We Should Welcome New Mainers

Thank you for Friday’s editorial drawing attention to Gov. Le Page’s decision to eliminate the state’s involvement in resettling immigrants. This policy is not only inhumane, but also runs counter to our direct interests as Mainers and Americans. The pretext for this policy is security yet only 2 of the 35 terrorism incidents since 2001 have involved foreigners coming from countries that Pres. Trump just barred from entering the country. Most of them came from Saudi Arabia, none of them from Syria. And all the other terrorist incidents in the U.S. were committed by American citizens. An important number of these were first-generation Americans — like the Boston Marathon bombers — who felt alienated and unwelcome in our country. I hope the Governor reverses his position and instead expands services for the New Mainers who really are key to our future, just as the French Canadians (who faced violence and repression by Maine’s KKK in the last century) are now a valued part of our present.

Bill Savedoff,
Arrowsic

Bring Us Your Huddled Masses

I am 64 years old and of sound mind and body. For the first time in my life I am truly ashamed of my country. TRULY ASHAMED! This is not the America I learned about in high school history lessons and college courses in U.S. Government. Trump has hijacked America. The mandate he thinks he got was not for the specifics of his pre election policy tweets and verbal one-liners. Many people told me they voted for Trump “Because he tells it like it is.” He got elected because of his unique in your face attitude. Now he has free rein through Executive Orders to destroy what makes America the greatest country in the world. Inclusion, free public education, working hard to rise as far as you want to go. Maybe based on what Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau said this Sunday Canada is now the greatest country in the world. Trudeau offered this: “To those fleeing persecution, terror and war Canadians will welcome you regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength.” Talk about true leadership! I am truly beside myself with shame and wish to apologize for my country to the world. I, my family, and so many other Americans are profoundly sorry. We must, and will work tirelessly together for as long as it takes to right this great wrong!

Michael Perry,
Freeport

Quality Health Care for All

One does not generally take the wrecking ball to a building while the inhabitants are still living in it. Relocating them is normally the first step. I would think that with all of President Trump’s business and building expertise he would know this. So, why is he so dead set on getting rid of the ACA before he has plans in place to replace it?

What happened after the Republican National Convention to make the Republicans so intent on repealing the ACA? On July 19, 2016, the second evening of the Republican National Convention, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Paul Ryan said in his speech: “Real social progress is always a widening of the circle of concern and protection,” Ryan stated. “It’s respect and empathy overtaking blindness and indifference.” What’s behind the about-face?

The ACA has room for improvement, but lets not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Good health care is something all Americans should have access to no matter what their financial status is. Why invent something new when we already have a health plan in place that works well? Medicare for all! In this great country it is financially sound for America to have healthy productive people. In the end, the cost of people without insurance who go to the emergency departments when they get sick, is paid for by tax dollars in some form or another. It is much more efficient, humane and inexpensive to give all folks good health care. We are a Great Nation. Lets act like one when it comes to providing the best Health Care for all! All humans are our neighbors. Let us demonstrate Empathy for everyone and treat all as we wish to be treated.

Christine Wolfe,
Freeport

Tired of Media Being Negative Toward Trump

Where did all the decent people go who give opinions about the daily news? These reporting heads (no hearts) are like politicians, just wanting to make a name for themselves by untrue and ridiculous opinions.

President Trump is doing everything he said he would! Why are these people in the media so shocked and why do they report lies?

For example, the 90 day ban on people coming from the countries of concern, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen. This is a 2016 law that President Trump is enforcing! President Trump signed the executive order to make the law work again, as it is written! That is all! It is a law to prevent terrorists, not Muslims, from coming into the United States! Why does the media hype this up and turn it in to president Trump is banning Muslims into our country?

Former President Obama had the highest number of deportations of all the presidents in history. Why were people not outraged about this? He deported Muslims! I am sickened by the media and the liberal democrats calling this action Hitler-like! Then what would you call what Obama did? I dare say there were people who would not say anything anyway because the media accepted whatever Obama did and said, period.

I for one, am a Mainer who is sickened by all the lies and negative reporting of President Trump!

It is time to stop and give him the time to prove himself, after all we gave Obama eight years. The media preys on hard working people who only can listen to sound bites of the lies because they are too tired to delve into the truth. Please media, have some decency in your reporting. Just report the truth and stop all the lies and nonsense. After all what goes around comes around.

Martha Tetrev,
Woolwich