Mike France recently released a statement regarding protests at colleges and universities, titled “Add the self-proclaimed terrorists to the FBI’s terror watchlist.”

I was struck by what strong a statement France made; meanwhile, far-right activists like him never respond to school shootings with such vigor. School shootings are a clear and present danger to everyone. There have been 18 school shootings this year so far in the United States (per CNN). Experts know why school shootings happen: a combination of bullying, disenfranchisement, a sense of personal injustice, and the hope of becoming a hero. We can’t forget the easy access to firearms. But politicians like France, refuse to act. Our government has a responsibility to provide public safety, including safety from gun violence.

We need representatives in Washington who encourage public safety laws that will protect us. Mike France has received an 85% or higher score from the NRA every year since 2014; he is not interested in protecting our kids.

Wendy Hellekson

Ledyard