I have been the recipient of the robo-calls and smear ads from the Maine Republican Party. I am stunned by how mean and hateful these attempts are to influence my vote. They are clearly intended to raise my anxiety and make me fearful, angry or both. They are succeeding.

I am anxious and fearful of what this kind of emotion does out there in our world.

I am angry that it is being used as a tactic to win an election, despite the damage caused to relationships and communities that have to hear and read it.

It is incomprehensibly dangerous and irresponsible.

When you lay down paper and dry kindling, then hand out matches to as many people as you can, all it takes is a spark to ignite the flames. And then those who lay the fire blame those who ignite the spark.

Let’s not destroy our communities, our friendships or our country by falling victim to these attempts to divide us. “Love your neighbor” is still the hardest commandment we have ever been given.

Penny Hood, Farmington