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Two opinions published by the Bangor Daily News on Thursday were excellent and if readers missed them, they should go back and look them up.
The one written by Scott Bloomberg, “Why we need a ‘Red Line Caucus’ in Congress,” called on Sen. Susan Collins to use her seniority and respect that she has earned to pull together a group of Republicans. She could start with the Republicans who are still in Congress and who voted to impeach Donald Trump for incitement of insurrection against the United States. Bloomberg suggests that these representatives (and other Republicans who believe in the rule of law and our Constitution) could form a coalition to take specific actions in response to the instances when the executive branch abuses their power. This would, in effect, create a red line that when crossed, would have consequences. He ended by saying that although the Constitution has many checks on the president’s power, these are only words on paper unless they are used; and he implores Collins to act soon because once red lines are crossed, it is really difficult to go back.
The second opinion column, by Jennifer Gingrich and Christy Hammer, is a very persuasive opinion about why transgender athletes should not be allowed to compete on girls’ and women’s sport teams. These writers are not anti-trans and they say that everyone regardless of how they identify should have rights and equal opportunities in employment and housing and should feel safe in their communities. However, they stress that the biological facts are such that people who are born male often have significant speed and strength advantages. These writers say that this should not be a political, partisan issue. I agree.
Karen Jo Young
Corea