Pass the ‘red flag’ bill 

Recently, 100 people walked Maine Street and gathered on the Brunswick Mall for Wear Orange, National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Every year, we gather to honor victims and survivors including the 150 Mainers lost on average to gun violence every year and the loved ones they leave behind.  

Wear Orange was begun in honor of Hadiya Pendleton, the 15-year-old who lost her life to gunfire in Chicago. Orange was her favorite color. Hadiya’s young friends stood up against gun violence and began the observance in her memory on her birthday in June 2013. 

We would like to thank the organizations and Brunswick businesses that supported Wear Orange this year:  Gelato Fiasco, Hannaford of Brunswick, Maine Gun Safety Coalition, Morning Glory, Portland Pie, Spindleworks, Students Demand Action, Union Street Bakery & Cake Shop, and Wildflours Gluten-Free Bakery. 

To join the gun violence prevention movement in Maine, text commit to 644-33. We offer gun safety education programs and advocate for common sense gun policies that respect the second amendment. We support LD 1312, the life-saving Red Flag Bill, now being considered by Maine legislators.  

Together, we can prevent gun violence.  

Lisa Ledwidge, 

Bath, 

Volunteer, Midcoast Maine Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense  

All your eggs in one basket 

I have found it is much more important to ask the right question versus look for the perfect answer. I am responding to the article about the Maine delegation asking for aid for Maine lobstermen and women (“Maine delegation to Trump: Lobster industry needs aid due to China trade war,” June 7). First how can the lobster industry produce more with more restrictions to fill this projected increase in demand. Secondly is the lobster business hold the same importance and serve anywhere near what the farming community does and third could the lobsters be sold elsewhere and the lobster industry take care of itself. So many seem to feel they are entitled and then become dependent on aid, is that really how we want our economy to be? That seems like putting all your eggs in one basket to me. 

Brian Marchant, 

Wade 

Disappointed in Legislature’s vote on open primaries 

I am writing in the regards to the closed primary laws.

Regardless of our Maine voter party affiliation, many us would have to agree that politics in our country has become very divided, which has pushed many of us to identify as an “Independent” for our political affiliation.

I for one have been identified as an “Independent” for the past 42 years. At the last primary, I was told that I had to pick either Republican or Democrat and change my affiliation to cast my vote. I picked a side and voted. I then had a waiting period to return to my “Independent” status. In the past, I did not bother and did not vote, quite honestly, because of frustration. 

I was born in the United States, live, work and pay taxes in Maine. We own a small business in Maine also. I take offense to someone telling me that I must pick a side by choosing a party to have my voice heard.

Political parties divide our country keeping many suppressed and suffocates growth, making many choose a party, one in which they might not agree. Therefore, many people just throw their hands up and go home.  

Every hardworking Maine citizen, regardless of party preference, should be able to vote in every primary!

I am disappointed that the Legislature voted to not implement open primaries. 

We will continue to push forward to get our voices heard.

Mary Morin, 

Poland