And a child shall lead them

“And a child shall lead them” is a popular biblical verse, from Isaiah, chapter 11. It is often used as a citation by the religious, advising us that we should look to the innocence and the wisdom of our children to guide us in matters of the day.

I thought of this verse while watching the Fort Myers high school students walk out on March 14. They were protesting the lack of action, by government officials, in curtailing the gun violence in our culture. The movement was started after another whacko had gunned down seventeen high school students. The movement has quickly spread across the nation. These admirable youngsters are demanding that government officials do something about the senseless violence that claims the lives of thousands of children in the United states.

Congress, the various state legislatures and everyone else in power has the same reaction. “What guns?” What Problem?” Collectively, officials are scared witless by the threat of political retaliation by the National Rifle Association, if they implement any form of gun control. Currently, any whacko who has a bad hair day can obtain an assault weapon and wreak mayhem on our American children because he feels aggrieved over some personal issue or wants to get his name in the paper.

I greatly admire these young people. They have put

aside their youthful pursuits to unite and speak out on a cause that affects all of us. These are actions I haven’t witnessed in over fifty years, since and entire nation of the young took to the streets.

Rock on kids. You inspire all of us with your courage and your passion.

                                             -30-

                                       (273 words)

                               Joseph Xavier Martin