Maine news, sports, weather | Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Vote for LePage would keep young talent home
This is in response to Michael Hawkins' July 19 letter. I hope to alleviate his fear that voting for Paul LePage will cause irreparable harm to science.
Next month, LePage's daughter Lauren, will graduate from Florida State University with a degree in biology and chemistry. I can attest that Paul never discouraged her from seeking her dream, just as he would never discourage any Maine student.
During her scholastic career Paul offered guidance, support and enthusiasm; he is one proud parent of Lauren's achievements and science awards.
It is obvious the writer is passionate about the sciences paralleling Paul's passion about creating new opportunities for every Mainer. Maine is lucky to have both offering their views and concerns.
However, I believe a vote for LePage is the first step towards keeping talented young people in Maine with their families and their dreams.
Allan L. Rancourt
Waterville
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44 COMMENTS
ThistleDew said...
Nice letter Allan. I too chuckled at Mr. Hawkins' concern for the future of science in relation to a vote for Paul LePage. It appeared to me as a "scraping of the barrel" by our liberal friends to cast a little doubt on the undecided. Congratulations too to Lauren! I can certainly understand why Paul is a very proud parent. PAUL LEPAGE for Governor !!
July 24, 2010 at 6:31 AM Report abuse
Divinity said...
Not quite ready for beta testing yet, eh?
July 24, 2010 at 6:34 AM Report abuse
NoSpin said...
Excellent letter. Indeed Paul LePage is the man who can turn our state into a state of economic opportunity. If you want JOBS, JOBS, JOBS, vote for Paul LePage. However, if you are satisfied with the economic quagmire that Libby/Baldacci have created, then vote for Libby. It's that simple. The libs are OK with teaching the theory of global warming and the theory of evolution as a fact in our schools. It's called "Liberal Indoctrination 101." However, they are afraid of introducing opposing scientific viewpoints, like intelligent design. They are afraid their liberal viewpoint would be questioned and proven wrong. For sciences to be truly objective and accurate, we need to introduce varying viewpoints, not just the views from the left. LePage 2010
July 24, 2010 at 6:54 AM Report abuse
Divinity said...
NoSpin said..."... opposing scientific viewpoints, like intelligent design. For sciences to be truly objective and accurate, we need to introduce varying viewpoints, not just the views from the left." _________________________________________________________________________________ I am afraid that NoSpin and Paul are on the same LePage here. I D is not a scientific viewpoint and science is not "left" or "right" - such attitudes and ignorance will guarantee the continued exodus of our best and brightest youth. Even a party school like Florida State in a pit like Tallahassee looks better than what we can expect under the leadership of NoSpin's crowd.
July 24, 2010 at 7:16 AM Report abuse
Divinity said...
While FSU only receives a B in student rankings for Academics and a C for its Drug Scene, it does get As for both Greek Life and Nightlife. "The social at (FSU) include very hard partying. Many students at my school can be seen out partying every single day of the week," says a recent grad. Another adds, "Florida State University is nothing but a swarm of unmotivated, drunken, sloppy idiots..both IN and out of the classroom. If you're looking to get out of high school, DON'T come to FSU. Greek life may seem appealing, but the reality behind the facade is a bunch of egotistical a$__0les with excessively gelled hair and narcissistic b1_ches always snorting coke to keep a good body image, a body image that is more important to them than their actual studies and future. I've met hundreds of people, but none of who can keep up with an intellectual conversation." Tallahassee does make Waterville look good; one way to keep them in Maine.
July 24, 2010 at 7:19 AM Report abuse
cjcscuba1984 said...
No Spin: Evolution and global warming are not liberal indoctrination. You might want to research both topics in academic peer-reviewed journals instead of relying solely on Fox New, O'Reilly, Mr. Beck, etc. Many conservatives (including religious folks) believe in both. Creationism has yet to produce any peer-reviewed articles--anthropogenic climate change denialism has not produced anything significant either. Both of these issues deal with something called science. Evolution and anthropogenic climate change have been politicized by those on the far right and religious fundamentalists. Many conservatives and liberals are accepting of these scientific concepts. However, I agree that LePage's view on evolution is a very poor reason not to vote for him. I find it ironic though that his daughter went out of state to go to college. I wonder if she shall return? Not that it's anyone's business, but LePage wishes to keep more younglings in Maine. I wonder if his daughter will do so?
July 24, 2010 at 7:22 AM Report abuse
NoSpin said...
cjcscuba1984 said..., "However, I agree that LePage's view on evolution is a very poor reason not to vote for him." You are correct with this assessment and I couldn't agree with you more. With all our current economic and budget problems, why are we talking about evolution? Let's start focusing on the real issues like jobs and economic growth. Libby/Baldacci had their chance, now it's time for a "Change." If you want to bring Maine back from the brink, then LePage is your man. He has done a fantastic job as Mayor of Waterville and has done equally well managing Marden's. For me, it's about the real issues and let's put this evolution stuff on the back burner.
July 24, 2010 at 8:21 AM Report abuse
mdenis46 said...
Why do conservatives complain about the evils of "liberal indoctrination"? What they REALLY mean is that conservative indoctrination is good, liberal is bad. Either way, I'd want my kids TAUGHT not indoctrinated. And teaching means offering BOTH arguments equally. The only issue I have with IDs that it's NOT science-based, so it should not be compared with science. If you want to see the ultimate in religious science, check out the "Creation Museum" just north of where I live. Bible-based, it negates virtually every scientific discovery or advance of the past 500 years -- and people flock there by the thousands!
July 24, 2010 at 8:52 AM Report abuse
Divinity said...
cjcscuba1984 said..." I agree that LePage's view on evolution is a very poor reason not to vote for him." ____________________________________________________________________ Correlate the view that creationism should be taught in schools with the views that civil unions should not include LGBT couples and that "lazy welfare bums" are a major economic drain and that "I don't do well with surprises" and with an aversion to alternatives or studies and a quickness to anger when his opinions are not accepted as givens - you have the personality profile for someone unfit to serve in a leadership role, especially an office like Governor. Paul simply does not have the intelligence, the education, the experience, or the social and negotiating skills needed to govern.
July 24, 2010 at 9:00 AM Report abuse
freshwater said...
Divinity- FSU is significantly better than UMaine.
July 24, 2010 at 9:08 AM Report abuse
spore said...
Let's stick with the issues, corruption, waste, and fraud in government and stifling liberty oppressing legislation that kills state growth and financial balance sheets. Is the future of science a sex-crazed poodle playing ''the sea is rising, we're all gonna die, it's all YOUR fault YOU dirty greasy humans, give me your wallets'' flute at his beachhouse? Is that the future of science, a Havard grad who, ''fell in love with scientific and mathematical theories, he did not do well in science classes in college, and avoided taking math. His grades during his first two years put him in the lower one-fifth of the class. During his sophomore year, he reportedly spent much of his time watching tv, shooting pool, and occasionally smoking marijuana. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Gore)'' Al Gore, Mr. Hawkins ''future of science'' should be wearing an orange jump suit in prison for life, devising his next moves to avoid the daily wooing of cell-mates.
July 24, 2010 at 9:34 AM Report abuse
Divinity said...
freshwater said..."Divinity- FSU is significantly better than UMaine." ________________________________________________________________________ UMO ranks 518th of 2,000 ranked colleges and universities. FSU places 210th. Husson comes in at 1,723 of 2,000, just ahead of The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, Florida Christian College Inc, and Oxnard. http://www.stateuniversity.com/rank/score_rank/18#1723
July 24, 2010 at 10:02 AM Report abuse
bastaa said...
Allan: Our young talent will not be so educated after school funding is eliminated under LePage. Our "talented" youth will leave faster in lieu of Conservative job ideas that pay low wages and worthless benefits. Worker's rights will die.
July 24, 2010 at 10:21 AM Report abuse
Divinity said...
La Le pop is proud that he can now afford more than Florida Christian College for his little girl. FSU has its own tanning booths on campus. One of the chemistry department professors is quoted as saying to students that it his job to "keep you out of medical school."
July 24, 2010 at 10:32 AM Report abuse
wollydevil said...
How can you keep talent here in Maine when they work for citys, towns, or state goverment when all you want to pay them is minimum wages an no benefits or make them pay 100% of there benefits. Thats why young people go out or state to get more money an better benefits.
July 24, 2010 at 11:54 AM Report abuse
JoeSixpacker said...
Divinity - Some classic Saul Alinski tactics you employ. Go after the reputation of the school Paul's daughter attended. Make sure you add a little sarcasm and ridicule while you're at it. Make sure you completely distract and deflect the arguement and belittle any opposing viewpoint, OK? One minor criticism of your attack, if I may? You forgot to call him a racist. That ALWAYS works.
July 24, 2010 at 1:14 PM Report abuse
Divinity said...
JoeSixpacker said..."Divinity - Some classic Saul Alinski tactics you employ." ___________________________________________________________________ Who dat?
July 24, 2010 at 1:29 PM Report abuse
TheLeRue said...
What an anti-rational letter on the face of it. It's 99% fantasy and 1% ignorance of how government works.
July 24, 2010 at 4:15 PM Report abuse
Zml0enVr said...
Apparently the LePigNuts here think they can get Mr. Happy Hour elected through a letter writing campaign. No surprise given it makes about as much sense as nominating such an unqualified buffoon for Governor.
July 24, 2010 at 4:28 PM Report abuse
Zml0enVr said...
JoeSix, Saul Alinski? Are you kidding? This is another shadowy figure the Glenn Beck made up in his romper room to keep wingnuts enthralled. Honestly, when I read stupidity like conspiracy theroies offered by the likes of Glenn Beck being parroted by buffoons online, it really points to the fact that Republicans are truly children. Children shouldn't hold power of any kind. We've seen what happens when children like George W. Bush gain power. Hopefully, there aren't enough adult wingnut children in Maine to electe a a feeb like Happy Hour LePig.
July 24, 2010 at 4:32 PM Report abuse
TheLeRue said...
NoSpin (nothing but), You wrote: If you want to bring Maine back from the brink, then LePage is your man RESPONSE OF A RATIONAL PERSON: Back from the brink? Of what, everything that Bush and Republicans did to Maine? How about the wonderful tax cuts that Bush and Republicans gave to Hathaway to destroy jobs in Waterville to ship them overseas for slave wages? And at what benefit? Back from the brink means ensuring that REPUBLICANS who almost brought America into another Great Depression aren't allowed to complete the job! Republican: Ignorant. Angry. Worthless.
July 24, 2010 at 4:37 PM Report abuse
TheLeRue said...
LePigNuts? No thanks, Maine needs something other than gas.
July 24, 2010 at 4:46 PM Report abuse
Equals said...
none of the candidates can fix this problem right now. Until the national economy improves, Maine won't entice anymore good/big paying companies to come here.
July 24, 2010 at 6:33 PM Report abuse
JoeSixpacker said...
Zml0enVr - I see you've changed your name but not your tatics. Saul Alinski is as real as you and I and you know his Rules for Radicals is required reading for not only the lefties in the White House but all the fair-minded, cheritable, loving and inclusive liberals who add nothing of meaning or substance to these discussions. You have only hate for the right and turn a blind, adoring eye to the left who are doing the same, exact things. You no issues you can promote. You have no ideas the American people want and you have no hope in November. Now, it's time to put my children to sleep. Nighty-night.
July 24, 2010 at 7:07 PM Report abuse
TheLeRue said...
Joe, Do you check for the bogeyman under your bed before going to sleep? Don't bother, we know the answer.
July 24, 2010 at 7:55 PM Report abuse
TheLeRue said...
Joe ... you're being used by the far right and sad thing is you don't even know that THEY are the ones with a playbook, not Democrats: This is the Republican playbook for the 2010 midterm elections. It is virtually identical to the one they used in 1994 to retake Congress and hamstring a reformer president. This playbook consists of 5 distinct steps: Step 1: Avoid Responsibility for GOP Failures Step 2: Increase Negativity Step 3: “Throw the Bums Out!” Step 4: Make Formal Pledge of Grandiose Promises Step 5: Retake Congress Background Reagan and Bush had created a devastating legacy following their landslide victory and the conservative paradigm shift away from the liberal policies in 1980. The incarceration rate was skyrocketing, partially due to the attacks on marijuana use. “If you let me write $200 billion worth of hot checks every year, I could give you an illusion of prosperity, too” -Lloyd Bentsen
July 24, 2010 at 7:58 PM Report abuse
revelation said...
Equals said... none of the candidates can fix this problem right now. Until the national economy improves, Maine won't entice anymore good/big paying companies to come here ----------------------- Equals if the economy is to improve it has to start someplace. Why can't it start here in Maine? It can and the rest of the nation can follow suit. There's a saying that goes As goes Maine so goes the nation. If we elect a governor who clearly turns things around in this state we could set the example. It won't be overnight but it could start turning around in his first tenure as governor. ---------------- I'm sorry. Not to beat a dead horse but to rationally think about it which is better, expanding the size and scope of government or expanding the size and scope of business in Maine and the nation? To expand the size of government it has to get paid for somehow. Where does the money come from if not increased business? Give LePage a try.
July 24, 2010 at 7:59 PM Report abuse
TheLeRue said...
Step 1: Avoid Responsibility for GOP Failures In 1992, the public was very disenfranchised with what the Republicans who controlled the increasingly powerful executive branch were doing with the country. They first key to changing things around was simple: sidestep blame for what had happened during any of the last 12 years. They proclaimed that what had happened was not due to GOP policy. It wasn’t their fault. Following the disastrous results of the Bush regime and Republican dominated Congress in the last decade, they have repeated these claims, this time with a new twist. Republican operatives began hiding behind the libertarian banner and took over the fledgling Tea party movement with the message: lower taxes and less government. Their claim was that Bush and the Republicans in the past were never really ‘true’ conservatives in the first place, so once again, it was not really their fault.
July 24, 2010 at 8:00 PM Report abuse
TheLeRue said...
Republican 2010 Playbook continued Step 2: Increase Negativity The next step in the Republican playbook was to increase the negativity. Through bitterly partisan politics and an obstructionist philosophy, they sought to stop any potential changes through any means necessary. This had the effect of both hampering legislation, but more importantly it generated a serious downturn on the publics perception of congress, whose approval ratings plummeted. As back then, this step will be where they devote the majority of their effort in 2010. As we saw in 2009, there was a record number of filibusters, absurd accusations, delayed confirmations, and a genuine playbook of obstruction. The right wing media has gone off the deep end. They have been attacking with increasing ferocity and intensity, regardless of the truth behind their attacks (death panels, FEMA camps, birthers, etc.).
July 24, 2010 at 8:01 PM Report abuse
TheLeRue said...
Give LePig a try? Only if you like pork, don't mind wallowing in the muck, and aren't hungry. Oink.
July 24, 2010 at 8:03 PM Report abuse
Cheles1 said...
LeRue, Were you Valdez Greene yesterday?
July 24, 2010 at 8:25 PM Report abuse
revelation said...
TheLeRue said... Give LePig a try? Only if you like pork --------------------- Isn't pork the thing both parties are guilty of? Obama's administration is over the top with adding pork to its legislation. So don't try to give it a republican label, both parties continue to revel in it. Why do you continue to make yourself look childish with all this name calling? Ir'a not amusing and just makes you look like a nasty individual who has anger management issues. Lepig is probably a better acronym for LeRue with all the garbage you wallow in continually. You can be against republicans without all the adolescent labelling or are you just hopelessly stuck in the Alinsky mindset? By the way the Alinsky model really doesn't work nowadays, just makes you look foolish.
July 24, 2010 at 8:43 PM Report abuse
TheLeRue said...
Rev, The thing is that for Democrats, "pork" amounts to economic boots like building roads, schools, hospitals, and putting money into the sciences and education. However, for Republicans "pork" amounts to tax cuts for the wealthy that not only harm America's once vibrant industrial base and do nothing for the economy, but strip the middle class of even more middle class jobs. Republicans are a cancer upon this country, they even traded smart bomb technology to communist China in exchange for not having to mine a particular ore in the U.S. Some cost savings. That's the bankrupt anti-logic that LePig represents.
July 24, 2010 at 8:49 PM Report abuse
revelation said...
I don't care for what the dims or the repubs have done with this country for the past forty or so years. I wish there was a viable third party. I am not for LePage because he is a republican. I am for LePage because I think he can help with a better business climate in this state than the other candidates. Who will do it for you, Libby? Cutler? Cutler doesn't have anywhere near the numbers to pull this off. So it's between Libby and LePage for anyone who has a real chance at winning. Libby has had the last 30 years in legislature to show us something worthwhile and she really hasn't.
July 24, 2010 at 10:11 PM Report abuse
Divinity said...
How are you going to keep them down after they've seen Tallahassee?
July 25, 2010 at 5:35 AM Report abuse
AKMaineiac said...
Divinity said... JoeSixpacker said..."Divinity - Some classic Saul Alinski tactics you employ." _____Who dat? *** The tactics of Alinsky have become so part and parcel within the Left Wing, some of them apparently don't even know who he is anymore, but they run by his playbook anyway. Of course, there is always the possibility they're not being truthful, as he made it clear that was not a problem so long as it served the purpose.
July 25, 2010 at 10:30 AM Report abuse
TheLeRue said...
AK, With your Brave Glenn Beck ramblings, you've long since branded yourself as a wingnut so far removed from reality as to actually be living within a bubble. Oh how the world is your oyster if you just close your eyes and click your heels ... I know I can ... Dick Cheney ... We're not in Kansas anymore Sister Sarah!
July 25, 2010 at 11:20 AM Report abuse
Equals said...
The reason it won't start here is you're right, the business climate is not one to bring them in. Do you think the current legislature is going to change that? Waterville is one thing, and I didn't see any big businesses knocking on their door recently. I mean T-Mobile wen to Oakland. It's that the political environment, both nationally and locally, is so heated that we are never going to get anything done. Until each side listens to the other and they agree to compromise. Til then, economic prosperity is a ways off..
July 25, 2010 at 5:16 PM Report abuse
Patriotinme said...
Matthew 5:39 says "But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." So we who believe will do our best as we are commanded to do, and show grace to those who do not believe and live by a different creed. Let their own actions and words speak for themselves. Best wishes Paul in your campaign, congrats to Mr Rancourt on his peice here.
July 25, 2010 at 6:08 PM Report abuse
TheLeRue said...
Patriot, There is no "holy" in the Republican party. In fact, evil wraps itself in "patriotism" and the "flag," while handing as much pilfered property to the "ruling class" as possible. Funny you didn't mention the bit about a rich man entering heaven. Well, as Alan Grayson said in Congress the other day about Republicans seeking to block the extension of unemployment benefits while giving ZERO taxes to billionaires, "May God have mercy on your soul." If you're so "religions" guy, try thinking praying and asking how in the world you could think that the Republican party is anything but a total, complete peversion of the Gospel. May God have mercy on YOUR soul.
July 25, 2010 at 7:17 PM Report abuse
napper said...
Paul's friend Allan defending Paul, how nice! Except his response had nothing to do with the original arguement. More hot air from the empty LePage Train.
July 26, 2010 at 12:35 PM Report abuse
gotabor said...
100 days and counting libs....your days are numbered. ha ha hahahahahahahahahahaha!!
July 26, 2010 at 6:13 PM Report abuse
huckfnn said...
All of these letters seem to be more of the "wag the dog" rhetoric. Where are the meat and taters of each candidates stances? Only one candidate stands out .... Eliot Cutler. He is clear and concise, and he is already getting the ball rolling ( his accepted invitation by the Chinese delegation to explore Maine's exports). This nation is being torn apart by the left and rigth parties. It is time to get the work done by voting Independent.
July 28, 2010 at 2:17 PM Report abuse
spore said...
I'm voting for Paul LePage. Sick of lawyers, sick or arrogance, sick of double-speak and evasion.
July 28, 2010 at 8:59 PM Report abuse