The author of a recent op-ed in these pages is struggling to teach her students about our country’s ideals (Opinion, June 1). The framework of our government is being challenged and, Tracy Fragale Henderson fears, is crumbling because of a onslaught by the executive branch.

At other times in this country’s history, we engaged in actions that defied the provisions found in the Constitution and common sense. The country managed and emerged, scared, but able to continue with our remarkable exercise in governance. Individuals such as the late senator from Maine, Margaret Chase Smith, and the American Civil Liberties Union have persevered, relentlessly moving us back to accepted norms.

Our country’s ideals must be constantly defended by each person, citizen or not. That includes the students in Tracy Fragale Henderson’s fifth-grade class; folks attending town meeting throughout Maine and this country; and individuals contributing to the societal good of the United States of America, in more ways than we can collectively imagine.

The country will survive the current challenge, because we will defend the country’s foundations and commitment to our historical ideals, as has been the case for almost 250 years.

F. Gerard Nault
Windsor