To the Editor:
I feel I have to respond to the angry, derogatory, and unnecessary letter from Barbara Buermann Johnson in last week’s LCN entitled, “Continued myopia.”
Let’s start with her attack on Mr. Inman for his comments following the election. First of all, these were sent in a private email to some Lincoln County Republicans and were simply a private expression of frustration about our losses, especially the Senate District 20, after a long and hard fought campaign. They were never meant to be posted on the web site.
Second, the reporter for the LCN was told this but, sadly, decided to put the comments on the front page just the same. Too bad. Even Mr. Inman himself admits his thoughts and comments were made out of frustration. Those points were lost on Ms. Johnson.
Ms. Johnson feels it necessary to use the same old tired talking points to take extra jabs at Republicans. That is her style. There is nothing new there. She contributes nothing to the conversation; she simply attacks with insulting, inflammatory and divisive language.
She concludes her letter stating that she thinks we should, “Compete honestly on the validity of your ideas.” Oh if only the Democrats really wanted that! Republicans brought our ideas and our accomplishments forward and they were twisted, distorted and falsified by Maine Democrats, fueled by big money from the MEA, MSEA, SEIU, AFLCIO and of course, Portland Press Herald owner, Donald Sussman.
Maine Democrats ran some of the dirtiest and most deceptive campaigns any of us can ever remember. In the last two weeks of the election, Maine citizens were bombarded by an onslaught of deception.
Does anyone really think that Les Fossel, a man who has worked for his community his entire life, is considered one of the most moderate legislators in Augusta and has consistently worked for compromise and succeeded, is really what the Democrats accused him of being? – That he “stood up against seniors and retirees?” Or that he gave tax cuts to millionaires paid for by the poor and elderly? Of course not, but that doesn’t matter as that kind of campaigning works for the Democrats.
The Democrats should not believe they have a mandate in Augusta. They were better organized, had oodles more money and managed to get more of their voters to the polls but they won by only razor thin margins – a fraction of a percent in Senate District 20 and you lost 4 out of 6 towns in District 51. Republicans held on to the Whitefield House seat and won overwhelmingly in District 50.
We will be watching all of our elected Lincoln County representatives closely in the 126th and see just exactly what bills they put forward and how and if they can improve on the dramatic achievements of the 125th legislature.
Lincoln County Republicans are alive and well and our agenda will continue to focus on individual freedom and responsibility, a strong economy, a strong welfare safety net, a clean environment and lower taxes.
Stuart Smith, Edgecomb
