‘Tax us more’

I see the “please tax us more” crowd is at it again, “Fed up with services? (BDN letters, Oct. 22). “Fed up with good schools?” the writer asks. No, just fed up with the “do it for the kids” mantra that has gotten us into paying teachers far more than 90 percent of what most Mainers make and which, among other government costs, has driven business right out of Maine.

Just who is going to pay the taxes when the last enterprise moves on to another state or country? The “shut up and pay up” mentality has to change or we will have no income and no money for any of the things government thinks we so desperately need.

John Hubbard

Bangor

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Lee is right for Belfast

During these trying economic times, it is important that we have a person with a strong financial background to ensure that we are getting the most from our taxes in Belfast. Roger Lee is a person with these qualifications. He has worked with the city manager and others on the council to provide us with a budget with no increases to the public and that is still providing the services we all want and need.

It is important that we vote for Lee on Nov. 4. He has shown that although he did not support big box stores in Belfast, he changed his mind and supported the proposed development on Route 3, which allows for a large retail store. We must have people on the council who are not single-minded and are able to change their position when it supports the majority of the public. They must not be looking out for their own interests, but should provide for the greater good for the community. Lee is this type of person, and I urge you to vote for him.

Cary Bradford

Belfast

Cary Bradford

Belfast

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Cashwell knows business

The current makeup of the Maine House of Representatives has a goodly number of teachers, social workers and promising young people in the early stages of their working careers, bringing valuable backgrounds and experiences to our Legislature as it shapes Maine’s future. What we are in short supply of are those with proven success in business.

John Cashwell has had 15 years as president of Seven Islands Land Company, managing nearly a million acres of timberland, supplying wood to some 50 different mills and providing work for around 200 loggers and truckers. He led the forest industry in certification of forest land worldwide and managed the Maine Forest Service for five years. His public service includes terms on the Bangor and Calais city councils (he was also mayor in both cities) and multiple appointments to governmental committees by Govs. Angus King and John Baldacci.

A Vietnam and Desert Storm veteran (his decorations for valor include 43 Air Medals, a Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Soldier’s Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Silver Stars), his distinguished military career attests to his willingness to commit his time, his limbs and his life to our country. His unique combination of background, experience and proven accomplishment will help bring us the balance we need in Augusta.

Frank Farrington

Bangor

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Liberal arrogance

Robert Klose, in his nasty little hit-piece, “John McCain is no George Washington” (BDN, Oct. 22) is as careless with his facts as he is with his language. George Washington died in 1799, not 1797 (ref. “His Excellency George Washington,” Joseph J. Ellis, Knopf, 2004, p.268). But what’s an important fact when your main point in writing is to spew political vitriol?

As to Klose’s language, describing Gov. Sarah Palin as “that silly cluck” is as careless and mean-spirited as anything someone might have said at a McCain “town meeting” about Hillary Clinton. Palin, unlike the former, gained high office entirely through her own effort and talent, and rose to national prominence by successfully battling special interests.

Klose’s piece could be “Exhibit A” in an indictment of today’s liberal and often sloppy academic arrogance.

Alan W. Boone

Bangor

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Allain is best choice

Jayson Allain is the best choice for state representative in House District 26. His opponent, the popular Paul Davis, has served in the past using “common sense” to solve problems, but that approach is not enough to address the complex, interconnected issues of the future.

Jayson Allain has the education and experience to understand and manage the difficult social, economic and technical issues that we are now forced to confront. As a father, business owner, National Guard officer and Maine Guide with a master’s degree in business administration, Jayson has all the attributes you expect and demand in a representative. Talk with Jayson to find out how he can make the positive connection that has been missing between this region and Augusta.

William Welsh

Sebec

William Welsh

Sebec

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God and politics

Those of us who embrace an inclusive, care-for-the-downtrodden Christian faith are accustomed to being admonished for our manifold sins and wickedness by our brethren on the Christian Right. After the 9-11 terrorist attack, the Rev. Jerry Falwell blamed feminists, gays, lesbians, the ACLU, People for the American Way and unspecified “others” for creating an environment “which possibly has caused God to lift the veil of protection which has allowed no one to attack America on our soil since 1812.”

When Hurricane Katrina savaged New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, pious voices of the right pronounced this was God’s punishment for the sinful ways of the populace. (Inexplicably, God’s wrath did not seem to include the millions who had visited New Orleans for a few days of decadent abandon and then returned to their proper homes elsewhere.)

Now, in the closing days of this presidential campaign, we have been hearing cries of “Terrorist!” and “Off with his head” from some people of faith who seem to believe the Democratic candidate’s name alone is reason to suspect him as a patriotic American and the professing Christian he is.

Have they not noticed that great economic misery has been visited like a plague upon our land, seeping into every single home, causing wailing over lost income and gnashing of teeth at disappearing retirement dreams? Might this be God’s judgment on all of us for inflicting eight years of the Bush administration on a suffering world? Or is it simply his way of making sure that Barack Obama will be elected our next president on Nov. 4?

Patricia Griffith

Belfast

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The Bangor Daily News is no longer accepting election-related letters and commentary. The newspaper will continue to publish such letters and commentary through the Nov. 1-2 issue. Not all submissions can be published.