Letter to the editor: Obama should hold torch of freedom at Sochi games

Standing on the deck of our ship entering New York Harbor in the early morning light, I said, “There’s Liberty holding her bright torch, our symbol of freedom.” Liberty has welcomed millions to our shores seeking or returning to a country that represents that hope of freedom for the rest of the world.

President Obama is our standard bearer of Liberty’s torch of freedom. It is time to stop allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin the opportunity to direct political situations that arise on the world scene.

I suggest that President Obama go to the opening ceremony of the winter games being held in Sochi to stand with our USA athletes and hold the torch of freedom high, demonstrating to all that a free, democratic society supports every citizen of our country regardless of ethnic group, race or gender preference.

I strongly believe that this very act would gain the ultimate respect of all those who cherish the principles of freedom throughout the world.

Bob Chaplin

Bar Harbor