The disturbing cycle continues: a moment of hope arises—perhaps a significant event or a day that briefly allows us to envision change. For a fleeting day or two, we feel a glimmer of optimism.
Then, an unsettling wave of negativity floods in, threatening to overshadow our cautious hopes. This is the reality we face.
Yes, the individuals behind these distressing comments are real. We won’t link to them, as they don’t need any more visibility (and trust us, they’ve been reported multiple times). Their following has swelled to over 800,000.
They express sentiments like:
- “You better get some armed protection soon, just saying!”
- “Looks like hunting season might start early this year…”
- “Honestly, I wish this kid wasn’t number 18.” (A reference to the 17 students killed in Parkland, Florida.)
Who speaks like this about children? How is this acceptable? Even more horrifying is the fact that they are not isolated voices.
These individuals assert that the students are crisis actors, and their followers propagate these unfounded claims. They accuse these teens of undermining the Constitution, and again, their followers spread this misinformation. They label them as communists, and their followers blindly accept and share these lies.
The threats of violence against these young activists are alarming. Ignoring them is not an option, especially since these individuals possess firearms and the means to carry out their threats.
I am not inclined to write this piece. I don’t want to be sidetracked by the hateful rhetoric and threats that seek to distract from our important mission.
Our goal has never been to eliminate all firearms. Instead, we advocate for reasonable legislation aimed at preventing gun violence. At Moms Demand Action, I collaborate with a devoted group in my community in Florida. I can assure you that none of us wish to abolish the Second Amendment. Not once have I heard anyone express a desire to eradicate all guns. Yet, this narrative is relentlessly pushed by the NRA.
Following the recent marches, the NRA claimed on social media: “Today’s protests are not spontaneous. Wealthy opponents of gun rights are manipulating children to undermine the Second Amendment and take away our right to protect ourselves.”
To echo the sentiments of many brave students who spoke at the March For Our Lives, I call out this falsehood. Indeed, no protest is spontaneous; they require significant planning. The students had been organizing this march since the tragic events of February 14, when too many of their peers lost their lives to a weapon that should never have been accessible to the perpetrator.
These students witnessed their friends perish and lived in fear for their own safety. They have been irrevocably affected by gun violence and are determined to prevent such tragedies from repeating. These teenagers are rising above their trauma, actively seeking to protect their peers and inspire change in our society. They deserve our respect and admiration for their bravery.
Yet, it is disheartening to see adults—many likely parents themselves—wishing harm upon these children. This is simply unacceptable.
Nobody aims to “DESTROY the Second Amendment.” This falsehood, perpetuated by the NRA and echoed by right-wing media, is entirely misleading.
Yes, I am outraged. I am filled with anger.
While I strive to communicate effectively and avoid inflammatory language, my frustration is palpable. The lies, the threats, and the indifference of those who let this situation fester are infuriating.
To responsible gun owners, I ask: where are you? It’s time to address this issue.
I know individuals who buy into these fabrications—not out of malice, but due to a lack of understanding. Recognizing truth becomes challenging in a world saturated with falsehoods. When someone sees a video of a student, like Emma Gonzalez, seemingly disrespecting the Constitution, it can appear genuine to the unaware.
The dissemination of misinformation must stop. If you encounter false news, report it. In the top right corner of a post, click on the three dots and select “Give feedback on this post.” Choose to report it as fake news. This is crucial.
Moreover, if you’re uncertain about the credibility of a story, refrain from sharing it. If you see someone else sharing misinformation, kindly inform them and ask them to remove it.
When threats of violence against minors emerge, they must be reported immediately. This should be common sense.
What disturbs me most is knowing that these threats likely come from individuals who possess firearms. How can anyone feel safe knowing that someone capable of making such threats is armed? I cannot accept this. We must collectively stand against the unacceptable nature of threatening children.
If you wish to support the movement towards reducing gun violence in America, simply text READY to 64433.
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In summary, the threats against Parkland survivors underscore the urgent need for sensible gun legislation. We cannot allow fear and falsehoods to dominate the conversation about gun safety and the protection of our children.