Outraged by the repeated attacks on schools, hundreds of thousands of Americans, pupils, students and older people took to the streets of many major cities today in a historic mobilization against gunfire.
In Washington, a sea of people flooded the boulevards between the White House and the Capitol. Half a million teenagers and adults, according to the organizers, with their basic motto "Never again".
More than 800 demonstrations have taken place as part of this "March for Our Lives" in the United States and elsewhere. With youth, always, at the tip of the spear. In New York, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Paul, Minnesota, Baltimore, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, many thousands gathered early in the afternoon to express their support for the movement that began spontaneously. Massacre of 17 students and teachers at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14. Similar rallies are also planned in London, Stockholm and elsewhere.
David Hogg, a student at Parkland, spoke to those gathered in Washington to warn politicians against the tougher measures to control gun ownership. Young people in the United States, he said, will target those politicians who did nothing but send "thoughts and prayers" after each armed attack on a school.
He said young people would seek to lose their seats to pro-gun politicians when they vote in the upcoming elections in November. The goal will be to "get rid of those controlled by the arms lobby," he said, adding that they would make it a priority in the election and send the message that they demand changes in the laws of every state and every city in the country. "If you stretch your ears you will hear those in power tremble," said Hogg, who has become a spokesman for the movement in recent weeks.
The ability to carry a weapon is considered by millions of Americans to be their constitutional right, as fundamental as freedom of expression.
"We are the generation that is afraid to go to school every day because we do not know if we will be the next victims," said Lauren Tilley, 17, who went to Washington from California solely to mobilize.
Banners and placards with slogans such as "I teach with books, not weapons", "If they choose weapons instead of our children, vote against them" or "Your right to bear arms does not outweigh my right to remain" were raised above the huge crowd. live".
"Our message is that we will not be silent, we will continue to fight" to change the law, Lauren assured. "I do not care how much money you have. "Money will not stifle our voices," the student continued, referring to the well-known lobby in favor of gun ownership, the NRA. And he added meaningfully: "We will vote in 2020. Our generation wants change."
The movement is supported by many personalities and many stars are expected to be present today at the Washington demonstration. Among others, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hutson, Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber have expressed their support for Parkland students.
"I hope young people realize that they are part of a social movement with a long-term goal. "They will not be vindicated by a Republican-controlled Congress," warned House Sen. Chris Murphy.
"Change gun laws or change Congress," read a placard held by a protester in New York, where thousands of people had gathered in Central Park. Among them was Paul McCartney, who told CNN that he had "personal reasons" to oppose gun ownership. "One of my best friends was shot nearby," he said, referring to John Lennon, who was killed in 1980 near Central Park.
Jack Grasiano, 16, of Masapikua High School in Long Island, said he wanted the violence to end so his children would not experience it. "Anyone who goes to high school today has grown up in an environment of school violence. "As horrible as it sounds, this is the rule for us."
In Parkland, thousands also gathered today in a park near Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School. "Public opinion has changed the government in the past," commented Linda Fisher, a teacher.
In Washington, some have called for a complete ban on gun ownership, such as retiree Jeff Terchin. Others, such as Professor Billy McLaughlin, did not dispute the infamous second amendment that allows every citizen to carry a gun, but called for a stronger regulatory framework.
I have a dream…
The granddaughter of Martin Luther King, Jr., just 9 years old, addressed her own anti-gun message, applauded by the crowd for her spontaneity.
Inspired by the famous speech of her grandfather, Yolanda Rene King, said at the rally: “I have a dream that no one else can go to. And there should be no weapons in this world. Pass the message, do you hear? Across the country. We will be a big generation "said the little girl.
The United States is preparing to commemorate in two weeks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., a pastor who fought all his life against racial segregation.
Former President Barack Obama wrote on Twitter that he and his wife Michelle are inspired by the young people who organized these marches. "Go on like this. You are leading us. "Nothing can stand in the way of the thousands of voices calling for change," he wrote.