So, Gov. LePage and “other top Republicans” have formed a Maine Legislative Prayer Caucus in order to “preserve the Judeo-Christian heritage of our nation” (Jan. 18).

The First Amendment freedom of, and freedom from, religion in governmental actions, which has come to be called the separation of church and state, has never prohibited government employees from personal practices related to their beliefs. And of course, they can certainly pray as a group.

What would be improper, however, is for them to do this using governmental resources such as physical facilities, utilities and paid staff time, all of which are provided by taxpayers who may not agree with their particular religious beliefs.

The nation’s founders may have “placed importance on prayer,” but they also placed importance on slavery, taking lands by force from native populations, prohibiting women from full citizenship and a long list of other practices that we have fortunately long since abandoned.

If some of our legislators and our governor wish to engage in a social expression of their supernatural beliefs, they can certainly do so, but they should certainly not do it as a governmental activity.

Perhaps this would be a good project for the Maine Heritage Policy Center. It can investigate to make sure that no state funds are used for any prayer meeting at the State House.

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Paul Beach

Kennebunk

Fund for Healthy Maine invests in future leaders

As a young person, I care about the state of Maine. In 2008, I graduated from Scarborough High ready to change the world. As a soon-to-be college graduate, I am disappointed by the drastic cuts to successful programs that engage and support young people to be a part of moving Maine forward.

Gov. LePage has proposed a cut to the Fund for a Healthy Maine. What many people don’t know about this fund, however, is that it is working! For every $1 that is invested in prevention efforts, $7.50 is saved. Furthermore, the fund has created programs that have made Maine citizens healthier and, most importantly, encouraged the future leaders of Maine to make better choices for themselves, engage their peers and become an integral part of healthier communities where they can grow businesses and their families.

I have been involved with a state-wide agency called the Maine Youth Action Network, a recipient of funds from the Fund for a Healthy Maine. Personally, I was able to establish a nonprofit that creates community change through the arts. I also witnessed young people force a ban on smoking on Scarborough’s beaches.

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This is why I want to urge you to speak out against the proposed cuts. The fund does not only keep citizens healthy, but it benefits our state’s budget, and – most importantly in my mind – engages young people to take a role in making our state the way life should be.

Jeff Poulin

Scarborough

Senior citizen sees a nation in sharp decline

I am 69, have muscular dystrophy and I’m a resident at the Fryeburg Health Care Center, a wonderful place. I am a Republican from Lovell and a tea party supporter.

In my opinion, this country has gone downhill so far in the last 50 years it is ridiculous. As I talk with other Fryeburg Health Care Center residents – and even middle-aged certified nursing assistants – they all say we were much better off in the past.

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The downturn has been caused by most Americans wanting raises, union wages and benefits that in the long run get them nowhere, because prices just rise to offset the raise.

Ridiculous lawsuits of all kinds are passed on from the trial lawyers. Texas Gov. Rick Perry put a cap on lawsuits in Texas.

Corn is raised for ethanol, because there is a higher demand for it, and by-products of it go into many food products. There must be a very large profit in groceries. Look at the size of the stores, their employees, electric, upkeep and CEOs.

The cost of all oil products, electricity and real estate is ridiculous.

Now let’s look at some of the prices I remember from back in the 1960s:

A two-bedroom house rented at $48 per month, including oil and electricity, and the purchase price then was $3,500.

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Gasoline was 29 to 32 cents per gallon, and heating oil was 15 cents per gallon.

A new 1968 Ford Fairlane 500 was $2,950, and used cars were $50-plus.

A doctor’s office visit was $4. I had to pay $200 to the hospital and doctor for five days for my wife’s delivery, plus seven days for my oldest daughter.

The electric bill was $5 to $6 per month, and a building lot out of town was $500.

Minimum wage was $1.25 per hour, which is what I made. I got by with that.

Erwin McAllister

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Fryeburg

Early childhood programs support national security

I was pleased to read the recent guest column by prominent law enforcement leaders across our region about why high-quality early education programs are so important to reduce future crime (Maine Voices, “To reduce crime, protect programs that put kids on right path,” Jan. 14).

As a retired Army general, I would like to add that these programs are also important to our nation’s security.

Appallingly, 75 percent of American citizens between the ages of 17 and 24 cannot join our armed services. There are three key disqualifiers: They have not finished high school, they are physically unfit or they already have a criminal record. This is a real threat to our military preparedness.

High-quality early education is one of the best ways to turn this around. Numerous national studies have shown that when the programs are of high quality, students who participate in early education have stronger academic performances and increased graduation rates.

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Just as importantly, early education helps children develop curiosity, character and social skills – all key leadership qualities needed for success in the military or other careers.

I am concerned that policymakers in Augusta are not aware of these facts and are on the verge of making harmful decisions by imposing further cuts in early education programs such as Head Start.

I urge legislators to reject any proposed cuts to these programs in the supplemental budget so that our budget challenges do not create a national security crisis.

Wallace Nutting,

general, U.S. Army (retired)

Saco

 


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