The vote on Question 1 was a yes vote for the good people of Maine and a no vote to Gov. John Baldacci, who arrogantly believes he knows what is best for Maine, even though the people of Maine had told him a couple times what they want.

To now say that Maine has moved backward and that Maine people are closed-minded does not seem fair. The people of Maine accept that people who choose an alternative lifestyle are protected under Maine law; that domestic partners are allowed in Maine. Maine has allowed people to live and love the way they want.

Those who are in favor of same-sex marriage should respect the people of Maine, and respect and cherish the word marriage as it has been, because Maine is the way life ought to be.

David Richards, Lewiston