It is so sad to many of us to see the deplorable state of awful accusations and suspicion rained down on law-abiding gun owners because of children who seem to be unable to keep themselves safe while attending school, and at other public and private functions.

As such, the National Rifle Association's approach to safety should be adopted, even expanded. Not only should armed guards be stationed in our schools, businesses and other establishments, but everyone, especially defenseless children, should be required to carry weapons, preferably rifles and such too large to conceal. The weapons should be so large they can fire pounds and pounds of lead indiscriminately in every direction for however long the children feel necessary.

Think of the benefits. No longer would these waifs be just too easy targets of gun owners who either can't keep criminal elements from stealing their guns or who have lost reasoning and been drawn away from more elusive prey and targets. No longer would parents have to worry about outsiders walking into our schools and opening fire with no fear of quick retaliation.

It would probably solve the bullying in school problem. I bet teachers would give better grades, too. And there is a good chance it would also cut way down on drop-out rates since fewer students would actually mature to graduation age. And those who do survive would already be trained for many, many security jobs that require a shoot-first-and-ask-questions-later mentality after they graduate.

I'm told by some very trustworthy gun owners that children could be taught to shoot with little trouble. They may need help carrying their arsenals, but that would also help with the obesity epidemic.

Yes, I think it could be a win-win for everyone.

Note: Apologies to Jonathan Swift for appropriating his title to a solution to the Irish Potato Famine in 1729.