In regard to Teenagers

 

Let me take a moment to discusses what is happening over the nation today. 

Teenagers, such as myself, have a very small voice. When we do talk, no one listens. This school walkout today is our way of getting the public's attention. Congress is not listening. The president is not listening. Our parents are not listening. What needs to happen for them to? Do we need another school shooting to get them to hear us? How many lives will be lost for them to hear us? Why does there need to be a number. Was one not enough? 17 at Parkland, 26 at Sandy Hook. 

Since the Columbine shooting in 1999 there have been 141 people who have died from gun related violence since Columbine. One Hundred Forty-One. 141 children and adults dead. 141 families grieving. 141 innocents taken. 141.

Why is this number so big? Why haven’t our lawmakers taken steps to prevent this. Does this number need to go higher? How many lives must be lost? 200? 300?

What can we do as people? Educate yourself. Notice the signs. Be an active bystander. Write your senator and representative.  Insist they be active. We vote for these people. If they want to be reelected, they need to listen to us.

As for all you people out there speaking out against this walk (and yes, I have heard you). There are anti-bullying programs in place at most schools. There are campaigns to stop texting/drinking and driving. If you are concerned your child is not getting that education at school. Why not talk to them at home? I came from a home where the two mentioned above were unacceptable. It is not the schools job to educate your children where you failed.

As for the teens feeling singled out. Speak up. Do not let these people tear you down. We are the next generation. We will be future leaders. We will be heard today, tomorrow, and always. Walk out, take to social media, protest (it’s legal). Never be afraid to speak out.

Do not shut us down. Do not silence us. We will come back, stronger, harder, and with more tenacity than before. Instead of ignoring us, support us. Let us speak because it is happening to us. Children should never feel scared to go to school. Children should never feel scared that they may not come home that day. Listen to what we have to say. Actually listen and do not automatically dismiss us because you think we are to young to understand. We understand. But we are too young. Too young to be this scared.