Donald Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States. During his campaign he threatened to jail his opponent, deport massive numbers of people (many of whom have lived in this country since birth), and threatened to limit the freedom of the press. These statements and policies should alarm anyone that cares about this country, its history, and its status in the world.

But Donald Trump is not his supporters. Numbers suggest that many of those people who voted for him were uncomfortable with many of the things he said during this torturous campaign season. Putting their discomfort aside, they voted for an outsider who promised to bring change to a government that many feel have left them behind.

Right or wrong, these people should be listened to. Progressives like myself should put aside our feelings for a time and listen to what made these people vote this man in. Only then can this country “heal wounds of division,” as Trump said in his victory speech.

A united country can place a check on a president that threatens to put in place dictatorial policies. A true democracy should work for all of its citizens, but can only do so when its citizens participate in the democratic process. I urge my fellow Mainers and Americans to continue to be involved in our government at the local, state and national level. Authoritarianism has never been accepted as an American quality. It should not be accepted now.

Ian Magill

Augusta