I am a retired teacher. I taught U.S. history for over 40 years in several coastal Maine schools. I spoke with pride about Valley Forge, Nathan Hale, Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and the Marines on the island of Iwo Jima. While speaking of these great events I did not ignore some of the negatives of our country’s story – such as the treatment of the American Indians and our very poor record on equal rights.

Never in my wildest imagination did I ever think I would see the treatment of humans such as we now extend to children of immigrants!

Had the Nazis done it … we would condemn it.

Had the so-called Islamic State done it … we would condemn it.

Had the Taliban done it … we would condemn it.

I am filled with contempt and disgust at the treatment that these children are receiving, and I am outraged that American tax dollars are being used to support such a program.

I ask that any person who shares this view contact their elected representatives and awaken them to this horror.

Woody Townsend

Brunswick