Editor,

After the Newtown mass murder of the school children I wrote a letter to this newspaper urging a restoration of the ban on large magazined automatic and semi-automatic weapons. My letter and a friend’s letter were met by indifference at best by the public and menacing hostility by those who wish to possess such weapons.

Once again I call upon you, my neighbors, to take a stand against this particular insanity. It is beyond stupidity to have lifted the ban in 2004 in the first place. I have no more patience for our politicians, the Democrats who have failed to force debate and a vote on this issue, and Republicans who have allowed themselves to be bought by weapon makers.

I understand that such issues have their complexities. Last year I engaged in some storytelling in a book entitled “Adrift” that is available in local bookstores that explores gun violence, alienation, and how young people in particular must try to make sense of this madness. I left a copy with The Record last fall, in case someone on the staff might have the time and interest to read it. I understand how busy we all are. But this subject really does demand our attention.

MICHAEL SERAPHINOFF

Greenbank