As the letters begin to pour in about Question 2 and other local and state referendum questions, we feel it necessary to issue a pre-emptive strike against the continuation of a disturbing trend in our national discourse.
We cannot simply disagree anymore. Instead, we ascribe the most heinous possible motives to those who disagree with us.
Reasonable people can disagree on Question 2.
For those unfamiliar, the question reads as follows: “Do you want Maine to expand Medicaid to provide (health care) coverage for qualified adults under age 65 with incomes at or below 138 (percent) of the federal poverty level, which in 2017 means $16,643 for a single person and $22,412 for a family of two?”
It’s possible and reasonable to support the expansion of Medicaid to this demographic. It’s also possible and reasonable to oppose it.
We can debate the many arguments for support or opposition all day, and we welcome you to do so in letters to the editor.
But in the end, one is not right and the other wrong. It’s simply a difference in philosophy.
It’s not a math problem. It’s a people problem. And people problems rarely have black-and-white solutions.
Sadly, many of us cannot accept this – when it comes to Medicaid or most any other issue. Those who disagree with us are either evil or, if we’re feeling generous, just too stupid to understand.
We expect a flood of letters in the next two weeks. We will publish as many as we can fit, so long as they’re fit to print.
Gordon Hayward
On another topic, we send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the Boston Celtics’ new star (for five minutes and 15 seconds) Gordon Hayward. His injury in the season opener Tuesday was the most gruesome we can recall through our many years of watching live sports.
We have to disagree with commentators Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, however, who think the injury knocks the Celtics out of the upper echelon of Eastern Conference teams.
We have great confidence in coach Brad Stevens and in the ability of youngsters Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum to step up in Hayward’s absence.
This year’s team – even without Hayward – has the potential to be better than last year’s.
Go Celtics!
