Aux armes, citoyens !

On this Bastille Day, the Marseillaise reminds us of the fight against totalitarian tyranny. Like France, the USA also shed much blood to secure freedom from tyranny and corruption. Let’s celebrate the courage and bravery of our forebears and not take for granted the freedom their sacrifices afforded us. And let’s not let those who try to steal it from the people get away with it.

As a case in point, a few days ago, another innocent man was assassinated in cold blood by unidentified ICE agents in Biddeford, Maine, shortly after a similar murder in Texas. ICE activity has been handled more discretely since the replacement of the DHS secretary, but its activity remains high and its tactics remain illegal. Immigration needs to be managed within a legal framework by civilized people. This is an example of neither. Do we really want to live in a police state?

We chose to make Maine our home because of its independent culture, its strong sense of community, and its moderate, consensual approach to government, respectful of the principles of traditional democracy. We are proud of these values, even if they make us a target of the current regime.

Today, our “arms” are lobbying, voting, protesting, volunteering, or even running for office.

Aux armes, citoyens !