The Answer to School Violence

Well Dana Milbank has written another *genius* piece, this one on the recent conference on school violence that President Bush meoderated where the word "gun" was not mentioned even once. There was no shortage of solutions offered though to help curb violence in the schools:

Bush and his fellow participants stood in front of a faux blackboard inscribed with the words "Conference on School Safety" 42 times. With gun control off the table, the questions and comments became a bit repetitious, too, as a long line of participants echoed the belief that school violence would be reduced by values education and religious belief.

"It's illegal to say 'God' in the public schools these days," complained one questioner. He was followed by a representative of the American Association of Christian Schools. Craig Scott, brother of a girl killed in the Columbine massacre, said she was "killed for her faith."

"Lots of folks find answers in their faith," Spellings observed.

They certainly did yesterday. Another panelist spoke about the need for churches to "adopt" schools. An organization started by the Scotts, Rachel's Challenge, distributed brochures comparing the slain girl and her father to Anne Frank and her father.

Yes, prayer in public school is the answer to all of the problems. That is the way to solve gun violence. Prayer. And in addition to solving gun violence, it will also help people feel more connected and not lead to the feelings of alienation and victimization that lead to desparate teenagers lashing out against their peers in these horrible instances.

It's either prayer or taking real, meaningful steps to prevent teenagers from having access to assault weapons which serve no other purpose other than to take human life. I don't know about you but, prayer just seems easier. Plus, no having to fight with Charlton Heston. That man can pack a wallop.

Caveat: At least prayer is not as stupid as the idea to arm the teachers. The answer to gun violence: More guns!