Dear Editor:

I grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts where the first battle of the American Revolution took place. Every year on April 19 the area commemorates that battle with parades and memorial ceremonies. As a child, I participated in events and proudly marched to our common where early settlers stood and died. A statue of Capt. Parker, a leader of the Minutemen, stands on this sacred ground. Being part of these ceremonies led me to a political science major in college and a career as a social scientist and teacher.

As I watched the impeachment inquiry and trial, I pulled out a copy of the Declaration of Independence written a year and a half after this early stand against tyranny by the colonists. I urge people to take a look at this short document.

The founding fathers wrote this after their last hope for redress of grievances against Parliament; the king of England let them down. They list 27 actions taken under the king’s direction against the colonies.

After hearing Professor Dershowitz’s interpretation of the unlimited power of the executive, will we have 27 acts of tyranny from this president and those that come in the future? Is this the government we leave the future citizens of this great nation?

The 2020 election could not be more important. It is now up to us. Are “we the people” capable of carrying the torch of liberty handed to us that cold April morning in 1775?

Joyce Sirois

East Boothbay