Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]


Welcome to Conversations. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Locked Topic
  • Pages:
  • 1
  • 3
2018 March For Our Lives
Topic Started: Mar 24 2018, 02:47 AM (95 Views)
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
The Guardian: March for our Lives protests planned for 800 places across the world

Posted Image
Quote:
 
Hundreds of thousands of marchers are expected to descend on Washington DC on Saturday for a landmark gun control rally as calls for reform reach a fever pitch following the Parkland school shooting last month.

March for Our Lives events led by young people in over 800 locations around the world – including London, Sydney, Tokyo, Mumbai, plus hundreds of places in the US – will also take place as demonstrators demand that the US Congress, for decades dormant on gun control, pass sweeping legislative change.

The rally, organized by teenaged survivors of the 14 February school shooting that left 17 students and teachers dead, marks a shift in America’s gun control debate. All of the featured speakers at the rally will be teenagers, a spokeswoman for the march said, reflecting the frustration of the young gun control activists, who say the death of their classmates has forced them to tackle a crisis that adults have failed for decades to prevent.

Donald Trump, who has flip-flopped on his support for gun control measures and vowed to support the NRA, which spent more than $30m to back his campaign for the White House, left town on Friday evening and flew to Mar-a-Lago, his Florida resort.

The rally organizers say that they support Americans’ basic right to own guns, but they are demanding that Congress ban the military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines often used in high-profile mass shootings, as well as close loopholes in the nation’s background check requirements for gun sales.

A new survey of American teenagers and young adults found that gun violence was at the top of the list of issues they found most worrying. Americans under 18 were especially concerned, with 53% of them describing gun violence as a major worry. The USA Today/Ipsos poll found that more than one in three young people were planning to join the March for Our Lives protests, either in person or via social media.

Sheryl Acquaroli, a 16-year-old student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Parkland, said she knew immediately she would travel to Washington to join the march. “It’s going to be very revolutionary,” she said. “We are going to change laws there, and I want to be part of that change.”

Jon White, 47, whose daughter Katrina fled the school during the shooting, said: “I don’t have a lot of confidence in my generation. I believe in millennials. They’re going to make a difference.” Among the performers at the Saturday rally are Lin-Manuel Miranda, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande.

As hundreds of students from Stoneman Douglas make the 1,000-mile journey to the nation’s capital, the Guardian announced an editorial collaboration with the school’s award-winning newspaper, the Eagle Eye.

On Friday, student editors took control of the Guardian’s website and published an array of articles, including an interview with independent Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, who told them he believed the NRA’s grip on Congress “may be breaking a bit” because of their campaigning.

The Eagle Eye also published a manifesto of demands, including a call to ban the sale of high velocity semi-automatic weapons, expand background checks, and raise the minimum purchase age of rifles to 21. Members of the Eagle Eye’s editorial staff will also travel to Washington to cover the march as special correspondents for the Guardian.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Replies:
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
(The Guardian) Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school student Cameron Kasky just took the stage.

“Welcome to the revolution,” Kasky said. “It is a powerful and peaceful one because it is of, for and by the young people of this country. Politicians, either represent the people or get out,” Kasky said.

He read out the list of students and staff who died at his school on 14 Feb. The last name Kasky said was Nicholas Dworet, who would have turned 18 today.
-Read more: https://twitter.com/al3xw1nd/status/977515402975735808
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
(The Guardian) Our special correspondents, students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Parkland, Florida, have been speaking to more marchers and protest organizers in Washington.

“I’m watching Cameron speak right now, and I am so close to crying,” said Emma Gonzalez, one of the most well-known of the Parkland students. “I’m just so happy that this is really happening- This is the coolest moment of my life.”

“You know it’s overwhelming, but in a good way, because this is a show of unity and positivity in the best way possible,” MSD senior Delaney Tarr told Nikhita Nookala.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
(The Guardian) “We deserve to live a life without fear of being gunned down”
The second speaker, Trevon Bosley, just spoke on behalf of youth in Chicago. “I’m here to speak for those Chicago youth who feel like their voices have been silenced for far too long.”

His brother, Terrell Bosley, was shot and killed in 2006 while leaving church. A woman held a picture of Terrell next to his brother while he spoke.

Bosley went on to mention the underlying issues that have perpetuated gun violence in Chicago including poverty, a lack of workforce development and funds being diverted to tourism instead of the city. “It was caused by several problems we are still dealing with to this day,” Bosley said.

He says when the president talks about Chicago gun violence constantly without diverting funds to assist the city, gun violence will continue to be a problem. “We deserve to live a life without fear of being gunned down,” he said.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
(The Guardian) Marjory Stoneman Douglas senior Delaney Tarr just addressed the crowd - after chasing her speech across the stage when it blew away before she could start talking.

“We will continue to fight for our dead friends,” she said. She ran through the students’ demands, including background checks and a ban on assault weapons. “When you give us an inch, that bump stocks ban, we will take a mile,” she said. “We are not here for breadcrumbs, we are here to lead.”

It is another powerful speech from the stage in Washington.
-View: https://twitter.com/ABC7MichelleM/status/977584860075384833
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
(The Guardian) Paul McCartney is at the March for Our Lives protest in New York City.

In an interview with CNN, he appeared to reference the death of his formed bandmate John Lennon, who was fatally shot outside the Dakota in 1980. The New York march began next to the Dakota. “One of my best friends was shot not far from where we are right now,” he said.
-Read more: http://deadline.com/2018/03/paul-mccartney-john-lennon-march-for-our-lives-celebrity-reactions-1202352799/
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Posted Image
(The Guardian) Our special correspondents, students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Parkland, Florida, have been speaking to more marchers in Washington.

“As far as growing up in Chicago being a Chicago native, it’s a lot of gun violence there,” David Bell, who is part of organization that fixes homes for the less fortunate, told Richard Doan. “There are kids, there are babies getting shot. Coming from that background [and] losing a lot of friends and family [and seeing] today all the events happening around the nation with the students [shows] what the future needs. [These] educated individuals, they are being killed, so we wanted to come to support because not only do we have our own problems at home, but our kids are our home. Eventually these kids are going to grow up and make a difference, but they can’t do that if they’re killed in a classroom.”

“It is so profoundly uplifting to see so many people bound by our cause, and that’s what makes me optimistic for change” student activist Matt Post told Nikhita Nookala.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” said Jackie Corin. “Like this formulated on Cameron’s living room floor and to see millions of people around the world supporting us is unreal. I’m just so thankful.”
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
(The Guardian) At the rally in Parkland, Florida, Stoneman Douglas students ended the speaking programme by reading out the names of the 17 victims of last month’s shooting,reports (Guardian correspondent) Richard Luscombe.

The speeches by student survivors and relatives of the victims were mostly non-political, with only occasional references to the NRA - but drawing boos when they did.

Tony Montalto, father of 14-year-old victim Gina, said his daughter was smart and was going to change the world. Now, he said, that was in her classmates’ hands, and those of politicians. “We need action,” he said. “Some here today might be disappointed change has not come fast enough, but maybe one brick at a time is maybe the path that is needed. A marathon, not a sprint.”.

Tens of thousands attended the Parkland rally at the park where until last week memorials to the 17 victims were positioned.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
(The Guardian) Edna Chavez, a 17-year-old from Los Angeles, spoke about efforts to reduce gun violence in Los Angeles. “I am a youth leader. I am a survivor. I have lived in south central LA my entire life and have lost many loved ones to violence. This is normal. I learned to duck from gun bullets before I could read.”

Chavez spoke about her brother, Ricardo, dying in a shooting. “Ricardo was his name. Can you say it with me?” she said, inspiring the crowd to chant. “I lost more than my brother that day, my hero. I also lost my mother, my sister and myself to that trauma and anxiety. I carry that trauma with me everywhere I go.”

She talks about how gun violence has been customary in southern Los Angeles for decades. “I am here today to honor Ricardo. I am here today to honor Stephon Clark (a black man fatally shot by police in Sacramento this week). I am here today to uplift my south LA community.”

Chavez advocates for restorative justice measures, mentorship programs, mental health resources, paid internships and job opportunities. “Remember my name. Remember these faces. Remember us and how we’re making change.”
-Read more: https://twitter.com/LaurenPastrana/status/977587804963303424
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
(The Guardian) A recurring theme of the march has been voting. The speakers taking the stage say it over and over again: they are ready do one thing: to vote all politicians who ignore them today out.

They are also ready to confront politicians and lobbyists not taking action (this was a message particularly strongly delivered to the press by David Hogg, the Parkland student who was been falsely described by the alt-right as a “crisis actor”).

Speaking to journalists this morning, Hogg said they would “continue to march in every state’s Capitol, across all states” to secure change. “Registering to vote is crucial,” he said. “You’re showing politicians you’re going to hold them accountable.”

To turn this into action, many volunteers are posted along the march to register voters, too. They’re targeting those who are of age, and talking to younger teenagers about the importance of casting their votes.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
(The Guardian) Marjory Stoneman Douglas student Alex Wind just left the stage after delivering a rousing speech.

“To those saying teenagers can’t do anything, I am here to say teenagers are the only ones who could have made this movement possible.”

“If teachers start packing heat, are they going to arm our pastors, ministers and rabbis?”

“For too long our government has been useless on this issue.”

“To all the politicians out there, if you take money from the NRA, you have chosen death.”

The speakers so far have been 19-years-old and younger.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
(The Guardian) Broadway superstars Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ben Platt are on stage, singing Found Tonight, a mashup of songs from Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen. The song was first released earlier this week and a portion of proceeds from the track will be donated to March for Our Lives.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
(The Guardian) Zion Kelly of Washington DC just spoke on behalf of people who face the threat of gun violence every time they walk to and from school.

His twin brother, Zaire, was shot on 20 Sep 2017.

Kelly became emotional talking about his brother, but in every pause, the crowd cheered him on in support.

Kelly’s family has proposed legislation, named after his brother, to create safe passage zones to and from schools and other activities. “My name is Zion Kelly and just like you, I’ve had enough.”

Marjory Stoneman Douglas student David Hogg is on stage, where he posted a price tag to point out how much money Florida senator Marco Rubio has taken from the National Rifle Association.

Hogg has been one of the most prominent faces of the Parkland movement and his remarks today are focused on politics.

Hogg gestured to the US capitol behind him and said: “This is not cutting it.”

He is encouraging people to register to vote and participate in election. “Let’s put the USA over the NRA.”

He ends the speech shouting: “We can and we will change the world.”
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
--Michelle and I are so inspired by all the young people who made today’s marches happen. Keep at it. You’re leading us forward. Nothing can stand in the way of millions of voices calling for change. (Barack H. Obama, 44th President of the United States - 24 March 2018)
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
(The Guardian) Eleven-year-old Naomi Wadler is next on stage.

She says she led a walk-out at her elementary school on 14 March, adding a minute to the 17 minute walk-out for each of the Parkland victims for Courtlin Arrington, a 17-year-old gun crime victim from Alabama.

Naomi said she was there to speak up for “the African-American girls whose stories don’t make the front page of every national newspaper, whose stories don’t lead on the evening news, the African-American women who are simply statistics instead of vibrant, beautiful girls full of potential.

“I’m here to say never again for those girls too. Everyone should value those girls too.”

She adds – in a reference to rightwing conspiracy theories about many of the students who have spoken up since the Parkland massacre – “People have said I’m too young to have these thoughts on my own … that I’m a tool of some nameless adult. It’s not true. My friends and I might still be 11 but we know life isn’t equal for everyrone and we know what is right and wrong.”

She says she has “seven short years” until she has the right to vote.

And she closes her short and powerful speech by quoting Toni Morrison: “If there’s a book that you want to read and it hasn’t been written yet, you must be the one to write it.”
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Webster
Member Avatar
Wasatch Storyteller & Resident Forum Curmudgeon
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
(The Guardian) Matt Post, an 18-year-old from Montgomery County in Maryland, is speaking about the “cold inaction” of American lawmakers in regards to gun violence and the systemic issues that perpetuate it.

Post says politicians are: “sick with soullessness, but we are the cure.”

He is describing the youth as the “new, diverse face of inclusiveness” for the US.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · Politics · Next Topic »
Locked Topic
  • Pages:
  • 1
  • 3

Aquös by tiptopolive of the ZB Theme Zone