GOP hypocrites
As anyone can see from the nonstop news coverage, the Republican Party is a hair away from nominating Donald Trump for president. I wish I could say I am surprised by this, but I’ve come to expect nothing less from the GOP. Former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal wasted his breath when he told his fellow Republicans to “ stop being the stupid party.” They decided to go all in on stupid instead.
I stopped being associated with any party years ago, after I decided I was more interested in what I believed in instead of backing a party whose members didn’t have the courage of their convictions. But as much as the Democratic Party lacks, the GOP always manages to show that if you really want a good blast of hypocritical statements, they’ll show you how it’s done.
Back in 2008, Republicans screamed about the cult of personality as they decried Barack Obama’s lack of experience and that he was considered dangerously unqualified. But here they are, just eight years later, about to proudly nominate someone whose knowledge of government is no better than a “ Schoolhouse Rock” video. I guess that experience stuff didn’t stick.
Kevin Gardner
Bangor
Motorcycle riders not the problem
Gov. Paul LePage has signed a bill into law that changes how Mainers can get a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s licenses without asking whether “we the people” wanted it. Now motorcyclists will need to spend $400 on a course that I feel is completely over the top and smells more of cash grab than civic concern.
We had a comprehensive eight-hour course that addressed what Mainers needed to know about motorcycle safety. The basic premise of riding a motorcycle does not significantly differ from riding a bicycle, and anyone over the age of 60 knows you can learn the basics today and be relatively proficient tomorrow.
The problem this bill aims to address is not whether there is enough education about riding motorcycles but poor vehicle control and drunken driving. This bill is not going to be able to curb the real problems.
Why not require Mainers who want a driver’s license or a permit to take a 15-hour course on common sense driving and motorcycle and big truck awareness. Make them responsible for controlling their vehicles if we want to stop the mayhem on the road. It’s unfair to put the responsibility squarely on motorcycle riders, who are the victims of poor driver education and accountability.
Paul Worsaa
Bangor
Smith no ‘conservationist’
George Smith, a BDN outdoors columnist and self-proclaimed “conservationist” wrote in an April 25 column that “snapping turtles kill and eat a lot of young ducklings and loons. … For years, when I saw them laying eggs along the road, I would run over them.”
This column continues a pattern of Smith detailing a long list of animals he kills because their existence is inconvenient to him. The above disturbing quote also evidences an appalling arrogance, a cruel streak and a lack of understanding of basic biological principles that influence connections between species and within ecosystems, resulting from countless thousands of years of coevolution.
Yes, snappers eat baby ducks, but that is why ducks’ clutches are so numerous. If nothing preyed on them, these populations would explode. And, of all the turtle eggs that are laid, few survive to adulthood. No one needs to be out running over and smashing mother snapping turtles’ eggs to “save” baby ducks and loons because there are already natural checks and balances.
The exception to this rule is humans. The greatest threat to ducks, loons and so many other species is not snapping turtles — or other predators for that matter — but people. If the light went on about this truth, would Smith run them down, too?
True conservationists teach respect for all species. And they would not commit acts of barbaric animal cruelty. Deliberately swerving to hit an animal and bragging about it? What message does this send readers, particularly our youth?
Kathy Pollard
Orono
Everyone deserves second chance
Gov. Paul LePage could do a better job welcoming people to Maine. He sets a bad example for Mainers when it comes to accepting people from different backgrounds. Whether they are seeking refuge from war or are struggling with addiction, everybody deserves a second chance. For centuries, the U.S. has served as a beacon of hope for those looking for a new start. It is important that every state serve as an example of how different groups can cohabitate.
Those struggling with addiction require a safety net in order to get and stay clean. Naloxone helps people addicted to heroin if they overdose, giving them a second chance. But the governor feels it would only encourage people with addictions to keep using drugs. He does not realize the benefits of giving loved ones who are trained in administering this drug a chance to save a life.
Whether it’s serving as a home for refugees or providing people with addictions a chance to survive, we must seize the opportunity to help.
Benjamin Bucklin
Searsport
Mental health a priority
It seems to me that today’s major focus when it comes to the human body is on physical well-being — staying fit and eating the proper diet to ensure long-lasting physical health. Without a sharp, healthy mind, however, none of this would be possible. Mental health care should be a top priority.
My heart goes out to all of the patients affected by the recent closure of Merrymeeting Behavioral Health Associates in Brunswick. These are people with acute mental illness who are frightened and anxiety ridden about where they will get treatment. As one of the patients said in an April 4 BDN article, “when I found out a week ago they were closing, the very first thought I had was, I want to go in my room, close the doors, take some meds and just die.” Why does it have to get this bad?
It’s time for people to get mad and demand change. It’s sad to live with the thought that there are people out there living day by day, not knowing what they will do for treatment. What are our priorities?
Matthew Heroux
Belfast