“How can someone not old enough to legally purchase alcohol in the U.S. purchase a military-style rifle?”
This is just one of the many questions being raised since the tragic shooting that took place in Parkland, Florida, on Feb. 14, 2018. Within seven minutes, 17 students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School were killed at the hands of Nikolas Cruz, a 19-year-old who legally purchased a AR-15 style weapon.
Since the shooting, students of the high school are demanding change. Teenagers across the country are arguing for stricter gun laws and confronting congressmen, senators, the NRA and President Trump about how the laws will change after the massacre. Since the shooting, many of these conversations have generated positive and negative attention.
Those associated with the student-led campaign, now being referred to as the Never Again movement, are trying to assure the general public that their fight is not inherently political. Their movement is directed to create a secure United States for future generations by creating stricter laws and regulating the retail of guns, especially military-style weapons.
Of all the school shootings I remember, this one impacts me most. The greatest reason for that is because I am close in age with many of those who lived and died. I cannot imagine what these kids are going through and how lost and confused they must feel.
For the first time, I believe America is open to discuss changing gun laws to make communities safer. I believe our country has seen too many pictures of children in memorandum and witnessed too many news alerts related to gun violence. Our country has grown tired of stalemates on important legislation. The time has come for change and that time is now.
Do you think America is on the cusp of change? Start a discussion in the comments below!
Photo taken by Fibonacci Blue - Creative Commons
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