‘I stand with hope,’ says teacher

Latest

Youth and others at the March for Our Lives protest to end gun violate in the schools. Washington, D.C.
PHOTO/ERIK MCGREGOR

 
Today a high school was the scene of yet another horrific and despicable parade of violence.
Also today 900 high schoolers gathered in Walt Disney Concert Hall to become a powerful force of beauty through song.
Today Flint remains without water, Puerto Rico without power, unarmed black men are still being shot by police, and bullets pour through students’ bodies like lead rivers. Guys. What have we done?
Today I stared out into the darkened concert hall and saw 900 lights piercing the blackness. “See how they shine,” they sang. “Like a bridge over troubled water,” they roared, “I will lay me down.”
In spite of the overwhelming ugliness, I still believe in beauty. Maybe there’s a bullet out there with my name on it. Till then, I stand with hope.
— From a Facebook post by Jessie Flasschoen, a high school choir director. Used with permission.
 

March for Our Lives, Washington, D.C.
PHOTO/SHANTEL MITCHELL BREEN

 

+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

US Workers Won Key Victories in 2024, But Hard Fight Lies Ahead

With strikes and the threat of strikes, workers did more than forestall concessions: They gained ground. With Trump, expect attacks on unions, safety regulations, and the very idea of labor law..

More Californians Are Freezing to Death. And More Are Older and Homeless

More people — many older and homeless — are freezing to death during winter in California. Hypothermia is the underlying or contributing cause of death for Californians last year, more than double than a decade ago,

Michael Moore Issues Manifesto Against For-Profit Health Insurance

Filmmaker Michael Moore says the boiling anger at the healthcare system that is currently coming to the fore is "1000% justified."

Outrage Against America’s For Profit Health Care System Grows

The US public response to the murder speaks volumes about Americans’ widespread disgust with a profit-driven health care system that leaves so many destitute or simply dead, says Jacobin.

Immigrants Begin 13th Hunger Strike This Year at Tacoma Detention Center

More than 40 migrants held at ICE's infamous Northwest Detention Center in Washington state have begun a hunger strike to protest conditions there.

More from the People's Tribune