It finally happened. After more than 200 years, we have gone full circle and given away one of the few remaining rights our forefathers fought so desperately for in their wish to have a government of the people, for the people and by the people.

The citizens of this state have no idea what message their “no” vote on Question 1 sent. The real issue on that question was not gay rights, but whether we allow our legislators to blatantly go against the will of the people and enact a law that had been soundly rejected by majority vote on two occasions.

Translated, that means our votes no longer count. We have empowered a handful of legislators to do what they want, when they want. The voice of the people will no longer be heard.

Beware of what will be next. Nothing will be sacred. Nothing will be spared.

Jacqueline P. Smith, Lewiston