I understand the motivation behind the postcard campaign, but I think it’s long past time for “Susan Collins to declare her conscience” (Opinion, May 27).

I’m sure I’m not alone in having contacted Sen. Collins with that message years ago, to no avail. Since Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski has confessed that “We are all afraid … Retaliation is real,” why can’t she and Collins and the other fearful congressional Republicans (who must have forgotten that they actually have plenty of power and an obligation to stand up for the Constitution and the rule of law) join with others to stop allowing the “cruelty and corruption” and what can only be described as fascism.

They could even hold a joint press conference revealing the shameless, thuggish activities (including the specifics of the threats and who is making them) that have caused them to behave like, well, sheep.

If the people who actually have power are fearful, I invite them to consider what it’s like for the real victims: their constituents and their country. All the congressional Republicans who still have brains need to gather their courage and actively do their jobs — protecting and preserving our democracy, and not just talk about it.

Sen. Margaret Chase Smith was a hero (as is Gov. Janet Mills, IMHO), but we need even bolder, more immediate action by a larger group, including Sen. Collins, one hopes, to save our country from devolving into a fascist state.

Beth Schiller
Waterville