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I believe Sen. Susan Collins has danced around the edges of the Trump debacle for 10 years. I see her as a “safe” player. The problem is in this current climate the stakes have been upped to the level of a crisis. President Donald Trump is acting unconstitutionally. Daily. The stakes are very, very high.
As a Republican, Collins has particular status. Serving as the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee gives her particular power. How is she using that status? She is doing something. She is, for example, writing letters stating her opposition to Trump’s budget and his desire to privatize the Post Office. Thanks. But, that is not very loud.
And this is a time to be very loud. Especially as a Republican. Everyday people all over the country are protesting Trump’s actions. From Universities like Harvard, law firms like Perkins Coie, to states like California and Maine, institutions are clearly and unambiguously taking a stand against the Trump regime. Gov. Janet Mills had the great courage to say in public, on camera, that she would sooner take the president to court than let him bully Mainers. New Jersey Sen. Corey Booker spoke on the Senate floor for 25 hours.
That is what making real noise looks like to me. It is risky and could come with a cost. But it is also, I believe, what will save our republic. So stand up, Sen. Collins. Do what is uncomfortable. Make some real and loud noise.
Jo Trafford
Portland
