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I am thankful to Sen. Susan Collins for her many years of service to Maine. When I was president of the Maine Counseling Association some years back, the senator spearheaded efforts making it possible for licensed clinical counselors to serve the Medicare population. Visits to her offices here and in Washington, D.C., were always a delight. I will always remember her help and that of her staff.
But I will also unfortunately remember the announcement of her support for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh that has, in my view, resulted in so much harm to women and families across the country with the repeal of Roe v. Wade. I will also remember a TV interview after Trump’s first impeachment where she said that President Donald Trump had learned his lesson.
I am grateful to Sen. Angus King for his defense on the Senate floor last week of the Constitution and his opposition to Russel Vought, a designer of the destructive Project 2025. I am hoping that Sen. Collins will someday do something similar.
As a senior citizen of this country and Maine, I hope the senator will emulate the courage shown by her mentor, Margaret Chase Smith, and others who fought to protect us, our democracy, earned benefits and our compassion. We need another “Declaration of Conscience” from strong and caring leaders.
Sen. Collins, please stand up.
Dr. John Yasenchak
Bangor
