A copy of the letter former President of the United States Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama sent to the young survivors of the Parkland school shooting has been revealed, showcasing the pair’s desire for the nation’s gun laws to change – and a confidence that the next generation may just be the ones to do it.
The March 10 letter, obtained by Mic, was sent nearly a fortnight after the deadly Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, which left 17 people dead. The Obamas’ letter notes that “unspeakable tragedy”, but also the survivors’ vocal efforts to affect change.
It states their actions have “challenged decision-makers” in the country, and notes that “young people like you have led the way in making America better.”
To the students of Parkland —
We wanted to let you know how inspired we have been by the resilience, resolve and solidarity that you have all shown in the wake of unspeakable tragedy.
Not only have you supported and comforted each other, but you’ve helped awaken the conscience of the nation, and challenged decision-makers to make the safety of our children the country’s top priority.
Throughout our history, young people like you have led the way in making America better. There may be setbacks; you may sometimes feel like progress is too slow in coming. But we have no doubt you are going to make an enormous difference in the days and years to come, and we will be there for you.
As president, Obama was one of the most vocal advocates for changes to the nation’s gun control laws. He was in office during the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, in which 20 children and six adults were killed. In the aftermath, he issued an impassioned plea for change.
Not a massive amount has been altered since then, but the March 10 letter suggests the pair have hope for the future.
