It’s difficult to read about how President Trump tore down the East Wing of the White House.

I disagree with much of what this administration has done over the past year. I often find myself not knowing what to do about my anger. But the news about the East Wing tear-down and ballroom has left me feeling a different emotion. It’s not anger, but one of sadness.

I never realized how strongly I felt about the White House being one of our symbols of government. I took it for granted that it would always be there, and we would always have our history. And now, for one person to take it upon himself — with no input from Congress or anyone else — to fundamentally change the character of the White House is beyond anything I can comprehend.

Part of the identity of the United States is that we don’t make a show of opulence to confirm our power. We demonstrate our strength through our values and our generosity to those less powerful.

When the nation was founded, we opted for a “People’s House,” not a castle or palace. The White House’s simple beauty was deliberately designed to reflect the principles of a new nation — one rooted in the idea that government comes from the people and is accountable to them.

I wish I was only angry, but lately it feels like we are losing so much, so quickly. That sense of loss runs deeper than anger — it feels like grief.  

Delores Manel
Old Orchard Beach