The state of Maine is known nationwide for many wonderful things — lobsters, the ocean front, vast tracks of forests and the varying seasons are but a few.

I am most proud of Mainers’ reputation for tenacity and stubbornness regarding ethics, morals and politics. Names such as Muskie and Smith, Cohen and Mitchell are recognized throughout the nation as Maine’s version of political heroes. They stood up for what was right and were not afraid to go against the flow and say “No, sir, what you are doing is unacceptable.”

However, Maine’s reputation took a severe hit with the antics of Gov. Paul LePage making the state a punchline on the world stage. He is a constant source of embarrassment.

There was a chance to recover. As a lifelong supporter of Sen. Susan Collins, I had high expectations that she would see that Donald Trump is obviously incompetent and grossly inhuman. I honestly thought she would take the baton from Maine’s past political heroes, step up to the national spotlight and challenge him. Her failure to do so, and her expected support of an abomination of a tax cut, has ended her chance to be held up as an example to others.

Collins is either more interested in votes than in morals (which is awful) or thinks that Trump and the tax cuts are fine (which is even worse). Either way, she no longer holds the high ground and should not be representing Maine in the eyes of the world.

Anthony Winslow, Gray