Remembering the Holidays and Looking Ahead to the New Year!

Well, Happy Holidays everyone. We are just a few short days past the Christmas holiday and venturing into the New Year. I'm reminded of my youth and our traditions we had as a family and of the new ones being made by my own family. Back then, as a kid I remember a stretch, it seemed anyway, that it rained on every Christmas. Maybe it didn't, but it appeared that way. I loved the Song "White Christmas" and wondered why it rained all the time. I'll still wonder. I especially remember the making of cookies with my mom and now as I have grown older, my wife and I have returned the favor with our daughter.


Now my wife and I try our hardest to give our child what she wants and of course needs. Maybe not in that order but all with good intentions. The hardest part is reminding myself that items and toys cost more these days and that not worry about if the child will be OK in going without a "big gift" this year. The point to remember is family time is just that, about family. We spent some time with my side of the family then with her side. Of course, both sides have their issues, most of it being that we are all head strong individuals and getting old and cranky. All in all, it was a great time spending it with the loved ones we do have. Old stories, making cookies, watching sports games on TV, Scrabble challenges, dart games, Ping Pong, and the ever popular guessing what is each persons present...shaking of course. The holidays is about family. I challenge each and every one of you to enjoy a holidy without family. It simply can't be done.

Looking ahead to the New Year, I have a few predictions as well as some goals.

Goals:

Now for Matt's Goals for 2008: 1. Land a large salmon on the fly rod. 2. Make some substantial gains in the stocks that I own. 3. Give my wife all the help she needs around the house (that way I can make #1 happen). 4. Teach my daughter the right way to play pitcher and 2nd Base on the softball team. and 5. fill my freezer up with wild game (ducks and deer). Yes I'm aware they are pretty large goals, but if I butter my wife up, it may just happen.

Predictions:

Now for my predictions: politically speaking of course. First, a Conservative will win the Republican nomination for President (Huh?...not a RINO) Second, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will NOT win the Democratic nomination for President. A Republican WILL win the Presidency, by a large margin, say 5-7%. Third, Republicans will REGAIN control of the House in the Maine Legislature. Fourth, The Patriots will win the Super Bowl and the Celtics will win the NBA Championship. And Five...If all those happen, I'll buy my wife a diamond necklace. Actually, I'll buy her one anyway.

Those are just a few items on my plate for the New Year. The political scene in which I love so much is so hard to get a handle on sometimes. In Maine where I live, people act conservative most of the time, but they vote liberal the other part of the time. What's funny is that they are so used to the liberal way of life, it is like that is their "conservative principle" or less change and not the traditional way of what liberals really are. Hopefully in a new year and with new people around the political scene here in Maine, things can happen in a way to move us forward, not behind and stuck with the ever growing high tax burden. I do my part in my community and I push for and support those that believe in the same principles that I do. Nonetheless, 2008 should have as much drama and excitement on many fronts as did 2007. Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.

God Bless America

Democrats pulling Religion into Campaign Trail?

For those who haven't heard, former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-Nebraska) recently apologized to Sen. Barack Obama regarding his comments on his association with the Muslim community. Additionally, Kerrey is a supporter of Hillary Clinton.

What he apologized for was this statement:

"It's probably not something that appeals to him, but I like the fact that his
name is Barack Hussein Obama, and that his father was a Muslim and that his
paternal grandmother is a Muslim," said Kerrey, a former governor and the
current president of the New School in New York City. "There's a billion people
on the planet that are Muslims, and I think that experience is a big deal."

In my eyes, I don't feel it is a big deal to even bring up religion when it deals a presidential candidate, especially when many are doing the same with Mitt Romney and his Mormanism. Is Obama embarrassed regarding his families religion? Is he ashamed of his middle name being the same as a murderous dictator such as Saddam Hussein? You have to wonder.

Another thing to think about regarding this issue is, is Camp Hillary behind any of this? Did her campaign organizers pick Kerrey to mention this only to retract it in short time, just to throw out the subtle hint of Obamas past? It's campaign season and her numbers are dropping, so this would not surprise me.

On to the context of the association, do we as Americans have a right to want to understand what Obamas relationships are regarding the Muslim community, considering who we are at war with? This is my question to Sen. Barack Hussein Obama: "What are your personal viewpoints on Islam and your churches viewpoints of other ethnic groups"?

That is all I got today.

God Bless America

Maine's 2008 local elections will not be based on War!

Last week I was discussing with a few Republican colleagues about the upcoming the potential outcome of our elections here in Maine. In our county of Somerset, we have 11 or so legislative seats along with about 6 county seats that are continuously up for grabs. In the past few elections, Republicans have represented Somerset well. Some could say that it is the rural area and conservative nature of the area. Other might add that it is the lack of strong Democratic candidates to run against our team. Regardless of the reasoning, the fact remains that we are probably the second most conservative county in Maine behind Piscatiquis. I want to be the most conservative.

Having said all that, I wonder what will the election outcome be in 2008 for our local legislators? What will be the pressing issues here in Maine, outside of the national political scene which is all focused on the presidential race. One of my colleagues, whom I admire, seems to think regardless of the issues pressing Mainers this upcoming year, the only issue on the minds of local voters will be the War in Iraq and their feelings towards President Bush. Whats puzzling about that statement is that in 2006, Mainers came out on full force for the governors race as well as for the referendums and citizens initiatives. So what was the pressing issue that got the citizens of Maine to vote in large numbers in 2006? Simply: governmental spending and borrowing. Mainers sent a message to the governor as well as across the state that they are fed up with the overspending by the government as well as the borrowing to balance the budget. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights, although failed by a slim margin, would have given the people more power or control over the governments spending and proved to be the hot topic as well as an eye opener to those in the legislature as well as the governor. Is there any reason to think at this point in time that will be any different come November of 2008? Now I'm not saying the the War will have no effect on the results here in Maine, but the overall issue regarding the local elections it will not be.

One legislator I know told me that during his last campaign in 2006, he fielded very few questions on his stance on Iraq or President Bush. Another said that he had no questions regarding the War. This was at a time when could be arguably said it was the most hottest time during the War. As of right now, shortly after the much talked about "surge" in Iraq by allied forces, the surge as been reported on by General Petreaus as well as in recent weeks by anti-war critic, Congressman Murtha, to essentially be working. Reports of lower casualties and increased captures of al Quaida enemy combatants is proof that the war is going in the right direction. Where's the good new from Maine?

I firmly believe that the spending issues here in Maine by all levels of government; state, local, county and school boards, will be the main focus on our local elections. Increased fuel costs resulting in higher heating costs as well poor roads and lack of new businesses will be key to the local races. The candidate that best describes their plan to help us get our spending down in a way the voters can understand...will win, period. I do not think that voters will say to themselves, "I hate President Bush because of this War and he's a Republican, so I'll vote Democrat". There is no correlation between the War and Augusta. Mainers have to realize that there is a difference between national politics and Maine politics. Things that happen in the Maine Legislature and in the local county or municipal offices hit us more quickly than with Washington politics. As I told someone before, I became a Republican before the War and before President Bush took office. I became a taxpaying Mainer long before that, as did many I know.

God Bless America!

Edwards will win Democratic nomination because of the "Unsaid"

OK, I know the latest polls numbers indicate that Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois) is gaining in Iowa over Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-New York) and the other candidates. Those numbers may be legitimate however, some of my questions are: 1.) Will the Democratic base feel he is experienced enough to lead the country? And 2.) Can his campaign stand up to the attacks from Camp Hillary and win the Democratic nomination? Of course these are important questions here and deserved to be answered. However, are these the real questions that Americans will ask themselves when in the voting booth? No. I am going out on a limb here and say that because of the "true" questions that will be asked by Americans in the booth, John Edwards (D-North Carolina) will win the Democratic nomination.



You all may think I'm nuts here but I have a few reasons why I think Edwards will win the Democratic nomination, and yes they begin with what I call the "unsaid" of politics. Yes I'm talking about the hot topics or the sensitive issues of gender, race and religion. These issues are very similar to the everyday life of ordinary people in America of having areas of which are uncomfortable or almost forbidden to talk about in the work place; those being politics, sex and religion. As you can tell, very similar format but different topics, yet all very equally "sensitive" issues.




Let's start with the gender area first, just because it is only fitting to start with ladies first. Having said that, you probably know where I'm going with this but allow me to entertain you for a moment. Unless we want to be completely cruel, we've all established that Hillary Clinton is the lone woman in the field of candidates and apparent front runner of the Democratic Party's nomination for president. Although an impressive history in her own right as a former First Lady with White House experience as well as an influential senator, the question remains whether those credentials be enough to assure the minds of Americans and Democrats for that matter that she is the best candidate or nominee. Will her camp full of loyalists and deep researchers be enough to sustain the lead she's built and get her the nomination? And, the "real" questions American will ask themselves; Is America ready for a female President, much less another Clinton in the White House? My answer to that is simply NO. Yes, I'm sure that sounds cruel on my end but I hold that to be "true and self evident". History tells us that when a woman is running for an office that is on the national ticket, they lose. For instance, look at Margaret Chase Smith (R), Geraldine Ferraro (D) and Pat LaMarche (G) to name a few. They all failed to either win the nomination or breakthrough as the first winner in a national election as a woman. If she does indeed win the nomination, she'll have to actually debate real men on issues of national security, War on Terror and securing our borders instead of keeping the planet green, baby killing rights for woman and Communistic / socialized health care. Given her recent past in debates, she'll likely lose on the real issues that Americans care about...that being able to protect the country with a strong defence and ensuring our Freedom.

Now that we got Hillary out of the way, let's get to Barack Hussein Obama. Yes, that is his real middle name. Just saying that name makes the hairs on the back of my neck flare up like a bad spike from the 80's. Now I mentioned the term race as another area in which Edwards will or could gain the nomination from the Democrats. Yes, race will play a part of this election, on both side of the aisle. Should it? I'm not one to say whether it should or should not play a part in this election, the fact remains, it will. Race has always seemed to play a part when a minority runs for a national office. Look at the platform on which Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton ran on...race. Now, with Obama, unlike Jackson and Sharpton, it's not the fact that he's African American that will be the issue here. To me, it's the "other" part of his race that will play a role in his nomination. I'm talking about his white side or his lack of acknowledging it in many opportunities. (Obamas father was an immigrant from Kenya and his mother was white woman from Kansas). He talks about that in his African American community people know he's Black, but do they know he's white too? (Although some would argue that he's not real African American because of his non-slavery roots) Not at his current pace. By pitting one race against the other or completely disregarding the other in fact, would surely indicate that he is running as a Black man and not biracial. That to me is the real issue with race. If your make up is of two races, acknowledge it and be proud of it. The ignoring of one over the other will not set well with the American people. Couple this with the next topic of religion, which in some ways goes hand in hand, it will be a lost cause for him to win the nomination. Keep in mind, it's not that I don't feel an African American person can win the nomination. I just don't feel that he can win it because of his stance on one race and somewhat neglecting his other race.

Now moving into the religious aspect of the essay, which also deals with Barack Obama. I mentioned earlier of Obamas father being from Kenya, well that is part of the story. The other part of it is that when Obama was a young boy, he attended a madrassa, which some feel is a suspected Muslim extremist school. I hope I do not need to get into the Muslim religion and it's numerous references of killing the Infidels in the Quran, so I won't. The point is, a United States Presidential candidate that was raised and schooled as a Muslim, and a suspected extremist version at that. Thus, putting a potential risk of National Security too close to the Nations Capital and vitals areas of our Nation. As an American I am truly fond of the Freedom of Religion insertion into the Constitution, however, when a religion such as Islam that has been known or associated with modern day terrorism, I have a problem with the closeness associated with potential presidential candidates.

The second part of Obamas religion of today is that his church, Trinity United Church of Christ, solely promotes the black race according to their principles and values, thus having the potential of racism in the White House. Are we as American that desperate for change in Washington that we are welcomed to the idea of having a black president that is willing to solely promote the the Black race due to his religion and not equal treatment for all? Would we really accept a white presidential candidate of the same principles regarding religion and race? I don't think we would in that case nor should we in this case. Through the years we have tried to bring the differences of race together but with Obamas Trinity Church of Christ, how can we really do that with a presidential candidate that knowingly promotes one race over another? Is this the change that America needs or wants? I hope not.

I'm not the most scholarly individual regarding trends in politics however I do believe that if these issues continue to come up and the poll numbers continue the way they have been lately, the candidates sitting in the wings so to speak, will have a huge shot at getting the nomination. Now I'm not for rooting Edwards to win, but face it, he hasn't been in the hot water that Hillary or Obama have been as of late. Granted, Camp Hilliary is focused on Obama with her debates, so make it clear right now that in the next debate of importance and viewing, she will take out all she can on Edwards. His numbers are getting too close to her and she would rather worry about one person instead of two or three. The whole point here is, if the trends continue, Edwards has a shot...which should benefit the Republicans a lot.

Having said all that, we must remember that in order for these differences of the candidates to be known, we must make the mainstream media accountable for the news and the real truth regarding our presidential candidates. Am I wrong for mentioning these sensitive issues? I don't think so considering what the other bloggers and pundits write. I'm only offering a difference of opinion when it comes to the issues that will mean a great deal come voting day. I do truly hope that someday race and religion do not become an issue during an election, however, as long as we are at war with extremist religious groups and have presidential candidates that promote one race over another, they will and should always be brought to the table. We Thee People need the truth and expect no less.

God Bless America!

Craig Should Resign now!

OK, so it's been a few days but, unless you've been living in a remote camp without power in the Northern Maine or have had no contact with the outside world, you've heard of the dilemma regarding Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho). He is the senator that pleaded guilty to indecent behavior in a Minnesota airport restroom a few months back. His actions not only casted a shadow over him as a person as well as the Republicans but also and more importantly, it put his family in an unwanted light.

Now, after a judge denied his request to withdraw his guilty plea, he has decided, against pleural of Republicans in Washington and across the nation, to not resign to try and clear his name. Bad move for three reasons. 1. The character damage has already been done to him. He is a fraud and a sexual deviant. 2. The Republican party needs to have him resign or risk having this be an issue in 2008. This upcoming election is about moving the party and the nation forward. It will not happen unless the GOP puts its foot down and says enough is enough. and 3. An Ethics investigation will most definitely be difficult upon him, his family as well as the Republican Party.

As I stated to begin with, the damage to his reputation has already been done. Regardless of whether the judge OKs or denies his request to pull his plea, the fact remains that he was caught with his pants down. No pun intended. He can whimper and whine about how he should not have made a plea or that he did not mean anything by his wide stance. Nonetheless, he got caught doing something only sexual deviants do.

Secondly, the Republican part and more so the party leadership in Washington should pull him aside and "politely" ask him to resign. The pain is far worse for him and the party if he stays on. This issue will most definitely be an issue come the next few months leading up to the primaries not too mention the general election in November. Dignity is something that can not be replaced by back tracking on your guilty pleas nor is it easily obtainable after an embarrassing sexual act. He'll soon find out.

Lastly here, an Ethics investigation into the happenings or actions of Sen. Craig will essentially wreak havoc upon him and his family. I know I couldn't put my family through that ordeal if I did something that disgusting or disgraceful. He owes it to his family to do what is best for them and not him. His career is over as a US Senator as well as having any future position that has any sense of importance or integrity. An investigation of these sorts will reveal his sexual actions, preferences, orientations, habits and any thing else that would shed new light on to why he would have entered that restroom in Minnesota. It is simply not a place that the results would indeed be positive. Nothing good ever comes out of an Ethics investigation, does it?

Sen. Craig, for the sake of the Republican and more importantly your family, PLEASE RESIGN NOW! You owe your family 2 things. 1. An explanation behind closed doors and 2. the love to leave them out of an unwanted media spotlight. Your character at this point is shot but you can save your family's character and dignity by doing the obvious. RESIGN!

September 11th: A Day of Reflection!

We all remember where we were and what were were doing that fateful day in mid September of 2001. Six years later, we are once again brought to the attention of it's meaning and it's impact on our lives. Today marks another a day of remembrance for us as Americans. Let us not forget what emotions we felt that day nor the feelings that we absorbed through the times ahead. Let us not forget the feelings we had on those moments following the attacks of grief, disbelief, anger, hatred and finally, something that had been missing in this wonderful Free world for a period of time, a feeling of unity with others across our country.

Picking it a part today as we did back then, we would be lying if we said we don't grieve for the loved ones lost and their families anymore. We are an emotional and sentimental group of individuals in this country and even more so when our own fall due to the hands of another. Grieving, they say, is part of the healing process. So this I ask, how long does this healing process take? Only God and yourself can truly answer that.

The disbelief came only after we realized that this was no accident. It was an attack on America and our culture of values. an attack of a way of life, not of what we did to them. As the truth about the attackers unfolded over the weeks, months and years ahead, astonishment also set in to me as well as many Americans when it was revealed that President William Jefferson Clinton, had an opportunity to take custody of Osama Bin Laden from the Saudis and refused. Knowing that the mastermind behind the September 11th attacks was in our hands at one point and this tragic event could have been avoided disappointed many Americans. Too many to be exact.

After we realized who did what and the possible reasons why, we were angry at many things. I know I was angry at the Muslim World, the media for providing excuses of why we were attacked and at the previous administration for letting Bin Laden go. It appeared to me that anger was the only emotion that really mattered or needed to be portrayed, because all else would do no good unless we defeated them. My anger was emotional and in my eyes, completely logical. Fair to sound that way you might ask? I'm not sure, what emotions did you feel when we were attacked? Helpless? Disappointed? Sickened? Anger set in about when? Not long thereafter, so yes, it is fair for me to sound like that. Remember, we were attacked and the anger I had felt was due to the notion of not being able to help my country, like so many others felt at the time.

I used the word hatred earlier, and yes it may be a strong word, however, it is an emotion that truly was felt and properly justified following the attacks. Obviously, if the terrorists had enough hatred of us on their minds to kill our fellow Americans, then it is only fitting to return the favor. Right? Let us not take this out of context. Hatred, unlike the anger felt, was due to the attackers. The anger was from not being able to do anything to prevent the attacks. The hatred felt towards the Muslim community and Middle Easterners in general at the time following the attacks was justified. If it were WWII again, where would the hatred have been applied? The Japanese, the individuals that attacked us. So, as much as it is wrong to hate, we clearly had reason at the time.

Lastly, we remember the greatest feeling at the time. Unfortunately, it came at a price. Unity was across the country accomplished, at least for a period time. True as it was, Boston Red Sox Fans love New York Fans and Democrats and Republicans joined hand in hand to make a stance against the attackers. The terrorists wanted to change America. Well it did. There were more flags flown, more ribbons pinned on, more patriotic songs written and more unity amongst Americans. Unity is a great thing, especially for a country like ours. I hope we get it back, but with out the price we paid before. The ones that perished on 9/11 would not forgive us.

Remember, we are not alone. The ones that gave their lives that day still are with us in various ways. Remember who they are. They are loved ones and strangers and neighbors and fathers and mothers and sisters and brothers and sons and daughters and aunts and uncles and more true than not, they were Americans. They still exist in our hearts, on memorials, on flags, on shirts, on granite, and on plaques. Remember this of the ones lost in New York, Washington DC and in Pennsylvania on that fateful day, they will always be Americans.

God Bless America!

Community Softball: A Cure for Political Overload?

It's 5:30pm on a Thursday evening at the softball field in Norridgewock. As the regular "jocks" and "rookies" stroll in and stretch out their limbs for the upcoming softball contest, onlookers will soon notice that the participants vary in age (18-60+), shape, size, gender, athleticism, and some with physical handicaps and some with not. Another thing that is noticed, especially if you know any of them is that many are on both sides of the political spectrum. We have some, like myself, very heavily involved in local and state partisan politics that lean a little right. We have some individuals that are firmly against President Bush and the Iraq War and some that want just want the government out of their lives. Regardless of any of their political affiliations and viewpoints regarding public policy, they all share at least two things in common this day of the week, they love the competition that softball brings and of course they love the Boston Red Sox.


On the community level, softball and sports in general, is a way to bring people of all walks of life together. It can be a way to get some much needed exercise, converse with neighbors, and feel like a team member without having to see another political news commentator, Anti-Bush commercial, answer tough questions about political insights in the world or hear how the economy is doing in Maine. The game of politics gets checked in at the gate, which gets replaced by a softball game that can get pretty competitive and at the same rate, can be as fun to watch as it is to play. Can you think of the last time when the Maine Legislature was fun to watch? I'm still thinking about that one. Nope, I can't recall. This reminds me of a famous quote that stated something along the lines as, "There are two things in this world that people should never see being made. One is sausage and the other is laws". Makes you wonder if they lived in Augusta.

So maybe our leaders in Augusta and the Maine Legislature and even locally elected officials can take a message from the great citizens in my town of Norridgewock, have fun and get your political frustrations out and play a sport. A few members on each side of the aisle getting together for a pick-up game of basketball or softball or even bowling. The lessons to be learned about each other on a non-political scale and working together as a team in a different manner could be priceless. Who knows, it may actually help them work together to accomplish the goals that need to be done in the Legislature, such as cutting spending and supporting the people of Maine.


As I close, I want to urge all communities to set up their own adult co-ed sporting event such as softball, volleyball or basketball or something else. It's purpose is not to build a power house softball team or NBA franchise. The purpose is to do a number of things such as bring the community together and enjoy each others company versus whether or not they are part of a certain political party. If differing opinions can work together to win on the field or court, you can find a way to work together to build a better community or state. So how about it Governor Baldacci, are you up for a pickup game of softball in Norridgewock? I'll even let you hit it off me, if you can hit my knuckleball.

TABOR 2 is out, Where do you stand?

Well now that we have a more up to date version of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, will the citizens of Maine decide whether or not it is right for them? As I have stated before, I supported the Taxpayer Bill of Rights publicly as a Selectman for Norridgewock. At the municipal level and the state level, I looked at it as a way to give the voters a voice about their taxes. The newer version simply does that as well with a few exceptions. As for me and whether or not I will support it again, I WILL as long as it gives the voters of Maine a way to say "NO" to increasing government spending (and it does) and it has to include a way allow the "majority" of voters a way to win as well. The issue with the previous version would have forced a two thirds majority vote at the town council/town meting AND voter approval at the next election. At that rate, a two thirds vote at the town meeting would seem unlikely if there are any major issues with items in the budget. Nonetheless, this version does "reward" so to speak, the majority.



Here is another link to an article about it as well: http://waldo.villagesoup.com/Government/story.cfm?storyID=98576



All I ask is to give this a chance and talk with the major players that will be endorsing this proposal, as I will be one. The Maine Heritage Policy Center, which drafted this version of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights 2, is a good organization with loads of economically and fiscal experience in dealing with the numbers on all levels of state government. Bill Becker, the President and Chief Executive Officer of MHPC is a person whom I've had the pleasure and opportunity to deal with on a few occasions regarding fiscally conservative ideas at the county level as well as the first Taxpayer Bill of Rights. For more information on the Maine Heritage Policy Center, who drafted the lasted version of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, go to www.mainepolicy.org

When I think of the line "Taxpayer Bill of Rights", the first words that come to my head are: "We The People....". Remember, this proposal is about us, the Maine Taxpayer. It gives us a voice in our government for the sole purpose of keeping the elected officials in check. Every two years we are asked to give individuals a chance to make a difference in Augusta and every two years we get disappointed. This time we are asking you to be a part of a team that will give your voice a chance at all levels of government. Remember how many times you have gone to the voting booth and read a question something like: "Do you favor a bond package worth...." You do have the right to say NO to them. It's true, that will not increase your debt if you say NO to a bond package. Why do you ask? The state pays back the bonds and who is the STATE? We are. Having said that, use your voice to be heard at all levels of government. If you follow the opposition of this proposal, you will soon discover the reason they are against it, they are funded by taxpayer money. They do not want their funding determined by the average voter. Groups like the MMA, MEA and Maine State Chambers of Commerce all get their funding from the taxpayer. And, they will vote against you so they can secure their funding. They do not want you to have a voice in budget spending. Now you have the nuts and bolts of what is at stake here. Do you want a say where your money goes or do you want the same high taxes we have experienced for the last 30 plus years? You decide. I know what I'm going to do.

What can we learn from a State Fair in Maine?

The past few days I have had the opportunity to work at the Skowhegan State Fair at the Somerset County Republican Booth. Ironically, the location of that booth couldn't be more fitting, Constitution Hall. Walking around that building you are able to see a variety of vender's from cosmetic retail with Avon and Mary Kay sales to ice cream with The Ice Cream Shoppe to outdoor power equipment with Skowhegan's own Whittemore and Sons. All the vender's all share one thing in common here, Capitalism. Yes, these hardworking individuals take time out of their normal busy schedules and normal routines in order to try and gain some extra leads or business. I talked with a few and some are not even getting paid or are taking vacation time in order to take a chance an opportunity that a State Fair can give. To me, they are owed a great deal of respect for doing what they have to do to make a living here in the tax burdened State of Maine.


As I stated earlier, the building we are located in is called Constitution Hall. How fitting isn't it?When I think of the Constitution, I think of our Founding Fathers, who, through hot summer days and countless heated debates in 1787, drafted (along with plenty of other "drafts" at local taverns at nights) the most important piece of literature in our American History next to the Declaration of Independence. Shortly after the final draft was completed, three very knowledgeable and influential statesman, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay started their own editorials named The Federalist Papers under the pseudonym "Publius", all to gain support from the people for this great piece of craftsmanship known as the Constitution. Before I go any further, I will mention or quote from The Federalist quite frequently due to the notion that it will bring us back to our roots of our country. If we can look at what our Founding Fathers went through, maybe we can see the light in order to get through our rough times we are having in our own State of Maine. They had very little history to go off from but countered that with a great deal of wisdom, intellect and freewill. In our situation, we have probably too much history with regards to the amount of statues we have in Maine that have put limitations on our business owners, citizens and workers. Additionally, history has provided us some negatives as well such as all the political action groups lobbying on behalf of "this" organization or "that" group of individuals as well as all the "rights" that have been infringed upon that caused a substantial payouts of "damages".


Digressing back to the fair for a moment, I observed another item while walking around the various stands and exhibits with my daughter one evening (while enjoying a doughboy of course). That observation was the simplicity that exists amongst children and young animals. What I'm referring to is when the young's parental figure or figures are around, such as with my daughter or with a young duckling, they are at ease and have no worries in the world. Children usually have no fear around their parents while walking around big crowds as well as animals feeling safe when hundreds of spectators are constantly touching them and taking pictures. They feel safe knowing that their parent will provide them the necessities that are needed in case it gets out of hand. Now, that brings me to the relationship between the Maine Taxpayer and the State Legislature. Obviously that simplicity is lost. Who is the parental figure in this case? Is it the Maine Legislature? I mean, they are the governing body right? Unfortunately, I don't know about you but I get "frightened" when they come around (or go in Session). I have two questions that I feel need to be asked about the Legislature. 1). Do they provide the essential necessities that encourage healthy growth and expansion amongst the "young" (Taxpayers, municipalities, and businesses) here in Maine? 2). Do the term limits created by the Legislature provide for a "healthy' turnover of personnel that aides in giving a fresh start to the Maine Taxpayer? I suppose you look no further than the figure next to your "State tax withheld" portion of your paycheck for that answer as well as your W-2's. Let's hope that the next version of the Legislature that gets voted in 2008 provides for those two items I addressed.

Lastly, stop by your local agricultural fair such as in my neck of the woods of Skowhegan, or Windsor, Fryberg or wherever there are hardworking farmers, sole proprietors and other fair related business owners. Agricultural fairs are a great family event and are some of the longest running events (I believe Skowhegan's is the longest running fair in the country at 188 years) in the country that provide for a real backbone of what our country started out on: hard work, determination and a love for this great country.

As always, God Bless America.





Matt Schaeffer

Will there be another People's Initiative for a Taxpayer Bill of Rights?

We all remember last year when the The "General", Mary Adams and her army of volunteers almost pulled off a decisive victory for the taxpayer. I'm talking about the Taxpayer Bill of Rights or known as TABOR by the opposition (MMA, MEA, Me St. Chamber of Commerce and a few legislators). We heard all the stories from those opposing organizations on how it would hurt local communities and that "essential" services would be lost. Was it true? We do not know for sure the immediate or indirect impact, bad or good it would have had on our communities. All I know is that those organizations, and I'll state them again: MMA, MEA and Maine State Chambers of Commerce; all pushed hard to lobby AGAINST the TAXPAYER. That also includes the legislators that opposed it.

Let's put this in perspective here for a moment. The MMA, aka Maine Municipal Association, MEA aka Maine Educational Association, and the Maine State Chambers of Commerce all get their funds from.....the TAXPAYER. Yes, I said the TAXPAYER. To be more specific, the MAINE TAXPAYER. That is right, money that you pay in property taxes and income taxes gets sent to those organizations, in which was used to lobby against you, the taxpayer. So does that tell you who was against the taxpayer having a voice in where the tax money should go? So the next time you are at the polls and ready to vote to approve a budget or educational item, remember, it was those organizations that help derail your voice. It was those organizations that helped defeat all the hard work, time, and effort you spent in trying to have your voice be heard.

Now to the question of the day. Will there be another People Initiative for a Taxpayer Bill of Rights? For me personally, I hope so. I in fact helped Mary Adams and spoke for her as a municipally elected official that was in favor of limiting government spending. I'm sure I will still fight for that cause and speak on behalf of others such as Mary Adams. With the high tax burden that Maine has, one way to ensure our taxes do not get out of control is for us as citizens to have a voice. One of the best instruments in giving us a voice was the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Yes it is true, maybe the last version had a few flaws but when you consider the flaws that the Maine State Legislature has had over the past 30 plus years, it is no wonder our tax burden is so high.

I will close with the following opening line from Federalist papers No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton, aka Publius:

"After Full Experience of the insufficiency of the existing federal government, you are invited to deliberate upon a New Constitution for the United States of America" (Publius, No#1, 1787)

It is true that this passage states the federal government, however, as the first line insinuates, "insufficiency of the "existing...government". To me, that is key to our situation of today. Maine's government has been insufficient with regards at looking at the taxpayer as an equal member of what I call the "Holy Tax-Trinity". This consists of Legislature, county/local municipal government and the Taxpayer. I believe it is time for us to call upon our governmental leaders in the Maine Legislature to ensure our freedoms are not burdened by their opportunity to tax. Together we can ensure that governmental spending is curbed to only necessities that Mainers require.

Matt Schaeffer, 2007

What limits should there be regarding sex offenders?

This past year or so, there have been plenty of discussions in the talk radio shows here in Maine, Maine Legislature and other online forums regarding sex offenders. One of the may topics is how close registered sex offenders should be allowed to live near schools and daycare centers. Obviously the issue comes with with many pros and cons. For some, such as the offenders themselves and members of the civil rights organizations such as the ACLU feel that any limitation on these individuals infringes on their rights. However, in the local communities as well as concerned parents and citizens, it is felt with much emotion that we need to do whatever we can to protect our youth from any issue that may cause a grotesque and immoral issue.

I for one have pushed for an ordnance in the Town of Norridgewock that does indeed limit how close these offenders may reside from our schools. For one, in a year or so, our town is welcoming children from the towns of Mercer and Smithfield in a school consolidation effort. It is my belief that we owe it to our neighbors in a great deal of gratitude that we protect ALL school children here in town from any unforeseen situation that puts a child in danger. I would like to see a 2500 ft or 1/2 mile radius limit on these registered sex offenders. I know for a fact that we have a registered sex offender living with in a few hundred yards of a school bus stop. To me that is unacceptable as a community.

Additionally, I want to see and have encouraged the Recreation Department to perform criminal background checks on ALL volunteer coaches for baseball, softball, basketball and soccer. To me, this makes sense. Some on the Rec Board feel that it may cost a few dollar$, to which I replied "I would rather pay some money to be sure than to find out the hard way and have that on our conscience."

As I close here, I want to remind everyone that I am all for justice and doing your debt to society if the situation occurs in which a person broke the law. The issue comes when we as a society decides not to or does not have the resources to monitor the offender. As much as I hate government interference, maybe it is time for the Legislature to enact a bill that does indeed protect the youth and children from any situation that could cause harm regarding a sex offender. I believe every town should have some local ordnance regarding these types of issues. I will close by stating that it is us that must protect our children and us that must keep people in check. We must ensure our the protection of our children by looking at the trends that have taken place and one of those trends is where those offenders live. Keep fighting for what is RIGHT with America. God Bless this great land.

Welcome to Matt's Blog

Hello, the main purpose of this blog is to inform viewers, voters, and the general public of my view points on various issues that may come up with regards to Mainers or my local community of Norridgewock or of Somerset County. I hope you find these discussions enlightening and informative. Remember, God gave us a voice but our Founding Fathers and our Constitution allows us to use it for the good of all.

God Bless America

Matt Schaeffer