To the editor:
“Who gives a crap? They don’t even know what they’re protesting.”
“Little puppets.”
“[Do] something other than walking out of class.”
“Hitler also used indoctrinated children to push an agenda.”
These were just some of the comments left on the Daily Reporter’s articles reporting on the March 14th National School Walkout (“Taking a stand,” March 14, A1).
While comments in support of the students’ actions were present, they were, unfortunately, in the minority. Gun regulation has become perhaps the most polarizing issue in American society, and that polarization was on full display.
The disrespect and outright mockery of students taking part in a peaceful demonstration of their right — I would argue civic duty — to protest with a memorial event was, frankly, disturbing. As I read through comments such as those above, I found myself wondering if this was the same community that responded with such camaraderie and positivity in the “I Can Do All Things” and #newpalproud campaign — a great example of what this community can do when it comes together.
Although differences in opinion are unavoidable, I would hope we would be able to set those differences aside and show our fellow citizens — and the children of our community — the respect we all expect and deserve. As one student commenter pointed out, their generation are our future local, state and federal leaders. While they are our future leaders, adults would do well to remember that we are still their role models.
Andre Pawlowski
New Palestine
