Once again the Catholic Church is using the political process to deny the rights of others. Historically, the church has randomly used the Bible to attack people. The church chooses only those biblical passages which meet their goals. Throughout history, the church has attempted to hide their sins rather than live up to the standards it demands: the documented brutal physical abuse of children in orphanages, sexual abuse of boys and the discrimination of women by not allowing them to serve equally as men in the Church.

A recent editorial, "In 'Parks,' the triumph of idealism," (Oct 7) correctly pointed out that "Ken Burns is right. National parks are one of America's best ideas." It also said that the parks have often been underfunded, which makes arguing for new parks, such as the proposed Maine Woods National Park and Preserve, difficult.

This raises a couple of important points.

In response to Pamela Matzinger's letter, "No more Spaghetti" (Oct. 11), let me say that one good thing about spaghetti in this country is I have the right to choose whether or not to eat it (and I like spaghetti). Obviously, national health care reform legislation isn't about spaghetti; it's about providing affordable health care coverage, right?

The new distracted driver law took effect on Sept. 12. This new law covers driver distraction while using cell phones, texting or any action that would cause a person to be distracted.

The meaning of "distract" is: to divert attention or mind to a different object.

The new law forces police officers to give warnings instead of citations when a distraction violation is noted. If arrested and appearing in court with a lawyer, the charge would be dismissed by the judge, unless proven guilty of causing an accident.

I write to urge Maine voters to join me in support of two important initiatives on the ballot this November. Question 2 reduces Maine's auto excise tax by half, while Question 4, TABOR, places responsible limits on the growth in government spending of taxpayer dollars.

Question 2 is a fair and common-sense solution to reduce Maine's excise tax (seventh-highest in the nation). By passing that initiative, real money comes back to Mainers' pockets (about $800 for the average Maine family), and makes it much less costly to purchase a newer, cleaner, safer vehicle.

If TABOR II were to pass, every single time Maine citizens want to exceed stringent spending limits at the municipal, county or state level, referendum voter approval would be required.

Prior to any statewide referendum vote, TABOR II compels that notices and financial information be mailed to the state's 994,000 active registered voters. The direct costs are estimated to be approximately $800,000 for each mandated referendum. That's not even counting the administrative costs of assembling the data beforehand.

Property owners need assurance that their taxes will not surge beyond inflation limits.

Apartment renters need assurance that their rental rates will not be raised due to an increase in taxes to the property owner.

Voting for TABOR gives these assurances.

The time is getting near when the people of Maine must decide on Question 1.

I will vote "no" on that question in order to preserve quality of life for all people. I believe that homosexuality is very normal and very much a part of reality. I fully accept its presence in the world. We are all individuals (very different and very OK), and a part of life, a part of God as I understand it.

Most Christian religions believe that marriage is to be between one man and one woman, and I need to honor those beliefs.

Hypocrisy screams loudly from the anti-gay marriage letter by preacher Keith Hamel on Oct. 9.

Like so many other "religious" people before him, he tries to use the teachings of his own faith to "prove" that we must all act a certain way. Well, let me enlighten. It's not logical to use personal beliefs as evidence to convince others who don't share them!

There's been a lot of confusion about the health care debate and who's supporting what. AARP's goal remains the same of the last 50 years: We're fighting for our members.

It seems perverted but freedom of religion gives some religions the freedom to lie. Truth is a history teacher, fact-finder, or Google will tell you, "The United States is in no sense founded upon the Christian doctrine." (George Washington, affirmed by John Quincy Adams with his signature to the 1796 treaty with Tripoli).

"Question with boldness even the existence of a god." (Thomas Jefferson, a letter to Peter Carr, 10 August 1787).

Opponents of gay marriage quote the Bible in support of their case. However, supporters of gay marriage can play that game, too.

In Romans 13:1-2, the Bible reads, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

I urge residents of Auburn to vote for Dick Gleason for mayor of the city of Auburn. He has served on the City Council and has an appreciation of the intricacies of municipal government.

Dick is a man of honesty and integrity. He has no hidden agenda, simply a deep concern for the city and its citizens. As mayor, Dick Gleason will bring reason, business experience, and a sincere regard for the future of Auburn.

Bethel Shields, Auburn

I don't get all these letters and op-ed pieces in the Sun Journal lately slamming Fox News and talk radio. Is it because Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, etc., allow opposing points of view to be aired on their programs? Maybe their programs should be more like those of "open-minded" liberals Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann.

Let's give new life to an old tradition; let's put the Lewiston community Christmas tree back in Hullet Square on Main Street where it used to be. Considering where it has been placed the last few years across the street from the new courthouse on Lisbon Street (I mention that for those who thought it was gone for good), it would seem the only people who get to enjoy its lighted splendor are the janitorial folks who clean the courthouse after hours.

This is in response to Fred Sanborn's Oct. 10 letter to the editor, in which he called for an investigation of churches that have donated money to defeat Question 1 on November's ballot.

Think about it. Why would the church, under God, support this cause if it wasn't the right thing to do?

Let all Christians band together and defeat this new law and send a message to the rest of the country: "Not in Maine."

Dean Ellis, Canton

I don't know if the people of Lisbon have seen the Nov. 3 ballot.

The two town referendum questions have, as the last line, that the town council suggests a "YES" vote. Is it me, or is it the business of the town to suggest how we should vote? The questions are generated by the town, and they want to spend our tax money. Suggesting how to vote seems to me  a duplication of effort, because the town is asking us for money to begin with.

The Norse gods must be crazy! That was my first reaction upon hearing that Barack Obama just became the first sitting president in 90 years to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He has expressed high hopes and good intentions for a more peaceful world, but where are the tangible results that past winners have delivered?

William Mahoney's letter on Oct. 6 asked what the cost would be to the average Mainer if the clean energy bill is enacted. The answer is simple: not much, compared to what people will spend if comprehensive energy reform is not enacted.

The average Mainer will save $1,550 a year by 2030 just in efficiency standard savings. The bill is about more than just reducing carbon emissions; it's designed to save households money.

I am not impressed with the Nobel Peace Prize committee giving the award to untried and very left-leaning liberal President Barack Obama. I'm sure there are many more worthy individuals who are deserving of the award and who are not trying to destroy the United States and its Constitution.

I am not impressed by any Nobel prize, as they seem to go to those who lean toward the liberal side: Jimmy Carter (a disaster as president); and Al Gore (who faked an entire film on global warming).

Because they often dream beyond a city's means, comprehensive plans tend to gather two things: initial supporters and eventual dust. But, with luck, the plans can be blueprints. Lewiston has made great strides in the last decade. The Lincoln Street complex is both functional and gorgeous, thanks to a robust private-public partnership.

This is in response to the letter from Colby Roy (Oct. 7) about how Fox News is very biased. I have to agree.

I had been an avid viewer of Fox News until recently, due to the consistently negative tone about everything that President Barack Obama is trying to accomplish.

I feel Fox News should portray a more positive outlook on issues that are reported. It's a constant stream of how the Democrats are wrong, and that any move Obama makes is wrong.

In November, registered voters will be voting on the same-sex marriage issue that is making folks spend a lot of money that could be better spent on feeding the needy.

Before I cast my vote, I'd like some answers about some issues that are more important to me than same-sex marriage being taught in schools:

How will a lesbian couple introduce themselves? "This is my husband, Jane," or "This is my wife, Charlie?" Or do they continue to say "This is my partner?"

It has come to my attention that in June, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins secured $900,000 in federal funds that would support canal infrastructure for Lewiston and possible extended redevelopment of Lewiston's downtown waterfront.

It is an outrage that the citizens of Lewiston know nothing about it. The upgrade could include installing new hydropower generators that would be used to provide power for the city's lights and more.

Rita Jean, Lewiston