I grew up with an old saying: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.”

Times have changed and, in my opinion, not for the better. Society has become so ultra-sensitive, it is producing a generation of cry babies who are scared of their own shadows.

Through the years, I have been mocked by bullies as a Bible-thumper, right-winger, homophobic and branded a muggle by Harry Potter lovers.

None of those experiences have left me bitter, just better. My adversaries have played an important part in making me strong. I can stand my ground, stare my opponents down, debate and protest with the best of them.

I was appalled with the attempt to weaken the character of Gov. Paul LePage. I can’t believe he issued an apology for the use of the word “Gestapo.” The idea of a pressured apology for no wrongdoing will only lead his enemies to request his resignation.

President George W. Bush rarely apologized because he would pray, meditate and give a great deal of thought before speaking. There is no sense to open your mouth if you are not convinced in what you’re saying.

My prayers go out to men such as Gov. LePage and Lewiston’s Mayor Robert Macdonald. Those men are not career politicians with eloquent speech. They have the interest of the common man in mind.

I encourage them to have the guts to say what they mean and mean what they say.

The Rev. Douglas Taylor, Lewiston

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