As a teacher, a CCP holder, and a combat veteran I feel that so-called "gun free zones" are an invitation to those who would do others harm. These areas are increasingly targeted by would-be killers simply because they offer little or no resistance. Resource officers are a good thing, but some of these officers move around the district and cannot focus their attention on any one school. Enhanced door locks are a joke.
In the days following Newtown I had many discussions with my students. One conversation ended with a student telling me that she would not be worried if that happened in our school. When I asked her why, her response was profound:
"Because you would protect us." Please allow us to be able to do the other half of our jobs as teachers: protecting our students.