Originally published by David H. Stevens, CMB on LinkedIn: The Truth Is Worth More Than Just This Picture

So.. I simply posted this picture of the cover of Time Magazine on LinkedIn a couple of days ago. I made no comment at the time. In the past day I have read comments to my post about “coddled” children and concerns about killing the second amendment. I am really shocked by several of the responses. These kids..all of them...were victims of a lone attacker using an AR-15 and threatening their lives and killing...killing their classmates. This does not meet the threshold of “coddling” in my view. One post attacks their clothing.......really...their clothing?? A few, thankfully, chimed in to support them.

I think the energy and spirit of our nation often comes from our youth, especially those affected by tragedy like this. Our oldest daughter was on the Campus of Virginia Tech, a classmate of the killer, when the shooting took place years ago. My wife and I will never forget that day. She lost two good friends and we hosted many for a bar-b-que the day of one of the funerals that they all attended...these young men and women dressed for an event that no person of that age should have to go to.

Man...I get it...as we age our sentiment, understanding, and compassion may subside. We may become prejudicial based on whatever news media we watch. But please...these kids on the cover of Time experienced horror like none of us have ever faced in high school and they now have a voice to express their concern and anger. If any of these were my kids I would be proud...simply because they are using their young voices here instead of partying or whatever else, and they are affecting public opinion. They are angry, sad, threatened, and vocal. Just my view - but the comments I read on my Linkedin post earlier speak volumes.