1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

The establishment of concentration camps targeting vulnerable groups based on ethnicity, race, religion or political affiliation is a profoundly disturbing development that strikes at the heart of American values and human rights principles. This system of mass civilian detention without due process or real trials sets a dangerous precedent that must be forcefully opposed. History has shown that such facilities, regardless of their stated intentions, often serve as gateways to even more egregious violations of civil liberties and human rights abuses. We cannot stand idly by as these camps proliferate, indiscriminately stripping people of their freedom and dignity based on their identity or background. It is imperative that we take immediate action to shut down these camps and hold accountable those responsible for their creation and operation. Failing to do so would be a dereliction of our moral obligation to uphold the ideals of justice, equality, and compassion that are supposed to define our nation. Politics as usual are killing citizens. It is allowing the Trump administration to kidnap, unlawfully detain, strip away all human rights and dignity, abuse, and kill people in these camps, both the ones on our soil and ones in foreign countries. Your lack of action tells us you are ok with this. Are you? If you aren’t, you have got to step up and do something to stop this. Now!! You should have stepped up months ago and I hope it’s not too late. If you don’t, you have failed the country and failed the people you serve. Step up!!