The assault weapons order issued by Attorney General Maura Healey is a bold first step in efforts to reduce the ever-increasing incidence of murders and atrocities inflicted by these guns (“Closing the loophole’’). Donald Trump pontificates that he will eliminate violent crimes and murders of civilians and police officers without any intention of imposing a limitation on firearms. However, it is initiatives such as Healey’s that provide some chance to actually make a dent in the slaughter.

The fact that the effort was unilateral, without negotiation with the gun industry, is of little concern. The National Rifle Association and other gun organizations have never been known to be bilateral participants in efforts to promote reasonable restrictions on gun ownership. Healey’s effort will encounter friction from gun manufacturers and owners. So be it. Her order is reminiscent of the famous words uttered by Neil Armstrong 47 years ago, when he stepped down on a less violent planet: “One small step for man.’’

Steve Kramer, Mashpee