Former GOP Congressman: "Maine's problems not helped by GOP "

[MaineDem]

MAINE VOICES: Stanley Tupper


Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neil, former speaker of the U.S. House, said that all politics are local. That being so, I would like to address the effect the Bush administration has had on the state of Maine. I have lived in the Pine Tree State all my life except for service in the Navy in World War II and stints of elective and appointive service.

Over the years, I have witnessed the loss of many family farms, the closing of fish processing plants, diminished fish stocks due to overfishing in the Gulf of Maine by other nations, a decline in boat building, the end of Maine's textile and leather companies and considerable loss of employment in our pulp and paper industry.

Our geography, high utility costs and cheaper labor elsewhere are principal factors in Maine's economic plight.

Now comes an excessive tax cut designed by the Bush administration, chiefly benefiting the wealthy, coupled with a reduction of assistance to states and local governments. This new federalism increases local responsibility and forces municipalities to raise property and other local taxes to fill the gap.

/snip/

From my discussion with Maine citizens, I have come to the conclusion that a majority feel that four more years of a Bush administration would have a chilling effect on the state of Maine.

http://www.pressherald.com/viewpoints/mvoice/040319bush.shtml

Thank you, Stan!

[Quetzal]

1. Will Snowe and maybe Chafee fall in line?

[Jade Fox]

2. Another sane Republican jumps ship on Dubya.....

Soooo glad to see stuff like this.

I wish Maine Senator Olmpia Snowe (R) would switch parties.
She has been attacked by the Neo-con Republicans recently,
and the Democrats would be lucky to have her.