To the editor,
After the war of independence 250 years ago, American patriots set up a form of government designed to guarantee against the authoritarian rule of a king. Each branch of the government has its role. Elected officials and military leaders swear allegiance to the Constitution, not an individual or a party. The president is elected to serve all Americans. Citizens have the right and the responsibility to speak out when we see abuses of power.
On [Saturday,] Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to noon, I plan to join the peaceful No Kings rally along North Road in Houlton. Others will participate in similar actions in about 40 locations around Maine and more than 2,000 around the country, to exercise that right and fulfill that responsibility.
I will stand with my American flag out of love for this country and all the many different native and immigrant people who make it up. I will stand without fear of a president and would-be king who says he hates me because I disagree with his agenda and his tactics. I will stand with hope that we can restore democracy in the United States and make it work for all people, not just the wealthy and powerful.
I hope you will join me.
Mary Beth DiMarco
Houlton
