Why, Where, When
I think most people accept that many of the bullets and grenades lobbed at our embassies in the Middle East were bought and paid for with the proceeds of Middle Eastern oil sales.
Every time we fill up our cars or turn up our thermostats they get a chunk ‘o’ change. Americans should ask themselves a few questions like: What did we get for that six-month moratorium on oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, the effects of which went way beyond six months because the owners of those multimillion-dollar-plus oil rigs had to move to where they could drill?
Why is it so hard to lay a natural gas pipeline and so easy to throw money at solar companies whose time has not yet come? Why do we listen to celebrities and others who don’t know a BTU from Whatsamatta U and claim all we need to do is conserve energy and use solar?
When looking for “shovel ready projects,” why didn’t we encourage natural gas-powered tractor-trailers by helping to provide the fueling stations along major interstates? Why are we quick to make fun of the “drill baby drill” crowd and yet understanding of the marks who got conned by Solyndra? In Maine, why do we get “warm fuzzies” every time a working hydro dam gets taken down and protest the noise of windmills so much? Why can’t we have a liquefied natural gas terminal? What’s the big deal about the east-west corridor, which would save diesel fuel? If I didn’t know better, I’d say we were spoiled.
Randy Day
Garland
Fiscal mismanagement
Unless one is sleepwalking we are all aware that the primary issue facing our country is economic survival. Do we want to send someone to the U.S. Senate with a record of fiscal mismanagement?
Under former Governor Angus King, spending went up, though he served when revenues were at an all-time high. Add to this his use of taxpayer money to line his own pockets via the wind company whose launching was prepared for using his position as governor, and we have a truly disastrous candidate for our times.
Patricia Egan
Rockport
Not partisan politics
Republican legislators led by the Maine Heritage Policy Center passed legislation last year to open competition among insurers in Maine, hoping to lower insurance rates for all. Six months later, while most under the age of 40 saw rate cuts, the rest of us over 55 saw rate increases as high as 18 percent.
This is bad news for Waldo County, where census demographics show that almost 40 percent of the residents are 55 and older. The same legislation increased insurance rates for small business, with higher premiums and higher deductibles. Small businesses are the only employers in rural Waldo County.
What we need in Augusta is an independent thinker connected to the needs of rural Waldo County, not tied to some think tank based on principle written by the wealthy from far away.
Democrat Brian Jones of Freedom taught your children and grandchildren math in school. He is a selectman dealing with local issues — taxes, education, budgets, services for the elderly and infirm, improving town government.
Brian Jones will pay attention to local needs, not partisan politics, in the Maine House of Representatives.
Patty Pendergast
Thorndike
No on 1
There is a vast and distinct difference between religion and true Christianity. In recent days, religion has crept into the forefront of the same-sex marriage debate. Religious leaders and “people of faith” have voiced their support in favor of same-sex marriage.
They have said, in part, that God is a God of love and compassion for all, including homosexuals. They are right insofar as they have taken it, because the Bible does say he loves all of us. The rock of Christianity is the Holy Bible. As Christians we believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God. In other words, it’s God’s way of speaking to us.
The Bible also says God is a God of judgment and condemnation, and judgment day is coming. God loves the sinner but hates the sin. God condemns homosexuality. Period. I challenge any and all religious leaders and people of faith to find and produce one verse in the Bible where God gives homosexuals a break or says it’s not a big deal.
You won’t find such a verse. He calls it an abomination. So my question is this: How can religious leaders, these so-called “ministers ordained by God” and any person of faith, condone something that God clearly condemns? There can be no doubt with any true people of faith! Keep the legal definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. Keep “Maine, the way life should be”! Vote no on Question 1.
John Henderson
Bridgewater
Government promises
As a retired state employee, I feel betrayed by the Maine legislative actions that have deprived retirees of future cost of living adjustments and other adjustments to our retirement plans.
State retirees fulfilled the obligations of their contracts, trusting that the state would do the same. We must change the legislative climate in Augusta to restore the trust in Maine government to keep its promises to public employees, labor and small businesses struggling to survive.
The legislative adjustments made to finance tax cuts for the richest Mainers will impact our economic security for years to come and affect the whole economy that would have benefited from the spending of dollars now lost. We must not praise those who seem blind to the welfare of their constituents and who vote for the biggest corporate profit interests.
I’m voting for Democrat Bob Saucier to represent District 5 in Presque Isle, the candidate who will work for our economic interests; for the interests of all retirees, workers and small businesses; and for the restoration of trust in our Maine government to keep its promises.
Janet Snow
Presque Isle
Treatment needed
In a letter in favor of doctor-assisted suicide ( BDN, Sept. 14), Gerald A. Metz M.D. writes about patients “descending into disability and hopelessness.”
Hopelessness and suicidal ideation are symptoms of depression.
Terminally ill patients should have access to quality mental health services.
Being depressed can make the pain worse. Being in pain can make the depression worse. They both need to be treated.
Jim Alciere
East Machias
Going out on a limb here, Romney will be elected President this November, not saying I agree with it, but it will happen…
It will happen – in yer dreams.
Yessah
Romney is not electable. He has zero appeal to people of color, the poor, the working stiffs, women, or anyone else who is not rich, white, and self righteous. His message only resonates with a small percentage of Americans. No where near enough to carry the day. Not that I am a huge fan of Obama, but don’t look for any moving vans in front of the White house in January. My vote will go to Gary Johnson, the libertarian. People say it is a waste of a vote. I say a vote for Obama or Romney is a waste of a vote and just begging for more of the same. Thank you sir, may I have another. I think you are sawing on the tree side of the limb. I hope you have a soft landing.
I cant help but report the facts….. As I say I dont agree but have to report it…
Romney appeals to me. I’m a working stiff. All the polls show Obama and Romney approximately equal. Obviously, Romney has appeal to quite a few American voters.
A working stiff Republican? Isn’t that like the chicken who drags the ax around behind Colonel Sanders, never thinking it will be his turn next? Mitt Romney will be solidly in your corner, until the day after he is elected, or loses the election. If he wins, he will set out to improve the lot of his friends in the top 1% and no one else. If he loses, he will go back to sending American jobs overseas for fun and profit. Doesn’t it bother anyone that there are several qualified people running for president and all we hear about is Romney and Obama. I intend to vote for someone that the media does not want to win. The rest of the sheep can do what they want.
Do you believe that you don’t have the same chance as anyone else to change your lot in life through hard work and determination?
I have been a Marine, a Merchant Marine, a commercial diver, owned my own construction business, and now own my own firewood business. I think I know a little about hard work and determination. But, I am always willing to learn. Perhaps you could teach me.
Do you believe that the “99%” can change their lot in life through hard work and determination? It’s always very interesting when people start talking about the 99%. I am a member of the 99% and I believe that if I don’t like where I am in life or what I do for a living I have the ability to go out and change that. Me. Not you. Not the Government. Me, I am responsible for where I am in life.Do you believe differently?
I have to admit, I am disappointed that you did not give me any pearls of wisdom on work ethic or determination. I have had a job in one form or another since I was 13. Speaking as a man who has been on the job for 39 years, sorry if I don’t t feel the love from Mitt. A man who has never done an honest day’s work in his life. And yes, I know, Obama. has never had a callous either.
I am not concerned about your support of Mitt or Barrack. That’s not the point of my questions to you.
You specifically brought up the 99% and I am asking you a very serious question(s).
Who is responsible for where you or I are in life? Is it the individual? Don’t you and I have the same chance at changing our lot in life? Aren’t we responsible for where you and I are i life? If we aren’t happy don’t you and I have the opportunity to change that?
I am not questioning your work ethic or determination. I AM asking doesn’t every one have the same opportunity to demonstrate that work ethic or determination?
In a perfect world, yes. Everyone would have the same opportunity to succeed in life. However, we do not live in a perfect world. I do not believe that someone who grows up in a very poor family has the same opportunites as someone who grows up in a rich family. While it is sometimes possible for someone in the former situation to succeed in life, it is far more difficult than the person in the latter situation. Even then, the chance some people have to succeed is very slim.
To bad you feel that way. I cannot change your perspective if you cannot look around you and see that where people come from is only a limit if you make it a limit.
There are no external limits? There are only identical sets of circumstances for each individual? Get real.
The opportunity is available to all. The only limiting factor is you.
You have an idea for a new product? You have the same opportunity to bring it to market.
You have an idea for starting your own business and be your own boss? You have that ability.
Those that have the will, drive & determination will find the way.
“You have an idea for a new product? You have the same opportunity to bring it to market.” – If you can finance it…
“You have an idea for starting your own business and be your own boss? You have that ability.” – If you can finance it…
Nothing but a smoke screen. If that were the case there would be no new inventions or new small businesses in this country.
Who founded Apple and where did they found it.
How did Dogfish Head brewery get there start and what was the education level of its founder?
Where there is a will there is a way.
It’s funny you bring up Apple, for multiple reasons.
1. The market for personal computers was not anywhere near as big as it is today. Part of the reason they were able to succeed in the early years was the lack of major competition for personal computers. Today, good luck starting a tech company. If Apple doesn’t crush you, then Microsoft will.
2. One of Apple biggest claims to fame, the Graphical User Interface, or GUI, was actually stolen from Xerox. At the time, Xerox did not predict the actual value of the GUI, so they let Apple have it. So, it was not skill or innovation that gave Apple the GUI, but instead luck.
3. Today, how many amazing technological innovations are you seeing? Because all I can see are slightly better versions of what we already have. Apple and other tech companies actually do stifle innovation. While not a recent example of this, Kodak is still an excellent example of a large company stopping innovation. Kodak had the technology for a digital camera in 1975. Instead of developing and marketing this product, they instead scrapped the project for fear of it interferring with their actual film sales.
That was one example of someone building a company from a garage. One example.
The founder of Dogfish Head Brewery had his first brewery delivered in the back of a UPS truck. He was the brew master, shipping, delivery, etc…all rolled into one person. Oh, and when he wanted to open a restaurant and brewery in the same building he was told he couldn’t do it under Delaware law. But he didn’t take no for an answer and kept at it until he got the law changed and now his dream of owning and operating a Restaurant and Brewery is a reality in Milton, Delaware.
If you have a dream or a desire to do something go and do it. Don’t take no for an answer.
The only limiting factor is you? Come on, you know that is ridiculous. What you’re essentially saying is that if you threw a house plant into the desert, it’d be the plant’s fault for wilting, that it limited itself.
And we are not house plants are we?
It’s called an analogy my buddy. Here’s one for humans, you’d would blame someone for getting hit by a guy who didn’t stop for a red light.
” I cannot change your perspective if you cannot look around you and see that where people come from is only a limit if you make it a limit.” – Try telling that to a blind person who wants to drive. Joking aside, of course there are limits that people need to recognize. One thing that is becoming more and more necessary in today’s world is a good college education. Wouldn’t you know it, a college education is really expensive. Sure, a lucky few will get scholarships, but what about the people who just barely miss that scholarship? Some could try to work a job, but that is not a possibility for some people. From my personal observations, the majors that are most likely to get you a good job are also the majors where you don’t have time for anything but your major. I suppose there are also student loans, but then you end up spending a good portion of your adult life paying back those loans. So, a good number of people are stuck between two situations: don’t go to college and be limited by your lack of a degree, or go to college and be limited by student debt.
There are multiple ways to earn a college degree…night classes…weekend classes…online classes…etc…if you have the desire and drive you will find a way.
And the money to pay for it, which was the point of my post. A good number of people do not have that money.
If you want to use a reason for not getting ahead you will allow any reason to be used.
I know a “bartender” that put himself through nursing school and now has his BSN. He didn’t allow excuses to get in his way.
I know a recent graduate of a private university with a BS in Education that is now working in healthcare and is very excited about it.
If people want to have an excuse for not doing something any excuse will do. I don’t have enough money. I’m not smart enough. They get all the breaks. Etc…etc…etc…
I would say that “I don’t have the money to do something” is a valid reason for not doing something. Everyone has limiting factors in their lives. Congratulations to your two friends, but that does not mean that those outcomes are the norm. Sometimes people try and fail. Not because they didn’t work hard enough, but due to external factors out of their control. It’s not always someone making an excuse, sometimes it’s just reality.
But at least they tried! I not talking about those that tried and failed. I am talking about those that NEVER try!
And night classes at a local state college will bring about the same opportunities as a degree from Harvard and several well connected family members?
My degree has nothing to do with my chosen line of work. Nothing.
If I am the hiring manager and I could choose between a “Harvard” grad and someone that worked themselves through night school with equal qualifications who would I hire? I would hire the night school grad every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Why? Because they showed that they have the drive and determination to get the job done.
You obviously believe that it is more important where the degree is from rather that how the degree was obtained.
So you would ignore the “drive and determination” the other person took to get into Harvard in the first place? You would ignore the hard work and dedication it would take to maintain an acceptable G.P.A at Harvard, to even graduate from Harvard? Just becase someone didn’t work themselves through nightschool, doesn’t mean that they didn’t work hard at school.
I said “equal” qualifications.
Yes, equal qualifications being the same degree, the same experience in a relevant field, and the same GPA. But, you said that the person who worked themselves through night school worked harder, ignoring the hard work of getting into a school like Harvard.
Holding down a full-time job and going to school nights IS more difficult IMHO.
And I think a good number of Harvard graduates would disagree with you.
And I think my mother would disagree with you. She earned both an Associates and Bachelors degree going nights and weekends while working full-time. And she earned her Bachelors degree at the age of 54 while working as the business manager for a school department.
No, it’s not what I believe. In a perfect world, people would be more like you, but I operate in reality. I’m not going to pretend that how I operate is exactly how the world operates. I’m not going to pretend that you get the same quality of education attending school part time while worrying about all sorts of other factors is the same as having mom and dad foot the bill for an Ivy.
Don’t try and knock my character simply because I’m admitting the truth. The premise of this was you stating that we all have the same opportunities and it’s a lie. It has nothing to do with who you or I would personally hire in this hypothetical scenario.
What are you on ?
So because my world view doesn’t agree with yours I must be “on” something.
You see the glass as half empty. I see the glass as half full.
You feel a persons opportunity for success is limited by some outside factor. I believe a persons opportunity for success is limited only by themselves.
I have absolutely no interest in your empty, hubristic, bloviating. Take your nonsense elsewhere please.
Three and four syllable words…I am duly impressed. Do you often insult people that disagree with you?
pest.
Correct. It is a very private club and they want to keep it that way. Zuckerberg would be a good example of your point about how opportunity abounds among those in that club. I do applaud those who are able to break the economic glass ceiling. But they face overwhelming odds, often needing a mentor in that club to introduce them to the ‘right’ people.
My answer would be no. I don’t t think the next generation is going to have much of a chance. compared to the opportunities that existed when I was just out of school. Things have changed. Greed has us by the throat and it will eventually take us down, just like it always has done throughout history. We would be very arrogant to think we are immune to it.
Interesting response and I would say we as a society have done it to ourselves with “instant” everything.
We as a society want it now. We don’t want to wait. We don’t want to earn it. We want what we want now and if we cannot find what we want at ______ (fill in the blank with your favorite retailer) well WalMart, etc…will have it.
Nike just introduced a new “sneaker” and changed how companies that carry there product can promote it prior to release. Because of how people were HURTING each other to be the first to own them. Seriously, how many people need $100.00+ sneakers? Oh wait, they want to look cool walking down the street.
Apple just introduced iPhone5 and people were lining up a week prior to release. They sold so many units in the first few hours that Apple shut down advanced orders.
We want it now! We want it now!! We want it NOW!!!
I’m sorry, but you’re full of garbage. It’s so easy and lazy to making these blanket condemnations of others when you’re sitting pretty. They just don’t have the work ethic? Really? Then why is American productivity at record levels?
Why point out the problem with wanting a $100 pair of shoes, but not a 10 million dollar home? Who really needs 5 bathrooms?
There is something so disgusting to me about equating wealth to the amount of dedication and work ethic a person has. I’m going to call bullsh*t if you want to imply, let’s say, a new teacher struggling to pay off her student loans just didn’t work hard enough and just wanted things NOW NOW NOW — that somehow if she was just all around better, she could have been like, let’s say, Mitt Romney who can literally make hundreds of thousands of dollars without even getting out of bed in the morning.
Wolf I haven’t insulted you or your position. I have attempted to have an adult conversation with you and an exchange of ideas. You may not agree with my opinion or position but resorting to insults?
If someone wants to get ahead in life they have that ability. They just need to do it. We all make decisions in life. What is the difference in cost between an education major at Husson University & UMaine? At the end of the day they both have a BS in Education do they not? Is one program “better”than another”? Both offer BSN programs too. Is one some how better than another?
I don’t know about the programs you specifically mentioned, but it seems like you are insinuating that the school doesn’t matter as long as it has the program or major you are looking for. I can tell you that yes, some schools are far better than other schools when it comes to certain majors. If you have a Computer Science degree from a school like Carnegie Mellon or MIT, those programs are better than programs at a state college. The program at the state college is not necessarily bad, it’s just that the other schools are, in fact, much better. As such, you would have a much easier time finding a computer science job if you have a degree from Carnegie Mellon than if you have a degree from a state school.
Yes, obviously. You’re going to pretend that school rankings don’t matter?
School rankings are meaningless. Some schools don’t even rank classes anymore.
HAHA! Rankings are meaningless? You’re being incredibly dishonest right now.
I agree with what you say, but I have disdain for those who peddle your exact words and don’t mean it. I want this to be a meritocracy, but it’s not. How can you explain how the entire country has seen their wealth decrease except for the earners at the very top who have seen their wealth explode? Are those hand full of people just that much smarter and harder working than the rest of us? I somehow doubt that.
“How can you explain how the entire country has seen their wealth decrease except for the earners at the very top who have seen their wealth explode?”
Inequity in tax laws, corporations holding the line on pay raises (largest single expense for any company is payroll), 401Ks tanking (just now returning to pre-recession levels), etc… To some extent it depends on how you define “wealth”. I am a believer in a flat tax system with the elimination of all exemptions except personal and dependents. If you make below the federal poverty level you pay nothing in income tax. If you make above the federal poverty lever than every one pays the exact same percentage across the board with NO exemptions. The other thing I believe in is a “luxury” tax on certain items. If you (or your corporation) can afford to purchase a LearJet then you can afford to pay a “luxury” tax on that purchase. Same with high end cars, etc…
~~~~~
“Are those hand full of people just that much smarter and harder working than the rest of us?”
Short answer…no.
Long answer is some are and some had an idea to build a better “mouse trap” and went out and did it. How many times have you thought after watching a “As Seen on TV” item “Damn I wish I had thought of that?” I know I have and if I had then the patent would have been mine and not someone else. Point is I have the same ability to do that and so do you. The difference between you, me and someone else is that someone else thought of the idea and followed through with it. But the fact of the matter is you and I have the exact same opportunity as anyone else has in this country….doesn’t matter if you are a member of the 47%, the 99%, the 1% or the .01%.
When you admit the tax system is inequitable, you undercut your entire point. I don’t have the same opportunities to succeed as you or others do. I don’t want to discredit the work and imagination that is required for various projects, entities, etc., but to claim that they’re a solo project and you can freely pull yourself up with the right dedication is just a lie.
I’m really just sick of people, especially Republicans, using these kinds of phrases and logic as a guise for something else. They’ll say stuff like, get government out of the way and just have the market work itself out, as though it’s some principled idea and really the underlying motivation is something else entirely. Maybe for you that’s not the case, but for the politicians, I think it absolutely is the case.
And people talk about the 99% because the chances to fail aren’t there for someone in the 1%. The experiences of the 99% aren’t there for the 1%. So to have a guy who has been hyper-rich his entire life, completely isolated from the experience of the vast majority of Americans is a bit alarming to me — especially when he concedes he doesn’t quite care about half the country because of how he thinks they operate.
Yes you do wolf…you just don’t see it. You are being blinded by what people are telling you…”no you don’t”…”no you can’t”…etc…
What you’re saying is empty and simplistic. I’m very happy with my job and where I am in life, but I’m not going to go and lie to people and say they’ve had all the opportunities and chances I have because it’s not true. I’m not blinded by anything. I am secure enough and have the courage to admit that I didn’t get where I am all on my own and that not everyone has been blessed with the same chances I have been. I also won’t be voting for the monsters that seek to rig the game in their favor, to further diminish the chances of others.
Once again, the voice of reason.
Bizarre. If you have opportunity another is deprived of it. Is this a spin off on Peak-oil theory. IE Peak-Opportunity theory? There is a finite amount of opportunity to go around?
Two people apply for a scholarship. Both need that scholarship to go to college. One gets the opportunity, the other is denied the opportunity.
So this is evidence that the game is rigged? How?
Not rigged, but that one person loses an opportunity because someone gained that opportunity.
There is nothing bizarre about what I said. We all don’t have the same opportunities. It’s not bizarre to admit that.
Ok I can see that but perhaps I missed your point when you seem to indicate that opportunity is “rigged.”
Yeah, you have missed my point and you miss it again when you saying I think opportunity is rigged.
What opportunities are limited?
If a kid is paying his own way through college, can he take that prestigious but unpaid internship?
And co-op positions do not exist?
You’re not being honest.
You’re not being honest now and you’re changing your position. You said we all had the same opportunities. Now you’re saying that alternate opportunities should be sufficient.
“And people talk about the 99% because the chances to fail aren’t there for someone in the 1%.”
Does the 1% include the same people year to year. I remember seeing stats about the top 40o a few years ago and the people in changed from year to year. They have chances to fail also though probably less of a chance. I have seen some of my clients who were in or close to the 1% fail over the years.
Like having their electricity turned off?
http://phys.org/news/2012-09-exceptional-upward-mobility-myth-international.html
Exceptional upward mobility in the US is a myth, international studies show
Your chances of rising up are now greater in Norway, Finland, Denmark than in the USA. Higher in Sweden, Germany, France. Higher in Canada – and by a good margin. What’s gone wrong? What should we do about it?
http://onpoint.wbur.org/2012/01/09/not-movin-on-up
The second link is about an NPR story, not exactly unbiased, but the statistics are clear that the self-made man story is harder to come by these days.
And those that want to be able to say “I can’t because…” will allow it to limit them. Those that say “I can because…” will find a way.
“I can’t drive because I am blind.”
“I can drive, even though I am blind, because freedom.”
So blind people have never owned or operated a successful business? Never developed a new device or product? They cannot be successful because they are blind…really?
No, you originally said that “And those that want to be able to say “I can’t because…” will allow it to limit them. Those that say “I can because…” will find a way. ” I was providing a specific counter example of when that type of logic doesn’t work. Blind people cannot drive. They cannot simply “find a way”. My comment was NOT meant to say that blind people cannot own a business.
And we were talking about self limiting factors. I wish I could remember the name of the book about the blind person that was selling computer software and worked out of the twin towers on 9/11. Not only did HE get out but he and his dog lead other people out.
And speaking about driving, that same person developed some sort of internal “sonar” (his description not mine) and he did drive a car around campus using clicks. Yeah, I know had to believe and like I said he wrote it…not me.
He also wrote that it was difficult for people to believe he could “sell” something he himself could not see or use but “sell” it he did.
If you willingly went from being a licensed merchant mariner to selling firewood, you went in the wrong direction. The oilfield is hiring like crazy right now.
LOL! I was starting to see mermaids skipper! I guess there is just a point in a man’s life when he gets tired of living out of a sea bag. The sea will always have a place in my heart, but the trees have me entranced these days. I still have a lot of friends down in the “patch” and you are right, they are hiring like crazy right now. Trust me Bill, they all think I am crazy too! lol.
Do you think the enormous and growing gap between the wealth of the .01% and the rest of the country is because the rest are not hard working ?
Where did I say I didn’t think they were working hard?
I believe that everyone has the opportunity to change where they find themselves in life.
Why not tell us how. Nope do not bother. I have seen your posts below.
Not my job. A persons drive and determination comes from inside them. If you wish to believe that some external factor is what gives a person that drive you will never find it because it doesn’t exist.
spare me the sermon….did not hire you, as I said you need not respond, but you do not seem to be able to stop your insufferable pontificating.
Don’t work harder. Work smarter.
There are eight swing states that matter on the way to 270 electoral votes for a win and Obama is pulling ahead in each of those – some by quite a large margin such as Wisconsin, Ryan’s home state. He’s even pulling ahead in Florida.
Romney has the highest unfavorable ratings in history for a candidate.
Why, if that’s the case, are Obama and Romney virtually tied in every major poll? I think you’re simply misinformed.
Brightmeadows, how often do you check news boards outside of FOX? Not that I am happy about the polls right now, because they will incite your side to come out and vote. While Obama supporters will sit home.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/150743/Obama-Romney.aspx
http://polltracker.talkingpointsmemo.com/
But this is not just an abstract race. 2012 could go down as the most stable election of the close races in presidential history, suggesting that late movement is unusually unlikely with a polarized electorate harboring well-defined views of an incumbent president. And Romney isn’t a generic challenger. According to Pew Research, Romney is the only major party candidate with a net-unfavorable rating in (at least) the last twenty-four years. Other polls tell a somewhat rosier story, but Romney’s ratings are beneath those of most—if not all—modern candidates who have gone onto win the presidency. Romney’s weaknesses seriously impair his odds of a comeback. According to a recent NBC/WSJ poll, just 21 percent of swing voters have a favorable impression of Romney.
The Demographics that many pollsters are using is one closer to the 2008 demographic and discounts the change of the 2010 Demographic. That can account for a lot. Both Gallup & Rasmussen are using a more modified one that is more similar to 2010 and that is why they consistently differ from many other polls. Nate Silver pollster analyst for the New York Times says that there is a “house effect” for the Democrats of 2.4%. Which means regardless of any other demographic considerations the pollsters are either over counting Obama or under counting Romney by that 2.4%.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0912/81584.html
Some other opinions
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/inside_the_poll_ercoaster_KyrxdXSzSgT6knwSlc4m7K
NBC’s “Meet The Press” roundtable, which dove into some data surrounding Romney’s popularity.”Look at his high unfavorable ratings,” host David Gregory said. “At 50%. The highest of any candidate running in recent memory. This is an image problem that his philosophical statements in this speech in May to fundraisers only exacerbates.”Brooks did not mince words, calling Romney “the least popular candidate in history.”
Yes, I find that so incomprehensible. He manages to offend someone almost every time he opens his mouth. And he does not seem to have a clue what he is going to do. Oh, right, Karl Rove is going to tell him what to do.
You have previously identified yourself as a Republican who would NEVER vote for a Democrat.
Nothing has changed.
Yes. Romney appeals to you because you would NEVER vote for a Democrat. That is my point.
Yes… Still, nothing has changed.
your point?
No way. Romney blew it with his 47% fiasco. He’s now trailing in every battleground state except NC.
My daughter certainly thought so.
Agree.
Janet Snow- A great lesson to be learned here is that the government’s word isn’t worth the paper it is printed on. Given the turn in events over the last 5 years or so, one would have to be a fool to go into government service thinking they had any security what so ever. One word describes the relationship between government employees and the Tea Party. Renege. They have done a great job of convincing the American public that they can balance the budget and reduce the deficit on the backs of school teachers and plow truck drivers. The first time I see a teacher driving a Rolls Royce, I’ll get on board.
JIM ALCIERE: of course being terminally ill might make one depressed. Does that surprise you? Common sense would suggest that persons facing death might not respond so readily to treatment of their depression. Why does physician-assisted suicide so trouble those not affected by it?
There’s a whole segment of society that feels we should live they way they want. Don’t want physician assisted suicide? Don’t have one. Don’t want single sex marriage? Don’t have one. Don’t want an abortion? Don’t have one. It’s simple, really.
John Henderson, as someone once said, “There is no one quite as mean as someone being mean for Jesus”
John Henderson is not being “mean for Jesus.” He is stating the Truth, and the Truth shall set one free.
Serious question: are both Old and New Testament considered to be the word of god? And if so, why don’t christians follow the dietary laws?
Seriously, I’ve always wondered…(raised without religion).
Well, those would be inconvenient. It’s much easier to just take rights away from gay people to convince themselves they are “good Christians” instead of actually being good Christians.
Serious answer: yes, the entirety of the Bible is considered to be the word of God.
Christians are not bound by the laws of the Old Testament, however; those laws were created by God to guide the Israelites, and part of his covenant with that people. Christians are not god’s chosen people, Christians achieve salvation through grace and forgiveness from Jesus Christ.
Christians believe Jesus Christ was the messiah that the Old Testament had foretold. Jesus was very clear in his teachings that he had new commandments, and his teachings were of loving one another, treating others as you would treat yourself, and compassion for those less fortunate in society.
Civil marriage for same-sex couples is not in conflict with the message of the Gospel. It is clear to biblical scholars that the few passages in the bible that speak of “men lying with men as they do with women” were condemnations of rape and societal exploitation.
Regardless, even conservative biblical scholars such as Pat Robertson acknowledge that there are passages in the bible that reflect social norms of their time— such as advice to slaveowners— and we should ignore passages that are clearly from a time when we had less understanding of each other as human beings deserving of God’s grace.
In due time we shall absolutely look back on how so-called “Christians” used their beliefs to stand against treating gays and lesbians equally the same way we look at how 19th-century slave holders used bible passages to excuse their mistreatment of others.
The “truth” is foggy in this case and we are to beset free from what?
Does this law force your church to marry a couple who’s marriage would violate the teachings of your church?
No. In fact, Question 1 specifically protects clergy and houses of worship from civil lawsuits should they choose to refuse to marry same-sex couples.
No, he’s pretty much going against the teachings of Jesus, by being judgmental and ignoring that Christ taught us to love one another, and being hypocritical by standing against sins he has no problem avoiding, while ignoring other Biblical teachings as irrelevant today— such as advice on holding slaves, keeping women silent, stoning unruly children, and eating food more than 3 days old.
Randy, way too much common sense in your article, you are going to confuse the liberals and the Obama supporters
Petroleum is limited. Sunlight, wind, water and tides are not. Take your blinders off and imagine. Change your thoughts, change reality.
Maybe common sense to some but ignores the immensity of the petroleum industry.
Jim Alciere, you live in Machias. Look in the washington county phone books and see how many psychiatrists are available to treat your depression.
When a person is diagnosed with terminal illness there really isn’t all that much to be happy about. I believer it’s either or both Oregon and Washington states that have passed ‘Assisted suicide’ laws. There has not been a huge rush to take advantage of the law. But they leave it open to the patient to make up their own mind.
In this day and age there is no reason why anyone should suffer at the end of their life.
Oh, but they might get addicted to opiates!!!!! We can’t have THAT happen!
No one is telling you to have a same sex marriage. It is a civil matter. You and Henderson come on like sadducees and pharisees. You’ve got all the laws down to a tee: the only thing you are lacking is a heart. You and your god’s rules are heartless. Give me a god who loves, not one who sets out rules to damn folks forever. Some loving god you believe in.
yeah, god is a jerk (at least the god described by the religious)
RAmen.
Made so by swine like CP444.
I would love to hear Ryan Harmon and Mike Thibodeau answer to the rise in insurance rates for elders in Waldo County because of their lock in step with Tea Party dogma. Think they will answer? Bet not.
Mike is a card carrying ALEC member. Any question why he might favor corporate designs on our money?
Trouble is that most people who will vote, don’t know what ALEC is, and don’t care to look past the fact that Ryan is a nice guy and a Christian, or that Mike is personally a nice guy, a Christian and very charismatic. It’s one thing to be nice in person, it’s another thing altogether to pass laws that hurt people in your district. Thibodeau apparently wants to run for Senate leadership. What his overall constituency wants is less important than looking good to power brokers in the Republican party. Most people won’t do the homework to understand the effects of their votes.
Thibodeau wants to the be the next Republican Senate leader. That explains why you see his antique tractor-trailer with campaign signs for other Republican candidates all over the state, paid for by his leadership PAC.
Did I mention that Thibodeau is running as a Clean Elections candidate?
That is a joke right?
Well, if he fit the criteria for Clean Elections, so be it. And honestly? if we could be sure he was listening to all his constituency, being in a leadership position is not a bad thing. But since he has already forgotten that the elderly are a major component of Waldo County’s citizenry, and almost all his votes dealing with elder issues have had negative connotations, it’s too bad he will win this election.
Yes, I am thinking about setting up my own 501c called Center for Constituent Governance and creating a SuperPAC to run ads decrying the loss of the constituent voice in decision making here at home and in Washington.
The Bible says lots of crazy things, but that doesn’t mean we consider it gospel in matters of civil law. Don’t DARE try and come between me and my pork!
And don’t forget about those separate dishes for milk products.
Chenard… that you?
oOOoOOooOOOo conspiracies!
Just protecting Chenards anti-religious turf.
Pointing out the hypocrisy of some individuals from a specific religion is not anti-religion.
I am all for King. Democrats and Republicans in Congress have done very little to help this country. I will vote for Independents whenever I can. I personally do not want to see anyone from the LePage administration going to Washington with ALECs agenda in his back pocket.
King is a Democrat.
Oh, you mean he is an independent thinker that uses credible data in his political decision making? Fine call him whatever you like as long as you keep it civil. But no caucus will be telling him how to vote. That is why I support him.
I have a good opinion of King, but I wonder how you think that he will achieve anything in the senate by working alone. Even independents such as Lieberman, of whom I have a poor opinion chose a side to caucus. Bills are not passed alone.
The way things are I believe it best to chose a party closest to ones values and vote for that party to keep it strong, particularly in this age of the runaway filibuster.
What am I missing ?
Probably missing nothing. But if enough Independents are elected there will be no Democratic or Republican caucus with any power at all. Independents can rewrite the rules. It is long past time for that to happen. And bills will pass on their own merit or not at all. Now that is something I would very much like to see happen. Ah, I can dream can’t I?
It is a very nice dream.
Janet Snow: good letter.
Randy Day: realize that the drilling moratorium didn’t make that much difference since any increased drilling, even if 100% successful (doesn’t happen) wouldn’t begin to cover our oil imports.
John Henderson: Many Christians don’t agree with you.
The Bible is not clear at all. This is a civil matter and civilly licensed marriages are the only ones legal.
TO Randy Day…I am for more natural gas and Nuke Plants. John Henderson…I believe and I am voting no on1. Janet Snow….Maine should keep it’s promises to retirees. They need a pension they can live on. However the pension system needs to be revamped for future retirees
similar to the Federal Fers plan. 1/3 by gov’t. 1/3 social security and 1/3 401k plan. 3 sources of income. Maine employees did not pay social security therefore this is not available for them.
cp does this law force your church to marry a couple who’s marriage would violate the teachings of your church?
Many christians have all the rules down pat. They’ve forgotten that the whole law can be summed up: “Do to others as you would have it done to yourself.” Hair splitting christians who know all the rules bug me. Please, you can now reply to me with more of your rules.
To Mr. Henderson: They ignore it just like they ignore the verses that say to kill non-believers, to kill disobiedent children, to kill women who are not virgins on their wedding night, and to kill anyone that works on the Sabbath. Are you suggesting that we follow those rules as well?
You can tell the “I’m just simply a person of faith” thing is complete garbage by the fact that they don’t push for legislative remedies to other sins. Notice how they’re not seeking to ban divorce?
You can be a person of faith all you want, but when you selectively use the law to punish people you don’t like/disagree with and then claim it’s just because of your faith you’re not acting like an honorable or decent person.
Well said, but people like CP and others will not listen.
To them, their god is supposed to make people hurt… it is, after all, what a monster does, and they see god as a jealous, petty monster. Their own words point this out.
cp444 is all about Freedom of Religion ….. his own and those that follow his beliefs …. the rest be damned (so his interpretation of the bible tells him so).
The bible is abundantly clear on the issue of diet as well. I assume you are equally literal in your interpretation of those passages.
John Henderson, Jesus made it very clear that indeed “it is not such a big deal”— for the laws of the Old Testament were given to the Israelites, Christianity takes its commandments from Jesus Christ:
Matthew 22:37-39: And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Two people blessed enough to find a loving, supportive, honest and committed relationship in this life can absolutely abide by the spirit of the gospel. Extending civil marriage to same-sex couples is the right thing to do, for Jesus would absolutely want us to help one another. Civil marriage protections should be available to ALL Maine families, that they may protect the lives they build together, and the children they raise together.
I am voting YES on question 1 in November, and I hope most Mainers join me!
No where does the Bible “describe the act” ….. that is a lie. Mr. Henderson states that the Bible says to “love the sinner not the sin” …. that is also not true …. no where in the Bible does it say that.
The fact is that churches and clergy are protected from performing marriages for any couple .. they set their own criteria based on their doctrine and beliefs via the 1st Amendment. The Crystal Springs Baptist Church in Mississippi refused to allow a black couple to be married in their church just a few months ago …. it was not forced to do so via the 1st Amendment. You may not agree with the churches and clergy that want to perform marriages for same-sex couples but they should have the right to do so … via the 1st Amendment.
The confusion is how you can take a wonderful, loving scripture like the gospel and use it to justify poor treatment of fellow human beings who wish you no harm. Offering civil marriage to same-sex couples is absolutely the right thing to do.
I look forward to your efforts to outlaw our lobstering industry (since shellfish are an abomination as well), and your efforts to force LL Bean to close (since wearing mixed fabrics is forbidden).
Or are you just a hypocrite, standing against sin you have no problem avoiding while ignoring the other judgmental writings that you might struggle with?
Don’t forget changing the law so that a rape victim must marry her rapist, children who disobey their parents are killed, non-believers are killed, and anyone who works on the Sabbath are killed.
You arrogant swine… what makes YOU and only YOU the one in charge of determining who is and isn’t christian?
Go back to your fantasies of stoning people to death… it’s the kind of thing the god you’ve created for yourself will reward you for.
cp444 ….. when will you seek to ban civil marriage? Civil marriage is not mentioned in the Bible is it …. legal recognition of marriage by a government with specific privileges, benefits and rights awarded to those who marry by a government? The issue in Nov. is to allow same-sex couples a civil marriage license not to be wed in a church. That is abundantly clear …. even Mr. Emrich states that.
When will you activley seek to make pre-marital sex illegal, divorce for any reason other than adultery illegal, adultery illegal…..? If LGBT individuals make up only 5% of the human population and you believe that identifying as LGB or T is a grievous sin that must be stopped and punished, why are you not working to ensure that the other 95% of humans are also punished by law for their grievous sexual sin?
Marriage is a civil contract… atheists wed all the time with no religious trappings whatsoever.
We are not a theocracy… I know that bugs you but it’s just fact.
What does that have to do with the civil contract of marriage?
No religion is required…
Do you honestly think we live in a christian theocracy?
Really?
I’ll offer my own challenge to you, John Henderson:
Please cite one verse in which Jesus condemned homosexuality.
Then tell me what Jesus had to say about divorce.
God Bless you john Henderson. I said a prayer for you. The Bible is ‘clear ‘ on so many things that I am sure you do not follow. But Judge me as you wish I am praying to god He overlooks your sickness and calls you to Him when it is your time.
To all other readers: please do not spread hatred and anger. We cannot change the minds of cp444 and several other men. Let them troll the paper for anything that says gay and comment. Feel sorry that they have nothing else good in their lives to do with their time. God Bless and have a Blessed day.