Republican Carnage

America is currently facing an epidemic of mass shootings, and it is a problem that is only getting worse. Republican-led states have loosened their gun laws from Texas to Florida, making it easier for individuals to obtain firearms. In Missouri a proposal to ban toddlers, kindergarteners, and elementary, middle, and high school children from carrying guns without adult supervision in public failed by a 104-39 vote. You really can't make this up.

The tragic reality of mass shootings is that they can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone. Schools, churches, shopping centers, and movie theaters have all been the sites of mass shootings recently, leaving a trail of carnage and loss in their wake. It is a deeply concerning issue that must be addressed with urgency and determination, but what do we get from Republicans? We get thoughts and prayers, we get the blame game, and we get everything but sensible gun reform.

The fact that the Republican party has loosened gun laws and has made assault rifles easily accessible has only exacerbated the problem. The ease with which individuals can obtain firearms has made it easier for people with malicious intent to commit violent acts.

We need common-sense gun regulations to address this issue. We cannot continue to allow weapons of war to be available to the general public. Assault-style weapons, high-capacity magazines, and bump stocks should be banned. Background checks should be mandatory for all gun purchases, regardless of where they are made. Mental health screenings should also be required to identify individuals who may be at risk of carrying out acts of violence.

Unfortunately, many gun rights activists and conservative lawmakers such as Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott argue against common-sense gun regulations, claiming that they infringe on Second Amendment rights. However, it is important to note that the Second Amendment does not give individuals an unrestricted right to bear arms. Rather, it provides for the regulation of firearms to ensure public safety. Common-sense gun regulations are necessary to balance individual rights with public safety.

However, Republicans continue to refuse to hear the horrendous screams of teachers and children as they are being shredded by an assault rifle at school. They refuse to hear the screams of parents that have been told that their children, the axis of their world have been murdered. Their bodies, bits, and pieces of tiny lives that had a future. They refuse to hear the cries “of do something” from families that have been added to the mass shooting statistics. The GOP hears the cha-ching of money they all get from the NRA and gun manufacturers. Nothing else matters to them. They will continue to copy, paste and tweet empty words.

In conclusion, we owe it to ourselves, our children, and our communities to do better and vote them out. It's how we begin to fix the gun epidemic.

@Lqlana

#FreshStrong

#TheQuestShow

"I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar"

During Women's History Month, it is important to reflect on the many women who throughout history have made significant contributions and have fought tirelessly for equality and justice. These women have broken glass ceilings; barriers and shattered stereotypes to become leaders in their fields, inspiring generations of young women to follow in their footsteps. Let’s celebrate some of the most notable powerful democratic women who have impacted recent history, shall we?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, also known as RBG, was a Supreme Court Justice who spent her career fighting for women's rights and gender equality. Ginsburg was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993 and served until she died in 2020. During her time on the Court, she authored several landmark opinions that advanced the cause of gender equality, including United States v. Virginia, which struck down the male-only admissions policy at the Virginia Military Institute. Ginsburg was also a trailblazer in her personal life. She was one of only nine women in her class at Harvard Law School and went on to co-found the Women's Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Her dedication to the cause of gender equality inspired a generation of women to pursue careers in law and public service.

Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris made history in 2020 when she became the first woman, first Black woman, and first South Asian woman to be elected Vice President of the United States. Before she was elected Vice President, Harris served as Attorney General of California and as a United States Senator from California. Throughout her career, Harris has been a champion of justice and equality. She has fought to reform the criminal justice system, protect the rights of immigrants, and expand access to healthcare. Her election as Vice President was a landmark moment for women and people of color, and her leadership will undoubtedly inspire future generations to pursue public service.

Ketanji Brown Jackson

Ketanji Brown Jackson is a jurist who was nominated by President Joe Biden on February 25, 2022, and sworn into office on June, 30th as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She is the first Black woman and first public defender confirmed. Brown Jackson is a trailblazer in her own right. She was the first Black woman to serve as a law clerk to a Supreme Court Justice and has spent her career advocating for civil rights and social justice.

Black Women Civil Rights Activists

Finally, we must also recognize the many Black women civil rights activists who have fought tirelessly for justice and equality throughout history. Women like Fannie Lou Hamer, Ella Baker, and Shirley Chisholm paved the way for future generations of women of color to enter politics and public service. Their contributions to the civil rights movement were essential in the fight for racial justice, and their legacies continue to inspire us today.

In conclusion, Women's History Month is a time to celebrate the many powerful women who have made an impact in our world. From Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Kamala Harris to Ketanji Brown Jackson to Black women civil rights activists, these women have broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and fought tirelessly for justice and equality. Their leadership and dedication to public service serve as an inspiration to us all, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of women to make a difference in their communities and the world.

Lana - @LqLana

#TheQuestShow

#FreshVoicesRise

POLITICAL WHITEWASHING

Recently Ron DeSantis has been flexing and wielding his fascist sword. He’s been making headlines for his decision to decline advanced placement (AP) courses on African American history. He said that it “lacked educational value.”

This flex has raised major concerns among educators and students alike about the impact it will have not only on Black students but all students.

AP courses are rigorous college-level classes that are designed to prepare high school students for the challenges of higher education covering a wide range of subjects. Florida offers AP courses in European History as well as Japanese/German/Italian/Spanish Language and Culture. Nonetheless, DeSantis blocked African American studies. This isn’t a coincidence.

In 2020, the College Board, which oversees the AP program, announced that it would offer a new AP course on African American history. This course was designed to provide students with a more comprehensive understanding of the contributions and experiences of African Americans throughout history, no harm in that, right? My question remains, what took so long, but I digress.

However, DeSantis has declined to allow Florida schools to offer this new course. In a statement, he argued that he did not want to “indoctrinate” students. Remember, DeSantis did pass a bill prohibiting white “discomfort.” He claims that the teaching of Black History, which is American History (the Black part) would make white children feel guilty. What DeSantis is doing is insidious. He doesn’t want white children to feel empathy, he doesn’t want them to know Black contributions or the Black struggles in America. He feels that “woke” children will grow up to be Democrats. He knows that Republicans aren’t growing their base, so why not shrink the base of Democrats?

Moreover, his decision will have a broader impact on all students in Florida. By declining African American history AP course, the state is sending the message that certain topics are not valued or worthy to study in a society that is becoming increasingly diverse, it is essential students have the opportunity to learn about a wide range of cultures and perspectives. By limiting the subjects that are taught, Republicans deprive students of the knowledge and skills they need to navigate a complex and multicultural world.

We must continue to push back and not allow DeSantis and the rest of the Republicans to destroy public school education. We have to advocate for inclusive, comprehensive education that prepares students for success.

@LqLana

#FreshResists

#TheQuestShow