I recently called Sen. Susan Collins’ office to share some of my fears and hopes for the present and future, given that she has the power to influence the course of history and relieve some of those fears.

I mentioned a few different topics, and when I asked the senator’s office staff person here in Maine to let me know what they captured, they said merely, “I think I have it.” I explained that I wanted to know the specifics of what they had written down, so that I could clarify if needed. Again, the same stock phrase: “I got it.” Over and over, no matter how many ways I reframed my request, nothing more than the same dismissive response.

Clearly, my concerns are unimportant to the senator. And that’s a shame.

Christine Fowler
Belfast