How many Mainers would admit to any shortcomings in ability to think for themselves politically? Do you read more than one publication or scan more than one television channel? Have too many of us become intimidated about debating the policies and regulations that govern our daily existence? Do you engage with others about differing approaches to governance? Isn’t it time to come out of the closet and at least defend your beliefs? Must nearly every topic predictably lead to ‘us versus them’ opposition? Good government is supposed to result in majority-convincing agreement and public support. There appear to be rising odds of political conciliation in popular sentiment as the daily news proclaims more and more radical positions and declarations of dissident uprisings. Law and order must prevail over surrender if our red and blue states are to be genuinely re-united. It’s not time for a clear majority to be waving a white flag. Phil Osifer