Pope Francis’ message
I’m not a very spiritual person, but as an American I was embarrassed to have the pope address our Congress in Washington, D.C. I cannot imagine a more striking contrast. Here is a man who has dedicated his life to helping people standing in the middle of a group that should be doing the same but instead are enriching themselves and enjoying the lifestyles and trappings that come with these elected positions of public service. Sad commentary for America.
Richard Ginn
Bucksport
Pope and politics
It has been so interesting to watch the reaction to Pope Francis’ U.S. visit, particularly around his address to Congress. Conservatives have been especially harsh on the pontiff. One radio host went so far as to claim Francis was “in bed with the Obama administration.” He wished the pope had called for the defunding of Planned Parenthood. When Francis talked about protecting the sanctity of life at every stage, though, the pro-choice left will know exactly what he means.
As for the complaint that he didn’t call out the U.S. Supreme Court for legalizing so-called “same-sex marriage,” one can be sure that those who support such unions well understood the pope’s “concern” about the “threat” posed by calling into question a family’s foundational relationships. And on and on.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem for his passion, he was greeted by great cheering throngs who paved his path with palms. They were disappointed and scattered three days later. They had been expecting a great political leader. Conservatives should not make the same mistake. The gospel is a challenge that transcends politics, not a party platform.
Paul Tormey
Orrington
King should support park
Sen. Angus King recently wrote to me about the Elliotsville Plantation Inc. proposal to create a national park and national recreation area in Maine’s Katahdin region. King acknowledged the need for a greater discussion about the economic future of the region, and agreed the park and recreation area proposal should be a part of this discussion.
Specifically, he wrote: “Given the lack of currently viable economic development alternatives for the area, it would be unwise to take anything off of the table that could provide economic development. It has been well established that national parks contribute positively to local economies and I have personally been encouraged by the economic potential of EPI’s proposal in a region that has sorely lacked investment in recent years. In fact, countless area businesses have written to me to share their support for the proposal for this same reason.”
I am glad King promised to continue to evaluate this proposal, on its own merits and as part of a regional economic strategy. Many Katahdin area businesses and citizens, as well as 67 percent of those polled in the 2nd Congressional District, support this proposal. According to multiple, respected economists, a new park and recreation area will not impede the state’s timber industry.
As King and Sen. Susan Collins listen to people around the state, I hope they will do whatever they can to capitalize on EPI’s proposed national gift, creating an economic boost and a way to protect part of Maine’s North Woods.
Andrew Cadot
Roque Bluffs
Searsport dredging
In a Sept. 23 BDN OpEd, John Henshaw of the Maine Port Authority described the Dawson Alternative — which involves restoring the congressionally authorized depth of the Searsport Federal Navigation Project to 35-feet and deepening the Mack Point dock-area to 45-feet, with upland disposal of all dredge spoils — as “ the alternative that isn’t.” What Henshaw does not acknowledge, however, is that the Army Corps-Maine Department of Transportation proposal for Searsport is an alternative that may not be legal. Henshaw’s continued advocacy for the Corps-DOT proposal is illustrative of the LePage administration’s animosity toward enforcing the Clean Water Act.
Pursuant to Section 404(b)(1) of the Clean Water Act and 40 C.F.R. § 230.10, “no discharge of dredged or fill material shall be permitted if there is a practicable alternative to the proposed discharge which would have less adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem, so long as the alternative does not have other significant adverse environmental consequences.” Because the access to and use of the port of Searsport by deep-draft vessels can be accomplished by implementing the less environmentally damaging practicable Dawson Alternative, the environmentally destructive Corps-DOT proposal may not legally be permitted.
In Maine, our economy depends on the continued health and water quality of Penobscot Bay and enforcement of the Clean Water Act. It is time the Corps and DOT respect their legal obligations by implementing the Dawson Alternative — the only alternative for improving the port of Searsport that satisfies the mandates of the Clean Water Act.
Kim Ervin Tucker
Islesboro
Carson right about Muslims
Dr. Ben Carson, a Republican candidate for president, said “I do not believe Sharia is consistent with the Constitution of this country.”
“Muslims feel that their religion is very much a part of your public life and what you do as a public official, and that’s inconsistent with our principles and our Constitution,” he said last week on Meet the Press.
He later said the only exception would be if a Muslim candidate “publicly rejected all the tenets of Sharia and lived a life consistent with that. Then I wouldn’t have any problem.”
Except, remember, Islam states it’s OK to lie to infidels. So, how would you know they are truly rejecting the Quran?
Islam is a theocracy, a political format based on “religious beliefs” of its founder. The Quran was not written by Muhammad, but by his later followers, after he turned violent in his “teachings.” Anyone who claims to be a “peaceful” follower of Islam should immediately repudiate these terrorists and terrorist ideas in the Quran.
How come we don’t hear from Muslims, except when they are supposedly being “discriminated” against? Or they want refuge, protection, from other Muslims? Why don’t they band together and fight back (They outnumber terrorists 10-to-1 or more)? Why are Christians and Jews supposed to save and protect them, in light of their anti-Christian and anti-Jewish “religious” beliefs?
If you are not guardedly Islamophobic, you should be.
Chet Suske
China