One evening at dinner, I debated with my wife and kids whether a bowl of rocks might help stop an active shooter, Jeff Pearlman writes. What in God’s name is going on in America?
The words came out, and I couldn’t believe it. Did I just suggest flinging stones at armed killers? Did I just…
There was a brief pause, then Emmett said, « Well, how would that work? What would that do? »
My imagination began to run wild: « You know, » I replied, « if there’s a lockdown, and an active shooter is roaming the hallways, the teacher hands every kid a rock from the bowl. Then, if the shooter enters the room, everyone throws a rock at him. Like, the teacher screams, ‘Throw!’ and they all throw. »
Casey nodded. « That’s not the worst idea, » she said. « Twenty rocks at a time — that’d hurt. »
Emmett disagreed. « It’s dumb, Dad, » he said. « Someone with a machine gun isn’t going to be stopped by a bunch of rocks. »
I asked if, perhaps, the teacher should have a gun. Could my kids imagine Mrs. Smith or Mr. Jones whipping out a Glock? Neither child thought that wise.
