What price should be paid for negligence?

Last week, an elementary school teacher in California was arrested after a third-grade student found a unloaded handgun and ammunition in a drawer inside an open classroom supply cabinet. Allegedly, students reported their find to a teaching aide. The woman was later charged with felony possession of a firearm on a school campus and misdemeanor child endangerment. Reports said the woman, who had been released on $20,000 bail, was no longer working at the school

According to the L A Times, students were moved to another classroom after the gun and ammunition were found. Principal Deanna Pelasky told parents what had happened when they picked up their children at the end of the day, Burrell said.

Clearly, parents were shocked by the news.

"It's dangerous not only for the school, but for the whole community here," said Antonio Mendoza, whose 6-year-old son attends the school, in the LA Times story.

Negligence, no matter how unintentional, can certainly create great risks to the safety of others. Thus, in my opinion, such acts should carry tough penalties! Fortunately, this incident ended peacefully, just as the child who found the weapon did the right thing- tell an adult. It leads me to believe that childís parents and perhaps other responsible adults had talked to the child regarding what to do in such a scenario. More education along this line (and even of a broader spectrum) could prevent so many needless tragedies!!

Imagine a nurse or doctor carelessly misplacing or leaving unattended medications that taken by the wrong party could cause serious damage or death? Would they be disciplined, fired, sued?

What if a security guard or police officer were to leave their loaded weapon in a public place, where perhaps a child or even a gang-member might find itÖ the potential is horrific!

Such carelessness- again be it unintentional or not- should bring serious and fitting consequences. Such potential endangerment of others- by any person in a position of authority or responsibility- cannot be dismissed as a simple mistake.

As a proponent of gun rights, and safe gun ownership and handling, I realize the possible dangers that come with misuse or carelessness with weapons. That is why those who chose to possess or are required to carry weapons as part of their job requirements must always exercise the utmost care with them. To do any less is inexcusable.

On a related note, I was saddened by the passing of the NRAís best known spokesperson and former president, Charlton Heston, who died Saturday at his home in California. Best known for his appearances in motion pictures like Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments; in his later years, Heston became a powerful voice for the National Rifle Association. In 2003 he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nationís highest civilian honor from President Bush, who said, ìThe largeness of character that comes across the screen has also been seen throughout his life.î

A legendary American, akin to the John Wayneís of the world, Heston was a most fitting figure to give voice to the crucial defense of Americanís rights to bear arms.

With gun ownership comes the ultimate responsibility to use caution in keeping, handling and storing the weapon AT ALL TIMES!

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