Valerie Brinkman lives in Biddeford.

My proper Bostonian grandmother diligently drilled genteel manners and behavior into me through her exemplary conduct. My mother taught me, before the norm of this newer society, that words can hurt as powerfully as sticks and stones.

So, why Graham Platner?

His derogatory speech is not acceptable by any standard I was raised. My grandmother and mother may be horrified by my decision to vote for Mr. Platner to become U.S. senator for the state of Maine. Yet, Platner is my choice.

In this choice lies my understanding of the difference between behavior and belief.

In this year of 2026, we are moving with speed to the unified expectation that behavior should be in alignment with belief. Our citizens, our country, our neighbors — locally and worldwide— are tired of hypocrisy and sleight of hand and tongue. Authenticity at a deep, root level is the foundation our world now demands.

The adage “Do as I say, not as I do” is unmeritable. At best, the words and expletives issued from Mr. Platner’s mouth drive doubt as to his sincerity. At worst, they confirm his hypocrisy.

And yet, my righteous intellect forces me to suspend judgment.

I live in a glass house. Despite an awakened belief system, old habits trigger quickly into action. I must move more thoughtfully.

So, do I believe it 100% possible that Graham Platner is doing his best to pull himself up by his bootstraps and align his behavior to a given set of beliefs to which he now wants to commit himself? Yes, I do.

Platner proved his ability to meet expectations in what we know to be our forceful, often cruel, U.S. military. Now he strives to be authentic in an inclusive and non-offensive society.

With his common sense, gifted intellect and purpose of direction, he has impressed U.S. statesmen and stateswomen whom I admire. Although he is not a lawyer, he seems to comprehensively understand the importance of justice for all. Yes, his language fails to meet standards he wishes to uphold for our state — but he has been honest in his failure.

Graham Platner recognizes the desperate need for our governmental system to remove an oligarchy that is well versed and well educated in sleight of hand and tongue. It bends truth to its advantage. Politicians of both current parties are guilty of this.

My preference is for a governmental system run by people who, hen it comes to the alignment of behavior and belief, honestly acknowledge personal faults — then strive to improve.

John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Dwight D. Eisenhower are examples of American leaders who struggled to align behavior and belief. These three were honest (in their times) when they failed.

Maine has supported years of Sen. Collins’ modus operandi: hedging bets and not fully aligning at all. My request to Mr. Platner? Please keep aligning. Even as I, close to twice your age, continue striving to do the same.