With the U.S. government shut down, people should be asking some difficult questions. Is having the border wall so important that the public stands by while President Trump refuses to negotiate with Congress? Saying “it’s the wall or nothing” is not negotiating in good faith. Are American citizens’ welfare simply a Trump business deal where […]
Joseph Mailey
Posted inLetters, sj-web
End the baseless claims
Shouldn’t Bruce Poliquin be behaving better than he is right now? Yes, he did lose the election and, yes, his right to a recount is valid as long as the rules are followed completely. However, he has no right to make baseless claims that Maine election laws cost him re-election; and his calls for a […]
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Posted inLetters, sj-web
Respect the president and the press
On Nov. 8, 2016, Americans elected Donald Trump as president. Anyone who disagrees should be called out. He was elected to represent all 330 million Americans and their interests at home and abroad, not just one party or group. Unfortunately, those who disagree with his policies are seen as anti-Trump, moon bats (whatever that is), […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Two outstanding candidates
On June 12, voters will have the opportunity to vote for the next prospective governor and member of Congress. As a U.S. Marine veteran, Jared Golden has a “can do” attitude, as well as the understanding that all Mainers need to be represented, not just the ones with deep pockets Mark Eves, through his political […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Expand Medicaid
In mid-2008, my mid-40s friend was laid off from his job as a union sheet metal worker, but his insurance continued until early 2009. In late 2008, he was diagnosed with Type-II diabetes. When his coverage ended, he applied for MaineCare, only to be denied since his unemployment check put him above the allowable threshold. […]
Posted inLetters
Celebrate holidays with family
A few days before Memorial Day, I ran some errands, and I learned that many businesses (all retail) were going to be open on Memorial Day. I was rather disappointed hearing that. I feel that Memorial Day, along with other major holidays, are family oriented and should be a time that working folks can celebrate […]
Posted inLetters
Election results disappointing
Disappointment, fear, anger, shock and skepticism are just some of the feelings that many people have experienced with the election of Donald Trump as president. Though many people are unhappy with the results, they must face and accept the idea that Trump was elected by a lawful and democratic process. Protests, marches and public outcry […]
Posted inLetters
Raise the minimum wage
In November, Maine will have the opportunity to raise the minimum wage for thousands of hardworking people who struggle to meet their basic daily family needs for housing, food, medication, etc. Some will argue against raising the minimum wage, saying that it is an entry level wage or that the folks earning it need to […]
Posted inLetters
Increase the minimum wage
Imagine a family member or friend who works hard at work but barely survives financially because they are earning the state minimum wage or a bit above. Restaurant workers, home care providers, grocery workers, taxi drivers, retail workers and many others face that same dilemma — working hard for poverty wages. Many of those workers […]
Posted inLetters
Petitioners didn’t disclose all
On Election Day, I was at Auburn City Hall all day collecting signatures for the referendum to increase the minimum wage in Maine. I shared the table with a group who was collecting signatures for the legalization of marijuana and the welfare reform referendums. The petitioners’ explanation of the marijuana issue was pretty straightforward, it […]