No one wants to give in to the idea that this is the new status quo in our country. There are indications, however, that perhaps this time will be different. The public is outraged.

When opportunity is removed, people are less likely to act. After gas stoves were replaced in most homes in Britain, suicides plummeted. Similarly, when barriers are put up on bridges so that people can’t jump, they don’t. And they don’t just “find another way—the suicide rate in the area goes down.

If stricter gun laws are the answer, but there remains fierce opposition, what can be done? The Times wrote, “Here’s a thought: The next politician to express sorrow over the slaughter of students at a school without offering any specific remedy should be run out of office, for cowardice and failure to protect American children.”

Psychologists have pointed to a “toxic culture” affecting our young men. Just when they reach adolescence, an age where they are likely to be more emotional and volatile, social norms dictate that they are supposed to be strong and independent. Showing weakness, need, or trying to reach out to others emotionally marks you as being a wimp or a loser. For kids who are already struggling, things go from bad to worse.

No one wants to give in to the idea that this is the new status quo in our country. There are indications, however, that perhaps this time will be different. The public is outraged. Even big political donors who traditionally have supported gun rights are calling for action. But most important, students themselves are sounding the alarm. Parkland students recorded much of the slaughter on their phones and are posting videos. They are raising their voices and they are going “viral.” “There’s no reason that a kid 19 years old that’s been investigated already, and not even a year ago, being able to purchase an AR-15,” said student Isabella Gomez.

Our youth may be able to make progress where others have failed. They have energy and passion, and they have the most at stake. During the Vietnam War, it was young protesters who turned the tide of public opinion against the war. They didn’t give up, even in the face of massive opposition. They didn’t want to die a needless death.

Split as we are over so many things in this country, let this be the issue that unites us. Call your Congressman or Senator and make sure he or she knows where you stand. Let them know you will remember when it comes time to vote if they stand by and continue to do nothing. Join protests such as the national march being planned for March. Immune as some of our leaders are to science and facts, let the images of slaughtered kids burn in their minds. Let us all make this the day that we stand together and say, “Enough.”