Learn More About the UN at the Peace Fair

Thank you to Gary Anderson for his column on July 28 praising the “invention” of the United Nations and reminding us of the lofty principles for which it was created. His piece also makes clear that many Americans do not see or understand the broad reach and accomplishments of the UN. Unfortunately the daily, positive, work of the many agencies of the UN does not often make headline news. Just a few lesser known examples of the UN’s accomplishments (by sovereign nations working together cooperatively) over the years include: the eradication or near eradication of diseases, such as smallpox and polio, from the planet; negotiation of universally accepted technical standards (in diverse areas such as statistics, trade laws, customs procedures, aviation, telecommunications) facilitating economic activity and reducing transaction costs; hundreds of multi-lateral treaties (e.g. on oceans, trade, human rights, disarmament); promotion of volunteerism through the UN Volunteers Program deploying thousands of experienced people working on development projects, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations; a world food program reaching millions of hungry children and adults every year.

To learn more about the United Nations of today, I would encourage readers to visit the Maine Chapter of the United Nations Association (UNA) table in the “teaching tent” on the Brunswick Mall at the 12th annual Peace Fair on Saturday, Aug. 6. Last October on UN Day (Oct. 24) our Chapter helped celebrate the UN’s 70th anniversary with an address by Senator Angus King hosted by Bowdoin College. We will again sponsor an event celebrating UN Day this October. In addition our Chapter will be celebrating its own 30th anniversary in 2017! If, like Gary Anderson, you remember visiting the UN as a child, you might enjoy returning in February for the annual UNA-USA members day at the UN, a spirited communal gathering of young and old together who continue to cherish the principles on which the UN was founded.

Lucinda White,
Freeport
President, Maine Chapter of
the UNA-USA

Tucker Supports McCreight

Rarely does a freshman state legislator make such a swift impact as Jay McCreight. Harpswell and West Bath should be proud. As a fellow legislator, I have watched her operate. For example, she sponsored the Medicaid Family Planning Option, which everybody said was unrealistic in the current political situation. She ignored a universe of skeptics, worked like a busy bee, organized myriad groups, and got it passed almost single-handedly. Adopted by 30 other states, this option gives thousands of women the medical tools to avoid or delay pregnancies, allowing them to better plan healthy families and careers. This will save taxpayers millions of Medicaid dollars currently spent on unwanted pregnancies. Jay is also trusted by legislative leaders to handle both the Judiciary Committee and the Marine Resources Committee, where her calm judgment is highly respected by lawmakers of all parties. She’s always early, always prepared, always motivated, plus curious, upbeat and cheerful. Her presence on the Marine Resources Committee is relevant to many people and businesses of West Bath and Harpswell. In Maine’s citizen legislature, Jay McCreight sparkles like a gem.

State Rep. Ralph Tucker,
Brunswick

Tepler Involved in the Community

We are writing in support of Denise Tepler for continued representation of Topsham in the House of Representatives in Augusta.

Denise is involved in our community — at any meeting we have attended regarding Topsham we have always seen her there. For example recently we were at an informational gathering about the Green Bridge. We were able to speak with Denise and voice our concerns. She listened to us and she responded promptly to a follow up email.

Topsham cannot do any better than to have Denise Tepler continue to represent us in Augusta.

Maggie and Mike Dumais,
Topsham

Pence No Friend of Common Workers

Michael Pence, the Republican candidate for vice president, has a history of hostility toward workers and of advocating for the interests of his wealthiest donors. In 2012, while in Congress, he voted for a Paul Ryan budget that would have provide trillions in new tax cuts for the wealthy. And in 2013, as Governor of Indiana, he cut corporate income taxes by nearly 25 percent, promising even further cuts in 2014. And all of this is despite the total lack of any evidence that such tax cuts, especially at the state level, will produce jobs and economic growth.

In Congress, Pence voted against raising the minimum wage to $7.25 in 2007. Perhaps worst of all, Pence voted for Paul Ryan’s 2011 budget, which would have changed Medicare into a system based on vouchers and also raised the eligibility age for Medicare. Alarmingly, he has also been a longtime supporter of the privatization of Social Security ultimately putting it at risk.

As is well known, millions of working Americans depend upon Medicare and Social Security in their senior years. Trump talks about “Making America Great Again” but this country is already great because of its talented working middle class. Let us keep America great by continuing to support America’s working men and women during their working years and beyond.

A. Myrick Freeman III,
Georgetown