An absurd rumor has been racing around the internet — that the students speaking out about the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are not really students, but actors. The argument was that the young people are too well-spoken to be genuine. Well, any politician who bought into this ridiculous theory while pulling in the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) money better look at what his constituents have to say. It is not good.
A 19-year-old man walked into a Parkland, FL high school and mowed down 14 students and three adults with an AR-15. That is a semi-automatic rifle capable of causing a massacre. It is useless for hunting, because it tears game to smithereens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxbTZEV_tr8&feature=youtu.be
The survivors were rightfully angry. They should be commended for funneling that grief and anger into positive action. They are the change-makers.
Pennsylvania State Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R) posted a heartless message about the grieving students on his Facebook page. He referred to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School survivors as “students.” Of course, he was referring to the rumor. Buying into it so easily, without question, speaks volumes about his shallowness.
Metcalfe reacted emotionally rather than considering the students’ real message. They want common-sense gun control, which includes a ban on semi-automatic weapons. These kids are not stupid. The representative severely underestimated their capabilities. The students also want to get more funding for mental healthcare.
The representative wrote:
‘I enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 years old. This morning I was working out and listening to the news about “students” being bused in to the Florida Capitol. They hypocrisy of the left struck me! They expect lawmakers to listen to the policy advice of 18 year old and younger “students” who are advocating for gun control, but they do not believe 18 year olds are old enough to serve on the battlefields of Afghanistan are old enough to purchase a rifle.’
One of the students who died was in the ROTC. He died holding the door open for his fellow classmates.
The people in Metcalf’s district hear their representative loud and clear. They are angry, as their comments show. Maureen Owns Byko, called him out on his sarcasm:
‘Let’s just stop with “students.” What are you saying about these kids who were lucky enough to walk through blood and past corpses of friends slaughtered by an AR15? Please remove the quotations and be specific. Are you a denier? Are you accusing them of not being students?’
A second constituent, Brent Wise thought it was about greed and “the other:’
‘Doubt he would care if his own kids got slaughtered as long as he gets those NRA checks to keep rolling in.’
Another constituent, Teresa Meyer Kissinger, went directly to the point – assault rifles:
‘No one of any age needs to purchase an assault rifle.’
This constituent, Janice Fenk, was offended by Metcalfe’s statement and wanted him “voted out:”
‘You are a gigantic idiot! Just listen to yourself! You have been in office far too long and I pray you are voted out!’
Featured Image via Getty Images/Win McNamee.
