I feel sorry for the writer who implied that the child who stood by Obama when he signed the Affordable Care Act was being exploited.
That child’s mother died needlessly after losing her health insurance, and he became a young activist for universal health care before ever meeting the president, according to a CNN story (“I’m not the Obamacare kid anymore,” CNN, 3/18/16).
And then the writer, like some in the media, suggests that the Marjory Stoneman Douglas student activists are being exploited in some sinister way.
If anyone is being exploited in this debate it is unfortunately members of the National Rifle Association, whose dues help push an agenda that mostly benefits gun sales and manufacturers.
Formerly, the NRA was about the laudable goals of better gun safety and education.
Now however, they spend huge amounts to support (or attack) candidates, and foment fear and paranoia about even the most common-sense reforms.
It is indeed “freedom” that the students are defending; their freedom to live, study, and have a future without fear and trauma.
They are speaking clearly and passionately for solutions, not unlike the young people who led the civil rights and peace movements.
They — and all of us — have every right to hold our representatives accountable.
The huge turnout at peaceful marches across the nation shows broad and overwhelming support for genuine gun reform.
So let’s listen to the students, look at the facts, and work together to implement serious measures to reduce gun violence of all types in this country.
Lisa Dekker,
Port Angeles