Sorry, but I just had to......

   Since the Hometown Newspapers closed last Spring, I have taken to writing my blog. I have tried to keep most of the articles light and humorous. I have tried to stay away from topics with political overtones and criticism, especially of our elected officials. I know how difficult and challenging it is to not become a public target. But there are certain things 'one' can do in an attempt to reduce the amount of criticism, and you would think that after a year or so, 'one' might learn a lesson or two, but... if you keep the fodder coming, what should 'one' expect?

   For those of you reading this and not from the State of Maine, you may or may not be familiar with our Governor and his ability to upset just about every faction of the state's population at one time or another since his election. I am not talking about just Democrats or Republican here. He has the uncanny ability to open his mouth, even with the best intentions, and manage to anger someone or some group. Here is a case in point.

   The Governor recently spoke at a local school assembly of elementary school children. In his remarks he warned the children of what he sees.. “a newspaper industry in Maine full of liars. My greatest fear in Maine...newspapers. I am not a fan of newspapers.” That's a quote. And this assembly was not the first time he has taken shots at newspapers with school age kids.

   He did tell a reporter, after the event,  that he does like television and radio because they don't 'spin the news'. I guess I would ask when was the last time he watched Fox News or listened to Rush Limbaugh?

   This is not the first time the Governor has expressed his displeasure with the media. During his campaign there was a time he refused to meet with anyone from the  press.

   Now I need to put a disclaimer here and why his recent comments, to children in particular, might be just a bit 'personal' for me.

   After publicly making his somewhat outlandish and unrealistic statement, I was the first newspaper reporter he agreed to meet with after his public ranting. He would not come to my office as the four other candidates had done, so I agreed to meet him at his office in Waterville. There were at least two of his campaign staff present at all times, recording his every comment he made to me. And his request at the end of the interview... he wanted to 'proof 'my article before it was printed !! Like that was going to happen. ( The interview went well and I believed, at the time, I represented his positions fairly in my reporting. I did not know him well then. I am not sure I could do the same today.)

   I have reached the point where I am tired of him calling everyone 'liars', I mean everyone, not just news reporters!!!. From his perspective is everyone a liar if they have a different view than his?
   I am tired of his "political strategy" of bullying to promote his agenda, an agenda that after a year I am still trying to figure out.

   I know he has a dislike for school administrators and teachers and would like to see most of the schools in Maine shut their doors in favor of his 'charter schools'. Would all the teachers be nuns and teach French?

   Based upon comments he has made, he does not exhibit a high regard for the students in Maine implying, in  television interviews, that they are inferior to kids in other states. Does that mean he feels that parents are doing a poor job at raising their children too?

   Although he talks a great game about his own personal trials and struggles as a youth growing up, he appears to have little empathy for those who struggle today because of the financial burden they create.

   And as one who was critical of those who came before him in the Governor's office for using “games and smoke-and-mirrors” to solve many of the state's financial problems, he has quietly slipped into similar patterns. Let's lower the price of alcohol to generate more money to pay off the hospitals and other health agencies that deal with the abuse to women and children, the result of increased alcohol use. Have another drink, Governor.

   The campaign season will soon be in full swing and I sincerely hope he reevaluates his decision to run for reelection. If he doesn't, the people of Maine should!
    And... I apologize for breaking my commitment to stay away from politics. But his comments to the kids about newspapers steps over the line for me .