I am asking our Maine state representatives and senators to vote “No” on L.D. 303, “An Act to Repeal the Law Prohibiting Unauthorized Paramilitary Training.” The ban that passed last year should remain in place.

When paramilitary groups are allowed to take hold, they spread fear, causing a chilling effect on the free speech of anyone who disagrees with them. Our democracy rests on a foundation of free speech, where we can have a healthy debate over dissenting views without threat of violence or retaliation. Maine’s current ban protects our free speech and the rule of law from threats of violence by paramilitary groups. It is an effective and inexpensive deterrent.

At the same time, the existing ban is carefully written to protect our rights. It does not infringe on firearms training for hunting, recreational use, safety and self-defense, etc. It does not infringe on the teaching of history or the passing down of family stories. There is no downside to keeping the ban in place.

The Maine Sheriffs Association supports keeping the ban. It presented testimony against L.D. 303. Our state’s sheriffs agree that the ban is a helpful deterrent and protection for Maine’s citizens. I will also add that by deterring such activity from even starting in the first place, the ban protects Maine’s law enforcement from having to face down larger paramilitary groups that have had time to grow, which would potentially put officers in harm’s way. The ban keeps our law enforcement officers safe.

Please, for the sake of law and order, our legislators should vote “No” on L.D. 303.

Jerzy Wieczorek
Waterville