As I watch the horrors of this administration unfold, I am struck by how much of this was predicted but not inevitable. We remember Orwell’s “1984,” and its depiction of a dictatorial society. Then there was Nostradamus and his predictions for our time with plagues (COVID and measles), natural disasters (climate change) and the creation of artificial currency (Bitcoin and its memes). Then we have Simon & Garfunkel in their song “The Sound of Silence.” “And the people bowed and prayed to the neon god they made.”

We are watching a brain drain as researchers, doctors, scientists, historians, philosophers and teachers leave this country as they are purged from their positions, have their grants rescinded or just leave. They are welcomed in other countries. The reverse of what had been.

We have watched the death of USAID and are now witnessing the death of thousands as the life-saving food and medication have disappeared. Now the destruction is coming home, as Republicans try to emasculate Medicaid and other social services so that the rich can enjoy another tax break. It is estimated that over 9 million will lose health insurance and other assistance.

Here in Maine, we have watched USDA try to cancel a $2 million grant for school lunches because of Gov. Mills’ courageous stand on transgender rights. Fortunately, they backed down. But the attacks on our freedom and democracy continue as due process and the right of law are now threatened. We must remain vigilant and protest.

Stephen Sokol
Lewiston