As we reflect on the Lewiston shooting last month, we Mainers grieve and also send our love and support to victims’ families, friends, and all of the Lewiston-Auburn area.

But we need to do more than grieve. We need to take action.

After the horrific mass shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand, the country passed sweeping gun legislation including a ban on assault rifles, military-style semi-automatic guns, high-capacity magazines, and parts that can be used to build military-style, semi-automatic weapons. (It’s worth noting that Australia has not seen a mass shooting since it introduced an outright ban on semi-automatic weapons.)

The rapid response to the Christchurch attack is in stark contrast to that of the United States. We have the highest rate of murder and manslaughter by firearms in the developed world and a high rate of mass shootings, yet even moderate reform of gun laws has been blocked.

Let’s change that. We can make a difference. Please contact Sens. King and Collins and Rep. Pingree and ask them to support an assault weapons ban or some legislation that limits magazine capacity or military-style weapons. Contact Rep. Golden and thank him for boldly taking a stand to support a ban. Contact your local state senator and representative and ask them to support gun safety legislation in Maine, including an assault weapons ban, universal background checks, and 72-hour waiting periods.

Ask them to show leadership and make Maine a safer state. Until we value human life over weapons, none of us will be safe.

Sue Kistenmacher

Farmingdale

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