A large number of old white men do not believe that high school students demanding gun safety laws have real power; two-thirds of them will not be old enough to vote in November.

As an original baby boomer, I must remind my fellow septuagenarians that our parents and grandparents said the same thing when we were protesting the war in Vietnam. Without those marches our nation might still be in South East Asia.

Unless these students are seniors, they will not be 18 by November. However, their parents will vote, and many of them are supporting the wishes of their sons and daughters.

Probably the most important fact is that millennials are joining our next generation. They are our largest demographic and could control elections in this year and for the future if they decide to go to the polls.

The vast majority of women support the youth movement, and I guarantee you that they will vote. They will no longer accept dominance by their male counterparts; their demands will be heard.

The NRA gun lobby is the enemy, and even they are waving a small corner of their white flag. In a recent television statement, NRA representative, Chris Cox, expressed support for what are known as ‘risk protection orders,’ or ‘red flag laws.’ These are laws generally opposed by the gun lobby and their servants; Republican politicians. The laws which he is referring to prevent men and women with severe mental problems and criminals who were convicted for violent crimes including sexual assault from legally purchasing lethal weapons.

This may sound like a minor change simply because such laws are logical. You must remember that the NRA and Republican politicians have previously rejected these laws, as well as any restrictions affecting individuals who are on Homeland Security’s no-fly list.

If you still doubt that our young Americans will make a difference, here is one fact you are unable to deny. In less than two decades our nation’s government will be controlled by these young men and women; change is inevitable. We ‘old farts’ will die sooner than later.

I have written dozens of articles suggesting that we need many more women and an influx of younger Americans in local, state, and federal government. The average age in our nation is 37.8 years of age. Only 3.9 percent are over 65. The average age of 435 members of the House, and 100 Senators is 59 years of age. The population of the United States reveals that women compose 50.8 percent of the population. In congress they represent only 19.4 percent of the 535 members of both houses.

Time for change in our government; change which is truly representative of all Americans. Rich, white men must cease their domination over our nation.

November 6, 2018 is a great day for a revolution.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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