I do not understand how every Republican member of the U.S. House and Senate (yes, this includes Sen. Susan Collins) can stand by and watch the cruelty and inhumanity on display every single day by individuals who seem to have a complete disregard for kindness and empathy. Does no one have a conscience or an ounce of caring as individuals, adults and children, are taken off the streets and sent to who knows where, without due process?

It is one thing to say that they want to get rid of the “worst of the worst,” whatever that might mean. It is another for ICE to take mothers, fathers and children away from their families. I am mystified as to why not one Republican has risen up and said “Enough is enough. This is not the America I know.”

This certainly is not the America I know. We are so much better than this, but Republicans, yes Republicans, have lost sight of the foundations of our country. Diversity, equity and inclusion aren’t dirty words, they are who we are. Who doesn’t want a country where diversity is celebrated, equity is the goal and inclusion is the norm? 

Wake up, before we have completely lost our democracy.

Debbie Grew
Cape Elizabeth