As members of the Saranac Lake Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), we are committed to living our lives in accordance with the belief that there is that of God in everyone. This calls forth a deep respect for the dignity of every person regardless of race, religion, culture, age, sexual orientation or immigrant status. We listen to all voices so that the truth may be found and our actions may be consistent with fostering the health and welfare of all. When conflicts arise, we strive for a nonviolent resolution, acting with integrity, while speaking the truth as we experience it.

It is with deep sadness and grave concern that we witness the repeated actions of the current federal administration that not only fail to honor the rights of all people but also blatantly disregard the long-term harm their actions have on individuals and families both within this nation and across the world. While there is an almost unbelievable number of issues, we find the following actions particularly egregious:

¯ The removal of already promised funding in the areas of health care, food distributions, protection from natural disasters, and scientific research and education hereby threatening the welfare and mental health of families and communities who depend on these resources.

¯ Firing of competent and essential government employees that has resulted in threatening the safety of travelers, disabling critical weather warning systems and diminishing the ability to respond to natural disasters.

¯ Actions against our veterans, people of color, people with different sexual orientations/ gender identities and people with disabilities. These actions not only demean and further marginalize these individuals, but in many cases threaten their health and safety.

¯ Removal of life saving aid — both food and medicine — to those in desperate need across the world thus failing to affirm the equal worth of all and destroying the integrity of our nation that has prided itself on being faithful to its word.

¯ Physically abusive arrests and deportations of immigrants who are peaceful and productive members of their communities thus destroying families, hurting American businesses and denying due process with legal representation.

¯ Arrest and imprisonment of those whose views are in conflict with the federal administration thus denying the constitutional right to free speech.

Faced with these assaults on the values which make our nation great, we feel we must take a stand and speak out:

We are called to love our neighbors (without exception).

We are called to value all voices nurturing the variety of our many gifts.

We are called to seek the welfare of all who bring life to our communities and strength to our democracy.

It is time for all citizens of our cherished democracy to listen to the voice of conscience calling us to compassion and respectful dialogue, and emboldening us to join together to demand that our leaders STOP these assaults on the inherent goodness of all people. It is time to heal and rejoice — delighting in the diversity which enriches us all.

Suzanne Beaumont

Beatrice Beguin

Mary A. Brown

Francisco Fonseca

Nancy S. Murphy

Valerie Pawlewicz

Leo Pickens

Lawrence H. Poole

Barbara G. Sheard

Timothy E. Sheard

Sara Sheldon

Saranac Lake