…that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The Declaration of Independence lists these undeniable Rights in this order. The first of these, the Right to Life, is being taken from our citizens, especially students, by gun violence.
The time to face down the gun culture in our society has come. The overwhelming majority of citizens support sensible gun legislation. Our political leaders refuse to act.
I can think of two times in our recent history when students, frustrated by the lack of political will, have taken action to right the wrong; during the Viet Nam war millions of students and concerned citizens stood up to those in power and demanded and end to the war. People protested, and were beaten and shot, but the politics changed. During the early 60s the civil rights of black citizens were championed by students. There were Freedom Rides and sit-ins, people were beaten and shot, but the laws were changed.
When I think of how students can effect change I think of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC, often pronounced “snick”) as a model. Students formed groups that paved the groundwork for societal change.
Perhaps it is time for students (and the rest of us) who are being victimized by this violence to rise up again and bear the banner of protest to the evil of gun violence in our society. I invite students of all ages to consider that you have the power to change the politics and society for the better. What is needed is that you unite to pursue this cause. SAVE OUR STUDENTS!
If you are a student or teacher, or know one, pass this along.
Roger Vincent Jasaitis 