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| Carly Gilmore begins the speeches |
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The news has been depressing and infuriating for a year
and a half or so, and things seem to be getting worse. So what a welcome relief
it was today to see so many people marching to end gun violence. I’ve said for
years that no one is sane enough to own a gun. I think the goal should be a
total end to gun ownership, but I understand we have to take small steps toward
that. Banning all types of assault rifles seems to be the obvious first step.
Today, all across the country, folks have gathered to voice their concerns and
to show their support for strict gun legislation. I attended the Burbank march,
which began on Chandler Blvd. at Mariposa at 9 a.m. I arrived just before 8:30
a.m., when there were only approximately a hundred people gathered there. But
L.A. folks are not early people, and by the time the march began a half hour
later, that number had grown to more than a thousand (by my estimate, anyway).
The march took us along the Chandler bike path, from
Mariposa to Buena Vista, and then reversed direction back to Mariposa, where a
podium was set up. The speaker that was used was not nearly powerful enough for
everyone to hear, and when the speeches began, there were shouts of “Louder”
from the back. But it could not go any louder. When Congressman Adam Schiff was
spotted in the crowd, there erupted a chant of “Thank you, Adam.” Schiff has
provided what has become a rare voice of reason in the current government of
this country, and the crowd recognized and honored his efforts and positions.
He was the third person to speak (following organizer Carly Gilmore and her
brother Miles, a Burbank high school student), and he spoke of how those in the
government lack the courage to confront the NRA. “This time we will demand
change,” he said. “On election day, things are going to change.” Oh, I do
certainly hope so. And I appreciate the feeling of optimism I had while he
spoke. I could feel it from those around me as well. It is time for a change,
and it seems a significant portion of the population agrees.
California State Senator Anthony Portantino also spoke,
mentioning that he is the author of a bill to raise the age of those legally
able to purchase a gun to 21, another good step in the right direction. He also
led the crowd in a chant, “Not today, NRA.” Former Mayor of Burbank Marsha
Ramos spoke, and also introduced a twelve-year-old girl who offered a few thoughts herself.
Published poet David Meyerhof (who had also been a teacher) read a couple of
poems, including one titled “Unleash The Power Of Youth.” Laura Friedman, of
the California State Assembly, spoke. And then Carly Gilmore closed with a
quote from one of the Harry Potter books,
identifying J.K. Rowling as her favorite author. Rowling is perhaps not the most
inspiring of choices of authors, but that’s fine. It was great to be surrounded
by people who truly want an end to gun violence. Onward!
Here are some photos from the march:
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| Adam Schiff |
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| Anthony Portantino |
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| Marsha Ramos |
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| David Meyerhof |
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