Arise, all people who have hearts.

Our children shall not be taken from us so that some can own weapons of war. The right to bear arms in a well-regulated militia is not the same as unlimited access to every kind of weapon capable of shredding our children’s tender bodies beyond recognition.

Let us meet first, as people, to mourn and commemorate those who have died from gun violence. Let us not become numb to these acts of violence. We need to honor the memory of each and act on their behalf.

In the name of humanity, we will not accept the proliferation of weapons as irrevocable. We can respect the individual’s right for self-protection without profiting from excessive gun sales. We need to reinstate the ban on assault weapons and establish common sense gun laws.

Nor do we want to turn our schools, parks, churches, mosques, synagogues, doctors’ offices, grocery stores, shopping malls and all public places into fortresses. The freedom to pursue our happiness requires safety. We can provide effective mental health care and support for community connection to promote the well-being of everyone.

We must seek every means possible to end the scourge of gun violence and pursue the great and general interests of peace for the sake of our children, grandchildren, and generations to come.

Robbie Murphy

Colrain

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