Kavanaugh nomination a threat to women’s health

As a 20-year-old woman, access to birth control and reproductive healthcare is imperative to my wellbeing. I strongly believe that women should be in complete control of what goes on in their body, and I feel that women should be respected in their decisions rather than being questioned or judged. In my personal experience, having access to birth control provides me with some peace of mind regarding my personal health. Because I have access to birth control, I feel reassured that I will be able to pursue my goals and complete my education without being impeded by an unintended pregnancy. That being said, it is important to recognize that birth control can be used to treat a variety of medical issues in addition to preventing pregnancy. My time as a Public Affairs Intern for the Planned Parenthood Maine Action Team has opened my eyes to the importance of reproductive healthcare, and has inspired me to fight to protect access to this type of care.

The nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court poses a significant threat to the health of women across the country. Kavanaugh has argued that employers have the right to deny their employees access to contraception on religious grounds, and has expressed his desire to restrict access to safe and legal abortion. For this reason, I urge Sen. Susan Collins to oppose Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court. His appointment would greatly limit access to affordable reproductive healthcare services such as contraception, safe and legal abortion, and more. From a personal standpoint, I cannot overstate the importance of access to reproductive healthcare and birth control for all citizens. Therefore, I’m calling on Senator Collins, a longtime supporter of Planned Parenthood, to oppose Kavanaugh’s nomination and protect reproductive and women’s rights.

Isabel Kovacs,

Bath

Trump does not understand ‘the Putins of the world’

In February of 1945 Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin met in Yalta and decided which countries defeated in World War II would be occupied by whom. Austria was to be controlled by the U.S., Britain, France, and Russia. During 1952 – 1954 I served in the U.S. Counter Intelligence Corps in Vienna, Austria. The Soviets were constantly violating the occupation agreement. There were 400 diplomatic talks held regarding this Soviet occupation by John Foster Dulles, James Byrnes, and Dean Acheson protesting violations and trying to negotiate troop withdrawals. Dulles described these talks as “tortuous.” The Soviets rebuffed our efforts for ten years. Finally, the occupation of Austria ended in 1955 when Khrushchev realized it was to Russia’s advantage to pull out of Austria and concentrate their troops in areas of rebellion in Hungary and Czechoslovakia.

Donald Trump does not understand the the Putins (KGB) of the world. He embellishes everything with adjectives and adverbs. He does not know history or the lessons that can be learned from it. He does not understand the meaning of words such as truth and lies. He is not a respectable leader. I am embarrassed that he is our president.

Ralph T. Perry,

Harpswell

Vote Tepler

I am writing in support of Denise Tepler, who has represented Topsham in Augusta for the last two sessions. I have lived in Topsham about 30 years and have known her most of that time.

This past session, she has been a member of the taxation committee. She has been fighting the battle for fairer taxes for all of us, especially as they relate to our property taxes.

I have been one of the people driving her around town while she talks to constituents about their issues. She wants to know what is on your mind and listens closely. I have heard her have long discussions on issues she is in disagreement over, but always with respect for various opinions.

When Denise knocks on your door, share your views, and after a great few minutes of really being heard, let her know she has your vote. She has mine!

Ruth Mlotek,

Topsham