Trump administration’s ‘gag rule’

Have you heard about and understand the proposed gag rule?

The Trump administration’s proposed gag rule is medically unethical and dangerous. The gag rule makes it illegal for doctors, nurses, hospitals, community health centers and any other provider in the Title X program to tell patients how they can safely and legally access abortion, and would impose new rules designed to make it impossible for millions of patients to get birth control and preventive care at Planned Parenthood.

We have a Planned Parenthood health center right here in our community, in Topsham. They provide high-quality care to anyone who needs it.

Whether you are seeking birth control information, cancer screenings, diabetes treatment or any other care, you need the best advice available. And you need to be able to trust that your healthcare provider is giving you all the information necessary to make the best decision for your health. The gag rule is the opposite.

This is not who we are.
Jean O’Brien Perkins,
Phippsburg

Lobstermen paying the price

Congratulations to Sen. Susan Collins who, unfortunately, proved my forecast that Congress’s inaction against Trump’s brazen challenges would end in disaster. I had no idea that Maine would be singled out for one of the first major attacks against this pompous, incompetent, and disastrous president. For more than a year, week after week, I have asked Collins and Congress to do their duty and restrain a president that is out of control. He has tested Collins every step of the way; unchallenged and without consequences as his actions become more and more dangerous. And day by day, we have paid a huge price as the Trump administration has dismantled many of the key aspects of our democracy and international relationships piece by piece.

Now Maine lobstermen and women, some of Collins’ most important constituents (and many good friends of mine), are paying a huge price that put them into a totally unnecessary crisis. They work too hard to have this unprecedented trade war from Trump put their families and livelihoods at risk. All experts warned him against this. The majority of Congress was against it. Yet, it still happened and the damage is just starting.

Does Collins truly believe that once the Chinese develop a taste for Canadian lobsters and are constantly lambasted by Trump’s infantile rhetoric, that they will return to purchasing from the United States? How could she allow this to happen?

Collins owes our entire state and, especially, these Mainers an apology and to pledge to immediately address this president’s actions. Unfortunately, it is a year too late – but better late than never. I will be eating lobster one day a week and serving it to guests to help in my own small way. I urge Collins to ask all Mainers and Americans to join in and support this historic and important Maine way of life. These are honest, courageous and proud Maine people and they deserve nothing less.

Glenn Michaels,
Brunswick

Supporting McCreight

I am proud to support Joyce “Jay” McCreight as she seeks re-election to the Maine House of Representatives. Jay is a tireless worker for Maine. She is devoted to learning about the people she represents — a person who listens, considers, and then acts on behalf of her constituents.

Jay is a champion for a healthy Maine. One of the bills Jay sponsored speaks to her acting for a healthy Maine by guaranteeing essential preventative health services at no cost-sharing or copay to the consumer. As a Maine resident who buys an individual health care policy each year, it is a relief to know that each policy sold in Maine will guarantee coverage of my essential preventative care. The negotiations for this legislation were complex as Gov. LePage objected, but by reaching out to her Republican and Democratic colleagues, Jay helped the House members vote overwhelmingly to advance this bill. The Senate did as well, so LD 1476, “An Act to Ensure Continued Coverage for Essential Health Care,” is the law in Maine. This exemplifies leadership which I am proud to support.

Thank you Jay McCreight for acting to keep Maine healthy.

Beth Eisman,
Harpswell