"Having lived in other countries for many years, I see what is happening in America with other eyes — the eyes of people who live around the world and I am ashamed. I find it hard to answer my friends from other countries when they ask — is this the best leader of the world that the US can produce?

"His lack of understanding of the interconnectedness of the world — the interdependence of our not so separate countries ... The bluster — the bravado — the pout — the 'alternative facts' — the preaching to the lowest common denominator — and bringing out all the nasties that have been hiding in the mud for so many years ... I keep thinking that I will wake up and it will be some sort of nightmare.

"He has cheapened us as a people ... but I am there to fight his words with other words — science — data — reason — caring — humanity."

Liz Fenwick

Shaftsbury, Vermont