All Maine Matters Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Vol. 1, No. 8 August 2006 FREE

Buying the Blaine House (With Your Money) By Reps. Henry Joy and John Churchill Is Governor John Baldacci using our The Morning Sentinel, which serves tax dollars to buy his reelection? That much of Kennebec, Waldo, Somerset would certainly appear to be the case. and Franklin counties, did not mince The governor recently signed into words. Its lead editorial on June 1 was law two bills that will immensely in- entitled “Buying votes for the governor crease the tax burden on the people of with our tax dollars.” The authors made Maine for years to come. The benefits their objections clear. “By seeking will flow to special interest groups, who votes through the state budget,” they undoubtedly will return the favor on wrote, “the governor and his allies in Election Day. the State House who helped pass this Simply stated, the governor is using legislation – many of whom are running our tax money to win four more years in for reelection themselves – feed the the Blaine House. His lavish vote-buy- public’s cynicism about politics and ing schemes could hardly come at a politicians.” worse time. Mainers already shoulder The Lewiston Sun Journal weighed the heaviest tax burden in the country. in on June 3. Its editorial was entitled Our state debts and unfunded liabili- “Two new perks for public workers will ties exceed $5.3 billion. Our job base cost us plenty.” “The Legislature, with is shrinking. And we will enter the next Democrats in control, took on two new budget cycle with a projected shortfall financial obligations that seem certain of $500 million. to grow,” the editors wrote. The edito- Route 11, Aroostook County. Under these grim circumstances, rial explained the new health care ben- the governor should be exercising ut- efits for public safety workers, noting most fiscal discipline. But plagued by that they will cost the state $1.3 million Taxpayer Bill of Rights dismal approval ratings, he is playing in 2008 and $3.1 million in 2009. “But by Gary C. Foster fast and loose with our financial future. unless something miraculous happens, As expected, the Taxpayer Bill of Rights For years, Maine has led the nation in His buying of votes is so naked and ob- those costs will rapidly increase. Thus, referendum is being sharply criticized and state and local tax burden. Incidentally, I vious that even newspaper editorials the state has incurred another costly have denounced it. condemned by those who depend on taxpay- doubt that this is what our state’s founders long-term obligation.” ers for their existence. had in mind when they adopted the motto The Portland Press Herald ran an ed- Needless to say, it is extremely rare itorial on June 5th under the headline In a rather bizarre interpretation, the “Dirigo.” Even under the economic cure-all when three major daily Maine news- “Police, firefighter benefit an election- MMA and others suggest that Taxpayer Bill LD1, our state and local tax burden has risen papers all attack the governor on their year giveaway.” After explaining how of Rights provision requiring a 2/3 vote for from 13% to 13.5%, demonstrating that this editorial pages in the same week. Bal- the plan works (more on that later), the a legislative body to increase the financial dog and pony show hasn’t worked. dacci usually gets a pass from a friend- editors summed it up thusly: “It’s a bla- hardship on Maine’s taxpayers beyond that What it really boils down to is the entitle- tant political move in a campaign year. ly media. which is reasonable is a change to minor- ment crowd’s fear of the voters. The unbri- Maine taxpayers will be paying for it ity rule. Currently 51% of our legislature dled tax and spend practices of government for decades.” Continued on page 10 can choose to increase our tax burden. That demonstrate that the taxpayers are perceived means 49% of Maine’s taxpayers are not rep- as a limitless resource to be exploited. There- resented in such a decision. Under TABOR, fore, allowing the taxpayers to participate in JOIN THE PAPER TRAIL (AND SAVE A TREE): IF YOU ARE 67% of Maine’s taxpayers would be repre- any decision to increase their tax burden is a CONCERNED LIKE WE ARE, READ THIS PAPER, CIRCLE A sented, and the taxpayers themselves would threat to this practice and to any entity that NUMBER, AND PASS IT ON TO A FRIEND. participate in the decision. Coupled with feeds from the public trough. consent of the voters, a supermajority would Though our legislature is aware of the burden they have strapped on the backs of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 certainly be a much stronger consensus as to the necessity and legitimacy of increasing the taxpayers, for decades they have failed spending and taxes above the reasonable and Rural vs. Real sustainable level allowed under TABOR. Continued on page 10 by Michael Pajak When the editor asked that I write a piece contacts who hail from above the fabled Vol- We are also on the web at http://allmainematters.com on “any issue you think might of interest to vo Line. Most of them tell me that line has conservatives in rural Maine” I suffered a mild been updated from its former demarcation panic attack. At this very moment I am at risk just north of Augusta to somewhere north of missing the deadline that I agreed to meet of Bangor and south of Dover-Foxcroft, per- out of fear of insulting the people of Maine haps Sangerville or Plymouth. I also hear that who have historically been the backbone of the name has been upgraded to reflect today’s This Month’s Contents more modern standards. The line between the our state. Buying the Blaine House (With Your Money) 1 What the heck do I know enough about “two Maines” is now called “the Lexus Line.” During my ruminations for this little ex- Rural vs. Real 1 to write on that might be of interest to con- cursion north via these pages I had a thought. Taxpayer Bill of Rights 1 servatives in rural Maine? I haven’t spent any Perhaps it is time to stop referring to “rural Communism - Underground But Alive and Well In America 2 substantial time north of the “Volvo Line” Maine” as such. Down here in the land of in years. My family and I have inhabited the Letter to AARP: Taxpayer Bill of Rights “Seminar” 2 subdivisions that are named after either the A Government For the People, By the People 3 People’s Republic of Portland for almost two predominant specie of tree that was removed decades. When we recently decamped from to make way for cul-de-sacs and three car ga- Major Development Proposed in Maine’s North Woods 4 the PRP to find our little piece of the wilder- rages, or the former view that was sacrificed Un-Debating Dirigo 4 ness to raise our youngest boy on we only got for the three-story McMansion, the term “ru- Stock Market Cars 5 as far as Sagadahoc County, just barely across ral Maine” conjures up images of trailers and The Token Conservative 5 the Kennebec! inbreeding… a land where the houses are on Islam’s Low Intensity Terrorism 5 The closest I ever get to Washington Coun- wheels and cars are up on blocks. In short, the Spin Machine Breaks Down in Speaker’s Office 6 ty is eating blueberries while reading the Calais deep south of New England. Some Maine Legislators Do Not Trust Their Constituents 6 Advertiser or the DownEast Times. Aroos- It isn’t a pretty image, and I am afraid it took County? Please pass the potatoes. I have taints the way folks down here set policy with Profiles in Rural Maine: Wallagrass & Soldier Pond 8 some cherished photos of my last ascent of regard to how to “deal” with the “problems” Globally-Acceptable Truths in the Land of Eden 11 Mt. Katahdin and make frequent promises up north. As one who toiled away in market- And Now for Something Completely Different 13 to my boy to take him there if I ever get a ing and sales for too long to admit, I propose Language and Liberty 13 vacation. Other than that I haven’t a clue, an image overhaul. Media Bias Against Guns 16 and cannot even make the claim of being a It is my suggestion that from this point for- Thoughts on Education 5 ward whenever referring to the vast majority true Mainer. In fact, by all appearances, I Straight from Nana Beth’s Kitchen 6 am a member of the group representing the of the state of Maine, the sparsely populated, economically-challenged region often called Crossword Puzzle 7 greatest threat to “rural Maine” – a person “the other Maine,” we call it like it is – The Cartoon 7 from away. I’ve even done time in New Jer- Real Maine. Letters to the Editor 14 sey! All those excuses aside, I am fortunate to Continued on page 12 have a great many personal and professional Page 2 All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Communism - Underground but Alive and Open Letter to the AARP Following Tax- Well in America By Michael A. Beardsley payer Bill of Rights “Seminar” By Pem Schaeffer It’s funny looking back, that for a cou- (Author’s note: the AARP is a leading member health care, trash collection, prescription ple of years, I thought Communism was of the “axis of opposition” to the Taxpayer Bill drugs, “oil,” meals on wheels, and other “pub- pretty much dead. Sure there is China, of Rights ballot initiative. AARP is joined with lic services” as their priorities, you should have Cuba and a few other 3rd world coun- the Maine Municipal Association, the Maine asked: tries that still were communist but wasn’t Education (Teachers) Association, and AFSC- China charging headlong toward an in- ME, the union of state and local government • Why other states and towns are able to dustrial revolution that would be sure to employees, to do everything in their power to provide these same services with a much make the society more free...perhaps defeat it. Together, these organizations have lower tax burden; even democratic (small d)? Wasn’t Cuba millions of dollars available to crush this citi- • What their priorities are for their own af- just waiting around for Fidel to kick the zens’ movement to instill a sense of stability ter tax incomes, such as food, housing, bucket to become a free society again, and control in government spending.) travel, medicines, entertainment, fami- where America’s beautiful people would lies, etc; for a nights gambling and dancing in Ha- Dear Mr. Dolphin & AARP Leaders: • Why Maine families in many cases have vana. to pay nearly twice what families in other I attended the AARP event held in June at All in all, I figured we had the commies states pay to purchase health insurance; the Doubletree Inn in Portland, ostensibly de- • How Maine’s highest in the nation tax licked. Then I shut off my TV, put down signed to educate your membership on the Tax- my remote, and started reading. burden has contributed to it’s lowest in payer Bill of Rights. I am not surprised that the nation economic health (tied with It all started with Ann Coulter’s book you tried to make your best case against this Treason - somehow my US History teach- Katrina devastated Louisiana.); citizens’ referendum, and are looking for ev- • Why Maine has among the highest Med- ers left out the part about how entrenched 9th Goal: Prolong the conferences to ery opportunity to promote yours and AARP’s icaid enrollment and spending in the the Communists were in the FDR and Tru- ban atomic tests because the U.S. has opinion about the legislation. I would expect nation, and why enrollment is growing man administrations. agreed to suspend tests as long as nego- that you and your group would attempt to give faster than virtually every other state. Then I read Glenn Beck’s book The tiations are in progress. the referendum a negative spin. There are a lot Real America: Messages from the Heart 10th Goal: Allow all Soviet satellites in- of problems with your position when you look Discussing these vital points would have and Heartland. While I don’t agree with dividual representation in the U.N. [page at the details. provided useful and thoughtful insights, and Beck on all things, a part of his book re- 260] Your group, and your fellow members of the counterpoint to simply listing typical govern- ally startled me. It was the part where 11th Goal: Promote the U.N. as the only “gang of 75,” hold many “informational meet- ment services. he detailed: THE 45 GOALS OF THE hope for mankind. If its charter is rewrit- ings” to advocate your viewpoint to your mem- Inexplicably, you chose not to provide a AMERICAN COMMUNIST PARTY writ- ten, demand that it be set up as one-world bers. You “inform” your members what you balanced discussion encompassing both sup- ten in 1961. government with its own independent have learned about the Taxpayers Bill of Rights porters and opponents of the Taxpayer Bill Then it hit me. The Communists are armed forces. (Some Communist leaders and why you oppose it, instead of presenting of Rights, even though you had been offered still roaming the country - not in the uni- believe the world can be taken over as the facts and letting your members reach their a knowledgeable supporter for your events. form of a Soviet soldier marching in Red easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Some- own informed decisions. Quite frankly, I do Instead, you invited only Kit St. John from not understand why you are so angry about the Square, but disguised under the cloak of times these two centers compete with the MECEP, who earns his living defending each other as they are now doing in the referendum. liberalism. Maine’s destructive status quo, and the con- Congo.) At first, I found the atmosphere at your Reading the 45 Goals, it is clear the tinuous economic decline it has wrought. This 12th Goal: Resist any attempt to outlaw event cordial, but it soon became rather pa- Communists (no not the more politically alone is enough to demonstrate that educating the Communist Party. tronizing and gratuitous. I couldn’t escape the your membership is not your first priority, but correct socialists, I mean Communists) 13th Goal: Do away with all loyalty impression that AARP’s style is to talk down have found a home in the Democratic instead, is driving members to arrive at your oaths. to the members, as if they are incompetent and foregone conclusion through a group-think Party and judging by the rise of RINO’s, 14th Goal: Continue giving Russia ac- unthinking “seniors” who need to be guided process.. particularly in the Northeast, their ideas cess to the U.S. Patent office. by AARP leaders paid to promote a particular Let’s examine briefly why the Taxpayer Bill are quickly taking hold right here in the 15th Goal: Capture one or both of the point of view. At times I found your demeanor of Rights is on the ballot. Maine’s economy Republican Party as well. political parties in the United States. condescending, as if you were talking to your has been widely recognized as struggling and Take a look at the 45 Goals from 1961. 16th Goal: Use technical decisions aged and doddering parents, instead of a group anemic by a number of authoritative sources. Shocking how liberalism (as defined to- of the courts to weaken basic Ameri- of competent, educated, and thinking adults. Alarmingly, census data shows that demograph- day) has welcomed Communist goals can institutions by claiming their ac- I am surprised by the accusations and nasty ic trends in Maine are dreadfully negative. Our with open arms (I’ve put in bold some of tivities violate civil rights. tone of the presentations. People of good will youth, who should be building careers, fami- my “favorites”): 17th Goal: Get control of the schools. can and do disagree without resorting to name lies, and futures here in their home state, are 1st Goal: U.S. acceptance of coexis- Use them as transmission belts for so- -calling. leaving in record numbers to seek opportunity tence as the only alternative to atomic cialism and current Communist pro- To begin with, after the “get to know your elsewhere. We have growing state debt and war. paganda. Soften the curriculum. Get neighbor” exercise, you asked participants to unfunded liabilities, and per capita state and 2nd Goal: U.S. willingness to capitulate control of teachers’ associations. Put identify those “benefits and services” provided local taxes have grown by 25% in the last 6 in preference to engaging in atomic war. the party line in textbooks. by government (paid for by their taxes) that years, according to the Maine Legislature’s Of- they hold dear. This was a prime example of 3rd Goal: Develop the illusion that total 18th Goal: Gain control of all student fice of Fiscal and Program Review. Examining newspapers. “push questioning,” in which you were subtly this set of realities should be of a much higher disarmament by the United States would leading the group into a predetermined conclu- be a demonstration of moral strength. 19th Goal: Use student riots to foment priority for AARP members than libraries, etc, public protests against programs or or- sion previously arrived at by AARP higher au- if Maine seniors want a secure future, and their 4th Goal: Permit free trade between thorities. all nations regardless of Communist af- ganizations which are under Communist family living in this state as well. attack. You then scrupulously avoided leading the filiation and regardless of whether or not attendees in a critical thinking exercise to ex- 20th Goal: Infiltrate the press. Get con- Continued on page 12 items could be used for war. tend the process and examine all sides of the trol of book-review assignments, edito- 5th Goal: Extension of long-term loans issue. After the first “question,” in which par- rial writing, policy-making positions. to Russia and Soviet Satellites. ticipants named their beloved libraries, home 6th Goal: Provide American aid to all 21st Goal: Gain control of key positions nations regardless of Communist domi- in radio, TV and motion pictures. nation. 22nd Goal: Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms 7th Goal: Grant recognition of Red Chi- of artistic expression. An American Com- na. Admission of Red China to the U.N. munist cell was told to “eliminate all good 8th Goal: Set up East and West Germa- sculpture from parks and buildings, sub- ny as separate states in spite of Khrush- stitute shapeless, awkward and meaning- chev’s promise in 1955 to settle the Ger- less forms.” many question by free elections under supervision of the U.N. Continued on page 12

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All Maine Matters PO Box 788 Kingman, ME 04451 All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Page 3 Guest Editorial: A Government For the People, By the People By Naran Row-Spaulding Long ago, during the sweltering File suit against the town, and never summer of 1776, members of the Con- serve on another volunteer committee tinental Congress labored in Philadel- or board? Is there a statute of limita- All Maine Matters phia, to bring forth a new nation. It was tions to this new, unwritten town “pol- Fishery Notes an astounding, unprecedented idea for icy,” or does the miscreant continue the times - a nation free of monarchy, forever on the “Municipal Blacklist?” Farming & Forestry Too! free of absolute rulers. Is this Democracy, or is this “Regency A Democratic nation, where the by Retribution?” Published by Maine Free Press, LLC people, no matter what their rank, Is this what the Continental Con- had the right to speak their minds, gress had in mind, when they wrote participate in their own government, the Declaration of Independence, and Editor and Advertising and control their own destinies. These then the American Constitution? rights would be paramount in our new Another Kennebunk selectman re- Michelle Anderson nation. cently spearheaded an effort to en- A government “For the People, By act a “political action committee” or- Distribution, Photography the People.” dinance. She doesn’t care for local Ken Anderson Despite overwhelming odds, includ- grassroots groups who produce infor- ing death, imprisonment, and desper- mational flyers on town budget issues, ate years of bloody battles, those cou- or make campaign signs for political rageous people were successful. Today, candidates. She would like to force us 207.723.4456 I believe we can never fully compre- into declaring where every cent comes hend what they endured to provide us from, every time we spend $20 on cop- with the freedom we enjoy in America, ies. PO Box 788 2006. Why? Because she doesn’t agree Or, should enjoy. with our opinions, and because as a Kingman, ME 04451 230 years later, I wonder what the quasi-potentate, she can use her polit- members of Continental Congress ical office to try and suppress our Con- http://allmainematters.com would think if they attended a select- stitutional rights to participate in our men’s meeting in Kennebunk, Maine, own government, and to free speech. This Month’s Contributors: or in some other small towns across All across Maine, in recent months our state. I have read other accounts of similar Unfortunately, there has been a oppression by town boards and coun- Ken Anderson Michelle Anderson movement in many Maine towns, away cils. Stories of censorship, denial of Michael Beardsley Rep. John Churchill from democratic government and free legal rights, and roughshod treatment Beth Cyr Justin Darr speech, to the quasi “Absolute Ruler- of good American citizens who want a ship” of some town selectmen, or town voice, and a part in their own govern- Senator Paul Davis Tom DeWeese council members. ments. Roger Ek Gary C. Foster For instance, in Kennebunk, in- Is the idea of “monarchy” truly dead John Frary Michael Fundalewicz stead of “Government By the People,” in Maine, or have our local boards and Rep. Henry Joy Bud Landry we have five minor potentates sitting councils become home to petty rul- John R. Lott, Jr. Patrick Moening at the head table. Instead of “Robert’s ers, people who would be king if they Rules,” we have “their way or the high- could? Lenny Murphy Michael Pajak way.” Are we still a Republic, or have our Jon Reisman Naran Row-Spaulding Would the Continental Congress local governments become a “Regency Bob Sanders Pem Schaeffer detect glimpses of “king and com- by Retribution?” mand,” when they witnessed residents What would the Continental Con- being refused the right to comment gress say? on agenda issues at meetings? Would 11,000 copies distributed throughout rural Maine from Ben Franklin object when the chair- Naran Row-Spaulding is a political Machias to Kittery, North to Fort Fairfield, Stockholm, and activist and writer, and a Kennebunk man shut off the microphone, because Fort Kent, west to Greenville, Dover-Foxcroft, Dexter, Rumford, the chairman didn’t care for the opin- Taxpayers Association steering com- ions being respectfully expressed by mittee member. and Bethel, and points in between and beyond! the voters? Would John Hancock protest when 1,026 validated, certified petition sig- Published the first week of each month natures were summarily (and illegally) dismissed by the Kennebunk select- WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ANY ARTICLE OR AD men, and the board denied the resi- SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION. dents a right to even vote on the peti- tion issue? Samuel Adams might also recognize Candy Lydon (March 31, 1928 – July 23, 2006) the “aroma of monarchy” when the se- by Roger Ek lectmen then denied a resident the op- Joe Lydon died a few months ago. His wife Candy died last Saturday. Joe and Candy worked the portunity to serve on a town commit- gate on the Golden Road for several years. They really knew the West Branch country and were tee. Why did they do so? Because that helpful to many venturing into the Great North Woods. Prior to that work, they ran the Mat- resident, rightfully displeased with the tawamkeag Wilderness Park for many years. That’s where I met Joe and Candy. They were just as petition being thrown out, dared ex- helpful to visitors there. Joe and Candy had a log cabin off the park road and that’s where they ercise his Constitutional right to seek wintered. It was snug and warm. legal redress against the town select- men. I used to run sled dogs and I trained them on the park road in Mattawamkeag. Joe asked me to stop in for coffee next time I was up. I had a 10 dog team and swung into his driveway, up the knoll and down into his dooryard. Standing in the middle of the driveway was Joe’s goat. The “A President is impeachable if he goat went Baaaaa. The dog team thought “Suppertime!” It was a 3-ring circus keeping my dog attempts to subvert the Constitution team away from Joe’s goat. Eventually I got the team tangled up in enough trees that they could not get to the goat.”

Joe and I had our coffee and Joe had goat’s milk in his. They were a fine couple and Northern Maine is the less President James Madison” for their loss. Candace (Baldwin) Lydon, 78, wife of the late Joseph L. Lydon, died July 23, 2006, at her home, in Lee. She was born March 31, 1928, in Mattawamkeag, the daughter of William and Ethelyn (Dillingham) Baldwin. Candace was a most devoted wife and mother.

She is survived by two sons, Dennis of Raymond, New Hampshire and Mark of Durham; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter.

Nichol’s Nook, along Route 32 near Bremen. Eagle Lake, as seen from the Overlook We are also on the web at http://allmainematters.com Motel. Page 4 All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Major Development Proposed in Maine’s North Woods Matt Polstein’s project calls for resort outside Baxter State Park A Millinocket town councilor and lo- of Transportation, Maine Natural Areas, on and around Hammond Ridge. “We cal businessman has expressed interest in county commissioners, Maine State Soil will build and operate this resort in a sus- building a resort in the backyard of Baxter Scientists, Maine Historic Preservation tainable fashion and in a way that honors State Park. Matt Polstein is proposing to Commission and possibly the state’s De- the spectacular natural beauty of Mount rezone the area around Millinocket Lake partment of Environmental Protection, Katahdin, the West Branch Region, and allowing him the opportunity to build a Maine Geological Survey and the state’s Millinocket Lake,” he said. lodge with 60 to 80 rooms, a restaurant, a Department of Economic and Community If Polstein applies, LURC will hold a cluster of 20 condominiums and a 20-room Development. In addition, interested citi- public hearing after he addresses areas of inn with spa and food service. zens including abutters, leaseholders and concern from all interested parties. The “The Hammond Ridge project will Millinocket councilors will be given the proposal will go through two phases. Af- begin with expansion of the Twin Pines opportunity to review the proposal. ter rezoning approval Polstein must file Camps, adding fifteen cabins,” according “It’s not uncommon for when an appli- an application for a development permit, to information on Friends of Baxter’s web- cation comes in that it needs to be tweaked which addresses technical criteria such as site. “A subdivision on the side of Black or adjusted when a proposal is made so setback requirements, building heights, Cap [sic] Mountain will provide land and there is no undue adverse impact,” Carol etc. building packages for private individu- said. “We would then go through the same als.” Polstein is proposing to re-zone the review process and request comment,” Polstein, who owns New England Out- area. In order to achieve that, he must peti- Carol said. doors Center and River Drivers Restaurant tion for a development subdistrict. There Carol suggested that the 1,000-acre proj- in Millinocket, refused to talk to All Maine is criteria that must be met, according to ect could “optimistically” take at least six Matters about his proposal. Carol. That criteria is very broad and can months to review and receive approval. The Hammond Ridge Development is be found in title 12, 685-A subsection 8- “This is a highly contentious project,” located on part of 80,000 acres of Great A. A seven-member board (appointed by Carol said. “This could go for some time.” Northern Paper land not included in an the governor) of the Land Use Regulation So far Polstein has shown a preliminary easement area because it already has some Commission will ultimately decide wheth- drawing and map to LURC officials, but development on it, according to the an- er or not to rezone the area, according to hasn’t submitted an application. nouncement. Polstein said that he was go- Carol. Millinocket Lake is a rocky, 8,960-acre ing to apply for the necessary zone chang- Included in that criteria is that the proj- coldwater lake lies within sight of Mount es in January, 2006 and for permits after ect create no adverse impact on the envi- Katahdin, Maine’s highest mountain. that. Polstein added that he hopes to be ronment and a demonstrated need in the Millinocket Lake is noted for landlocked able to begin site work in the fall of 2006. community – which is open to interpreta- salmon and lake trout fishing, but it is also “Frankly, I haven’t heard from Matt tion, Carol said. one of Maine’s best producers of bragging- in months now,” said Catherine Carol, a “We did provide Matt with a ‘guidance size white perch, according to information spokesperson at the state’s Land Use Reg- document’ to try to help him make that provided by Trails.com. ulation Commission. As of July 28, an ap- argument,” Carol said. “We don’t leave it Mount Katahdin is located in Baxter plication has not been filed with the LURC, open and say to the applicant to figure it State Park. Baxter State Park consists of according to Carol. out themselves.” 200,000 acres of mountains, lakes streams If an application is filed, the commis- Polstein told Friends of Baxter that it is and forest, all given in trust by Gov. Per- sion will review and distribute it to oth- his “goal is to build and operate a signa- cival Baxter, who once said that the park ers including the state’s Department of ture resort for Maine and New England “shall forever be kept and remain in the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Department natural wild state.” Un-Debating Dirigo By John Frary Mr. David Offer, self-described liberal and Dirigo’s problems, no hint of a debate has ap- with this method are free to seek their own in- made in 2003. Is this a classic case of bureau- editor of the Kennebec Journal and Morning peared since my departure. side dope. They will find Mr. Umphrey at State cratic “mission creep” destined to expand the Sentinel is fond of writing occasional editori- For the record, I provide a slightly altered House Station One in Augusta. original 136,000 into some vastly greater fig- als celebrating debate. “Debate is good,” he as- version of the column replying to Governor The governor has a “bully pulpit,” the sup- ure? If so, the original planning failures have sures his readers. Assuming he is sincere, the Baldacci’s spokesmammal port of his legislative allies, and a whole office been transformed from a mess into utter cha- evidence suggests that he has no clear idea of of communication to provide “the context and os. what it takes to make a debate. Advice From the Governor’s Office grounding.” I prefer to use my 800 words per Early this week I received an e-mail mes- No debate ever took place during the seven Lee Umphrey, Director of Communications week to provide the unlaundered half of the is- sage from a health care provider who prefers to or eight months I wrote a weekly column for in the Governor’s Office, sent me an e-mail sue the governor’s team prefers not to discuss. remain anonymous for obvious reasons. He, or the central Maine newspapers. There were let- informing me that the governor and his cote- Still, in the interests of fairness and balance I she, expands on the problem very neatly and I ters and e-mails from angry liberals and left- rie are very, very disappointed. I am not the will try to summarize the Dirigo proponents’ am content to parrot her, of his, words: “Dirigo ists denouncing me for this and that, but not a “thoughtful conservative” they had yearned arguments. has admittedly enrolled only 2500 previously single one ever actually addressed the points for, he sobs, but a mere “partisan parrot.” Based on the governor’s remarks and the uninsured families or individuals. While I sup- made in my columns. Not one. I was never at- Now, I’ll concede that I have not been think- pro-Dirigo letters and columns appearing all pose it’s possible, it seems highly unlikely to tacked for anything I actually wrote. ing the thoughts that the governor wishes me to over the state, it amounts to this. The planning me that insuring 2500 people saved $44 million Indeed, I was often chided for things I never think, but I must protest the parroting charge. is a mess, but the program is a great success. in health care costs? Even if that is the case, so said and did not believe. Readers will have noticed that the three pre- Republicans are a pack of Reaganite wreckers far the state coffers have spent over $50 million The one issue that was gradually develop- ceding columns included responses to Dirigo’s who hate the uninsured and want them to die in subsidizing and running Dirigo. At the very ing to the point that it resembled a real debate critics from the governor, Trish Riley, four unattended. The governor welcomes criticism best, we’ve spent over $50 million to save $44 was John Baldacci’s Dirigo Health Plan. After Democratic legislators, and the chairmammal as long as people keep it to themselves. Insur- million.” writing three columns I managed to lure the of Maine’s Democratic party. ance companies are evil. So that is that is the column I wrote in De- governor’s health czarina, Trish Riley, and the The governor’s head parrot, like Trish Ri- And now back to the other half. A letter cember 2005. Since that time Baldacci has governor himself (in the guise of his commu- ley in her earlier guest column, accuses me of from Roger and Deborah Poulin of Skowhegan appointed a commission to fix the problems nications director) into the arena. Delighted at failing to seek information from the Augusta on December 12 described their own experi- which David Offer and his paper have never the opportunity to bloody them up directly, I establishment.. This, he claims, means that ence with Dirigo Choice and explained why thought worth debating. Seven months have wrote a fourth column, only to find it rejected my words are “without context or grounding.” they thought it was a good thing, although im- gone by and not a single editorial comment has on the grounds that four columns on the same More, I am “giving my readers only half the perfect. This letter provided more substantive appeared on this chaotic scheme. subject would bore the readers! picture.” I assured him that I am not opposed support for the program than the whole pack of Some debate. When I found that the spiked column had in principle to dropping in on his office. The professional advocates put together. It would been replaced by a reprint of a column pub- promise of a fresh doughnut, a decent cup be useful to see more such letters from citizens John Frary was born in Farmington, lished in 1991, I had to wonder about the bore- of coffee and a list of vital facts that the Di- who have had personal experience as satisfied where he now resides. He graduated dom pretext. So I submitted the same column riGods have been withholding from the public customers, and also from those who dropped from U of M, Orono. He did graduate all over and told Mr. Offer I would continue to record would bring me there freshly showered the policy, or those who examined and rejected work in Political Science and in An- resubmit it until he published it or fired me. So with shoes shined and hair combed. While it. Then we would have a real debate going. cient, Medieval, Byzantine and mod- he fired me, as was his right as editor. awaiting this promised list, I proposed to con- The Poulins report that they have two em- ern history at U of M., Rutgers and After a long delay he found a new conserva- fine myself to analyzing publicly available ployees who average about 30 hours a week. Princeton, completing his Masters tive columnist, who has so far not prompted a information. Any of my readers dissatisfied One employee switched to Dirigo Choice from degree along with all courses and ex- single letter of opposition or criticism. As for Medicaid and the other had been uninsured. aminations for the PhD. He worked This introduces a question. How many people in administration and as a profes- now covered by the Dirigo product were previ- sor of history and political science at ously covered? Middlesex County College in Edison, In a May 2003 speech introducing his “bold NJ for 32 years. He is associate edi- and comprehensive approach to health sys- tor of The International Military En- tem reform,”, Governor Baldacci spoke of the cyclopedia, has been assistant editor 180,000 Maine people lacking insurance as of Continuity: A Journal of History if he planned to extend coverage to them all. as well as editor and publisher The No mention was made of including “under-in- LU/English Newsletter. After return- sured” people. ing to Maine he was chosen to be Trish Riley, Director of the Governor’s the conservative columnist for The Office of Health Policy and Finance, - testi Kennebec Journal and The Morning fied before the Joint Select Committee Health Sentinel. He was dismissed from this Care Reform on May 15, 2003. She spoke of position in December for refusing to 136,000 citizens who lacked health insurance drop his criticism of the Dirigo Health and went on to “propose a four-year phase-in Plan. He is currently chairman of the to full coverage of all the uninsured.” Franklin County Republican Commit- We have recently (written in December 2005) tee. been hearing rhetoric about the Dirigo “suc- cess” in enrolling persons previously “un- der-insured” No mention of the category was All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Page 5 Stock Market Cars The Token Conservative By Bob Sanders By Jon Reisman

I was picking up parts at the local Ford dealer- tion model of a popular model that developed Agenda Message ship a few months ago and the latest buzz whirl- a loyal following of gearheads who were lusting What’s on the agenda for Maine? Ah, there- to capitalism, profit seeking and economic ing around the parts jockeys was the stratospheric admirers from afar back in the Hippie Yippie in lays a question and quite possibly the elec- freedom. The presence of the TABOR initia- price of some of the newer models of Mustang. days, then the price quickly gets bid up into 1 to tions. tive on the ballot will make changing the sub- On the counter there were pamphlets pictur- 4 million dollar range. The first and possibly most critical stage ject harder to do. ing the Mustang GT in all it’s glossy, airbrushed Four million. You just gotta ask, “What in of the policy process is agenda setting. The The “Blueprint Project” is a coalition of glory, an American steel skinned beauty. I asked the world is going on here”. It’s simple. It’s the agenda consists of the top issues the elector- “progressive” interest groups in Maine that the boys just how stratospheric is the ransom on market. It’s wealth meeting demographics. Some ate and public opinion focus on. The agenda has reportedly received an initial $800,000 to one of these ponies, they replied- 40 to 60 grand, of those long haired, greasy people who could is influenced by current events, the economy, change the subject and massage public opinion the price depending on just how many bells and only wistfully long for the ride of their dreams interest groups, the media and campaigns, not and the agenda. The funding, from the George whistles you want. The majority opinion held back in the days of Woodstock ain’t dreaming necessarily exclusively, independently or in Soros backed Proteus Fund, goes to a collec- that you would have to be dead from the neck any more. Now they have pockets as deep as that order. tion of more than 40 groups, including the up to plunk down 60 big ones on something that the Grand Canyon, and they’re paying prices as What we choose to focus on shapes and Maine Women’s Lobby, the Maine Education devastates equity like car. high as Mount Everest. The most recent record shades the subsequent discussion and also Association, the Natural Resources Council of Normally I would agree one thousand per- paid was 4 million, one hundred thousand for a implies what is not discussed. Interest groups Maine, Maine People’s Alliance, the Ameri- cent. I have always held the belief that cars are 1971 Plymouth Cuda convertible. (Yeh, it’s got and campaigns seek to promote and suppress can Association of Retired Persons, Common just the worst place to dump money, the ab- a Hemi). It is one of only eleven built, one of certain issues, and to spin the discussion. The Cause, Environment Maine, the Maine AFL- solute worst. As a rule, cars are nothing more only two with a special factory paint and strip- media, from Maine stream daily newspapers, CIO, the Maine Center for Economic Policy, than a consumable commodity, you use them ing scheme. It had so few miles that it still had to TV, radio and web play roles as both gate- Maine Equal Justice and Planned Parenthood up, and at the end of their life they are worth the original tires on it. As one of the bidders keeper and interested parties. of Northern New England. Their first task is little or nothing. In fact, if you keep them un- remarked, “Hell, it still has the original 1971 air Interest groups often benefit from success- defeat TABOR. til they resemble Freddie Flintstone Mobiles, in the tires”. Rarity and a being a cultural icon ful efforts to influence the agenda in terms of The left has billionaire George Soros, an with gaping holes where the floorboards used equals big bucks in the vintage auto auction mar- financial support and political clout. Pols and alphabet soup of elitist NGO Blue culture to be, they actually cost you money to get rid ket. political parties get power (or lose it). The me- warriors, the daily newspapers, Maine Public of them. But like all rules, there are rare ex- John Keats wrote; “A thing of beauty is a dia feeds and thrives on the whole spin cycle. Radio, and the academy. The right has Mary ceptions. There have always been vehicles that joy forever- it will never fade away into nothing- The environmental left has been especially Adams, the Maine Heritage Policy Center, the due to variables such as rarity, cultural cache or ness”. And these cars are, very simply, absolutely effective in massaging the agenda to its advan- internet, Fox News and talk radio. This fall the nostalgia, actually gain value over the long haul. beautiful examples of a bygone era. And one tage in Maine. The whole global warming/cli- election will be a referendum on the culture The latest record setters have been the fact is undebateable- there will never be anymore mate change opera is an excellent example, but war- capitalism, freedom and TABOR or so- muscle cars of the middle 60’s and early 70’s, made. The verified survivors that are all original, that’s a whole other column or four. cialism, serfdom and the nanny state. and they are fetching some truly orbital prices. in perfect condition, are all there will ever be, and more than any other factor that is what will The agenda this fall will likely start with the There have been some recent auctions of economy, taxes and the business climate. The vintage pavement pounders that have gone into drive their value into the future and make them Jon Reisman in the University of “investment grade”. And just as surely there are left would rather talk about anything else other Maine System’s token conservative. the rarefied seven figure zone! And just like in- than the consequences of their basic hostility vestment grade anything, the key is to pick win- models being sold today, maybe the Mustang GT ners and take care of them while you wait for 500 at 50 grand or perhaps the Ford GT at 150 price appreciation. (A lot easier said than done.) grand, that sometime in the distant future will “Patriotism means to stand by the A relatively common muscle car that sold in the command prices that dwarf their original pur- country. It does not mean to stand by late 60’s for 3 to 4 thousand can now go for 150 chase price. the President. to 350 grand, if it is a bona fide ultra low mile- age, perfectly preserved, number matching, all Bob Sanders is a Master Auto Tech- original, absolutely Snow White pristine exam- nician who works in Brewer. ” ple. And if it happens to be a rare, special edi- President Theodore Roosevelt

Islam’s Low Intensityby Justin Darr Terrorism

Islam is like the neighbor everyone In other areas, where Muslims are Iran is threatening to destroy the world Eagle Lake, as seen from the Over- has that people say “is alright once you not actively killing those around them, economy and destabilize the entire Mid- look Motel. get to know him.” However, the more you they choose to promote their agendas dle East just because we understand that “get to know him,” the more it seems that by making thinly veiled threats of unless a nation that has spent its entire history your first impression was correct. A jerk others stop “provoking” them, they will supporting and engaging in terrorism Thoughts on Education be unable to stop the simmering vio- is a jerk. No matter how many times you has no business possessing highly en- By Lenny Murphy see the guy place his trash cans neatly at lence that lurks just under the surface of riched uranium for any reason. the end of the drive on time for the Tues- their communities from erupting. This is And, Muslims around the world are We must see that the over-inflated cost of day pick up, the silent aggressive stares an attempt to take advantage of the west- threatening us with widespread violence let you know that this guy has something ern world’s obsession with political cor- if we do not toss aside our most cherished so-called Education is about half of the ex- dysfunctional going on that sooner or lat- rectness where it is far easier to give into freedoms and silence a few cartoonists pense of the yearly cost of living! er will erupt into big problems. demands, no matter how ridiculous, than who noticed that the vast majority of ter- We must start taking many new avenues in Usually, you just try to ignore these deal with the fools who are making them rorists just happen to be emulating the the area of what we call Education! We need people as long as possible, just a simple and be declared “insensitive.” However, words and deeds of Mohammad. to help people with their Education. We can “Hello,” or wave on the way to work. Then no matter what the excuses or justifica- The disproportionate nature of these not educate people -- or should I say help comes the day when your son’s football tions, the actions of many Muslim leaders responses is less of a reaction to any ac- people with their education -- if they do not flies over the fence and, wham! The guy amount to low intensity terrorism. tual offense that may have occurred than want to learn what you are forcing all of them picks up the ball and locks it in his ga- Nothing demonstrates this point bet- it is an attempt to intimidate those who to know, while we hide the ABC’s? rage. ter than the current situations with the might dare to affront or oppose Islam in Has our society become too competitive? Now, you have the unpleasant task Muslim world’s vicious overreaction to a the future. In both cases the message is We don’t need people that can compete; we of going over and confronting this idiot few political cartoons out of Europe de- clear: If you ever cross us again, you will need people that can participate in a produc- about why he cannot exist by the rules picting the prophet Mohammad wearing be responssible for the violence that en- tive effort! Competition puts up walls and iso- of common civility that have served us so a bomb as a turban, and the breakdown sues. lates, which is a primitive premise at best! well for generations, risking the chance of negotiations with Iran over its nuclear There is no clearer definition of low in- To move on, in theory, if everyone home- fuel enrichment program. of the guy acting like the moron he is an tensity terrorism than these heavy-hand- schooled their children, it would cut the taxes Curiously, despite the differences in chasing you across the yard with a gar- ed attempts to blackmail the free world. in half! We should offer people the opportu- den rake. these situations, the Muslims involved The civilized world is now faced with are using the same low intensity terrorist nity to home school by giving them 1/3 of It is not really that hard of a decision. a choice. Do we allow ourselves to be what it would cost us to keep them in the Experience teaches that such blowhards tactics to achieve their ends. intimidated by Islam’s low intensity ter- public schools! Then if some schools consoli- usually have nothing to back up their In Europe, cartoonists have fled into rorism because we feel that it is a better words other than a glass chin and big hiding in fear of their lives as Muslims alternative than the more overt terror- dated, the rate of students per teacher would mouth. So, you accept the risk because have marauded through hotels in the ism so many Muslims love, sacrificing not change, as it would otherwise! you understand the consequences of Gaza Strip searching for Westerners to our freedom and security in the process? If we want fewer students per teacher, your inaction will lead to even grand- kidnap, and protestors dressed as sui- Or, do we decide to stand up for what we it would be counterproductive to combine er displays of indecorousness by your cide bombers, prayed for further terror- know is right? schools! There is at least one way to get some- neighbor and spending the rest of your ist attacks in western civilians, and car- I do not know about you, but I think it is thing extra for the taxes we are about to raise: life with your son wondering if the zipper ried signs saying, “Freedom Go To Hell,” time to go get our football. by giving new teachers more money! Money is on the front or side of your pants. “Europe You Will Pay, Your 3/11 Is On the will not fix a hole in the dam! Why do we not Way,” and “Butcher Those Who Insult Is- This is the situation the western world Justin Darr is a freelance writer living need new young teachers from away to be lam,” in London, England. faces with Islam. For a “religion of peace,” in the Philadelphia area with his wife teaching our young? Just the edictats of The In Iran, 1979 American Embassy terror- Islam sure seems to have a mean streak. and twin children. He can be read State? I ask you, would you want your child ist leader now turned Iranian President, The facts regarding Islamic society’s ap- widely on the Internet and in publi- taught how to drive a car by a youth that just Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is threatening to parent inability to peacefully coexist with cations across North America and Eu- received a driving license from The State? cut off all foreign oil exports, “wipe Israel its non-Muslim neighbors, and endless rope. Justin Darr is a staff writer for The young teacher may have energy, but off the map,” launch insurgent attacks litany of hatred and bloodlust spewed by the New Media Alliance, and proud without experience, the youth have no expe- into Iraq and Afghanistan, and restarted its religious leaders toward anyone who member of the MoveOff Network. rienced mentors to help them develop self-es- full uranium enrichment efforts and in the happens to disagree with them, has left teem, etc. nothing to conclude except Islam makes wake of the IAEA referring Iran to the Se- curity Council. We need to attract older, experienced peo- anything but a good neighbor. ple from all trades to truly help the students Here is a quick test to see my point. In both cases, the responses advance themselves and the future of The Do a survey of all the areas of the world enormously outweigh the initial “provo- counting sizable Muslim populations cation.” Planet Earth! Will get into more detail of a abutting large non-Muslim populations new tax format soon, take care! that are NOT in a near perpetual state of violent conflict. Hope you have one hand ready. We are also on the web at http://allmainematters.com Page 6 All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Spin Machine Breaks Down In Speaker’s Office Some Maine Legislators Do Not Trust Their Constituents by Senator Paul Davis by Bud Landry

On Wednesday Speaker of the House John Rich- The trouble is Chandler never said what Speaker I attended a workshop Mar. 16, 2005 emerged from the revolution. They did not ardson held an impromptu news conference. Richardson claimed he said. Unfortunately for on LD 103 an act to establish the Fully In- surrender any rights when they formed the Press accounts of the event have left me won- the Speaker there were several members of the formed Jury Act. It was a lesson in the dis- United States. The Ninth Amendment of dering exactly what the Democrats are thinking. press in the room who quickly corrected his trust a great many of our Maine legislators our Bill of Rights states “The enumera- While the Speaker may have appeared tan and error. The first question from the press was, have for the honesty and common sense of tion in the Constitution, of certain well-rested, what took place in his office might “When did Chandler Woodcock say anything their constituents. rights, shall not be construed to deny suggest that he could use a little more R&R this about returning the surplus to the people of There were only 9 members present, or disparage others retained by the summer. I’m guessing that he’s been dodging Maine?” The Speaker said he read it in one of and all went on record as being opposed to people.” bullets for so long trying to defend the economic news stories written by another member of the informing their constituents of their con- This right has been upheld by the Su- mess the state is in that he’s getting tired. press who was in the room. This individual asked stitutional rights as a juror. It took from preme Court from its very first jury trial quizzically, “Where in my story did I say that? I should begin by telling you that in addition Mar. 16 until Mar.28, 2005 to get the re- in 1789 to the present. In the 1890s, a Su- to being a personal friend of Senator Woodcock, Did I miss something?” preme Court decision said that the jury This hastily scheduled news conference sults from the other five members of the I also serve as co-Chair of his campaign team. judiciary committee. Not one of these rep- does indeed have veto power but they need But that relationship doesn’t color my impres- should give us all a greater respect for the report- not be told of it. Up until that time juries ers who were present. They obviously take good resentatives of the people argued or denied sion of Wednesday’s news conference. that the people have this right, but they did were informed of their power. After this Speaker Richardson called the conference notes and were quick to point out that any refer- ence to returning the surplus to the taxpayers was agree that this right should be kept secret decision, this knowledge was gradually to express his outrage at comments he claimed from the people. Below is a list of the Judi- withheld from the people until today many were made by Senator and gubernatorial candi- made by Republican leadership, including myself, and not the Republican candidate for governor. ciary committee members who do not trust juries are informed by the judge that they date Chandler Woodcock. Apparently he went in the honesty of their constitutients, or in must judge only the facts in a case and that on at length describing how it was a dishonest The Speaker seemed contrite after being made aware of that fact, but that did not prevent him their ability to be Fully Informed Jurors: the court will judge the law. flip-flop for Chandler to suggest that the surplus from accusing Chandler of flip-flopping one They lie when they say this as a juror claimed by the Governor should be returned to more time. • Senator Barry J. Hobbin [D-York], has the right to judge both the law and the the taxpayers of Maine when the Senator was It is true that we have suspicions about the facts of the case and render a verdict based among those in the Legislature calling for the Chair Governor’s claim of a surplus. It is a surplus at • Senator Lynn Bromley [D-Cumber- on their conscience. As a matter of fact the “rainy day fund” to be built back up during the the expense of paying down our enormous debt. judge is not much more than a moderator 122nd Session. land] It is a surplus that comes at the cost of increased • Senator David R. Hastings 111 [R- in a properly run jury trial. There are actu- The Speaker said he expected more from a fees and taxes on everything in sight. It a surplus ally 12 judges, and they sit in the jury box. lay minister than flip-flopping (he used the term Oxford] designed to hide the reality that Maine is last in The reason the legislators vote against three times) when he could have, at any time • Rep. Deborah L. Pelletier-Simpson many national indexes that we would rather be this bill is that it reminds the people they during the 122nd, offered amendments to the [D-Auborn,] Chair first in, and first in those that we ought tobe • Rep. Sean Faircloth [D-Bangor] have the right to veto bad law. This would $36 million, bi-partisan agreement hashed out striving to be last in. I’ve said it before, and it’s last Spring. Speaker Richardson called into ques- • Rep. Stan Gerzofsky [D-Brunswick] be a great loss of power to those who make worth repeating: only two states in the nation law and do not wish their wisdom to be tion Chandler’s trustworthiness and criticized had slowing economies last year, Louisiana and • Rep. Marilyn E. Canavan [D-Water- his position on social issues. He said candidate ville] questioned. The state and it’s employees Maine. We all know Louisiana was hit by Hur- surrender power hard. Most of our repre- Woodcock has failed to define himself and ac- ricane Katrina. You can guess for yourself what • Rep Mark E. Bryant [D-Windham] sentatives take office with high intentions cused him of hiding from the press. He said it was that hit Maine. • Rep. Micheal Edward Dunn [D-Ban- he was “hopping mad” when a College Repub- Regardless, it is unfortunate to see the Speak- gor] to serve their constituents, but most of lican handed out Woodcock’s response to the er of the Maine House of Representatives re- • Rep. Roger L. Sherman [R-Hodg- them succumb to their position of power Governor’s claim of a surplus during his news sorting to inaccurate accusations of a candidate don]--Ranking Minority Member and start to serve the state instead of the conference the previous afternoon. I guess that for office that he himself is not even campaign- • Rep.Roderick W. Carr [R- Lincoln] people who put them in that position of while the Governor thinks he can hold his press ing for, let alone slinging personal attacks against • Rep. Donna M. Loring [Penobscot power. The few who remain dedicated to conferences in the Cabinet Room so that he the character of an honorable man like Chan- Nation] their constituents are usually badly out- can hide, the CR’s think differently. Meanwhile, dler Woodcock. I would hope we hear an apol- • Rep. Joan M. Nass [R -Acton] numbered by those who do not. Yet, the Speaker Richardson sounded more like an oppo- ogy from the Speaker. I would also hope that he • Rep. Joan Bryant Deschenes [R- people continue to reelect these servants nent of Woodcock than Speaker of the House. apologizes to the right person. Turner] of the state. We the people do get the kind The Speaker went on to blame President of government we elect and deserve. Bush, which seems to have become a sort of Senator Davis lives with his wife in All this Fully Informed Jury Act does For those who would like to further re- Tourette’s Syndrome among Democrats. He ap- Sangerville and represents Senate is to give the defendant the right to a trial search this matter, I would suggest you go parently vented for a good while until he felt he District 27 and is also the Senate by a jury informed of their constitutional to yahoo, type in ‘fully informed jury” and had exhausted his criticisms of Chandler Wood- Minority Leader. power to judge the law as well as all the you can read for hours on the constitution- cock’s criticisms of the Governor. evidence and render a verdict dictated by ality and the importance of this “secret conscientious consideration. “constitutional right” that WE THE PEO- This is an inherent right that, as English PLE” have. citizens, the colonists retained when they

The bridges at Soldier Pond, as seen Soldier Pond Road, near the post of- from the east side. fice. Straight From Nana Beth’s Kitchen! This is one of my family’s favorite cakes in the summer. I save it for special occasions and it’s always a big hit with friends and relatives. The difference in this recipe from others is that there is a meringue that you prepare and fold the cake batter into, making the cake really moist. I used to go out and pick the blueberries, but now I just buy them in the store. You can use frozen too, if you prefer. Either way, this is a wonderful treat.

Bake at 350* 40 minutes

2 eggs, separated 1 ½ cup of flour 1 cup of sugar 1 teaspoon of baking powder ½ cup shortening 1/3 cup of milk ½ teaspoon of salt 1 ½ cup floured blueberries

Place egg whites in medium bowl, beat until stiff then add ½ cup of the sugar Would you like this paper mailed to you? to them to keep stiff. Set aside. The cost is $18.00 per year, to cover shipping and handling. Back issues cost $1.50 per issue. Cream shortening. Add salt and remaining sugar to shortening, along with unbeaten egg yolks. Beat until creamy. Name ______Address ______

Town: ______State: _____ Zip Code: ______Sift flour, then measure flour and sift together with baking powder. Add to creamed mixture, alternating with milk. Fold in blueberries that have been If you are requesting back issues, please enclose a list of issues you wish to have mailed to you. coated with flour. Fill out this form and mail it, along with your check or money order, to: Fold in beaten egg whites and sugar. All Maine Matters Pour into a well-greased 8”x8” pan. Sprinkle top lightly with of a mixture of PO Box 788 sugar and cinnamon. Kingman, ME 04451

This recipe can be doubled and put in a 13” x 9” baking pan. As always the Or sign up at http://allmainematters.com/subscribe.html cake is done when the center is firm. All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Page 7 August Crossword: - Answers on page 10. Across 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6. The local government referred to in Naran Row-Spaulding’s guest editorial. (9) 8 9 10 8. The last name of the person who Sen. Paul Davis is responding to in his column. (10) 9. Last name of “The Northern Maine Land Man.” (2) 11 12 13 10. Michael Beardsley lives there. (9) 14 11. In his column, Tom DeWeese is responding to this man. (5) 15

12. Wants to build a resort on Hammond Ridge, in sight of Mount 16 17 18 19 20 Katahdin. (8) 14. The New Internet ... (7) 21 17. John Frary lives in this county. (8) 22 23 24 19. Mailing address for All Maine Matters. (7) 25

24. Matt Polstein operates camps on which lake? (11) 26 27 28 29 30 25. Acadians who found their way to Louisiana are known as ... (6) 27. Which state congressman co-authored an article with Rep. Henry 31 32 Joy in this issue of All Maine Matters? (9) 33 34 35 31. Signs by ... (5) 36

32. The Portland Press ... (6) 37 35. A resident of Soldier Pond and author of several books on local history. (6) 38 39 36. Ken Anderson spoke of this in his article. (8) 40 41 42 43 37. The Magic City Morning ... (4) 44 45

38. Michael Pajak only recently moved from ... (8) 46 40. Representative from Acton. (4) 42. Which governor do Reps. Henry Joy and John Churchill refer to in 47 48 their front page article? (8) 49 50 44. Roger Ek advertises 43.7 acres on a ridge here. (7)

47. Author of our front-page article about the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. 51 52 53 (6) 49. Michael Pajak suggests we start referring to rural Maine as this. (4) 54 50. The subject of Bob Sanders’ column. (4) 55

51. The August issue contains two articles about Islamic terrorism. 56 The author of one of them is ... (first and last name) (10) 52. Senator from Oxford. (8) 54. A newspaper for much of Kennebec, Waldo, Somerset, and 57 Franklin counties is known as The Morning ... (8) 58 56. Rep. Joy’s first name is ... (5) 57. John R. Lott, Jr. writes of the media bias against ... (4) 58. Bob Sanders works there. (6) 59 59. What kind of growth means no growth at all? (5) Created with EclipseCrossword — www.eclipsecrossword.com Down

1. Subject of John Frary’s column in this edition. (6) 2. Organization that is actively opposing the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (acronym). (3) 3. “A government by the ...” (6) 4. Bud Landry, in his column, writes about legislation affecting ... (6) 5. Sustainable development seeks to bring about rural ... (9) 7. The highest mountain in Maine is Mount ... (8) 11. Subject of the August profiles in rural Maine (two words). (11) 13. Maine Economic Research Institute (4) 15. The primary language spoken in the St. John Valley prior to the Aroostook War, and still a common language in that area. (6) 16. The author of “Globally-Acceptable Truths in the Land of Eden.” (7) 18. The Acadians were descendants of the ... (8) 20. What’s the message from our token conservative? (6) 21. Which river runs through Soldier Pond? (4) 22. Organization that Pem Schaeffer refers to, as opposing the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (acronym). (4) 23. If Matthew Polstein wants to build his resort, he will have to apply for a permit from which state regulatory commission? (acronym) (4) 26. The cost for an issue of All Maine Matters. (4) 27. The topic of Michael Beardsley’s column. (9) 28. Primary religion of the St. John Valley. (8) 29. The AARP is supposed to represent ... (2 words) (13) 30. Lenny Murphy’s subject in this issue. (9) Nichol’s Nook, along Route 32 near Bremen. 33. The Continental Congress was headquartered in this city. (12) 34. Representative from Bangor. (9) 39. Aside from the Malecites, the Micmacs, and any other indigenous people who may have come before them, who were the first settlers of the St. John Valley? (8) 41. Soldier Pond is in ... (10) 43. “The County” (9) Mystery Photo 45. Representative from Lincoln. (4) Where was the picture below taken? Mail your answer to us at PO Box 788, 46. The treaty that settled the Aroostook War. (9) Kingman, ME 04451. Or email us at [email protected] 48. Paul Davis lives here. (11) 53. Representative from Hodgdon. (7) will be put in a hat and a grand winner will be chosen. Grand prize: 1 year 55. All Maine ... (7) subscription to All Maine Matters. The winner will be announced in the Sep- tember issue.

Last month’s mystery picture was taken on Tomah Road in Codyville Patrick Moening can be emailed at patm@mainecartoons. Plantation. Page 8 All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Profiles in Rural Maine By Ken Anderson

Wallagrass & Soldier Pond, Maine vious year, two blockhouses and a barracks In 1873, the schools were turned over to were built at Soldier Pond, known then as local control, and Wallagrass developed a Little Lake. Fearing its capture by the Brit- system of education; but since the law dictat- ish, the blockhouse was burned by the three ed that only forty cents per inhabitant could American soldiers who were stationed there be spent on education, those in the rural ar- at the time. The railroad has since been built eas did not benefit as much as those in the over the site. A wooden sign and an Ameri- more highly populated regions. Under local can flag mark the spot where two American control, only the towns had the authority to soldiers, perhaps the only casualties of the raise money for the schools. There were no Aroostook War, were said to have been bur- free high schools until 1875. ied after drowning in the Fish River. An almost entirely Catholic community, I need to move on, but if you are inter- divorce was rare. People married early, and ested in the Aroostook War, Rita Stadig has were self sufficient at a very young age. The written a short book, based on her own re- primary occupations were farming, logging, search, which deals mostly with the role and trapping. People grew, hunted, or fished played by the Soldier Pond region; and a for most of what they needed as food. much longer and more comprehensive book Some of the early Wallagrass settlers were has been written by Geraldine Tidd Scott, Romain Michaud, who settled, as a squatter, entitled “Ties of Common Blood: A History at the north end of the Wallagrass Stream of Maine’s Northeast Boundary Dispute with Bridge in 1830. His land followed the stream Great Britain.” as far as the Fish River. His children includ- The Aroostook War was settled by the ed Domase, Albert, Paul, Marjorie, Joseph, Ashburton Treaty in 1840. The Madawaska Fred, Marguerite, Julie, Marie, Adele, and Territory was broken off from the lands on Zeb. Route 11, Wallagrass the Canadian side of the border belonging Romain had lots on both sides of the Fish to England, separating two groups of people River, some of which were sold his eldest on both sides of the St. John River. This in- son, Albert. His youngest son, Zeb, came to When my wife and I first decided to move Before that, of course, there were the cluded the American towns of Fort Kent, own land along the Wallagrass Stream, south to Maine, we drove throughout much of cen- Malecites and the Micmacs, who settled the Wallagrass, Eagle Lake, Van Buren, Grand of the bridge. Romain also sold a portion of tral and northern Maine, including the St. area before the French, the Acadians, and Isle, Madawaska, Hamlin, and Saint Fran- his land to Philomen Michaud, who settled John Valley. One of the most beautiful, idyl- the English came. The Acadians and the cis. Frenchville, Saint Agatha, Presque Isle, on the west side of the road near Wallagrass lic settlements I’ve ever come across was French were not the same people, as many and Caribou were also considered part of the Stream. Soldier Pond. Looking down from Soldier think. The Acadians were descendants of the American portion of the St. John Valley. Most of the land in Wallagrass were what Pond Road, across the Fish River, with the Norsemen who invaded the part of France Township 17 was known as Wallagrass was known as treaty lots, improved upon by white steeple of the Catholic Church to the known as Normandy, settling there many Plantation, which was at one time divided up the settlers at the time of the Aroostook War, left of the bridge, a small store to the right, a centuries before coming to the American between only three or four families. In the then conveyed to the State of Maine and post office, some houses, and the wide spot continent. There, over the generations, they early 1900s, additional grants were sold, de- Massachusetts, which still held title to much in the river known as Soldier Pond, that was learned the French language and developed priving some of these families of their land. of Aroostook County. my choice in a place to settle. their own identity and culture. Up until the time of the Aroostook War, One of the down sides to being married Because they were distinct from the there were no schools in Wallagrass Planta- is that you don’t always get to make your French Canadians, the Acadians did not tion, although families had lived there for own choices about such things however, so enjoy the protection of the French, result- we ended up in Millinocket, much to the ing in their being persecuted and repeatedly years. Between the years of 1820 and 1850, distress of the ruling classes here. But I’ve driven out of their homes and their lands the state legislature began paying attention visited Soldier Pond often in the past six by the English. Expelled from their homes to the education of children in the rural ar- years, taking photographs and making the in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, many eas, yet because much of the St. John Valley acquaintance of some of the folks who do settled along the eastern coast of the United remained in dispute until after the Aroostook live there, and who have been there for many States, and a large segment of their popula- War, the state’s northernmost areas were not years, most notably Rita Stadig, the author tion found they way to Louisiana where they well served by the educational system. of eleven books on local history, with even became known as the Cajuns. Others crossed Still, Wallagrass had elementary schools more in the works. I spent an afternoon with the St. John River, settling in what was to be- as early as 1820, although many of them met her a few years ago, and was pleased to find come the Maine part of the St. John Valley, in the homes of the teachers, who were not that she remembered me when I dropped in where they enjoyed good relationships with routinely paid for their work with the chil- on her again a few days ago. the Indians. dren. In all, Wallagrass built five schools: the St. George School; St. Euzebe, near Wallagrass Stream; St. Anthony, located at the Belanger Settlement; St. Elizabeth, at Sly Brook; and the Wilson School, on the Strip Road.

Flag and marker for the soldiers’ Photographs of rural gravesite. Maine taken by Ken Anderson. unless otherwise attributed.

Copyright 2006

Rita Stadig

Most of what I know about the history Prior to the Aroostook War, nearly a hun- of Wallagrass and Soldier Pond was de- dred percent of the non-indigenouspeople rived from conversations with Rita Stadig, living in the Fort Kent area, which included and from her books. I only hope that I don’t Wallagrass, were Acadians. The only reli- screw it up too badly. able means of transportation were the St. I am spared two pages in each issue of All John River and other waterways. After the Maine Matters, for the purpose of introduc- Aroostook War, there were roads leading to ing you to another Maine community. My the area - the St. John Valley Road and Route profile of Millinocket in the July issue- ex 11 to Ashland - which brought others to the ceeded this number of pages, so I’ve prom- region, but not many. Even today, you are as ised never to do that again. apt to hear French being spoken as English. While Soldier Pond has always had its In preparation for the defense of land own identity and, until a few years ago, its claimed both by the State of Maine and Eng- own postal address, it’s always been a part land, forts were built at Fort Kent, Fort Fair- of Wallagrass, deriving its name from the field, and Soldier Pond. The only one still soldiers who were stationed there during the remaining is the blockhouse, constructed in Soldier Pond, from the west side of the river. Aroostook War. 1839, that still stands in Fort Kent. The pre- All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Page 9 Wallagrass & Soldier Pond, Maine

It was successfully argued that the settlers Eighty acres of Michaud land on the east- upon these lots were entitled to deeds to their ern side of Soldier Pond were sold to Steve land under the provisions of the treaty end- Pelletier in 1914. On that land he built his ing the Aroostook War. Still, many waited home and store. many years be be deeded their land, while Fred Willy also owned land on the eastern others grew tited of waiting and abandoned side of Soldier Pond. their homes. In some cases, more than one In 1902, lots were surveyed in Walla- person held deeds to the same property. grass Plantation, owned by Joseph Belonga, Massachusetts grants in Wallagrass Plan- Eli Berube, August Caron, James Clark, Joe tation were deeded to settlers, in lots of ten Cote, Elise Dupre, Frank Fournier, Margroire acres each, who would agree to cut timber Gagnon, Marguerette Gagnon, Peter Ga- to build fences, clear a certain amount of gnon, George Labbe, Peter Labbe, Charles land, build a home, and pay $22 to the state. Labe, Cypreine Labe, Docite Labe, Maxime If they failed to make payments or to fulfill Labe, Napolean Labe, Romuld Labe, J.A. the other provisions of the grant, they would Laliberte, Jas Madore, Cyrile Martin, Denis lose all rights to the land, which would be Michaud, John Michaud, William Michaud, granted to someone else. Catherine Moro, George Page, Jeremiah Other early settlers included Henry West, Perowe, Romule Persoult, Marcil Pinette, who purchased 1,714 acres of land from the Andrew Saucier, Horace Saucier, Jerry State of Maine for $428, with the stipulation Saucier, Joe Saucier, Ropheal Saucier, Na- that he cut only enough timber as was nec- polean Shaw, Angus Thereault, and Vincent essary for building and improving the land Theriault. until such time as it was paid off. Aroostook County has long been known Domase Michaud was a squatter who for its potatoes, and Soldier Pond was no ex- came to own land on the northeast side of the ception to this rule. In 1914, a group of Sol- Fish River, and on the eastern side of Soldier dier Pond farmers met at the Soldier Pond School House for the purpose of forming Pond. This land later changed hands within reopened just across and to the right of the the Soldier Pond Farmers Union, its purpose There are some farms yet, and I could see the family several times, various portions be- bridge and, with another store on Sly Brook ing owned by T.T. Michaud, John Michaud, being to buy and sell shares, and to handle some cattle grazing on a distant field. Near- Road, everything is within easy walking dis- by, in New Canada, east of Soldier Pond, Henry Michaud, and Vincent Michaud. product. Its board of directors included tance and most anywhere in Soldier Pond. Louis Perrowe, Napolean Labbie, Thomas you can still find active potato farms. Wallagrass itself, and Wallagrass Station, Z. Michaud, Theophel Freeman, Theophile To the west of Route 11, other than the the part of it along Route 11, is busy with Labonte, and Ulysses Theriault, Louis Per- houses lining the roadway and some farm- traffic passing rapidly through carrying peo- land, everything is timberland. rowe being its president, and Napolean Lab- ple on their way to somewhere else. With no bie treasurer. I drove off onto Carter Brook Tote Road, shoulders, there are few places to pull over west of Route 11 and Wallagrass proper. It In 1914, Soldier Pond had a mill, known and stop. And with few businesses, I doubt as the Daigle Mill, as well as several potato was such a pleasant drive, that I continued that very many people even want to. for about a dozen miles, well after it turned houses along the railroad tracks. A couple But if you turn off anywhere to the east of of the potato houses was demolished only a into Wallagrass Road, and was able to get Route 11, you’ll find houses crowded along some nice photos of the woods, the moun- couple of years ago, while another remains. I the Fish River; perhaps a few too many, but don’t know if it’s still in use. tains and the hills that could be seen in all I suspect that several of them are left empty directions, the streams, and a long, narrow, Today, Soldier Pond remains as a place once summer is over. - winding road. that could have come out of a Norman Rock On the west side of Route 11, you’ll find St. Joseph’s Parish in Wallagrass. well painting. Since I first put up my photos Unfortunately, not long after this drive I houses built on high ground overlooking of Soldier Pond in 2000, I’ve heard from had car trouble and was unable to do any fur- the lake, but not much else. The houses are several people who had grown up there, but ther exploring. But I’ll be back. I’ll always pleasant and, while some are too close to the none of whom were still living there. Every- come back to Soldier Pond. road for my liking, most of them sit up high one said that it was the perfect place to be as on the ledge abutting the road, providing a a child, but many said that there wasn’t much measure of solitude and a respite from traffic. to do as a teenager, and they all agreed that there were no ways of earning a living there as an adult. Most, if not all, of those who wrote me said that they’d love to be able to move back to Soldier Pond, but they don’t know what they would do there. Gone are the days when you can earn a living in the woods and oddly enough, since people haven’t quit eating po- tatoes, even the farmers are struggling. It’s a familiar story. It’s the story of rural St. Joseph’s Parish in Soldier Pond. America. Soldier Pond remains, I am sure, a won- derful place to raise a family. A raft sits in Dean’s Ice Cream and Paula’s Cooking. the water at Soldier Pond, and there were children who would probably be in trouble if their parents saw them jumping off the Recommended Reading: bridge into the water, happily enjoying a warm summer afternoon. * Twelve Thousand Years: American Indians in For the most part, houses in Soldier Pond Maine, by Bruce J. Bourque. Published 2001. * The St. John Valley Story: Wallagrass 1830 are pleasant and well maintained. Yards are to 1920, by Rita Stadig. Published 1989. large and well-maintained, perfect for large * The Communities of Western Aroostook families. A store and cafe has only recently County, by Jackie Greaves & Christie Cochran. Published 1995. * Ties of Common Blood: A History of Maine’s Northeast Boundary Dispute with Great Britain 1783-1842. Published 1992. * Aroostook War: Our Maine Heritage Volume Soldier Pond home. V, by Rita Stadig. Published 1994.

Route 11, Wallagrass. Route 11 between Wallagrass Station and Wallagrass. Route 11, Wallagrass. Ken Anderson is, among other things, the editor of the online news outlet We are also on the web at http://allmainematters.com Magic City Morning Star, on the web at http://magic-city-news.com. Page 10 All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Buying the Blaine House (With Your Money) (Continued from page 1) Taxpayer Bill of Rights {Continued from page 1) Under one of the new laws, minimum pensions are based on their three highest to address unrestrained spending and taxation, is illustrated in The Declaration of Indepen- salaries for Maine’s public school teach- earning years. Ratcheting up all salaries instead trying everything imaginable to avoid dence: “…Governments are instituted among ers will be set at $30,000. The $30,000 fig- translates to higher retirement benefits. prudent fiscal management and to conceal Men, deriving their just Powers from the Con- ure first surfaced in the governor’s State But the Maine State Retirement System, Maine’s looming economic train wreck. sent of the Governed…” We should not, and of the State address, last January. He later which pays out those pensions, already Consider an analogy posed by Frederic must not, succumb to the will of government. submitted legislation to bring the plan to has an unfunded liability of $3.1 billion. Bastiat, a 19th century French economist: “You In November, we have the opportunity to ex- fruition. Admittedly, it was a shrewd po- That’s right – $3.1 billion. By the time that compare the nation, perhaps, to a parched tract ercise our rights and powers by supporting the litical move. It had the dual purpose of debt is retired, in 2028, it will cost us $7.9 of land, and the tax to a fertilizing rain. Be it Taxpayer Bill of Rights initiative to keep our cementing the support of the teachers billion, including interest. The impact of so. But you ought also to ask yourself where government within its bounds and within our union while casting those who oppose the higher benefit payments for higher-paid are the sources of this rain and whether it is not control. scheme in a bad light – as “anti-teacher” teachers will make it harder to keep the the tax itself which draws away the moisture In closing, consider the following observa- or “anti-education.” retirement system solvent. from the ground and dries it up? Again, you tion from Thomas Jefferson, and compare it to As legislators examined the plan, we The second new law will pay 45 per- ought to ask yourself whether it is possible that our current state of affairs here in Maine: “We immediately saw trouble. The governor’s cent of the health insurance premiums the soil can receive as much of this precious must not let our rulers load us with perpetual proposal included only about $4 million for retired police officers and firefight- water by rain as it loses by evaporation?” debt. We must make our election between econ- to bring all teachers making less than ers until they hit age 65, when Medicare Not surprisingly, decades of increased omy and liberty or profusion and servitude. If $30,000 up to that level. It was one-time takes over. Traditionally, their benefits spending and taxation have not produced pros- we run into such debt, as that we must be taxed money, for one year. After that, the money have come through collective bargaining perity in our state, yet our elected officials and in our meat and in our drink, in our necessar- disappears. agreements with the municipalities where those who gain from the labors of the taxpayer ies and our comforts, in our labors and our For all the years that follow, the ex- they work. Now they will be drawing ben- continue to promote it. amusements, for our calling and our creeds... tra cost will have to be covered by local efits from the state’s Retiree Health Insur- The Maine Taxpayer Bill of Rights is the we [will] have no time to think, no means of school districts – in effect, the people ance Fund for retired teachers and state only legitimate proposal to maintain a sus- calling our miss-managers to account but be who pay property taxes. With Maine’s workers. tainable rate of growth in government in our glad to obtain subsistence by hiring ourselves property tax burden already the heaviest This health insurance fund itself has an State. Contrary to what opponents are saying, to rivet their chains on the necks of our fellow- in the country, the idea of forcing taxes unfunded liability of $1.2 billion, and the this proposal does not establish minority rule, sufferers.” even higher struck Republicans as un- cost of the new benefits is expected to but supermajority rule and voter participation. For more information on the Maine Tax- conscionable. grow dramatically in the future. Taxpay- It does not impose budget cuts; it manages the payer Bill of Rights, go to www.taxpayerbillo- Moreover, the property tax increase ers who are hard-pressed to afford health growth of spending by tying it to inflation and frights.com. will not be $4 million. Instead, it will total insurance for themselves will be paying population growth. It does not require a 2/3 between $50 million and $75 million per even higher taxes to keep the state sys- vote to approve a budget; in requires 2/3 of the Gary Foster has been involved in year, as calculated by the Maine School tem afloat. governing body and majority of the voters only the Taxpayer Bill of Rights effort Management Association. The discrep- John Baldacci may not care that he is to exceed the allowable rate of growth. In ad- since initial meeting back in May of ancy is the projected cost of the “ratchet saddling us with heavier taxation. The dition, the Taxpayer Bill of Rights also returns 2004, when the initiative was con- effect.” worst fiscal havoc will not strike the state 80% of surpluses to the taxpayers and the re- ceived. He is also one of the five If starting teachers make $30,000, the until he is gone, even if he should win a maining 20% to a budget stabilization fund to “Founding Fathers” as Mary Adams salaries of more experienced teachers second term. In effect, he will leave a fi- be used only in the event of a revenue short- calls them, who signed the applica- will rise to avoid “wage compression.” A nancial time bomb for future governors fall. tion to petition, and who delivered teacher with 10 years of classroom expe- to deal with. His actions are irresponsible With our legislature demonstrating no at- the petitions to the Secretary of rience who makes $35,000 might demand and an abrogation of good faith govern- tempt at meaningful tax reform, a group of State last October. He is currently $40,000 to maintain a respectable edge ing. They are also a slap in the face to the citizens exercised their right to initiate the serving his third year on the Gray over a rookie. Multiply that example by maxed-out taxpayers of Maine. Taxpayer Bill of Rights initiative for Maine. Town Council, and second year Maine’s 15,000 active teachers and you It is a well researched, well thought out fiscal as Chair. As a side note, the Gray begin talking real money. The governor Rep. Henry Joy (R-Crystal), a retired management tool, crafted for Maine by Maine Town Council, in May of this year, has basically pushed an unfunded man- educator, serves on the Legislature’s citizens. approved a Resolution endorsing date on every school district in the state Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Remember, government has no rights; it has the Taxpayer Bill of Rights in a 4-1 and eviscerated local control. That’s why John Churchill (R-Washburn), re- only those powers granted by the people. This vote. the Maine Municipal Association so vig- tired from the Maine State Police, orously opposed this legislation. serves on the Criminal Justice and All Maine taxpayers will suffer from Public Safety Committee another upshot of the plan. Teachers’

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Route 11, Wallagrass http://magic-city-news.com All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Page 11 Globally-Acceptable Truths in the Land of Eden By Tom DeWeese

I’ve written many times of the assault He then ended his correspondence with which describes what the Eden Project is, on us. Yet it is their policies which have on individual thought through behavior his real purpose for writing, saying, “What he says, “This project will provide deci- created chaos and poverty throughout the modification techniques such as “Critical I would ask of you is to stop disseminating mis- sion makers with a ‘pre-qualified’ “option” world, the very issues they now seek to Thinking” as a tool to lash out at one’s val- information, so that those of us who are trying for stemming mankind’s current slide into remedy with their new thought process. ues system, and the use of “situation eth- to make a real difference in the world have one chaos.” Now reading further one finds They seek to pull the strings to stop any- ics” problems to challenge attitudes, val- less obstacle to overcome.” that this “pre-qualified” option means that one from using reason and knowledge to ues and beliefs. I thought better of making a case. I re- he simply asked a bunch of ivory tower fix it. These tools are fully employed in to- ally didn’t feel like wasting my time on types to critique his work. They agreed Poverty and ignorance are not natural day’s government school classrooms as such a fop. Instead, against my better judg- and, poof, we have a new way of thinking. states for human beings. It is fixable. It is a means to create a new kind of thinking ment, I sent him a brief reply designed to Facts don’t matter. He already said science simply a result of very bad government that is coordinated to fit a specific world- make my feeling known and to make it knews nothing. Difference of opinion isn’t which prevents individuals from being view. “Thought control” is a much easier plain I didn’t want a dialog. I said, “Sci- to be considered. They could only mess up free to use their abilities to achieve their way to describe it. ence aside??? I think that says it all about your our new well-ordered thought process. own happiness, prosperity, and personal It’s vital to understand this process and argument, no matter how many big words you Simply put, Mr. Sagar begins with what security. to be aware of its tactics so one doesn’t fall use. Don’t bother me with your pretentious in- he considers to be certain “globally accept- Governments which deny individual victim to its use. The pressure to rethink tellectual claptrap. It bores me.” able” truths, such as Global Warming; commercial action among free individu- However, experience has taught me ones values is seemingly everywhere, from human beings are destructive to the envi- als; deny the ability to own and control that this wouldn’t be the end of it. Sure textbooks and classrooms to television ronment; men are unthinking brutes who private property; and tax the self-earned enough, the next day, there he was again. commercials to on-the-job training cours- must be controlled from their own actions. wealth from the industrious are the root es. We are constantly asked how we can He was on a mission to save my soul. He It doesn’t matter if any of this gibberish is wrote back, saying, “This response just goes of poverty and misery and consequently, be so certain about anything. We are told true. Once this premise is established then damaged environment. there are no absolutes. We are told to just to show what a self-consumed digit you really Mr. Sagar’s theories are easy to put into are, Tom.” Then he started using that word We used to call such policies com- live for the moment. History is eliminated place. munism. Today we have a much gentler from civics courses. Math is questioned as “quantitative” again. That was followed Now he is free to establish a “group sounding name -- Sustainable Develop- to whether it is exact. Science is ignored for by an incredible attack on science: “Sci- think” pattern that disallows contrary ment, now the official policy of the United political gain. ence has absolutely no idea of what preceded thought. It attacks anyone who thinks States, all 50 states and nearly every city How did we lose our common sense? the current universe… and no way to hazard a “outside the box.” Propaganda becomes When did the ability to think rational guess about what the future holds for mankind and small town in the nation. Sustainable universal truth. All he needs now is for Development is, of course, a top-down thought become replaced with a whine? – unless of course the creations of science are those in power and their ability to apply Where do these ideas come from? used to definitively destroy that future.” control of every aspect of our lives, from force to make it so. Now you know why I land use to community development to Much to my annoyance, one of the per- Are you getting this? According to Mr. compared him to Nazis. job availability to transportation to the petrators of this anti-reason idiocy thrust Sagar, science knows nothing and is only In fact, he is in desperate need to get foods we eat to our children’s education his own pompous irrationality on me a destructive force. We used to call these the rest of us to stop thinking and using system. It is the policy Mr. Sagar’s “new through a series of astonishing e-mail let- guys Luddites. But he is bordering on Ne- our own experiences along with academic ters that I tried hard to ignore. His name anderthal. Yet he kept challenging me to and scientific absolutes to draw our own think” was created to help implement. is Donald Sagar and he is president of his see how “intellectually adept” I am. conclusions. Once that is established, it Sustainable Development is restructur- own think tank called the Eden Institute. What an incredible waste of human life, is easy to reject morality, and then only a ing our lives, and is targeting our children He is also a representative to the United and my time, this guy was becoming. So, short step to accepting the idea that peo- through an educational regime that seeks Nations for the Association for World again, I sighed, and fired off the message ple of third world nations should live out to develop collective attitudes, values and Education. One has to view his website at that would surely end this silly exercise. their days in total poverty – for the com- beliefs. Sustainable Development docu- www.edenorg.com to fully appreciate his (Yes, I know. If I had simply deleted the mon good. It is then a very short journey to ments expressly call for the elimination delusion. message I wouldn’t risk getting another accepting euthanasia as a means to rid us of private property and freedom that pri- Mr. Sagar wrote to me one quiet Sun- reply, but this was too outrageous to let of the elderly who are no longer useful for vate property supports. It supplants long- day afternoon to disagree with my articles go.) So I wrote, “I thought I made it clear. I the village. And then on to accepting the standing State laws, and causes irreparable dealing with global warming, which he have no interest in what you have to say. I con- final solution of forced abortion for popu- harm to our economy and our society. Yet most certainly had found while playing sider you people to be Nazis and thugs. And lation control. to Mr. Sagar, these concepts we call free- with his Google keys on his computer. nothing you have to say means a rat’s a-- to This is the reason why your children dom are nothing more than delusions. His first line told me everything I need- me. I have to deal with the victims of your lies. are being deliberately “Dumbed Down” He and his fellow travelers are very ed to know about Mr. Sagar’s value sys- Can I be any clearer? Do not write me again.” in government schools. The premise of dangerous people. They use every sort of tem. The e-mail began, “Science aside…” Comes the answer: “Tom, You’ve become “globally-acceptable truth” is the very root deception, half-truth and non-science to Obviously Mr. Sagar didn’t want to be so obsessed with your own thinking that you’re of today’s public school curriculum. This implement this concept of virtual captiv- bothered by mere science when he had incapable of hearing anybody else’s ideas any is the foundation on which our new soci- ity for the human spirit. In support of such loftier goals in mind. But he went on, “It is more. I don’t know where this God complex ety is to be based, according to Mr. Sagar. hysteria as global warming, they move to inherently illogical and otherwise irresponsible came from, but it is definitely counterproduc- And he says I have a God complex?! implement heavy restrictions on devel- to suggest that human activity does not pos- tive to the message you are trying to get out.” He is dangerous to you and me because opment through policies with names like sess the potential to alter the Earth’s climate.” Now, two messages back, he was saying he is not alone. His ideas have been en- Smart Growth and The Wildlands Project. Yeah, I’ve gotten this kind of stuff before he wanted me to stop getting my message dorsed by very influential global mouth- All of it is heavily funded through taxpay- in response to my articles. What he’s say- out. Now he is giving me pointers on how pieces. Who they are is almost as aston- er dollars and wealthy foundations pro- to do it better – as long as I use his logic ing is, no matter what science tells us, I ishing as what they say about the Eden moting the policy’s political agenda. and message of course. “FEEL” that man is damaging the Earth, Project, which they all endorse. You’ll find The looming battle of ideas should be He then went on to say, “As far as your therefore I insist that it be true. the letters posted on the Eden Project web- recognized as a classic—and perhaps ul- He then went into an orgy of really big association of me to the ‘nazis’ is concerned, site. perhaps you subconsciously see a parallel to timate – battle between Liberty and Tyr- words like quantitative and qualitative First there is the letter from Susan anny. The social, economic, and political to prove his point. The guy really needs yourself here. Why else would you bring up Reed from the World Education Fel- such a thing?” He then said I was like “lis- transformations Sustainable Development a course in people communications. He lowship, who praises the Eden Project requires will mean the suppression of un- pushed the point that there are “6.6 billion tening to a skin head with hair.” as being in the same spirit of the origi- alienable rights for all people. people on earth destroying some 25 million So who is Donald Sagar and why does nal charter of the UN. “I feel that the Mr. Sagar and his Eden Project intend to acres of forest annually.” Of course, with the he care what I have to say? Why do you and Eden project is a meaningful step in box in the parameters of allowable thought population growing, more and more de- I care what he has to say? He has created the direction that mankind must go…” struction was the only result we could ever the Eden Project, which “provides a realis- and innovation. His goal is to control the Then comes the letter from none other voice of individuals he and his ilk deem expect, according to Mr. Sagar. (These dire tic way to create a dynamic global model than Robert Muller, Assistant Secretary statements, by the way, have been proven for identifying, collecting, analyzing, and to be renegades who will just muck up the General of the UN and one of the main order of things. That is why he found my time and again to be untrue.) distributing cultural information relative players in the global agenda to reorder writings so disturbing and was so desper- Incredibly, he then argued that “energy to the resolution of critical issues.” society. He says, “I am referring to the need ate to engage me in debate. usage worldwide is increasing at an alarming Wow. Now what does that mean? Well, to establish a body of objective, globally accept- So, here Mr. Sagar, is my response. rate of speed as 3rd world countries continue to by reading on one finds that Mr. Sagar able information to serve as a foundation for modernize.” My first thought was he could assures us he has developed the ability global education… Its (Eden Project) formula Yours is a philosophy of death, designed help cut down on some of that energy use to define “certainty.” Apparently this is for identifying universally acceptable objective to control and kill the spirit of Man. I view if only he would shut off his computer and something no human has ever been able data is truly unique. It achieves this distinction you to be the enemy of all that I hold valu- leave me alone. But one must not miss the to do before. He now claims, having done by establishing a global standard for inquiry.” able, including reason and knowledge. Do completely astonishing rationale of his this incredible feat, that he can prove the Other supporters include K.B. Mathur, not write me again. I have no interest in statement. He apparently believes that existence of God. Director General of UNESCO, Dale Ott, of light-hearted, spirited, intellectual word people who live in third world countries He goes on to say the Eden Project can the World Council of Churches, and many play with a killer of reason. are simply animals who should always now define our problems on earth and fix more heads of global and international Tom DeWeese is president of the live in mud huts, walk 5 miles a day for them. Here is what the problem is, accord- organizations who seek to impose a new American Policy Center and editor their filthy water and cook over the quaint ing to Mr. Sagar: “Because of the relentless way of thinking on the world for their own increase in the quantity and complexity of of the DeWeese Report. Contact in- campfire in the center of the village. political agenda. Most telling was a quote formation: apcmail@americanpolicy. Such arrogance. Such irrational stupid- knowledge in the world, we are experiencing a from Keith Smiley, President of Mohonk org ity. I was tempted to fire off a fast finger clash between cultures that prevents all but the Consultations: “The planet earth and its burner to inform this idiot that moderniza- most capable of surviving with any meaning- people have been experiencing an information tion and the higher standard of living that ful identity in tact.” Did you catch that? The explosion. The uncontrolled expansion of in- comes with it is the only way individuals reason we have wars, poverty and misery formation is dangerous since it tends to diffuse can actually take time to think about pro- is because there is too much knowledge. meaning and purpose.” tecting the environment. But I really didn’t But, according to his website, he hasn’t These people are telling us that humans want to encourage him into thinking I just dreamed up his incredible feat. No, no, armed with knowledge are dangerous to wanted to have a dialog. no. According to the opening paragraph the new order they are trying to impose

“I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.

” Soldier Pond, as seen from the west James Baldwin side. Page 12 All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Communism - Underground but Alive and Well in America Open Letter to the AARP Following Taxpayer (Continued from page 2) Bill of Rights “Seminar” 23rd Goal: Control art critics and di- 36th Goal: Infiltrate and gain control of (Continued from page 2) rectors of art museums. “Our plan is to more unions. You showed an anti-Taxpayer Bill of Rights For some reason, opponents focus only promote ugliness, repulsive meaningless 37th Goal Infiltrate and gain control of video produced by the CBPP, the founding on so-called “hard choices” government and art.” big business. force behind the MECEP here in Maine, which elected officials have to make, completely ig- 24th Goal: Eliminate all laws gov- 38th Goal: Transfer some of the pow- Kit St. John heads. It showed a number of noring the agonizing daily choices made by erning obscenity by calling [page 261] ers of arrest from the police [page 262] individuals who complained about the nega- those who pay for continuously growing gov- them “censorship” and a violation of to social agencies. Treat all behavior- tive effects of the Colorado Taxpayer Bill of ernment spending, often from fixed or inflexi- free speech and free press. al problems as psychiatric disorders Rights. The video failed to mention that vot- ble incomes. Perhaps the next time your group 25th Goal: Break down cultural which no one but psychiatrists can un- ers in that state, after approving that provision, meets, you could ask for individual testimony standards of morality by promoting derstand or treat. subsequently approved an education funding from attendees, and engender the same kind of pornography and obscenity in books, 39th Goal: Dominate the psychiat- mandate that was in direct conflict. sympathy for individuals-real people-instead magazines, motion pictures, radio and ric profession and use mental health Let’s be honest about the video; it is expen- of promoting sympathy for impersonal and de- TV. laws as a means of gaining coercive sive produced, and slick and artful propagan- tached governments. 26th Goal: Present homosexuality, control over those who oppose Com- da. On the other hand, for every grievance in Opponents, including the AARP and others, degeneracy and promiscuity as “nor- munist goals. that video, there are young people leaving this love to talk about cuts, cuts, cuts, that will be mal, natural, healthy.” 40th Goal: Discredit the family as state to find lower taxes and economic oppor- caused by the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. I have 27th Goal: Infiltrate the churches an institution. Encourage promiscuity tunity elsewhere. For every complaint, there been following state and local politics long and replace revealed religion with and easy divorce. are seniors who can no longer afford to live enough to know that the word “cut” is purpose- “social” religion. Discredit the Bible 41st Goal: Emphasize the need to in their homes because of constantly increas- ly and horribly abused by government growth and emphasize the need for intellec- raise children away from the negative ing property taxes and other burdens that result advocates. Most often, any reduction in annual tual maturity which does not need a influence of parents. Attribute preju- directly from state and local policy. For every growth in a budget item (for example, lowering “religious crutch.” dices, mental blocks and retarding of grievance, there are Mainers choosing to live the increase from 15% to 10%) is called a “cut.” 28th Goal: Eliminate prayer or any children to suppressive influence of elsewhere and declare residency in more wel- That’s like saying you’re losing weight be- phase of religious expression in the parents. coming states. For every complaint, there are cause you were gaining 5 pounds a month, but schools on the ground that it violates 42nd Goal: Create the impression that businesses closing down, moving out of state, you’re new diet has you gaining only 3 pounds the principle of “separation of church violence and insurrection are legitimate and choosing not to expand in Maine, depriv- a month. Or that you were hoping for a 10% and state.” aspects of the American tradition; that ing the state of jobs and economic health. raise n salary, but your employer only gave you 29th Goal: Discredit the American students and special-interest groups Importantly, Colorado’s circumstances are a 6%, so therefore your salary was “cut.” This is Constitution by calling it inadequate, should rise up and use “united force” to flawed and weak basis for argument against the clearly abuse of plain English to serve political old-fashioned, out of step with modern solve economic, political or social prob- Maine Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which is sub- purposes. Furthermore, the Maine initiative needs, a hindrance to cooperation be- lems. stantially different. Colorado’s plan limits rev- doesn’t call for cutting anything, anymore than tween nations on a world-wide basis. 43rd Goal: Overthrow all colonial gov- enue growth, causing a “ratchet down” effect LD 1 and its so-called spending caps do. ernments before native populations are 30th Goal: Discredit the American in lean revenue years. Maine’s plan avoids this Now that I think of it, perhaps you can tell ready for self-government. founding fathers. Present them as self- by limiting spending growth instead, thereby me why our leaders (and no doubt the AARP, 44th Goal: Internationalize the Panama ish aristocrats who had no concern for MECEP, and others in the “gang of 75”) see Canal. avoiding the ratchet down syndrome. the “common man.” their LD 1 spending caps as “historic,” yet 45th Goal: Repeal the Connally Res- One of the primary arguments the video 31st Goal: Belittle all forms of Ameri- ervation so the U.S. cannot prevent the made against the Taxpayer Bill of Rights is similar concepts proposed by the public are can culture and discourage the teaching World Court from seizing jurisdiction that governments buy different things than tax- labeled “meat-axes” and “dangerous?” Could of American history on the ground that it over domestic problems. Give the World payers, and that items government buys go up it be that the LD 1 “caps” have no teeth, and was only a minor part of “the big picture.” Court jurisdiction over nations and indi- faster in price than the CPI. The direct pre- therefore are of no real concern to those who Give more emphasis to Russian history viduals alike. sumption is that we, as taxpayers, see only CPI would ignore them, like the Governor has? since the Communists took over. As a kid we used to hear “the Russians proportionate growth in our living expenses, The essence of the Maine Taxpayer Bill of 32nd Goal: Support any socialist are coming” an admonishment to stay while government sees far higher growth. I Rights is simply that our elected “public ser- movement to give centralized control ever vigilant. Somewhere between Andy take vigorous exception to such claims. vants” must exercise choice in managing pub- over any part of the culture -- educa- Griffith and American Idol the commu- Here are some reasons why. Our health lic budgets; just as private citizens who pay for tion, social agencies, welfare pro- nists arrived and infected our country. care premiums have increased by over $900 a government must as we manage our personal grams, mental health clinics, etc. month in the last 4 years, and our office visit budgets. Furthermore, the Taxpayer Bill of 33rd Goal:. Eliminate all laws or pro- Note: All 45 Goals above are from “The Naked co-pay has gone from $5 to $25 in the same Rights provides for overriding scheduled lim- cedures which interfere with the opera- Communist,” by W. Cleon Skousen, Nov. 1961 pp period. Our heating oil bills have tripled in the its, when deemed necessary, and increasing tax tion of the Communist apparatus. 259-262,a book that I think you can still get from last 8 years. Our gasoline bills have more than revenue, by making a case to the public and 34th Goal: Eliminate the House Com- places like WorldnetDaily.com. doubled in the same time frame. Our property gaining voter agreement. This is flexibility we mittee on Un-American Activities. taxes have increased by nearly 50% in that as private individuals don’t have; we can’t go 35th Goal: Discredit and eventually Michael Beardsley is a Christian Con- period. Our school teachers have a current to the voters for an increase in our salaries or servative. He lives in Ellsworth with dismantle the FBI. contract that gives them raises ranging from pensions or nest eggs. his wife, Leslie. 11%-25% in a two year period, and we are all As the election approaches, I am sure that “buying” their salaries and extremely generous many people will engage in debate with you “All men having power ought to be mistrusted. benefits. and your group, hopefully with a civil tone. Quick calculations will show that each of Thank you for publicly sharing your view- ” these items has grown at rates that make the point with those who attended; I only wish you James Madison CPI largely irrelevant. Further, these expenses had done it in a format that provided all the are critical, or in the case of property taxes, facts and perspectives, and respected members’ confiscatory by force of law. I’m confident that ability to make their own informed decisions. any senior attending your session could quick- Rural vs. Real Pem Schaeffer (Continued from page 1) ly have taken pencil and paper and personally Retired in Brunswick, Maine The increasingly rare areas where rugged Adopting this simple semantical change, disproved this specific claim in the video, if 798-6919 individualism has not been usurped by con- I feel, will clearly define the debate in the only you were objective enough to lead them Former AARP member dominium associations; where people still pull months and years ahead as the people from in that exercise. They could easily have come logs out of the woods instead of pulling their rural Boston attempt to write legislation, pool up with personal spending cuts they’ve had to SUV out of the garage; where men and women financial resources, or take any other myriad make, I’m sure, in order to pay for these major haul fish out of the lakes instead of hauling measures to set aside large tracts of the real increases. overflowing shopping carts out of Wal-Mart; Maine to use as their private wilderness play- this is the real Maine. ground, free from human intervention. Or I would further argue that there is still a sig- worse, when they simply wish to go to bed nificant and growing part of Maine that can be at night presuming that they have done their referred to as “rural.” It may surprise you that part from their air-conditioned office in rural I consider this last vestige of rurality to be in Boston, to preserve another 202,000 acres of the southern part of the state. I suggest that in “pristine” forest land, which the state cannot addition to crafting a positive image for the real possibly afford to maintain, and which was Maine, a counter-offensive be simultaneously previously squandered by something as frivo- launched on the image of that part of the state lous as supporting the rural lifestyle that was that is inhabited by a near-majority of out-of- once known throughout the real Maine. staters like me. Somewhere just south of the Lexus Line we should begin to refer to the re- Mike Pajak lives with his family in gion as “rural Boston.” This new geographic Days Ferry where they are building moniker would exemplify the fact that one can a compound in which to weather In East Millinocket, a War Memorial practically drive from Camden to Boston and the future. His e-mail address is is being built in order to commemo- beyond without fear of running out of gas and [email protected]. rate those who gave their lives fight- having to push the car more than a ½ mile for ing for our country. The memorial is a refill and a can of diet Pepsi. being built in George Daisey Park, and the current memorial will be moved to Daisey Park as well and expanded to include veterans who gave their lives fighting wars start- ing with WWI. If you know of anyone whose name should be included on the memorial wall, or if you want to donate to the memorial, you are asked to contact Ralph Dhuy at 746- 3388 or the American Legion Post #13 c/o Veterans’ Memorial Fund, PO Box 446, East Millinocket, ME 04430. All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Page 13 And Now for Something Completely Different by Michael Fundalewicz Language and Liberty by Ken Anderson I’m forced to deviate from my origi- There’s no difference between this From one perspective, history is a strug- In some ways, the very fact that we nal format, once again, to address the battle and the one we’ve been facing gle for the minds, bodies, and property of share a common language, and use the current conflagration going on in the with the terrorists who are threatening other human beings; from another, it is es- same words, can confuse the issues more Middle East. the very fabric of our society. Unless sentially a struggle for their souls. But in than if we were speaking foreign languag- I’ve been listening to the news re- you can change attitudes, what have all respects, it is one in which control of es; because then, at least we could find an ports lately and find myself sickened by you gained? NOTHING! Their ultimate language can have great impact. At Babel, interpreter. the inundation, by the news agencies goal remains; KILL ALL INFIDELS! language was confused by God in order to Part of this is due to a natural evolu- covering these stories, of their opined Their goal is to disrupt and destroy bring about a diversity in thinking, with tion of language. In general usage, words reports by various parties. Opinions anything in their path that does not the possibility of separate and distinct de- and other forms of communication change are like, well, you-know-what, and ev- conform to their twisted, so called, be- velopments. over time, often so slowly as to be almost eryone has one. But is it necessary? liefs. They’ve stated this on the news, However, we fail to understand one imperceptable. Absolutely not! the websites and in their actions. another not only when we speak differ- But other changes are assumed, and in- The shocking picture I saw today, I’ve read the Qur’an, in parts, and ent languages, but also when we use the tended to bring about confusion, perhaps same words with contradictory meanings. circa 2000, of U. N. President Kofi An- it is a great book. I encourage all to at to bring about a change in perception. least read some of it so you’ll know it George Orwell, the author of the bestsell- There was a time when parents wanted nan and the Hezbollah leader, Sheikh ing novel, “1984,” would be able to appre- Nasrallah, shaking hands was, to me, is NOTHING at all what they claim to their children to be gay, but not homo- ciate the world in which we live today. sexual. The word has, for all practical pur- an assimilation to the unthinkable vi- their prime directive. Horse feathers! Does the word “republic” mean any- sion of President Roosevelt shaking In fact, it’s the direct opposite of their poses, been hijacked by people who per- thing to anyone anymore? I suppose it haps hope that, while the definition has hands with Adolph Hitler: TOTALLY claim. does, but it means so many different things changed, the perception would remain the OUT OF REALITY! What was he think- What does it take for us to realize to so many different people that it may as same. ing? Why not have a party in Sudan’s that this is never going to go away un- well have no definition at all. less we completely change their mind- Our language is very much in flux to- Darfur District and visit with Pol Pot This is true even within this country, day, not so much due to the natural order set? And this is never going to happen and Kim Jong Il and Ahmedinijahd? where we can no longer come up with a of such things, but intentionally. Turbu- so long as they exist. Any other terrorists we can invite? reasonable answer to the question of what lence in language and communication can This is indeed a war like none other. It’s B.Y.O.B. (bury your own bodies) it means to be a Republican, or what it bring about cultural confusion, which is but you’re all welcome boys! Ya, that’s We’re fighting an enemy that has no means to be a Democrat, whose reasons often used to bring about a change in the really ethical for a U.N. President to boundaries, no uniform, no political for remaining opposing political parties way that we look at things. are more greatly blurred with each elec- reflect!!! How about a picture with agenda, no geo-political ulterior mo- Thus, policies that are intended to harm tion cycle. Bin Laden with both of them holding tive but the destruction of Israel and if the economy and reduce the populations in The meaning of the word “liberty” is matching AK’s for a photo-op? this is accomplished, what’s next? WE rural areas are known as “smart growth” Kofi, you are a political pervert! ARE!!!!! not clarified by its dictionary definitions, but has as many faces as there are politi- or “sustainable development,” while the Nothing else. Sorry folks but this situation was non-profit organizations that bring this And then he has the audacity to written and made known long ago. It cal parties and religions. Perhaps the most common definition of the word would about are called “economic development criticize Israel for defending itself??? has finally come to light and here we organizations.” are, right in the middle of it. There’s imply that my side wins, whichever side I Hey Mr. Annan, what kind of hypocrite might be on. The word “conspiracy” is now auto- nothing we can do, as far as I’m con- are you. “Sidewinder”! How many times have you been told matically followed by the word “theory,” We cannot deal with those who can- cerned, but watch our borders, keep that our founding fathers were “deists” no matter how many facts there are to not be dealt with; it’s as simple as that! our people safe and continue to defend and not Christians? No, I assure you that prove that the conspiracy genuinely exists, Unless you can change the mind-set of the very land we stand on. Otherwise, our founding fathers haven’t abandoned while the “theory of evolution” is taught a person, there’s nothing one can do we have nothing! their faith in the last two hundred and to our children as fact. but overwhelm them physically. Our I have nothing against any national- thirty years, but the meaning of the word The deliberate misuse of language is prisons and the gangs that trash our ity whatsoever. I hold no prejudice but has changed somewhat over the years. By apparent all around us. The term “equal neighborhoods are a prime example. for one. And that is, if you want to live ascribing today’s definition to someone rights” is used to ensure that some people The conflict between Israel and these here, do so legally. Don’t cross over who lived more than two hundred years are granted more rights under the law than corrupted factions is tantamount to a the fence, go through the gate and be ago, we are led to believe that our found- others, for example. “blood-feud”. Nothing is going to quell counted. Illegals need to go back; PE- ing fathers weren’t really Christians at all. Some of us may be old enough to re- it but annihilation of one or the other. RIOD! The slight changes in the definition of member when “fundamental” was a good Leave them be! Get our people out, the word may have been a natural occur- word, and not something that can be used move the populace out of the way and Michael Fundalewicz moved to Ash- ance, but it is being used to the advantage as an excuse for imprisoning or shooting let them have at it once and for all! land with his wife and four kids in the of those whose agenda calls for a rejec- you. early ‘90s to escape the dictatorial And to all of you in the Hezbollah and tion of the role that Christianity played in God confused the language at Babel for confines of the State of Massachu- Hamas and Jihad Islamia and what- the the formation of the United States of His purposes, but Satan is doing so today. setts’ taxation policies and the may- America. ever other so-called “freedom fight- hem of drugs and crime for the pro- ers” group you may be in, I say this: tection of his kids’ futures. He has, in Put on a uniform, stand up for what recent years, come to see that those you believe in the open and in public very same issues have followed him and stop hiding behind the skirts and in the form of self-serving governing shirts of the women and children that officials and the reluctance of the cit- you’ve been putting in mortal danger izens of northern Maine to stand up and fight like a man, not the snakes and speak out for themselves before that you are! they wind up in the same mess.

Ask

Alvina is on vacation this month but will return in our September issue.

Do you have a question for Alvina? Send it - - along with your birth date, time, and place of birth – to Alvina at PO Box 6547, Santa Fe, NM 87502

Alvina has been a psychic, astrologer, consultant, writer and speaker for over 40 years. This is a powerful combination to help people realize their own timing for this lifetime. Alvina Turner reaches out and connects people with their past present and future. Maine Leaseholder’s Annual Meeting August 19, 2006 at 12:00 noon Alvina’s book, Visions, Wishes, and Dreams…Oh My! is available now. You Perley Wheaton Ford Garage can buy it by calling this toll-free order number 877-484-6464. Millinocket, ME Page 14 All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Letters to the Editor Maine Needs a Governor Like Chandler Woodcock Proposed Presque Isle (PI) By-Pass

The first reason for my strong support of Chandler Woodcock has to do with char- Based on a July Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement, prepared by acter. As a Pastor, I have to believe that character is the most important measure of a Maine DOT consultants, I want to say the following about the projected economic man. I have known Chandler Woodcock for about five years. During that time, he and I benefits and permanent environmental costs, of the proposed Presque Isle (PI) By- have formed a friendship that has allowed me the privilege of witnessing the character Pass. of the man. He is a decent and compassionate man with solid principles and convic- The National Environmental Policy Act requires that an SDEIS put environmental tions. He is trustworthy and reliable. I know Chandler and I know some of his family. concerns on equal footing with economic outcomes. This lengthy report succeeds! He is a good man. He demonstrates uncommon grace and discernment. Environmental issues are as weakly assessed as the economic returns to the pub- The second reason for my strong support of Chandler Woodcock has to do with lead- lic. ership. Along with pastoring, I have worked as a legislative aide and as chief of staff The proposed new bridge near Presque Isle would be built about a mile down- in the Maine Senate Republican office. For two years, Chandler was the assistant Re- stream of our current 4-lane bridge. MDOT says they “will coordinate with Maine publican leader. Chandler brought out the best in the entire staff. We found ourselves DEP” during bridge design to ensure the crossing meets all criteria with regard wanting to do not only more, but better work because of him. That is a quality of lead- to aquatic and wildlife habitat, water quality, recreational access, and minimizing ership that is needed in government. Working for him always included a sense of trust visual impacts. and accountability. Chandler knows how to bring out the best in people and is not However, it’s my understanding through Maine’s Natural Resources Protection Act afraid to hold them accountable. (Title 38 Chapter 3 §480-P) that the lower Aroostook River is among Maine’s “out- That brings me to policy issues. I do not mean to minimize the importance of fiscal standing river segments” afforded special (ORS) protection under Article 5-A. issues or any of the other matters than a governor must deal with. I have listened to I also understand through §480-D (8) that crossing the river with a new bridge and watched Chandler Woodcock as he had dealt with these. He understands these requires that MDOT demonstrate to Maine DEP, in a future NRPA permitting appli- matters and is prepared to deal with them. I would be hard pressed to find an area of cation, that no reasonable alternative exists which would have less adverse effect disagreement with him. But the issues of life and morality are most important to me upon the natural and recreational features of the river segment. personally. And on these, I wholeheartedly support the positions taken by Chandler. MDOT consultants dismiss this protection, saying the existing bridge carry- He has been firmly on the side of protecting children, born and unborn. The same is ing Route 1 over the Aroostook River would not satisfy the project’s “Purpose and true with issues of marriage and family. Our state government has overstepped its proper role with attempts to redefine marriage. Chandler supports a constitutional Need.” amendment to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Perhaps But, a 2002 draft environmental assessment for the Easton Industrial Access Road more important than specific legislative actions, Chandler Woodcock understands (MDOT PIN 6462.11), with a connector terminating at Route 163/167 (without cross- the need to change the attitude of state government. State agencies and officials often ing the river), was deemed satisfactory in meeting that project’s Purpose and Need seem to promote behaviors that are offensive to most of us. I do not believe that state – providing “immediate benefit to the Easton/Presque Isle transportation system agencies under the authority of Governor Woodcock would be allowed to promote by improving safety, access, and mobility for materials and finished product.” An- such behaviors or to hide information about them. I believe that Chandler Woodcock nual Vehicle Hours Traveled to Easton Station would be reduced at least a third. would expect and encourage churches, religious organizations and individuals to work Furthermore, this SDEIS declares the US Army Corps of Engineers said (July 11, toward improving Maine’s culture without undue government interference. Chan- 2005) the “Presque Isle By-Pass” project’s purpose is to “improve east-west and dler Woodcock supports giving parents more control over education, including home north-south traffic movements in and around the City of Presque Isle along Routes schooling. 1, 163/167, 10, and 227 in order to improve public safety and relieve traffic conges- I believe Chandler Woodcock is the best choice to be our next Governor. tion.” MDOT consultants now say the intersection at Route 1/Route 163 is a High Crash Sincerely, Location. That label deserves a definition. How many crashes have occurred at that Bob Emrich, Plymouth, Maine intersection in the last 10 years involving medium or heavy trucks? [email protected] MDOT consultants also hasten to note there are no EPA-designated “sole source aquifers” used as public water sources in the area. If there were any, EPA review This and That would be required -- which could prevent a commitment of Federal funding. The highly-productive sand and gravel aquifer surrounding and under the Aroos- I’d like to comment on a few of the articles you published in the July issue of took River, that publicly supplies Washburn, Fort Fairfield, and recently Presque All Maine Matters, and maybe some other things that are on my mind. But first, Isle and Caribou, would likely qualify for sole-source status -- if only someone pe- I’d like to say that I enjoy the photos that adorn the pages of each issue. Your titioned for it. cover photo showed an interesting perspective, with the white church steeple Should this aquifer become contaminated, alternative sources of surface water peaking over the roof tops of Millinocket. may no longer be economically available due to EPA drinking water standards and For a proposal that seems to have the enthusiastic support of the larger the large excess of phosphorus from major point sources documented by Maine percentage of people in Maine, and one that is so necessary if we are ever going DEP in a report simply footnoted in this SDEIS. The proposed new bridge would be to become truly sustainable as a state, I don’t read very many positive articles about 2,500 feet from Presque Isle’s new drinking water wells, even closer to Mc- about the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. It seems that the mainstream press is work- Cain Foods supply wells. ing overtime in its efforts to kill this idea, rather than to simply report on it. The SDEIS gives no consideration to the adverse effects on the community hav- Thank you for giving us the other side of that story. ing to live near the proposed by-pass. Basically deceptive, consultants say the area Chandler Woodcock is my choice for governor in November, but I wish he had north of the river, where the preferred option would cross, is generally agricul- the courage to speak out more on social issues. I trust that he holds many of tural. From my vantage point, the corridor would also cross acres of wetlands and the same values that are important to conservative Christians in Maine, but he Raymond Brook, and destroy the environment of a cluster of homes on the Higgins seems to be afraid that these positions would lose more votes than they would Road and Reach Road. gain. For economic analysis, MDOT consultants used the regional economic model I disagree. More than ever, I believe that we need someone who is unafraid to REMI (Regional Economic Models, Inc.). Widely used by government agencies stand on principles, and when people have been able to demonstrate the cour- throughout the nation, one major criticism of REMI is that it contains no government age to do this, they have won and they have served us well. budget constraints. Tax expenditures on projects are treated as cost-free. Although Not in Maine? Well, if that’s true then we may as well give it up and not waste the model has important scientific merits, REMI inevitably exaggerates the benefits our time at the polling place. of government projects. Unless I’ve missed notice of his appearances, Chandler seems to be ignoring REMI is a complex model that most can’t assess; the claim the best scientific mod- everything north of Bangor. Baldacci seems to be everywhere, while Chandler el available shows x dollars of personal income created by the project often carries has been concentrating on the larger population centers, whose votes are likely the day. to go to his opposition anyhow. In reviewing the Report, I paused on Table 2-7 “Effects of SDEIS Corridors on I’m not complaining. Given the alternatives, I think he’s the right man for Aroostook County Economy (2035).” For the proposed PI By-Pass, I’m not even sure the job. I’d just like to see him get there, and there are far too many people in REMI can carry the day. During construction of the PI By-Pass, the $120.8 million central and northern Maine who don’t even know who he is. dollar cost would yield only $3.79 million in aggregate personal income to the year I enjoyed the profile on Millinocket, a town that has more history than the years it’s been around might indicate. It’s a shame what’s being allowed to 2035. happen to it. Tourism works well for the owners of the larger established tour- After construction, change in personal income is shown by REMI to be minimal ist businesses, but it does little or nothing for those who are employed in the – meaning most personal income would be construction payroll. A number of industry, trying to get by on part-time, seasonal, and non-benefited jobs. Plus, economists, including this one, question whether a project’s short-term construc- when you ally yourself with environmental interests, you can only limit your tion wages should be part of long-term public benefits. growth in every area, including tourism. It’s a scheme that is intended to make REMI predicted the cumulative change in retail sales due to the proposed Presque a few people rich and leave the environmental organization holding the larger Isle By-Pass as a minuscule $230,000 from 2008 to 2035. The Presque Isle public, portion of the pie. Good luck, Millinocket. You’re going to need it. while bearing significant environmental impacts and risks, has to truly strain to see I’ve been reading the leaseholder’s column regularly, and I’ll have to admit any gain. that this is an issue that I’ve never understood well, not being a leaseholder. I think that most people look upon this issue as they would renters who are Let’s spare our local farmland, wetlands, forest lands, streams, and citizens. And looking for a deed to property they merely rent, unaware that these are property spare the Aroostook River an unnecessary bridge. Choose the No-Build Option. owners too, now at the mercy of foreign interests that couldn’t care less about Maine or the people who live here. That’s a message that needs to be repeated Sincerely, often because, to be honest, most people don’t get it. I’m not sure how I feel about the Iraqi war. I’m uneasy with the explanations Steve Sutter, Presque Isle, ME we’ve been given for why we’re there to begin with, yet I don’t believe that it’s in anyone’s best interests for us to cut and run, since that sets a precedent that Letters to the Editor are most can’t possibly serve us well in the future. “If ever time should come, when welcome and even encouraged! Still, I don’t trust Bush or any of the globalists that he has surrounded him- vain and aspiring men shall possess Email editor@allmainematters. self with. I fear that we err when we place our trust in someone just because of com or send it via USPS to PO the highest seats in government, our Box 788, Kingman, ME 04451. the letter that he has after his name. country will stand in need of its expe- At this point, I can’t think of anyone who I could vote for in the next presiden- rienced patriots to prevent its ruin. tial election, at least not anyone who appears to have a chance of winning. Rep. We do publish anonymous let- Ron Paul from Texas comes to mind, as does Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado. ters to the editor, or those signed There may be others, but I’m not aware of any at this time. Of those whose ” with a pseudonym. names have been bandied about at possible Republican candidates, there are Samuel Adams none that I could support. John McCain versus Hillary Clinton? They ought to be running mates, not political opponents, since I doubt that either one of them ever had an idea that the other couldn’t support. That’s about all that I have for now. Keep on doing what you’re doing, and I’ll support your advertisers whenever I can. We are also free on the internet at J. Jones, Presque Isle, Maine http://allmainematters.com All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Page 15 Letters to the Editor A Man With a Plan Recently, Down East Magazine print- since this was how it was presented to Then we have the issue of annexation hate mail he has reportedly received, ed an article which contained an inter- the citizens of Millinocket who believed which Polstein adamantly opposes. Citi- which took exception to his Jewish back- view with Matt Polstein. I will tell you it it would help spur our economy and who zens and other councilors offered the an- ground, and which he contends came was not very flattering to the citizens of have supported it with in excess of a nexation proposal in an effort to enlarge from the local populace. He failed to Millinocket and for that reason I felt the quarter milllion dollars over the last 5-6 Millinocket’s physical boundaries (we mention that the postmarks on that cor- magazine could use a little education on years. are a small town in area). This hopefully respondence was from far outside the the subject. Although I don’t expect to MAGIC is an acronym for the “Mil- would have allowed for the possible in- state and while they were supposedly re- hear back from them, I felt they needed linocket Area Growth and Investment troduction or expansion of manufactur- ceived a year prior, were not publicized to know “OUR” side of the story, and that Council”. NOTE: nowhere is there men- ing or retail facilities and would have until shortly before his last run for the will never occur if only Polstein is inter- tion of economic development! Found- enlarged our tax base which is made up council seat. With that in mind, might he viewed. ed by Polstein, who served 3 years as primarilly of retirees on fixed incomes have been seeking a sympathy vote? If Following is a letter I have sent to that its president (while also serving on the and which was precipitated by the mill’s so, it seems his strategy worked. Over the publication: council and voting approval of taxpayer’s reduced workforce. None of these rea- years Millinocket has entertained several financial support), MAGIC has done little sons appealed to Polstein since they business owners of Jewish descent. Nev- TO THE EDITOR: to attract successful businesses to the would have interfered with the plan to er have the people stooped to the level As with every story, there are usually area, unless tourist related. (READ: low- establish his business in “unorganized that Polstein suggests. Food for thought! two sides - re: your featured article “Man paying jobs). territory” thereby allowing him to avoid Polstein has also described the business With A Plan” by Joshua F. Moore. Here is In 2003 MAGIC accepted a $25,000 paying taxes to Millinocket and reduce climate of our town to be “hostile” and the other side. Perhaps the most provoca- grant from T. W. S. which created havoc his tax liability. The annexation also ran concluded he might consider taking his tive statement of this article is your lead- and discord in the Katahdin Region. counter to the views of the current mill business elsewhere. With his stated view in, “This controversial Millinocket rafting MAGIC’s “council-approved” funding with whom Polstein was in negotiations, of our town and its people, maybe that guide turned developer doesn’t believe was reduced, that same year, by a refer- behind closed doors I might add, in an would be best for all concerned. ecotourism should be a dirty word in the endum vote by the citizens, and is still effort to purchase the land upon which As mentioned earlier, Polstein may North Woods. striving to recover from the bad publicity he wishes to build his resort. come across as energetic and articulate, while Polstein was pressured into step- On the surface, Mr. Polstein appears to Perhaps the most contentious point has his record contradicts this perception. ping down, though he still is listed on the be an energetic, articulate entrepreneur, been his ability to engineer an option to Rather, it shows him to be cold, calculat- Board of Directors. but what also lurks under the facade is a purchase 1450 acres from Katahdin Paper ing and self serving and should he NOT To further substantiate Polstein’s affili- Company. Again, this runs counter to Mil- cold, calculating and self-serving, want- want ecotourism to be a dirty word in ation with these preservation groups, one linocket’s heritage and culture. For years to-be businessman who exhibits almost the North Woods, he and his preserva- must examine his vocabulary. I did men- camp owners have leased land from the complete disregard for those who dis- tion groups could start by respecting agree with him, especially those of us in tiion he was articulate. It is rife with key various paper companies. The acceler- phrases such as “ ecotourism, gateway, ated costs associated with those leases, the rights of those who have lived here Millinocket whose very lifestyle is threat- all their lives, rather than forcing major ened by his project. sustainability, resource space, vision, along with the many changes in the lease conspriacy theory, and my favorite, val- agreements themselves, prompted these changes that run counter to their culture To understand this enigma, one must and heritage. first recognize his ongoing association ue-added spectrum (?). And the list goes property owners (camps are indeed I also realize the purpose of your with many of the preservation (not con- on - but all can be found in an instruc- property) to express their desire to pur- magazine is to spotlight MAINE people servation or environment) groups. such tional workbook issued by TWS in their chase their lots, onlyto be informed “the striving to accomplish positive things for as The Nature Conservancy, The Sierra effort to win public support and approval company” has NO land for sale. Why then Club and The Wilderness Society, to of their organization. has it been made possible for Polstein to MAINE. I would suggest you be more se- name a few. His ambitions came to light Yes, the people have voted him into purchase 1450 acres, conveniently left lective and investigate more thoroughly in the mid 1980’s at Great Northern Pa- the office of town councilor. Unfortunate- out of the TNC easements? Could it be before you make that choice in the fu- per’s hearing in Augusta on the “Big A” ly for our community, Polstein speaks a because of “undue influence” when vot- ture. dam project, where his intervener status “good speak” but his actions do not nec- ing on issues that favor that company re- allowed him to address the possible in- essarily agree with his spoken word. I did gardless of the ramifications to the town Alyce Maragus, Millinocket, Maine fringement of the dam on his white wa- mention that he was articulate. His voting of Millinocket? Isn’t that a “conflict of in- ter rafting business. It continued with his record and persuasive tactics have re- terest”? move, in 1995, to Millinocket where his sulted in Millinocket’s inability to “move And yet there is still more! Although restaurant hosted The Sierra Club out forward” (another catch phrase) eco- Polstein compliments our municipal air- of which came the Allagash Wilderness nomicallly due to his and MAGIC’s efforts port, there is no mention that he has been Waterway agreement and further contin- to discourage the manufacturing sector. a driving force behind his ambitious plan ued with the introduction of The Wilder- This in turn has jeopartized the financial to have our town’s financial contribution ness Society of Millinocket through our stability of Millinocket. upgrade that very airport, designed only economic council, namely, “MAGIC”. In support of theis assumption, I of- to accommodate his needs, and to make The failure of Great Northern to gain fer the following. Under the auspices an investment in a shuttle bus service ul- approval for its proposed dam project and support from Polstein and MAGIC, timately geared to transport guests to his became the forerunner to the demise two manufacturing companies were in- resort. Nor is there mention of his ongo- of that company. Eventually over 1500 deed introduced to Millinocket. Neither ing efforts to gain Millinocket’s support workers lost their livelihood due in part met with the citizens’ initial approval as in enlisting the services of Maine’s D. O. to Polstein’s opposition to the project and seeming to be viable. The first was Brims T. to improve conditions of State Highway to further his business. He now employs Ness, a water sensor company which had #157, which will lead to his complex. Now, 24 local people, not a very good tradeoff been sustained for many, many years on one can compliment him on his business for our town or the surrounding area. grant monies but which still did not have acumen, but one could also assume he Referencing the above men- a finished product. Brims Ness has now expects the taxpayers to absorb the pe- tioned preservation groups, many re- moved to Ohio, in search of further grant ripheral costs of making his dream come strictions, including access points, came money, but not before leaving behind a to fruition. Quite a concept! and all for the out of the Sierra Club’s, Allagash “River $50,000 debt to Millinocket’s CBDG fund, privilege of low paying jobs and a loss of driver’s” Agreement (so named after plus another $250.000 debt for a state the very same peace and tranquility that Polstein’s restraurant). These are now be- grant/loan, a payment which falls on Mil- he intends to offer his paying customers ing challenged, in Augusta, by John Mar- linocket. The second is Allagash Valve from outside the area, at a sacrifice, of the tin of Eagle Lake and the controversy is and Control which set up its primay busi- same, for the camp owners of the area currently receiving much needed media ness in Medway, a neighboring town, but who will be impacted by his resort. attention. wishing to expand has instead incurred On a more personal note, I’ll conclude Fast forward to The Wilderness Soci- another $250,000 state grant/loan, with with the “other side” of his view of Milli- ety. TWS was introduced to Millinocket the responsibility for payment left solely nocket’s citizenry which is both mislead- by “MAGIC”, our supposed economic on the Millinocket taxpayers, and which ing and insulting. This, in relation to the development council. I say “supposed” appears to be going in the same direc- tion.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter ” Reverend Martin Luther King

Carter Brook tote road, about 7 miles in.Buying Page 16 All Maine Matters - Because All of Maine DOES Matter! Media Bias Against Guns John R. Lott, Jr The following is adapted from a speech Though my survey indicates that sim- explaining how he had to point his gun ment of Corrections worker who shot a delivered on May 25, 2004, at a Hillsdale ply brandishing a gun stops crimes 95 at the attacker and yell at him to drop man attempting to hold up a gas station.) College National Leadership Seminar in percent of the time, it is very rare to see his gun. Yet the media had consistently Broadening my search to the top ten Seattle, Washington. a story of such an event reported in the reported that the incident had ended by newspapers in the country, I learned that media. A dead gunshot victim on the the students “tackling” the killer. Tracy the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post People are very surprised to learn ground is highly newsworthy, while a specifically mentioned that he had spent and Chicago Tribune each managed to that survey data show that guns are used criminal fleeing after a woman points a a considerable amount of time talking report three such stories in a year. defensively by private citizens in the U.S. gun is often not considered news at all. face-to-face with reporter Maria Glod of During 2001, the New York Times pub- from 1.5 to 3.4 million times a year, at least That’s not impossible to understand; af- the Washington Post. He seemed stunned lished 104 gun crime news articles - rang- three times more frequently than guns ter all, no shots were fired, no crime was that this conversation had not resulted in ing from a short blurb about a bar fight are used to commit crimes. A question I committed, and no one is even sure what a more accurate rendition of what had oc- to a front-page story on a school shoot- curred. hear repeatedly is: “If defensive gun use crime would have been committed had a ing - for a total of 50,745 words. In com- After finishing the radio show, I tele- occurs so often, why haven’t I ever heard weapon not been drawn. parison, its single story about a gun used phoned the Post, and Ms. Glod confirmed of even one story?” Even though fewer than one out of 1,000 that she had talked to both Tracy Bridges in self-defense amounted to all of 163 Anecdotal stories published in news- defensive gun uses result in the death of and Mikael Gross, and that both had told words. USA Today printed 5,660 words papers obviously can’t prove how numer- the attacker, the newsman’s penchant for her the same story. She said that describ- on crimes committed with guns, and not ous these events are, but they can at least drama means that the bloodier cases are ing the students as pouncing, and failing a single word on defensive gun use. The answer the question of whether these usually covered. Even in the rare cases in to mention their guns, was not “intention- least lopsided coverage was provided by events even occur. Here are a few exam- which guns are used to shoot someone, al.” It had been due to space constraints. the Washington Post, with 46,884 words ples of the 20 cases that I found reported injuries are about six times more frequent I later spoke with Mike Getler, the om- on crimes committed with guns and 953 in newspapers as occurring during the than deaths. You wouldn’t know this from budsman for the Post. Getler was quoted words on defensive stories - again, not first two weeks of May 2004: Lawrencev- the stories the media choose to report. in the Kansas City Star as saying that the exactly a balanced treatment. ille, Georgia - At 3:00 a.m., an estranged reporters simply did not know that by- Moreover, the few defensive gun-use former boyfriend kicked in a woman’s A Case Study in Bias standers had gotten their guns. After I incidents that received coverage were al- front door. She had received a protective But much more than a bias toward informed him that Glod had been told most all reported locally. Though articles order against the ex-boyfriend because bad news and drama goes into the me- by the students about using their guns, about gun crimes are treated as both lo- of “a history of drug addiction, violent dia’s selective reporting on gun usage. Getler said, “She should have included cal and national stories, defensive uses behavior and threats.” He was shot four Why, for instance, does the torrential it.” But he said that he had no power to do of guns are given only local coverage in times as he entered the apartment. Police coverage of public shooting sprees fail anything about it. He noted that readers the rare instances they run at all. In the said that the attacker, if he survived his to acknowledge when such attacks are had sent in letters expressing concern full sample of defensive gun-use stories I injuries, would likely face charges of bur- aborted by citizens with guns? In Janu- about how the attack had been covered. have collected, less than one percent ran glary and aggravated stalking. ary 2002, a shooting left three dead at the But none of these letters was ever pub- outside the local coverage area. News Albuquerque, New Mexico - At just af- Appalachian Law School in Virginia. The lished. about guns only seems to travel if it’s ter 5:00 a.m., a homeowner called police event made international headlines and It was not until February 28, 2004, af- bad. saying that someone was trying to break produced more calls for gun control. Yet ter the preliminary hearing where testi- This helps explain why residents of ur- into his home. Police reported that while one critical fact was missing from virtu- mony verified again what had happened, ban areas favor gun control. Most crime waiting for help to arrive, the homeowner ally all the news coverage: The attack was that the Washington Post published one occurs in big cities, and urbanites are defended himself by shooting the intrud- stopped by two students who had guns in brief sentence containing the truth: “[The bombarded with tales of gun-facilitated er in the arm. their cars. killer] was subdued without incident by crime. It happens that most defensive Louisville, Kentucky - As a robber The fast responses of Mikael Gross armed students.” gun uses also occur in these same cities, tried to hold up a Shelby Food Mart, he and Tracy Bridges undoubtedly saved The Kansas City Star printed a partic- but they simply aren’t reported. was shot by a store clerk. The judge who many lives. Mikael was outside the law ularly telling interview with Jack Stokes, heard the case said that the clerk had act- school returning from lunch when Peter media relations manager at the Associat- John R. Lott, Jr., a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, ed responsibly and that he “was viciously Odighizuwa started shooting. Tracy was ed Press, who “dismissed accusations that received his Ph.D. in economics from in a classroom waiting for class to start. news groups deliberately downplayed attacked by this animal.” the University of California at Los An- Raceland, Louisiana - A man and his When the shots rang out, chaos erupted. the role gun owners may have played in stopping” the shooting. But Stokes geles.He has been a senior research girlfriend offered two men a ride. One of Mikael and Tracy were prepared to do scholar at the Yale University School the hitchhikers drew a gun and told the something more constructive: Both im- “did acknowledge being ‘shocked’ upon learning that students carrying guns had of Law, a fellow at the University of girlfriend to stop the car. The man then mediately ran to their cars and got their Chicago School of Law, a visiting fel- drew his own gun, fatally shooting the guns, then approached the shooter from helped subdue the gunman. ‘I thought, my God, they’re putting into jeopardy low at Cornell University Law School hitchhiker who was threatening them. different sides. Thus confronted, the at- even more people by bringing out these and a Hoover Institution fellow. He Toledo, Ohio - A store employee tacker threw his gun down. guns.’” has taught at the University of Chi- wounded one of two men who tried to Isn’t it remarkable that out of 218 unique cago, the Wharton School at the Uni- news stories (from a LexisNexis search) Selective reporting of crimes such rob a West Toledo carryout. The employ- as the Appalachian Law School incident versity of Pennsylvania, UCLA, Rice in the week after the event, just four men- ee had received his concealed handgun isn’t just poor journalism; it could actu- University and Texas A&M Univer- tioned that the students who stopped the sity. In 1988 and 1989, he was chief permit just three days earlier. The em- ally endanger people’s lives. By turning shooter had guns? Here is a typical de- economist for the U.S. Sentencing ployee’s father said, “My son did what he a case of defensive gun use into a situ- Commission. He is the author of had to do . . . . Money can be replaced; scription of the event from the Washing- ation where students merely “overpow- lives can’t.” ton Post: “Three students pounced on the More Guns, Less Crime and The Bias ered a gunman,” the media give potential Against Guns. These life and death stories represent gunman and held him until help arrived.” victims the wrong impression about what only a tiny fraction of defensive gun uses. New York’s Newsday noted only that the works when confronted with violence. All Maine Matters will print Part 2 of Mr. Lott’s speech A survey of 1,015 people I conducted attacker was “restrained by students.” Research consistently shows that hav- in our September issue. during November 2002 indicates that Many stories mentioned the law-enforce- ing a gun (usually just brandishing it is about 2.3 million defensive gun uses ment or military backgrounds of these enough) is the safest way to respond to Reprinted by permission from Imprimis, the occurred nationwide over the previous student heroes, but virtually all of the any type of criminal national speech digest of Hillsdale College, year. Larger surveys have found similar media, in discussing how the killer was www.hillsdale.edu. results. Guns do make it easier to commit stopped, failed to mention the students’ Evidence of Unbalanced Coverage bad deeds, but they also make it easier guns. I conducted searches of the nation’s A week and a half after the assault, I “It is the duty of the patriot to for people to defend themselves where three largest newspapers - USA Today, protect his country from the govern- few alternatives are available. That is why appeared on a radio program in Los An- the Wall Street Journal and the New York ment. it is so important that people receive an geles along with Tracy Bridges, one of the Times - for the year 2001 and found that accurate, balanced accounting of how Appalachian Law School heroes. Tracy only the Times carried even a single news related how he had carefully described story on defensive gun use. (The instance ” guns are used. Unfortunately, the media Thomas Paine are doing a very poor job of that today. to over 50 reporters what had happened, involved a retired New York City Depart-

This month we have some bargains to look at. You just don’t see properties like this very much any more.

• Indian Purchase: South Twin Lake. Beautiful old classic camp with huge stone fireplace. Located on a point to take advantage of the views with water on 3 sides. Nice breeze and a view of Jo Mary Mountain. Screened-in porch. The inside is all natural wood with hand peeled logs for rafters and purlins. Clas- sic wood cook stove, but gas stove and refrigerator too. Boat access and no neighbors. Very secluded. Great fishing in the chain of lakes. Boat to all of them. $129,000 • Carroll: 43.7 acres on a ridge. Bare ledge in places so your camp will never move with the frost. Land looks to the southeast with possible lake views if you trim some trees. This property abuts some 30,000 acres of timber company land. Snowmobile trail goes right by. $16,400 • Carroll: 56.6 acres on a ridge with a breeze. Good gravel road access and a view of the distant lakes. Nicely wooded and full of moose and deer. $28,300 • Carroll: 44.8 acres on both sides of a crystal clear spring fed babbling brook. Some deep holes in the brook where you can fish for trout or get in and cool off in the summer. Nice spot to build a camp. Good road access. Snowmobile trail goes right by. $24,000 • Greenbush: 42.7 acres surrounded on 3 sides by timber company land. Gently sloping and well wooded ground. Good spot for a get-away or hunting camp. This won’t last long. $19,900 • Lowell: 45 acres on a paved road with power and phone. Trim some trees for a mountain view. Driveway and 2 acres of old field to build in. Indian Purchase: South Twin Lake. Beautiful old classic camp with huge stone fireplace. Located on a point to take advantage of the views with water on 3 sides. Nice breeze and a view of Jo Mary Mountain. Screened in porch. The inside is all natural wood with hand peeled logs for rafters and purlins. Classic wood cook stove, but gas stove and refrigerator too. Boat access and no neighbors. Very secluded. Great fishing in the chain of lakes. Boat to all of them. $129,000

Land, Camps, Farms, Businesses and even Homes. 3 acres to 20,000 acres. Buy your Maine land while you still can. ERA McPhail Realty, Lincoln, Maine