Donald Trump read “I hear you” from a cheat sheet in the White House while surrounded by survivors of mass shootings. Then, President Barack Obama tweeted with the clear sincerity and hope people across the internet miss so much. His words were genuine and truly got where these young high school change makers were coming from.
In his tweet, President Obama said “We’ve been waiting for you”:
‘Young people have helped lead all our great movements. How inspiring to see it again in so many smart, fearless students standing up for their right to be safe; marching and organizing to remake the world as it should be. We’ve been waiting for you. And we’ve got your backs.’
There is something different about the way these teenagers have come through a terrible violence and bloodshed at the hands of a 19-year-old man. The shooter carried a legally purchased AR-15 that day and mowed down 14 students and three adults trying to protect them.
While Donald Trump and other GOP politicians offered empty words, they vowed their loyalty to the National Rifle Association (NRA) in the veiled terms of “arm teachers” and “mental health.” That would put more guns on the street and in the schools. Do we arm people with bombs to stop a bomber? Nothing makes any sense, except for the politicians’ greed.
President Obama and many others have faith in the young people’s ability to change this warped culture they inherited. These teens have been spectacular, using their grief and anger to fearlessly speak their clear message, “Never again.”
As 44 said, “We’ve got your backs.”
Featured Image via Getty Images/Joe Raedle.
