Gun Free Zones

After the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, the NRA took the stance that blame should be placed on schools being gun-free zones. The legislation that does not allow anyone, regardless of training, to be carrying a gun while on the grounds of a school is to be considered paramount when analyzing the reasons for the shootings. Republican state Rep. Carole Murray put it this way: "Most of the mass killings that we talk about have been effected in gun-free And in so doing, they tell every insane killer in America that schools are their safest place to inflict maximum mayhem with minimum risk. The NRA claims that not allowing trained professionals to carry guns in order to protect the children leaves the schools “utterly defenseless” As Lapierre said, “America needs more good guys with guns.” The notion stems from the belief that having a trained ex-police/military member would be able to take the proper steps necessary to avoid further destruction.

The NRA has taken on the idea that as parents it is not just a duty to protect children, it is a right to protect. The world is changing and children are exposed to 16,000 murders and 200,000 acts of violence by the time he or she reaches 18. The media and other sources of information almost glorify murder by constantly stringing together images and stories centered around death and violence. “The only way to stop a monster from killing our kids is to be personally involved and invested in a plan of absolute protection. The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” The approach ensures parents to at least reflect on the possibility that a trained professional will be within reach to ensure the safety of their children. However for this to be put in motion, legislation needs to change in order to allow people with experience to carry weapons.

Lapierre, also, attempted to fight the stigma that guns, in contemporary society, is “automatically bad.” Guns are not evil and guns in the hands of a trained professional only further ensures the safety of America’s youth. Riding this notion, Lapierre preached that Newtown is a rude awakening for many America who think that lessening the number of guns in distribution is the solution. Rather making sure that every good guy has a gun to combat the bad guy, almost cartoonish, is the solution to make sure parents send their children to school knowing safety is being provided.