1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

Freedom of speech is central to our American identity and shared values. Freedom of assembly and the right to protest is equally essential to our democracy. These core rights are protected at the constitutional level because they are so significant to our shared freedom. It is essential that every member of government, all who have sworn to protect the constitution, reiterate their commitment to protect these rights for all. These are not partisan rights. There is no way to maintain American democracy and threaten peaceful protesters with State violence. We, the people of Maine, will be peacefully in our streets, and we expect to be protected by our Government. We hope to be listened to. We demand representation. We will protect our civil and human rights and those of our neighbors and we expect you to do the same.