My hometown made a headline late last month. This is why it matters to my daughter and me.
Maine Governor Janet Mills (D) has transformed Maine into a national punchline. And my social media feed proves that it's tearing us apart.
This isn't just a political theatre, it reflects the deep divisions and passionate opinions that affect our community.
President Trump and Mills clashed at the White House on February 21st over Maine's decision not to enforce an executive order aimed at keeping biological men out of girls' sports. Mills made it clear that Maine will not even comply with announcing its plans for legal action.
Trump said he looks forward to future court showdowns.
The girls from Gen Z and Gen Alpha are watching, but they are seeing who is fighting for them and who is silent.
Despite Maine's liberal reputation, Trump noted that he is working well in our state. At least in part, it was supported by Maine assigning election votes. Maine awards one election vote per legislative district, with the remaining two being sent to winners across the state. The system has allowed him to win Maine's Second Congressional District votes in the last three presidential elections.
Scrolling through your social media feeds, you'll see that a considerable number of main people reflect this sentiment.
However, Mills decided this was a battle she was staked for Maine's reputation. Her attitude towards the executive order not only ruffled feathers at the national level, but also sparked intense debate here in Maine.
Within all political stances, my attention turns to what really matters: Who is standing up for our girls? I have no interest in rehashing the morality of transgender issues or casting judgment on individuals. My focus lies in the real outcomes these policies have on our girls.
Take my 10 year old daughter, for example. She is a sports enthusiast. Her favorite sport is cross country. She may not have won the genetic lottery in terms of raw athletic ability, but she gives her all races – always with a smile and determination. I'm proud that she is doing her best. She doesn't need to win the title.
She also came to understand that the rules do not guarantee a level playing field. She sees how girls get rejected for championship titles, like last week when biological men won the women's pole vault title. Over the early years, she played coed teeballs, and learned that men often get stronger and faster. This is not an abstract argument for her, but a reality that affects how she sees fairness and competition.
Janet Mills supporters should consider this. What do you say to a young girl who loses a state championship to a biological man? What would you do if she was your daughter? If girls stop competing because the arena is no longer fair, how does it support Title IX's promise to ensure equal opportunities for sports?
My daughter isn't the only one watching. The girls from Gen Z and Gen Alpha are watching, but they are seeing who is fighting for them and who is silent.
Editor's Note: A version of this article has been released originally Subsack.
