State makes wrong choice for blind services
As a member of Maine’s blind community, I am dismayed that the state contract for providing community-based services to the blind and visually impaired has not been awarded to The Iris Network as it has been for more than 35 years.
It is questionable that the Maine Department of Labor Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired awarded the contract to Catholic Charities Maine, which will spend more in administrative costs than the Iris Network proposal calls for.
It has no experience in providing community-based services to the adult and elderly blind and visually impaired population, and it does not currently have the professionally trained and certified vocational rehabilitation therapists needed to provide services — though it proposes to hire them away from the Iris Network.
Catholic Charities Maine is not nationally certified to provide these services as the Iris Network is and has been for many years.
Hopefully, the appeal process currently underway will succeed in reversing this misdirected decision.
Marlana Donovan
Member
ACB of Maine
Houlton
Insightful Adams
In the mid-1700s, John Adams made an insightful observation that might well relate to today’s political scene: “A man who has not better government of his tongue, no more command of his temper, is unfit for everything but children’s play and the company of boys.”
He also commented that “The love of power is insatiable and uncontrollable.” Does anyone in particular come to mind?
Sue Kircheis
Carmel
Losing national pride
When did the Grand Old Party become so divided and radical? Republicans have been sensible and a healthy balance to the progressive, often reckless Democrats’ liberal programs.
The statesmanlike, heated but dignified debates of issues were informative and fully aired for public evaluation and choice for the highest office in the nation.
It has taken 20 years with compromise by both parties to make slow but steady progress in shaping our diverse, energetic, strong and often vocal citizenry into what we’ve become today. I have always taken pride in being an American. Today there is not much to be proud about.
C. Ross Painter
Rockland
Electing Clinton would be a mistake
This election like no other in recent history is vital to the survival of the America we have known and loved for so many years. Our borders are being overrun with invaders from all over, posing as refugees and emigrants, who are a threat to safety and health of Americans. We have a president who seems out of touch with reality, trying to disarm his citizens while opening our gates to the very element he should be protecting us from.
We have two major candidates looking to be elected president. Hillary Clinton promises to bring prosperity to the U.S. by keeping open borders, doing away with the very thing that has kept us free over the years and polluting the Supreme Court with liberal judges who will pretty much void the Constitution.
Donald Trump wants to bring law and order back in America. The people are aware that there is much corruption in government, and Trump is the only one voicing their concerns and offering to do something about it.
This year is like no other. It is not time to introduce any new names that might split up votes. Every vote that does not go to Clinton must go to Trump. People say their conscience prevents them from voting for Trump. But what will their consciences say when they realize they helped Clinton destroy America? Trump is a gamble, but Clinton is a sure loss for America. Electing Clinton is a mistake that will be impossible to correct.
Ken Ward
New Sweden
No vote for Trump
I appreciate a politician who doesn’t adhere to extreme political correctness, one who rails against the “liberal media” and one who emphasizes a realistic approach to policy instead of one based in misleading, feel-good optimism.
I am a proud moderate member of the Republican Party. I agree with many of Donald Trump’s policy positions, but as of now I can’t bring myself to vote for him. He is purposely divisive and unnecessarily insensitive. I see him more as an entertainer than a real force for change.
I honestly wish I could feel comfortable voting for him, but presently I would feel more at peace casting an anti-Trump vote for “Lying Crooked Hillary” — or, as he has shockingly coined her more recently, “The Devil” and “The Founder of ISIS” — because she at least doesn’t mock disabled reporters or gold star families. I could go on and on and on.
This is one Republican who wants to keep America great. That is why I will not be voting for Trump in November. I’m sure I won’t be the only one.
Tyler Hadyniak
Portland
America needs a third party
Bernie Sanders’ success showed how frustrated Americans — especially the young, engaged voters — are with rising inequality, stagnation of wages, unregulated financial markets, monopolistic corporations, unwavering support of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, oppression of the press and drone warfare. Sanders says we should restore progressive taxation, offer a higher minimum wage, free health care and higher education. We need to add the best practices of socialism to our capitalistic system to improve it.
Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate for president, agrees with Sanders. Many of us who are disenchanted with the two corporate-controlled parties will vote for Stein, even though Democrats insist we should fear Donald Trump and vote for Hillary Clinton.
I recently watched the movie “Selma,” which depicts Martin Luther King Jr.’s push for voting rights. Though deeply disturbed after witnessing the brutal treatment of the people he led in the marches from Selma to Montgomery, King courageously continued on his path forward to provoke change, even when President Lyndon Johnson told him to hold back. He offered hope for those who dreamed of a better world.
Trump claims we should fear the immigrants and Islamists. Clinton claims we should fear Trump and vote for her. If our congressional leaders are truly concerned about their constituents, they will install rank-choice voting.
If enough citizens become engaged with the Green Party, we can create a movement intended to initiate positive change for Americans. We must finally stop allowing ourselves to be motivated by fear. America needs a third party.
Linda Bennett
Charleston