What is the Maine Heritage Policy Center? It appears that it attempts to keep a low profile. However, recently there was an explosion of public relations after a man, using an alias and working for James O'Keefe, was exposed posing as a client at a Department of Health and Human Services office.
The incident in question was essentially benign, since the inexperienced DHHS worker called her supervisor and the man falsely seeking assistance was dismissed.
It is unclear whether O'Keefe was under contract with the Maine Heritage Policy Center or whether he was simply volunteering to assist them. But, O'Keefe certainly has a shady background. He was arrested after entering the office of Sen. Mary Landrieu in New Orleans disguised as a telephone worker attempting to tamper with the senator's phones. He has a reputation for producing politically inspired videos that are biased or questionably accurate, but that would appeal to the media.
So, the answer to the initial question is that the Maine Heritage Policy Center is a "think tank" where certain individuals get together to "think" about conservative issues. How droll.
Since the Maine Heritage Policy Center knew of O'Keefe's unsavory background and also knew that no breach of ethics took place during the taped incident, it is obvious that the center is not acting in the best interests of Maine citizens.
Ronald K. Melendy, Auburn
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Nothing to see here...move along now!
Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil. I applaud the efforts of those who would expose problems in our governmental, corporate and non-profit organizations; that is the only way corrective action can take place. Whether the problem is one of training or worse ethics, the more eyes we have out there watching the process the better. The age of video and "YouTube" make it harder for cries of "that was taken out of context" or "that never happened" If it ain't broke don't fix it...if it is broke fix it now and let's get on with it. Put the pointy fingers away and fix the problem; just as the Governor suggested during his press conference. I'm sure all sides of the political spectrum can agree that fraud, waste and abuse, when discovered should be stopped, and if that is the case here, after due process, it should be STOPPED IMMEDIATELY!
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.I think they should continue
I think they should continue to investigate and show the weaknesses in our system, much like a secreshopper program many major retailers use. IN fact i think their next target should be people with questionable disability claims milking the sydtem for 20 years...
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.I don't like the tactics
I don'y agree with these tactics. I know definitively that welfare fraud & abuse is very costly to Maine tax payers. For those of you who think that oversight of these programs in unnecessary are being very irresponsible with others money. With that said, This stuff is deplorable. The ends don't justify the means, leave that for the other guys.
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If the folks at the Maine Heritage Policy Center really believed that welfare fraud was that extensive in Maine it would have been a simple thing to demand an independent audit. They are not interested in objective truth they only want to cram their preordained opinions down everybody's throat using any sleazy and deceptive tactics they can think of. Hiring a shady operative, not revealing how many attempts it took to get this non fraud, and no mention of what department policy actually is regarding how long a worker should talk to an applicant just shows us how contrived this effort was.
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.Good point. I would like to
Good point. I would like to know how many times this guy tried to apply for benefits and was rejected. A thorough investigation by the AG would discover this, however I won't be holding my breath, they're all in this together.
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.That Mr. O'Keefe has not been
That Mr. O'Keefe has not been charged with a crime is deplorable, but expected with a republican administration. Think of all the time and taxpayer money he wasted, and the other deserving people who weren't able to apply because this man took up too much time. Attempted theft of services should be a start.
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.Come on Dan
I agree with you guys that this was a sleazy move and I don't like it. With that said, This quote "Think of all the time and taxpayer money he wasted, and the other deserving people who weren't able to apply because this man took up too much time." is a little dramatic and speculation.
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Would you like to respond? Login or create a new account. You'll need to verify your account before you can respond.well a second tape emerged
well a second tape emerged yesterday, and who know how many other attempts were made, either successful or not according to MHPC. Now alot of republicans believe state employees make to much money, so how does the MHPC justify wasting an employee's time. An investigation needs to be done by the AG's office, but I know that will never happen.
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