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The content and opinions expressed in this blog are mine. They do not represent the US Government or US Peace Corps - Jud Dolphin

Monday, March 26

March For Our Lives



In the 60s, we boomers marched on Washington for racial equality and got laws passed that made a difference. 

We protested the Vietnam war and forced a corrupt President to finally end it. We rallied against nuclear weapons and in favor of environmental protection with some success, but not enough.

Through the decades, we promoted justice for all and welcomed more diversity and equality into our American life. Women gained rights and their voice. LGBT people came out of the closet, married and had families.



Lest we forget, progress has been made in spite of the bleakness covering us these days.   It's easy to loose perspective and hope. 

 But look - positive social change is coming forward in the "Marching" of a new generation.

Last Saturday, The March For Our Lives packed Pennsylvania Avenue from the US Capital towards the White House. 

More than 200,000 and maybe as many as 500,000 people filled the broad Avenue and spilled into the side streets. It was standing room only - shoulder to shoulder.


Voices were raised as one... 

Stop gun violence.

Protect our kids.

Enough is enough.

Ban assault weapons now.

Thoughts and prayers don't cut it. 

And my favorite ones... 

I like gum not guns. 

Arms are for hugging
Not for killing






As I scanned the crowd, I realized that the young really turned out.

Mothers and fathers pushed strollers and carried their little one. 

Elementary school groups snaked through the crowd holding hands.

High school friends were serious. When asked why they came, two said to me, "Cause we're afraid."



It's sobering, but I'm encouraged to see so many Gen-xers and Millennials. 

They greatly outnumbered us Baby Boomers. 

I think leadership for positive social change is being passed forward.  New leaders. New energy.

I see groups of Millennials in bright neon yellow vests. They're registering people to vote. These young adults are so savvy. They know how to use technology, build inclusive coalitions and engage Americans to become more active citizens.

A new mantra is entering awareness. 
R...E...V...Register, Educate and Vote. 

Beware. Those in Congress who have been bought-off by NRA money will be exposed and voted out.

As they say, the youth are WOKE (Define) . And now us older folks can stay WOKE too. We can amplify their voices with our own.

So let's be one in promoting equality and diversity...
seeking more justice and kindness...
cherishing all of life and creation. 

And let's follow the leadership of our youth by finally getting those rapid fire assault weapons out of our communities. Enough...