In a letter to the editor (July 20), Fern Bossie claims that Mike Michaud “cannot be trusted” because he has changed his mind about abortion and same-sex marriage. His point being Michaud will do the same about gun rights, and Michaud’s friendship with former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, Mike Kelly, is evidence.

Change takes time: 70 years to earn women the right to vote, centuries for equal rights for blacks, while states continue to add equal rights for same-sex couples, the Lilly Leadbetter Act and wages to support a family.

The mass murders that have occurred are horrible and must end. Giffords, Kelly and those who would prevent the mentally ill and criminals from obtaining guns make a lot of sense. The Second Amendment applies to everyone else.

At times, change is essential and should be welcomed, not feared. Good leaders recognize that.

Michaud is a good leader.

Nancy Willard, Woodstock