In a recent episode of CNN’s “State of the Union,” former Pennsylvania Senator John Harrington made headlines for his controversial remarks regarding school safety. Instead of advocating for sensible gun legislation, Harrington proposed that students participating in the March For Our Lives protests would be better off learning CPR to help their peers in the event of a shooting.
His argument is perplexing, to say the least. Harrington stated, “How about kids instead of looking to someone else to solve their problem, do something about maybe taking CPR classes or trying to deal with situations when there is a violent shooter?” This statement sparked outrage, as it shifts the onus of safety from lawmakers to students—a role they are not equipped to handle.
Moreover, Harrington doubled down on his stance, suggesting that high school students are too preoccupied with their studies to actively confront the issue of gun violence. “They took action to ask someone to pass a law,” he remarked. “They didn’t take action to say, ‘How do I, as an individual, deal with this problem?’”
First and foremost, students should not bear the burden of crafting legislation or developing strategies to protect themselves in life-threatening situations. Their primary responsibility lies in their education, not in being trained to prevent violence. The notion that they should prioritize CPR training over advocating for policy change is misguided.
Medical professionals have weighed in on this debate, highlighting the limitations of CPR in scenarios involving gun violence. It’s essential to remember that while CPR can save lives, it is not a substitute for comprehensive gun control measures.
Harrington further encouraged students to take personal responsibility, saying, “Those are the kind of things where you can take it internally, and say, ‘Here’s how I’m going to help the situation,’ instead of going and protesting and saying, ‘Oh, someone else needs to pass a law to protect me.’” This dismissive attitude ignores the rich history of protests that have driven significant social change in America, from the Civil Rights Movement to contemporary advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
In light of these discussions, it’s crucial to consider how we can truly support our youth. For those interested in family planning and pregnancy options, you might find it worthwhile to explore resources like this one on pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, for more information on insemination methods, visit this excellent resource.
In summary, while CPR is a valuable skill, it should not replace the necessity for robust gun control policies. The safety of our students should be a priority for lawmakers, not a task placed on the shoulders of those who should be focusing on their education.