On Valentine’s Day a horrific mass shooting occurred in Parkland, Florida. Seventeen lives were lost to senseless violence. In the weeks following the shooting, the anti-gun agenda has gained shocking momentum. Teens across the country called for stricter gun control and demanded the government take immediate action. Nearly 5 weeks later, they organized a massive march in Washington, DC, and in cities in every state in hopes of changing gun laws.
In response to this wave of anti-gun agenda, the citizens that hold their 2nd Amendment rights sacred have responded swiftly. Within in short time of finding out about the march against guns here in our own Utah capitol, a rally in defense of our 2nd Amendment rights was quickly assembled. Hundreds gathered on short notice to assert their Constitutional rights in the hours before the "March for our Lives" rally.
The sides are deeply divided on this issue and the anti-gun agenda is working hard and putting up money to push their message while the nation is riveted on this issue. While it is easy to blame the guns and side with an agenda to remove guns from the populace, we know from studying history that this does not work. In the cities with the strictest gun laws like Chicago and Detroit, we see an increase in homicides and gun related violence. History shows that criminals don't follow the laws and will resort any means possible to achieve their agenda.
In the weeks following the rally, it has come to light that Emma Gonzolez, one of the youth advocating for stricter gun control laws and who has been the face of the movement, has admitted that she was one of the bullies who tormented the shooter and helped push him to the edge. Perhaps instead of blaming guns, it is time we look to the real problem with our youth. Instead of making more gun laws let us teach our youth to have more empathy for others, to stand up when they see bullying happening. Perhaps if students had been as willing to stand for kindness as they are to insist on more laws, then we wouldn't be seeing the increase these types of violent crimes.
While Second Amendment supporters don't have near the financial backing as the gun control advocates, they do have a passion and a desire to defend their Constitutional rights. While they were able to rally only about 1,000 people on short notice, on April 14, 2018, they will rally at the Capitol for a second time to make their voices heard. Their message is clear, taking away rights of the law-abiding citizens does not reduce crime and they will not relinquish their Constitutional rights without a fierce fight.
