It is unfortunate that once again Gov. LePage has failed to represent Maine well. His remarks in response to Georgia Rep. John Lewis fail to take advantage of the moment to enhance national unity rather than national division.

It is true that Abraham Lincoln led us in the Civil War, largely to preserve the Union, but also to end slavery. It is also true that thousands of white Americans died in the war.

Unfortunately, the governor did not mention that African-Americans, despite slavery, Jim Crow laws and discrimination, also fought and died in the Civil War, in the Revolutionary War, in the Indian Wars in the Far West, in World Wars I and II, in Vietnam and in each of our most recent wars.

It is also worth noting that Maine skippers and vessels were active in the slave trade, even after it was outlawed. Most people don’t know that. The governor could have acknowledged “our” complicity in slavery, while recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of folks like John Lewis who have helped to bring our nation closer to living up to its ideals. The governor missed a valuable opportunity.

John Lewis is a member of a generation of Americans who risked their lives to end discrimination and to gain the right to vote – something all citizens are entitled to. The governor might want to remember that when he meets with those Republicans around the country who are doing so much to disempower and suppress American voters, using new tactics to resurrect old racial suppression.

This country needs to heal from its various divisions. I hope in the future the governor will keep that in mind before he says things that don’t help, but I won’t hold my breath.

Jim Owen

Belfast