It was so disheartening to witness Sen. Susan Collins and her Republican colleagues stand and applaud the president as he lied to the American public during the State of the Union, continued to divide rather than unite us and, at times, used deplorable language. I know there is political pressure to put on a show by cheering for this man, but that does not excuse Republicans for their lack of statesmanship.

I believe the president’s speech was a major political mistake. Despite the president’s self-promoting claims that we were “winning, winning, winning,” that has not been the experience of a vast majority of Americans. Increasing numbers of us are seeing clearly who this president is. We are witnessing his debasement of our basic values and institutions, the cruelty of many of his policies, the failure to relieve the burdens carried by ordinary citizens, his lack of civility and his increasingly dangerous behavior.

I believe the Republican Party is going to pay a significant price in the midterm elections for continuing to support the president when so many Americans are no longer willing to tolerate the his lack of character, honesty and humanity.

If I am right about the midterms, we may be taking the first steps in the long process of repairing the damage caused by this president. In that event, I am hopeful that all senators and representatives will follow the insight of the American voters and begin to cooperate in that process with the courage and honesty that will be required.

Terry Fralich
Saco