A group of senior citizens, residents at The Palace in Coral Gables, decided it was time to take an active part in an important issue of the day. They formed a group called Grandparents for Gun Reform and participated in a petition signing at the Coral Gables Branch Library polling location on Tuesday, Aug. 28, primary election day.
The volunteer group members, ages 85 and older, passionately believe they aren’t the forgotten generation; they still have purpose. Working in two hour shifts on the sidewalk outside the library, they spoke to voters and carried signs with their message.
Pamela Parker, the entertainment director for The Palace in Coral Gables, explained about the group.
“We had about 20 people out here, but the group is 70 strong,” Parker said. “They were sitting here through rain, with umbrellas, they got wet, but they’re committed. The group got started after the shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
“Many of my residents came to me, saying ‘We’re grandparents, we have kids this age. What can we do? Can we make a financial donation?’ I said, you could, but I think they need more than money, they need support. Do you want to form a group? They loved it. That’s how the group started. One woman sitting here is 97 years old. She has great grandchildren. Some of my residents have great, great grandchildren.”
Palace resident Sarah Wishnia expressed her feelings about the issue.
“I was so touched after the Parkland shooting that I felt I needed to do something for the future generations” Wishnia said. “It’s not enough to say our world is in trouble. We have to do something to leave a footprint, to say we cared. I just don’t want to hear of any innocent people being gunned down again. It’s time we do something. Enough is enough.”
Steven Fishkin, also a resident, thinks it is a reasonable goal.
“I am a gun owner so, to me, this isn’t a question about gun owner rights,” Fishkin said. “No one wants to take all the guns away.
It’s a question about making sure those who own guns are responsible individuals. And I believe no one should own an assault rifle. Why would anyone need a weapon designed to kill so many people in a matter of minutes? My grandchildren attend public school. I am doing this for them.”
Marty and Delores Elkin agreed.
“We want our kids to be safe,” Marty Elkin said. “This is for them and all the kids. How many more deaths will it take before something is done?”
Resident Lillian Pierorazo feels the same way.
“I am here for my grandchildren,” she said. “For all the children of our country now and in years to come. They are the most important treasure we have. We must protect them.”
Besides asking people to sign their petition urging the Florida House of Representatives to reform gun laws, demand change from lawmakers and end senseless deaths caused by gun violence, the seniors were educating voters about local candidates’ views on gun control and their grades from the National Rifle Association (NRA). They don’t plan to stop after the primaries, according to Parker.
“They want to be active for the elections in November, and God willing, for the 2020 elections as well,” Parker said. “But here’s the deal — they want to be put out of business. They don’t want to be doing this. They want the Second Amendment to be brought up to the 21st Century. They want reformation to an antiquated amendment.”
