Once again, the people of this nation, this state, have failed to embrace the ideals upon which this country was founded. Right-wing religion and a herd mentality prevailed again.

On the matter of Question 1: The Declaration of Independence states that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” The 9th, 10th, and 14th amendments basically say, “if one can do it, everyone can do it.”

Voters denied people those rights with their yes vote.

On the matter of Questions 2 and 4: While I agree that such drastic reduction in tax income would probably be crippling, the state of Maine and its cities and towns need to realize that continuing to enact budgets that are beyond the ability of Maine citizens and businesses to support will only make things worse. Blood can’t be squeezed from a stone, and people’s wallets are getting thinner every day. Who knows, maybe the state and towns will enact sensible budgets next year. Sure.

The people of Maine had a chance to prove that this is a state that the nation could follow by sending a message that tolerance of other lifestyles is OK and that uncontrolled spending is bad.

The people failed in that message and, for the first time in my life, I’m afraid of the future and what it holds.

Ed McCaffrey, Rumford