I often find myself at odds with the NRA, but, as reported in the Seattle Times, August 2015, the NRA apparently believes that gun safety training should be required for those carrying concealed weapons. I couldn’t agree more. The NRA was asked by Indiana’s governor to train Indiana National Guard members, and NRA instructor Guy Relford stated that without the training, the National Guard has “ dramatically increased the possibility that someone could hurt themselves or others with a gun.” Amen to that.

But why then did the NRA support L.D. 652 which eliminated the requirement for a gun safety course as well as other common sense requirements for carrying a concealed weapon in Maine? Thanks to the NRA and those legislators who supported L.D. 652, one can carry a concealed firearm without any training in gun safety, and can obtain a gun without a background check; the assumption being that “responsible” gun owners shouldn’t have to endure the inconvenience of complying with any form of regulation. Well, we know, from the many gun related tragedies that occur every day, that there are those among us who are not responsible. That’s why we enact laws and regulations to protect us from harm, yet we treat guns as if they are some harmless sacrosanct object. They are lethal weapons designed to kill.

Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to vote yes on a November referendum to at least require a federal background check on all gun sales in Maine. We’ ll see how the hypocritical NRA reacts to this sensible measure.

Carl Zeis,

Bath