Letter: I’ve never known life without fear of being shot

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I am a high-schooler in Portland. I am writing about how Maines lack of gun laws has affected me and why I’m asking people to support stronger gun safety policies.

I have never known a life without the fear of being shot, anywhere, anytime. In third grade, I had a shooter drill in school. My classmates and I crouched down on the floor, pressed up against the wall, holding our breath. The principal walked up and down the hall, rattling each door to check if it was locked. I didn’t know who it was and I remember thinking this is it, this is the end.

I was 7. Not old enough to understand why a person would ever do this but able to understand that I could be shot and killed, just like so many children just like me. I still carry that fear with me. Every time I walk into any public place, the first thing I do is look for the best place to hide and escape if there’s a shooter. I’m older now, and I have a better understanding of the world, but I will never be old enough to understand how my government could choose to protect guns over children.

But people have the power to change this, so please, use it to save lives. Please vote for candidates who support available gun safety bills and continue to advocate for stranger laws to protect me and future generations.

Daphne Zager

Portland