Dear Editor:

It was a very breezy day Saturday, June 30 in Damariscotta when more than 300 people showed up to protest the government's zero tolerance policy and the separation of children from their parents. I was truly amazed at the number. Signs were most inventive; one of my favorites was “crush ice,” while others read “zero tolerance for cruelty,” “Justice for the Children.” and “Suffer not the children NOT make them suffer,” Matthew
19:14. Another favorite was “What would Mr Rogers do?” There was also a child holding a sign that just said “Mommy” --- that says it all!

We do not really know where the parents of these children are and we also don't know where all the children are. People have been deported without their children. A mother was given information about children that were not hers. The government’s 1-800 information hotline goes unanswered. One former ICE official said parents may never see their children again.

We as a people cannot sanction traumatizing children. What kind of country have we become? Honestly, how are we ever going to be able to reunite these families? Is cruelty in America's DNA? I hope not and the people who came out that Saturday to say no made that very clear. They will stand up, stand out and stand strong for what is right, just and compassionate.

Bonnie Ginger
Boothbay