Dear Editor:

In the chaos and violence of immigrant removal actions in recent days, the names "ICE" or "Border Security," or leaders in those agencies -- Kristi Noem, Tom Homan, Gregory Bovino -- are filling the news. A behind-the-scenes fomenter of those actions, White House Deputy Chief of Staff House Stephen Miller, is receiving less attention currently, but his name can be added to this list.

Clearly one of the jobs of these officials is to deflect criticism of unpopular government anti-immigrant actions away from the president. But the example of President Harry Truman shows us how to think about this. He was known for keeping prominently on his desk a sign reading "The Buck Stops Here!"  This was an acknowledgment that ultimate responsibility for administration actions lies with the president, and that true leadership requires not trying to escape accountability.

Something to keep in the forefront of our attention going forward.

Thomas Eichler

Wiscasset