Dear Editor:

We’re reflecting on a Letter to the Editor dated Dec. 2, 2021 written by David Pope, a Wiscasset resident. We would like to thank David for his insight and candor regarding the current state of our country and we totally agree with his position. Wanting reasonable gun laws, respect for police/law enforcement when the government is being challenged on the Capitol steps in Washington, D.C., having fair elections, is this too much to ask?

We can’t sit idly by without expressing our sadness and shocked surprise at folks supporting the negative changes in our country and democracy as we know it.

As educators and parents, safety was a top priority to create a positive environment to learn and grow. But the actions being seen of adults and leaders that are not willing to compromise, or admit defeat and to feel emboldened by bullying ... really, is this the world we want to live in and/or leave behind?

Our grandson just turned 6 years old. When he was born, our hope was that the world was moving toward a positive and safe environment, yet it doesn’t seem to be going in that direction. Climate change, racial discrimination, and weak gun laws are just a few problems his generation will have to deal with moving forward. His generation is learning that you don’t have to be held accountable and you can mistreat people with little consequence. This is sad!

Our hope is that we could live in a world where 6-year-olds have a safe and respectful environment but instead, now it’s chaotic, scary and dysfunctional.

No longer are we working across the aisle, respecting the results of an election, or simply getting along. Civility is gone. This is unfortunate!

Our children and grandchildren are watching and learning. Come on, we can do better than this!

Terri and Peter Wells

Wiscasset