Food stamp coverage

With costs of living increasing, I wonder if other families are aware of one cost that is not covered. Women’s feminine hygiene products are not covered by food stamps. Feminine hygiene products are included with toilet paper as “paper products,” which food stamps do not cover.

I have written to the state Department of Health and Human Services and was informed that costs are too high to change the food stamp program. I am hoping that the change in the political landscape will encourage a new look at this problem.

Cynthia Wind

Ludlow

What was not said

During this long ordeal of campaigning, there were four things that I never heard a politician say:

It’s my fault.

I’m sorry.

I was wrong.

For the good of the country I won’t seek re-election.

Makes you wonder!

Rich Nutter

Bangor

There is a way out

In a BDN Nov. 3 letter, Duane Hanselman wrote: “I can’t help but wonder why a loving God would condemn two-thirds of the world’s population to such a fate simply because they weren’t born into Christianity.”

It seems Mr. Hanselman does not understand that one is not “born” into Christianity, as one is born in the U.S.A. and is an American. If one fully believes as a Christian that a “loving God” would not condemn people then this is not the God or Jehovah of the Bible.

John 3:16-18 states that those who possess Christ as Lord and Savior are not condemned. Those who have not accepted the free gift of salvation from God, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, are condemned already.

How does one become a biblical Christian? The Bible tells us that infant baptism will not save us, or church membership or being born into a Christian home.

The Bible states that we are all sinners. We must realize this, repent of our sins to God, ask forgiveness, and receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. That is Bible and biblical Christianity.

Pastor Gregory R. Hewitt

Bass Harbor

A triumph for U.S.A.

In April 1947 in Ebbets Field a black man trotted out to first base and a great change took place in American social and baseball history. The effect went far beyond the baseball diamond and the United States became a better place. The triumph of Jackie Robinson over hate and prejudice was a triumph for us all.

On January 20, 2009, a black man will be sworn in to the highest office in the U.S. and, as with the entry of Jackie Robinson into a white-dominated sport, this too will be a triumph for all of the country.

John Cancelarich

Presque Isle

Falling through the gaps

Seems like every time I turn around, a politician is pledging to fight for health insurance for Maine’s children. What about those children who fall through the gaps? Who’s looking out for them?

There are children in Maine who can’t get MaineCare-Cubcare because one of their parents is a part-time state employee. The written regulations stipulate that children of state employees are not eligible for any kind of coverage because their parent or parents get state insurance.

Part-time Maine employees can purchase health insurance if they make enough to pay for it. In my case, I don’t earn enough to purchase it, but my son can’t qualify for Mainecare-Cubcare and I’m sure he’s not the only one, as there are a lot of part-time state employees.

Our income qualifies my husband and me for MaineCare, but not my son.

The only person to show an interest in my situation was Rep. Doug Thomas of Ripley. He actually went and asked questions, but got little to work with. The state says it’s a federal problem and the feds say it’s a state problem.

Gloria Bagley

Harmony

Impressed with Acadia

As the new president and CEO of The Acadia Hospital, I have been impressed during my first few weeks on the job with the skill and dedication of Acadia employees. Another aspect of Acadia that became immediately apparent to me during my first week is just how fortunate the hospital is to have earned the trust of the communities we serve.

This trust manifests in many ways, but one of the most tangible is the tremendous financial support Acadia has received through our first-ever capital campaign titled, “Keep the Promise.”

The campaign has reached the $1.1 million mark as I write this letter. That is $100,000 over the original goal of $1 million. The money will enable us to build a new Pediatric and Family Center that will house our outpatient child and adolescent services, as well as our school program; make upgrades to our homeless shelter, the Acadia Recovery Community; and expand the space we have in our adult substance abuse treatment area.

One of my first official duties as CEO was to receive a $10,000 check from Norm Jolin, the director of the Hogan Road Shaw’s Supermarket.

I want to thank Shaw’s and all those who have given prior to my joining Acadia Hospital on behalf of our board of directors, staff, and most importantly, our patients.

I look forward to being a part of Acadia Hospital building on your trust and continuing our mission of mental health and substance abuse treatment for those in need.

David S. Proffitt, Ph.D.

Acadia Hospital President and CEO

Bangor

Signs of the times

Admittedly, there are many things in this world that I do not comprehend. One of them is the rationale behind the adornment of our city streets with election propaganda signs. Would it be a slap in the face to the First Amendment to prohibit such roadside littering? I don’t know. Do these signs actually serve a purpose? Have the signs convinced voters how to vote one way or the other? If they have, even one vote, woe onto us!

Who cleans up this mess after the elections? Do the perpetrators pick up all, some, or none of their handiwork? Hopefully someone can answer this.

If the city cleans up any of this litter that would mean that its residents de facto are paying for partisan political propaganda. Gee whiz, why do I bother not checking the election campaign contribution box on my federal tax return?

Does a municipality have the right to limit this street adornment? I don’t know. Answers, anyone?

Douglas Kazdoy

Bangor