Campbell firing mishandled
I am writing this letter to show my disgust for how Gov. Paul LePage handled the firing of Brig. Gen. James Campbell. The governor had every opportunity to let Campbell step down on his own, and he chose to publicly humiliate him instead. This should be a wakeup call to all fellow veterans that politicians such as LePage really like their photo ops with veterans to score feel-good political points with the public, but the reality is we are being used as political pawns for his own personal gain.
As a member of the VFW and the American Legion, I would like to see the commanders of every veterans organization in the state send a very public message to our governor denouncing his treatment of a fellow veteran and a proven leader, who has dedicated his life to serving his country. LePage is a disgrace to his office.
Mike Avery Sr.
Milford
Legalizing hatred
Indiana’s recently enacted legislation legalizing hatred under the guise of religion is troubling. We’ve crossed Indiana off our list of places to visit and spend our money. Maine is in the midst of entertaining similar legislation.
When my husband and I were married by two ordained clergy on Sept. 7, 2013, 200 family members, friends and colleagues served as witnesses to our vows. Both of us are contributing members to this great state by paying taxes, patronizing locally owned businesses, volunteering through our church, supporting community groups, serving on boards for nonprofit organizations and many other ways.
We implore Maine’s legislators, congressional delegation and other leaders to rise up and ensure we do not follow Indiana. I’ve served in the public sector for 23 years; your voice does make a difference. Contact your elected officials and tell them hatred toward each other has no place in Maine.
For supporters of this hate legislation and for those who say nothing, here’s a poem written by Martin Niemoller in response to the rise of the Nazis. Think about it when you go to bed tonight.
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.”
Brian Hodges
West Gardiner
Veteran thanks
As I was driving home from a commitment in Portland last week, I stopped in Pittsfield to visit Maine Central Institute. While there, I decided to have lunch at Vittles Restaurant located on Main Street.
Upon entering this quaint and cozy establishment, I proceeded to a booth, removed my U.S. Navy civilian jacket and ordered lunch from a very polite and attentive waitress. After a brief moment, she again reappeared and, with a proud twinkle in her eyes, told me the couple who just departed wanted to thank me for my military service and proceeded to pay in advance for my entire lunch. I was unsuccessful in catching up to them before they departed, as I truly wanted to acknowledge their kindness, which they displayed to a retired 30-year, active-duty Navy veteran.
Personally, it was such a contrast to ducking eggs being thrown at us as we returned home from Vietnam. From all veterans, a big thank you to an unknown but highly respected Pittsfield couple.
Capt. Thomas W. Kelly, III.
Holden
Say no to diet drinks
The problem of overweight or obese children and adults is a particular public health issue in Maine, so we should pay special attention to a report in the March 30 edition of Time magazine concerning diet drinks and their negative effect on weight loss.
The news article suggests artificial sweeteners ironically fool the body into feeling less satisfied than real sugar, with the result that calories more easily are turned into fat because there is a desire for ever more calories. Worse than that, for yet unclear reasons, these sugar substitutes cause such radical changes in metabolism that risk factors for heart disease and diabetes rise significantly. In addition, there is an apparent alteration in the bacteria of the gut, which can influence efficiency of the immune system.
There needs to be more research into how or why these man-made substances work. Perhaps we can find other alternatives to satisfy the sweet tooth for the overweight individual. Or maybe we will have to admit that, for all our knowledge, science and technology cannot cure all ills.
Steve Colhoun
Addison
Income tax shift
In response to recent articles published in the BDN about Gov. Paul LePage mentioning his primary goal of reducing, if not eliminating, income taxes in Maine, I would just like to remind the citizens of Maine that this would mean some major repercussions for the state. The funny thing about money is that it doesn’t just appear.
If you were to eliminate income tax, something has to be increased, and most likely this thing would be the sales tax on everyday items. Sure, reducing the income tax will put more money into the pockets of citizens. However, you will need to spend more money in your everyday lives.
It has been estimated that eliminating the income tax in Maine would lead to roughly half the $3 billion in annual revenue that runs Maine state government to be eliminated. To correct for this kind revenue loss, property taxes will almost surely increase so the local governments can pay for things such as plowing our roads and snow removal during the winter to keep us safe.
I would just like to inform people about some very serious repercussions to eliminating the income tax in Maine. Even though it may feel good to keep some extra money in your pocket from your pay check, I can assure you it won’t be there for long.
Scott Rhynold
Glenburn
No public input
We are residents of Millinocket, and we are outraged over two recent issues concerning our town. First, we did not have the right to vote for a new town manager. Only the town council did.
Second, we do not have the right to vote on the proposed national park. The town council, again, decided only they have that right.
Barbara Warner
Verne Moffitt
Millinocket