David Hogg, a student who survived the Parkland, Florida school shooting shamed Republicans in Congress and the White House who are blocking gun violence legislation by demanding action, not thoughts and prayers.
Video:
#Parkland survivor David Hogg makes it clear to Trump and the GOP that children who are dying in school shootings need action not "thoughts and prayers.:" https://t.co/n2z6YlgYIV pic.twitter.com/ezQoPchinS
— PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) February 15, 2018
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Hogg said, “Sadly, my sister, she’s a freshman. She had two of her best friends die. That’s not acceptable. That is something we should not let happen in this country, especially when we’re going to school. It’s something we really need to take a look at. The fact that this is the 18th school shooting and this is only February is a testament to where this country has come and how far — we need to dig out of this hole. We need to step out of it and realize there’s something seriously wrong here. Some of our policymakers and some people need to look in the mirror and take some action. Ideas are great but without action ideas stay ideas, and children die.
Hogg later told Republicans to protect children:
David Hogg, a student who survived the Parkland, Florida school shooting shamed Republicans in Congress and the White House who are blocking gun violence legislation by demanding action, not thoughts and prayers.#Parkland https://t.co/zCsGot1ujK pic.twitter.com/wJ40ScXlU0
— Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) February 15, 2018
For those who can’t watch the video, he said, “My message to lawmakers and Congress, please take action. Ideas are great. Ideas are wonderful and they help you get re-elected and everything. What’s more important is actual action and pertinent action that results in saving thousands of children’s lives. Please take action.”
Republicans were just shamed by David Hogg
A teenager just demonstrated for more concern for human life and protecting children that Republicans in Congress and the White House have demonstrated. No one believes that gun violence can be legislated away, but the NRA and the Republican Party have set up a false choice. They frame the issue as either we take away guns or everyone gets easy access to weapons.
The reality is that there are simple legislative options, like universal background checks, laws to prohibit people with a history of mental illness from buying weapons, and other common-sense steps that would make it more difficult for people who want to carry out mass shootings to build an arsenal.
It is too easy for individuals who shouldn’t have guns to get them.
Children are crying out for protection. Kids want to be safe when they go to school, and Republicans should be ashamed of themselves for failing to keep children safe in every community around the country.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
