The Lewiston Maine Shootings Indicate Again That America Must Ban Assault Weapons
By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
Have you ever heard the expression, “a hard head makes a soft behind”? Mothers back in the day made that one of their signature sayings.
There are some things in life where we know what’s right, but we won’t do what’s right. We are stubborn and set in our ways. It doesn’t matter how much proof we have to the contrary. Must we experience so much pain and suffering before we change?
Will this be the case with the mass shooting that happened last Wednesday in Lewiston Maine? There were 18 people tragically killed at a bowling alley and restaurant. This is the deadliest mass shooting this year.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been at least 565 mass shootings in America during 2023. This averages out to be almost 2 mass shootings per day. Reports indicate at this time last year we had 559 mass shootings. We can all agree these numbers are staggering.
Some people suggest that mass shootings have become the American way. All of us know this is not the American way and needs to stop.
Robert Card, a US Army reservist was the shooter in this tragedy as 13 people were also injured. A 2-day manhunt for Card ended on Friday. Apparently, he took his own life, and his body was found inside a box trailer on recycling center property. He was 40 years of age. Mike Sauschuck, commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety has confirmed this information.
Maine Governor Janet Mills said, “Like many people I’m breathing a sigh of relief that Robert Card is no longer a threat to anyone.” President Joe Biden called it “a tragic two days not just for Lewiston Maine but for our entire country”.
According to family reports, Card suffered from mental illness. He was hospitalized briefly some months ago because of it.
As we know, Robert Card had purchased other weapons leading up to this vicious and vile attack on humanity. These weapons were purchased legally and did not raise any suspicion.
The weapon used by the shooter was an assault rifle. We know from other mass shootings that this has been the weapon used. As recently as July 20th of this year, law enforcement officials met at the White House to discuss getting their support for stronger legislation on how to reduce gun violence in this country. The focus was on assault weapons and getting stronger legislation passed.
Has this senseless crime changed the minds of any lawmakers in Congress? Yes, it has. Representative Jared Golden of Maine, a Democrat has called for a ban on assault weapons. Reports say he asked for forgiveness and support from the people of Lewiston and the loved ones of the victims and survivors. That is a direct quote from him.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York applauded his comments and called them powerful, brave and moving. Will others join Mr. Golden and create a movement for change? This animus doesn’t have to exist.
Sadly, tragedy must happen in your own backyard before you see the consequences of your inaction. This is what happened to him.
As citizens, we must get our representatives who we elect to pass legislation which will ban assault weapons. How many lives must be lost, how much blood shed, and tearful phone calls made before we do something about this American atrocity? American families have been torn apart because of gun violence. This time, the families were in Lewiston Maine.
We are haunted by our inability to act. This is a living nightmare which will only end when we take assault weapons off our streets. It was Lewiston Maine this time. Where will it be next time? That will be the question until we have a ban on assault weapons.
