“Change is coming to America.” Mr. Obama, your words, your inspiration, but not your legacy! Were those just scripted notes to get elected? Mr. Obama, you took an oath to lead. Instead, you followed.

It is not too late to challenge America to pay attention to the people of this great country.

Forget the re-election process, Mr. Obama. Step forward, take bold steps, bring back all that was good. Honesty, integrity and pride. Tackle the housing crisis. Empower the people, give us a chance to breathe.

Oh, by the way: I am not a Republican. Nor am I a Democrat. I am an American.

Robert Nichols

Cape Elizabeth

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Responding to a questioner in Elkhart, Ind., in 2009, President Obama said quite plainly that raising taxes would slow the economy in a recession.

“So he (the questioner) is absolutely right, the last thing you want to do is raise taxes in the middle of a recession because it would just suck up-take more demand out of the economy and put business further in a hole,” he said.

So now Obama is traveling around the country blaming Republicans for not raising taxes in this recession. Obama really doesn’t really want to raise taxes, but if he keeps repeating it, then a lot of people will think he does and blame the Republicans for the economy not improving.

He is also blaming the Republicans for not passing his so-called “jobs bill.” This “jobs bill” is so important that even the Senate, with a Democratic majority, has not passed it yet because they can’t get the votes.

They, too, know it is a sham. Democrats want to get re-elected next November and not go down with Obama.

Again, the media will be on Obama’s side and blame the Republicans for not passing the “jobs bill.” They mention that Republican House hasn’t passed it. However, there is no mention of the Senate not wanting the bill.

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It is too bad that we elected someone who is a great campaigner but doesn’t have a clue about how the economy works.

Even that wouldn’t be bad if he was smart enough to do nothing. Government doesn’t create jobs, business does. Every day he piles on more regulations and complains about successful people not doing their “fair share.”

Next November, remember, anyone but Obama. Anyone would be better.

Doug Crosby

Portland

Maine could be the leader in electronic recycling

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Frugality and custodianship of the environment are certainly two of the foundation stones of wisdom. Why could not Maine become the national center for the recycling of all electronic components, i.e., all the computer/digital related waste?

Applying up-to-date technology, along with continuing research, married to a willing work force, provides a winning opportunity. On-the-job training would ensure job availability to anyone with a sincere desire to work.

Let the entire country ship its unwanted electronica to Maine; let us turn it into gold.

Bill Joyce

Milo

Supercommittee, last best hope to fix government

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Congress recently averted a government shutdown for the second time this year. After the debt ceiling debacle and resulting downgrade of the country’s credit rating, it’s hard to imagine that our elected officials would again lead us so close to the precipice. Alas, that’s precisely what they did. Even worse, it was a predictable outcome for a government that responds to crisis, but seems incapable of doing much else these days.

It’s no wonder that a recent Gallup poll finds that negativity towards Washington has reached record levels. Eighty-one percent of Americans are now dissatisfied with how their nation is being governed. Right now, I am one of that 81 percent, who see American power, influence and prestige slipping away due to an inability to compromise in pursuit of results.

If there is a glimmer of hope for a return to the civil political discourse that gets things done, it resides with the so-called supercommittee that has been charged with identifying solutions to our massive fiscal woes before the end of the year.

To me, this group represents the last chance our elected leaders have to prove that they can rise above the fray and do what’s right for the American people.

When the 12 supercommittee members stare across the negotiating table at each other over the coming weeks, I want them to know that Americans’ confidence in their government is on the line. When Congress votes on any deal they might reach, I want my representatives to focus not on how it might be leveraged for next November, but how it can serve as a first step in solidifying our economic security for 50 Novembers to come.

With the eyes of the world upon us, the supercommittee, Congress and the president can deliver the win America so desperately needs right now.

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If they fail, Americans should exercise their constitutional right and see to it that none of them win in 2012.

John Ross

Edgecomb

Vote for Cheryl Leeman in Portland District 4 race

The mayoral race with its army of candidates has captured so much attention that many voters have forgotten that we are also electing members of the City Council.

One of those running is longtime Councilor Cheryl Leeman from District 4.

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For a politician, Cheryl has shown little appetite for the spotlight. She does not broadcast her views on global warming or pose for pictures with ballplayers.

Instead, she quietly serves District 4, getting the potholes fixed, the schools monitored and police watching our safety. She also patiently guides her constituents through the maze of regulation and the labyrinth of pettifogging bureaucracy that is our city government.

She has given special meaning and respect to the term “public servant.” Portland is a better, happier, more livable place because of Cheryl Leeman. She deserves our vote.

Michael E. Rowell

Portland

 


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