Much different response from the kids at Kendrick Castillo's high school and those from Parkland.

[Baitball Blogger]

What do you think about the kids who were so opposed to Michael Bennet's speech that included advocation of gun control, that the kids walked out in protest?

I think it comes down to Kendrick Castillo's position on gun control, if he had any position at all. Though it's hard to believe that school age kids haven't taken a position.

If it was me, I wouldn't want pro-gun advocates anywhere near the memorial.

[33taw]

1. I would suspect the location and attitudes of the parents played a role.

Douglas county is hardly the hotbed of liberalism.

[hlthe2b]

2. I think that was not the time for discussion of anything except the need to honor those lost/injured

No, Douglas County is certainly no liberal bastion, but I won't deride those students and even their parents for wanting the focus on those hurt and the incredible heroism of Kendrick Castillo. Bennet should have anticipated that and respected it.

I only wish the students, parents, and staff of Columbine had walked out when Franklin Graham turned an "inter-faith" memorial into a hatefest for his brand of Xianity 20 years earlier. Sometimes the message has to be sent, no matter who gets embarrassed.

[LonePirate]

3. The CO kids were rightfully upset that the vigil was focused on politics instead of their lives.

They were excluded from the events apart from being able to attend. Many of the kids were well below high school age as well, unlike the Parkland kids who were all high schoolers.

[33taw]

4. I agree it was the wrong time. Bennett should have known better than go there and push gun control.

It was also the wrong place. That area is more likely to want armed teachers than gun control.

[sarisataka]

5. I support kids who stand up for themselves

The Parkland kids were allowed to grieve and make up their own minds on what position to take. These were brought together under false pretenses (one could even say deceitfully) and tried to be forced into a position they were not ready to take. They decided they did not want to be treated as pawns instead of being recognized as individuals.

It doesn't sound like there were pro-gun advocates there, just grieving children and families. A gun control organization attempted to use them to further the organization's agenda while callously disregarding their needs. It backfired.