Originally published at Saco Bay News, April 6, 2024

This is a story about a Maine state senator and some very blatant hypocrisy and the pure political exploitation of a religious holiday.

Despite the claims made by some neo-conservatives and other outright bigots, I believe — as did former President Ronald Reagan — that our country is only made stronger and more noble because we embrace and assimilate many different cultures and ethnicities under one umbrella; a nation where all those seeking freedom can co-exist equally and each set a course in the pursuit of happiness.

Diversity is a good thing. Inclusion is a good thing — right up until such ideals are exploited for political favor or for silly campaign fodder.

As President Reagan eloquently explained in his 1987 speech before the World Affairs Council, “You can live in Germany, Turkey, or Japan, but you can’t become a German, a Turk, or Japanese,” Reagan said. “But anyone, from any corner of the earth, can come live in America and become an American. That is the essence and ultimate strength of our nation.”

But this is not a column about Ronald Reagan.

Instead, this is a column about State Sen. Henry Ingwersen, a Democrat seeking re-election to again represent the communities of Biddeford, Arundel and Kennebunk in the Maine State Senate for a second term.

Ingwersen is a nice enough guy, but he also might possibly be the whitest person to ever roam the shores of southern Maine. And he knows it. I think it actually causes him pain.

Ingwersen recently appeared almost desperate to showcase his appreciation for the ideals of diversity and inclusion. So desperate, in fact, that he actually took the time to send Saco Bay News a press release pointing out the fact that he attended a recent dinner to celebrate and honor Maine’s growing Muslim community during a time of their high holiday celebrations.

I think it’s awesome that Ingwersen took the time to attend the recent Iftar Celebration dinner, which celebrates the end of the daily fast during Ramadan. The community dinner was held at Southern Maine Health Care last Saturday.

Saturday’s celebration was rescheduled due to poor weather conditions. Thus, this celebration of the Muslim faith was held smack dab between Good Friday and Easter, two of the most important holidays in the Christian faith.

Laura and I were invited to the event but were unable to attend the rescheduled dinner. I was looking forward to it because I know next to nothing about the culture surrounding the Muslim faith.

According to a nugget I found on the city of Biddeford’s official website, ”during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide dedicate time to spiritual reflection; at the heart of this sacred month lies the principle of charity, known as ‘Zakat’ in Arabic. Charity (Zakat) holds profound significance as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, underscoring the importance of sharing one’s wealth with those in need.”

More about the celebration and its cultural significance can be found in the April 8 edition of the Biddeford Beat newsletter, a municipal publication distributed online by city officials.

Full disclosure: I was raised Catholic and did not attend Mass on either Good Friday or on Easter Sunday. I have a complicated relationship with God, but I think He/She/It appreciates the fact that I avoid the hypocrisy of just going to Mass on high holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

But back to Ingwersen. I don’t recall getting a press release from the senator celebrating Easter, Chanukah or Wesak, which celebrates the birth of Buddha.

No press release and accompanying photo of Henry Ingwersen on Ash Wednesday or any other of the more boring traditional holidays likely celebrated by an overwhelming percentage of his constituents.

And that’s a good thing. Elected officials should really leave religion at home and not use it to curry the voters’ favor or to appear more “hip and diverse.”

The ultimate irony here is that Ingwersen politically decimated a Christian pastor who ran unsuccessfully as the Republican nominee for the District 32 senate  seat.

I, and many others, found it a bit strange that Rev. David Corbett used his religious title in his campaign materials, including his lawn signs.

Despite common misconceptions, there is no specific mention of a “separation of church and state” in the Constitution. The First Amendment does, however, prohibit the government from establishing a national religion.

Many Democrats across the country are currently mocking Donald Trump’s sickening campaign ploy to sell autographed Bibles.

The Democrats laugh and point and Trump’s blatant hypocrisy and how he exploits Christians for his own political gain.

What would they think about Ingwersen actively seeking media attention for attending a religious event? Is what’s good for the goose good for the gander?

Ingwersen should publicly apologize for trying to use a wonderful community event for his own political gain.

In the movie Jaws, Police Chief Martin Brody says: “I’m the chief of police. I can do anything.” He soon learns a lesson about his arrogance.

Hopefully, Henry will learn a lesson, too.

Attending the dinner and celebration is important. Many other local politicians attended the event. But sending out a press release and a photo of yourself at the event is just boorish.

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