Like a lot of people living in America these days, I am currently very angry and tired when it comes to all of the actions of the current Presidential administration. The man elected to the office of President is hurting so many people, me and my family included, but that’s not why I am here today. I am here today to URGE you to stand up against the recent executive order directing states to criminalize unhoused people and institutionalize people with mental health disabilities and substance use disorder. This is not an American thing to do, and on an even greater level this is not a HUMAN thing to do. I live in Augusta, Maine where we have a significant homeless population. Our community is doing the best we can to help these folks. We as individuals are doing the best we can to help these folks. It helps, but it’s not enough.

What would help is the support, care, and love of government working IN COOPERATION with all individuals. We can’t criminalize people for being homeless. We can’t criminalize people for being mentally unwell or having substance issues. We have to HELP EACH OTHER.

I know that we can come together as HUMANS and work together to help those who need us. Please stand up to actions that hurt any human being that is just trying to live their lives. Right now, we are increasingly living in a world where those in power believe that the path forward is to hurt every day people. This executive order that the current administration has just taken is completely despicable. Please search your heart and find that what connects us all is caring and compassion and love. I know you have it. We all have it in us, we just have to remind each other about it from time to time.