Maine delegation responds to reports of anti-war comments

By Deirdre Fulton

WASHINGTON – Reports of Maine teachers making insensitive remarks in their classrooms about the conflict with Iraq have spread across the nation and have made an impact here in the capital, where the Maine congressional delegation is responding to the accounts.

After speaking last week with Adjutant General Joseph E. Tinkham of the Maine National Guard in an effort to emphasize her support for those in the service, Republican Sen. Susan M. Collins said in a statement, "These children are already facing a painful separation from a parent; any suggestion that their parents are doing something wrong is extremely unfortunate and could have a harmful effect."

Because younger children are even more sensitive, Collins said she hoped school personnel - especially those elementary and middle school teachers mentioned in the reports - would be "more sensitive to the impact of their comments."

Republican Sen. Olympia J. Snowe also expressed hope that the isolated incidents would not be taken as anything more than just that.

"I know that the good people of Maine will do everything to support and protect the families of those who are working to secure the blessings of liberty for each of us," Snowe said.

Democratic Rep. Michael Michaud, who is opposed to the war, said that regardless of public opinion, Mainers and the American public should remember the sacrifices of those in service.

"The conflict with Iraq has clearly stirred emotions within the American spirit," he said. "Whatever our opinions may be towards a war in Iraq, I believe we must show our support to our brave men and women in uniform."

Aides in Collins' and Democratic Rep. Tom Allen's offices said they had not received any calls about the issue, while Snowe's and Michaud's offices reported that calls had been received.

Published in The Kennebec Journal and The Morning Sentinel, in Maine.