Cameron Kasky is a 17-year-old junior who along with his younger brother, Holden, thankfully survived the school shooting that took place last Wednesday at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. This is a commentary he shared with CNN the day after. When I read it—-well—-I was left rather stunned and I’d like to share his words with all of you.
I thought it was going to be a wonderful day. My high school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, was full of cheerful students—-many of whom were celebrating Valentine’s Day with one another. Even those who didn’t have a Valentine seemed like they could find reasons to smile.
But then, of course, everything changed. Toward the end of the day, I went to pick up my little brother Holden from the special needs classroom. As we exited the school, the fire alarm went off. And as we retreated to the parking lot, per fire drill procedure, we were told to run back inside.
It was very confusing, especially since I was surrounded by special needs students. But the truth is, nobody really knew what was going on. We huddled in a room, listening to terrifying noises we couldn’t identify, and spent an hour plagued by uncontrolled anxiety…waiting for answers. Waiting for somebody to either come in and shoot us or come in and tell us everything was going to be OK.
Eventually, the SWAT team came in and did an excellent job taking care of the students with disabilities. We were then escorted to our evacuation location and, after hours of confusion and terror, my brother and I made it home.
Though we made it home, 17 people didn’t. Those 17 people were murdered on the grounds of a school that has always felt like the safest place to be in a town that’s been called the safest town in Florida.
We can’t ignore the issues of gun control that this tragedy raises. And so, I’m asking—-no, demanding—-we take action now.
Why? Because at the end of the day, the students at my school felt one shared experience—-our politicians abandoned us by failing to keep guns out of schools.
But this time, my classmates and I are going to hold them to account. This time we’re going to pressure them to take action. This time we’re going to force them to spend more energy protecting human lives than unborn fetuses.
One of the most frustrating arguments I heard is that it wasn’t the Republican Party that killed those people and it wasn’t the National Rifle Association—-it was the shooter himself. I understand where they are coming from. I do not believe this was a direct attack from the Republicans or their close allies at the NRA.
However, the shooter is not the only one responsible for this tragedy. While the alleged shooter may have had several issues, he also lived in a society where Sen. Marco Rubio refuses to take responsibility for the role gun culture may have played in this tragedy.
And there is no denying that the NRA continues to donate millions of dollars to politicians at every level of government. Then those politicians—-often “family values” conservatives—-rile up their base by making them think that “liberals” are going to take their guns away. Not knowing any better, some of these people stockpile guns in advance of a gun ban that never comes, and the gun manufacturers and the NRA make millions.
But the truth is that politicians on both sides of the aisle are to blame. The Republicans, generally speaking, take large donations from the NRA and are therefore beholden to their cruel agenda. And the Democrats lack the organization and the votes to do anything about it.
I’m just a high school student, and I do not pretend to have all the answers. However, even in my position, I can see that there is a desperate need for change—-change that starts by folks showing up to the polls and voting all those individuals who are in the back pockets of the gun lobbyists out of office.
Please do it for me. Do it for my fellow classmates. We can’t vote, but you can, so make it count.
If you’re interested, Emma Gonzalez, a senior who also survived the massacre, made a passionate speech today at a gun control rally attended by thousands, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. You can find the transcript here:
https://cnn.com/2018/02/17/us/florida-student-emma-gonzalez-speech/index.html
Also today, it was business as usual as hundreds of gun enthusiasts gathered at the fairgrounds in Miami (which is within driving distance of Parkland) for a major gun show. Among the guns being sold there, were the always in demand AR-15s.
scr4pl80 said:
I’m “liking” this but I don’t like it. It is terrible to think that we can’t even send our kids to school anymore without being afraid they won’t come home. When will it stop?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I understand how you feel Janet. Brilliantly articulate that they are, they shouldn’t be having to do interviews, write editorials, or make speeches about this.
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Eve Messenger said:
Heartbreaking and brilliantly stated. Though the the situation is devastatingly sad, I’m inspired by all the amazing student survivors who are now speaking out so eloquently and passionately for fun control–and against the terrorist organization known as the NRA. I hope they get their wish and that every single politician who accepts NRA blood money is voted out ASAP.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
The November elections were already going to be interesting, but now even more so. I hope a big change is coming.🤞🏻
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Eve Messenger said:
Oops, not fun control…gun control.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Gotta love typos.🤦🏻♀️
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Eve Messenger said:
That one was a doozy.
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Glen available said:
Again, brilliantly stated.
Glen
Brisbane
Australia
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Indeed. These kids are having to grow up way too fast though.
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Susanne Swanson said:
I heard this young man speak on the radio and I was so impressed with his intelligence, passion and poise. It gave me hope.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
If things continue as they are, it may be the next generation that’s in the position to finally do something about this.
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Heather Tasker said:
I hope it doesn’t take that long.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I hope so too.
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Jay said:
Ooof.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Sigh.
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raistlin0903 said:
Man his words gave me the chills. Especially in the way he described what had happened at the school. It was almost as if we were there so to speak. I can only imagine how frightening an experience this must have been. And meanwhile people can keep buying guns in shops like nothing has ever happened. It makes me quite mad honestly. I wonder if this will ever change. As long as guns are available in this way, I don’t think it ever will. No matter how much they heartfelt words are spread by people in this way 😢😢
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
If you can Michel, check out Emma’s speech too. These kids are amazing and it just may be that the next generation will be the ones to put a stop to this madness.
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raistlin0903 said:
I just read Emma’s speech. These kids are so brave. I especially loved the last paragraph of her speech where she called BS on so many things. And she is so right. I really hope that these kids are going to make a difference. That someone in the government is going to wake up and shout to everyone in that Oval Office that enough is enough. But we have heard it all so many times before though. How long does it take until things are really going to change. We need this change, true, but we can’t all change it ourselves as much as we may want to. For that you will need the government..and at this point I doubt there is anyone in the current government that will step up and call BS as Emma did. Doesn’t change the fact that these speeches are every bit as heartwarming and powerful as any figure in politics could ever make them. Thanks for writing about these kids Kim. They deserved to be heard. That’s for sure.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m hoping that these determined kids will be able to sweep through change in 2020 as many of them will be old enough to vote by then.
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raistlin0903 said:
Definitely hope that too Kim. Will keep my fingers crossed for that.
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raynotbradbury said:
Sad bcz their lives just started…
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Exactly.
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Felicia Denise said:
The gun show is alive and well here in Tucson this week…and it’s standing room only. Just have to be 18 and a citizen to buy whatever you want…and as much of it as you want. 😒😒
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
🤦🏻♀️ You know what? That’s just sick.😒
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Pingback: A Very Lucid and Emotional Response from A Florida Student Survivor of the Shooting. | Opher's World
Nasuko said:
Great!!
This news is broadcasting in Japanese TV,now!:D
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh Wow!
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beetleypete said:
I saw that gun show on the BBC news. The organiser couldn’t see that it was either ironic, or in bad taste. Young Cameron’s words are mature and thought-provoking of course. But there have been many similar speeches, and I see no sign of change over the decades. I fear that people will still be writing about such incidents when Cameron is old and grey.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You know what Pete? You’re probably going to think I’m crazy, but I actually think that this just might be the watershed moment. I’m not sure what’s different. Perhaps because there were quite a few moments inside the school that the students were able to capture on their phones. But people are really angry, I think even more than they were after Newtown. And these kids are determined to do something. They may be too young to vote in the November elections, but many of them will be at least 18 by the time the 2020elections roll around. Maybe it is the next generation that will finally break this ridiculous impass. For the first time in several years I’m feeling a little hopeful.
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beetleypete said:
I really hope you are right, Kim. x
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Me too Pete.
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chocotales said:
This is so well written. How can anyone disagree with such passionate and common-sense words? I wish the politicians would listen.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think it’s time for new politicians to be elected.
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chocotales said:
I completely agree. Some politicians with enough balls to do the right thing, not necessarily the easy thing.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Exactly!
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nananoyz said:
This: But this time, my classmates and I are going to hold them to account. This time we’re going to pressure them to take action. This time we’re going to force them to spend more energy protecting human lives than unborn fetuses.
This kid gets it.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
He certainly does.
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thebookwormdrinketh said:
From the mouths of babes. When they can so eloquently state the issue you would hope that SOMEONE should be listening!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You would think.
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Wow, this was so powerful, Kim! Thanks so much for sharing these powerful words with us! It’s so sad that they have to say these things at the same time. My heart breaks for these young people. I just wish all this violence would stop already!!!😭
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
They might just be the ones who can stop this Dani.
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
I completely agree, Kim!
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Lots of hugs and thanks for spreading these words so everyone can have awareness!❤❤❤
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
The least I can do is spread the word.
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Beware Of The Reader said:
WOW Kim. He is so right and mature. It’s so sad really. I don’t know what would work … in my country owning weapons is highly regulated and this does not happen. Now we also have a good health systen and mentally ill students can get help. We are not a rainbow and unicorn country as we do have our share of serious problems. Just this does not happen here (so far). I’m with all of you US citizens.
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Diana said:
This is so deep, brilliantly written and I do hope that those in authority will answer this call to action. Its heart breaking.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
They’re talking about reforming background checks right now. Let’s see if they actually follow through. It would at least be a start.🤷🏻♀️
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recednesrepositorium said:
Good for them for using their voices. My generation was told to be seen and not heard, never argue with your elders. Never “disrespect.” Maybe that’s a small part of the reason we’re in this mess, a reluctance to speak up and push back.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s their voices we all need to listen to right now.
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Raven @ Dreamy Addictions said:
what a Brilliant and emotional Speech! It was really heart breaking!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It really was Raven. I’m praying that if there is a silver lining, that these kids may bring about the catalyst that will finally bring about change.
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The Cozy Pages said:
Standing ovation for these guys.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I absolutely agree!
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joyroses13 said:
So powerful! This gave me goosebumps! Standing with you all as my family’s heart breaks over your school’s tragedy! You are SO RIGHT! It needs to stop and it needs to stop now!! Thank you for your words! Keep sharing them!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Joy. What these teens are doing right now in the face of such trauma is incredible, and it’s given me hope that maybe, finally, change may be on the way.
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joyroses13 said:
I hope and pray the same!
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robbiesinspiration said:
A terribly sad cry for help, Kim. I have never been to the US so I don’t know much about life there other than what I read but there does seem to be a culture of violence. One of the things I have noted from my trawling around various blogs is that metal health seems to be issued.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
There is a big culture of violence here Robbie. When you think that this was the 18th school shooting just since the 1st of the year, it’s obvious that there’s something drastically wrong. Granted, the majority of the other shootings were not on the scale as this one, but that doesn’t really matter. The one good thing, if there is such a thing, is that there’s something different about this mass shooting. Maybe it’s because several videos have been released that were made by terrified students as they were hiding. And maybe it’s because this time, teens don’t seem to be backing down for their demands for change. I actually have a small frisson of hope for the first time, that perhaps this time is when we have had enough and politians are going to be held accountable. 🙏🏻
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robbiesinspiration said:
I really hope so Kim. A terrible worry for parents. I re-read my comment and I meant to say that mental health issues seem to be ignored in the US to a large extent.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
The funding keeps getting cut every year, and more and more people are falling through the cracks.😔
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Laura Droege said:
Moving speech. I’m impressed by these young people who, even while suffering through a horrible tragedy, are confident and poised enough to speak up.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
They are an inspiration! It’s too bad that conservatives and the alt-right have already started attacking them.😡
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Argh, sort of sad that it has come down to have kids doing what adults should be doing! 😦 Safety has become fiction. Survival became a priority. 😦
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It is sad Lashaan. But all our inaction, whether it’s this or the environment is going to impact their future, so maybe it is time that they take the lead.
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