Every Sunday for the last three years I have sat down to write this column, I write about Lincolnville, town events, its history, random thoughts and memories that enter my head. I love this little place, this quiet spot on the coast of Maine.

When I look over what I have written, there are some definite themes. I talk a lot about community. About how we find ways to get along regardless of our differences. About welcoming all to our little place.

It is incredibly hard to write about this today. I have never seen my nation, my state, my town more divided. It doesn’t feel like something I can or should just push off, agree to disagree. 

What I am seeing in my country is deeply upsetting. People who I thought truly believed in our national values are supporting behavior from the government that seems to run counter to the country I pledged allegiance to as a little kid at LCS.

ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has been deployed in large numbers to Maine. Our state is not exactly an immigration hotspot. We do have a bunch of New Mainers in Southern Maine, from Somalia and other parts of Africa, most who long ago took the oath and became citizens. In my experience, these are great new neighbors, hard working folk very similar my own ancestors who settled here looking for a better life.

Meanwhile, our president calls them “garbage”. An entire group of people, classified as garbage. People I have encountered caring for children with special needs, looking out for our elderly population. Raising their children, just like me, in this beautiful state. Garbage. I cannot ignore this.

In my day job I hear the pain of the people I work with. Racist and homophobic taunts in Midcoast schools. Coworkers who cannot show up for work, colleagues whose clients have disappeared. The general anxiety of living in an uncertain world. My own sister-in-law, a U.S. citizen, won’t leave the house without her passport and papers, aware that her accent and skin color may make her a target.

Look, I have no problem with enforcing immigration laws, with keeping bad people out of America. If ICE was only removing the “worst of the worst” from our streets, I wouldn’t be writing this.

I see no evidence that this is their goal. Instead, it seems like they are rounding up a lot of ordinary people, people like you and I, who are trying to make a life for themselves and their families. People with no criminal history, maybe only civil offenses like overstaying a visa. Why is ICE in Maine, with our comparatively very small immigrant population? 

Maybe because our governor called out the president in front of the world? Maybe because he did not win the majority of our support in his elections? 

I like to write about community, about mutual support, about having your neighbor’s back. I know I have friends and neighbors who think what is happening in our state, in our country is a good thing. They make sure to tell me over social media, via text.

I have friends from away who advocate cutting out people who support the current regime, to not let such views into their lives.

This kid from this small town can’t do that. I have to accept that even though I might hate what you believe, I may still love you. We survived first grade together. We watched horror movies and stayed up all night freaked by every sound in the woods. You made me laugh when I hurt. You were there for me when things were dark. This moment in time will not divide us.

Yet, I will not be okay with what is happening. I will not support a federal crackdown on people living their lives. Renee Good, Alex Pretti, say their names, killed by the government while they were looking out for their neighbors, lied about by our leaders. So many people working and dreaming of a better life detained, potentially sent back to a country they never knew, or where they will be endangered because of who they are.

My only consolation is the my belief that most who support what is happening believe the version put out by our government, are not seeing the same videos and photos that I see. We are all capable of self delusion. And the alternative? Well, history will play it out.

Town Government 101

Wednesday, January 28, at 6:30 p.m., Town Administrator David KInney will host a conversation at the Lincolnville Library about municipal government, how it works, what it can and cannot do, There will be desserts and welcome bags for new residents.

The town is entering budget season and there is no one better to explain how this little burg runs than Dave Kinney. During my time on the Budget Committee, I knew we could always rely on Dave to explain things in simple terms even this old social worker could understand. This is not to be missed for anyone who who seeks an understanding of where your tax dollars go.

Oof, I got a little political, Lincolnville. Time to cook some food, watch the Patriots, and prepare for the storm. Tell me what you think, ceobrien246@gmail.com.

Municipal Calendar

Monday, January 26

Select Board, 6 p.m. Town Office

Tuesday, January 27

Library open 3-6 p.m. 208 Main Street

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Thursday, January 29

Library open 3-6 p.m. 208 Main Street

Budget Committee, 6 p.m., Town Office

Friday, January 30

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Saturday, January 31

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Sunday, February 1

United Christian Church, 9:30 a.m. Worship and Children’s Church, 18 Searsmont Road

Bayshore Baptist Church, 10 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages, 10:40 a.m. Coffee and Baked Goods, 11:00 a.m. worship, 2648 Atlantic Highway