Take for example the position of Dr. Bill Nolte, interim superintendent of the Haywood County Schools. I select him because he has chosen to make his position clear on the county school webpage; I suspect many other school administrators might agree with him. 

Nolte identifies a “new tool being applied,” namely politicizing the issue. He credits “divine intervention” in the form of a snow storm that served to offer his agenda protection from a potential face-off. His game plan reads, “We will continue to redirect or completely avert activities we believe are politically motivated” and asks the school community to not allow “this new political tool designed to use our students as political pons (sic).” He goes on to ask students, staff and parents to “avoid actions or behaviors that link our schools with political activities ... designed solely to sway political opinion.”

These types of statements are troubling because what the students initiated was organic — on their own. Nolte is espousing a right-wing talking point that the left is using students and the media for political purposes. Not coincidently, this is an NRA talking point designed to push back on gun control. More importantly, it is not true. While it is true that the students invited adults to pitch in with money and ideas, the walkout and outrage came from the children. Strong-arming children into silence and effectively shutting down their voices is dangerous in a democracy.   

Moreover, the “new tool being applied” is not new, but a very old one. It’s a tactic that is taken right out of the conservative playbook.  We remember when they “swiftboated” John Kerry; weapons of mass destruction in Iraq (there were none); the 2008 financial crisis (consumers’ fault, not the greed of banks); the Affordable Care Act (more people having health insurance is bad for the economy); liberals are out to destroy the nation (while conservatives cut food stamps, school budgets, Medicaid and the mental health programs in our state); and now, little more than token actions on gun safety. The real “political agenda,” unlike the one mentioned on the Haywood Schools’ website, is a constant and steadfast attack on our government and its citizens by rich individuals (and now corporations thanks to Citizens United). All of these actions combine to undermine the very fabric of what our great country stands for. “Bring me your tired, your poor …” and we will give them a better life. 

I just ask you to think about it. Do you really want to be complicit in muting the voices of our children? We all have heard the clear, pure, compassionate and articulate message of the children of Parkland. During their Washington, D.C., speeches and interviews, did you hear the words Republican or Democrat uttered? Did they sound like the political pons (sic), as Nolte accuses? 

Although he did not make clear what he intends by his words “redirect or completely avert activities,” it does not sound like Nolte plans to support students who would use their First Amendment rights and elect to walk out. I, on the other hand, choose to support students. And you?

Brenda Donargo 

Swain County