LETTER: Intolerance and deafness

To the editor: At the Town Hall meeting this weekend, several people, myself included talked about allowing those teachers that want to be armed be allowed, with training, etc.

After the meeting, I talked to Dr Monica Goyette, Superintendent for the Matsu School district. A fine teacher had been talking to her as well, showing her the law that teachers could be armed with the OK of the School District administration and advocating for that ability. I added to those comments. Points that we talked about were:

The ability to protect the students from an active shooter by having volunteer teachers armed and carrying concealed. Instead of taking rounds to shield their students, like the two coaches did in Florida, that teachers would be able to engage a shooter. Maybe taking hits as well, but stopping the shooter by inflicting mortal hits on him as well.

I wasn't sure if Dr Goyette was actively listening or not, but that became very apparent when I said that I am a retired USAF NCO, trained and would be willing to volunteer four hours of my day to be in the school, armed, concealed to help offset the teachers. Dr Goyette immediately got visibly defensive and said that no way would she want me to do that because I was too willing! Then she walked away! Obviously, all we had put forward, she didn't hear a word of and what she did hear she would never tolerate or support.

People like Dr Goyette talk about tolerance, listening and respect. None of those attributes were apparent. People like the liberals on the School Board and Dr Goyette refuse to listen and act on sound ideas that save lives. They have no intent to look at States like Oklahoma that have armed teachers. No school shootings there nor any other States that support their teachers. They talk about "rights" but do not care of the right of the teachers and students to live through a active shooter situation.

Sadly Alaska students will be just like so many other students. In a Gun Free Zone with targets painted clearly on them. God forbid we have an active shooter here because the response times to put up police barrier tape and to caulk the dead bodies will give the shooter plenty of time to do his evil!

— Mike Coons

Palmer