This is in response to the following recent articles:
1. The Utah Gun Exchange is following the Parkland students around the country to combat their call for more gun laws (July 10).
I support and commend members of March for Our Lives for their ongoing efforts. I applaud these young leaders for their openness, transparency and utmost professionalism — even in the face of intimidation.
The Utah Gun Exchange’s intimidation tactics are appalling. They follow the “Road to Change” tour under the guise of wanting open dialogue about gun violence, but instead use relentless scare tactics to thwart discussions. If they truly wanted dialogue, they’d come to talk, not trail students from city to city in an armored vehicle, planning counterprotests and rallies, and encouraging protesters to wear combat attire and open carry.
Although they haven’t diminished the students’ resolve, they were successful in creating what “appears to be escalating into a potentially contentious situation” – resulting in Megaplex Theatres’ decision to back out as a venue.
The Parkland students survived a horrific mass shooting, their lives changed forever. Yet they chose to persevere — founding March for Our Lives and becoming advocates for change. They meet with politicians and citizens nationwide to find real solutions. Their firsthand knowledge and experience is invaluable. It would’ve been a great loss if they couldn’t share it with our Utah community.
Thanks, Mountain America Expo Center, for stepping up and providing a venue.
Mary Thompson, Layton