For years, we’ve talked about the “new normal” in terms of weather, traffic and housing costs. But now we face a far more dangerous version, a political “new normal” where power is used for personal profit, executive orders replace democratic process and long-term allies, courts and constitutional protections are casually dismissed.

When this newspaper reported last week that the Trump administration had issued a travel ban affecting 19 countries, I was startled by my own lack of reaction compared to the 2017 travel ban and realized I had begun to accept the unacceptable — treating racism and cruelty as routine. That’s the real danger of this “new normal,” and we cannot consent to it.

Instead, we must continue to work to build a different new normal — one rooted in civic responsibility and collective action. People across Maine and the country are speaking out, contacting legislators, testifying on bills, attending protests, leading local groups, donating and even running for office.

In large and small ways, we are strengthening the fundamental powers of democracy. This civic awakening is the new normal I choose — one built, not on lies, fear and force, but on participation, truth and hope. That’s the future we must continue to fight for together.

Jenny Zagariello
Orrs Island