Just a thought
I would like to recommend a possible solution to the budget deficit in the state of Maine. Charge a fee to all politicians for putting up their signs during election years on state-of-Maine properties. If
the roadsides, street corners, medians and fronts of a business are truly the property of the state, why not get paid for the advertising?
Then you could also charge extra for those who don’t remove their signs in an appropriate time. Bet you would have a lot fewer obnoxious and hazardous signs on the side of the roads and maybe just a little more money for the state. It’s just a thought.
Maryann Wescott
Penobscot
Just plain silly
I respect the right of the BDN to endorse whomever they wish, but the rationale behind the Obama endorsement is just plain silly. Here is a man who exploded the national debt by trillions, went back on his word to be transparent, has no energy policy except to increase the price at the pump and home heating oil, won’t reform entitlements, hasn’t passed a budget and is bent on making or keeping people dependent on government because that means more votes.
He is a narcissist who seems to be more concerned about appearing on talk shows, doing fund raisers and saving Big Bird than trying to save four brave Americans in Libya.
Rich Nutter
Bangor
Vote no
My nephew is gay. I love him very much, but I must put God’s truth first. He designed and defined marriage through His creation of a man and woman to unite as one flesh for the purpose of procreation. It was never about the fulfillment of love. Most people do marry for love, but that was never the intent of marriage. Therefore, this focus on love and equality for all is unfounded and misleading as it is humanly impossible to bring equality to procreation through a union of the same sex. Absolutely impossible!
For all time, God was and is wise enough to know what would be healthy for the whole society despite man’s desires. When broken down, it affects moral, ethical, mental, physical and spiritual health and well-being for all. Those of us who have the highest regard for the Biblical truth of what marriage is, who it is for, and who it was created by, should never have to be expected to compromise and legalize what is not of God. This is not about not loving one another. It’s all about believing God at His Word. How can we ever live peaceably when we choose against God? Voting no on Question 1 in November is standing for God’s one and only plan for marriage and family.
In love, I’m fighting for my nephew and others not to be misled. God’s Word is never ours to change or redefine. Protect what only God has joined together.
Rhonda Bamford
Gorham
Pease for state representative
While serving as sheriff in Waldo County, I have had the opportunity to work with a number of individuals in a number of different capacities. One such person I had the privilege of working with was Jethro Pease. Pease served as a county commissioner in Waldo for several years and helped to move the county ahead exponentially. During his tenure as county commissioner, projects around technology improvements, health insurance savings and infrastructure improvements were all priorities that moved the county in a positive direction.
When he was a commissioner, Pease and I locked horns a couple of times over a few issues. However I must say that he always worked with me to find compromise with the ultimate goal of serving the citizens, which was his priority at all times. Pease took the extra time to bring everyone together so that the best possible result would prevail for those we served. This is exactly what is needed in Augusta, and I believe Pease will have the ability to do this. I have watched many people in Augusta make decisions based on deals and following party lines blindly. I believe Pease will make decisions that represent the desire of his constituents.
I consider Pease a friend and know him to be a dedicated family man with integrity and work ethic. The citizens of his district will be served well with him as their state representative.
Scott Story
Waldo County Sheriff
Monroe
Elect King
Recently, I attended a reception for independent Angus King and was struck by his humility, intelligence, genuineness, humor and good intention. I am disturbed by the amount of out-of-state money that is being spent to defeat him. Why would these factions be so concerned about his election unless he poses a genuine threat to the status quo and inertia that plagues Washington?
He represents a real chance for change and solutions. The negative ads launched against him are based on marketing strategies that amount to brainwashing and have no basis in truth. The facts are compelling reasons to support King:
• King understands that climate change is real and needs to be addressed, while we also shore up protection of the Clean Water and Clean Air Act, unlike his opponent, Republican Charlie Summers, who supports drilling off the coast of Maine.
• King supports the Affordable Care Act, while recognizing the need to bring down healthcare costs, unlike Summers, who would repeal the ACA, rolling back coverage for young adults and preventive care for all.
King represents the change that we need in Washington: a senator who will actually represent his constituents in a thoughtful and intelligent way, without hidden agendas or vested interests. So goes Maine, so goes the nation. Let’s show the rest of the country how to get the job done and elect King.
Joanne Miller
South Thomaston
Social worker supports Susan Longley
Twenty-five years ago I worked in a family court system in Chicago where all of the judges were required to have masters of social work degrees.
Families and children were treated with respect. The judges saw to it that safety and follow-up care for children and families were top priority.
When I came to Maine, I worked with children, families and did court work as an expert witness and guardian ad item. What a difference from my previous experience! Families and children did not get the continuity of care and were often forgotten.
In contrast, judge Susan Longley’s court is geared to work with children and families with a hands-on approach. Her attitude is firm and respectful, and she personally sees the situations from beginning to end. She does not rubber stamp but suits her judgement to the needs of individuals.
The mediation which Longley has instituted is a fine example of utilization of informed consent and often avoids court. I attended her educational seminars and was impressed by her personal commitment to her judgeship. Based on her history and commitment to the community that she serves, she will continue to change and improve the court.
A vote for Longley is a vote for change, growth and justice.
Gloria Young
Searsport
One-up each other
On 60 Minutes on Sunday, a lady said, when asked what she thought about the political commercials she sees on TV, that the candidates were just trying to one-up each other when they should be working together for the American people.
Bob Woodbury
Winslow
Vote Romney
Whatever happened to the nest egg? The paycheck just seems to evaporate with the elevated cost of gasoline, heating oil, food and other living expenses. The high cost of fuel is influenced by a policy of reduced drilling permits and conveyance of oil in our own country.
We have a huge supply of oil right under our feet, but President Barack Obama’s policy forces us to depend on foreign oil. Wind, solar and other alternative sources of energy should be pursued, but they are proving to be expensive and inefficient compared to oil and natural gas. This administration continues to spend, borrow, print money, hand out stimulus funding and increase taxes, with total disregard for the consequences.
Small business owners are holding back on expansion and hiring, due to the uncertainty of taxes and other costs associated with Obamacare and welfare. So, here we are with bad policy on energy, lack of employment opportunities, high food and energy costs. Not to mention national debt, bad foreign policy, no budget plan, etc. We the people deserve better and shame on us if we miss this last call. Choose a new team that has integrity and love of country.
A team with a plan that will deal with and solve the problems brought about by the Obama administration. Vote for Republican challenger Mitt Romney on Nov. 6.
Daniel Davey
Warren
Longley has integrity
A political mailing that I received last Saturday asked what sort of judge I’d want if I needed to go to court for my family.
I would want a probate judge who is a hard-working public servant, legally and ethically meticulous and genuinely caring about the individuals and families who journey through the probate court. Susan Longley is all of this and more.
Longley clearly has committed herself to running a clean and positive campaign. I will honor that by expressing only astonishment at her opponent’s creativity in casting aspersions upon a roundly good person of solid substance.
On Nov. 6, I will vote for a judge whose integrity and intelligence are thoroughly demonstrated: Susan Longley.
Lane Fisher
Belfast
Love and acceptance
On the topic of the right to marry, I have read and listened to much debate and hate-filled rhetoric. When I hear the comments that our children are at risk, I feel the need to speak. This issue is not about the children. To me it is simple. It is not whom you love but how you live.
Having devoted my life to educating young children, I have learned a few simple truths. Children thrive with the support of many adults. Parents, teachers, friends and clergy, joining together, raise children. These children are as unique and special as the people who love them. Some of my former students are undoubtedly gay. It made no difference to me; they were children.
Their parent’s sexual preferences were also irrelevant to the education of children. What does make a difference is the level of love and support that children know in their homes. Children who are raised with love and acceptance grow up to be loving, accepting adults. Confident, non-judgmental adults raise children with open hearts and minds. What more could we possibly ask? Please, for our children, vote yes on Question 1.
Sharon Jones
Belfast
Vote no
It is nice to see the true agenda being revealed behind those who are seeking to redefine marriage. The consequence of such a change will result in the silencing of all who believe in the original definition.
Even those who do not want to redefine marriage believe in freewill, and missing are the reports that homosexuals are unable to buy property, earn an income, adopt or conceive (artificial means), etc. So what is the ultimate, underlying motive that drives some in Maine to pursue forever changing what fundamentally has been defined as one man and one woman?
As a critical thinker, I only need to see the evidence around me to conclude it is the silencing of all who disagree, thereby eliminating freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Being threatened with lawsuits, loss of employment, fines and accused of “hate” crimes is the future for all who disagree with a new definition. We see this happening now. It would appear that it is not homosexuals who are forced into silence but those who, at the moment, have the right to disagree. Voting no will not deny someone the exercise of their free will. Voting yes ultimately will.
Jodi Lassell
Corinth
No on Question 4
On Election Day Maine voters will be asked to vote on referendum Question 4, which is a bond issue “for improvements to highways and bridges, local roads, airports and port facilities.” I implore voters to carefully consider the costs and benefits of the bond before voting for it.
Only by reading the text of the bond bill does one discover that $5 million will be used to improve Mack Point in Searsport, which is the proposed site for a 137-foot tall, 23-million-gallon liquid propane gas storage facility that will be built for industrial giant DCP Conoco Philips.
Costs and risks of building the LPG storage facility include the obvious safety concerns, reduced residential property value, and lost business due to the aesthetic impact of increased industrialization and truck traffic in an area that survives mainly on tourism.
The interest and principal payments for the bond issue only add to the costs that Maine citizens are being asked to pay in support of a company that neither needs nor deserves further public support.
I will vote no on Question 4.
Michael McDonald
Belfast
Vote Geoff
I want to express my support for Democrat Geoff Gratwick for Senate District 32. Based on his experience in the city council and from conversations I’ve had with him, I know that he is thoughtful, sincere and always thinking about what is best for Bangor.
I have no doubt that Gratwick will take the same approach in Augusta and will do what’s best for Bangor and the state, not what’s best for the governor’s agenda or for a party line. We will all be best served if Gratwick is representing us in the Senate.
John Thompson
Bangor
Longley gets it right
Susan Longley has my vote for Waldo County probate judge. Support for mediated resolution of family disputes is a hallmark of Longley’s eight years of service on the probate court bench and is the defining difference between Longley and her opponent.
Families, and especially children, benefit when lines of communication between hurt, angry, estranged family members are reopened so that damaged relationships can begin to heal. Mediation can provide a safe, structured environment within which emotions can be aired, and issues can be openly and productively dealt with. Family members that succeed in resolving a dispute through mediated agreements often gain insights and learn communication techniques that help them handle other problems too. And they save on costly lawyers fees, which put additional strains on already struggling families.
Judicial dispositions have their place when alternative dispute resolution efforts fail. Both candidates for probate judge have the credentials and experience to render sound decisions when that outcome is needed. But I want families in Waldo County to get encouragement and skillful support to resolve their own disagreements when that is feasible. Longley has demonstrated her commitment to providing court-supported mediation services and in doing so has earned my respect and my vote for reelection.
Juliane Dow
Belfast
America working again
Evidently, there are still a considerable number of people who have not yet made up their minds as to which presidential candidate they will vote for. Fellow small business owners (job creators), who I talk to overwhelmingly reject the reelection of President Barack Obama. Our economy needs jobs, and the policies of the current administration present arguably the largest remediable impediments that job creators are facing.
We’ve all heard many of the pros and cons about these policies, but one overarching argument should be all that’s needed to convince voters that a change is necessary: If current policies are so desirable, why haven’t the president’s own supporters shown enough confidence in them to go out and start businesses and hire people and do their part to fix the economy?
They’ve had nearly four years to do so, and have chosen not to. That leaves us with only one of two conclusions: Either they truly do not believe in the president’s policies and will not risk any of their own assets to create economic growth; or they are not job creators in the first place. In either case, given the desperate need for jobs to revitalize our economy, why do we even listen to them?
We need a new direction, and Republican challenger Mitt Romney will provide that. If the current administration is returned to office, I hope their supporters finally step up to the plate and do their fair share in getting Americans working again.
Dick Bradstreet
Vassalboro
Lies in politics
I recently received a mailing from Republican Jim Parker’s campaign to represent Bangor, Orono and Veazie in the state Legislature. The main point of the mailing was to claim Parker had received an A-rating from the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine. Upon further research, I found out that this was not true. A conversation with the alliance’s executive director, David Trahan, revealed that Parker had not even completed the organization’s survey this year.
Lies in politics are poisoning our politics. Politicians like Parker do not deserve our support.
I strongly encourage voters in Bangor, Orono and Veazie to consider Parker’s opponent, Democrat Aaron Frey. Frey is an honest man that has a plan to get Maine’s economy going again. Frey’s plan begins with increasing access to training programs in the skills businesses are looking for.
If Maine has a highly skilled workforce, businesses with well-paying jobs will inevitably come to Maine. Frey is also dedicated to improving our roads and bridges. Excellent infrastructure will be a great reason for businesses to return to Maine. Finally, Frey will fight for stronger ethics rules for elected officials and lobbyists. If businesses know that Maine government is open and honest, they will be willing to invest in Maine. I hope you will join me in voting for Frey this November.
Doug Kempner
Orono
Maine legacy
In this last week before the election, as a “severely moderate” Republican, I’d like to share my views on the race for U.S. Senate.
Maine has a legacy of strong, independent-minded leaders as our senators dating back more than 60 years. Margaret Chase Smith’s “Declaration of Conscience” speech in 1950 put an end to McCarthyism. Ed Muskie served us for 22 years and ran as the vice-presidential candidate with Hubert Humphrey.
William Cohen started his first term as senator as an independent voice right in the middle of the Watergate investigation, served on many committees — including the intelligence committee and the armed services committee — and he even served as secretary of defense under a Democratic president.
George Mitchell rose to Senate majority leader and was instrumental in reauthorizing the Clean Air Act and passing the Americans with Disabilities Act; he brought peace to Northern Ireland and gave it his best shot in the Middle East.
Our current Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins have carried on the traditions of moderate, practical independent and effective leadership in the Senate.
Maine’s best chance to continue this tradition is to elect independent Angus King to fill the seat vacated by Snowe. He has shown himself to be an independent thinker; he will not go in on the bottom of any party’s pecking order, and, with any luck, King will be able act as an independent go-between to bring an end to this partisan divide and get the Senate working for the American people.
Woodie Bartley
Greenville
Vote for Gratwick
Bangor and Hermon need a state senator who has the informed judgment, critical skills and due diligence to represent the needs of their citizens. Regrettably, Republican Nichi Farnham does not possess these qualities. She has authored no legislation and has voted with Gov. Paul LePage 85 percent of the time.
Their budget has shifted costs to cities and towns, has insufficiently funded education at all levels and has cut many essential services. Farnham and LePage’s policies are short-sighted and will lead to greater costs in the future. Education, in particular, is a fundamental building block of economic and workforce development, and Farnham and LePage’s underfunding of it undermines our economic growth.
Luckily for Bangor and Hermon, there is a candidate who understands the interplay of these issues and will work tirelessly to provide for a more prosperous future. We are very fortunate to have such a candidate in Democrat Geoff Gratwick. I heartily encourage you to vote for this exceptional candidate in this important local election.
Scott Ruffner
Bangor
Voting yes on 1
As someone who grew up in a Catholic household, I understand that marriage is a sacrament for many Mainers and an important part of their faith. I also understand that for those people, the idea of changing that sacrament is deeply disturbing.
The fact is, voting yes on Question 1 doesn’t require anyone to change their faith or beliefs. Voting yes on Question 1 only requires us to uphold the promise of this country to respect everyone’s right to liberty and the pursuit of their own happiness.
Marriage is a religious institution, but it is also a wholly civil one as well, and those two ideas are separate. No church can create a legal marriage without a state-issued license or dissolve one without a court. At the same time, the state can’t force a church to perform or recognize any marriage it doesn’t want to, and therein lies the beauty of our country. We are guaranteed our religious freedom and our freedom to not be ruled by the religious beliefs of others.
Marriage equality is not about changing the religious institution of marriage, but to finally realize that as long as same-sex couples are denied the right to enter into legal marriages, they are not being afforded the equal protection of the law that our Constitution says they must be provided.
So please join me in voting yes on Question 1, and make it so all Mainers are treated with the dignity and legal equality we all deserve regardless of our beliefs or backgrounds.
Maurice Langlois
Skowhegan
Volunteers stay positive
I was surprised to read an article on the front page of your newspaper that made reference to “death threats and other types of harassment” from those of us who support marriage for same-sex couples — “Why These Sisters Are Voting ‘No’ on Same-Sex Marriage, BDN, 10/21.
I am not sure who is making these threats, but I can tell you it is not the people who are volunteering for the Yes on 1 campaign — or anyone getting paid to do this work. Our volunteers stay positive; we don’t resort to scare tactics or aggression.
I spend six days a week going door-to-door for the Yes on Question 1 campaign. I love talking to my neighbors, friends, family and fellow Mainers about an issue that means so much to me.
I truly appreciate all of the people who have taken time to answer their doors to partake in these conversations throughout the past two years.
We run into our fair share of voters who do not agree with us, but we all recognize that their opposing views do not make them bad people. Some of the folks who are opposed are related to me; I babysit for them, sit in their classrooms, have known them since kindergarten. Voters in our well-connected state are often people I care very much about, so I treat every single person I talk to with the utmost respect.
I want to let folks know that as much as we want you to vote for same-sex marriage, we can always respectfully disagree.
Rachel Johnson
Orono
Response to Malone
If historically people were to “vote your faith” as suggested by Bishop Richard J. Malone (“Former Maine bishop says voting for gay marriage ‘unfaithful to Catholic doctrine,’” BDN, 10/26) we’d still be a unique species created by God in his image, living on a planet around which the entire universe revolved. Church doctrine may well help people live better lives, but progress is made when people think for themselves. I applaud the members of Catholics for Marriage Equality for their courage in representing the dichotomy of being both faithful and wise.
Jeff Owen
Orono
Michaud the choice
I love living in Maine where I can really get to know my elected officials. The very best of them is U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, D-2nd District.
Michaud is a what we call a true Mainer, born and raised in Medway, just like his father and grandfather. He worked at the Great Northern Paper Mill until 2002 when he was elected to Congress.
As a member of the U.S. Congress, Michaud works at the people’s house in Washington, D.C., But he never forgets about the people of Maine. Almost every weekend, Michaud flies back home and travels all over the state to work with the people and businesses of Maine.
Michaud is also working very hard trying to keep manufacturing businesses like New Balance open in Maine. He has co-sponsored a House bill to force the Department of Defense to comply with current law, which requires our service members to be outfitted head-to-toe in American-made products. If passed, this would keep more than 600 good jobs in Maine.
We need to keep Michaud, so he can continue to work hard for our veterans, the people of Maine and all the people of this Country.
Sheila O’Neill
Ellsworth
King vote
I am a retired educator who had the good fortune to work in my district with independent Angus King when he was governor. The 1990s were exciting times as we connected our rural schools to the world for the first time. School districts across the state are using technology today because of his vision for the role it could play in every classroom.
I am happy to be able to add my voice and my vote to help send King to Washington. We can be assured that King will continue to provide both the leadership and fiscal responsibility that is so lacking. The future of our country depends on strong voices who can clearly articulate what really needs to happen if we are to improve the educational system for our children and their children.
Faith Garrold
Searsport
Separation of church, state
Bishop Richard J. Malone assertion that Catholics who vote for same sex-marriage in November are “unfaithful to Catholic doctrine” is a desperate attempt to sway voters. The bishop forgets Vatican II, which affirmed the right of private conscience for Catholics. If not a doctrine, exactly, it was the consensus of the world’s bishops.
Malone well knows that thousands of Maine Catholics left their church after the despicable attack on gay marriage in 2009, disavowed later by one of the architects of the campaign.
If standing up for social justice provokes an accusation of unfaithfulness, so be it. Some Catholics are faithful to a truer gospel message than Malone understands. A doctrine they uphold is separation of church and state.
Peg Cruikshank
Corea
Set the record straight
It is sad and unfortunate that misinformation gets printed so close to the election. My opponent, Sen. Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, claims that Maine lost 2,300 jobs in both the public and private sector in the last year and a half. The truth came out shortly after the article was published.
Maine employers added some 7,400 private sector jobs between June 2011 and June 2012, with the employment growth spread across a wide range of business sectors, including health care, leisure and hospitality, education, professional services and construction.
This strong employment report was detailed by Glenn Mills, chief economist at the Center for Workforce Research at the Maine Department of Labor. Mills said “There appears to be an upward trend in job growth.”
Set the record straight.
Rep. Peter Edgecomb
Caribou
Vote yes
Special rights? This morning I heard that there will be a news conference by an organization speaking against offering “special rights” to same-sex couples who want to marry. I always have a series of reactions to this type of thing: First I’m amazed; then I’m disappointed; and then I get angry at the unfairness of this type of opinion. In an attempt to not react simply with anger, I spent a lot of time this morning thinking about the concept of special rights, and I had a realization I’d like to share.
Whenever we ask a group of people to not have the same expectation that they can live as others do, whenever we separate a group with a law or ordinance that keeps them from being treated equally, whenever we give a noninclusive religious definition to a legal issue, we hold those people apart.
When one person is held apart from living a right others enjoy, those others are the ones who are getting “special rights.” So let’s overturn the current “tradition” that promotes the special right of only a man and a woman being allowed to receive a marriage license. I ask you to stop the separation that keeps a group of people set apart from the rest of us. I ask you to vote on Tuesday (or before), and when you do: Vote for love; vote for inclusiveness; and vote for equality by voting yes on Question 1!
Laurie Cartier
Bangor
Thank you Rachel Johnson, Laurie Cartier, Jeff Owen, Maurice Langlois, Sharon Jones and Peg Cruikshank for your wonderful letters in support of Yes on ONE!!!!
Rhonda-it is unfortunate that you have just told hundreds of thousands of people that they got married for the wrong reason.
What marriage may mean to you and those in your church is NOT what it means to everyone else. And by saying that everyone else is wrong, you are forgetting that we have the freedom to NOT believe as you do. Exercising that freedom of religion by voting YES ON ONE.
Jodi-you are saying that it’s okay to deny a segment of the population the same access to the rights you have because of the possibility of frivilous lawsuits. And you seem to be implying that the main goal of the YES ON ONE campaign is “eliminating freedom of speech and freedom of religion.” Really?? I mean, REALLY??? Can you give specific examples of this, or are you just trying to scare people into voting the way you want them to vote?
No one will be preventing from speaking their mind about gays and marriage. I cannot guarantee that there will not be any lawsuits, but lawsuits are a daily occurrence in our society-that’s not part of our “agenda.” What fines are you talking about? And “hate’ crimes? Again, what are you talking about?
The only “elimination” of the freedom of religion that I suspect that you are talking about is the disguised “freedom to discriminate” based on an individuals personal religious convictions. Is that what you mean? If so, I feel sorry that you think it’s okay to be so judgmental.
Mr. Nutter, you must long for the days of the Bush recession if you want to go back to the policies that crashed our economy in 2008.
Not only should we re-elect the President, but we should give him a Congress that will pass further recovery measures like the American Jobs Act. With the Dow up over 5,000 points, the economy growing jobs for the last 32 months, and the growing strength of our manufacturing base because the President rescued the American auto industry, I can’t imagine voting for Romney.
Like Romney’s campaign official said they are not going to let facts and fact checkers run their campaign. Looks like Mr Nutter has followed that path as well.
How about the facts regarding Libya. Are you happy with the rate of unemployment? Are you happy with the fact that for every one job received, 76 people have gone on food stamps? Are you happy with the deficit doubling?
The facts coming out about Libya do not support the hysterical claims of the right wing, who have been mostly silent since the involvement of the CIA became known.
Chenard – you must long for the days of Jimmy Carter, or do you even remember that far back?
GDP, real wages, the Dow Jones average, and every other measure of growth has risen more sharply under the average Democratic President than the average Republican President since 1928, 1948, 1960 or any other period you choose. Growth under Carter exceeded growth under either Bush, but was lower than under every other Democratic President. If you are asking me whether we did better under Carter or Bush II, the statistics unequivocally say Carter.
Rhonda Bamford I am glad you ate not my aunt.
Sorry Rhonda, with world population as high as it is and climbing, procreation is not necessarily a good thing. Not to mention the untold numbers of children waiting to be adopted. Perhaps being gay is an adaptation to those situations in some cosmic scheme to make the world more healthy once again.
And as for your bible and not being able to alter God’s word, remember that not only does the bible say that slavery is ok (and even give instructions for acquiring and caring for slaves), it also repeatedly defines a woman’s place and worth as, well, not much more than cattle. In some times and places, speaking your mind like you did, which I fully support, would have gotten you stoned to death. In some places under strict religious rule, it still would.
Rich Nutter, we are producing the most oil now since 1997 and are projected to be the world’s #1 oil producer by 2020. We import the least percentage of oil (mostly from Canada) in years. In spite of that the oil companies are not obligated to sell the oil, or refined products like gasoline, in the US. They are free to sell it to the highest bidder, which may be China or European countries. Oil and its refined products are internationally traded commodities with the price determined by investors and speculators on the world market. We allow coal companies to purchase rights to the coal under federal land at a little over $1/ton. They then sell it to China for well over $100/ton. They also are under no obligation to sell it in the US.
The US is one of the few oil producing countries which does not have a national oil or energy company and thus cannot control the price of oil. Instead we rely on multibillion dollar companies whose only goal is to increase their profits.
Exxon and Shell recently reported earnings in 2012 of $54 BILLION and they received $800 MILLION in tax breaks.
So instead of the tired old refuted claim of the right wing nuts that Obama’s policies are causing high gas prices, why don’t you and like minded folks start looking at the real reason for the price gouging, the greed of the oil companies and their toadies in the republican party.
In regards to Obama “hasn’t passed a budget” perhaps you should go back to school for an education on how our government works. Congress passes a budget, not the President. Your letter is so full of disinformation I am curious about whether you ever worked for the Chinese Communists during the 1960s and 70s.
Mr Nutter, your statement that”(Obama) is a narcissist who appears more concerned about appearing on talk shows….than trying to save four brave Americans in Libya” is plain BS. The evidence is now becoming clear that the security was supposed to be provided by the contingent of CIA agents living nearby. The CIA is headed by Petraeus, a hero to the neocons for his success in Iraq. Now, since we have seen the right wing nuts jump at the chance to denigrate Obama again before the investigation even started, accusing him of crimes worse than Watergate, I will not hold my breath waiting for the neocons to apologize. In fact, they seem to be mysteriously silent since the information about the CIA has come out. Not surprising, considering they have trouble dealing with the truth.
The next time you feel the need to write some fantasy, try children’s comics.
Obama/Biden 2012
H Clinton 2016-2024
Obama was blabbing about terrorism being snuffed out. In reality it is on the rise due to his lack of leadership and ignoring security briefings to campaign for last 2 years. This rise in terrorism surfaced in the killing of US ambassador in Libya. Obama tried to cover it up by falsely blaming an American’s video. This lie should put Obama under investigation for treasonous behavior.
More right wing fantasy.
Bonney in MS as usual is quoting information supplied by the loonycon media. Oh and nobody is under investigation for treasonous behavior. The only people doing any blabbing are the loony conservatives.
Rhonda, your nephew is real. Your god? Eh, maybe not so much. Try having a chat with each of them and see which one joins in the conversation. And not just voices in your head, but real words being spoken and heard between two people.
Your nephew needs you on his side. It’s time you opened your eyes to that. You have a chance now to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem.
Thank you Sharon Jones! To one of the best teachers in Waldo County, your classroom misses you.
Thank you Sharon Jones! To one of the best teachers in Waldo County, your classroom misses you.
November 7th can not possibly get here fast enough. The fact that there were only two men on that debate stage is all the proof I need that my vote doesn’t matter, at least on the national level. We should all pretend the electoral college does not exist and go down and vote for one of the two rigged choices big money is “offering” us.
Rich NUTTER….your name says it all!
Rhonda- Wow, not going to win Aunt of the year Rhonda are you? Some advice for your nephew- run screaming the other way from your ‘loving’ and ‘caring ‘ Aunt. She’s about as healthy to be around as the Westboro Baptist Church nuts are.
Jodi- Honey, try again. Several points: Regardless if SSM passes in this state or not: it is ALREADY ILLEGAL to discriminate against people due to sexual orientation- so you can already be sued for discrimination- SSM has NOTHING to do with that genius. That law has been on the books since November 8, 2005, (law, LD 1196, “An Act to Extend Civil Rights Protections to All People Regardless of Sexual Orientation”) and went into effect December 28, 2005. So let me ask since this law has been in effect (over 7 years) exactly how has your freedom of speech and freedom of religion been affected in the last 7 years? Oh right… it hasn’t- so try again with your critical thinking sweetie.
We all have seen the poor Vermont couple who’s inn was sued and fined due to not hosting a SSM…what they FAIL to tell you is Vermont has the same kind of law in place re: sexual orientation and discrimination- so for ANY business who serves the public and discriminates you can get sued. Doesn’t matter what event you refuse- if you offer service to the public you have to serve ALL of the public. I wonder if it would have been ok if the the Inn had said we don’t serve black people or Jewish people or males or elderly people in their Inn business?
To the poor sad Canadian sportscaster who sent a ‘personal tweet’ and was fired the next day- Canada has laws about discrimination as did the news organization he worked for. SSM did not get this person fired – he was an employee who broke a company policy and was fired. Welcome to personal responsibility.
The there’s poor Don Mendell a Newport social worker who was picked on for supporting traditional marriage. What they FAIL to tell you is that as a social worker one has a ‘Code of Ethics’ to follow. The code is NOT a suggestion it it mandated by the NASW- if you break the code you can, and should be investigated and possibly have your social work license pulled or sanctioned depending on what the infraction is. Poor Don was in a television add back in 2009 and wrote several inflammatory letters the the BDN regarding how horrible being gay was. So here’s the other thing they FORGOT to conveniently mention: Don (a licensed social worker) works in a school system as a counselor- the complaints against Don were filed by his fellow COLLEAGUES who were concerned that he had violated the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics by voicing his opposition to gay marriage and wouldn’t be able to effectively counsel LGBT students. Imagine being a gay student and seeing your school counselor on the news and reading his letters in the BDN about his clear disdain for individuals who are gay…think you would feel comfortable as a gay student going to see Don to talk about your feelings and thoughts? What if Don had said blue eyed people were horrible….think blue eyed students would be beating feet to his office to chat? It would be no different if a District Attorney went on the news and wrote several articles saying he didn’t believe in domestic violence- how effective would that attorney be in doing his job in prosecuting domestic violence clients? You can see there would and should be a question. With freedom of speech comes responsibility. Don’s social work license was not sanctioned in any way as they conveniently forgot to mention that in the add as well. Again welcome to personal responsibly Don.
What all of these examples have to do with is people violating state laws, company policies or mandated codes of ethics. That is the REALITY. If one needs to make up an irrational belief based on nothing more than misinformation and fear to justify voting no on question 1- well you’d be looking to make something up anyway, because that’s just the sad, uninformed person you are.
Separate but equal has never been and will never be equal. We are all Americans and as Americans we are all entitled to all the same rights and responsibilities under the laws of this country. Gay Americans are no less American than any other Americans. So Maine, I think we can do better this time and we should do better.
Great response. I hope those two are reading the online comments.
Also, the law that was passed in 2005 SURVIVED a people’s veto. THE PEOPLE wanted it and got it that third time around.
Wish I could like this response multiple times. Thank you.
” God’s Word is never ours to change or redefine. Protect what only God has joined together.”
Rhonda, our Constitution has already changed and redefined your god’s words, many times. If all things are the work of God’s hand then homosexuality is God’s handiwork also.
Rhonda, by working against the civil rights of homosexuals you are working against the will of a decent, caring and all embracing God. Which I’m thinking probably isn’t the same god as your mean spirited, authoritarian sexually obsessed little god.
Daniel Davey:
Under Obama, US oil production increased significantly and our dependence on foreign oil decreased – below 50% for the first time in decades.
Under Obama, off-shore leasing of federal lands in the Gulf of Mexico continues in the aftermath of the Deep Horizon oil spill disaster.
Obama ended the (GOP) practice of allowing federal oil & gas lease holders to sit on those leases – for years and decades – without producing oil. Because of Obama, oil from those leases will be put into production sooner rather than later.
Bush crashed the economy and gasoline prices fell – if you want the GOP approach to reducing energy prices, you will get it when the Tea Party-created Fiscal Cliff crashes the economy – again.
Obama 2012
Yessah
Some of you folks posting on here are just plain mean and nasty .I don’t care if you disagree with some one or not that doesn’t and shouldn’t give you license to get this small. I have been in some of the roughest places in this country and a half dozen others and half the things some of you say would not get said in them.
Rhonda–great letter; brilliant logic; your nephew is fortunate to have such a caring and compassionate aunt. I wonder if he himself is voting and, if he votes Yes on question, if you will sever all ties to him. I certainly hope so. He will be punished on Judgment Day, regardless.
medication and therapy can help…..
what right does your religion give you to pass such judgement on anybody? Perhaps you should worry more about yourself and less about what others do with their lives. It is between you and god, you have no right to decide how others will be judged. Good luck to you….
My religion is the only true religion, or so I’ve been told. Isn’t this Rhonda’s point? Of course she’s wrong. And where does she get off imposing her views on everyone else in America? If gay marriage is finally allowed in Maine, no persons who disagree with it will be forced to perform marriages. But as that fanatic Rick Santorum has said repeatedly, gay marriage anywhere threatens his own traditional marriage. Not surprisingly, would-be President Santorum endorsed Missouri Rep. Todd Akin for Senator.
Rhonda-I respect that you are a religious woman, however, your religious beliefs should not be imposed on others. While you may believe that you cannot participate in a gay relationship due to your faith, it in no way gives you the right to make that decision for others. Your religious beliefs should not impact, influence a decision that impacts countless people. There should be a separation of church and state in the way we determine the rights of others. This is how the constitution of the country is written. Religious freedom doesn’t mean that you take your beliefs and hold others accountable to them. If you don’t believe in gay marriage then don’t participate in it. Don’t tell others that they cannot marry one another because your religion says so. You need to have respect for the beliefs of others. No one is telling you that you have to become gay. I am a christian. I believe in equal rights and marriage for gays because it is constitutionally reasonable for them to have these rights.
Maurice Langois said it perfectly!