Clinton's Columbine speech

 

Most people are aware of the tragic shooting that took place at Columbine High School. The Columbine massacre was a very dark day in our nations history, and it completely changed the way America's education system operates. The speech president Clinton delivered in response to the school shooting played a major role in these changes. Clinton delivered his speech on May 21, 1999 at Dakota Ridge High School in Littleton Colorado. He was mainly delivering this speech to the students, parents, and faculty that were affected by the Columbine massacre. At this time in American history, there were many school shootings taking place all over the country. The Columbine tragedy was the most devastating of the shootings, and it forced the American government to take action. Clinton's focus during this speech was to urge the American people to focus on values and not violence.  Clinton begins his speech by commemorating the people/victims affected by the shooting. He tells them that he is proud of their courage, and that he is very impressed with how the victims have kept their faith threw ought this ordeal. After he applauds the victims, Clinton reiterates that this tragedy is not an isolated incident. He states that in fact, there was another school shooting earlier that morning. After that, Clinton describes a better future in which people focused on values over violence. This future is described as, "a time where hatred and distrust no longer distort the mind or harden the heart; a future where what we have in common is far more important than what divides us, a future where society guards our children better against violent influences and weapons that can break the dam of decency and humanity in the most vulnerable of children." Unfortunately, Clinton's speech did not end school shootings/school related violence in America. The events of Columbine and this speech were responsible for the creation and implementation of stricter gun laws, anti-bulling policies, metal detectors and video cameras in schools, and much more.