When I was a student-athlete at Waterville High School, I played on a state championship boys’ golf team. Our best player, by far, was Abby Spector — a girl. At away matches, some boys would mock me for playing behind her. I’d just smile and play my best. I usually beat my opponent and Abby always beat hers. It wasn’t about gender; it was about skill, teamwork, and respect. We were kids playing a game, not pawns in a political fight.

Today, Maine faces a bully far bigger than those boys. President Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from our state unless we abandon our values and laws protecting transgender athletes. Gov. Janet Mills stood up to him, declaring Maine will follow both federal and state law.

Maine schools rely on $250 million in federal funding for vital programs like special education and school lunches. Threatening to take that away over a divisive executive order is not leadership; it’s coercion. Fortunately, Maine has always been a place where people come together to solve problems. We are leaders, not followers and we don’t let bullies dictate how we treat our neighbors or our kids. This issue will ultimately be decided in the courts and Mr. Trump should leave the games to children and the appropriating to Congress.

Dave Moss

Oakland