I have read many news articles, editorials and letters to the editor about gun control and the Second Amendment.
The Constitution's preamble indicates the federal government exists to "provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." The Bill of Rights is binding to prevent federal government totalitarian authority over our posterity and ourselves.
A month ago, a young adult killed his mother, stole her firearms and murdered children in a school, which seems to violate the moral words of the preamble.
I think parents enroll their children at schools to attain an education with their health and safety in mind. The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protects the privacy of students' educational, health services, biometric and disciplinary records at schools. The New York State Student Identification System accumulates information for the health, safety and welfare of the children, their parents and the education officials. I think the education records of children attending public and non-public schools in our state need to include which parents/guardians own guns, have gun permits and completed firearm safety courses. This information will indicate to school administrators, school health officials, teachers and law enforcement personnel how many students have access to guns outside of the classrooms.
I think forewarned is forearmed, which this information is essential to protect the health, safety and welfare of adults and children at the schools.
MICHAEL MCGLYNN
Watervliet