This is a response to David Gemmecke’s letter “LePage forgets the people” (Sun Journal, March 3).
I, too, was born in America. After serving in Vietnam, I returned and took advantage of a college education that I had earned (key word — earned) for my military service.
Unable to obtain work in my chosen field because of a service-connected disability, I relocated to Maine not for overly generous welfare benefits — but a career.
In respect to finding employment, Gemmecke should take advantage of the free workshops at the CareerCenter in Lewiston (just off Main Street). Public transportation is available. Training, resume writing, job postings, computers, retraining counseling and other aids are available.
Gemmecke should also go to the VA. Not only could he get medical attention, because of his service he might be eligible for benefits. He should check to see if his family is eligible for MaineCare.
Gov. Paul LePage bears no responsibility for the refugee population.
Gov. LePage is fighting so that those of us who made the right choices will continue in our current status, not join the ranks of the poor. After all, taxpayers are people too.
Mayor Robert Macdonald, Lewiston

Taking advantage
Taking advantage of opportunities is always a good idea. However, opportunities are not doled out equally. I find that a lot of people who claim achievements actually were just smart enough to take advantage of fortunate opportunities that came their way through no merit of their own. Born in America, with enough emotional, physical health to get by, with enough intelligence to learn , a free education, born in a reasonably stable home: all are unearned advantages. Many people have to get through life without one or more of these. I find it repulsive that people look down on people who are essentially less fortunate because they were not able to overcome and make them scapegoats for political gain. The difference as I see it between those who succeed and those who don't is found in the word "quit". Those who succeed set goals and don't quit regardless of the obstacles in their way. Those who quit from discouragement don't succeed. If there was a way to learn that I think a lot more people would be more successful.
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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.Are you saying that everyone
Are you saying that everyone is entitled to a fair and equal share of opportunities regardless how, or where the opportunities come from? Are you actually asking life to be fair? An opportunity is a chance; chance seems to favor those who prepare for it.
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I am also disabled. I will never be able to work again. Since moving to Maine some thirty years ago I have acquired three college degrees, a very good living for twenty three years, and an incurable disease.
I like the way the Mayor emphasized going out and getting the help that's out there. Trust me it won't come knocking on your door.
I am not a veteran, however I've found enough support out there to live quite comfortably. I get Social security, and I get Medicare which I pay a monthly premium plus I am responsible for twenty percent of my medical coverage.
The trick is learning to manage your money no matter how much you have. Search for programs that are available, not just state help. I've said this before, but I'll say it again. Its not easy. To me its just as much a job as I had when I could work. I guess the bottom line is your only as disabled as you want to be.
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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 post, Frank. Managing
Good post, Frank. Managing money is a full time job whether the money is plentiful or scarce. It's tough both ways. I've had it both ways; tends to be cyclical.
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you could also take advantage of Mayor MacDonald's suggestion and get a straight razor. If you cannot afford one, he will provide one, along with a bottle of booze to give you courage.
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you actually read the post Danny. I don't see where there was any reference to slitting your throat. Maybe you should become a member of the MSM so you could get paid spreading your false testimony. Or maybe you should team up with some law school student and keep each other company.
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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.This is the column by the
This is the column by the mayor to which Dan is referring:
http://www.twincitytimes.com/columns/enough-is-enough-lewiston-legislato...
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Pattie, first thank you for the link. Second, what's up with the disagree. It is starting to look like Dan my have something there, everytime someone doesn't agree with certain people there is an immediate "Dislike" posted. How can posting a link with no other comment gain either a like or a dislike? I am starting to think that someone is getting over zealous with the dislike buttons.
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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.Is there a limit?
Is there a limit?
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change someone to somebodies and you'd be 100% correct. That's why I don't bother, if I disagree with someone I take the effort to tell them. I won't become a monkey pressing a button.
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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.Exactly what is a woman on
Exactly what is a woman on TANF suppose to do with a straight razor? While he may have not said it directly, coupled with the dice and booze, any sane person could read between the lines. That you don't is disingenuous.
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