I could respond in kind to the Hallowell fire chief, after reading his unkind words about folks attending the Oct. 21 “No Kings” rally (“Hallowell fire chief seeks indefinite medical leave,” Oct. 24).

But just because I can doesn’t mean I should. Just look at where all our red versus blue, us versus them and I’m right/you’re wrong nonsense has gotten us.

So, instead I’m thinking about what the chief and I might have in common. I sincerely hope the long-standing medical issues he says he’s had get much better soon. I bet he does, too.

What else might we agree on? Seems to me we’d all be better off if we calm down and start treating each other as we’d like to be treated. Let’s stop picking fights, taunting each other and hitting back. Let’s try some respect and kindness in all our communications.

Let’s do our best to make life in Maine the way it should be for everyone.

Martha Harveywebster
Gardiner