Nov. 26 Letters to the Editor
11/26/09 | 34 comments
LETTERS

Nov. 26 Letters to the Editor


Child, not inmate

Although I do not believe that what happened to Mr. Sheldon Weinstein, the convicted sex offender at the Warren Correctional facility, is OK, I do believe that the comment from his lawyer, Mr. Scott Gardner, was absolutely obscene. (“Prison guard fired after inmate death,” BDN, Nov. 10).

Gardner is quoted as saying, “Can you imagine anybody more vulnerable than a 64-year-old man in a wheelchair?” As a matter of fact I can. How about the child he molested? If this man’s estate receives any money for his untimely death, I hope this child’s parents get it, so that this child can get the counseling he or she will need to learn how to live with what this monster did.

Tammy Tyler

Blue Hill

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Pet priorities

I am puzzled. The BDN’s front page focus story (Nov. 21-22) is headlined, “Homeless in Bangor — Overflowing shelters, spilling out into the street, under bridges or in the woods, their numbers are growing.”

But on the front of the B section is a story headlined: “Animal shelter starts expansion; Hancock County’s SPCA to make more room for cats, dogs.”

Something isn’t right here. Maybe the dogs will share their space with Jane and Norman, the homeless pair pictured on the front page.

Patricia Pickard

Bangor

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Dawg days of fall

I have enjoyed Kent Ward’s column for a long time. In fact, along with my coffee it is a part of my Saturday morning ritual.

But Saturday’s offering (Nov. 21-22) was one of his best.

Quotes by Van Dyke and Frost notwithstanding, the whole piece was in itself poetry. It expressed perfectly the way I have been feeling about the fine November weather. I find Mr. Ward to be insightful and delightfully funny in the way only a Mainer can be.

I’m glad you can’t teach an Old Dawg new tricks. He does just fine with the ones he has.

Jill Hoyt

Hampden

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Tax reform spin

Charlie Webster’s BDN Nov. 20 OpEd distorts the facts about the tax reform package adopted by the Legislature last spring in several ways.

The most important fact is that Maine Revenue Services estimates that the great majority of Maine households at every income level, both very low income, those who “work as a waitress or drive a truck,” and higher income households will have a lower overall tax liability under the reform plan than under present law.

According to the U.S. Census, Maine’s “own source state and local revenue” per capita ranks 15th among the states, not among the “highest taxed” in the country.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has studied and established the facts that more low-income people receiving Medicaid benefits, for example, move out of the state than move in.

Maine’s cash welfare payments are the lowest in New England, so not likely to be the draw for people to move to Maine that Webster claims.

These facts are indisputable; Webster’s claims to the contrary are simply not true. It is a shame that he did not read the BDN carefully or regularly enough to get his facts right. The BDN’s editorial supporting the legislation got it right.

Christopher St. John

Gardiner

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Contemptible votes

On Saturday, Nov. 21, Maine’s two senators affirmed their departure from the best interests of their constituents by voting the Republican party line of no, the refusal to allow responsible dialog, or consider seriously formed alternative positions, or even permit the timely staffing of the executive and judicial branches of government.

They affirmed a position, had it been successful, that would have denied the opportunity to even discuss the health care bill, or consider alternative positions, or bring the matter to a substantive vote. And then Sen. Snowe had the gall to say that “moving forward [I] will offer amendments...” Oh, yes, immediately after she voted to try and prevent moving forward at all!

How, pray tell, does attempting to prevent action at all fulfill their most fundamental obligations to us? How can they possibly justify their attempt to refuse to allow formal deliberation on health care?

The stance our two senators have taken is contemptible. If they won’t legislate on our behalf, then perhaps they should relinquish their posts to public servants who are, on principle and performance, willing to join on the issues.

Hendrik Gideonse

Brooklin

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Comments
34 comments on this item
On 11/25/09 at 7:26 PM, untrimmedBver wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Happy Thanksgiving!

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On 11/25/09 at 7:29 PM, untrimmedBver wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

There you go folks, Christopher St. John has proven that, here in Maine, we're not over taxed!

I feel better already.

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On 11/25/09 at 7:34 PM, EJParsons wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I think I'm going to stay away from the BDN tomorrow. I want to enjoy my Thanksgiving. And I hope everyone else enjoys their Thanksgiving. Just remember to Whom you give your thanks. It really matters.

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On 11/25/09 at 7:43 PM, PabMainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Happy Thanksgiving EJParsons to you and your family....May God Bless....Psalm 100....

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On 11/25/09 at 7:53 PM, chersully2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

BDN Moderators: The poster chersully2000 is not cheersully2000 (which you removed) nor am I chersully2ooo. This will be addressed by phone in the coming days. Thanks.

Thank you for removing this poster from the other threads.

Isn't it about time for coronna....

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On 11/25/09 at 8:10 PM, Stevey_Dee wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.....

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On 11/25/09 at 8:20 PM, MaineSurvivor2 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Why was the comment section disabled for the "Gay marriage momentum stalls since Maine defeat" article?? Another BDN ploy to subdue freedom of speech? Just a pathetic newspaper! You should be ashmed of yourself!

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On 11/25/09 at 9:13 PM, PIchris wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

cher: I'm sure they figured it out, but write a letter, letters have a better impact.

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On 11/25/09 at 9:25 PM, chersully2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

PIchris: Yes, they contacted me. You better believe they figured it out....and it is being addressed.....for as long as it takes. Yup de doo!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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On 11/25/09 at 9:26 PM, ElectraGlide wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Nite All

Gotta stretch the ole stomach out

A little nite of the Cap will do.

Drive Safe

and God Speed

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On 11/25/09 at 9:26 PM, untrimmedBver wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

You tell her, PIchris!

It's OUTRAGIOUS!

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On 11/25/09 at 9:26 PM, boogyman wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Patricia Pickard,

The dogs and cats have no control over their prediciment, Jane and Norman do.

Hope ya'all have a happy Turkey day.

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On 11/25/09 at 9:29 PM, untrimmedBver wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

chersully2000,

I, for one, am glad to see this behavior addressed!

Do you think that person will get hard time?

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On 11/25/09 at 9:52 PM, chersully2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Gobble...gobble...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

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On 11/25/09 at 10:04 PM, bubbalouie wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Happy thanksgiving all.... remember the homeless ... even the cats and dogs if you have a few spare bucks.

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On 11/25/09 at 11:17 PM, WilliamDS wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Hendrik Gideonse, check out their contributors and you'll see why.

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On 11/25/09 at 11:21 PM, WilliamDS wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Guess what, cher, he's baaaaack... and posted at 9:29.

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On 11/26/09 at 3:32 AM, PIchris wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Happy Thanksgiving cher, Electra, and William !

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On 11/26/09 at 6:45 AM, Ladyslipper wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Jill Hoyt I'm pleased that you took the time to write the BDN about Kent Ward's exceptional column last weekend. I agree it was one of the best he has ever written !!

.

Patrica Pickard,Expanding Hancock county's SPCA Shelter is probably a good thing. It should insure that they won't be saddled with a lawsuit . Obama's Regulatory CZAR is in favor of "Animal Lawsuits".....in which animals will be able to sue people !! This is the same guy who also is in favor of thinning the human population by 20% .....enter the Obama Healthcare Reform Bill....

.

Chersully, I hope to God you never have a REAL problem to deal with . What would you do?

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On 11/26/09 at 6:47 AM, ElectraGlide wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

((( I WILL have a Toast )))

(((( TO ALL the Live and Let Live Good People Today ))))

(((((((((((( Clink>Gulp ))))))))))

(((((((((((( Now Lets Eat )))))))))))) {:~0}}}}}}}}}}

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On 11/26/09 at 7:03 AM, Yesman wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Kit St. John has a fast and loose relationship with the truth.

Fact is, this "tax reform" bill is a slick way for the state to raise revunues over time while fooling those who voted it in that it reduces the tax burden.

REPEAL IT!

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On 11/26/09 at 8:13 AM, JD2008 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Couldn't resist the little dig Ladyslipper? Even on Thanksgiving?

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On 11/26/09 at 8:26 AM, chicky wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Maine is one of only a few states that allow convicted drug felons to sign up for welfare....I worked in social services for 20 years, I had several clients that moved here from out of state because they could not get welfare in their home state for this reason. we are also one of only a few states that do not have time restrictions on welfare payments. most states set a five year limit, as welfare is supposed to be a hand up not a hand out...maine democrats have open ended welfare enrollment. THOSE ARE THE REAL FACTS. that said, welfare in maine with no hope of a job is cruel and robs people of their dignity, but it does ensure the liberal machine votes. THATS DISGUSTING! The lift and shift tax proposal that dems passed (ld 1495) will take money out of the pockets of the working poor, elderly, and those on welfare to continue the states never ending spending spree on things that are foolish, art for toliets along I 95 for example. wake up people, 38 years of democrat control in augusta and you would think voters would say enough is enough.

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On 11/26/09 at 9:24 AM, markko wrote: Click here to view hidden comment         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
On 11/26/09 at 9:56 AM, untrimmedBver wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Burning flags today, markko or just spitting on them?

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On 11/26/09 at 9:59 AM, markko wrote: Click here to view hidden comment         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
On 11/26/09 at 10:38 AM, JD2008 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

LOL....the thumb down patrol is back at it.....even on Thanksgiving!

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On 11/26/09 at 12:12 PM, JoeDoe wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Hendrick, if you want something for free, go to Olive garden and get some breadsticks.

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On 11/26/09 at 12:12 PM, JoeDoe wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Hendrick, if you want something for free, go to Olive garden and get some breadsticks.

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On 11/26/09 at 12:12 PM, chersully2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

JD: A very sad individual....that one....not worth the breath it takes (a very mean spirited individual as most have picked up on)......As most reasonable decent people know .....no one would wish to have a creepy pervert posting with a variation of one's name......and of course the BDN picked up on it; I did not even have time to report it, before they were right on it.

Good for them! Happy Thanksgiving to the BDN folks too!!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, JD. You too, markko. Off for turkey and all the trimmin's now. Don't eat too much ( ha ha)

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On 11/26/09 at 3:51 PM, untrimmedBver wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

re: 12:12 PM

So true, chersully.......... I too have noticed that person is a very sick individual and has nothing in common with the decent, educated, progressive, non judgemental, open minded and not blinded by there so called "christianity", enlightened posters like you, me, anne, william, pichriss and crazyfingers, searoses, etc. and others here who are trying to have high minded, serious discussion.

It's outrageous but not even worth responding to that person. They don't deserve it. Decent people can spot them a mile away!

Happy Thanksgiving.

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On 11/28/09 at 6:32 PM, PIchris wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Says the jerk using multiple handles !

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On 11/28/09 at 7:31 PM, chersully2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

PIchris: You are correct as usual. I will never be kicked off unlike some of them (then they come back with a different handle). If one is honest as you and some others are, one does not get kicked off. I have not been online most of the day, and come back for a few mins and find that these/this little pervert has nothing better to do but......it is so pathetic. It will be addressed by the BDN sooner or later. You can bet on it. But you and I will be going nowhere.....you and I , unlike some here, only post under one name....and the BDN can, and has , confirmed that. What an useless idiot that one is. We know what that is all about.....let them go on and on with it.....it will not continue indefinitely. Poor ole coronnadrinker....slurp....slurp.....no one had to report that idiot. The BDN does their job; they are often on top of it, and catch all this garbage themselves. Yes siree.....

Have a good one Chris!

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On 11/28/09 at 8:13 PM, PIchris wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

You mean she's made a dozen of your personalities mad ?

Get help !

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