Dear Editor:

For several weeks I have joined local residents with Trump rallies on the Wiscasset bridge. It is a surprisingly upbeat and pleasant experience. Each Friday afternoon is an interesting 90-minute slice of Americana. Almost immediately, even as we assemble, we are getting horn toots, waves, thumbs up and shouted encouragement. Many record our group on camera as they drive across the bridge, some produce MAGA hats and U.S. flags and, for a few seconds, join our rally. One of the most positive groups is truckers, from the 18 wheelers to pickup trucks towing trailers. There is a lot of “love” from working-class Mainers. Unfortunately, it isn’t all love,

For each 40 or so positive exchanges (yes, I count them) there is one that involves a negative response as mild as a thumbs down or name calling but others that include shouted obscenities, rude gestures, and even rage. I doubt that even one of the “triggered people” ever met Trump or could articulate an accurate or reasonable cause for their anger. In my lifetime I have seen many groups whose cause or candidate I disagree with, but I never have felt the urge to attack them personally. They have the right to their opinion. Why the hate?

Hate is the smokescreen designed to keep us on our present ruinous course. The “American Dream” in place for almost 250 years, may be gone. Things my generation took for granted, a good education, a good job, a car, home ownership and, finally, a secure retirement, are at risk. I pity our young as they are the casualties in the power struggle between those who want constitutional freedoms and an entrenched and powerful Deep State intent on holding on to power. Five years ago our country was moving in the right direction. Our freedoms are hanging from the thinnest of threads as the press and Deep State now attack our Supreme Court. Pay attention folks, the enemies of our country are depending on hate to destroy us. Don’t let them do it.

Joe Grant

Wiscasset