As a retired teacher in an area public school, I read with dismay Bill Morgan’s column in your latest paper. Unlike Mr. Morgan, I applaud the courageous students of Parkland High and other schools in our nation who are speaking out against the powerful gun lobby. Lawmakers need to do something to stop all the carnage that is taking place in this country. Getting rid of the AR-15 and other assault rifles would be a good place to start.

 

Schools, both public and private, are only one of many places where mass shootings are happening. Consider the restaurants, night clubs, concerts, movie theaters, offices, and military institutions where multiple people have lost their lives. Are those shootings also due to a lack of God, prayer, and discipline?

 

Students, including Parkland High School senior David Hogg, are tired of hearing the empty “thoughts and prayers” promises from our lawmakers, but I’m sure the Parkland kids were praying pretty hard while they were hiding in their classroom closets the day the gunman opened fire on their campus. We’ll never know, but the 17 people who died that day were probably praying, too.

 

Let’s all pray that our lawmakers come to their senses and finally do something to keep us safe. And, then, let’s take some action to ensure that they do. Demonstrate, write letters, and go vote!