On June 1, 1950, Margaret Chase Smith spoke out forcefully on the Senate floor against the tactics of Joseph McCarthy, issuing her “Declaration of Conscience” speech. That act of courage was taught in my history class as a point of pride for Mainers.
Seventy-six years later, Susan Collins occupies that same U.S. Senate seat. Rather than using her voice to speak out forcefully about conduct that is morally wrong, as Margaret Chase Smith did, Susan Collins expresses concern.
She expresses concern, but still supports her party’s most egregious policies. I cannot imagine what Margaret Chase Smith would think of the charade.
Gordon Gates
Kennebunk
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