I joined the “No Kings” protest in Augusta on June 14 and was moved by the passion and creativity of Mainers standing up for democracy. I fully support the right to protest and to hold public figures accountable.

While I chuckled about dozens of clever, thoughtful signs, a few left a pit in my stomach — specifically those calling Donald Trump a “felon” or “criminal.” I’m concerned about how these words are used — not as legal terms, but as insults meant to devalue. When we use these words to demean, we imply that a person’s humanity is erased by their worst mistake — regardless of context, growth or accountability. We also know that authoritarian regimes use labels to dehumanize and justify harm — a tactic that should never have a place in our public discourse.

As someone who works with incarcerated people striving to improve their lives (over 95% of whom will return to our communities), I see the damage this language causes. Over 77 million Americans — 1 in 3 adults — have a criminal record. Most are good people who made bad decisions, often shaped by poverty, trauma, addiction or systemic barriers. Reducing them to labels like “felon” reinforces stigma and undermines efforts at rehabilitation and second chances, with enormous collateral consequences affecting the person, their family, our communities and public safety.

We can — and must — demand justice without resorting to dehumanization tactics. If we truly believe in a just and democratic society, we must reflect that belief in our language.

Laura Rodas
West Gardiner