I teach history at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. On February 14, 2018, my school experienced one of the worst. People want to know what we saw, what I felt. I don't remember everything, but I do remember I went into crisis mode, mother mode. There was no emotion. I lined up the kids, I held up a sign so they could just, like a fire drill. I heard shots from one direction. Luckily, we were already. We made it outside. We made it to safety. I called my mother. "I'm OK." I called my husband. "I'm OK." Then my daughter called,. My voice cracked,. I sat alone in my thoughts,. Worried about my colleagues and students. We sat there, only understanding. We sat there, only understanding had ended up with our babies dead, and we didn't know what to do next. It's been two months, and every day I still hear the echoes. I remember the fearful faces when we knew it wasn't a drill. Still, there's no constant emotion, except for flashes triggered by the news, or an insensitive comment, or just silence. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on that horrible day. After, students asked us, the adults, the hardest question: How can we stop the senseless violence? This was the most difficult. But it was not the first time I've been teaching. So I know you have to admit before you can share what you do know. In fact, there's a method, teacher, citizen. First, listen closely. Second, admit your vulnerability. Third, do your homework. Fourth, humbly share your knowledge. I know all about this process. My students ask really. They're eager to learn, and sometimes they're eager. And believe me, they know. So, in those instances, I say to them, "That's a great question." So when my students asked, "How do we stop this senseless violence?" I listened, and then I admitted, "I don't know." And like I always do when I don't know, I began doing my homework. And as a history teacher, I knew I needed to start. In case it's been a while since. Here is what the Second Amendment actually says: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary the right of the people shall not be infringed." Meaning, the federal government could not. To participate in well-regulated militias. The Second Amendment. It was written in a time before. Were among the most powerful in the world and when state militias were viewed. Fast-forward 80 years, to 1871. The American Civil War. But a couple of Union officers had witnessed some pretty shoddy. So in an attempt to prepare their men they founded the National. To promote rifle practice. In short, the Second Amendment that our newly formed and fragile country had access to organized state militias. And the NRA's original mission was. Someone could teach an entire course on how the next 150 years influenced. We're having in the United States and our interpretation. Almost every pivotal moment in one way or another influenced how we as a people manufacture, debate,. A lot of change has occurred. As a matter of fact, it wasn't until 2008 that the Supreme Court. The Second Amendment protects unconnected with service in a militia and to use that arm such as self-defense within the home. Within the home. This change over time is striking to me, because it reminds us that the interpretation and cultural attitudes about guns have changed over time. Which gives me hope. It's an incredibly complex. But it's not the lesson because we don't have time. I'm not talking about time, the time that I have here. I'm talking about the fact. According to the CDC, over the last five years, on average, each day 96 people. And if we don't figure out how to answer one of us could be next. So, if the question is, the best way I can think to answer is to look at multiple choice. You remember multiple-choice. Let's start. Choice A: this will end when we for the deadliness of their products. It might surprise you to learn that we've. Between 1998 and 2000, 30 counties and cities saying they should and do a better job of tracking. In response, manufacturers argued that they had no direct liability. They said the stores who sold the guns were responsible. In response to this, the NRA lobbied the Protection of Lawful. The PLCAA passed and entrusts gun manufacturers to design guns safely, stores to sell those guns responsibly and someone to own. And so when 17 students no one in this chain. Let's take a look at another option, Choice B: this will end when we and regulate the estimated. Yes, voting is one of the best ways to take personal responsibility. Making sure that our lawmakers is one of the most effective ways to get. And also, gun owners. If you own a gun, ask yourself: Do I have an extra gun I don't need? Could it fall into the wrong hands? Have I attended the latest training? Perhaps as a gun owner, you should also ask whether you have been. When it comes to gun violence, if we don't acknowledge to mental illness. One in six Americans. If we own a gun, we should be of our emotional well-being so we don't pull a trigger in times of illness. Otherwise, we should whether we really have the time. Perhaps for some of us it's time to lay down our arms. Then we have Choice C: this will end when we do a better job. Many social issues affect. Sixty-two percent of US gun fatalities between 2012 and 2016 were suicides, yet we call people maniacs. We are creating barriers. Why are we embarrassing each other? Let's make it easier, not harder, for people to access. What else? Sexism, racism and gun-related fatalities. On average, it's estimated that 50 women between 2010 and 2014 due to domestic violence, and women are still dying in their homes. Let's empower women and give our young boys a chance to learn how to work out their conflicts. And the "Washington Post" nearly 1,000 people were fatally wounded by on-duty police officers. Talk to Black Lives Matter. We need to tackle this. At the end of the day, perhaps people won't feel the need to buy and use a gun when they all equally feel safe, healthy, respected and cared for. All right, discussion time is over. It's now time to answer the question. How do we stop this senseless violence? Is it Choice A, Choice B, Choice C? Now, I know what you're all thinking. You remember that almost never end. There's always that fourth. Maybe that's the answer here. Or maybe "all of the above" is too easy. It requires deep analytical. So instead, I'm asking you write your own Choice D using supporting detail. And if you're not sure where to start, They are armed with incredible and a sense of citizenship. These are public school kids and their endeavor has moved our hearts. And they shouldn't have. They're asking you, they're asking all of us, to get involved. This isn't a spectator sport. So what's the right answer? I don't know. Listen, I teach the humanities. To be human is to learn, and to be part of a civilization. This kind of honest, is what I ask of my students, what I expect of myself as a teacher and what I demand of you now. Every one of you. And then what? Humbly share your knowledge. Please teach your family, teach your community, your city council, your state legislature. Teach Congress a lesson. Thank you. Thank you.