Dear Editor:

The region for the most part trusts its local media. Whether or not it extends that trust to national outlets is questionable. That is why Mary Brewer’s latest musings (6/30) are so dangerous. If those musings were based on any real factual information I could accept them but instead they are born of emotional sensationalism and ignorance of the facts.

First, Mrs. Brewer, how many restrictions will be enough to satisfy you? Today you call for a restriction on “assault weapons,” not really understanding what that term means. What’s next may I ask, semi-auto pistols or will it be popular hunting rifles with scopes? After all, who needs to shoot 300 yards except snipers?

Second, magazine capacity has nothing to do with how many shots are fired in a given period. That is the function of the action and unless one has special permits, one shot per squeeze of the trigger is all you get.

Third, Maine does not “require” background checks. That is the result of federal statute which dictates all commercial gun sales. Most gun shows require sellers to be licensed and online sales must, by law be shipped to a dealer so background checks can be performed.

Lastly, what other rights do you intend to strip from American citizens because of some secret list devised by the government? A list with no due process attached. Sen. Collins' bill would have a system in place so American citizens could “prove their innocence.” That, Mrs. Brewer, flies in the face of everything America stands for and to advocate for it just before we celebrate Independence Day is an insult to those who gave everything to guarantee the right to presumed innocence.

Events such as Orlando are tragic but none of your much touted measures would have done anything to stop it. That individual was determined to kill. Whether it was religiously motivated or some self loathing on his part we should always remember Gunnery Sergeant Hartman’s words “Your rifle is just a tool, it is the hard heart that kills.”

Linc Sample

Boothbay Harbor