Tea party revisited
On April 15, I exercised my First Amendment right by participating in the tea party protest held in Bangor. I was, and still am upset by the level of federal spending so I decided that instead of continuing to grumble I would make a presence at the tea party. In the media reports that followed the event, those who participated were described as being anywhere from whackos to domestic terrorists who should be put on a Homeland Security watch list.
Obviously, the many protests of that day around the country had no effect on our politicians. Bailouts for all sorts of reasons continued, cap-and-trade bills were passed in the House, insurance companies and auto manufacturers became owned by the government, health care reform proposals came with trillion-dollar-plus price tags, cash for clunkers, plus other deficit spending bills keep adding up.
Now that Congress has recessed, people all over the country want answers to their questions, especially to health care reform issues. (Incidentally, none of Maine’s delegation to this date has agreed to any meetings.) People participating in these current meetings are described by some congressional leaders as “un-American.”
Does this sound like America? Do we still have First Amendment rights? The millions who sacrificed their lives for our country would be quite dismayed to see what is happening today to those who try to express thoughts and ideas contrary to the political will of our elected representatives.
It is not too late to be heard. Let our congressional delegation know your thoughts.
Paul Bradeen
Milo
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Ask any senior
Out-of-state insurance companies must be really worried that everyone might get affordable health insurance. They will try anything.
Today I received an automated phone call that said Congress is going to cut Medicare Advantage plans for seniors. I have Medicare and it seemed like Congress is planning to cut my Medicare. It instructed me to “press 1” to vote to keep cuts from my Medicare. Confusing Medicare with Medicare Advantage is a trick to get statistics.
I am for Medicare for everyone if they choose it as a plan. It is affordable and good medical insurance. Ask any senior.
Carole Beal
Blue Hill
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Rights trump beliefs
I am responding to a letter to the editor by Constance Craven, “Same-sex marriage law,” on Aug. 10. Although I feel that committed gays and lesbians should be allowed to marry, I appreciated Craven’s letter because she states her theological belief clearly without leaving any feeling of malice. She certainly has the right to hold her belief and to express it.
However, she falls into the trap of thinking that somehow the state or federal government can create a law that would give couples in civil unions or domestic partnerships the same rights and privileges as married couples. I would refer Craven to a BDN article on May 4, “Expert: same sex marriage leaves legal questions.” Even if the state tried to create equality between civil unions-domestic partnerships and married couples, the federal government has a set of laws that would discriminate. Social Security and other benefits depend on whether a state classifies someone as married. According to the article, a Maine gay marriage law could influence how same-sex couples are treated under some federal laws.
In view of this legal morass, I feel that the concepts of equal rights and privileges trumps a theological belief that many Christians and others do not hold, especially if we honor our Constitution.
William Babson Jr.
Sinclair
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Generic is not good
What a disappointment to walk into the Bangor Borders store and see the amazing photography display adorning the walls of the children’s area removed. The display was of local children done by local, young photographer Hannah Wilde. I know this because my family has been fortunate enough to work with Hannah on several occasions.
After speaking with the store manager, I learned that Borders wants the stores to look more uniform and generic. How sad that Borders feels that beautiful, fun photographs of local children is unsuitable for their children’s area. I am hoping that this letter will help inspire others to voice their disapproval to Borders, if not for yourself, for our children.
Jillaine Geary
Sidney