Guns and Our Schools

In researching an article to critique, I immediately went to Fox News, as I consider myself pretty liberal and thought I’d definitely find some strong opinions there. The piece I decided to reference is written by columnist Todd Starnes. It’s titled, “School rejects teen's gun-toting, flag-waving photo”. This is interesting because it touches on many of our basic rights, our right to bear arms and freedom of press.

Basically the story goes as follows: Fifteen year old Josh Bruner, a high school student in New Jersey, was given a photography assignment to take a self-portrait representing self-expression.  You have to know that Josh is blatantly proud of the rights he is afforded as an American. He is a lifetime NRA member, a member of two shooting teams and a United States Sea Cadet. So the photo he chose to submit represented these things.

Josh stands proudly holding the American flag in one hand and his 12 gauge shotgun in the other.

The problem is this; the assignment was to be uploaded to a school website and the school strictly prohibits any depiction of the students with weapons. This is the case, as far as I know, at most schools and for justified reasons; Sandy Hook Elementary, Columbine High School and Virginia Tech, just to name a few.

In writing this column, Todd Starnes makes the case that the message they are sending is, it is not okay for Josh to take pride in his country by showing his patriotism. He even makes a quick whip, that, it’s not pornography. It's Old Glory and a shotgun. He also makes a strong statement that, “These days Gay Pride is in vogue and American Pride is passe.”

Here’s the deal, Josh Bruner has every right to be a proud, gun toting American. And I am frankly, proud and inspired to see someone with such pride for our country. But, there is a clear issue of gun violence with our youth. And while Josh can proudly display what he believes and stands for anywhere he pleases, it can’t be posted to a public school website. The disastrous events of mass shootings that have occurred in our schools must be considered in this case. And yes, you can show pride in issues such as your sexual identity.  But, the difference is, being gay is not a weapon that can kill people. Although, you can make the argument that is has. I’m just surprised that as a journalist, Todd Starnes would make this reference. Now to be fair, it is his legal right to express his standpoint. Todd Starnes is a conservative with some history of being controversial. He aims his comments and articles towards an audience with his strong conservative views. And likely they are also intended to, “stir the pot”, in people with opposing views.  He has worked in news since he was a teenager. Included on his resume are jobs with Chattanooga Times Free Press, Blue Ridge News Observer, and the Baptist Press. He also had success in talk radio before moving to Fox News.

I get that Todd Starnes is trying to make a point, and that his aim may likely be to do it in a way that strikes a chord with other conservatives. But, I don’t agree with his argument or his approach. It’s not necessary or beneficial to mock another cause in the process. And it’s important to notate why things are the way they are, when it comes to school policies and gun control. But, that’s what is great about having the rights that we have. We are allowed our own opinions and to express them how we choose, except in this case, Josh Bruner.