I disagree. Speaking out against gay marriage is one thing. He takes it a step further and speaks out against gays and lesbians and homosexuality in general. 4-10% of the population is gay or lesbian. People in our families, at work, and in our circle of friends. People in his life are gay, likely including some of the religious clergy in his life over the years. I went to Catholic school from kindergarten through graduate school. The percentage of gays in religious life is more than the average in society. Maybe even some of the people on your ship Pirate. Look at Jack Sparrow! I feel bad for these people in his life. That's the part that is sad to me.

I live in Lewiston, but spend a good amount of time and money in the area near the Auburn Mall: Lowes, Planet Fitness, Walmart, Buffalo Wild Wings, Longhorn, etc. Feels like progress to me. Build a rink there, I'll spend even more time and money. And I've lived in Massachusetts.

I am tired of having an incredibly negative mayor and governor, who frequently malign the city, state and citizenry: "filthy," "lazy," "corrupt." It's like having our very own balcony residing Statler and Waldorf. When will this experiment be over????

She's one of the only ones on that side of the aisle who has ever had an original thought. The rest are lemmings.

Looks like everyone, including the legislature, is seeing the light.

The parrot watches Ellen?! Please turn in your parrot card immediately.

More republican "facts". You should consider writing a novel. I have to applaud you for your new picture though. Even though it has an image of the president in the corner, it's very left wingy.

Billy, Hit the Caps Lock button buddy.

Mike Michaud just had his ticket to the Senate punched! Go Blue!

there's the update.

That's the first time I've heard Macdonald's name since he was sworn in. I'm not complaining though.

You're absolutely right Bob. Don't they know they're Republicans. They're supposed to say no and not work with Democrats in a bipartisan fashion. Vote 'em out! God bless us every one.

right there. I don't care who you are. "I remember when bread cost a nickel!"

Who wants the worst job in the state? Hello? Anybody?

Same posters with the same perspectives every day. To me the comment section has become B-O-R-I-N-G. It's clear that the SJ prefers the current method. I'm sure it's a heck of a lot easier for Pattie. I'm not sure I can take much more of the same old posters. I've taken to reading and posting on Yahoo. I like the volume and varied points of view. Every night they send me a log of likes and replies to my comments. Cool feature.

I drove down Lisbon Street this weekend. It didn't look like a "fourth world" country. It actually looked pretty good. The one thing I noticed that didn't look good was the big, empty former Drapeau's location. I'm very happy to hear about this. Welcome John! And good luck!

Well it’s a long and complicated story, but blaming it on Obama is like telling your children not to go out at night because of the Chupacabra. One could focus on one aspect of Bobbi’s letter, healthcare, and talk about a U.S. system that is out of control for a wide variety of reasons that were in effect long before Obama: health insurers constantly raising rates, care providers charging unrealistic rates as a result, uninsured Americans seeking care in ER’s, pharmaceutical companies charging exorbitant rates, lobbyists in D.C. pushing hard to save high profits. Now I love supporting local economies by eating out a local restaurants and such, but when one considers the national healthcare problem, one wonders about the possible positive outcome of taking greed and profits out of the mix. Know what I’m saying here? Starts with an S. Hmm?

What a lofty goal.

If he's going to do a presser, he needs to write a speech and work on delivery. Get someone to help him out with this. The mayor is the mouthpiece of Lewiston. You have to admit, he's not good off the cuff. Like you've said about others, he doesn't have executive experience. Or public speaking. He needs to get good fast, if he's going to be effective. Soon he'll be on TV running meetings using Robert's rules. Is he ready? He doesn't want Lewiston to be laughed at anymore. Well neither do I. Lots of people were laughing this week. I didn't think it was funny. I thought it was weak and amateurish. Make sure he's ready for what lies ahead.

Paradis camp. If your doorbell rings tomorrow and there's a lunch bag on you doorstep on fire, DO NOT STOMP ON IT!

VOTE AGAINST BOB MCDONALD!!!

It's neat that he was your coffee buddy Bob and that he can sometimes repeat some of your ideas, but I have a hard time believing that anybody who saw the debate would actually vote for him for mayor of Lewiston. He had a difficult time stringing words or thoughts together. In his all important opening statement: "uh...I wanna talk about Travis Soule!" Okay. That's nice. With regard to shops being opened downtown by recent immigrants, which Mr. Paradis discussed positively: "It's filthy.....it looks like a fourth world country!" Not the right guy to be the face and voice of Lewiston.

I asked you a couple of questions. You wrote that Ed's post was true. The reality is that neither you nor Ed really read or understood what he posted or where it was from. It was just another classic case of oppositional piling on. Unless you really are fond of the works of Nancy Spannaus and LaRouche.

I had to opportunity to see the comment before it was removed. Some quick research revealed that it came from the Lyndon LaRouche camp. I was dying laughing. You a big fan too Paul? What, Ed couldn't find anything good to copy and paste from the Ted Kaczynski website?

My mistake. You were just passing information along. I'll consider that my gift from you.

Merry Christmas to you Ebenezer!

This has something to do with the Mayor's office because............????

This is a no brainer. Let's just get this over with and get Paradis in office.

Way to go people! We're a blue state! I think the red experiment is over.

These dudes are out there day and night repairing the damage from a hurricane/tropical storm, while you surf from the comfort of your house in your sweatpants. Give me a break. My power was out for about 24 hours. Kudos to CMP for getting it back on. I live on the left side of the political spectrum, but I have to say that your negative shtick has grown more than tiresome. You and your sparring partner are both a couple of negative Nelly's. You deserve each other.

They should have leaned in and whispered "we don't bargain".

The over/under on Perry leaving the race is Halloween. I'll take the under. Bruce Bartlett and many others think he's an "idiot". His philandering ways are about come back and bite him in the you know what. I'm afraid you'll have no choice but to vote for Romney, but I'm not sure he can win it. Looks like you folks may not have a winning horse in this race.

So they wants to make a video to show welfare fraud, but they end up with a video and story that shows that the system is working?!?! I can't believe they proceeded with the press conference. They made themselves look like idiots. This guy's about as transparent as they get. Maybe he should work on B movies instead.

Shocked! (sarcasm) Reminds me of the silver spoon Young Republicans when I was in college. All geeked up on their parents' opinions. Driving their BMW's. Not a single original thought in their heads.

Which one? Baseless personal attack? Seems a bit sensitive. I thought there was enough rationale for the comment.

More guns fer everyone! Yahoooo! (firing rifle into the air)

You're worse than your cousin/friend/whatever lately.

Still not clean? The river has made incredible progress over the last 40 years thanks to the hard work of many (mostly left wingers). Goodall presents a bill this spring to reclassify the lower Androscoggin to B status, but business and Lepage throw fits and do all they can to put the squash on it. Believe me, business had no concern for the union workers.

"But the proposal has met stiff opposition from dam owners, paper companies and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. All argue the legislation would create stricter and more costly pollution and permitting standards.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Seth Goodall, D-Richmond, also has encountered push-back from the Department of Environmental Protection operating under a business-advocacy directive from Gov. Paul LePage."

(SunJournal, Mistler 4/11)

It makes me laugh every time. I'm not perseverating on "executive experience". I simply laid out their histories to show preparation for the POTUS. I happen to think Obama's experience prepared him perfectly for the office. Again ConLaw expert, very smart, State Senator, US Senator. An understanding of our constitution and federal experience. If you would honestly choose Palin over Obama because she was a Mayor of Wasilla and Governor of Alaska, then you have to look in the mirror and say "Bob, I am blind to anything other than my party regardless of the facts or truth." Go ahead and do it Bob. You'll feel better. Maybe have a good cry. Open your mind.

To take it a step further with you while I'm at it, some people are poor and less fortunate than you or I Bob. They're not milking the system to purposefully steal Bob's hard earned money. Show some compassion. Worry about people, not your tax return or wallet all the time. To constantly put down those less fortunate than you makes you come across as a miserly old Scrooge.

(laughing)

Whoever thinks Palin is more qualified than Barack loses all credibility with me. Too much of the righty kool-aid Bob.

All reporters have to do to make him look bad is quote him. He takes a rare opportunity to speak and says he doesn't want to "piss off" lawmakers. He's the most eloquent speaker since Larry the Cable Guy. Of course his staff looked nervous. Who can blame Demeritt for resigning. Who in their right mind would want to be this guy's communications director?

Thanks for the humor LaFlamme.

When I moved back to Maine from Massachusetts, registering to vote wasn't even in the top 500 on my things to do list.

Lewiston's gain is Gorham's loss.

Holy flying leap Brian. How'd you get there from this story?

You must travel in a tight Tea Party circle. You're feeling pretty good about how things are going are you? Proud of your Governor? You think he's a good leader and representative of the State of Maine? I thought elephants had good memories. Apparently you can't remember the last three months.

I hope you don't bet on horses.

Is this a serious letter? "Trim the fat off teacher salaries...." Ugh.

Why? Why? Why? We have the new Palin. This guy just shouldn't speak. Just smile and wave Paul. Just smile and wave. Or better yet, read up on Nixon and use some of his words. "I shall resign effective at noon tomorrow."

Once again, reason overtakes his verbal impulse control disorder.

Viva la parrot!!!

They knew the repeal effort was futile. I love wasting congressional resources for acts of symbolism. Next up on the Republican agenda, rolling large boulders uphill.

Nobody cares what you think.

Nobody cares what you think.

If you get elected to the highest office in the state, then you should present yourself with tact and professionalism. You represent the entire state. After the run on CNN and Fox, the country now knows we voted in an inarticulate clown. If I were behind either one of you Clem, I'd be inclined to kick it.

Say what now??? I think you're doing more interpreting than reading and understanding. People who do that give me the willies. I didn't see you support your claim anywhere in your response. The death penalty is not the answer.

He should have that lady that does the Mardens commercials for him do his public speaking. That would be a great improvement. "We're ain't goin' to no NAACP event deah!' Ain't that cunnin'!"

I couldn't be more proud. Jackwagon. Please, please don't make the national news.

Nothing that sunglasses and a fake beard couldn't fix. We need answers! We want the truth!!! FREE THE WATERVILLE TWO!!

Tron, Boehner made his appropriate remarks earlier today. I consider myself a liberal. I believe the time has come for us to treat each other with respect. The time has come for us to act as one nation. Use this opportunity to act responsibly and with civility.

Do you have hundreds of composition books at your place with all of your "thoughts" written down? You've lost it brother. Get help.

People aren't flocking to Maine for it's welfare programs. He knows it. But he also knows that the bunker dwellers will stand and applaud if he makes such statements. Also, I don't even own a bippy, otherwise I'd take your bet.

I like turtles!

Just not if he was into dudes.

Gil, If I ever meet you, I'll give you a fifty cent piece and a medal fashioned out of tin foil for using the word myrmidon!

To refer to Veritas as ignorant shows a lack of intelligence and common sense on your part. I'm no relation or friend to Veritas, but the guy presents intelligent arguments often in a witty fashion. I appreciate his presence here. I hope he uses the Veritas signature in the future at the end of his posts. Apparently what you seek is unilateral opinion. Best for you to stick to those news outlets that only present the conservative opinion. You'd be much more happy there.

...um...Ok then....I was right. BTW, you lost the war. Get over it.

Dennis Bailey?! I, for one, am shocked! Shocked!!

I am so tired of conservatives constantly wringing their hands and spouting off about taxes. My uncle, Mr. Stone, and all the other conservatives in this country. The Empire paid taxes to Caeser and it hasn't stopped since. I don't love paying taxes and I'm not happy about the Social Security situation, but for the love of Pete, try to think of something else. My 19 year old daughter's boyfriend grew up among conservatives and the poor kid wants to have conversations with me about his concerns regarding capital gains taxes. Dude! Play a video game or something! And the rest of you, close your eyes and go to your happy place. For me, that would be a beach environment. For you conservative types, it might be an apocalyptic bunker. Either way, try to think of something positive for a minute!

I'll assume so.

jackwagon

Funny comment. Thumbs up.

Yes

Did anyone see any video footage from Washington today? Were the Republicans crossing their arms and stomping their feet?

I'm not sure the headline is appropriate. It could also read: "Some Mainers panic-stricken as new GOP-led Legislature meets."

Harry! Harry! Harry! Should auld acquaintance be forgot. Wierd letter Harry.

Was your hand on your sword when you wrote that?

What troubles me the most about this story and subsequent comments are "hands on weapons" and "fingers on triggers". I'm getting a vision of Theriault or Job Public ending up in prison for assault or worse. Violence is not the answer people. Put those guns back in their safes.

ugh

I'm assuming you have insurance Lenny, so you'll likely financially survive your romp through the system. Have a look at the costs for your multiple interactions with health care providers. Tell me if everything looks in order and reasonable.

I'm not sure exactly what people think is going to happen if they put in a casino with a restaurant and entertainment. I think some people have images of the old west with people coming out of swinging half doors shooting guns in the air. The scare tactics are just that. I've been to casinos in different cities. I see civilized people spending recreational dollars on entertainment, food, and beverages. If we were talking about a community putting all their hopes in the gambling industry like Atlantic City or Vegas, then I'd be opposed too. But we are talking about putting one attractive facility in Oxford. I think Maine's image will survive.

Whaddya say? To hell with safety and the environment!

Well thought out letter Pete. Thanks for taking the time to write it. Yes on 1.

I'm relevant. Did you know koalas are from Australia? Well, at least they were born there.

Paul LePage "has professionalism and has already proven himself"??? Are we talking about the same Paul LePage?

I was dumbfounded when he though it was a good idea to write the first letter. Now a second letter?!?! Bert, nobody cares what you think about the NFL. I'm gonna watch 2-3 games tomorrow and love it. Now I have to get back to watching college ball.

Nerd

It's a good thing the FD didn't show up. If they did, we would have had to deal with the Right exploding all over this comment section about having to foot the bill with their tax dollars.

I just prefer queen's concept of continued efforts to reduce our dependence, versus your and Clem's apparent opinions to simply throw up your hands and say "it's too tough to live without oil, there's nothing we can do".

There's no way to make any of that stuff alternatively, so let's just forget the whole thing. Let's stay dependent on Big Oil.

See you at church on Memorial Day Myrtle.

This is easily the funniest LTE I've read in a long time.  It was like spending time with your old cranky uncle.  "I remember when bread cost a nickel!  I used to walk to school, up hill both ways!"  OK Uncle Leo, time for your nap.  Now that I think about it, it wasn't that funny.  It's actually kind of sad.  Especially the racist parts.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new leader for the wierdest letter of the year contest.

You're supposed to put a rolled towel under the door dude.

Regarding your earlier post Sirmel, another good reference for you to read is the dictionary. Look up "allot".

lame

You get your numbers right. You know as well as I do that the the less than 2% figure is not an accurate representation of the current g/l population in the U.S. It's just a convenient survey that you choose to use.

Ezekiel 25:17. "The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness, for he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I'm The Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you." No on 1.

Wow. Passionate and well written response.

Network news, That '70's Show, Letterman, Antique Roadshow, internet poker.......

Breathe Richy. Breathe. You really lose all credibility with that kind of post and show your true colors.

I don't know if it will be taught in schools, but i do know that my kids got the full lecture on the subject by the Bishop at mass this weekend. I don't believe they absorbed the Bishop's message, but they know now that there is such a thing as homosexual marriage. Either way, I'm ok with it. The overall issue is a part of society now. Whether it's marriage or just the fact that a classmate might have same sex parents, it's part of life. Time to accept it and deal with it people. I do know that the more I hear my church speak out on this issue, the more I want to go elsewhere.

Seriously mom. Are you a blind follower? Are you saying it's not OK to be a Catholic and ask questions? Have an original thought mom. You might like it.

I think it would be great if there was a local meeting, so I could watch misinformed righties blowing forehead veins and frothing at the mouth in person instead of just on YouTube. Very amusing stuff.

Gil, your icon and Coulter quote freak me out. Do you really want to associate yourself with her. She's the Queen of Nutjobia and your one of her loyal subjects.

Wow. The cranky and hateful are up and at it early this morning.

It's your bed Bob. I'm sure you anticipated extended backlash when you guys made the decision.

Uhhhhhhh......hey, I'm in for the beer drinking and sports watching.