Thank you for standing up to Trumps fascist overreach

I am writing to express my unwavering support for your courageous stand against the overreach of the Trump administration and its attempts to undermine Maine’s commitment to equality and fairness. Your refusal to bow to pressure from the U.S. Department of Education regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in girls’ interscholastic athletics is a testament to your leadership and moral clarity. In this moment, you have embodied the spirit of another great Maine leader, Senator Margaret Chase Smith. Margaret Chase Smith’s “Declaration of Conscience” was a bold and principled stand against the fearmongering and authoritarianism of her time. She risked her political career to defend democratic values and the rights of individuals against the corrosive forces of discrimination and division. Like Senator Smith, you have shown that true leadership means standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular. The Trump administration’s threat to withhold federal funding unless Maine complies with its discriminatory demands is an affront to the principles of equality and fairness enshrined in both state and federal law. By upholding the Maine Human Rights Act and affirming the rights of transgender students, you have sent a powerful message: that Maine will not be bullied into abandoning its values. Your actions remind us that states have a vital role to play in resisting federal overreach, particularly when that overreach seeks to marginalize vulnerable communities. Governor Mills, your leadership in this moment is a beacon of hope. Just as Margaret Chase Smith stood against McCarthyism, you are standing against the forces of discrimination and authoritarianism that threaten our democracy. Your commitment to justice and equality is a reminder that the fight for civil rights is ongoing and that it requires courage, conviction, and moral clarity. Thank you for your steadfast leadership. Please know that you have the support of countless Mainers and Americans who believe in the values of fairness, inclusion, and justice. I urge you to continue standing firm in the face of adversity, knowing that history will remember your courage and your commitment to doing what is right.