I don't want to get my hopes up too high, but this time feels different.

[LexVegas]

These kids are inspirational.

[TheCowsCameHome]

1. These kids will lead the way.

I am confident of that.

I would like to donate to them.

[flamin lib]

2. I don't think anything will happen with the current congress.

BUT every one of these kids is on a mission and every one of them will be voting in the next few years.

It is the end of the beginning . . .

[Leghorn21]

3. Yeah, my hopes are running riot, Lex!! Im going to let them for the time being, because

HAVE MERCY, what a glorious day this has been!!!!

[Blue_true]

4. I hope that 16-18 year olds today gain appreciation for the power of a vote

Voting matters, anyone that tries to convince otherwise is not being truthful. If the Florida legislature ignore the kids, I want to see the Parkland kids that can vote in 2018 and 2020 help Floridans like me and others flip the Florida legislature AND elect a democrat Governor.

[rufus dog]

5. It felt different from the first night

The father of a student went off on MSNBC or CNN, went off on the NRA and went off on Repubs. Made me go look at how the County voted in 2016, 2 for 1 HRC.

A couple things at play, I think the majority or near majority of Americans are pissed off, and they are pissed off at tRump first, then Repubs. Those in the media that aren't bought off are pissed so those in the media that typically tamp things down or play both sides are to blame, are reluctant to make a stand. They are in fear that they will be called out on the B.S.

Now it does make me wonder, in past events, how much work did the media do for the repubs? Did they not provide time to the pissed off classmates and/or parents? Colombine was different, a higher shock level. But I seem to recall numerous Sandy Hook parents trying to be heard, yet getting minimal time on cable news.

[FM123]

6. It does feels different, and not just to those who live here in Broward County.

I think those ballots are going defeat those bullets!
(Some of those kids are already 18, more will be 18 by November and most will be 18 by 2020)

[MaryMagdaline]

7. I just Googled end of Vietnam draft. 1968 was big anti-war march on Washington but draft ended 1973

Per Google:

"End of Vietnam draft January 27, 1973 - Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird announces the draft is ended in favor of voluntary enlistment. Nixon changed the draft to a lottery in '71"

It's a long time coming, but I know change will come

[crazycatlady]

8. Unlike the Sandy Hook kids

These kids are old enough to understand what is going on (and some will be eligible to vote in November). I'm glad they're 'woke' and doing something.

May Gen Z's legacy be tearing down the NRA.

[crazycatlady]

9. In 2022

I hope to see some of these kids start running for a FL legislative seat. (I just looked it up-- minimum age 21).

[LAS14]

13. I bet that kid who said this was going to be his main...

... priority for the long term will run. He'll be great!!!

[RandomAccess]

10. This time IS different -- it's a sea change not unlike

the #MeToo movement is a sea change in how society sees things and handles them.

[MiniMe]

11. I don't know, the state won't even do anything

They voted down a gun bill just yesterday

[LAS14]

12. For me, the thing that is different, is the prospect...

.... of a new, committed generation in this country. I want to support them as much as possible. I've been waiting for the 60's to re-play.... It's been a long, long time.

I did wonder, though, whose pain is greater, the Newtown parents, or the fellow-students. I expect it's the Newtown parents, but it's the fellow-students who may grab the nation's attention.

[MountCleaners]

14. The right can try to discredit them all they want, but...

...these kids have an authority that can't be denied.

The Repukes will have to be reminded of that every time they play victim or get faux indignant about one of their pet causes.

[TomSlick]

15. I've given up.

I have tried not to get my hopes up. But this feels different. If not optimistic, I am hopeful - for the first time.

These student are inspirational. They have inspired me. I hope they inspire the country.