I have waited for several days, following the unfortunate killing that occurred in Minnesota, to assure my reactions are well thought out. When our current president began sending federal agents and National Guard into the streets of our cities, I feared this would lead to another Kent State event (May 4, 1970). And now it has. As a veteran of the Vietnam era, I mourned for those killed and wounded by the National Guard at Kent State. 

When will this current administration be stopped from perpetuating fear among the citizens and residents of our country? There is no excuse for the killing of the lady in Minnesota or other violent acts by ICE, DEA or the FBI. It is our collective responsibility to stand up, in no uncertain terms, to this president and his administration to stop these actions now.  No more senseless killing, no more Venezuela, no threats to Greenland, no threats to anyone.

The declaration by government officials, that “these people” are “domestic terrorists,” is our modern version of having immigrants, people of color or those who oppose this president forced to wear a new “yellow star.” The purpose of which was/is to identify, humiliate, segregate, control and, ultimately, deport, harm and/or murder people or cultures who the administration and like-minded intolerant bigots do not like. Enough!

James Smith
North Yarmouth