In just over a week, Maine's Open Water Fishing Season for 2008 will begin. If you are an avid fisherman like myself, you understand what the fresh air and cool water can bring to a person that has been cooped inside all winter, than you are ready to tackle the elements and head fishing. What also is important to many anglers is to try and share those outdoor moments with someone by bringing with a child along. It is one way we can pass on the heritage of the great outdoors to future generations of outdoor conservationists.
I have taken my daughter Vanessa fishing on or near the Opening Day for the last few years. It is something that I truly enjoy, maybe not so much the fishing part but the spending time with her showing her the Great Outdoors of Maine and buying hot dogs, candy bars and soda at the local stores that rely so much on the sportsmen in the area. I like to go to the small family run stores that have a sign out front that says "Welcome Fisherman". This to me, means that they understand the importance that we sportsmen have on our local economy.
Going back to why it is good to take kids fishing, or hunting for that matter. The outdoor lessons taught by adults, whether a parent, uncle, aunt or family friend to our children is the last link of pure heritage and tradition with the outdoors. In today's world, the educational elites and union mentality believe that they are the best source for educating our children on the environmental impacts that man has had on the earth. Additionally, they find it suits their interests best by indicating that the natural taking of wild game and fish is morally wrong and unjustified. However, those individuals that push those environmental viewpoints seem to forget our wonderful history in the United States. I'm talking about how early Americans had to survive by killing their own food, growing their own vegetables and doing whatever it took to survive. They practiced sustainable farming and only took what wild game they needed to survive. They knew that hunting provided the necessary tools that was needed in order to make it through another harsh winter. Fishing at the same point provided some of the same type of satisfaction knowing that an abundance of healthy fish was within their reaches.
Just remember, if you are going to go fishing in Maine and other states, know your fishing laws. There are some new changes to Maine's Open Water Fishing Laws. Also, know where you are going and be sure to tell someone where you are going. Additionally, if you want more information on taking kids fishing and being involved, visit the Hooked on Fishing - Not Drugs website through the State of Maine. It doesn't take much to bring a child to the outdoors, just a desire to pass on tradition and be involved.
God Bless America!
Showing posts with label Maine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maine. Show all posts
Friday, March 21, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Time for Real Change in Maine!
As much as I hate to say it, Barack Obama is right about one thing, "It's time for real change". At least here in Maine that change has been needed for a long time. It's been well over 30 years here in Maine since Republicans have controlled both houses in Augusta or at least had a legitimate say in what policies come forth. Over the years since, we have continuously seen legislation that has hurt the Maine taxpayer (I.e increases in hunting, fishing, boating, and recreational registration licenses) , small businesses (workers compenstion laws, healthcare costs and business equipment tax) and the overall economy. We have seen the most stringent environmental and workers compensation laws that have literally bankrupted companies or forced them to move out of state (Solon Manufacturing and Dexter Shoe to name a few). We have seen healthcare companies dwindle down in size and force an suspective monopoly upon the wokers in Maine with Dirigo. We must issue a change in Maine that will help sustain the future and not inhibit growth of our state. That change must start in Augusta this year by electing strong fiscally conservative candidates to the Legislature.
Since he has taken office, Governor Baldacci and his administration have not held their bargin of lowering the tax burden on the local economies. For instance, the school consolodation bill does the reverse to those municipalities that can not comply with the current legislation that was passed last year. What should have occurred was instead of penalizing those communities for not adhering to the Governors proposal of consolodation, there should have been funding incentives for those districts that did show a fiscal savings with consolidation. This administration took the bad cop approach and forced districts to comply or their funding would decrease, thus putting more of a tax burden on those communities.
That is just one area where Governor Baldacci and his administration has failed the citizens of Maine. The list goes on and on with jail consolidation, increased fees in outdoor licenses, not suspending the gas tax for a period of time as to provide relief to citizens and so on. The point of the matter is that as long as this administration keeps looking at ways to build tax revenue from its taxpayers, the more it hurts the citizens and the overall well being of the state.
At this point I am asking all citizens in the State of Maine to look past the national elections, the Presidential "Hoopla", the War on Terror, and all the other activities outside of the area to focus on what is going on right here at home. We must remember that what happens in Augusta with our local law makers impacts us more directly and more quickly that what happens in Washington D.C. The only way for Maine to get back on track now is to take control of government and not let it take control of us, like it has done for so many years. We must hold the playmakers in Augusta accountable and tell them that we have had enough of the spending and penalizing of the working families of Maine. We must elect fiscally conservative and responsible people to Augusta. This is the only way that the Maine citizens best interests will be looked after. Please support your local candidates that support you. The time is now.
God Bless America and Maine!
Since he has taken office, Governor Baldacci and his administration have not held their bargin of lowering the tax burden on the local economies. For instance, the school consolodation bill does the reverse to those municipalities that can not comply with the current legislation that was passed last year. What should have occurred was instead of penalizing those communities for not adhering to the Governors proposal of consolodation, there should have been funding incentives for those districts that did show a fiscal savings with consolidation. This administration took the bad cop approach and forced districts to comply or their funding would decrease, thus putting more of a tax burden on those communities.
That is just one area where Governor Baldacci and his administration has failed the citizens of Maine. The list goes on and on with jail consolidation, increased fees in outdoor licenses, not suspending the gas tax for a period of time as to provide relief to citizens and so on. The point of the matter is that as long as this administration keeps looking at ways to build tax revenue from its taxpayers, the more it hurts the citizens and the overall well being of the state.
At this point I am asking all citizens in the State of Maine to look past the national elections, the Presidential "Hoopla", the War on Terror, and all the other activities outside of the area to focus on what is going on right here at home. We must remember that what happens in Augusta with our local law makers impacts us more directly and more quickly that what happens in Washington D.C. The only way for Maine to get back on track now is to take control of government and not let it take control of us, like it has done for so many years. We must hold the playmakers in Augusta accountable and tell them that we have had enough of the spending and penalizing of the working families of Maine. We must elect fiscally conservative and responsible people to Augusta. This is the only way that the Maine citizens best interests will be looked after. Please support your local candidates that support you. The time is now.
God Bless America and Maine!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Romney wins in my home state of Maine!
Well, my vote counted today in the Maine Caucus and Presidential Preference as Gov. Mitt Romney won the state by very convincing numbers. In my county of Somerset, Romney garnered about 51% to McCains nearly 26% and surprising Ron Paul got about 13% to Mike Huckabee's 9% where additionally 1% of voters were undecided. It was a great day for Maine Republicans that participated in the process.
As the poll numbers come in from around the state, Romney's lead is staying consistant with my county. My major concern of the week leading up to this was of all the support that Ron Paul was gaining. I'm not saying I am bothered by his stances and such, just that I believe him to be a low level tier candidate that cannot gain the same amount of support in other parts of the country. I did not want to see a Paul victory in Maine for the very reason of not supporting a major candidate. Now if Paul had won a primary by now I may be OK with it. However, even with Huckabee only winning a few states, he is still in my eyes a lower tier candidate.
I honestly thought that McCain would give more of a fight to Romney in Maine. McCain had the support of our ranking members of the party with Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Olympia Snowe as well as Maine House Minority Leader Josh Tardy. I really looked at it like with that much fire power, how could he not win in a moderate state? Well, that is why I do not get paid to make predictions about politics.
I did get up and say a few words on behalf of Sen. Collins and try to gain some support for her. I was asked if i would do that by her office and I accepted because I think she has a done a wonderful job representing Maine while she has been in Washington. Additionally, I also spoke of my upcoming election as a Town Selectman that is in March. I encouraged all the voters that to take part in that process of a Town Meeting. I like seeing people be involved, even if I do always agree with their view. This allows for more opinions and viewpoints to be heard as well as ideas being floated around during trying times. That is what our country was built of from ...ideas!
I will close with saying that it was very nice seeing all the people come out to my local caucus and the ones located across my county to participate in the very unique voting process. I hope those individuals continue to support the Somerset County Republican Committee and the Maine Republican Party as well as all our local candidates as they are the reason I do all the volunteer work that I do. I love politics and I truly love my State of Maine and the passion in wanting it to prosper for the future generations of Mainers.
God Bless America!
As the poll numbers come in from around the state, Romney's lead is staying consistant with my county. My major concern of the week leading up to this was of all the support that Ron Paul was gaining. I'm not saying I am bothered by his stances and such, just that I believe him to be a low level tier candidate that cannot gain the same amount of support in other parts of the country. I did not want to see a Paul victory in Maine for the very reason of not supporting a major candidate. Now if Paul had won a primary by now I may be OK with it. However, even with Huckabee only winning a few states, he is still in my eyes a lower tier candidate.
I honestly thought that McCain would give more of a fight to Romney in Maine. McCain had the support of our ranking members of the party with Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Olympia Snowe as well as Maine House Minority Leader Josh Tardy. I really looked at it like with that much fire power, how could he not win in a moderate state? Well, that is why I do not get paid to make predictions about politics.
I did get up and say a few words on behalf of Sen. Collins and try to gain some support for her. I was asked if i would do that by her office and I accepted because I think she has a done a wonderful job representing Maine while she has been in Washington. Additionally, I also spoke of my upcoming election as a Town Selectman that is in March. I encouraged all the voters that to take part in that process of a Town Meeting. I like seeing people be involved, even if I do always agree with their view. This allows for more opinions and viewpoints to be heard as well as ideas being floated around during trying times. That is what our country was built of from ...ideas!
I will close with saying that it was very nice seeing all the people come out to my local caucus and the ones located across my county to participate in the very unique voting process. I hope those individuals continue to support the Somerset County Republican Committee and the Maine Republican Party as well as all our local candidates as they are the reason I do all the volunteer work that I do. I love politics and I truly love my State of Maine and the passion in wanting it to prosper for the future generations of Mainers.
God Bless America!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Will Obama's SC win be enough "HOPE" for the Dem's?
With Sen Barack Obama winning in South Carolina, will it be enough to propel him to the lead of the Democratic Party's nomination for president? The way things are looking, you might think so. I saw a poll the other day that had him down to Sen. Clinton by a few points, but with nearly a 30 point in today's primary, you have to think he gained a lot of momentum. The Dem's probably really like this guy because of his youth, demeanor, speaking ability, but seriously, what the heck has he done? Clinton talked about his "present" votes in the Illinois State Senate, but what does that mean? What did he stand for and how did he vote that will prove he is a LEADER? I'm waiting.........!
Giving a week plus before Super Tuesday, will anyone possibly jump out of the race at this point? I'm thinking that for the Republicans, the next one out will have to be Rudy Giuliani and maybe Ron Paul. Heck, who am I to judge, I thought John Edwards was going to win the Democratic nomination because of a few "unsaid" items. I never said I was a true political scientist, more like a hack. But Giuliani and Paul have real low numbers and a very "secluded" base so I find it hard that they can stay in the race and sustain or even gain any momentum to get them up to the point of McCain, Romney and Huckabee.
Anyway, as the week trudges on and the whips and chains and "dirty laundry" come out from the candidates, we might want to remember that next Sunday is what really matters in American current events...The Super Bowl. And of course, being from Maine and Northern New England, I'm rooting for the PATRIOTS! At least with Bill Belichick, you not going to get mud thrown or racial overtones or anything that resembles what we've seen from Obama and Clinton. You are going to get short and to the point answers and sometimes a smile, well maybe. Thank God football will be back on next Sunday. GO PATS!
Oh yeah, as always with me...GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Giving a week plus before Super Tuesday, will anyone possibly jump out of the race at this point? I'm thinking that for the Republicans, the next one out will have to be Rudy Giuliani and maybe Ron Paul. Heck, who am I to judge, I thought John Edwards was going to win the Democratic nomination because of a few "unsaid" items. I never said I was a true political scientist, more like a hack. But Giuliani and Paul have real low numbers and a very "secluded" base so I find it hard that they can stay in the race and sustain or even gain any momentum to get them up to the point of McCain, Romney and Huckabee.
Anyway, as the week trudges on and the whips and chains and "dirty laundry" come out from the candidates, we might want to remember that next Sunday is what really matters in American current events...The Super Bowl. And of course, being from Maine and Northern New England, I'm rooting for the PATRIOTS! At least with Bill Belichick, you not going to get mud thrown or racial overtones or anything that resembles what we've seen from Obama and Clinton. You are going to get short and to the point answers and sometimes a smile, well maybe. Thank God football will be back on next Sunday. GO PATS!
Oh yeah, as always with me...GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
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
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
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