Tax heaven
Taxes. What are they, something only small business need to pay into? Walmart feels now that it pushed all the small stores out and is making billions of dollars, it should get a tax break. If there were more small stores, more people would be able to buy houses and cars, etc.
There are too many loopholes for the rich. Everybody should pay the same. Maybe 10 percent across the board. No more finding out that you owe $2,000 because you worked hard and made more money that put you in a higher tax bracket. How many people lost their homes because of downsizing and cutbacks? If they had small companies, there wouldn’t be 500 people out of work in one town.
I know we need some big business, but when they consume shoes, hardware, bikes, jewelry, fishing, etc., and go out of business or move, that puts a tax burden on that town’s people.
If there are going to be tax cuts, it should be for small store owners. Let’s put America back to work.
Tom O’Connor
Greenville
Expanding MaineCare
Legislators reforming health care should take note of research published recently by Nobel prize winning economist Professor James Heckman in the journal Science. This research points to dramatic return on investment from early childhood programs that support health and nutrition.
With MaineCare expansion providing benefits to children, one could expect significant cost savings. Spending money on early childhood programs can lead to a 15 percent return on investment, this stated by Heckman and Jack Shonkoff at the Harvard School of Public Health to be the most effective economic strategy for strengthening the future workforce.
When MaineCare was expanded to low-income adults in recent past, clear benefits were documented: There was greater access to care, higher sense of well-being, fewer numbers of uninsured and reduced mortality in the population within the subsequent five years, according to research in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The burden of chronic and preventable disease would lessen in Maine with Medicaid expansion. This would be financially advantageous for our state. Expanding MaineCare is good for the kids of Maine, the working poor in Maine, and the future of Maine. It is also the moral thing to do.
Janice L. Pelletier, MD
Orono
Oystermen invasion
I realize that the headline “ Invasion of the oystermen on the Bagaduce” is the creation of Edward Dufresne who thinks his view of Maine should reign over any fishing. Nevertheless I’m annoyed by it. If the reverend, escaping, it would seem, from dreary Massachusetts’ largest fishing port, New Bedford, failed to familiarize himself with Maine law, then the plantations of oyster beds off his newly acquired property are nothing he should so gracelessly complain about.
They will be there, so enjoy them. Know who the fishermen are. They are very interesting and like to chat with people from away if they are courteous. Their ancestors took this part of Maine from the French and Indians about 1750. No going back. The government of Maine simply feels as it has since it was founded by Sir Ferdinando Gorges in 1622 that fishing was paramount, lumber a close second, rum next, an undisturbed sea view — no standing, sorry.
Actually, aquaculture farming is quite interesting. I remember when once upon a time there were clams, and I’d awaken to see a few skiffs sitting in the mud of the Bagaduce, while boys and men did the digging. Then last year two boats appeared and anchored in my view of the lovely cell tower on Mount Perkins. Rugged lobster boats. I knew who owned them and was happy to have them have the work.
People must understand that it’s the work that is paramount. Men need to eat, and to fish hereabouts is to eat. So by the grace of God, if men want to fish, let them do so when it’s within the law. It is providence.
Willard Emery Jr.
Penobscot
Good work
The midterm elections are a short eight months away. In Maine, some offices of critical importance to our future are on the voting block. One in particular is the office of United States senator, held by Susan Collins.
Collins is running for re-election to this post, and I for one intend to support her. As an admirer of her many accomplishments during her productive years in office, I want every reader to know why she deserves their support as well.
We are all aware of elected officials who expound on certain subjects and take predictable positions on them. I will ask myself, who or what compelled them to take that position or to make that statement or which side of the aisle they are speaking from? In Collins’ case, there is no doubt that when she speaks to an issue, what you hear or read is the end result of conservative and thoughtful reflection on what is in the best interests of the people of Maine or our nation and not on how it might reflect on her as a Republican.
While others in Congress are taking sides and becoming philosophically entrenched on an issue, Collins has identified the problem at hand, formulated a practical solution, works both sides of the aisle and has the job done.
As our senator, Collins is unique in her status and, above all, is of proven effectiveness for Maine. Let’s get behind her again in November and return her to Washington to continue her good work for Mainers and the nation.
Bill Shook
Bangor
Nissan problems
I own a 2014 Subaru Forester. My concern is if a short, front-seat passenger over 95 pounds sits on a pillow, it turns off the passenger side air bag. I called the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was told it wasn’t a safety problem. No one has been injured or killed yet.
I just want the public to be aware of this, so they won’t unknowingly disable the passenger side air bag. Nissan has recalled nearly a million autos for a similar problem. Recalls are expected to be started in mid-April. This is not a complaint just a heads up.
Dale Carter
Farmington