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I am a 75-year-old retired woman. I am not a guru of politics and confess that other than casting my votes in local, state and federal elections, I’ve been generally quiet in my opinions on government workings. I guess I have relied on my elected officials to be my voice and bid my wishes as best they can.
However, in the wake of recent happenings in my country, I find it necessary to use my own voice now, because I am witnessing my elected officials bow to bad ideas, dangerous policies and harmful cuts to agencies that operate for our safety and welfare.
I believe the “antics” on full display in the Oval Office on Feb. 28 were just the tip of the iceberg with regard to the kind of leadership we elected to be our “by the people, for the people” representatives. The actions of a White House reporter, Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump are clear indications to me that their bully tactics will continue; not only toward our valued European allies, but toward American citizens (woops, I forgot, Americans are already being bullied by DOGE).
So, rather than using my energized mind and fingers to post to Facebook, I am now busy — every day — writing emails and snail-mails to my elected officials: Susan Collins, Angus King, Joe Baldacci, Jared Golden to name a few. I have tried emailing the U.S. president, but my emails have been kicked back (why is it difficult to email my employee??).
I encourage my neighbors and friends, and friends I haven’t yet met to use your voice now. Use your voice now, if you’ve been quiet like me in the past. Thank you.
Virginia (Ginger) Fitzgerald
Bangor
