Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska are playing a dangerous game with their constituents, treating us like fools in the process. They seek credit for breaking ranks, but their actions raise serious questions about their integrity. Just recently, I received an email urging me to thank Sen. Collins for her vote against a particular nominee. But why didn’t she take a stand against the Supreme Court justices who were clearly poised to overturn Roe v. Wade?

It’s clear that Collins only chooses to break ranks when she feels secure that her party’s controversial policies will pass without her support. This behavior reveals a troubling truth: She understands the negative implications of these policies but waits until it’s politically convenient for her to act. This isn’t leadership; it’s a calculated attempt to manipulate public perception.

It’s disgraceful when our elected officials patronize voters with such theatrical gestures. We deserve authentic representation, not empty gestures designed to fool us into thinking they are on our side. Collins’ and Murkowski’s actions are a disservice to the very constituents they claim to serve.

Storme St. Valle

Augusta