After reading the first two sentences of Rep. Lawrence Lockman’s column (Nov. 27), where he uses the polarizing term “leftist media elites” and then castigates the Maine Sunday Telegram for its “condescending” and “grotesque caricature of the people who live and work outside the urban area,” it became clear to me that Rep. Lockman was more interested in fanning the flames of division and in promoting harmful stereotypes than in seeking to bridge the so-called gap between the “two Maines.”

It sounds to me like he took his lines straight from Steve Bannon’s playbook or even the discredited Breitbart website.

Rep. Lockman and I certainly used different lenses through which to read and interpret the editorial “Our View: Rural voters put their issues on the national agenda” (Nov. 20).

In it, the Telegram editors clearly articulated the economic, health care and social problems facing our fellow Mainers in the more rural 2nd District. They called upon all of us to “create an environment where small businesses can start up and grow, and displaced workers are given the support they need to make it through the transition.”

It was balanced, thoughtful and respectful, and similar to Eric Russell’s article “Why this Maine town pivoted from Obama to Trump” (Nov. 13).

Unfortunately, Rep. Lockman viewed the Portland news media’s efforts to make sense of the election quite differently. Instead of searching for common ground, he continued to stoke divisiveness and promote misunderstanding. He even claimed that the Democrats were the ones to run an “us versus them” culture war campaign, refusing to acknowledge Hillary Clinton’s inclusive “Stronger Together” campaign.

Similar to President-elect Donald Trump, Rep. Lockman blames others for the very divisiveness he promotes. By proudly declaring that Trump’s victory is a “huge middle finger from the country class to the ruling class,” he does a major disservice to those who are frustrated, hurting, and looking for economic security, safer communities, affordable health care and better educational opportunities for their children and future generations.

As we move forward, I hope that Maine and our country can find common ground. By listening, examining and putting aside stereotypes of the “other,” electing pragmatic and solution-oriented representatives and seeking to understand each other’s dreams and yes, fears and concerns, I remain convinced that we can heal and build a better future for all.

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