#EnoughisEnough – Never Again
By Rev. R.B. Holmes Jr.
President and Publisher
The students have spoken: “enough is enough: never again!” The students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, have awakened this state and this nation. They have spearheaded a movement that will not die in the distant future. These students are the voices for common sense gun reform now. These students are the voices for the precious 17 souls killed on Feb. 14, by a deranged teenager with a powerful AR- 15 in his demonic hands.
These students’ powerful voices for action have moved and stirred students across this state and nation. This is very spiritual and transformational. Because of the voices of these students, the governor, the legislature, the pulpit, and the people must act now! We must join these students and fight for meaningful gun reform. We have talked long enough. These young people are demanding changes on a state and national level. One of the survivors of this deadly massacre, Sheryl Acquaroli, said it best: “Dear Congress, how many more tears do we have to shed before we fill your empty hearts.” The word of God says, “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:17)
Let me be clear: This battle for real gun control and reform must be bipartisan. Time is out for political posturing and pretending; the Florida legislature must pass some tangible gun reform laws this session. If there is not enough time in this current session, then Mr. Governor, call a special session on “Gun Reform“. I believe our children matter and this crisis is worth a special session. A Florida A&M University student was correct: “A school is a place to learn about the world around you, but not to learn to be afraid of the world.”
Never again! We need to ban military assault weapons and large capacity magazines. We need to change the age for a person to purchase an AR-15, and other semi automatic weapons to 21 Years of age. If you can’t buy alcoholic beverages as a teen, then how in the name of God can a teenager purchase an assault weapon? We need universal background checks. No criminals, no person with serious mental health issues, no domestic abusers, should have access to guns. We must support community mental health clinics and hire mental health counselors at our local schools. We must increase safety and security in our schools, but we must never turn our schools into prisons. Teachers need to educate our children, and not be required to carry guns! If we don’t take these steps and others, as the young students are saying, it is then “BS!”
Listen, enough is enough! We all must join these young people in this movement. I am joining the “Never Again Movement!” In the words of the theme song from the highly acclaimed movie “Marshall,” it is time to “Stand for Something!“
It all means nothing
If you don’t stand up for something.
You can’t just talk the talk;
You got to walk that walk, yes you do.
It all means nothing,
If you don’t stand up for something.
And I’ll stand up for you.
And I’ll stand up for you!
Yes I will, yes I will!
Be encouraged.
