Marijuana instead of heroin
The failure of the Maine secretary of state to allow the marijuana initiative on the November ballot is a squandered opportunity to help our fight against heroin addiction. Available, affordable marijuana may very well be the choice in lieu of heroin for those contemplating the issue. Marijuana should be offered free to those who are trying to convert. We probably could get Maine farmers to donate a portion of their crops for a tax break along the way.
This will not solve the heroin problem in total but could help put a dent in it. The state’s leadership should give this some thought. It doesn’t make any difference to me if marijuana is legal, but I am thinking it could be another tool in the toolbox in this fight.
John Friedman
Eddington
Join Sanders’ revolution
A political revolution is sweeping this nation — one born out of compassion and inclusiveness. Maine, hear the call of the youth, answer our beckoning for a more equal world. We don’t dream of a utopia but of amelioration. We don’t dream of a perfect world, only a better one.
The campaign of Bernie Sanders is only the facilitator. His support represents a massive swelling of the disenfranchised, impoverished and folks who are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Shall we seek out a better world? Join us, and we will make it.
Evan Livonius
Etna
Benghazi disqualifies Clinton
I cannot believe that anyone who has served in the military or had a son, daughter, brother or sister serve would even consider supporting Hillary Clinton for president. She, in her capacity as secretary of state, and President Barack Obama abandoned the Navy SEALs, who were under their direct orders to rescue Americans on Sept. 11, 2012, in Benghazi, Libya. Clinton and Obama went to bed to sleep while these men were killed.
Dola Carter
St. Francis
Keep pets inside
Although weather reports warned viewers to bundle up for the cold this winter, there wasn’t a reminder for us to consider bringing inside pets, farm animals or both. I think news and weather reporters would provide a nice public service by reminding people that animals also benefit from being inside, too.
Animals suffer from frostbite just as people do, and many must endure cold winter weather without adequate shelter. The media should consider adding animals to their reminders to get in out of the cold weather.
Sandra Joy
Bangor
Protect all students from predators
On Feb. 1, the Bangor Daily News published an article about a former Waldo County automotive instructor who sexually assaulted a student. Upon his sentencing, it was made clear he would be prohibited from having unsupervised contact with women under the age of 18.
Why limit the protection to only students under the age of 18, when all students in elementary or secondary schools should be protected from sexual assault from school officials, regardless of their age? The students could be 18, 19 or 20 years old.
The passage of LD 1540, An Act to Protect All Students in Elementary or Secondary Schools from Sexual Assault by School Officials, will remove the age limit from the current statute to extend protection to all students, regardless of their age. With this bill under consideration in the state Senate, it is my hope that this bill will pass and be signed into law to protect our vulnerable youth.
Michelle J. Agnese
Tremont
Economy benefits from carbon tax
My partner and I recently bought a modest house in Bangor and did a serious energy retrofit. We not only reduced our energy costs and became more energy independent, we also provided work for a number of local businesses.
It would be great if more Mainers could enjoy the same savings. The carbon fee and dividend proposed by the Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a market-based way to help make that happen. If enacted by Congress, this legislation would place a gradually rising fee on fossil fuels at their source and return all the money to American households on an equal basis. This would protect the majority of low- and middle-income households from higher prices on carbon-based products.
Bringing the cost of fossil fuels more in line with their true cost will provide strong market incentives to encourage new jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Ending the subsidies for fossil fuels and the carbon emissions they generate is a fair solution with support from leading members of both major political parties.
The Citizens’ Climate Lobby is reaching out to Maine’s congressional delegation, asking them to meet to discuss the carbon fee and dividend while Congress is on spring break. This will be a great opportunity for our members of Congress to hear from Maine residents and to discuss a proposal that could be of great benefit to Maine’s people, environment and economy. We encourage them to make time in their schedule to meet.
Karen Marysdaughter
Bangor
Cruz for president
President Barack Obama has proven to be one of the worst presidents from his failed policies of Obamacare to the Iran nuclear dea l. Instead of uniting people, he is a divider. His refusal to even meet with Israel’s leader shows his bad judgment as the leader of the free world. I can’t wait for the day he is out of office.
But if Hillary Clinton is elected in November, all of Obama’s bad policies will be upheld as she has promised to do. As if the North American Free Trade Agreement wasn’t bad enough, Congress is working to authorize the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
The media wonders how Donald Trump could be so popular, but look where our leaders have gotten us in the last 20 years. Voters are angry and frustrated with Washington. We have failed as a nation.
My choice for president in November will be Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. He will uphold the U.S. Constitution. He will be a real leader. Republicans and Democrats in Washington are afraid of him because under Cruz, Congress won’t get away with a lot of things that it does now.
Bonnie Lane
Sherman