Drug crisis not a racial issue
Gov. Paul LePage and his little photo album would have us believe that drugs are a problem in Maine because of out-of-state people of color. Does he really believe that skin pigmentation genetically predisposes someone to be a drug dealer? Of course, no one — whatever their complexion — would be dealing here in Maine if there were not so many customers for illegal drugs. Does he also believe that white Mainers are more susceptible to being drug users because of their skin color?
Racist, bigot or ignorant and hateful, take your pick. We would be much better served by a governor of either party or no party that understood that prevention and treatment, not racial profiling, is the key to curbing Maine’s drug problems. I keep waiting for responsible Republicans to take a moral stand.
David McDermott
South Berwick
Strengthen Social Security
On Aug. 14, Social Security turned 81 years old. While the birthday of this great program is cause for celebration, it is also a time to get realistic about the need to keep it strong in the future. If our leaders fail to act, future retirees stand to lose nearly 25 percent of their benefits. Earlier this summer, Social Security trustees reported that big reductions could hit in 2034. If that seems like a far-off problem, think again.
A new analysis by AARP clarifies the stakes for Mainers if our elected officials continue to defer adjustments to keep Social Security financially sound. Without such measures, the average family income for people over 65 would be cut by as much as $4,400, or 25 percent. The poverty rate among older Mainers would soar to 69 percent.
That is why AARP launched Take A Stand — a national campaign to urge the presidential candidates to show leadership on Social Security. We need to hear more from Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump about their plans, with specifics about how individuals and their family would be affected by any changes.
Social Security’s birthday is the perfect time to reflect on the enduring value of this essential program, as well as its needs for the future. This is not just about retirees. Younger workers — our children and our grandchildren — will all depend on Social Security one day. We need a more robust national conversation on how to update the program. This conversation needs to begin with our presidential candidates.
Yvonne M. Lambert
Vice president
AARP Penobscot chapter #374
Hampden
Progressives undermine LePage
Today’s political climate is tough for conservatives. The progressives dominate the media, and the fear and weapon of political correctness stifles open, honest debate. Gov. Paul LePage is an honest and passionate man. He’s passionate about Maine, the poor, freedom, fighting drugs, reducing the cost of government, getting rid of corruption and supporting businesses.
When he was accused by Rep. Drew Gattine of using racist language, only to score political points, he reacted passionately. I prefer honest passion to dishonest smooth talkers any day.
While I disagree with the language used by the governor, I support his passion, wholeheartedly. LePage has been a blessing to this state by correcting the mess created by the progressives of the last 40 years. They are embarrassed by his success, and they will do and say anything to undermine his efforts and his administration. Keep up the good work, governor.
Kris Anderson
Phippsburg
Migrant workers in Maine
I enjoyed the Aug. 19 BDN article on the Native Americans’ traditional gathering for the blueberry harvest. I work with migrant farm workers and have seen this for myself.
I’m sure anyone who works with migrant workers and immigrants cringes at what comes out of the mouths of our politicians. I think most of the people I know are sympathetic to theses issues, yet they know next to nothing about the migrant workers who pick our blueberries, broccoli, apples and other crops. More and more of them work in the dairy, service and seafood industries because it’s hard to hire a bunch of workers for a short time.
I would love to see the BDN do a piece on the migrant workers. As things now stand, they are hidden and isolated by the fact they work long hours and speak a different language. As Mainers, we should know about the hard work and challenging life circumstances that migrants accept as a part of working in our state. It’s not a sad story or something to be fixed but an inspiring story. For any of us, the migrant worker life would be one of great hardship; for Haitians, Latin-Americans and others, it’s a chance to pursue the American dream, much like our forbears.
Thanks, BDN, for the regular stories holding organizations and politicians to account and regular stories of inspiration. I think a story on migrant farm workers would fit right in.
Mary Offutt
Deer Isle
LePage needs help
Everywhere you look these days you see our governor, “potty mouth Paul,” representing our state in the most crude, ignorant and embarrassing ways. Sadly, it is obvious he hasn’t found it important to get the counseling and help to work and get past past the damaged lenses he still wears from his childhood. He mentioned his past again during this latest meltdown. Without professional help, I’m sure they will increase.
Many people I talk to feel he won’t make it to the end of his term. A stroke, a heart attack, a mental breakdown will take him down. LePage should get help, and let’s move on to a place where there is more civility and respect for each other.
Jonathan Mohr
Trenton
Quimby paradox
Roxanne Quimby has finally gotten her national monument. I suppose she imagines she will be remembered as a patron of Maine for her gift to the federal government.
But I will remember her as one who threw Maine under the bus when she moved her Burt’s Bees operation from Dover-Foxcroft to North Carolina in the 1990s. She didn’t think too much about Maine jobs then, just how much more money she could make down South.
Douglas M. Flagg
Orono