Tomorrow, we will see if there is the continued action after the talk.  Talk is too easy.  It’s the continued, concerted action that makes the difference.

I’m talking about the March For Our Lives movement.  (Here was my first take on this movement.) The movement that seemingly sprang up overnight, after the Parkland shooting.  Which set up a series of walkouts across the US last week. (I described my reactions here,)

Tomorrow, if there really is action after the talks, some 18 cities will see significant numbers marching in the streets.  Here in DC, about a half million are expected to let their legislators know that the time is nigh.  Nay, the time is way past.

Even my synagogue,  one outpost among Orthodox Judaism (a sect NOT known to be of liberal ilk), is reacting.  For tomorrow, services will start at 7 AM. Which will, therefore, end with plenty of time, to let our youth (and, I hope a significant number of adults besides me) march down 16th Street to join up with the others.  To let the US leadership (and the world) know they’ve had enough of the BS kowtowing to the rabid leaders of the National Rifle Association (NRA).  (Yes, they are rabid.  Look for yourself.)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PrnIVVWtAag

I am fairly certain the marches will be accompanied by folks who will register those approaching the magic age- and those who are already 18- to vote.  Because it’s that vote that will let the spineless Representatives and Senators know the jig is up.  Because elected officials know htere is a vast difference between students marching or speaking or even yelling- and taking the long-term action to vote.

Because only by demonstrating their resolve by voting AFTER the march, will the message hit elected officials that it’s time to alter their practices, to reject the bribes they’ve gleefully accepted (you may be willing to call those funds campaign donations- I’m not), and make the change.  To limit those guns purchased to those that can truly be used safely.  Not those that can emit countless bullets in a moment.   Not those that have explosive force, so that even if they don’t kill, they leave maimed individuals who will suffer the rest of their lives because of these terrorists.

As Madison Leal (Stoneman Douglas, Parkland Florida, surviving student) said.  “I’m going to vote the out of office.  And, so is my entire generation…They’ll be sorry then.”

And, where is the WrongWing cry against terrorism for the Parkland killer.  Oh, wait.  He was White.  He was Christian.  Yup.  That means he was one of them.  And, can’t possibly be a problem.

You see, that is the problem.  And, that’s why our younger generation has taken the embers of student movements of old, to ignite new movements to change America for the better.

Just like no one saw the start of the 1960s movements – until they were happening in hamlets, villages, and towns across the US- no one saw the reactions of this generation.  Until the walkouts last week.  (Several of their leaders invited the media to come visit them during their detentions.  A stupid threat imposed by school officials against the widespread walkouts.)

Until the marches tomorrow.

It’s time.

By the way,  it’s no surprise that TheDonald fired his National Security Advisor and his Secretary of State this week.  After all, he wants only sycophants who will embellish his ego, telling him his foolhardy ideas are not only valid, but deserve great merit.  Or,that he plans to veto the budget (claiming it fails immigrants- but really because it fails to build his idiotic wall.  (The border agents don’t want the wall- they want technology and bodies.  Just what the bill provides, by the way.) 

He really needs to divert your attention from the marches.  And, from watching 60 Minutes this Sunday.  Where the world will see how he negotiates.  How he threatens violence against women, how he degrades women, and how dishonorable- and little integrity- he exudes.  

It’s time.  It’s way past time.

 

 

On a different note, I couldn’t let the day pass without wishing my good friend, Andy, a hearty birthday wish.   I may be out of town- but you’re right next to me.

You, too, Steve.  Happy birthday to you, too!