Dear Editor:

This Republican Administration in Washington is:

Firing staff and eliminating programs and services at multiple federal agencies including the Social Security Administration, without the permission of Congress, harming Lincoln County residents who depend on Social Security, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, and other federal agencies; 

Withholding funds already granted to the University of Maine, harming all of our sons and daughters trying to get an education;

Crippling our local libraries by eliminating funds for interlibrary loans;

Cutting off funds that are crucial to Lincoln County farmers;

Arresting people who are legally in this country and “disappearing” them;

Telling teachers and students what they can and cannot say, in violation of the freedom of speech;

Cutting off scientific research funds threatening the viability of organizations here in Lincoln County;

Ignoring court orders;

And much more.

To my Republican neighbors – what is it going to take to get you to speak up? I thought we all supported the Constitution, the rule of law, the right of free speech, the separation of powers, an independent court system, the freedom of the press, and fairness and decency to our fellow residents. I thought we all had compassion and empathy for others.  Now I wonder.

When are you going to step up and speak out, saying, “What’s happening is not right?” 

Cathy Johnson

Alna