We must self-educate before we demonstrate

The recent movement for gun control, “March for Our Lives,” has shed a new light on the recent school shootings. This movement has been started by students who have experienced school shootings first-hand. They have been forced into the spotlight to stand up for their fallen peers, and are now fighting the battle to bring justice to their deaths.
We acknowledge that the deaths of innocent people is prevalent in the U.S. and across the globe. Students should not have to focus their energy on what to do during a school shooting, or whether their fellow classmates may cause them harm. A march is needed and a stand must be made, but what can we truly do to prevent the next attack?
When examining the “March for Our Lives,” we must simply ask: what are they advocating for? Are they advocating for gun control, gun reform or simply to ban guns? The goal of the march seemed to be broad without a singular goal.
In several interviews, many marchers were quick to say that they wish to ban firearms, but do they know what that means? They’re trying to take firearms away from innocent, law-abiding citizens. They’re fighting to take away one of the rights that we as citizens of the United States are guaranteed.
However, it cannot be denied that there are flaws in our system, and the solution to such flaws are not black and white. A reform on gun laws may be needed, but the solution is not as simple as banning all guns.
The citizens participating in the “March for Our Lives” have good reason to be there, but it seems we, as a country, need to be educated on what our Second Amendment rights fully entail. We also need to educate ourselves on the national gun laws, as well as state gun laws.
The school shootings are tragedies, that is not up for debate, but heightened gun control isn’t the only solution that should be
in discussion.
The recent gun control debate should have a focus on mental health and making psych evaluations renewed more frequently, before renewing gun licenses.
It’s great that they are utilizing their First Amendment, however, it’s ironic that they’re using one of their constitutional rights to have another right taken away.
Marching for the lives of innocent children who have died from school shootings is something admirable and the survivors of the Parkland shooting are right to take a stand. To use the spotlight they’ve been given is imperative in finding a solution. However, it is important to be knowledgeable about the cause one is fighting for and to have a common goal in mind.