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Praise

I did read of throwing books at shooters in a school

Jan 15, 2015 12:13PM PST

The heavier the better. You work with what you have.

A can is a good size, has a bit of weight and can do some damage AND it's multi-purpose.

Alabama school arms its students with canned goods against school shooters

The can is mightier than the sword? Probably not. But parents of children at WF Burns Middle School in Valley, Alabama, are being asked to arm their children with them just the same.

While most schools are trying to ban any would-be weapons from its halls, these cans of beans and soup are being allocated as self-defence tools should an armed intruder enter the school.

"We realize at first this may seem odd; however, it is a practice that would catch an intruder off-guard," the letter sent home to parents read. "The canned food item could stun the intruder or even knock him out until the police arrive. The canned food item will give the students a sense of empowerment to protect themselves and will make them feel secure in case an intruder enters the classroom."


20 or so students all throwing cans at the same time.....

At the end of the school year the ammo (cans of food) could be taken home and eaten.

Discussion is locked

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My daughter took a class on that method
Jan 15, 2015 5:34PM PST

and I guess the thought is that there will be casualties...but, it's better for some to survive than for all to run into a corner and be picked off one by one.

But I do need to wonder about the dual use of the cans. As you say, the contents can be eaten. I would wonder now if some bureaucrat would think of that and want to ensure the food was fresh....that some regulatory org. is going to want to make sure that all cans kept in the desks of students are within their freshness date and make it a must that they be replaced if expired. That's how those folks think. <grin>

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They are canned goods.
Jan 16, 2015 4:22AM PST

The expiration date on them has no scientific basis, like on drugs. When the companies had to come up with an expiration date, they pulled them out of the air. The only basis is to sell more. I do know that they put a year on drugs so that hospitals and VAs and military toss them in a year and have to buy new when they are still good. Wholesalers buy or take the drugs and sell them overseas.

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It was meant as humor
Jan 16, 2015 5:04AM PST

I know it was a weak attempt but I wasn't being serious. But to add something about expired drugs, I know that some that can be used on animals find their way into wildlife rescue and rehab centers. Since there are no established dosage levels for these critters and vets know they won't be sued, they'll use these drugs. Most will be antibiotics and pain medicines. I think that's a good use for them.

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My youngest son uses those dates as gospel
Jan 16, 2015 9:28AM PST

He thinks I will poison myself someday. I am always careful so I'm not worried.

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NEVER used expired tetracyclines
Jan 16, 2015 9:38AM PST

or those not stored properly for a period of time where heat can start them to break down, or run the risk of destroying your kidneys.