As a child of the 1960s, the anti-war Woodstock generation, I am crushed and saddened by the hate and gun violence in our country, the latest atrocity being the shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in Pittsburgh. It is our time as teachers to act with renewed vigor in inspiring our students and the global community to once again rise up, let our voices be heard and have our impact noted at the voting booth.

Let the children be the change agents for peace and may our weapons be beaten into plowshares. I’m heartened by the outpouring of unity. Let’s make our world a better place for all. If not us, who? If not now, when?

Dr. Bruce Drantch, Manhattan science teacher (via Facebook)