Sadly, as I drive around southern Maine, I see the American flag flown at half-staff, as a sign of mourning for lives lost in another mass shooting.

Because of the weekly carnage, our beloved stars and stripes are never proudly displayed. Until our elected representatives muster the courage to create reasonable gun laws that would help end the needless slaughter, I suggest that we create special flagpoles that would show our national symbol permanently lowered.

Our state and national legislators must free themselves from the fear and financial influence of fringe minorities and firearm manufacturers.

William Frank, M.D.
Sanford