Young demonstrators ready to make difference

On March 14, students across the nation had a walkout to advocate stronger gun control laws and to commemorate the 17 students/teachers who lost their lives in February’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

Fayetteville High School students participated in a commemoration ceremony with the support of district administrators and many faculty members. Students demonstrated their First Amendment right to peacefully assembly, protest and free speech. This was students taking an active role in safeguarding their futures. It was an authentic experience that history teachers only speak about in classrooms.

The event was organized by students. The ceremony began with the school principal opening by reading the names of the 17 individuals who lost their lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Next, there were several student speakers. Their speeches were moving and inspiring. They reminded us of the first Arkansas school shooting at Jonesboro in 1998. One student asked, “If tomorrow wasn’t promised, what would you give for today?” That’s a good question for all to contemplate. Wouldn’t parents give up all they have to save their own child’s life? Another speaker asked, “How many innocent lives have to be taken to where it is enough to make a change? What is the number? When is enough, enough?”

The student speakers affirmed, “We do not wish to take your Second Amendment right away; instead we want the laws to be updated.” One student said, “It is your human right to have whatever thoughts or ideas on gun control that you wish, but it is also your human right to live and to not live in fear.” Students are calling on all Americans to make it safe to attend school or go anywhere, for that matter, without the fear of a shooting. Americans must unite to do whatever it takes to protect our nation’s citizens. How despicable that someone would send death threats to the Florida students who have brought national attention to this issue. It seems that today individual preference and expression are now greater than the well-being of the whole.

Many have called for common-sense steps to address future mass shootings and gun control. First, enact thorough background checks that exclude the violent and mentally ill from purchasing firearms. Second, fund programs to address mental illness. Third, ban the sale of assault weapons until as a nation we can adequately address gun violence and mass shootings. Fourth, ban bump stocks and limit the size of gun magazines. Our nation is sick and there should be a unified effort to do whatever it takes to make it well again.

The NRA likes to throw around its 5 million to 6 million membership as a trump card. Well, not all NRA members are opposed to the common-sense approach to gun control.

Last, these high school students are soon to become voters and they are likely to vote this Congress right out of office, something their adult parents should have done years ago. TERRY STEWART

Springdale