Barack Obama is showing some serious love for the Parkland teens. 。
On Thursday, Time 。revealed its 2018 list of the 100 most influential people in the world, and the former U.S. president penned a special profile to honor survivors of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. 。
After the mass shooting killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, students Jaclyn Corin, Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg, Cameron Kasky, and Alex Wind, became prominent activists, organizing the massive March for Our Lives protest in Washington, D.C., and speaking out publicly to demand stricter laws on gun control. 。
Obama honored those admirable efforts in a heartfelt writeup. 。
SEE ALSO:The Parkland teens wield real power. Just ask Laura Ingraham and Frank Stallone. 。"America’s response to mass shootings has long followed a predictable pattern. We mourn. Offer thoughts and prayers. Speculate about the motives," Obama began. "...This time, something different is happening. This time, our children are calling us to account." 。
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"The Parkland, Fla., students don’t have the kind of lobbyists or big budgets for attack ads that their opponents do. Most of them can’t even vote yet," he went on, "But they have the power so often inherent in youth: to see the world anew; to reject the old constraints, outdated conventions, and cowardice too often dressed up as wisdom. The power to insist that America can be better." 。
Obama discussed the successful impacts the teens have already had on society, noting the fact that the Republican Congress still has yet to be persuaded to take action. 。
"Progress will be slow and frustrating," Obama said. "But by bearing witness to carnage, by asking tough questions and demanding real answers, the Parkland students are shaking us out of our complacency." 。
He went on to explain that every human has something to learn from bravery and compassion displayed by the Parkland teens, and took the time to remind all individuals that they too have the power to create change. 。
Barack and Michelle both tweeted support for the Parkland teens following the deadly shooting, and wrote them a handwritten letter in praise of their "resilience, resolve and solidarity." 。
Tweet may have been deleted 。
Tweet may have been deleted。
The full text of that letter, obtained by Mic, is as follows: 。
To the students of Parkland —
We wanted to let you know how inspired we have been by the resilience, resolve and solidarity that you have all shown in the wake of unspeakable tragedy. 。
Not only have you supported and comforted each other, but you’ve helped awaken the conscience of the nation, and challenged decision-makers to make the safety of our children the country’s top priority. 。
Throughout our history, young people like you have led the way in making America better. There may be setbacks; you may sometimes feel like progress is too slow in coming. But we have no doubt you are going to make an enormous difference in the days and years to come, and we will be there for you. 。
Barack ObamaMichelle Obama 。
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SEE ALSO:The Parkland teens wield real power. Just ask Laura Ingraham and Frank Stallone. 。