Dear Editor:

Freedom without responsibility is mere anarchy. Every freedom we enjoy is paired with a set of responsibilities that limit that freedom. In effect, it is the limitation of freedoms which protect our other freedoms. Simply acting within the law is not the end of one’s responsibility.  

Gun owners must have a responsibility to assure the public that their guns and ammo do not fall into the hands of those who are intent on doing harm. When they fail in or otherwise shirk this responsibility, it is not they who suffer the consequences, it is innocents.

In every case that an act of violence and terror has been perpetuated with lawfully purchased guns, that seller has not acted responsibly. It the very pretense that the rights of a gun ownership are superior to another’s right to live peaceably that is fueling this slaughter of innocents.

Gun owners who deny and attempt to quash any reasonable discussion of their responsibilities to the public safety ought to be ashamed. Have they no pity? This is a moral outrage.

I urge people who are concerned with the growing threat of gun terror to consider supporting “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America” (momsdemandaction.org) or “Everytown for Gun Safety” (everytown.org) if for no other reason than to counterbalance the undue influence of the gun manufacturer’s lobby and their reckless policies that are killing us.

Finally, mental illness is surprisingly common. Depression is prevalent. Easy access to guns and ammo magnify the danger. We need a robust system to help families to deal with mental illness and to keep troubled people from obtaining guns.

Fred W. Nehring

Boothbay