Sen. Angus King thinks it’s a good idea to capitulate and pay the ransom note, rather than to stand up against the bully who is trying to take health care tax credits and food benefits away from thousands of Mainers. He’s had 10 months of examples of what giving in to a bully does for us and he still thinks it’s worth trying to make friends with him and his followers in the Senate.

He should know how Neville Chamberlain and the Vichy government are remembered. Less than a month ago, the largest demonstration in American history took place when 7 million people turned out to say “No Kings.” Did he miss the implication of that?

The results of the recent election across the country clearly showed how people feel about the Republicans and their cult leader. It was not the time to give in, and certainly not for what they surrendered. Eliminating SNAP benefits is part of Project 2025’s goals. The senators’ capitulation only gained a stopgap to that goal. Securing a successful House vote, if the future Senate vote on extending health care tax cuts even passes, is doubtful.

What do we pay Sens. King and Collins for if not to look out for our interests, not those of the billionaire class that is getting tax credits paid for by the savings on programs designed to help and support regular people?

It is past time for new leadership that understands the old ways of governing aren’t working.

Karen Heck
Waterville