Targets no more
It started as a localized protest against yet another senseless, tragic school shooting. It mushroomed into a nationwide student walkout, which crossed over into Canada and moved around the world.
Wednesday’s demonstrations by thousands of students across the globe were remarkable.
They’re refusing to be defenseless pawns in the fight over gun control. Demonstrations signal that a new, powerful force is mobilizing that can lead to positive change.
In Florida, where a Feb. 14th massacre saw a young man kill 17 students and staff at a high school in Parkland, you have to be 21 to buy alcohol. The state has zero-tolerance laws for minors caught drinking and driving. Yet 18-yearolds can legally purchase assault rifles.
Students are tired of being the next targets while lawmakers do nothing but send thoughts and prayers and repeat the empty mantra that now is not the time to discuss gun control.
The attack in Florida was the 17th school shooting in the U.S. within the first 45 days of 2018, so when is a good time?
Students say that time is now. Politicians, including U.S. President Donald Trump, were told their thoughts and prayers were useless and do nothing to prevent further slaughter.
Wednesday’s marches sought sensible changes from lawmakers: a ban on assault weapons, universal background checks before guns are sold, and a gun violence restraining law.
The students are getting results.
They’re debating powerful politicians and the National Rifle Association. They got a meeting at the White House with Trump; they pressured Florida lawmakers to pass a tougher gun law.
Major companies have stopped selling assault rifles or restricting their sale, and some corporate deals with the NRA have been voided. Students are challenging candidates to reject NRA campaign donations — “blood money.”
Students helped accomplish these things in mere days.
And what got lawmakers to finally pay attention? It was simple — the ultimate power of the ballot box. Many student organizers will be able to vote in this fall’s mid-term elections in the U.S., and many more in the next general election. Nervous and anguished parents will support their children. It’s a powerful voting bloc which will only grow.
Last year saw the #Metoo movement take off as women mobilized to protest gender inequality and exploitation. Many powerful men, who thought themselves immune, were made to acknowledge the truth and face consequences. Women flexed their power like never before.
The same opportunity awaits these young people. If they can curb gun violence today, what momentous deeds can they accomplish tomorrow?
This generation is determined not to fail. They’re vowing to clean up the mess left behind by adults and make the world a safer place.
They promise, “we are going to be the last mass shooting.” Let’s hope they’re right.