Here is the reply I got from Senator Collins.
Mr. David MacLeod
Berwick, ME
Dear Mr. MacLeod,
Thank you for contacting me in opposition to gun control legislation in the wake of the horrifying tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.
These shootings were acts of violence that our country has experienced far too often. I continue to be shaken by the details of the shooting, which cut short the lives of so many little children and adults, causing such immense suffering and unspeakable grief for their families and their community.
Responsible gun ownership is part of the heritage of many families in Maine and it should stay that way. While our country should examine what can be done to help prevent gun violence, denying the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens won't change the behavior of those who intend on using firearms for criminal purposes.
We need to have a national conversation to try to avert another devastating shooting. Committed gun owners and those who support stronger gun control laws must come together to discuss reasonable ideas about preventing mass violence. Whatever steps we take to address this growing problem must be comprehensive — and must bring the entertainment industry and mental health community to the table. We cannot snap our fingers and solve the problem by pushing one-track legislation that focuses only on regulating firearms. Such an approach certainly will not fully address the problem.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Sincerely,
Susan M. Collins