On June 7, 2022, I stood in front of my fellow students, teachers, lawmakers, and the eyes of the public pleading for lawmakers to take what I was saying seriously: gun control.
I was in the eighth grade then and reacting to the tragedies of Uvalde, Texas. Now, I’m a sophomore in high school reflecting and reacting to tragedies in my very own community, the same thing I and 100 other kids were pleading we were scared of over a year ago.
As a member of the community, it’s heartbreaking to see this unravel but, as an advocate for our community, I’m met with rage. My own words have been repeating in my head, as the same concerns I was voicing so long ago become as real as ever, hitting me where it hurts most, my own home.
One year ago, I said and I quote “I find myself asking lawmakers exactly how many more tears? How much more blood? and How many more bodies will it take for change.”
Frustration in me boils over when I’m still here asking the same questions.
The places that were affected were where family and friends were out having a good time. Now they are places where tragedy struck.
I’ve said it many times before and I will keep saying it until I finally don’t have to anymore, thoughts and prayers are not enough!
I am pleading again for less devastation and more legislation. The time is up. No more thoughts and condolences because that doesn’t save lives.
I refuse to sit here and watch the events that occurred become just another statistic. How many more lives need to be taken before a change in the system is seen?
Maine has fewer limits on gun regulations than most of the states in New England. We don’t require background checks on every gun sale, ban assault weapons, limit magazine capacity, require concealed carry permits, or have a waiting period.
I am asking Maine lawmakers to act urgently. We can’t bring back the 18 lives we have lost, but we can do them justice and prevent more.
Lily Leeman, Topsham
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