The state of Tennessee in the USA is a paradise for gun lovers. Anyone can buy it, even mentally challenged people. However, the victims of gunfights are not few. For more safety in class, now teachers will also carry weapons.
The US state of Tennessee boasts beautiful scenery - the idyllic mountains are a paradise for many. In this state, weapons are revered, and the laws regarding them are not at all strict. Gary Stidham says almost anything is allowed, from carrying a loaded firearm in public to not needing a permit, background check or training to use it.
"People here are used to guns"
Gary is a local authority representative. He didn't take advantage of those opportunities, but he's glad that his state's gun laws aren't strict. In Sullivan County, where he is from, there are only like-minded people in local government - all Republicans.
Gary says that people in these places are used to guns because that's how they were raised. He says that he grew up in Virginia - very close by. “We had lessons in gun safety and hunting safety. We have always had guns in our home. From a young age we were taught to respect guns and how to use them safely. This is the logical way to control. The problem isn't the guns,” says Gary.
Disputed law
A new amendment to Tennessee law now allows teachers to carry guns in their classrooms, too. This was actually a decision made after yet another mass shooting at a school in the US. Tennessee's Republican majority then pushed through the controversial law, even as Democrats called for tougher safety laws.
The “West Ridge” has its own armed sheriff. However, not all schools can afford this. At the same time, most teachers are happy that they can now bring guns into the classroom. According to teacher Kyle Moore, this is a good option to protect all 1,200 children who study at the high school. The Sullivan County Sheriff is more skeptical about that. “I am concerned that someone who has no training may have to carry a weapon. With “friendly fire” tremendous damage can be done,” says Sheriff Jeff Cassidy. “What will happen to the weapon if it is necessary to go to the toilet, for example? Will they leave it somewhere? Where? We don't want to expose teachers and students to additional danger.
The gun issue is dividing America
Gun legislation in the US is a topic that divides American society. Gloria Johnson is also a teacher. She is outraged by the new legislation. There are many people across America who share her opinion, although in Tennessee she is a minority.
“There is no place in this world where carrying guns has been a good solution to the problem. We shouldn't be allowing guns into school buildings at all,” said Johnson, who is also the Democratic delegate for Tennessee. “Police officers are known to have only an 18% accurate shooting rate in open firefights. Do we expect a teacher to do better than police officers who are specially trained for this?”, she asks.
Statistics show that Tennessee is among the top ten states with the most deaths caused by firearms. Here, even people with mental illnesses can buy guns without a problem. Gary, however, is a supporter of the free sale of weapons. He believes that these people simply need to be offered more psychological help. “The real problem that needs to be solved is people's mental health. More mental health facilities should be opened. "The problem is not the weapons," he says.
Highly emotional topic
America's obsession with guns is a never-ending problem with no foreseeable solution. During the election campaigns, he became even more politicized. The battle is emotional, and the differences of opinion on the matter are huge.