It's been over a month since the deadly school shooting in Parkland, Florida, which took the lives of 17 people. But in the wake of yet another massacre, a movement has arisen. The surviving students have emerged as passionate advocates for change. After making memorable appearances in the media, their powerful voices have reignited a national debate over gun control. Even when conspiracy theorists try to smear the teenagers as "crisis actors," they have stood strong.
We've already seen some change. Large sporting good stores have banned assault-style weapons and Florida passed a bill that will restrict some rights for gun buyers. The minimum age for buying a rifle will be raised to 21, jump stocks will be banned and it will be easier for police to confiscate weapons from people with a history of violent behavior.
More change may be on the way. Last week high school students all over the United States participated in National Walkout Day. They walked out of class for seventeen minutes - one minute for each Parkland victim - to raise awareness of the epidemic of gun violence in America. (And some of them were punished). This week there's another event. On March 24, the survivors are throwing the March for Our Lives, a rally in Washington D.C. to demand that safety becomes a priority and we bring an end to school shootings.
The kids haven't escaped the noticed the notice the former President and First Lady, Barack and Michelle Obama. In February, Michelle Obama tweeted her support, saying "I’m in total awe of the extraordinary students in Florida."
The next day, Barack tweeted his message, saying he found it "inspiring" to see "smart, fearless students standing up for their right to be safe."
Now it has been revealed that the First Couple sent a handwritten letter to the survivors. Dated March 10, 2018, they praise the teens for "awakening the conscience of the nation" and "challenging decision-makers" to take action. They admit "there may be setbacks," but in the long run, their activism will make "an enormous difference." Here is the full text:
"To the students of Parkland,
We wanted to let you know how inspired we have been by the resilience, resolve and solidarity that you have all shown in the wake of unspeakable tragedy.
Not only have you supported and comforted each other, but you’ve helped awaken the conscience of the nation, and challenged decision-makers to make the safety of our children the country’s top priority.
Throughout our history, young people like you have led the way in making America better. There may be setbacks; you may sometimes feel like progress is too slow in coming. But we have no doubt you are going to make an enormous difference in the days and years to come, and we will be there for you.
Barack Obama Michelle Obama"
It's a reminder that no matter how ugly the world gets, there's no need to despair. Change might not come overnight, but it will come eventually.
