An exasperated former President Barack Obama had to respond from the White House far too many times to count regarding domestic school shootings — and then reel from the opposition party’s steadfast refusal, time after time, to enact even the smallest of gun restriction laws to prevent bloodbaths among the nation’s youth.
Obama, who wept publicly on a few such occasions, continues to advocate for “common sense” gun laws in the wake of another horrific school shooting, the fifth that resulted in injury so far in 2018. The latest school carnage snatched away at least 17 lives in Parkland, Florida.
“We are grieving with Parkland. But we are not powerless. Caring for our kids is our first job,” Obama tweeted on Thursday morning.
The 44th president also admonished Washington to take the issue of gun safety laws more seriously and to stop acquiescing to the demands — and dollars — of the National Rifle Association.
“And until we can honestly say that we’re doing enough to keep them safe from harm, including long overdue, common-sense gun safety laws that most Americans want, then we have to change.”
Polls and studies show conclusively that the majority of Americans agree with Obama, the hashtag #GunReformNow became the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter on Thursday morning. The hashtag is currently being used to call out Congress to act now on reforming America’s gun laws.
Many American citizens and members of Congress are collectively denouncing the Republican Party for its cozy relationship with the National Rifle Association, which spends millions on lobbying and GOP campaigns.
Scott Dworkin of the Democratic Coalition deep fried Sen. Ted Cruz with the following tweet: “Get off your a** & go on tv to talk about the blood money you take from the NRA. #GunReformNow.”
President Donald Trump, par for the course, chose to focus more on mental health instead of gun laws. In his televised remarks from the White House, Trump urged children to seek help if they feel “lost, alone, confused or even scared.”
“I want to speak now directly to America’s children, especially those who feel lost alone confused or even scared. I want you to know that you are never alone, and you never will be,” Trump said.
“You have people who care about you, who love you and who will do anything at all to protect you. If you need help, turn to a teacher, a family member, a local police officer or a faith leader. Answer hate with love. Answer cruelty with kindness.”
Trump vowed to visit Parkland soon. He also said that he would address school safety policies with U.S. governors and attorneys general.
“To every parent, teacher and child who is hurting so badly, we are here for you, whatever you need, whatever we can do, to ease your pain. We are all joined together as one American family and your suffering is our burden also,” Trump said. “No child, no teacher should ever be in danger in an American school. No parent should ever have to fear for their sons and daughters when they kiss them goodbye in the morning.”
