This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The National Rifle Association proposes that every school have an armed guard ("NRA study suggests trained, armed school staffers," Tribune, April 3). Cost estimates range around $5 billion a year.

Wow! Just think if that much money were spent for really useful stuff like books, computers, even desks.

It wouldn't do much. Utah's share of $5 billion would not amount to much.

But the idea of putting guns in schools sounds so good. And it costs so much less than what it would cost to really fix the problem: more teachers, smaller classes, more technology and more positive interaction.

No, don't do that. Just put a gun in there. That will take care of it.

Nicholas M. Bielaczyc

Salt Lake City