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Thank you for publishing Steve Collins’ column, “Charlie Kirk was wrong about Maine” (Sept. 16). Using Kirk’s statements from a Maine Civic Action event this summer in Old Orchard Beach, Collins shared the words and sentiments that earned Kirk’s Turning Point USA a position on the Southern Poverty Law Center’s national Hatewatch list

It’s challenging for me to square Kirk’s words about Maine with the image of him as a champion of free speech, one who invited people of opposing views to come forward and debate with him. Was the message to turn people against each other by advocating a return to a bygone era, or was it to foster a healthy open dialogue that brings people together and helps them tap into their shared humanity?

Regardless of where we stand on the political spectrum, or what algorithm we find ourselves in, I ask that we turn toward each other instead of turning against each other. By listening to each other’s concerns, fears and dreams, I believe we have much to learn from each other.

Beth Schultz
Westbrook

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