Today's the day. There are 792 events in the U.S. and around the world. Wherever you are, there is likely a March For Our Lives event nearby. For us, blogging will be nil as we join in supporting the D.C. march. We hope you can support your local event.
Here are some testimonials from survivors of the Parkland, FL, school massacre who are spearheading the marches (via CNN):
"I'm supposed to be recovering ... and I can't do that if these things are still going to be happening."— CNN (@CNN) March 23, 2018
Using cell phones, six Parkland survivors chronicled their lives in the weeks after the shooting. Their stories tonight, 9p ET on CNN #ParklandDiaries https://t.co/FHVLh5RY5K pic.twitter.com/7NBh50lY3Z
UPDATE: We have some first- hand observations of marches around the country in the comments. The D.C. march was immense, but beyond the scope, you had the sense that this was the beginning of a movement that was not going to stop until we got meaningful change in our gun laws. Speaker after speaker alluded to this and to the fact that this impressive, energized generation would be going to the ballot box again and again until the coin- operated (Republican) politicians were "retired."
A few favorite sign messages:
"We Should Name Schools Uterus So Republicans Would Start Caring About Them"
"Kids Can't Have Bare Arms In School But Kids Can Bear Arms"
"None Of This Matters If You Don't Vote"
... and so many variations on the theme of "F*ck the NRA" that they would fill up several pages.
Here are scenes from events around the country and the world. Here, too. Here three.
As far as drawing a sharp distinction between the two parties, let these two tweets speak for themselves:
Michelle and I are so inspired by all the young people who made today’s marches happen. Keep at it. You’re leading us forward. Nothing can stand in the way of millions of voices calling for change.— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 24, 2018
Today many are peacefully exercising their #1A right to march for gun ban. Many support gun ban. But many others see it as infringement of #2A that won’t prevent shootings. Protest is good way of making a point,but making a change will require both sides finding common ground— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) March 24, 2018
(Note: No, NRA coin- operated Glug Glug Rubio, they weren't calling for a "gun ban" you lying weasel. But that's what the NRA tells you to say, so...)
More reactions showing the difference between the parties here.
