I’m writing in the hopes that we can channel the horrific news from Lewiston into positive action. I am also writing this as someone who grew up hunting and fishing with my father.
I am reminded of the Port Arthur Massacre, which occurred in Australia in 1996. Within 12 days of that event, Prime Minister John Howard and the Australian government passed sweeping legislation banning the import of semi-automatic weapons, creating a buyback program that bought over 650,000 firearms, implementing a national firearm registry, and establishing a 28-day waiting period for firearm purchases.
In the 26 years since this legislation passed, there have been only two mass shootings (defined as four or more people). A 2018 Essential Research poll found that 62% of Australians believe that their gun laws are about right, 25% think they are too weak, and only 7% think they are too strict. It’s past time that we enact similar legislation in Maine.
John Howard commented: “People used to say to me, ‘You violated my human rights by taking away my gun.’ And I’d tell them, ‘I understand that. Will you please understand the argument, the greatest human right of all is to live a safe life without fear of random murder?’ ”
I agree with his thinking, and I urge us all to write our legislators and Gov. Janet Mills to demand legislation banning assault weapons, instituting background checks, waiting periods and a buyback program. Just like Australia, do it in 12 days.
Paul Nakroshis
Peaks Island
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