March for Our Lives #WATWB
Social media and news in recent times has been filled with hate and negativity. Just as you cannot fight darkness, only light lamps, Hate and Negativity cannot be fought. You need to bring Love and Positivity forward instead.
I bring to you the We Are the World Blogfest, along with these fabulous co-hosts:Belinda Witzenhausen, Sylvia McGrath, Sylvia Stein Shilpa Garg, and Eric Lahti .
“We Are the World Blogfest” seeks to promote positive news. There are many an oasis of love and light out there, stories that show compassion and the resilience of the human spirit. Sharing these stories increases our awareness of hope in our dark world.
Here’s my share:
On March 24, 2018, hundreds of thousands of Americans took to the streets of Washington, D.C., and cities across the U.S. in March for Our Lives rallies. I’m uplifted by those stalwart souls, these shooting survivors, who are confronting the tragic shooting in Florida by demanding an end to gun violence and a change in our gun laws. Another positive thing happening is more people are realizing the importance of becoming politically aware and voting. A few lines that stuck with me from eloquent speeches I listened to this week:
- We are pushing for a change that does not align with the NRA’s agenda.
- We cannot keep America great if we cannot keep America safe.
- Fight for your life before it’s someone else’s job (Emma Gonzalez’s powerful 6-minute speech had the audience and me weeping.)
Organized by the student survivors of the Feb. 14 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the event protested the ease of a gunman in securing a high-powered AR-15 gun and killing 17 people in six minutes.
Every day, 96 people die from guns in the U.S. Yet most lawmakers “have no public stand on guns,” said David Hogg, an outspoken Parkland student activist in Washington.
“We are going to take this to every election” this year and make sure the “best people” run, Hogg, 17, said. “This is not cutting it,” he added, pointing to the Capitol behind him. He said the country must come together as Americans, not as Republicans or Democrats.
“We will come together. We will get rid of these public servants that only serve the gun lobby. And we will save lives,” Hogg said.
Please check out this link: http://abcnews.go.com/US/young-activists-descend-washington-tomorrow-march-lives/story?id=53850670
Amen. Sitting here in India, it shocks me how far the NRA (and certain politicians) are going to demean survivors of a school shooting just to safeguard their guns. How morally low does one have to be to do something like that?
I couldn’t agree with you more, Roshan. To me, it’s such a no-brainer that especially assault weapons should be banned. Did you read Trump’s response about how we should arm teachers? I am saddened. And did you hear Emma Gonzales’ powerful speech? She brought tears to my eyes. May the March for Our Lives Movement curb the power of the way too powerful NRA.
It was a march that I reckon was watched around the world. I certainly saw it in South Africa and saw Emma Gonzales standing in silence. May we all become more politically aware and use the voice that we have – even if we stand together and protest in silence …
Beautifully said, Susan Scott from South Africa.
We have strict gun laws in Canada and I have trouble understanding why people are against gun control. It is so inspiring to see the younger generations stepping up and doing something about an issue that needs to be addressed. Thanks so much for sharing this and for being a part of #WATWB! WIshing you a wonderful weekend.
I have trouble understanding as well, Belinda. It seems so obvious that guns should be controlled. That will be hard here–the NRA has WAY too much power. I support the revolution. I hope the young people can lead the way to influence the politics of gun; they certainly have the necessary hope and courage. Especially Emma’s speech moved me to tears. You’re welcome; I love getting comments like yours, thanks for writing, wishing you a wonderful weekend too.
For the first time in decades, I see real hope for America, in its children.
This was so inspiring to see on this date. I have three children of my own and I pray each day as they go to the school that they are safe. I also am not sure why there are not tighter gun laws. Thank you for this post and God bless all those who stood up against the violence on this date. More needs to be done because enough is enough.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Sylvia. This needs to change, enough is more than enough. Thanks for writing.
I have friends in America and what I hear from them makes me wonder just how much will take for someone as irrational and callous as the NRA to wake up and see why gun control is absolutely necessary. What kind of future are the kids going to inherit if violence goes on unabated like this?
I agree, Esha. There is never any justification for violence. It’s particularly nuts to allow the sale of assault weapons.
BTW, LOVED your blogpost about the incredible midwife. I couldn’t find a place to comment, so shared it to Facebook.
Thanks for sharing your uplifting post.