(CNN) A couple of months ago, my wife, kids and I gathered around the dinner table.

Jeff Pearlman

Yet another school shooting had taken place in the United States of America, and while I can't remember which one it was, I do know that people died, that parents felt helpless, that the NRA-funded far-right pols were spewing the company line. I know that Donald Trump blathered on about bump stocks and that no one seemed to have an answer.

So, turning toward Casey, my 15-year-old high school sophomore, and Emmett, my 12-year-old seventh grader, I said: What if every classroom is supplied a big bowl of rocks?

The words came out, and I couldn't believe it. Did I just suggest flinging stones at armed killers? Did I just ...

There was a brief pause, then Emmett said, "Well, how would that work? What would that do?"