Let's Politicize The $#@! Out of This Tragedy

A suggestion for all Democrats in office and those seeking to be elected:

Every single time after yet another mass shooting in our country, whenever anyone mentions anything to do with the problem of gun violence, Republicans are there to admonish them that it’s “too soon” and not to politicize the tragedy.  What if they’re just telling us what they’re afraid of? 

While the recent (and growing) tally of mass shootings might translate into some 2022 electoral gains for Democrats advocating for sane gun policy, it’s worth paying attention to the long game. 

To that end, every Democrat running for office or seeking reelection should be speaking to students in whatever venue they are allowed, (it probably won’t be in public schools) telling them about the policies that they’re advocating for, and how the Republicans are doing everything to ensure that nothing changes.  (We’re starting to see some Democrats do this.)  All Democratic candidates should be making opportunities to tell kids that we can’t win this fight without their help — and that help is their voices today and especially their votes tomorrow.

There are over 15 million high school students in the USA currently.  Most aren’t yet eligible to vote, but the math suggests that about ¼ of them will turn 18 years old in time for the elections of 2022.  They need to be informed on how to register, and on who to vote for.  Many who won’t be able to vote in 2022 will be able to in 2024, and we’ll need them then too.  Federal data indicates that there are currently over 50 million students enrolled in K-12 public schools.  A 3rd grader has to wait a long time before they can vote for someone who actually wants to do something to reduce their chances of being slaughtered in the classroom, but it will be important that they know which party is enabling further carnage and which wants to stop it.  During each passing year of more needless death and violence, if they hear consistent voices of sanity coming from the Democrats, (and more thoughts and prayers from the GOP) they’ll know what to do when they’re old enough to enter a voting booth. 

That’s the kind of grooming we should be proud to be accused of.