Gun control has become even more of a larger topic in this country following the heartbreaking shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. The survivors of the tragedy, especially the students, have been advocating for revising the laws.
But while they have been proactive in their plight, the government officials who have the power to change things aren't proving their competency. One of them is Florida Congressional Senator Marco Rubio, who was confronted during CNN's "Stand Up" town hall on Wednesday night by angry students, teachers, and parents who are demanding stronger plans for gun control.
Frank Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter Jaime Guttenberg was one of the 17 victims who was killed in the shooting, specifically targeted Rubio with his impressive question. He called Rubio and Donald Trump's comments regarding plans to tackle gun violence "pathetically weak." "Look at me and tell me. Guns were the factor in the hunting of our kids in this school this week. And look at me and tell me you accept it and you will work with us to do something about guns," Guttenberg asked the senator as the audience gave him a standing ovation.
Rubio's response echoed his previous sentiments, as he explained “I’m saying that the problems we face here today cannot be solved by gun laws alone." Guttenberg quickly interrupted him: "Were guns the factor in the hunting of our kids?"
Student Cameron Kasky also continued to question if Rubio will still accept donations from the NRA. "The positions I hold on these issues of the Second Amendment, I've held since the day I entered office in the city of West Miami as an elected official," Rubio said. "People buy into my agenda, and I do support the Second Amendment." The survivors' demands were reflected on social media, with people having mixed feelings about what Rubio had to say.
Prior to the town hall, Trump received criticism of his own when a photograph that showed him holding notes during a Parkland listening session surfaced. The note included prompts like "What would you most want me to know about your experience," What can we do to help you feel safe,” and "I hear you." It stunned many on social media, who wondered why Trump would need notes to remind him of how to empathize with students and parents.
It's clear the survivors of the Parkland massacre will not be backing down from their fight to change the gun control standards, so these government officials need to buckle down and properly take their arguments into consideration with actual compassion—not false hope.
