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When a big storm washes out a road, we don’t respond by rebuilding the road to the precise specifications that would let it survive only that exact same storm and no other. Instead, we recognize that storms are becoming increasingly violent, and we strengthen our infrastructure to address that reality, ready to withstand all kinds of dangerous weather.
That’s the reasonable response to the threat. That’s how we protect our people and our communities.
In the wake of October’s mass shooting, I think “tweaking” Maine’s yellow flag law to make it slightly more usable in that one specific instance is insufficient. Law enforcement officials have made clear that Maine’s current law is too cumbersome. While county sheriffs could arguably have done more to use it against Robert Card, intervening in that case was clearly not as straightforward as we all wish it had been.
Adopting a true Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) — as 21 other states have done — would be a reasonable, measured response to the shooting and the awful reality it represents. Fortunately, the Maine Legislature will have that opportunity, in the form of LD 2283. They should pass that bill swiftly, and Gov. Janet Mills should sign it.
I am a hunter and gun owner. I value my Second Amendment rights, and I exercise them. Responsible gun owners understand that protecting our rights and protecting public safety are not mutually exclusive. A true ERPO strikes that balance well. If you agree, contact your legislators and ask them to support LD 2283.
Jeremy Cluchey
Bowdoinham
