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Triple digit temps didn’t stop a group of demonstrators from gathering in Yucca Valley to support the March For Our Lives rallies that were taking place across the country on Saturday. Residents from the high and low desert gathered and held signs demanding stricter gun laws and a safer school environment for kids.
Jo Ann Bollen is the President of the Democrats of the Morongo Basin which organized the demonstration. She says that some of the changes that they want to see are more protection for students in schools as well as lawmakers who use the 2nd amendment to stand up for individuals rather than lobbies.
Jo Ann Bollen: “…it should have protections for citizens from guns as well as the right to use one – that’s the biggest message.”
Bollen says that the primary way she sees those changes happenings is through electing more Democrats to the House and Senate as well as getting more people to vote.
The March For Our Lives demonstrations were started in 2018 by students who had survived the Stoneman Douglas high school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Rallies were held all over the United States this last Saturday – with crowds numbering in the thousands in larger cities like Los Angles. Pat and Russ Jovan say they have been fighting for sensible gun laws throughout their entire lives.
Patt and Russ Jovan: “He’s 84 and I’m 72 and it’s like “When do we get a break? When do we get a break?”
The peaceful demonstration lasted a few hours amid honks of support alongside some mild roadside discourse. For many of the demonstrators like Raymond Foss, talking about gun control comes down to finding a middle ground:
Raymond Foss: “I’m pro-gun but I don’t think we’re deriving enough laws to protect our children, you know – when the #1 cause of death for children is guns.. that’s a problem.
For Z107.7 News, this is Assignment Reporter Robert Haydon.
Links:
https://democratsmb.org/
