I am deeply saddened by the expressions of bigotry that have erupted in Maine and throughout the country since Barack Obama was elected to the presidency.

In my experience, there are only two kinds of people in the world: those with good hearts and intentions, and those with not-so-good hearts and intentions, and both come in all colors, religions and cultures.

I believe in Obama’s good heart and good intentions, as well as in his intelligence and judgment. I think a lot of people do. That is why he was elected.

Ignorance and hatred are obstacles to solving the nation’s problems and moving the world toward greater peace and prosperity. If there is anything to be intolerant about, it’s that kind of intolerance.

Everyone ought to know better by now. There are no excuses for such attitudes and behaviors. We all have prejudices that have been instilled in us, one way or another, but it is up to us, as individuals, to recognize them for what they are and rise above them.

It’s a matter of basic decency.

Some of the perpetrators of the hate messages consider themselves Christians. I seem to recall an important doctrine in Jesus’ teachings is the brotherhood of man.

How long will it take for human beings to realize that we are all brothers and sisters on this Earth, and we need to start helping and taking care of each other, instead of hurting each other and the planet we live on?

Virginia Hughes, Auburn