In another election, I would not hesitate to vote for Cynthia Dill. But this is not the time to vote one’s conscience — rather, it is the time to consider much bigger issues.

It is possible that we could have a Republican president. It is also possible that two of the more liberal Supreme Court justices might retire in the next four years.

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Work continues on the facade of the U.S. Supreme Court building Sept. 27. Two of the more liberal justices might retire by 2016, and electing Angus King, “the odds-on favorite to beat Republican Charlie Summers,” will put in place a senator who will influence the appointment of equally liberal replacement justices, says a reader who supports King’s candidacy. 2012 File Photo/The Associated Press

Considering the proclivity of the five reactionary Supremes (they think corporations are people) to return us to the age of the robber barons, it would seem that the last thing any thoughtful person would want was another Republican in the Senate, the Senate being the body that confirms appointments to the court.

While I do not agree with several of Angus King’s positions, he is the odds-on favorite to beat Republican Charlie Summers, and Dill could split the thinking vote.

Thirty years of Reaganomics has nearly crippled the world economy, and that, two wars, the systematic impoverishment of nearly half the U.S. population, tax breaks to ship jobs overseas and no real oversight on financial institutions have all sent the U.S. economy into a tailspin.

But all that pales compared to the risk of a further-right-leaning Supreme Court. Think more stolen elections, a court seemingly owned by big business and little apparent regard for the average American.

John Wood

Hollis

McLean will be advocate for Gorham’s kids, middle class

I am supporting Andrew McLean for the Maine House in District 129 because he’ll fight to restore $250,000 in funding to Gorham schools that was cut by his opponent and the majority in the Legislature last year.

Augusta has no business slashing education funding, which forces local schools to cut important curriculum like social studies, music and art, and denies early childhood education to our 5- and 6-year-olds.

Over the last several years, funding for our community college system has gone through the floor. Andrew has my support because he wants to increase vocational education opportunities so that our young people and those who need job retraining get the skills and tools necessary to take advantage of opportunities in the free market and start small businesses that put more Mainers back to work.

We can get Maine back on track by electing leaders like Andrew who know it’s wrong to shortchange our children’s future and put up barriers for those who are struggling to make it into the middle class.

As representative for Gorham, Andrew will work across party lines and lead efforts to reinvest in early childhood education, vocational education and job retraining, and get Maine’s middle class moving again. That’s why I am voting for Andrew McLean for Maine House on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Kyle Bailey

Gorham

Falmouth bus helps seniors maintain independence

I am a senior citizen who does not drive anymore. Losing one’s independence is a very difficult adjustment to make. Now I must rely on other people and the bus to help me with my errands.

The No. 7 bus in Falmouth is truly a necessity for more and more people and must be continued.

John Radebaugh

Falmouth

Wellen will bring fresh views to Freeport Town Council

I am writing in support of Andrew Wellen, who is running for Freeport Town Council in District 4.

Andy would be a fine addition to the Town Council because he understands the importance of community involvement and would do a good job of representing neighborhood concerns, as well as business interests.

We need a fresh approach to government in Freeport, and Andy Wellen could provide the input to help give our town a better future.

I know and trust Andy and am sure that he will be a fair and thoughtful representative of our town. Please vote for Andy on Nov. 6.

Roben Voigt

Freeport

Pro-gay marriage clergy pushing agenda on others

Mainers may have noticed a minority of Christian clergy who support same-sex marriage. Their personal theology of sexuality focuses on “God don’t make junk.” God made homosexuals the way they are, and God had better like it.

They will vote to redefine marriage because they have exchanged the biblical concept of a spiritual renewal for an “I’m OK, you’re OK” re-education camp.

It’s all part of a movement in liberal Protestant denominations to bless navel gazing. The fruit of this narcissistic faith has been numerical decline, loss of relevance and lawsuits.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender clergy and non-clergy activists have advanced a political agenda using institutional power. They systematically deride, reject and reinterpret Scripture as well as the opinions of the universal church. Instead, they look to their self and talk among the like-minded for validation of their personal opinions.

The idea that truth can be local is a slap in the face to the universal Gospel. It cuts us off from accountability to our sisters and brothers around the world and has led us down the slippery slope of self-absorption.

The very idea that the votes of one small ethnically and culturally cohesive group of people can redefine marriage is racist, culturist and intolerant.

A theology of power is being foisted on the church and on America, wherein might makes right, words mean only what those who hold power say they mean and disagreement is not allowed.

In contrast, most Maine Christians will vote “no” on Question 1 to preserve traditional marriage. We know that the truth about human sexuality is found in Scripture and generations of church teachings, and not in our navel.

Debra A. Wagner

Lisbon Falls

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