I am a United States Air Force retiree and a 19-year veteran as a high school teacher. I like guns and have owned handguns, rifles and shotguns all my adult life.

I am not a member of the National Rifle Association. The NRA’s rigid practices and arrogant statements are beyond what I consider appropriate. Nor do I in any way feel my right to own guns is threatened by common sense laws concerning guns and ammunition.

Guns have a proper place in our society, but they should not be carried by teachers in our schools. Believe me, teachers have too many other pressing concerns than having to worry about loaded weapons and their safekeeping while striving to keep the students focused on math, science and English.

I am very familiar with guns. Would I have carried a gun in the classroom when I was teaching? The answer is a resounding “no.” If we are to have armed personnel in our schools and classrooms, they should be the well-trained members of our police departments.

Of course, taxes will probably rise in order to pay for the increase in staff. Are you as a taxpayer willing to see your taxes rise in order to support this effort? I am and will.

WARNER H. CLEEK JR.

Johnson City