This isn’t the first time in history that our youth have taken a stand for what they believe in. Whether or not you think you agree with what they are asking, don’t we owe them the chance to be heard?
The #NeverAgain movement was started by a student that had to bury many of her friends after living through a horrific trauma. But some would have you believe she is prompted by means other than the survival of herself and her peers. I hope you have never had to experience such a devastation, but just imagine yourself in their shoes. Would it really take an adult to spur you into action? It wouldn't have taken that for the teenage version of myself.
I keep seeing many making comments that assume they know what this movement is for without even taking the time to listen to the stance itself. LISTENING is key folks. If you are really about solving any issue, the first step is to listen to those who are in the front lines. The ones who are dealing with the problem head on. Refusing to listen and then blasting those brave enough to stand against great opposition, will never solve anything.
Every time anyone mentions gun reform there is a great defense that jumps up screaming “You want to take all my guns. Don’t tread on my second amendment rights. Shut up and sit down. Guns don’t kill people.” And once again, I see this daily.
But the first amendment also exists and it allows us free speech and the ability to peaceful march. Don’t forget that. Our freedom to express ourselves makes this country a good place to live, it's not what is wrong with this country. Listening to those who are asking for gun reform, you will also know it’s not about taking everyone’s guns away or destroying the second amendment. Many behind the movement are gun owners and second amendment supporters. This I know because I listened to them as well. And let’s take a look at this second amendment so many think we want to destroy shall we?
The second amendment was not interpreted as the "right to bear arms" the way we interpret it today until Scalia’s interpretation which also included this part -
By conservative bastion Justice Antonin Scalia, states: “Like most rights, the right secured by the Second Amendment is not unlimited…”. It is “…not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose.”
Limits are allowed, without them being considered as destroying the right. Interesting, huh? Funny how that part is often ignored.
We all know guns don’t kill people. We fully understand this. Gun reform is not for guns but for the people who want to own fire arms. Because to the ability to own such a tool also comes great with responsibility. It shouldn’t be easier for an 18 year old to purchase an AR-15 ( that was designed for military use) than it is for someone to get their drivers license which also comes with great responsibility.
The youth I see leading today’s movement are well educated, informed and taught to think for themselves. We owe it to them to listen to what they’ve been through, even though it may make you feel uncomfortable, and listen to what they have to say. You don’t have to offer your support. But just listen. And please don’t be one that tries to drown them out with lies and false narratives that appeal to your fears and understanding. If you aren’t willing listening to their request for help before offering your solutions then you aren’t really there to help them, you’re helping someone else.
