We’ve thought every school shooting would be a tipping point for change on gun control and we have been bitterly disappointed. It’s tempting to say the same about Parkland, FL, but this can actually be a tipping point because of the historical moment. All previous efforts were based on the existing NRA-owned Congress and were doomed to failure. But now we are about eight months from midterm elections in which many different groups people are already extremely motivated on a multitude of issues.
Just a few groups, with just a few examples:
- Women on #metoo and high-level tolerance for wife-beating;
- Immigrant groups on DACA, ICE and the Wall;
- African Americans on blatant racism expressed in voter suppression, BLM and “shit-hole” countries;
- Environmentalists on Paris, public lands and drilling;
- Workers on union-busting, OSHA destruction and wage stagnation;
- Parents on the war against public schools and shootings; Finally:
- Students on school shootings
There are about eight million 17-18 year-old high school students in the United States* They are motivated more than ever for change today.
One of them is my daughter, who registered to vote last week, as I described in this diary, where I wrote:
The only way to guarantee a wave is through massive voter registration. The polls now, e.g., the generic ballot, are based on past electorates. Expand that electorate and you can add percentage points for the good guys in those polls. That includes massive registration of all ages, but particularly young people, who when they vote, are strongly Democratic.
These are the first of the “Post-Millennials” to reach voting age.
So — are you angry? Do you want to do something right now?
Are you 17-18? Register to vote today.**
If you’re registered, get your friends who are not registered to do it today.
Are you a parent of a 17-18 year old? Make sure he/she is registered today.
Are you a high school student? Organize a voter registration drive today.
Rinse and repeat for college students. Today.
Add to the list and I will update.
* Census data from 2016, with projections.
** Some states permit registration at 17 if your birthday is before election day.