Here is what passes for political dialogue in an era of hyperpartisanship: • In his letter (Nov. 22), Reggie Bechard wrote that mayoral candidate Ben Chin “must be stopped” because he supports immigrants and asylum seekers. Really? What about Quebecois seeking a new life in Maine more than a hundred years ago? Or for that […]
Thomas Shields
Posted inLetters
Republicans deal in facts
This is a reply to Nancy Willard’s letter (Nov. 13) which labeled me and other conservatives as having “extreme political views.” She said I did not substantiate the “horrific” things I said the Democrats do. If the Sun-Journal allowed me more than 250 words I would be glad to give references for my facts. It […]
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Question 1 is too flawed
Taxpayers, beware of the upcoming election ballot. Question 1 generates serious concerns. This citizen’s initiative proposes changes in the Clean Election Act. It is actually 14 pages of law that can be adopted by a public vote without benefit of amendments or public hearings. Flaws and excesses can remain hidden. Where does clean election money […]
Posted inLetters
Obama has been bad for America
Democratic President Barack Obama has been busy transforming America for the past 6-1/2 years, as promised. The national debt has risen from $9.9 trillion to $18.1 trillion today. Obamacare was enacted with the false promise of an average cost savings of $2,500 and “you can keep your plan and your doctor.” Illegal immigration was noted […]
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T. Shields: Rights need to be better defined
This is a reply to John Mitchell’s letter (May 14) that took issue with my letter of May 10. The 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees people freedom of speech and that there will be no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion. On that basis, I would protect the right of merchants with […]
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D. Marquis: Hiding behind religion
Thomas Shields’ letter (May 10) about religious freedom causes us to examine our beliefs. Do we discriminate against others when their behavior conflicts with our own beliefs? Is discrimination, based on who another person chooses to love, a just way to act in civilized society? Every culture since time began believed their existence was a […]
Posted inLetters
T. Shields: The free exercise of religion
An issue has arisen in this nation’s legal system, balancing religious freedom against discriminatory practices. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution says there shall be no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion. News reports say that the homosexual crowd has targeted florists and bakers whose Christian faiths do not allow them to […]
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T. Shields: A reasonable tax option
Gov. Paul LePage has proposed an adjustment of Maine tax revenues. One area is a municipality’s revenue. The exact language of the proposed legislation is too long to print here. LePage has proposed property taxes on nonprofits, a term used for certain tax-exempt properties of a community. The tax would be on “50 percent of […]
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M. Burgess: Where are gentlemanly Republicans?
I long for the gentlemanly Republicans of a few years ago when you could have a substantive, intelligent disagreement with men such as former Govs. John McKernan and John Reed. When you were done, you could respect them even if you couldn’t agree. Now, Republican extremists have taken over the party with the only goal […]
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T. Shields: Democrats need better definitions
The liberal Democrats frequently use the terms “rich” or “wealthy” as opposed to “middle class” or “working class,” and the opposite of “poor” or “vulnerable.” They don’t seem to define those terms in dollars, hoping to inflame class resentment in one’s mental image or imagination. The status of a person economically usually depends on the […]