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It’s easy to tune out messages you see and hear in the media on a daily basis. With twenty-four-hour cable news, your mind can become saturated. Brain fatigue sets in!
President Trump’s extramarital affairs are a perfect example. Millions of Americans are bored, tired and not really interested. That’s their right. He was elected regardless of his reputation as a sexist womanizer. Many people don’t care, notwithstanding the possibility of potentially criminal action by some of his closest associates.
Perhaps more important is the alleged stealing of our Democracy by individuals associated with Donald Trump as well as the rogue Soviet Union. Lots of people are tired of hearing about it despite the incredibly important implications.
Somehow, these are things many people can overlook. But what about those below? Most of us profess to share a special interest in the safety of our young.
“After Sandy Hook, More Than 400 People Have Been Shot In Over 200 School Shootings” (NY Times)
“Scarred by school shootings More than 187,000 students have been exposed to gun violence at school since Columbine, the Washington Post found. Many are never the same” (Washington Post)
Since the tragic Parkland shooting on Valentine’s Day, 2018 we’ve seen concerted, concentrated action by hundreds of thousands of students and many adults. #NeverAgain, #ENOUGH are ingrained in our conscious.
The problem is the collective American memory is short. Combined with verbal attacks by the likes of the NRA and FOX News on student protestors, action is slow to come.
- Where has Congress been since Columbine?
- How many youngsters have been killed or emotionally scarred by unnecessary gun violence?
- Would universal gun checks steal citizens rights under the Second Amendment?
- Are semi-automatic assault weapons the firearm of choice for protecting one’s family?
- Would closing gun show loopholes abridge law-abiding American citizen’s rights?
I pose these questions and ask readers to search their souls for the answers to these questions and all that’s truly important to them. I believe in “family values.” Can you describe yours?
The reason today’s #NationalSchoolWalkout is so important is that it serves to keep the dialog alive and perhaps to force politicians to rethink positions.
Let’s be real. Congress looks to its constituency to determine how to act, vote or do nothing. We’ve seen a great deal of the latter in the short time since Parkland despite all the activism.
Today’s protestors are making a strong effort to encourage voter registration. How great is that? Seventeen-year-olds are tomorrow’s voters. Perhaps Congress isn’t worried in the short term. They are astute at reading the minds of their voters.
There’s certainly nothing to stop them from having an AHA moment if their constituency’s views change in a couple of years. Not much different than the Hollywood sexual abusers who go into rehab and emerge with “evolved sensibilities,” and an allegedly new-found respect for women and in some cases men.
It’s time for you to take a stance. Columbine was eighteen years ago. What’s changed? What’s important to you?
Gun violence affects us all – but particularly the very young and vulnerable who may not experience it personally but hear about it around the kitchen table. When was the last time your four-year-old shocked you with a question on a topic you’ve never discussed with them?
“Mommy, what’s a mass-shooting?” “Daddy, why did that man hurt all those people?”
A couple of final thoughts. According to experts, students who walk out are breaking the rules. Lots of schools are working with the students. Surprisingly, in some allegedly “enlightened districts,” students face consequences. There are laws and guidelines and the school systems must act within them.
Parents and young people know your rights. If you are subject to penalties make informed decisions before you act.
There’s been a lot of discourse on how important it is not to miss a day of school. In fact, the Internet is filled with articles on this topic.
My take—perhaps politically incorrect, though it may be—is somewhat different: I taught school. I can tell you from personal experience that educators consistently review material. Most everything learned isn’t taught one day only. And certainly, enlightened teachers who support freedom of expression will work with students.
Perhaps I’m biased because one of my certifications is that of a NYS Junior High Social Studies teacher. My training taught me that our nation was formed on civil disobedience. I hold to the tenet that if you believe in a cause fight for it – and don’t give up until you get the result you desire.
My training as a life coach informs my belief that we are happiest when we are true to ourselves and follow our chosen path.
I wish readers a future for this nation that embraces the best in all of us.
Now go out, informed, intellectually armed and do what your heart tells you.
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Related, here on GMP:
March for Our Lives — Donald Trump MIA Again!
In this dawn of a new age of political awareness and action, how will YOU make a difference?
Parkland Students, You Have Power!
An open letter to the students of Marjory Stoneham Douglas High School.
Enough is Enough, #NeverAgain
Are you ready to talk about change or fight for it?
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What’s your take on what you just read? Comment below or write a response and submit to us your own point of view or reaction here at the red box, below, which links to our submissions portal.
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