FL officials fail to represent constituents in vote to arm teachers

You know that feeling when your favorite sports team or TV show contestant loses by a couple of points?

Pioneering the wrong movement, the Florida Senate has passed their gun control bill — ya know, the one allowing teachers to carry guns — cutting it close with a difference of 1 vote. And they’re the first state to do so.

20 yays. 18 nays.

Watching the Senate session almost entirely during their talk on gun violence, I listened fairly to senators plea for their perspective with tears and sweat — some with orange ribbons pinned to their suits and ties. For a minute, I opened my mind to Sen. Lauren Frances Book, Democratic rep for the Parkland area, who disagrees with the bill but voted yes anyway.

See, in order for us to change the legal purchasing age for guns to 21-years-old or ban bump stocks or run thorough background and mental health checks, we gotta arm teachers.

Republicans are finessing the system.

Some Democrats feel as if that’s the only chance they have to make any action. And I understand. (Although one democratic vote that wasn’t given away to the counter would’ve struck the brakes on the whole bill).

But in order for the movement to push ahead the smallest inch, we have to take a giant step backwards?

This expands the problem into general gun violence. Now, we can expect to see mass shootings, accidents and suicides at school.

I realize that something is better than nothing. I’ve been particularly monotonous in saying that to gun rights and NRA supporters since the controversy began. But in this case, the something is scarier than the nothing.

What can go wrong?

• I love my teachers but bless their souls, sometimes, they can’t even remember Fulanito‘s name. How are they supposed to tell which kid is the dangerous one?
• What if the teacher is racist? What if the teacher is sheltered? What if the teacher feels intimidated or threatened and pulls out their weapon? Is that okay, even if it isn’t fired? 
• What if police confuse a teacher for the gunman because of their firearm? And accidentally shoots them instead?
• What if the teacher becomes the gunman? Situations can change and people can become unstable.
  • At Lithia Springs High in Georgia, a teacher attempted suicide one morning before the school bell.
  • Recently at a high school also in Georgia, another teacher fired his weapon out his window once he barricaded himself in his classroom. Just because no-one was injured, doesn’t make me feel safe. Are you going to check and update mental health evaluations yearly? Monthly? 
• Where are they putting their guns? Their desk drawer? A lock box? Strapped to their belt? To their shoe? Are we prepared for kids to steal it to use or sell illegally? 
• What if they feel they have the authority to use it during other disciplinary situations, like during a fight or search for drugs? Just because they’re only supposed to use it during “active shooter scenarios”, doesn’t mean they will follow the rules. Power has been experimentally and psychologically proven to change and irrationalize whoever feels it.
• What if it fires accidentally? 

Shit, if teachers are bringing guns to school now, then can I?

If there’s anyone I trust the most with protecting my life, it’s myself.

And although Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Miami, changed the amendment by scrapping classroom teachers from the line and limiting it to educators like coaches, counselors and librarians — does that make you feel any better?

Oh, it’s only our librarian. It’s not like I’ve never seen her in my life.

Not even sure it’s a her.

Even if teachers carrying guns miraculously does make a significant difference, that isn’t gonna protect me from other public places. As soon as schools are like airports and government buildings, gunmen will hit up parks and shopping malls until they’re satisfied or we live in militarism. In fact, I feel even less safe with the chance of exposure to gun violence anywhere. 

What can you do?

I admire MSD students and survivors for their positivity and contentment with the bill (although it’s not worthy of its name), but they’re not finished yet. None of us are.

BRING IT ON

Legislators that voted against the bill are concerned that nothing will happen next year because lines of people, news trucks and petitions are disappearing. We cannot finish pushing our legislators and packing the pressure.

If we keep leading the battle, we might bring an unabridged ban on assault rifles in the next session scheduled for 2019.

WRITE YOUR REPS

There’s nothing better than personally saying something to your representatives in the form of a letter, or public appearance if you have the ability and wanna get fancy. It’s the perfect way to get your whole voice heard — word for word.

It’s incredibly important that our appeals reach our legislators in not only the state, but also in Congress. If we can’t repeal the bill in Florida, we can still ban assault rifles all over the country.

It’s their job to represent the people and the people demand real action.

VOTE VOTE VOTE

While watching the Senate debate live on TV, I started creating my own “political hitlist” of people I’m not voting for and actively working against.

Find out who your district representatives are and find out how they voted on the bill. When November comes, you’ll be ready to crap all over those who voted for it and support all those who voted against it.

Hit ’em where it hurts.

You can start voter registration as early as 17-years-old through the mail, at your local DMV or county public assistance office. Some public schools offer help, so make sure you find out who to ask.

KIDS AND CAMPAIGNS

Although you can only vote for your district reps, you can still promote and campaign for the candidates you believe in anywhere — from other districts in Florida to districts in other states.

I’ve already got my eye on Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Tampa Bay, the evil behind the bill, who I plan on kicking out of office this fall.

Florida Republicans that voted against the bill are Sen. Dennis Baxley (Ocala), Sen. Greg Steube (Sarasota), Sen. Dorothy Hukill (Ormond Beach), Sen. Denise Grimsley (Lake Placid) and Sen. George Gainer (Panama City). In case you were wondering which candidates to consider supporting.

Don’t let the word vote restrict you from doing more than that.

BOOLIN’ BOYCOTT

Peacefully refuse to support businesses that contribute and encourage the NRA.

If they can’t follow the footsteps of Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods, they ain’t real.

GET INVOLVED

One thing you can thank the bill for is fueling our motivation to continue the pursuit in further advocating until the law is just. Sen. Book quoted a student she spoke to at Douglas that said advocating is her healing process. It’s how they grieve.

As for the kids who weren’t directly traumatized but still impacted, we feel like we’re doing something to help.