Staff Writer
Opinions
Why Parkland is Different
After the fatal shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that left 17 people dead, many assumed at first that it would have similar aftermath to the other shootings of recent years and be forgotten by the next week. Nevertheless, this one is clearly unique from all others and is not going away.
The Parkland shooting has led to a much needed discussion about gun control--one that is unparalleled in its magnitude. The survivors caused a nationwide discussion about gun control that has lasted. Remember how quickly the news about other school shootings came and went, yet this one has sparked a debate that has called upon people across the country to stand up and advocate for gun laws. It's easy to feel powerless after such a traumatic event, yet the youth of this country are using their voices to create changes that are long overdue.
The more this issue is spoken about, the more likely change will come.
Deseret News shares the comments of Columbine survivor, Matt Varney, concerning the Parkland students’ response, where he states, “We would never have thought then to mobilize and march. But these kids have grown up with this.” Deseret News adds that, “He noted that in 1999 when his school was attacked, mass shootings were not part of the public consciousness like they are now.”
The students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas seized the opportunity to put their call to action in the headlines again and again which has led to discussions about this issue in government offices, classrooms, and homes. The great number of people protesting and calling attention to this important issue can have an immense impact, pushing lawmakers to act and politicians to change their policies. Valuing guns over the lives of children is a mentality that needs to be eradicated in this country immediately. This is an issue that we cannot afford to have fade away with yesterday's news; our lives depend on it.
As we went to press, marchers were organizing for March 24.
