A trial will take place soon in Kennebec Superior Court. It bothers me that it’s happening at all.

I’m most distressed about how our government chose to deal with sincere and peaceful demonstrators who maintained a vigil to object to a political environment that holds corporate well-being above individual well-being.

A small group of so-called Occupiers were and are being subjected to authoritarian and, in my opinion, unjustified treatment in the name of law and order.

Some say the hours spent on the lawns of Blaine House last fall by a swarm of law enforcement officials (from Capitol Police to game wardens), county attorneys, court officers and a Superior Court judge were necessary to maintain our system of justice.

My feeling is that such pomposity is a colossal waste of taxpayer money.

The incident and subsequent prosecutions for criminal trespassing is a classic case of governmental bravado. In cities throughout America, public officials have dealt with far more difficult situations without resorting to bullying.

The “Augusta Nine” were no more threatening to the public safety than serious citizens voicing legitimate concerns about their state and nation.

In 1968, I witnessed the occupation of a college administration building for about 70 hours. The entire matter was ended when the president of the university came and sat down with the occupiers and listened attentively to the concerns being expressed. No damage was done, no charges were proffered and the dignity of both the institution and its administration were elevated.

My grievance is with the failure of Maine’s executive leadership to understand that solutions to difficult problems are not found in the application of force or threats, but by engaging reason and concern for legitimate opinions which may differ from its own agenda.

Cris Edward Johnson

Old Orchard Beach

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