See something, say something. We’ve often heard this phrase as a way to keep our society a safer place. The news often shows current threats such as a man with guns at an airport canvasing the security checkpoints then being arrested,  boats heading toward the U.S. with lethal illegal drugs, etc.

People see something, say something, and our lives are safer. When do we look at the threats right before our eyes and “say something”?

Seeing the East Wing of the White House in ruins leaves me sick to my stomach, as well as feeling a huge sense of shame of our leaders, our process and worry about our future. Taking a national symbol, such as the White House, and justifying this destruction because it’s being done with private funds is deeply shameful. It represents the “will of the people” being torn down right in front of us.

Destroying the East Wing of our White House is symbolic of the destruction of our democracy.  Demolished, taken over, obliterated. It’s a sign (some may say a show of defiance and force) of this president and his administration. If behavior is a language, what are they saying?  Not to mention Congress being shut down and no progress being made there. 

I’m shocked and ashamed of what has happened to our White House,  our process and our country.  So, I’m saying something.

Brad Ciechomski
Cape Elizabeth