The country just experienced another mass shooting that took the lives of innocent people. We have seen this time and time again yet, there is still no change. We as a society have grown numb to atrocities like this, but have also grown numb to the empty promises of bringing change.

When lawmakers are asked what they plan to do following these mass shootings, they deflect and say that it is “too soon” or “inappropriate” to be talking about it right after the event unfolded. But what is even more inappropriate is the fact that 17 innocent people just lost their lives at the hands of a crazed gunman. There is no better time to start a discussion than now. If we wait, this will just fall in line with all of the other countless tragedies that have come and gone.

The students at Stoneman Douglas High School have started the conversation in attempt to reach some sort of solution. Seeing the students advocating for change is truly inspiring considering they did not have to do anything at all. They have just experienced something absolutely horrific and instead of yielding, they are standing up for what they believe in and making their voices heard. I hope their voices are heard, and taken seriously by the lawmakers who can truly make a difference.

Guns, mental health and security are all topics that should be discussed right now. We as a country need to forget labels such as “Republican” and “Democrat” and start to remember the most important title we all share — “American.” All the debates and arguing over issues in the wake of these shootings needs to end, and civilized discussion needs to begin. We cannot let this tragedy fade into history like we have seen all too much. There is no time to waste, it is time to start talking about it now.

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