Editor, Gazette-Journal:

As with almost everyone else in this nation, I am greatly concerned with the mass shootings we have been seeing of late. However, I am even more concerned that quick-fix solutions will be applied to make the politicians feel better about themselves but that make the situation worse.

A common factor in all of the mass shootings is that they occur in "gun-free" zones—schools, universities, shopping malls, theaters, etc. The Newtown school was one of them. Is it just coincidence that the shooters pick locations where they are unlikely to meet armed resistance until they accomplished their intent?

In the real world of unintended consequences, setting up a gun-free zone is an open invitation to those who disregard such restrictions. It doesn’t work! Would placing a sign on your lawn announcing that there are no guns in your house make you feel more secure? Gun-free zones are about the least safe places we have.

Would I favor students carrying guns to school? Of course not. But I would favor various teachers and administrators, who are well trained and certified in firearms use in emergency situations, and well versed in the legalities, carrying arms to protect our students. Gun-free zones? No thanks.

Ted Williams

Gloucester, Va.