Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
Cutler's In And Lepage's Antics Continue
No surprise, Eliot Cutler will throw his hat into the ring early next week. Judging from the reaction to Cutler from many on the Facebook page, Lepage Must Go, he is reviled for causing Lepage to be our Governor in 2010. I prefer to blame the 37% of voters who supported LeRage. I am rooting for Mike Michaud, however, if it looks like Cutler is leading in late October,2014, I might well cast my vote for him.
All I know, for the many Mainers who have suffered and will suffer under another possible Lepage term, I pray that we can beat him next year. His latest grand standing involves a trip to Central Maine Medical Center to tout his repayment of debt to hospitals. In true Publishers Clearing House style, he had giant checks with the amount each hospital will receive. The subject line of these mammoth checks reads "welfare debt," as if to pound home that it is the poor of the state that rely on Mainecare who are to blame. What a fool Lepage is. A cruel fool. Thankfully a reality check in the form of a representatve of the Maine People's Alliance interrupted the circus sideshow. The gentleman was dressed as Uncle Sam and had his own huge check for the ammount Maine would get from the fed during the first three years of the Medicaid expansion. Too bad, so far, we aren'te getting it.
The Democrats in the legislature have not given up on the Medicaid expansion which Lepage has so foolishly refused to approve. In January they plan to keep trying, but I do not think any version of the expansion they could come up with would be agreeable to the Governor. You see, he sees those who would benefit as losers in the game of life and, naturally it follows that they are to blame for their own problems. Lepage buys into the old Horatio Alger story that he supposedly lived. It goes something like, you can start off ever so humble, but through hard work alone you can pull yourself up and be successful. While this may be true sometimes, people like Lepage tend to forget the people who have reached out helping hands to them during their struggle.. They also discount fate, or just plain luck, that helps people break through to success.
I will not go through he litany of reasons why the expansion is necessary again. It's too obvious and well known. I am starting to believe that Lepage and his allies somehow deep down realize that this health care would help many, but that they are sadists who take great joy in hurting people less fortunate. Or maybe they are just stupid. Is anyone that stupid?
All I know, for the many Mainers who have suffered and will suffer under another possible Lepage term, I pray that we can beat him next year. His latest grand standing involves a trip to Central Maine Medical Center to tout his repayment of debt to hospitals. In true Publishers Clearing House style, he had giant checks with the amount each hospital will receive. The subject line of these mammoth checks reads "welfare debt," as if to pound home that it is the poor of the state that rely on Mainecare who are to blame. What a fool Lepage is. A cruel fool. Thankfully a reality check in the form of a representatve of the Maine People's Alliance interrupted the circus sideshow. The gentleman was dressed as Uncle Sam and had his own huge check for the ammount Maine would get from the fed during the first three years of the Medicaid expansion. Too bad, so far, we aren'te getting it.
I will not go through he litany of reasons why the expansion is necessary again. It's too obvious and well known. I am starting to believe that Lepage and his allies somehow deep down realize that this health care would help many, but that they are sadists who take great joy in hurting people less fortunate. Or maybe they are just stupid. Is anyone that stupid?
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
PAUL LEPAGE SAYS "OBAMA HATES WHITE PEOPLE" AND WE MAINERS CRINGE AGAIN
The national news is alight with another story about our Governor here in Maine, Mr Paul Lepage. Apparently at a party for donors at a private citizen's house, he said that "Obama hates white people." The sources referenced in the reports wished to remain anonymous, so there is doubt in the air among his fans whether this was said at all.
Of course, it is ludicrous to think that a reputable paper like the Portland Press Herald, which originated the story, would make something like this up. The man has already given enough fodder to his enemies when it comes to dumb remarks. I need not got through the list. However, I am angry that none of the Republicans in attendance, who might have heard the comment, are coming forward publicly and admitting that Lepage said this. Don't they want a future for their party in Maine? I can't believe that a more moderate Republican hasn't jumped in to challenge Lepage in the Republican primary. If it was a moderate Republican in the Governor's office who was equally as at risk as the current Governor, I have no doubt that a tea party candidate would jump in.
This speaks to the clout that the Tea Party folks continue to have, even in a moderate state like Maine. Republicans don't want to cross them. The moderates like our Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe just hold their nose and support him. This is gutlessness and I cannot imagine it is good for the GOP as a whole.
On the other hand, these types of remarks from the governor tend to thrill his hardcore supporters who seem to be steadfastly behind him no matter what. Make no mistake, these people vote. I would even go so far as to say this solidifies his support with some folks who might have been turned off with some of his other actions. When Lepage resorts to the lowest common denominator, it may help him in the long run.
If indeed there is further concrete confirmation that Lepage made this inflammatory remark about the President, I hope it will be the catalyst needed to propel him out of office in 2014. From the looks of it, it will take a Democrat or an independent, not a moderate Republican, to make his exit happen.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
BOMBS AWAY! BLOWHARD PAUL LEPAGE JUST CAN'T HELP HIMSELF
Maine's Governor seems unable to stifle himself when it comes to making stupid and offensive comments. The latest one was made while he was trying out a jet fighter simulator at the Pratt & Whitney plant in North Berwick, Maine. Lepage joked that he'd like to find the Portland Press Herald building and then bomb it. Of course, like many a moron before him, he guffawed heartily at his own "joke."
This man may not have been born with a silver foot in his mouth, as Anne Richards said of George H.W. Bush, but he does seem to have permanent foot-in-mouth disease. Sadly, the 30-35 percent of the electorate that love him will think this latest comment is the height of hilarity. They'll say he is "plain spoken," he "tells it like it is," and that he's not "politically correct." But for most Mainers, every time he comes up with one of his juvenile "quips," we cringe, knowing that he does not represent most residents of our state.
Of course, his comments are simply a side show when compared to the harmful policies he has brought forth upon our great state. He blocked the Medicaid expansion thereby throwing many Mainers off the Mainecare rolls in January, and denying many more the opportunity to get vital coverage. He blocked the minimum wage increase, which, quite frankly, was modest. He vetoed a bill that would help parents find out what harmful chemicals might be used in the packaging of their children's food, and the list goes on.
I am still in hopes that somehow, when the legislature gets back to work in January, they can coerce a few more Republican legislators to support the expansion of Medicaid. I can't imagine they are not receiving backlash from their constituents on this issue. I do hope and pray that we can start the ground work for a Lepage defeat in November, so that the state can return to its former progressive path. Please, let the fates be kind and NOT allow us to split the anti-Lepage vote like we did in 2010. To quote the title of the facebook page I started,, Lepage Must Go!
Of course, his comments are simply a side show when compared to the harmful policies he has brought forth upon our great state. He blocked the Medicaid expansion thereby throwing many Mainers off the Mainecare rolls in January, and denying many more the opportunity to get vital coverage. He blocked the minimum wage increase, which, quite frankly, was modest. He vetoed a bill that would help parents find out what harmful chemicals might be used in the packaging of their children's food, and the list goes on.
I am still in hopes that somehow, when the legislature gets back to work in January, they can coerce a few more Republican legislators to support the expansion of Medicaid. I can't imagine they are not receiving backlash from their constituents on this issue. I do hope and pray that we can start the ground work for a Lepage defeat in November, so that the state can return to its former progressive path. Please, let the fates be kind and NOT allow us to split the anti-Lepage vote like we did in 2010. To quote the title of the facebook page I started,, Lepage Must Go!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
REP MIKE NADEAU AND CHARLIE WEBSTER: WHERE'S YOUR PROOF?
Its been quite some time since I posted, I have been spending a lot of time managing my Lepage Must Go Facebook page, which has over 2700 likes as of today.
In this time the Maine Ethics Commission's investigation into accusations of illegal campaign activities by Rep Mike Nadeau and his campaign treasurer Phil Soucy have been resolved. Apparently it was a split decision,the charges against Nadeau's campaign treasurer Phil Soucy were dismissed, and the serious allegations of collusion between Mike' campaign and the political group that Soucy was also treasurer of were not proven. Apparently a campaign volunteer did illegally buy an ad for Mike's campaign and this volunteer will be fined.
Interestingly, Nadeau posted a paranoid rant on Facebook a few days prior to the Commission's findings. Also, interestingly, the post was deleted soon after, along with some inflammatory charges put forth by former state Republican Party chair Charlie Webster in the comment section. Luckily I saved the text of both the post by Mike Nadeau and Charlie Webster's comments. This is what Mike posted:
"have not posted in a while because of the allegations pending. hearing on Monday and I think the lynching will be right after. thus far they have done any thing under the sun to discredit and destroy my life, my family, and my store, my friends, and every thing that is good in my life. they use the press and if you look at the press you will see that they have never interviewed me to get the real story. I have not been afforded any way of response since this began in November. a few in the
unbiased real press will get a story that will shock all of you and I hope will spring all of you to action, not for me but for your selves because you could be next. a heartfelt thanks to all my supporters and for those with question s, the answers are coming but not from the media that keeps reporting half stories meant to destroy.
prayers please."
Rep. Mike Nadeau Charlie Webster
I don't know what to make of this and I am waiting for his big tell all revelation concerning the persecution that was brought upon him via this investigation. And as far as the media is concerned, the stories I read concerning the charges were simply statements of the facts surrounding the case. Why do I have a feeling that the "true story" a la Nadeau will never come forth? And as an aside, the use of the word "lynching" is a little extreme and is an insult to the memory of the thousands of African Americans who actually suffered this treatment. I imagine Mike didn't mean to offend.
But far more interesting to me was the comment that Charlie Webster made underneath Mike's post, which was of course, deleted with the post. This is what he wrote:
"I served with John Martin and personally witnessed what he is capable of doing, when he loses. Anyone who thinks that this "investigation" is anything other than John Martin's allies trying to discredit Mike, they need to think again. John Martin has shown that he will say and do anything to
stay in power. The sad thing is that others are doing his bidding."
In 2012 Nadeau defeated long serving Rep John Martin in a close race. Charlie, who apparently recruited Mike to run and helped him corral the support he needed, makes a bald face accusation that John Martin was behind the investigation! Does Webster have proof? I think not, Webster is not big on proof. His allegations of wide spread voter fraud after the 2012 election were never proven.
John Martin
So I am waiting for the proof of the great conspiracy theory put forth by Nadeau and his mentor Webster. I think they owe it to the public. Nadeau accepted public clean election funding for his campaign. With that money comes rules and regulations that are clearly spelled out on the website of the Maine Ethics Commission. And if these charges were politically motivated by the supposedly all powerful Martin, why were some of them dismissed? The Maine Ethics Commission is a bi-partisan group that investigates and rules on possible infractions of clean election rules. The Commission consists of two Democrats, two Republicans, and one independent.
It is no secret that I do not see eye to eye with Mike Nadeau on political issues, but all our elected officials need to explain themselves when they make accusations. Proof is required, not just hearsay. You owe your constituents as much.
In this time the Maine Ethics Commission's investigation into accusations of illegal campaign activities by Rep Mike Nadeau and his campaign treasurer Phil Soucy have been resolved. Apparently it was a split decision,the charges against Nadeau's campaign treasurer Phil Soucy were dismissed, and the serious allegations of collusion between Mike' campaign and the political group that Soucy was also treasurer of were not proven. Apparently a campaign volunteer did illegally buy an ad for Mike's campaign and this volunteer will be fined.
Interestingly, Nadeau posted a paranoid rant on Facebook a few days prior to the Commission's findings. Also, interestingly, the post was deleted soon after, along with some inflammatory charges put forth by former state Republican Party chair Charlie Webster in the comment section. Luckily I saved the text of both the post by Mike Nadeau and Charlie Webster's comments. This is what Mike posted:
"have not posted in a while because of the allegations pending. hearing on Monday and I think the lynching will be right after. thus far they have done any thing under the sun to discredit and destroy my life, my family, and my store, my friends, and every thing that is good in my life. they use the press and if you look at the press you will see that they have never interviewed me to get the real story. I have not been afforded any way of response since this began in November. a few in the
unbiased real press will get a story that will shock all of you and I hope will spring all of you to action, not for me but for your selves because you could be next. a heartfelt thanks to all my supporters and for those with question s, the answers are coming but not from the media that keeps reporting half stories meant to destroy.
prayers please."
I don't know what to make of this and I am waiting for his big tell all revelation concerning the persecution that was brought upon him via this investigation. And as far as the media is concerned, the stories I read concerning the charges were simply statements of the facts surrounding the case. Why do I have a feeling that the "true story" a la Nadeau will never come forth? And as an aside, the use of the word "lynching" is a little extreme and is an insult to the memory of the thousands of African Americans who actually suffered this treatment. I imagine Mike didn't mean to offend.
But far more interesting to me was the comment that Charlie Webster made underneath Mike's post, which was of course, deleted with the post. This is what he wrote:
"I served with John Martin and personally witnessed what he is capable of doing, when he loses. Anyone who thinks that this "investigation" is anything other than John Martin's allies trying to discredit Mike, they need to think again. John Martin has shown that he will say and do anything to
stay in power. The sad thing is that others are doing his bidding."
In 2012 Nadeau defeated long serving Rep John Martin in a close race. Charlie, who apparently recruited Mike to run and helped him corral the support he needed, makes a bald face accusation that John Martin was behind the investigation! Does Webster have proof? I think not, Webster is not big on proof. His allegations of wide spread voter fraud after the 2012 election were never proven.
So I am waiting for the proof of the great conspiracy theory put forth by Nadeau and his mentor Webster. I think they owe it to the public. Nadeau accepted public clean election funding for his campaign. With that money comes rules and regulations that are clearly spelled out on the website of the Maine Ethics Commission. And if these charges were politically motivated by the supposedly all powerful Martin, why were some of them dismissed? The Maine Ethics Commission is a bi-partisan group that investigates and rules on possible infractions of clean election rules. The Commission consists of two Democrats, two Republicans, and one independent.
It is no secret that I do not see eye to eye with Mike Nadeau on political issues, but all our elected officials need to explain themselves when they make accusations. Proof is required, not just hearsay. You owe your constituents as much.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
PAUL LEPAGE, POLITICALLY INCORRECT OR JUST PLAIN RUDE?
As I have blogged previously, I started an anti-Lepage Facebook page which now is closing in on 2000 likes. (1936 currently) Occasionally I get feedback from Lepage fans. Several of them have pointed out accusingly that "you don't like him because he is politically incorrect." Somehow the term, politically incorrect has morphed into something right wingers use to describe any of their heroes who push a more conservative agenda.
Do they really understand what the term politically correct, or in this case incorrect, means? Originally it meant a certain way of speaking "correctly" when talking about issues of race, gender, sexual orientation,etc. In other words, saying mentally handicapped instead of retarded, African American instead of black or colored (or worse) or using gender neutral terms like chairperson instead of chairwoman or chairman. That type of thing. Think of Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin's "legitimate rape" comment. That was clearly a sexist, "politically incorrect" comment.
While Governor Lepage has said politically incorrect things,like when he dismissed BPA worries by saying, "Worse case scenario, some women may have little beards," most of his outrageous comments are just uncouth and rude. These folks who champion Lepage and others of his ilk, are using an inappropriate term ( politically incorrect) to describe the views of their leaders. Or more exactly, the stupid way these leaders express their views, no matter what kind of views those are.
Maybe I am making a big deal over nothing. But it seems to me they are trying to use the term politically correct to describe an orthodoxy that we liberals are trying to enforce upon them that goes far beyond the original meaning. In this way, they can gloss over the abusive and bad mannered histrionics of their leaders, and put the fault on us liberals. We don't like him/her because they disagree and use colorful terms to express their disagreement.
Most of Paul Lepage's many foolish comments are not politically incorrect, they are just plain inappropriate, whether you agree with him or not. People like him have no place in public office, their proper role would be as talking heads on Fox News so they can spout all the shocking comments they want. Hopefully Lepage's supporters, who give all his boorish expressions the misnomer of "politically incorrect," do not have sufficient numbers to enable him to stay in office. Fox news is calling, Gov Lepage.
Do they really understand what the term politically correct, or in this case incorrect, means? Originally it meant a certain way of speaking "correctly" when talking about issues of race, gender, sexual orientation,etc. In other words, saying mentally handicapped instead of retarded, African American instead of black or colored (or worse) or using gender neutral terms like chairperson instead of chairwoman or chairman. That type of thing. Think of Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin's "legitimate rape" comment. That was clearly a sexist, "politically incorrect" comment.
While Governor Lepage has said politically incorrect things,like when he dismissed BPA worries by saying, "Worse case scenario, some women may have little beards," most of his outrageous comments are just uncouth and rude. These folks who champion Lepage and others of his ilk, are using an inappropriate term ( politically incorrect) to describe the views of their leaders. Or more exactly, the stupid way these leaders express their views, no matter what kind of views those are.
Maybe I am making a big deal over nothing. But it seems to me they are trying to use the term politically correct to describe an orthodoxy that we liberals are trying to enforce upon them that goes far beyond the original meaning. In this way, they can gloss over the abusive and bad mannered histrionics of their leaders, and put the fault on us liberals. We don't like him/her because they disagree and use colorful terms to express their disagreement.
Most of Paul Lepage's many foolish comments are not politically incorrect, they are just plain inappropriate, whether you agree with him or not. People like him have no place in public office, their proper role would be as talking heads on Fox News so they can spout all the shocking comments they want. Hopefully Lepage's supporters, who give all his boorish expressions the misnomer of "politically incorrect," do not have sufficient numbers to enable him to stay in office. Fox news is calling, Gov Lepage.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Will Mike Michaud Have A Southern Maine Problem?
Our Governor's race is shaping up to be another three man race here in Maine. This time it would seem that the Democrats have a more viable candidate in Mike Michaud. Michaud has served in the US House of Representatives since 2003, and before that he served for twenty plus years in the Maine Legislature. It would seem he would have broad appeal, with his working man background.
My worry is whether Southern Maine liberals, who tend to rate social issues, including abortion rights, on a higher importance scale, fall in behind Michaud? He is Pro-life, although his record in the House has not been rigidly so. He is also pro-gun rights, although he did support background check expansion. Will his more conservative stance on the these two issues hurt him in the South? Might they be more attracted to Democrat turned independent Eliot Cutler?
Cutler has the advantage of having never had to serve in public office, thereby avoiding a track record that could hurt him with some voters. He touts himself as a business friendly candidate, with liberal views on social issues. Its sort of a trick that Angus King was able to pull off with success in his campaigns. Mike Michaud, coming from a very Pro-Union stance, may not appeal as strongly to the more affluent Southern Maine Democrats and independents.
So why couldn't Cutler have competed in the Democratic Primary against Michaud? This way we Dems, from all over the state, could have made our choice to go up against Paul Lepage. We certainly don't want Cutler and Michaud to spend a lot of time and money fighting one another, when the target should be the embarrassment that is Paul Lepage.
The last issue that I think could affect Michaud negatively is not really a substantive issue at all. Those of us who have seen Mike Michaud speak, realize he is not the most gifted speaker. That alone should not disqualify anyone from running successfully for office. However, in this age of media driven politics, could it, in fact, hurt him with some voters. If Cutler is able to project a more suave, polished image, could this swing some voters his way, and weaken Michaud's Position? After all, Cutler is a successful lawyer with degrees from Harvard Law and Georgetown University.
This brings us to the crux of the problem with the modern Democratic party. In some respects, we have lost our ability to appeal to working people, who worry more about bread and butter issues, than gay marriage or abortion rights. To succeed we need to try not to appear to be the party of the country club liberal elite, who do not care about, or understand, the problems of the average financially strapped voter.
Look, I realize this "country club" comparison hardly describes the majority of Southern Maine Democrats. However, if enough Democrats and independents do fall into that category, it is possible that we could deliver the 2014 election into the hands of Paul Lepage. I hope Eliot Cutler, with his ample personal wealth, and wealthy supporters, does not manage to make this nightmare scenario a reality...again.
My worry is whether Southern Maine liberals, who tend to rate social issues, including abortion rights, on a higher importance scale, fall in behind Michaud? He is Pro-life, although his record in the House has not been rigidly so. He is also pro-gun rights, although he did support background check expansion. Will his more conservative stance on the these two issues hurt him in the South? Might they be more attracted to Democrat turned independent Eliot Cutler?
Cutler has the advantage of having never had to serve in public office, thereby avoiding a track record that could hurt him with some voters. He touts himself as a business friendly candidate, with liberal views on social issues. Its sort of a trick that Angus King was able to pull off with success in his campaigns. Mike Michaud, coming from a very Pro-Union stance, may not appeal as strongly to the more affluent Southern Maine Democrats and independents.
So why couldn't Cutler have competed in the Democratic Primary against Michaud? This way we Dems, from all over the state, could have made our choice to go up against Paul Lepage. We certainly don't want Cutler and Michaud to spend a lot of time and money fighting one another, when the target should be the embarrassment that is Paul Lepage.
The last issue that I think could affect Michaud negatively is not really a substantive issue at all. Those of us who have seen Mike Michaud speak, realize he is not the most gifted speaker. That alone should not disqualify anyone from running successfully for office. However, in this age of media driven politics, could it, in fact, hurt him with some voters. If Cutler is able to project a more suave, polished image, could this swing some voters his way, and weaken Michaud's Position? After all, Cutler is a successful lawyer with degrees from Harvard Law and Georgetown University.
This brings us to the crux of the problem with the modern Democratic party. In some respects, we have lost our ability to appeal to working people, who worry more about bread and butter issues, than gay marriage or abortion rights. To succeed we need to try not to appear to be the party of the country club liberal elite, who do not care about, or understand, the problems of the average financially strapped voter.
Look, I realize this "country club" comparison hardly describes the majority of Southern Maine Democrats. However, if enough Democrats and independents do fall into that category, it is possible that we could deliver the 2014 election into the hands of Paul Lepage. I hope Eliot Cutler, with his ample personal wealth, and wealthy supporters, does not manage to make this nightmare scenario a reality...again.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
SUSAN COLLINS & PAUL LEPAGE:A STRANGE PAIRING
But Republicans of a feather stick together. Bosom buddies Susan and Paul are, as far as his reelection campaign is concerned. Susan was right there to co-host the posh Lepage fundraiser with Jeb Bush. Of course Jeb is supposed to be another somewhat moderate Republican, but that didn't stop the guy from boosting Lepage. Kennebunkport was a who's who in the Maine Republican party yesterday as they slinked in to wine and dine with their own.
Olympia Snowe lent her name as a sponsor but said she and Jock had other plans. I think she probably didn't want to be seen with Lepage, who is rather crude oil, if you know what I mean. (No Vaseline reference intended.) Of course she is not in politics anymore. Having left The Hill, you'd think she'd be a little more independent with her choices. After all she came out for same sex marriage when it didn't cost her or really matter anymore. But she doesn't have the spine to distance herself from Pauly impure heart, the wildly unpopular Governor who could spell disaster for the Republican party in Maine, as well as for the state of Maine itself
Collins has not officially announce her bid for reelection as of yet, but it seems unlikely she would retire from the Senate right now. So far, no Democrat seems to be eyeing a run against her next year. Personally, despite her moderation, I think a Democrat could make more headway then expected. Especially if she keeps up her support for anyone in her party, dolt or otherwise.
PAUL LEPAGE IS RUNNING FOR A SECOND TERM. SURPRISED?
The facebook page I created "Paul Lepage Must Resign" has garnered a pretty decent following.(1200+ likes) I started the page when Governor Lepage spewed forth his outrageous statement aimed at State Sen Troy Jackson and the working people of Maine. In contemplating the fallout from those remarks, and the national coverage, I hope that opposition to Lepage has galvanized in our state.
In the wake of Vaseline-gate, the legislature overrode Lepage's veto of the bipartisan budget. This seems to have plucked Lepage's dictatorial feathers more than the negative reaction to his tirade. He made rumblings that he would not seek a second term and that he might be interested in the second district US Congressional seat. Of course, we now know he IS running for reelection as Governor. This was announced at last nights closed-to-the-press Lepage fundraiser with Jeb Bush in Kennebunkport. I am hardly surprised.
You see, I think Lepage is a megalomaniac who seems to be absolutely sure of his self righteousness. He knows that, even if he did run for the Second District seat and won, which is highly unlikely, he would not have the power he has over the poor people of Maine.
And, I hate to say it, but it is not impossible that he could again squeak through. His latest troubles with his big mouth might have time to fade in some of the voter's minds, and he is again facing a split field,. Democrat Mike Michaud and Democrat turned independent Eliot Cutler will face off with him. Of course, the likelihood of the Governor's idiotic comments continuing on are pretty high.
My fear is that Eliot Cutler will try to discredit Mike Michaud in Southern Maine. Michaud is somewhat of a blue dog Democrat and is not the smoothest speaker. Michaud does have great support from Unions, Veterans (for whom he has done a lot), and many more working class Democrats. Hopefully this will be enough to put him over the top. Wouldn't it be great if Lepage came in third in a field of three?
I also think the Republicans will lose more seats in our legislature, hopefully resulting in a veto proof majority. This would prevent a repeat of the largely successful string of vetoes that have occurred in Lepage's first term. Of course, that is if he is able to finagle a second term.
The election is over a year away, and we Mainers, who are united against this Governor, need to keep our eyes on the prize. The prize being getting this ignoramus out of office and into the private sector. (Marden's anyone?) I personally hope that Cutler and Michaud do not tear each other apart, thereby damaging both their candidacies.
In the wake of Vaseline-gate, the legislature overrode Lepage's veto of the bipartisan budget. This seems to have plucked Lepage's dictatorial feathers more than the negative reaction to his tirade. He made rumblings that he would not seek a second term and that he might be interested in the second district US Congressional seat. Of course, we now know he IS running for reelection as Governor. This was announced at last nights closed-to-the-press Lepage fundraiser with Jeb Bush in Kennebunkport. I am hardly surprised.
You see, I think Lepage is a megalomaniac who seems to be absolutely sure of his self righteousness. He knows that, even if he did run for the Second District seat and won, which is highly unlikely, he would not have the power he has over the poor people of Maine.
And, I hate to say it, but it is not impossible that he could again squeak through. His latest troubles with his big mouth might have time to fade in some of the voter's minds, and he is again facing a split field,. Democrat Mike Michaud and Democrat turned independent Eliot Cutler will face off with him. Of course, the likelihood of the Governor's idiotic comments continuing on are pretty high.
My fear is that Eliot Cutler will try to discredit Mike Michaud in Southern Maine. Michaud is somewhat of a blue dog Democrat and is not the smoothest speaker. Michaud does have great support from Unions, Veterans (for whom he has done a lot), and many more working class Democrats. Hopefully this will be enough to put him over the top. Wouldn't it be great if Lepage came in third in a field of three?
I also think the Republicans will lose more seats in our legislature, hopefully resulting in a veto proof majority. This would prevent a repeat of the largely successful string of vetoes that have occurred in Lepage's first term. Of course, that is if he is able to finagle a second term.
The election is over a year away, and we Mainers, who are united against this Governor, need to keep our eyes on the prize. The prize being getting this ignoramus out of office and into the private sector. (Marden's anyone?) I personally hope that Cutler and Michaud do not tear each other apart, thereby damaging both their candidacies.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
BULLY KING PAUL NEEDS TO GO - FACEBOOK PAGE 700+ LIKES!
I also realize that not all people who think King Paul should go are liberal Democrats like myself. Many are more moderate Democrats or Republicans. Many are independent of course. And some probably aren't that interested in politics at all , but have been angered by the bully tactics that this man has used repeatedly. I would even encourage Republicans who care about their party's future in Maine to start a campaign to get a more reasonable member of the GOP to run against Lepage in the primary next year.
Tomorrow the legislature will take up, among other things, the budget, which Lepage vetoed. This may not be perfect, but it was painstakingly put together on a bipartisan basis by both parties in the Legislature. There is a sales tax increase which the Governor does not like. But this increase, which does have an expiry date, will allow some important programs, including Head Start, low cost drugs for the elderly, and job training, to avoid cuts. King Paul wants everything his way, or the highway. Well, he needs to hit the highway.
The Maine Senate will take up the important omnibus energy bill which Lepage vetoed. He was already overridden in the House by a 121 to 11 vote margin. It had most of the things in it he approved of, but that does not satisfy a man who wants to be an absolute monarch of this state. He has no respect for opposing viewpoints.
I want to try to get more people to "like" my Facebook page so I will put a link below.
https://www.facebook.com/Lepagehittheroad
And here Ray Charles and the Raelettes with a special message for King Paul...
And a later rendition...
Monday, June 24, 2013
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE
I wanted to re-post a video and a blog post from my Representative in the Maine State House, Mike Nadeau. I hope I can get them to a wider audience as I find them very offensive.
Here is part on one of his blog posts that he wrote in response to the horrible Newtown massacre.
Where was God?
Well… we did make it illegal for God to be in school to the point of no talk about Him, no books about Him, no clothes with a cross, or His name on it
Some blame it on guns. Just as a speed limit sign does alot to slow down most traffic, it does slow it down. The ten commandments were converted to most laws we live by today and yet we can not post them in public places to remind people that we live by laws.
Reminders are good. If we saw a reminder of the laws to live by, TEN COMMANDMENTS, daily, I am convined that our country would be different.
Obviously this man does not believe in separation of Church and State and seems to have, at best, a tenuous understanding of our laws. Has he read the Establishment Clause of our constitution.?
He needs to be defeated next year!
Where was God?
Well… we did make it illegal for God to be in school to the point of no talk about Him, no books about Him, no clothes with a cross, or His name on it
Some blame it on guns. Just as a speed limit sign does alot to slow down most traffic, it does slow it down. The ten commandments were converted to most laws we live by today and yet we can not post them in public places to remind people that we live by laws.
Reminders are good. If we saw a reminder of the laws to live by, TEN COMMANDMENTS, daily, I am convined that our country would be different.
Obviously this man does not believe in separation of Church and State and seems to have, at best, a tenuous understanding of our laws. Has he read the Establishment Clause of our constitution.?
Sunday, June 23, 2013
INSPIRED BY THE REV JESSE JACKSON
Jackson championed issues like economic inequality, poverty, cutting military spending and civil rights for all. He was also the first major politician that I saw to stand up at a political convention and mention equal rights for gays and lesbians.
When he ran again for the 1988 Presidential race, I took it upon myself to write him a sort of heart felt fan letter, thanking him for the views that he championed. It took awhile, but I got back a signed photo (above) and a nice letter.
Despite Maine being one of the whitest states in the country, we do have quite a populist streak and a reputation for giving a lot a support to candidates like Jackson, Dennis Kucinich, and Paul Tsongas. Jackson got 27% to Dukakis's 46% of the vote in Maine's Democratic caucuses in 1988. This proved that he could garner white support and this was trumpeted by the media.
He visited Northern Maine in the early 1990's, this was around that time the defense department announced the impending closure of Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Me. I got the chance to see him speak at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. There was standing room only, and they had spillover into another room where they set up a television to broadcast the speech. The Maine legislature had recently voted against equal rights for gays and lesbians and I got to ask him a question about that. He spoke very eloquently on why he supported equality for all peoples, of any color, creed, religion and sexual orientation.
I have followed Jackson over the years, I have been impressed by some of his actions and unimpressed by some others. At first he did not support gay marriage, just civil unions, but he did come around and is now a supporter.
-Natty
Saturday, June 22, 2013
COUNTDOWN TO NOV 4, 2014
Hello, I added a widget with a countdown to the next election. This is when hopefully we will vote for a new Governor. That is if he doesn't resign beforehand. I would have set it as inauguration day 2015, but to my knowledge Maine doesn't have a set inauguration day. Here's hoping!
LEPAGE AIN'T GONNA RUN IN DISTRICT TWO
The Guvster mentioned that he was ruminating a run for the seat that Mike Michaud will be vacating. This was an offhand remark during an "apology" for his remark about Maine people who work in the woods.
Folks, he's blowing hot air. He is not going to run and knows he has as much chance of winning as he has of being given a Nobel prize for the advancement of personal lubricants. As we all know, he only got the Republican nomination for Governor last time because the field was packed with more moderate candidates. Then Mr Cutler "cut" the vote with Libby Mitchell.
He needs to go back to Marden's if they'll have him. I am sure they have shipments of off-brand petroleum jelly he could stock. He could do an add with that annoying Marden's lady playing her "Daddy" she's always talking about.
Or else he could replace Marty on top of Mt Washington. If they slap several coats of vaseline all over his body under his clothing the cold up there wont bother him.
Folks, he's blowing hot air. He is not going to run and knows he has as much chance of winning as he has of being given a Nobel prize for the advancement of personal lubricants. As we all know, he only got the Republican nomination for Governor last time because the field was packed with more moderate candidates. Then Mr Cutler "cut" the vote with Libby Mitchell.
He needs to go back to Marden's if they'll have him. I am sure they have shipments of off-brand petroleum jelly he could stock. He could do an add with that annoying Marden's lady playing her "Daddy" she's always talking about.
Or else he could replace Marty on top of Mt Washington. If they slap several coats of vaseline all over his body under his clothing the cold up there wont bother him.
REP MIKE NADEAU, YOUR SILENCE IS DEAFENING
Rep Mike Nadeau from house district one shares some of the same territory with Sen Troy Jackson. Interestingly, I am not aware that he has made any comment condemning his boss Lepage's offensive comments directed at his fellow legislator. I realize they are from different parties, but it seems like a degree of civility is called for here. Mike needs to come out and let us know his opinion on the Governor's comments directed at Troy. If he does not, I guess he must agree with Boss Paul Lepage.
Let Mike know how you feel here!
Let Mike know how you feel here!
THANK YOU REP MCELWEE, REP MAREAN, REP TYLER & REP WILSON!
Amidst the latest swirl of press surrounding our illustrious Governor's latest lamentable remarks, I forgot to give a shout out to four brave Republicans in the Maine House. They are Rep Carol McElwee, Caribou, Rep Donald Marean, Hollis, Rep Tom Tyler R, Windham .and Rep Corey Wilson, Augusta.
These four brave souls voted in favor of Medicaid Expansion bill LD1066, even voting to override Gov Lepage's veto. I say "even during override" due to the fact that some Republicans have switched their vote to sustain a veto by Lepage, I suppose on order from above. However, these three ignored the wrath of their leadership and their Governor and stood by the Maine people. I have put a link to their websites attached to their names above. Please feel free to thank them.
These four brave souls voted in favor of Medicaid Expansion bill LD1066, even voting to override Gov Lepage's veto. I say "even during override" due to the fact that some Republicans have switched their vote to sustain a veto by Lepage, I suppose on order from above. However, these three ignored the wrath of their leadership and their Governor and stood by the Maine people. I have put a link to their websites attached to their names above. Please feel free to thank them.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
GOV PAUL LEPAGE SHOULD RESIGN, ALREADY!!
Today's Lepage rant in its entirety
I started a Facebook group and page to encourage big mouthed Pauly to resign. He obviously does not like his job anyway. His latest comments concerning Sen Troy Jackson and the failure to adopt Medicaid expansion are the tipping point. This guy is going to permanently damage this State, its people, its image ands its pride. To paraphrase Harry Truman, "If he cant stand the heat he should get out of the Blaine House!"
We have crossed a rubicon folks, here is the link to my Facebook group again https://www.facebook.com/groups/200340510121721/
And for those who wish the Facebook page, you can like https://www.facebook.com/Lepagehittheroad
Thanks everyone! Sorry if I'm going overboard, but I am mad.
I started a Facebook group and page to encourage big mouthed Pauly to resign. He obviously does not like his job anyway. His latest comments concerning Sen Troy Jackson and the failure to adopt Medicaid expansion are the tipping point. This guy is going to permanently damage this State, its people, its image ands its pride. To paraphrase Harry Truman, "If he cant stand the heat he should get out of the Blaine House!"
We have crossed a rubicon folks, here is the link to my Facebook group again https://www.facebook.com/groups/200340510121721/
And for those who wish the Facebook page, you can like https://www.facebook.com/Lepagehittheroad
Thanks everyone! Sorry if I'm going overboard, but I am mad.
MORE ON PAUL LEPAGE'S STUPID COMMENTS.
Interestingly, watching the WAGM local news tonight, I noticed they left an important part out of their coverage of Gov. Lepage's comments concerning Troy Jackson. They did not mention this comment about Sen Jackson:
“People like Troy Jackson, they ought to go back into the woods and cut trees and let someone with a brain come down here and do some good work.”
To me this is worse than the Vaseline comment as it is a condescending jab at people in this area of our state that toil in the woods. They did however show Lepage's "bad person" and "black heart" comments about Jackson which I hadn't seen in the earlier Bangor Daily News article. I can't, for the life of me, remeber a politician who has made such awful comments in public. I never thought I'd see it in this state, where I thought we were more civil.
I guess Jackson is taking it in stride, not letting bulldog Lepage ruffle his feathers. Lepage needs to invest in some anger management classes. We all have different visions for our state and different ideas of what will benefit it. My outrage with Lepage is not all because of his views, it's the way he has promoted them. His abrasiveness and school ground tactics invite disrespect for him and his office.
“People like Troy Jackson, they ought to go back into the woods and cut trees and let someone with a brain come down here and do some good work.”
To me this is worse than the Vaseline comment as it is a condescending jab at people in this area of our state that toil in the woods. They did however show Lepage's "bad person" and "black heart" comments about Jackson which I hadn't seen in the earlier Bangor Daily News article. I can't, for the life of me, remeber a politician who has made such awful comments in public. I never thought I'd see it in this state, where I thought we were more civil.
I guess Jackson is taking it in stride, not letting bulldog Lepage ruffle his feathers. Lepage needs to invest in some anger management classes. We all have different visions for our state and different ideas of what will benefit it. My outrage with Lepage is not all because of his views, it's the way he has promoted them. His abrasiveness and school ground tactics invite disrespect for him and his office.
OUTRAGEOUS PETROLEUM BASED COMMENTS BY PAUL LEPAGE
Maybe he has sand in his Vaseline? Today motor mouth Paulie soared to new heights of tastelessness. In a rant about Senator Troy Jackson, he said that Jackson, “claims to be for the people but he’s the first one to give it to the people without providing Vaseline.”
Even worse he went on to say "People like Troy Jackson, they ought to go back into the woods and cut trees and let someone with a brain come down here and do some good work." What a disrespect for, not only those folks who toil in one of Maine's heritage industries, but for all working class peoples everywhere.
Hopefully this will help seal the deal when it comes to not only overriding his budget veto, but to getting this big mouthed imbecile out of office! God help us in the next year and a half or so. I am sure this will get picked up by the national news. I hope people know that Maine is a state of, not only hard working people from all walks of life, but we also have some of the greatest educational institutions in the country.It is a great place of scenic beauty, knowledge and, despite the current Governor, good will and tolerance. Shut this guy up!
-Nat D
(photo courtesy Bangor Daily News)
Aside from the fact that, as anybody knows, Vaseline is no good for the act he was metaphorically referring to, ( Since it destroys latex in the condoms that everyone should be using), this is a childish, tasteless comment from a man who specializes in such comments.Even worse he went on to say "People like Troy Jackson, they ought to go back into the woods and cut trees and let someone with a brain come down here and do some good work." What a disrespect for, not only those folks who toil in one of Maine's heritage industries, but for all working class peoples everywhere.
Hopefully this will help seal the deal when it comes to not only overriding his budget veto, but to getting this big mouthed imbecile out of office! God help us in the next year and a half or so. I am sure this will get picked up by the national news. I hope people know that Maine is a state of, not only hard working people from all walks of life, but we also have some of the greatest educational institutions in the country.It is a great place of scenic beauty, knowledge and, despite the current Governor, good will and tolerance. Shut this guy up!
-Nat D
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
MAINE HOUSE FAILS TO OVERRIDE, THANKS REPUBLICANS
Sad news, our Maine State House has failed to override Lepage's veto of Medicaid expansion. They voted 97 to 52 in favor of expansion but apparently didn't get the needed moderate Republican support they were pushing for. This is unfathomable to me. Its indicative of the Republican party's war on the poor, many of whom are working poor. I am sure my Rep, Mike Nadeau, voted to support his boss Paul Lepage. He put this comment on his Facebook page today directed at House Speaker Mark Eves.
"today I lost respect for the speaker of the house. games games games. trickery and devisive behavior. this man has done nothing but play devisive games. at a time when we need strong nonpartisan leadership all that we get is mockery of the system and the people!!!!!!"
*NOTE: devisive is spelled divisive and hold a few exclamation points Mike.*
Well, my feeling is that the Speaker was using the power at his disposal to use legitimate parliamentary means to try to save this Medicaid expansion. I guess to an amateur like Nadeau, the whole process would be overwhelming. Guess we'll just have to put someone else in office that can work within the democratic system and advocate for the people.
Apparently Kenneth, "man's brain" Fredette really strong armed any Republicans in his caucus that showed the slightest inkling that they might vote to override. In the Press Herald article it reported that some Republicans tried to "walk" so their vote wouldn't be recorded. The Republicans will pay in next years election for failing the people.
This whole self-righteous attitude exhibited by the Republicans regarding the need for basic health care for all is baffling to me. Maybe if they got off their pedestals and went amongst the people of their community they would find that there are many people trying to keep their heads above water who cant afford pricey private coverage. Amazingly Republicans are able to garner support from some of the very people that would be helped by Medicaid expansion by labelling it a welfare program. Blaming all those nefarious "lazy leechers" for running up the cost of health care by running to the emergency room for a splinter.
I worked with a young single mother once who would take her child to the emergency room when it was sick. At first, I thought to myself, "she's wasting taxpayer dollars." Then I realized this was a young girl with no husband, parents or grandparents to help and advise her. If I was alone and my baby had a fever and wouldn't stop crying, I'd call a taxi and go to emergency too. I guess we Democrats have something called empathy that is not part of the vocabulary of the Republicans. They are very near sighted, not able to see the enormous costs of leaving people uninsured and without preventive medicine.
Now, we really have to redouble our efforts to replace Gov. Lepage with a Democrat. This seems to be the only way to get health care to tens of thousands of deserving Mainers.
"today I lost respect for the speaker of the house. games games games. trickery and devisive behavior. this man has done nothing but play devisive games. at a time when we need strong nonpartisan leadership all that we get is mockery of the system and the people!!!!!!"
*NOTE: devisive is spelled divisive and hold a few exclamation points Mike.*
Well, my feeling is that the Speaker was using the power at his disposal to use legitimate parliamentary means to try to save this Medicaid expansion. I guess to an amateur like Nadeau, the whole process would be overwhelming. Guess we'll just have to put someone else in office that can work within the democratic system and advocate for the people.
Apparently Kenneth, "man's brain" Fredette really strong armed any Republicans in his caucus that showed the slightest inkling that they might vote to override. In the Press Herald article it reported that some Republicans tried to "walk" so their vote wouldn't be recorded. The Republicans will pay in next years election for failing the people.
This whole self-righteous attitude exhibited by the Republicans regarding the need for basic health care for all is baffling to me. Maybe if they got off their pedestals and went amongst the people of their community they would find that there are many people trying to keep their heads above water who cant afford pricey private coverage. Amazingly Republicans are able to garner support from some of the very people that would be helped by Medicaid expansion by labelling it a welfare program. Blaming all those nefarious "lazy leechers" for running up the cost of health care by running to the emergency room for a splinter.
I worked with a young single mother once who would take her child to the emergency room when it was sick. At first, I thought to myself, "she's wasting taxpayer dollars." Then I realized this was a young girl with no husband, parents or grandparents to help and advise her. If I was alone and my baby had a fever and wouldn't stop crying, I'd call a taxi and go to emergency too. I guess we Democrats have something called empathy that is not part of the vocabulary of the Republicans. They are very near sighted, not able to see the enormous costs of leaving people uninsured and without preventive medicine.
Now, we really have to redouble our efforts to replace Gov. Lepage with a Democrat. This seems to be the only way to get health care to tens of thousands of deserving Mainers.
GOV. PAUL LEPAGE IS GETTIN' BUSH!
Did you hear the news! Our Guv is going to have a big name headliner at his big July reelection fundraiser in Kennebunkport... you guessed it, Jeb Bush! Well ain't that grand. Her they are in a photo with former Gov James Hunt, someone they could learn a thing or two from.
And for 2000 bucks you can have your picture taken with Bushie and
Stumpie Lepage. Other luminaries will include Olympia, Suzy Q Collins
and many more. Isn't it amazing that moderate Republicans will still support any fellow Republican, even if they are farther to the right? If the Republicans wanted to keep hold of the Blaine House they should run a moderate in the primary and ditch Paulie. But they aren't going to do that which is to our advantage, I guess.
Apparently Cagey Lepagey isn't going to talk to Maine's newspapers anymore. He objected to an article on conflict of interest in his selection for Director of Maine's Environmental Protection Agency. So apparently his administration will just talk to the Conservative Maine Heritage Policy Center.( I love the way these right wing groups co-opt words like "heritage" "patriot" and such, as if they have the only heritage and are the only patriots.) I'm sure this latest tantrum might be just as short lived as his boycott of his State House office. Just grand standing. Mr Lepage, if you want good coverage in the papers, do some good things!
Apparently Cagey Lepagey isn't going to talk to Maine's newspapers anymore. He objected to an article on conflict of interest in his selection for Director of Maine's Environmental Protection Agency. So apparently his administration will just talk to the Conservative Maine Heritage Policy Center.( I love the way these right wing groups co-opt words like "heritage" "patriot" and such, as if they have the only heritage and are the only patriots.) I'm sure this latest tantrum might be just as short lived as his boycott of his State House office. Just grand standing. Mr Lepage, if you want good coverage in the papers, do some good things!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
INANE WHINING FROM REP MIKE NADEAU
Here is a rant that Rep Mike Nadeau posted on Facebook today:
"1:30 and we have about 1 hour of work done so far today, what a wreck, total waste of money and time. not 1 business in this country could survive 6 months run like this. now because we are at the end of session they want to pass most of the bills as emergency measure's. these folks are not getting it done!! the games they play are pitiful at best."
This isn't his first post in this vein, apparently he'd like his buddy Lepage to be dictator so that everything could be done on order from the King. Guess what, democracy moves slowly by its nature, it always has. Maybe if he got off his ass and tried to accomplish something in Augusta he wouldn't be so bored. He has not put forth one piece of legislation himself.
I fully expect Mike to vote to uphold Gov Lepage's veto of the latest attempt at Medicaid expansion. I am sure he believes the false rhetoric that Pauly spouts about expansion. AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE IS NOT WELFARE IT IS A RIGHT AND A NECESSITY! Lepage even belittled the modest decrease in uninsured Mainers since 2001, mainly due to the Baldacci administration's state health care reform. Meanwhile nationally the percentage of uninsured people went up during the same time period. I have said this before, but it bears repeating, I am so embarrassed to have Paul Lepage as Governor. He has brought political discord to a new low in the Pine Tree State. I am also ashamed to have Mike Nadeau representing the community I grew up in. Let's get a Democrat back in District 1!
-Nat
"1:30 and we have about 1 hour of work done so far today, what a wreck, total waste of money and time. not 1 business in this country could survive 6 months run like this. now because we are at the end of session they want to pass most of the bills as emergency measure's. these folks are not getting it done!! the games they play are pitiful at best."
This isn't his first post in this vein, apparently he'd like his buddy Lepage to be dictator so that everything could be done on order from the King. Guess what, democracy moves slowly by its nature, it always has. Maybe if he got off his ass and tried to accomplish something in Augusta he wouldn't be so bored. He has not put forth one piece of legislation himself.
I fully expect Mike to vote to uphold Gov Lepage's veto of the latest attempt at Medicaid expansion. I am sure he believes the false rhetoric that Pauly spouts about expansion. AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE IS NOT WELFARE IT IS A RIGHT AND A NECESSITY! Lepage even belittled the modest decrease in uninsured Mainers since 2001, mainly due to the Baldacci administration's state health care reform. Meanwhile nationally the percentage of uninsured people went up during the same time period. I have said this before, but it bears repeating, I am so embarrassed to have Paul Lepage as Governor. He has brought political discord to a new low in the Pine Tree State. I am also ashamed to have Mike Nadeau representing the community I grew up in. Let's get a Democrat back in District 1!
-Nat
Friday, June 14, 2013
MAINE CLEAN ELECTION FUNDS AND REP MIKE NADEAU
My legislator, Mike Nadeau, posted on facebook that the Democrats in the house voted to increase clean election funds in order "to allow candidates to have a tax payer funded party after an election.
Having read the bill, LD 1309, I don't see anything that says this. Of course, the comment by Nadeau is ridiculous, probably one of his Republicans mates told him this. I do believe he himself took public funds.
While you can argue for or against The Maine Clean Elections Act, it was approved by a Maine citizens initiative in 1996 to help remove special interest money from elections. Of course many candidates ditched the clean election choice after the Supreme Court ruled that corporations are people in the Citizens United ruling. Without public funds they don't have the strictures against taking private money so they can buy the election if they want. Increasing the amount of funds given would be a way to lure some candidates back into the fold and keep our elections more honest.
But honesty is not the strong suit of Rep Mike Nadeau, so instead he chose to titillate his facebook psychophants by this idiotic comment. Not only did he send out a bogus mailing during his 2012 campaign stating that he was endorsed by the NRA, but funds were illegally spent on his behalf by an organization that his campaign treasurer, Phil Soucy, was also treasurer of. This violates Clean Election rules. Incidentally, Mike has stated he will not be a Clean Election Candidate next time around.
-Nat
Having read the bill, LD 1309, I don't see anything that says this. Of course, the comment by Nadeau is ridiculous, probably one of his Republicans mates told him this. I do believe he himself took public funds.
While you can argue for or against The Maine Clean Elections Act, it was approved by a Maine citizens initiative in 1996 to help remove special interest money from elections. Of course many candidates ditched the clean election choice after the Supreme Court ruled that corporations are people in the Citizens United ruling. Without public funds they don't have the strictures against taking private money so they can buy the election if they want. Increasing the amount of funds given would be a way to lure some candidates back into the fold and keep our elections more honest.
But honesty is not the strong suit of Rep Mike Nadeau, so instead he chose to titillate his facebook psychophants by this idiotic comment. Not only did he send out a bogus mailing during his 2012 campaign stating that he was endorsed by the NRA, but funds were illegally spent on his behalf by an organization that his campaign treasurer, Phil Soucy, was also treasurer of. This violates Clean Election rules. Incidentally, Mike has stated he will not be a Clean Election Candidate next time around.
-Nat
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
MEDICAID VOTE IN MAINE HOUSE NOT VETO PROOF
I have good news and bad news. The good news is that I just heard that the latest attempt to expand Medicaid in Maine as per the Affordable Care Act has passed the house. The bad news is that there are STILL not enough votes to override Governor Lepage's veto. Of course, even if enough Republicans had voted for the bill, providing for a veto proof majority, there is no telling that they might switch their votes to support their King Lepage's veto. They've done this before.
In case you don't know, this latest effort would have only approved the expansion for three years, during which time the Feds would pay 100% of the cost. Thereafter the State would have the option to withdraw rather than cover a small portion of the funding itself. This was a no brainer, but we are dealing with a brainless Republican party. What they are saying is that it is unfair to expand Medicaid while we still have mentally and physically disabled people on a waiting list for services. This is nothing but a ploy to excuse their heartless vote against expansion. They want to pit two different groups of needy Mainers against one another. Of course, we need to address this waiting line for disabled people, but the Medicaid expansion involves funds specifically earmarked for specific groups of people provided under The Affordable Care Act. Why punish one group of people in need because another group is also in need? It seems more sensible to accept these extra funds and try to tackle the separate issue of a waiting line for disability services.
I am equally outraged that my state representative, Mike Nadeau, voted with most of the rest of his Republican colleagues against the latest attempt at expansion. This guy is a stooge of King Paul. Again, many of his constituents will lose because of his ignorance. I cannot imagine what he was thinking unless he just takes the right wing dogma spewed forth by some of his fellow Republicans at face value. I wonder how many people who have done business at his store would benefit themselves personally, or have family and friends, who would benefit from healthcare expansion coverage. Apparently this does not occur to this guy. Shame on you Mike Nadeau!!!
-Louwis
In case you don't know, this latest effort would have only approved the expansion for three years, during which time the Feds would pay 100% of the cost. Thereafter the State would have the option to withdraw rather than cover a small portion of the funding itself. This was a no brainer, but we are dealing with a brainless Republican party. What they are saying is that it is unfair to expand Medicaid while we still have mentally and physically disabled people on a waiting list for services. This is nothing but a ploy to excuse their heartless vote against expansion. They want to pit two different groups of needy Mainers against one another. Of course, we need to address this waiting line for disabled people, but the Medicaid expansion involves funds specifically earmarked for specific groups of people provided under The Affordable Care Act. Why punish one group of people in need because another group is also in need? It seems more sensible to accept these extra funds and try to tackle the separate issue of a waiting line for disability services.
I am equally outraged that my state representative, Mike Nadeau, voted with most of the rest of his Republican colleagues against the latest attempt at expansion. This guy is a stooge of King Paul. Again, many of his constituents will lose because of his ignorance. I cannot imagine what he was thinking unless he just takes the right wing dogma spewed forth by some of his fellow Republicans at face value. I wonder how many people who have done business at his store would benefit themselves personally, or have family and friends, who would benefit from healthcare expansion coverage. Apparently this does not occur to this guy. Shame on you Mike Nadeau!!!
-Louwis
GAY LOBBY IN THE VATICAN, OH MY!
I have been remiss about posting lately, but was struck by the report of Pope Francis' cryptic comment on the existence of a "gay lobby" at the Vatican. Given that this reference came after talk of a "stream of corruption in the curia", I imagine this was not meant to be a benign remark.
The church, or at least many in the church, seem to still hang on to the idea that gay and lesbians in the church, especially gay priests, are the problem. It indicates to me that they equate the child molestation scandal amongst the clergy, to homosexuality in the clergy. These are completely different issues. Child abuse is an evil sickness that is wrapped up in the need to have power over helpless children. Homosexuality is just a matter of being attracted to your own sex for an adult love interest.
I would like to see this pope concentrate more on liberalizing and democratizing the church, however, it seem, this is not going to happen. At least he could put more emphasis on economic justice and a more equitable distribution of wealth in our world. If he gets wrapped up in some kind of "night of the long knives" persecution of gay clergy and gay Catholics, he will be further throwing the church back into the dark ages as well as causing an exodus of fair minded Catholics to other faiths.
Personally I am not religious and have many more issues with the church I grew up in aside from its treatment of gays and lesbians. We all have an interest in reforming a huge institution like the Catholic Church. More so than its presence in the USA, it has a large sway with populations in places like Africa and South America. The Church could be a beacon for change in a troubled world but persecution of gays is definitely the wrong path and a very hateful one.
-Louwis
The church, or at least many in the church, seem to still hang on to the idea that gay and lesbians in the church, especially gay priests, are the problem. It indicates to me that they equate the child molestation scandal amongst the clergy, to homosexuality in the clergy. These are completely different issues. Child abuse is an evil sickness that is wrapped up in the need to have power over helpless children. Homosexuality is just a matter of being attracted to your own sex for an adult love interest.
I would like to see this pope concentrate more on liberalizing and democratizing the church, however, it seem, this is not going to happen. At least he could put more emphasis on economic justice and a more equitable distribution of wealth in our world. If he gets wrapped up in some kind of "night of the long knives" persecution of gay clergy and gay Catholics, he will be further throwing the church back into the dark ages as well as causing an exodus of fair minded Catholics to other faiths.
Personally I am not religious and have many more issues with the church I grew up in aside from its treatment of gays and lesbians. We all have an interest in reforming a huge institution like the Catholic Church. More so than its presence in the USA, it has a large sway with populations in places like Africa and South America. The Church could be a beacon for change in a troubled world but persecution of gays is definitely the wrong path and a very hateful one.
-Louwis
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
IRS SCANDAL HEARING NONSENSE
My mother applied for 501c3 tax exemption for her animal welfare group that rescues stray cats, gets them needed health care including spay and neutering, and then finds homes for them. The process for them was very involved and took a year and a half. They wanted to see a detailed budget, names of volunteers, etc. They certainly are not a right wing political group.
We know that a deluge of applications for 501c4 status came forth in the last few years, especially from the right. They are basically dodging taxes which is an inadvertent way for the American people to finance their purely political purpose. This includes "progressive" political groups also.
I am not sure what the National Organization for Marriage was doing there as they have been tax exempt for a while. Their beef is an allegation that the IRS deliberately leaked donors names to pro-gay marriage groups for purposing of targeting said donors. This seems like a separate issue. Of course they would be required to release donors names if they were not hiding behind the 501c4 "social welfare group" status. The guy they sent, John Eastman, seemed REALLY angry. Interesting to see what "evidence" he has.
Look, I realize that they were not supposed to use conservative key words pinpointing groups to subject to further scrutiny. But we don't know how far reaching this so called "conspiracy" is. Also, lets open an investigation into the targeting of liberal groups, including the NAACP, Greenpeace,etc., by the Bush administration. Will they call these folks forth to testify too? I guess not.
For a few minutes I watched the Fox coverage of today's hearing, but had to switch to C-Span before I upchucked. The bubble headed bimbo reporting at the time kept interjecting her "unbiased" comments like how "shocking" this "impassioned" testimony was. Fair and balanced my ass. If you wonder where the Stepford Wives went, they were reprogrammed and set up at Fox news.
Hopefully the Dems get some hair on their chests and fight these idiotic conspiracy theories that the Dave Camp-Darrell Issa gang are pressing. If you don't yet have proof, gut feeling is not enough!
-Louwis
Friday, May 31, 2013
GASBAG LEPAGE BACK IN HIS STATE HOUSE OFFICE
I think it was the late, great Phyllis Diller who once said that to get remarried to the same person (a la Liz and Dick) was like having a hemorrhoid reattached. Well to paraphrase Phyllis, the hemorrhoid that is Paul Lepage has decided to reattach himself and return to his office in the State House despite his recent vow that he would vacate it. I bet he has "piles" of paperwork to tend to. The latest Lepage embarrassment has again brought him some national attention. I hope people don't think he represents most of the residents of the State of Maine.
In other news, the state Supreme Judicial Court has upheld a decision to require anti-gay marriage groups to release names of donors for the 2009 "people's veto" campaign. Somehow these organization thought they could skirt the law and save their donors from the embarrassment of supporting discrimination. I imagine top donors are some of the usual suspects and wont be a surprise. Thank God that the fight for Marriage Equality is over and won!
-Louwis
In other news, the state Supreme Judicial Court has upheld a decision to require anti-gay marriage groups to release names of donors for the 2009 "people's veto" campaign. Somehow these organization thought they could skirt the law and save their donors from the embarrassment of supporting discrimination. I imagine top donors are some of the usual suspects and wont be a surprise. Thank God that the fight for Marriage Equality is over and won!
-Louwis
Thursday, May 30, 2013
CONTINUED STRUGGLE FOR EXPANDED HEALTHCARE IN MAINE
As was expected, the legislature was unable to override Gov.Paul Lepage's veto of the law that would expand Medicaid in Maine. Thank you Republicans, your war on lower income people rages on. Another version of the expansion was put forth with some concessions to placate Republicans. Also today the Lepage administration received news from the Feds that they will not credit Maine for the health care expansion that it undertook in the past. In question were the funds that Maine provided to expand coverage to non-disabled parents meeting the income requirement. Incidentally, these folk were going to lose coverage in January anyway so Lepage wanted credit for benefits that were to be eliminated. What a dunce. Lepage needs to agree to this expansion and stop being a bully. Hopefully the new version of expansion,.unfettered to hospital expansion, will garner Lepage's support. If he vetoes expansion again, he will have no reason except his callous contempt for Maine's lower income people. Again, shame on you Lepage!! And shame on my Representative, Mike Nadeau, for taking his side.
-Louwis
-Louwis
Saturday, May 25, 2013
MOVIN' ON OUT-GOV LEPAGE LEAVING STATE HOUSE
Poor Gov. Lepage, he can't seem to help himself, he seems to do dumb thing after dumb thing. Now, as many of you know, because he cannot put a TV in the hall at the State House, he says he is packing up and leaving his office there. If by any chance you missed this story, here it is. Don't tease us Governor, move on out!
I don't know where in the State House his office is, I guess there is a difference of opinion on whether its a waiting room or a hall. I do know, as many of us who have lived in apartment buildings with halls do, that we have insane fire regulations preventing stuff from being left in hallways. My last apartment building had a very wide hall, and we could not even put a pair of muddy shoes out there by our door. A bike was out of the question.
But I imagine the real complaint from Democrats is the political nature of the video Lepage wanted to show, chastising the Democrats for not passing his hospital bill and his budget. Of course they did pass the hospital repayment, but that's another story.
So the man who " doesn't play politics." was going to put a politically motivated display outside his office in a building controlled by the Democrats. Stupid, he should know better. I really don't see the Democrats as responsible for this political impasse. Lepage started his ignorant gaffes prior to his "election," continued them during his first two years, and his party was trounced in last year's election. Was this not a hint that maybe he should soften his line? I guess not. Oh well, a year and a half or so until we can permanently move him out.
-Louwis
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Boy Scouts Accepting Gay Members-HOORAY!
I'm glad to see that the Boy Scouts of America has reversed its policy on accepting gay members. I'm not sure its a big deal most of the time. How may scouts, many of whom are pretty young, are coming out of the closet at that time? Years from now no one will even doubt that this was the correct move.
I was a Boy Scout for a about a year when I was a kid. It wasn't my thing. I'm not all about the semi-militaristic posturing and macho bravado shit. Maybe a gay touch will do them good. I am gay but, although I was aware at the time, it was not at the forefront of my mind. My friends were joining so of course I had to also. So my parents shelled out the money for the uniform and off I went. I immediately hated it and wanted to quit but my parents said I needed to give it a year since I had caused them some expense.
In Fort Kent, Maine, where I grew up, there is a Block House in town. For those not in the know, this was a military installation built to defend the US in a dispute with the British over the border. The conflict never broke out, but it is kept as a historic monument. Anyway, this is where the boy scouts used to meet to do their stuff. I can remember practicing to march for the Memorial Day Parade. The only thing memorable about the parade was that I stepped in horse shit left by a steed up ahead with very loose bowels. Yuck. I also remember getting hemorrhoids because the assholes made us sit for hours on a log for hours at one of the meetings. I did go to summer camp but cried until I got to go home for a few days. Maybe if they had tried to comfort what was really just a scared kid, instead of acting all Johny Wayne, I would have gotten over it and been fine. They also had this exercise where we went out on the lake in canoes and they turned them over on purpose so we could learn what to do. Only I forgot to take off my glasses and lost them in the water. Actually I may have thrown them overboard deliberately so I could get out of the capsizing exercise. I was deathly afraid of water at that each. At any rate, being in a blur all the time thereafter didn't help my homesickness.
We also went to Loring Air Force Base for a day, swam in the indoor pool and got to see them put missiles on a plane parked in the hanger in ten minutes or something. Maybe they figured it would inspire us to want to join up later and serve our country. Thankfully many brave men and women do serve in the armed forces, but it wasn't to be for me. Besides I'm gay and they only just lifted that ban. I wonder how many scouts actually do go on and join the military.
So I guess you can surmise that I was not a big fan of my scouting experience. I am sure many young men benefit a lot from it, but it wasn't for pudgy little gay nerd me. But I AM glad they are letting in the gay boys. Not leaders yet however, you can join as a kid if you're gay, but you can't lead when your an adult. I am sure that will change in time. Cheerio Y'all
-Louwis
I was a Boy Scout for a about a year when I was a kid. It wasn't my thing. I'm not all about the semi-militaristic posturing and macho bravado shit. Maybe a gay touch will do them good. I am gay but, although I was aware at the time, it was not at the forefront of my mind. My friends were joining so of course I had to also. So my parents shelled out the money for the uniform and off I went. I immediately hated it and wanted to quit but my parents said I needed to give it a year since I had caused them some expense.
In Fort Kent, Maine, where I grew up, there is a Block House in town. For those not in the know, this was a military installation built to defend the US in a dispute with the British over the border. The conflict never broke out, but it is kept as a historic monument. Anyway, this is where the boy scouts used to meet to do their stuff. I can remember practicing to march for the Memorial Day Parade. The only thing memorable about the parade was that I stepped in horse shit left by a steed up ahead with very loose bowels. Yuck. I also remember getting hemorrhoids because the assholes made us sit for hours on a log for hours at one of the meetings. I did go to summer camp but cried until I got to go home for a few days. Maybe if they had tried to comfort what was really just a scared kid, instead of acting all Johny Wayne, I would have gotten over it and been fine. They also had this exercise where we went out on the lake in canoes and they turned them over on purpose so we could learn what to do. Only I forgot to take off my glasses and lost them in the water. Actually I may have thrown them overboard deliberately so I could get out of the capsizing exercise. I was deathly afraid of water at that each. At any rate, being in a blur all the time thereafter didn't help my homesickness.
We also went to Loring Air Force Base for a day, swam in the indoor pool and got to see them put missiles on a plane parked in the hanger in ten minutes or something. Maybe they figured it would inspire us to want to join up later and serve our country. Thankfully many brave men and women do serve in the armed forces, but it wasn't to be for me. Besides I'm gay and they only just lifted that ban. I wonder how many scouts actually do go on and join the military.
So I guess you can surmise that I was not a big fan of my scouting experience. I am sure many young men benefit a lot from it, but it wasn't for pudgy little gay nerd me. But I AM glad they are letting in the gay boys. Not leaders yet however, you can join as a kid if you're gay, but you can't lead when your an adult. I am sure that will change in time. Cheerio Y'all
-Louwis
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
THEY'RE PERSECUTING ME!
Apparently the Attorney Generals office is persecuting poor Mike Nadeau. He made an outlandish post on Facebook regarding this.
"hi, came home this weekend to a school board meeting, take care of some store business and spend time with family. also findingout that the attorney general's office has an investigator going around questioning family and others about me and others. one question that was asked to my daughter in law was if my farm was a cult. they came to my store and questioned my employee on my clock. because of the election i won and not being a democrat like the A.G. tons of tax payer money is being spent to dirty my life and hurt all those around me. at the same time look at the news report on all the major news networks today where it is found that the irs is investigating and intimidating republican and tea party groups and individuals at a rate that has never been heard of before. the irs has already started making apologise. i should send them a bill for the hour they took from my store. when will the people say enough? i will not back down no matter what they fabricate to find me guilty of something. to the tax payers and the people of this valley i am sorry for what they are doing to some of you and for the waisted money that could have been spent on real problems. mike thank you to all who have kept an open mind and for all the"
It ends suddenly, I am not sure why.
I imagine it is regarding the campaign issue that is being investigated . Mike of course is trying to claim the whole "right winger being persecuted by Liberal establishment thing." Apparently he's forgotten about former state Republican Party Chairman Charlie Webster's paranoid and groundless crusade regarding Democratic voter fraud. "Dozens of unfamiliar black people are voting!" according to poor Charlie. I consider this bulls**t a form of persecution myself. Of course Charlie was one of the people that recruited Mike to run. Webster was also the one who made sure the U Maine Farmington Republican students reserved out all the university vans months ahead of time to prevent students being driven to vote. The students largely vote Democratic apparently.
No one's after you Mike, your being investigated as per the laws of our state that your campaign may have broken laws. GET OVER IT!!
"hi, came home this weekend to a school board meeting, take care of some store business and spend time with family. also findingout that the attorney general's office has an investigator going around questioning family and others about me and others. one question that was asked to my daughter in law was if my farm was a cult. they came to my store and questioned my employee on my clock. because of the election i won and not being a democrat like the A.G. tons of tax payer money is being spent to dirty my life and hurt all those around me. at the same time look at the news report on all the major news networks today where it is found that the irs is investigating and intimidating republican and tea party groups and individuals at a rate that has never been heard of before. the irs has already started making apologise. i should send them a bill for the hour they took from my store. when will the people say enough? i will not back down no matter what they fabricate to find me guilty of something. to the tax payers and the people of this valley i am sorry for what they are doing to some of you and for the waisted money that could have been spent on real problems. mike thank you to all who have kept an open mind and for all the"
It ends suddenly, I am not sure why.
I imagine it is regarding the campaign issue that is being investigated . Mike of course is trying to claim the whole "right winger being persecuted by Liberal establishment thing." Apparently he's forgotten about former state Republican Party Chairman Charlie Webster's paranoid and groundless crusade regarding Democratic voter fraud. "Dozens of unfamiliar black people are voting!" according to poor Charlie. I consider this bulls**t a form of persecution myself. Of course Charlie was one of the people that recruited Mike to run. Webster was also the one who made sure the U Maine Farmington Republican students reserved out all the university vans months ahead of time to prevent students being driven to vote. The students largely vote Democratic apparently.
No one's after you Mike, your being investigated as per the laws of our state that your campaign may have broken laws. GET OVER IT!!
MIKE NADEAU'S CAN OF BEANS
Here is Mike Nadeau's rant on Facebook regarding the Medicaid expansion.
"last nite's meeting was a pure partisan bully tactic that did not have to be. they took a bill that had nearly 100% support from both parties and tied it to a bill that we did not have a public hearing for or full work session on and pushed them through on party line votes. they bought us a can of beans from the federal gov and we do not know what's in the can yet. the can is empty. they did not fill the can yet but leadership has bought us a can that's suppose to be beans. we still do not know what the fed gov will put in the can. how many of you will buy an empty can with a pretty label and pay full price and not know when it will be filled?"
Mike, I think we know what's in that proverbial can of beans. Its health insurance coverage for 60000 Mainers who need it. That's a good investment, those beans will save us a lot of expense down the line. Turn off the Fox news, and start caring about your constituents.
"last nite's meeting was a pure partisan bully tactic that did not have to be. they took a bill that had nearly 100% support from both parties and tied it to a bill that we did not have a public hearing for or full work session on and pushed them through on party line votes. they bought us a can of beans from the federal gov and we do not know what's in the can yet. the can is empty. they did not fill the can yet but leadership has bought us a can that's suppose to be beans. we still do not know what the fed gov will put in the can. how many of you will buy an empty can with a pretty label and pay full price and not know when it will be filled?"
Mike, I think we know what's in that proverbial can of beans. Its health insurance coverage for 60000 Mainers who need it. That's a good investment, those beans will save us a lot of expense down the line. Turn off the Fox news, and start caring about your constituents.
REP MIKE NADEAU VS MAINE'S NEEDY
Rep Mike Nadeau, aka Gov. LePage's Stooge, has voted against expansion of Medicare in Maine that would help an estimated 60000 Mainers gets health insurance coverage. This is shameful and a betrayal of the communities he represents. Instead he chooses to tow the line of right wing lies, deception and paranoia. I wonder if Mike realizes the cost of people going without insurance. Thank god one of our representatives in the Legislature, Sen Troy Jackson, seems to understand the value of health insurance and that it is not welfare, Its is a civil and human right.
THANK YOU TROY JACKSON!!
SHAME ON YOU MIKE NADEAU!!!!
THANK YOU TROY JACKSON!!
SHAME ON YOU MIKE NADEAU!!!!
Monday, May 20, 2013
MAINE SENATE VOTES FOR HEALTHCARE EXPANSION
The Maine State Senate has voted to tie expansion of medicaid to repayment of hospitals.
Although this is good news, the vote of 20 to 15, basically on party lines, is not enough to override an inevitable veto by the Governor. I hope they can bring the expansion forward again on its own and try to get more Republican support. Senate Republicans called this a major welfare expansion. The right to health care for poor or disabled people, indeed for all people, is not welfare. It is so offensive to me that they would say this. We all know these types, they hate lower income people basically. They are out for themselves and their buddies, never mind everyone else. The Republican slogan is "I got mine, f**ck the rest of you." Well, less than two years to go and we can get rid of the embarrassment that is Governor Le page. This guy wrote the book on abrasiveness and ignorance. He had the audacity to say he does not play politics and that the Maine people are being played for patsies. THE VAST MAJORITY OF US DID NOT VOTE FOR YOU. I would like to give a shout out to Sen Troy Jackson of Allagash who spoke passionately for the bill. Justice will eventually be done.
-Nat
Although this is good news, the vote of 20 to 15, basically on party lines, is not enough to override an inevitable veto by the Governor. I hope they can bring the expansion forward again on its own and try to get more Republican support. Senate Republicans called this a major welfare expansion. The right to health care for poor or disabled people, indeed for all people, is not welfare. It is so offensive to me that they would say this. We all know these types, they hate lower income people basically. They are out for themselves and their buddies, never mind everyone else. The Republican slogan is "I got mine, f**ck the rest of you." Well, less than two years to go and we can get rid of the embarrassment that is Governor Le page. This guy wrote the book on abrasiveness and ignorance. He had the audacity to say he does not play politics and that the Maine people are being played for patsies. THE VAST MAJORITY OF US DID NOT VOTE FOR YOU. I would like to give a shout out to Sen Troy Jackson of Allagash who spoke passionately for the bill. Justice will eventually be done.
-Nat
Sunday, May 19, 2013
MY HEALTHCARE STORY
I have had experiences in health care and health insurance that have colored my already progressive political beliefs. I remember when Neil Rolde ran for the Senate here in Maine in 1990, he ran with the belief that universal health insurance was needed in this country. Many people believed, including myself, that it would be inevitable that some form of national health insurance would be adopted in this country in the decade following his unsuccessful run. Of course, we were wrong. The Clinton's gave it a good try, but the intransigent Republican Party made sure that we did not meet with success. Then Obama came, over fifteen years later, and tried again. He did run on a single payer type plan, which I feel is preferable, but only managed to put through the Affordable Care Act. He did this only by the skin of his teeth. Far from Socialism, it preserves much of our private insurance system, but it is a start.
I personally have been covered for most of my life. Thank God for this, because due to problems with mental illness and the necessity of drug and therapeutic treatment, it would have been prohibitively expensive to pay out of pocket. Even with insurance, with rising co pays and premiums it has been expensive. When you make 20000 dollars a year, another 200.00 dollars a month in co-pays is pretty hard. It prevents you from saving therefore it can lead to a cascade effect that leads to debt.
A couple years ago, I unexpectedly lost my job, like many Americans. Of course this meant loss of health coverage too. Thankfully at this time, due to the Stimulus Package, a large portion of my COBRA coverage was paid while I was unemployed, allowing me to retain my insurance. Just one of the useless, waste of money things that the stimulus did for people. (Sarcasm intened for the Sheldon Coopers out there.) Later on, after working a new job for a awhile, my mental health made it necessary for me to leave the job and return home to live with my parents. I was lucky enough to get Mainecare because of disability, just weeks before reductions in coverage would have made this impossible. If Gov. Lepage had his way, people like me would be thrown off due to the fact that I am single. He is trying to make sure this happens by refusing to expand Medicaid coverage next year as per the Affordable Care Act. Believe me, I am not a lazy person that wants to live off government support, I have permanent, serious illnesses that require expensive treatment. This is true of many Mainers and many Americans.
I never would have dreamed 30 years ago, that we would still be having this discussion on health care. I figured better minds would prevail and people would get needed coverage. If covering people to prevent them getting sick, and treating them when they do get sick,is socialism, then I guess I like that aspect of socialism! To a better tomorrow...
-Louwis
I personally have been covered for most of my life. Thank God for this, because due to problems with mental illness and the necessity of drug and therapeutic treatment, it would have been prohibitively expensive to pay out of pocket. Even with insurance, with rising co pays and premiums it has been expensive. When you make 20000 dollars a year, another 200.00 dollars a month in co-pays is pretty hard. It prevents you from saving therefore it can lead to a cascade effect that leads to debt.
A couple years ago, I unexpectedly lost my job, like many Americans. Of course this meant loss of health coverage too. Thankfully at this time, due to the Stimulus Package, a large portion of my COBRA coverage was paid while I was unemployed, allowing me to retain my insurance. Just one of the useless, waste of money things that the stimulus did for people. (Sarcasm intened for the Sheldon Coopers out there.) Later on, after working a new job for a awhile, my mental health made it necessary for me to leave the job and return home to live with my parents. I was lucky enough to get Mainecare because of disability, just weeks before reductions in coverage would have made this impossible. If Gov. Lepage had his way, people like me would be thrown off due to the fact that I am single. He is trying to make sure this happens by refusing to expand Medicaid coverage next year as per the Affordable Care Act. Believe me, I am not a lazy person that wants to live off government support, I have permanent, serious illnesses that require expensive treatment. This is true of many Mainers and many Americans.
I never would have dreamed 30 years ago, that we would still be having this discussion on health care. I figured better minds would prevail and people would get needed coverage. If covering people to prevent them getting sick, and treating them when they do get sick,is socialism, then I guess I like that aspect of socialism! To a better tomorrow...
-Louwis
Saturday, May 18, 2013
CULTURE OF SCANDAL?
Following the recent 3, or maybe 4, scandals at the White House has got me thinking of how we tend to want to blow everything into a major, mushroom cloud producing, scandal. Or at least at this point the Republicans do. When I think back to scandal in the Bush White House it seems that only the most left wing Democrats (Dennis Kucinich,etc) wanted to bring Bush down. And the Bush scandals seem far worse than what we are dealing with with Obama. I mean the rush to the Iraq war with faulty intelligence, Cheney & Haliburton.
So what I am trying to get at is that again we see that Republicans in general are the more demagogic of the two parties. They are very adept at blowing scandals out of proportion and using this to further their agenda, or in this case quash Obama's agenda.
The IRS "scandal" is obviously a small one. No, the IRS agents should not have broken the law by using conservative group by-words to search for applications for tax exemption to scrutinize. But there have been an explosion of these applications recently and we know this coincided with the rise of the Tea Party Bunch and all their splinter groups. Its a good way for people to make money for their basically political group, but save tax by masquerading as a group for the social good.
Benghazi is a tragedy that deserves to be examined and fixed but not exploited. We have a lot of fronts to cover and keep safe in our battle with international Jihadist terror. All diplomatic personnel are aware that they may be in some danger in many of these countries. Its easy to play should-a, could-a, would-a after the fact. I think this one will die down except in the committee headed by Rep Darrell Issa, or as I prefer to call him, the 450 million dollar showboat.
The most disturbing to me is the Attorney General secretly surveilling the Associated Press. I guess they have this power but are supposed to alert the party beforehand. I know it is imperative that they find out who was leaking information from the White House, but freedom of the press needs to be protected at all costs. However, I hardly see this as a Watergate-esque scandal. Of course "gate" is added to the end of any scandal to try to add that extra "umph" that the Republicans want.,
I think we as liberals have to take a deep breath, roll up our sleeves, and gun for the next election, in 2014. If we can take back the house, or even gain seats, this may be the message the conservative side needs to get. Americans want substantive issues tackles. Hey, remember the sequestration? How about tax reform and immigration reform? Remember those. To our advantage, Republicans seem to want to make the same mistakes of over reaching that they have done before. Their right wing sabotaged them in the last election by pushing unacceptable candidates. Now they are pushing an unacceptable agenda of scandal mongering. Not to be cynical, but it is important to capitalize on there weakness..
-Louwis
So what I am trying to get at is that again we see that Republicans in general are the more demagogic of the two parties. They are very adept at blowing scandals out of proportion and using this to further their agenda, or in this case quash Obama's agenda.
The IRS "scandal" is obviously a small one. No, the IRS agents should not have broken the law by using conservative group by-words to search for applications for tax exemption to scrutinize. But there have been an explosion of these applications recently and we know this coincided with the rise of the Tea Party Bunch and all their splinter groups. Its a good way for people to make money for their basically political group, but save tax by masquerading as a group for the social good.
Benghazi is a tragedy that deserves to be examined and fixed but not exploited. We have a lot of fronts to cover and keep safe in our battle with international Jihadist terror. All diplomatic personnel are aware that they may be in some danger in many of these countries. Its easy to play should-a, could-a, would-a after the fact. I think this one will die down except in the committee headed by Rep Darrell Issa, or as I prefer to call him, the 450 million dollar showboat.
The most disturbing to me is the Attorney General secretly surveilling the Associated Press. I guess they have this power but are supposed to alert the party beforehand. I know it is imperative that they find out who was leaking information from the White House, but freedom of the press needs to be protected at all costs. However, I hardly see this as a Watergate-esque scandal. Of course "gate" is added to the end of any scandal to try to add that extra "umph" that the Republicans want.,
I think we as liberals have to take a deep breath, roll up our sleeves, and gun for the next election, in 2014. If we can take back the house, or even gain seats, this may be the message the conservative side needs to get. Americans want substantive issues tackles. Hey, remember the sequestration? How about tax reform and immigration reform? Remember those. To our advantage, Republicans seem to want to make the same mistakes of over reaching that they have done before. Their right wing sabotaged them in the last election by pushing unacceptable candidates. Now they are pushing an unacceptable agenda of scandal mongering. Not to be cynical, but it is important to capitalize on there weakness..
-Louwis
Friday, May 17, 2013
REPUBLICAN IRAQ WAR DECEPTION AMNESIA
I gotta admit I am quite amused, if not horrified, by the histrionics of the Republicans in these latest "scandals." They have decided to ignore any positive agenda and go after Obama for the rest of his term. Especially this Benghazi embassy thing. Yes, It should be investigated thoroughly to find out what went wrong, but politics needs to stay out of it. I wonder where these Republicans were when the fact that intelligence whic led to the Iraq War was proved false, if not deliberately falsified, by the Bush administration. If I am not mistaken we have lost upwards of 4400 troops in that debacle, let alone the countless innocent Iraqis. I guess the Republicans only care about the deaths of heroic Americans if it suits their agenda. Even the supposedly liberal CNN doesn't seem to want to cover this.
With any luck, the Republican vendetta driven crusade against Obama will do the same thing in the next election as it did when the New Gingrich House tried to go after Clinton. They took a bath in that 1998 next election. The American people are not stupid.
With any luck, the Republican vendetta driven crusade against Obama will do the same thing in the next election as it did when the New Gingrich House tried to go after Clinton. They took a bath in that 1998 next election. The American people are not stupid.
EXPAND HEALTHCARE IN MAINE NOW!!
As some my know, Our lovely Governor, Paul LePage, is one those
Republican Governors who is refusing to expand Medicaid in Maine as per
The Affordable Care Act. This expansion would cover almost 70000 more
Mainers and save us money to boot. Here is a link to the petition to
urge Gov. Lepage to rethink this decision:http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=greentree_ff1&ei=utf-8&ilc=12&type=198484&p=expand+medicare+in+maine
Incidently, the legislature is trying to force Lepage to accept this expansion. Rep. Mike Nadeau, Lepage's stooge, appears to be opposed to the expansion despite the fact that that many in his district would benefit from it. At least he posted on his blog an article critical of the expansion from the right wing blog Mainewire. http://mikenadeau.net/ This is hardly a trustworthy news source. Seems this guy cant get anything right.
-Nat
Incidently, the legislature is trying to force Lepage to accept this expansion. Rep. Mike Nadeau, Lepage's stooge, appears to be opposed to the expansion despite the fact that that many in his district would benefit from it. At least he posted on his blog an article critical of the expansion from the right wing blog Mainewire. http://mikenadeau.net/ This is hardly a trustworthy news source. Seems this guy cant get anything right.
-Nat
Rep. Mike Nadeau On The Newtown Massacre. Unbelievable
Another gray day in FK, USA. I just found a post our lovely
Republican State House Rep made after the Newtown massacre. Thought it
was particularly louthsome. Here is the text:
As we continue to pray for the families and about what has happened in Ct., lots of questions keep coming and the most common one is why.
It is also one that does not have a single answer. As we ponder on the possibilities some things come to mind.
Sickness… what had this young man been dealing with in his life? Was he on meds that he stopped taking? Violent video games? Did he start taking street drugs?
Where was God?
Well… we did make it illegal for God to be in school to the point of no talk about Him, no books about Him, no clothes with a cross, or His name on it
Some blame it on guns. Just as a speed limit sign does alot to slow down most traffic, it does slow it down. The ten commandments were converted to most laws we live by today and yet we can not post them in public places to remind people that we live by laws.
Reminders are good. If we saw a reminder of the laws to live by, TEN COMMANDMENTS, daily, I am convined that our country would be different.
Also to consider is that our younger generation has seen such a decline in civility and morality in those leading our government. The tax evaders in the white house go unchecked. There is such a disconnect from the white house to the people that the people feel no hope. Our leaders spend billions on elections and inaugerations while people starve and die.
Is this what OUR country was founded on? No! And those principles have been thrashed too. Which one of you will begin today to demand change and bring hope to America?
Blessings,
- Mike
So if only we had the ten commandments posted in schools and prayed this would not have happened! This guy scares me! How can people be so simplistic.
-Nat, Secular Humanist
Some Things To Think About…
Greetings,As we continue to pray for the families and about what has happened in Ct., lots of questions keep coming and the most common one is why.
It is also one that does not have a single answer. As we ponder on the possibilities some things come to mind.
Sickness… what had this young man been dealing with in his life? Was he on meds that he stopped taking? Violent video games? Did he start taking street drugs?
Where was God?
Well… we did make it illegal for God to be in school to the point of no talk about Him, no books about Him, no clothes with a cross, or His name on it
Some blame it on guns. Just as a speed limit sign does alot to slow down most traffic, it does slow it down. The ten commandments were converted to most laws we live by today and yet we can not post them in public places to remind people that we live by laws.
Reminders are good. If we saw a reminder of the laws to live by, TEN COMMANDMENTS, daily, I am convined that our country would be different.
Also to consider is that our younger generation has seen such a decline in civility and morality in those leading our government. The tax evaders in the white house go unchecked. There is such a disconnect from the white house to the people that the people feel no hope. Our leaders spend billions on elections and inaugerations while people starve and die.
Is this what OUR country was founded on? No! And those principles have been thrashed too. Which one of you will begin today to demand change and bring hope to America?
Blessings,
- Mike
So if only we had the ten commandments posted in schools and prayed this would not have happened! This guy scares me! How can people be so simplistic.
-Nat, Secular Humanist
SCARY STUFF!! REP. MIKE NADEAU ON CHURCH & STATE
Mike Nadeau on Religious Freedom .
This is the guy that the Fort Kent area elected to represent the area in the Maine House last November.
I wonder if he even knows all of the ten commandments. Incidently he is one of only 7 members of the state legislature who have yet to introduce any legislation.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.
-Nat
This is the guy that the Fort Kent area elected to represent the area in the Maine House last November.
I wonder if he even knows all of the ten commandments. Incidently he is one of only 7 members of the state legislature who have yet to introduce any legislation.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.
-Nat
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