March 16, 2018
Guns are an issue. They just are. And if you disagree with me, and think that the answer is not gun control but only adding more guns, or arming more authority figures, that is fine. I did not walk out of school this Wednesday to prove you wrong; I, and the other students, walked out to make a statement about an issue we care about- to prove that students have a voice and we will scream until our throats run dry.
Now, I know that many people that walked out may not have done it for the best reasons, but nonetheless, seeing that many of my peers out on the field, speaking their minds, and taking a stand was actually quite powerful, and proved that students can create change. Many people that walked out, including myself, walked out to advocate for gun control, and to protest the lack of action our President has taken.
However, I do realize that many people who walked out did so simply to honor the lives we have lost, and that, in itself, is just as significant. With an issue this complex, political parties cannot matter. This is bigger than a Republican versus Democrat problem. This is a matter of safety; this is a matter of priorities; and this is a matter of allowing students to attend school every day without them fearing for their lives.
I know we are just students, and I know change will not happen overnight, however, this walkout was a testament to the strength us students have, and our willingness to take this matter into our hands, since it seems like no one else will.
We will not and cannot stay quiet about this issue. It is our right to protest this inaction, and it is our right to survive a school day, regardless of how many guns must be taken away to do so.
The fact is, guns are a problem and teenagers are ready to stand against anyone who disagrees. I walked out to support the students who have suffered, to protest the “thoughts and prayers” that do nothing to help people heal, and to use whatever small voice I may have to yell as loud as I can until someone listens and change happens.
If you would like to participate in this movement, there are many petitions regarding gun control and school shootings on change.org and other websites.
