Issue Position: Crime, Safety & the 2nd Amendment

Issue Position

Fortunately in Maine, we do not suffer many of the crime problems that plague other parts of the country. However, this does not mean we should not be ever-vigilant to prevent crimes from occurring. Where possible, crime should be prevented through well-funded police departments manned by professional and adequately trained officers. However, some forms of violent crime are simply too monstrous to be tolerated in society, and these crimes should warrant harsh penalties -- up to and including the death penalty.

As the unfortunate recent events of the tragic shooting of a Congresswoman in Arizona shows, the right of a law abiding citizen to carry a firearm can discourage other crime and attacks. While a background check of a citizen to provide certainty of a clear record is not an unreasonable measure, restrictions on the ability for a law-abiding citizen to purchase, own, and carry a firearm are.

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