How utterly marvellous that so many young Americans joined the "March for our Lives" protests yesterday. Take that you NRA nitwits and bigots!
The young people who came out in their thousands are not used to socio-political demonstrations but their mass involvement has echoes of days gone by when western youth led protests against Vietnam, nuclear weapons, South African apartheid, racism and unemployment for example.
Cynics on the sidelines might say that protests change nothing but they are wrong. Look at what the suffragettes did, look at what The Chartists did, look at all the historical improvements to workers' pay and condition, look at the downfall of apartheid. Protests are not just colourful days out with banners and megaphones. They really can turn the tide.
And with regard to guns, random killings and mass shootings, America really does need to change. It is time for politicians to stop listening to the conservative gun lobby with their specious arguments and deep pockets and instead pay attention to the people - the normally silent majority.
Yesterday they spoke and they said "No More!". Are you listening Donald Trump? Are you listening Capitol Hill? Are you listening NRA? "No More!"
It's about time someone listened although it would be virtually impossible to ensure everyone gave back guns they already own. I've commented on your last post too about William Willett.
ReplyDeleteYou could never get rid of all the guns but you could start to turn back the tide and that would be the right thing to do - even if it only saved one human life. That would be enough.
DeleteI believe this younger generation will being the issue to a head in the USA. Very succinct and well written piece, YP.
ReplyDelete*bring*, not being!
DeleteTut-tut Jenny... But yes, it is uplifting to see America's youth leaving their social media and their computer games and their music to grab a nettle that is so very real.
DeleteI just hope that all the young people marching who will be 18 or older this fall get out and VOTE in this year's midterms. If we can flip the House and Senate we can take down Trump and his minions. Marching is nice, but it's voting that gets things done.
ReplyDeleteThis thing is politicising young people - helping them to see the truth.
DeleteI heard your bosh! boys on R2 this morning. They do a lovely interview! And you were mentioned :-)
ReplyDeleteMichael Ball was a good interviewer. He gave them helpful questions and showed genuine interest.
DeleteI do so hope things will change
ReplyDeleteI know you like America as much as I do. The death rate by shooting has been heartbreaking.
DeleteOne can only hope.
ReplyDeleteHope...but no longer silent hope.
DeleteWe can only hope for change.
ReplyDelete(I also heard the Bosh lads on R2 today - very interesting piece too).
I think I got a mention Mrs..."Even Ian's dad is flexitarian". My moment in the world's spotlight!
DeleteI hope they are listening. It really is enough now.
ReplyDeleteThere comes a time when lines must be drawn.
DeleteThe whole situation with the guns in this country is sad and frightening. I am so proud of this new generation stepping up for this cause and from what I have seen and read they will stay with it and continue their beliefs into voting when old enough. Our country really needs some changes and this gives me a bit of hope. Like so many problems in the world much of this issue boils down to money and politicians that can be bought for a price. With this latest movement we are starting to see some businesses withdrawing their support from the NRA and that is at least a start. Bless these kids protesting - I support them 100%.
ReplyDeleteYes, Bless them. And may their youthful energy keep this protest burning until change comes.
DeleteI hope that when these students start to vote that things will change. The gun nuts are scary.
ReplyDeleteThe ignorance of the gun nuts is indeed frightening.
DeleteJohn Howard, Australia's Liberal Party Prime Minister from 1996 to 2007 served this country well with his gun control laws...
ReplyDeletehttps://theconversation.com/the-arguments-that-carried-australias-1996-gun-law-reforms-58431
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/15/it-took-one-massacre-how-australia-made-gun-control-happen-after-port-arthur
There should be a control put on some people, too. Guns just don't pick themselves up and start shooting.
The following kind of says it in a nutshell...bullet shell....
"LAZY GLOCK
Today, I placed my Glock pistol on the table right next to my front door. I left its clip beside it, then left it alone and went about my business.
While I was gone, the mailman delivered my mail, the neighbor's son across the street mowed the yard, a girl walked her dog down the street, and quite a few cars stopped at the "stop" sign near the front of my house.
After about an hour, I checked on the gun and it was quietly sitting there, right where I had left it. It had not moved itself outside. It had not killed anyone, even with the numerous opportunities it had been presented to do that. In fact, it had not even loaded itself.
Well you can imagine my surprise, with all the hype by the Left and the media, about how dangerous guns are and how they kill people. Either the media is wrong, or I'm in possession of the laziest gun in the world.
The United States is 3rd in murders throughout the world. But if you take out just 5 'left-wing' cities: Chicago, Detroit, Washington DC, St Louis, and New Orleans -- the United States is 4th from the bottom, in the ENTIRE world, for murders.
These 5 cities are controlled by Democrats. They also have the toughest gun control laws in the USA. It would be absurd to draw any conclusions from this data, right?
Well, I'm off to check on my spoons. I hear they're making people fat!?
The author of "Lazy Glock" has manipulated the figures. Besides, perhaps the author is level-headed and has a sensible relationship with his gun. Clearly, not all gun owners enjoy such a state of mind. What if his grandchild had arrived for a visit and picked up the gun that was left on the table by the door?
DeleteMaybe he doesn't/didn't have a grand-kid. I have no idea. I know nothing about the author...I posted it just as a point of interest re the matter of discussion.
DeleteI make no claim of knowing whether the figures are manipulated or not. No doubt, you are correct...the figures are manipulated, as so much is to suit one's purpose. Who to believe...what to believe.
If I caused any offence to anyone by my post, I apologise. Offence was not intentional. I guess it's one reason why I usually try to stick clear of political discussion and the like on blogs. There is enough of that going on out here in the real world...and one could type 10 million words and more; post a million views/opinions and more...and still not solve the problem.
Usually, I prefer to keep my own thoughts to myself in such forums as these.
Lee, I want to focus on your opening comments, which show your true concern for this problem. I know it's difficult to get enough information about what's actually happening, especially since US media seem to have no qualms about calmly asserting something to be true which isn't.
DeleteThe cities you mention are not exactly "left-wing" and any power is in the hand of the states in which those cities are located, and none is clearly controlled by Democrats. As for the gun control laws, federal and state controls would negate any local efforts at control. Our governmental system is insanely complicated (which maybe exonerates the average citizen a little bit for thinking that someone is in charge and will fix things--which is not the case).
Please don't think that you offend anyone with your sincere attempt to understand what's happening and to try to openly discuss the issues. If anything, I feel like it's helpful for me to see the perspective you are getting from what sources of information you have, and to know that you are open to hearing what I have to say, too. Thank you for taking the risk of entering these difficult discussions.
There have always been people in the US who wanted better gun control but there must also have been a lot of apathy or the laws would have changed by now. I do feel that maybe that tide has turned and the apathy is no more. Once the people really and truly wish something to change, lawmakers usually follow very quickly. I hope that happens in this case
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope that it wasn't just one magnificent day of protest. Barack Obama must be smiling.
DeleteI am so proud of all the children and young adults who so magnificently stated their cause and their determination to produce a sea change to our political system in their lifetimes! Bravo! The November elections are not that far away and in the meantime, they have the desire and will to increase the voter rolls, take others to the area where they can obtain a photo ID and then get them registered, and on and on. Don't give up, you young people.......
ReplyDeleteStart a campaign to make sure that your school accepts no money from the NRA! Go to every town hall meeting where a representative who is supported by the NRA hears from you....loud and clear. Then, vote him out!!! Keep getting educated about your country and it's racist, outdated and dumb view of the lack of any meaningful gun laws to protect everyone from weapons of war.
You children and young adults were mostly born after 9/11/2001. As such, you have for all your lives endured threats of terrorism, shootings, protests, security measures that effect your everyday lives. We baby boomers grew up with war, yes, but not this caution that permeates your daily lives.
I stand with the young people. I have had my turn to protest one war and then another and another. I stand with you now that it is your turn and I will VOTE with you.
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ReplyDeleteหนังออนไลน์