On February 14, 2018, tragedy struck Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, when a 19-year-old gunman opened fire, claiming the lives of 17 students and staff members. Among the victims was Joaquin Oliver, a young man whose future was abruptly taken away.
Three and a half years later, Joaquin’s parents opened up about their profound loss and shared their perspectives on the persistent issue of gun violence in the United States. Speaking candidly, they expressed their grief and frustration over the ongoing cycle of violence that continues to plague communities across the nation.
“It’s a pain that never goes away,” Joaquin’s mother said. “We lost our son, and with him, all the dreams and hopes we had for his future.”
The parents highlighted a paradox they find difficult to comprehend: many Americans are responding to gun violence by purchasing more guns. “It’s hard to understand how adding more weapons to the equation is seen as a solution,” Joaquin’s father remarked. “We need to address the root causes and find ways to prevent these tragedies from happening.”
Gun violence remains a critical issue in the United States, with debates over gun control and Second Amendment rights often polarizing the nation. For families like the Olivers, the conversation is deeply personal.
“We don’t want any other family to endure what we’ve been through,” they said. “It’s time for meaningful change.”
Their story resonates beyond American borders, raising awareness among global audiences about the impact of gun violence and the ongoing discussions surrounding it. As the world watches, the experiences of families affected by such tragedies underscore the urgent need for solutions to this complex problem.
Reference(s):
Finding true America: Gun violence – a vicious, unending cycle
cgtn.com
