentially well trained, like say a gym teacher who is an ex-marine, to have the ability to get to a weapon to defend you? I sure would.

Hat tip: Instapundit

Update
Armies of Liberation has this incredible truth-ism on their latest entry.

When is a child expendable for the sake of a political statement? Which is a legitimate target? Line up ten toddlers in a row and the world will disagree. Some people will say none should be targeted. Others will point to one and say a bullet in her head is not terrorism.

A simply amazing reality check statement to the current situations around the world. There are actually people around this world that would say that it is ok to shoot that one todler. When it is put in such terms, with such an "in your face" mental image, it slaps you harder.