Letters submitted by BDN readers are verified by BDN Opinion Page staff. Send your letters to [email protected]
Few of us have the opportunity to prevent the loss of life. However, if we all vote “yes” on Question 2 on November’s ballot I think we could do exactly that.
The United States has among the highest rate of gun deaths in the developed world, yet this horror seems normalized given the frequency of shootings. Firearm deaths are the leading cause of death of American children and teenagers. Children should have the right to go to school without fear of being a victim or witness to a school shooting.
Teenagers’ suicide rates could decrease dramatically if access to firearms was reduced. The highest risk group for suicide in Maine is older men, especially in midlife, with firearms being the most frequently used method. In dangerous domestic violence situations when firearms are involved the risk of death to women is amplified.
What can be done in Maine about this public health crisis?
Under Maine’s current yellow flag law, when family members have a loved one in crisis, with access to firearms and posing a threat to themselves or others, the police must be involved. Currently, family members cannot take action on their own to petition the court to temporarily remove firearms in a dangerous situation. Yet some family members would rather avoid involving law enforcement. Question 2 would allow family or household members to work directly with the courts to have firearms temporarily removed when there is evidence of violence.
Please vote “yes” on Question 2 to help pass this commonsense legislation.
Destry Oldham-Sibley
Camden
Election notice: The BDN will stop accepting letters and columns related to the Nov. 4 election on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Not all submissions can be published.
