I was appalled to hear your comments on CNN criticizing our young people and telling them to “learn CPR” as one of the “solutions” to end the gun violence. Since many physicians have spoken so eloquently about the fact that CPR cannot save someone who is bleeding to death, I will speak to you as a person of faith.

For Jesus said, “I was sick, I was a stranger, I was hungry….

Whatever you do for the least of these who are members of my family, you do unto me” (Matthew 25).

Next time there is a protest, and I assure you, there will be a next time, go to Brunswick or Portland, Orono or Eastport and listen — listen to the voices of our teens and children who are “the least of these” for they are calling our nation to change its addiction to violence. Our children, are out in the street crying out for change on all levels–for more mental health support, for an end to bullying, and yes, for a ban on assault weapons and for universal background checks. If you had been there to listen to them at the beginning of this Holy Week, you would have heard that they deeply understand that this is a multi-faceted problem that must be tackled on every level possible. And yes, even then, there will still be tragedies, but I speak to you as a mother who has lost a child, even if one life is saved, it will be worth it.

Our children are beautiful, scared, and courageous. They are calling for “common sense gun laws.” The lethality of these weapons is nothing that Jesus would defend. Your talking point about “phony gun laws” is clearly a calculated and tragic effort to get NRA money the next time you run for office. I write to you as a child of God to say that your allegiance is misplaced.

Mr. Santorum, it’s time to come to Jesus. He’s out in the street with our children calling us to change.

Allison Smith lives in Harpswell