Political crassness not constructive
Friends and neighbors, here’s a wonderment I’ve been feeling of late, in light of some of the sad behaviors and linguistic practices of several candidates for national office as well as those of Maine’s governor: It is becoming more and more clear to me that political crassness is neither a worthy advancement nor a healthy substitute for political correctness.
I cannot understand how political crassness can lead to constructive problem-solving and productive, healthy community building. The crassness we’ve experienced lately on local and national levels not only fosters spiritual violence to persons and cultures but also furthers the instability of organizations already sadly mired in unhealthy leadership practices.
What troubles me is that some possibly excellent and much-needed helpful ideas toward creative solution-seeking get lost in all the finger-pointing, self-serving excuses and angry statements that only serve to demean possible allies, opponents and out-of-control speakers alike.
Wouldn’t it be more constructive if, with a quiet and heartfelt sincerity instead of theatrical or tactical utterances, folks could honestly say, “I’m sorry. Now what can we do to work together actively to create an environment that fosters togetherness instead of divisiveness and separation?”
Rev. Richard L. Bennett
Bridgton
Is LePage competent to lead?
Entertaining, vexing and infuriating may be words used to describe Gov. Paul LePage’s public speaking style. Meaningless, it isn’t.
What, I wonder, would we hear had we access to our own 21st century version of the White House tapes of Richard Nixon revealing his instability in private? LePage has admitted his brain doesn’t always catch up with his mouth. Is he competent enough to lead?
Gary Roberts
Belmont
New normal in Maine
While the governor and all the elected officials have been arguing over bull crap in Augusta, Great North Paper Co. in Millinocket and East Millinocket, Wheelabrator-Sherman Energy, Lincoln Paper & Tissue, Covanta in West Enfield and Jonesboro, Verso in Bucksport, National Starch and the Old Town mill have closed. With these mills closing, jobs and millions of cords of wood have been taken off the market. Now all the wood cutters and loggers are dropping like flies, as they are mortgaged to the hilt on all the equipment.
Meanwhile, the rest of us in upper central and eastern Maine have been brushed aside and forgotten. Yes, people can go to school to get retrained, but where are they going to work after they finish school? Not in Maine. Remember, it’s not just about the jobs but also about the taxes these companies contributed to their communities.
The new normal for all of us, especially in the Katahdin and Lincoln Lakes regions, is to travel two to three hours away for employment. I have been laid off from four of the companies I mentioned above, but I’m fortunate and very lucky to find work at Huhtamaki Chinet in Waterville.
Don’t let all this fool you because southern Maine will feel the effect as time moves on.
Tom Picard
Millinocket
LePage impeachment a serious matter
There are voices calling for the impeachment of our governor. This is a very serious matter and not to be taken lightly. I would tell our legislators to think before they act.
If they need a reason to throw out the bum, they should remember how he vetoed a bill that had the sole purpose of protecting our children from abuses at the hands of uncontrolled educators. I sought passage of that bill, LD59, after my son was threatened and abused by a member of the clergy.
I know Gov. Paul LePage to be a liar and a disgrace to the office, yet I voted for him twice. Man, do I wish I could have a do-over.
Tim White
Wells