I was teaching a class about television debates the other day and used a five-year old Fox News segment that aired a few months after the Sandy Hook massacre in December, 2012. It was scary to hear the arguments for-and-against changing gun laws because it was all the same we are hearing right now in the wake of the 17 killed in Parkland, Florida.
Some observations:
*Arming teachers is a stupid idea and unfortunately, stupid ideas are being discussed in all seriousness. I don’t want to sound old-fashioned, but teachers exist so children can read, reason and reflect (the three “R’s). President Trump gets the top prize from TDOPFGS (The Department of Phony Feel Good Solutions) for suggesting a bonus if a teacher agrees to conceal carry in a classroom. This isn’t a video game or a reality TV show, Mr. President.
*The student who says CNN told him what to say–something Drudge and Fox News are having a field day with–is correct. I’ve done this. Any outlet airing a live event, town hall or a talk/game show will fine-tune a question to be asked so as to move the show along or ensure the same statement won’t be repeated. There is nothing to see here. It is Fake News.
*The students have the country’s attention. Hopefully, the National Rifle Association will learn there are other amendments besides The Second in the Bill of Rights and all can co-exist. I think something will change because the students have more experience with guns than the NRA.