Many of us living in Maine, including veterans like myself, hold the Freeport Flag Ladies in the highest esteem since they make us proud of their sacrifice and patriotism since 9/11. Therefore, the dismissal of their application for a permanent protection order Monday by Judge Beth Dobson in West Bath was a big mistake.

I was at the 9/11 ceremony in Freeport when James Roux III was dragged out kicking and screaming by the police. I don’t mind the judge upholding anyone’s First Amendment rights, since millions of us served our country to protect our constitutional rights and security.

But what about the fear felt by these three glorious older ladies and the harassment they have endured? I know this firsthand from talking to them Tuesday morning at their corner and talking to others attending court Monday.

Even if the judge felt the court order should be dismissed (although police had suggested that the ladies seek the protection order), she could have read young Mr. Roux the riot act, warned him to stay away from the ladies and seen through the “story” he told the court.

Certainly if some errant young man approached the judge’s home in a threatening manner, I would hope some man in her family would throw him off the property, call the police or otherwise protect the judge.

Sorry, your honor, you had a chance to protect the Freeport Flag Ladies and what they represent for all of us, and you blew it.

Bert Kendall

Cumberland

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