18 Responses

webmaster wrote on January 19th, 2008 at 3:41 pm :

Message from the webmaster: As this section grows, we look forward to hearing from people across our great State. In 2008, let’s take a stand for democracy and vote for democratic candidates like Tom Ledue, who are beholded to the people, and not special interests. Let’s take a stand for candidates like Tom Ledue, who seek to serve the common good of the country, and not erode its foundations. In this section of our website we want to hear Your Voice. Let the conversation begin!

Remember, this is a public dialogue so there are a few ground rules. First and foremost, don’t be a jerk. Period. Conversations will be moderated for foul language and obscenities. If you are going to attack an idea put forth by one person, back it up with some facts. This is meant to be a constructive and collaborative excercise to provide some clarity on the issues facing Maine, not a personal rant. That being said, it’s ok to rant, but be specific. Your Voice is important and we can’t get to the bottom of core issues facing our society if we are unable to witness the personal experiences of its people. So therefore, rant loudly if you’d like. Just keep it civil. Let’s focus on the positive, looking forward and upward. Think of this forum as an ongoing conversation around a campfire, or around the dinner table with friends. We’re all Mainers here, we’re all people, and we’re all in the same boat. The subject matter is wide open, and it is assumed that this conversation will cover many topics that are introduced, discussed, left alone, and returned to. The internet allows us to record this thought as a testament to the collective genius of Maine people in 2008, let’s use this to our advantage, there is no time to lose. Ready, set, write.

Merrill Morris wrote on January 21st, 2008 at 4:39 am :

We need someone new in Washington. Someone who has vision and determination to do the job as a representative of the People of Maine.
Tom Ledue could be that person lets find out.

Robert J. Pelletier wrote on January 21st, 2008 at 11:31 am :

I think it is great that Tom Ledue as an educator has the energy, courage and knowledge to take these first steps to attempt to make a change for the “common good”. As an educator Tom will be very capable in discussing solutions for problems faced by Americans with a variety of people in different economic statuses across the State. I would like to begin a discussion with the Maine Sportsmen on what Maine needs from Washington help to protect its fishing and hunting heritage. Our lakes and lands are being polluted with dangerous airborne pollutants in the form of acid rain from energy generation plants from the midwest. These rains bring other chemical pollutants such as Mercury and Arsenic with them. Mercury levels in the fish and game in this state is so high that if the current climate continues our fish and game may no longer be fit for human consumption in the future. Like DDT which the eagles in the past, this cannot be very good for the creatures themselves! This is a pretty sad legacy for our children and their kids! You might think this may be ok if one chooses to be a vegetarian, but even food grown in soils contaminated with these same chemicals will certainly cause health problems even for vegetarians. Pretty difficult to cure cancer if we keep eating chemically contaminated foods and foods with dangerouse virus’s, proteins, and bacteria don’t you think? Appears Tom has a plan to change the course “a few degrees” which will remove many of these carcinogens from our food supply!

PS: I am semi-veg cause I choose to be…to many years of digesting processed hamburgers from fast foods when I was a kid. Now have a weak stomach for eating animals breed for food in unnatural environments that harbor and release all types of strange diseases (mad cow or one). Just does not appeal to my stomach anymore. Whether one eats meat or not, organic I believe is the better way to provide nutrition these days and provide good insurance against future health problems, but to make the leap one first needs to be “health concious”.

Alex M. wrote on January 29th, 2008 at 4:48 pm :

My Message For Political Leaders

In an age where the future of our climate remains uncertain due to the vast amount of flaws in society we have yet to address, it brings on curiosity to wonder if I am wrong to think that I should feel fear for the future of our world. I can’t help but wonder what our future holds… For as I place my pen to this paper, each and every moment I waste could be time used to make a change, time used to educate, to inform, to help save all that we hold dear to our hearts. I do not intend to portray myself as a pessimist, for only seeing the bad in life will take you no where. I instead hope that we as human beings will take it into our own hands to take the bad and turn it around. Reverse our direction from heading down the path that leads to hardship and bad times, so that we may get out of the grave we have started to dig. It is possible to change the outcome, make what has been destructed better, nothing is infinite unless we make it so. Sure, it would be much easier to sit around, and go about life as if nothing was ever going to change, that what happens happens…. Why try and make it any better, why waste time trying to change the inevitable? What I want to know is… Why must the future of our home, the earth, our future as we know it be inevitable? If we truly cared, and realized that the situations we find ourselves in day to day are all decided based on our choices, and our actions, wouldn’t our realities be much better? No action is carried out without its consequences. That is a fact. Yet sometimes the repercussions of these actions are too much of a risk, therefore, the actions were not even worth being carried out in the first place. Before acting upon any idea, or “plan”, there must be extensive research that has taken place prior to it being carried out, the consequences need to be realized, whether they be good or bad. For the clocks of time will not suddenly decide to give us a break, allowing us to change our actions. We must be sure, be sure that any action carried out does not have consequences so grave we will never be able to recover from them.
The earth is warming, that is a fact. To deny any evidence, or scientific knowledge that it is currently taking place is only blindness. Global warming is not something that remains slowly creeping upon us, hidden in our peripheral vision. It is a frequently progressing situation. Our world’s climate is warmer than it has ever been in the past. Glaciers are melting, as is the permafrost that hundreds of years of the North has been built upon. Houses are starting to fall into the sea, and our ocean’s salinity is slowly starting to dilute. In the years to come it is said that ocean levels will rise significantly leading to inundated coast lines, and 90% of the Northern Hemisphere’s permafrost will melt. All due to the greenhouse gasses (Co2) that have been building up in our atmosphere for years and years, the majority of this due to man made machines. Yet since the glaciers have begun to melt, large amounts of Co2 that had been withheld for millions and millions of years in the ice have been released, and will continue to be released as the process of melting continues.
Now that we have reached a point in history that the dangers of our actions are starting to be realized, don’t we have an allegiance to our home the earth? Don’t we have an allegiance to fellow man-kind and our future generations? It seems to me that those who lead nations, and big businesses around the world are only thinking in the short term, only thinking about faster ways to line their pockets. I would hope that they realize their decisions today will be written in the history books of tomorrow. I stand here today, a youth of the next generation, to tell you that I am ashamed, ashamed and embarrassed by these absurd philosophies. When I go to sleep at night, I do not want to feel burdened by the fear of what my generation’s future will hold, but I do. When I go to class in the morning, I do not want to wonder if the future children of America will live in a world where weather related atrocities are common, yet I wonder. I want to have faith in our worlds leaders, (no I’m not talking about faith in a religious context) faith that they are currently and will continue to look out for the next generation. I want to have faith that they are not only looking at the present, but looking towards the future, as well as learning from the past. I want to know, deep down in my heart, that no matter how bad things get our world’s leaders will work tirelessly to make better. But let me just tell you ladies and gentlemen, I am scared. Scared that not enough people are aware of the grave danger we face today, right this very moment, due to our actions. I am fearful that once we realize that we need to put all economic worries aside and halt carbon emissions for good, it will be too late. Already some scientists state that we have entered the point of no return. Yet, I’d like to continue to believe we can work to change things, I’d like to continue to believe we can halt carbon emissions.
People always say the world is going to end, but what they don’t realize is that the earth will not vanish, the earth will not end, human life, animal life, we will be the ones to perish if we do not step up and take responsibility for our actions. The earth will regenerate itself, just as it did the last time an aurora so beautiful it was deadly, came hurtling towards the ground. ( the dinosaurs died, the earth did not ). All I can say is, when I see these big oil company executives rebuke the fact that global warming is a reality, I just sit there and realize, money won’t save them when the time to make change has ended. Right now we still have time to change our ways, it will take total immersion, no doubt about it. Still, the question remains, will everyone step up to do their part, or simply despond? It will take vigilance, but the well being of our human race depends on it. I should hope that it is believed that our future, as well as the future of the next generation are worth it. We must prove to the world that we care, and that change can happen. Once there is a positive energy efficient country, there will be a scramble for the world to emulate them. Shouldn’t we be that positive role model? The country the rest of the world looks up to, not down upon.

Bill Seidel wrote on February 10th, 2008 at 2:53 pm :

I’m all in favor of opting out of having the “Old Guard” and staus quo of our state’s current senator and far too liberal policies of my current congressman. As owner of a small business, economic responsiblity is key to me as well as a solution to health care costs, which, as someone who is self-employed needs a viable and reasonable solution to these astronomical costs (heck, I’m not getting any younger). I think Tom will address this and be proactive in finding a solution. I support Tom in his goal of becoming a representation of what Maine and the rest of the country wants in someone and I support him. I encourage Independants such as myself to
support his efforts.

Ian Engelman wrote on February 16th, 2008 at 10:44 am :

Please consider the devistating effect of the “patent reform” act 2007 or HR 1908 on American innovation.

Tom Allen was posioned by big corporate money and voted to kill US patents for inventors.

I would do anything I could to expose this reckless desicion and prevent him form being in any position in in Government.

Claudia wrote on March 17th, 2008 at 5:22 pm :

Tom,
Thanks for getting the word out for your meet the candidate on St Patrick’s Day. The comment regarding this being a citizens campaign truly ’stuck’ with me. It is clear that many believe in this campaign and it was wonderful to see the new faces in the crowd.

Deborah Kreis wrote on March 18th, 2008 at 8:46 am :

Promising crew adjourns, on 3/17/08, to adjunct voluteers at campaign headquarters above the Brothers Insurance on Maine St.. Sanford glib and recycled lingo aside, ectoplasm is very important to any event especially when allegedly viral friendly.
Can politics be an ethical arena ? Take that as you will….

Garrett Fitzgerald wrote on March 21st, 2008 at 10:11 am :

Ian, I just checked up on this bill on GovTrack.us, and it says that the bill:

# -Prevents people from obtaining patents for claimed inventions that have already had patent applications filed by a different inventor (Sec. 3).
# -Allows a patent to be disputed up to 12 months after its issue or its published application date and requires the Patent Trial and Appeal Board to approve settlement claims (Sec. 3).
# -Permits a challenged patent owner to amend patent drawings, substitute the claim, or cancel the claim (Sec. 6).
# -States that any person may submit with their patent record any existing patents, published patent applications, or other publications of relevance (Sec. 9).
# -Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to submit a report to Congress on the operation of prior use rights in other industrialized countries (Sec. 5).
# -Authorizes the Patent Trial and Appeal Board to award damages of three times the regular amount if a person is found guilty of willful infringement by continuing to use a patented product or idea after receiving written notification from the current patent owner (Sec. 5).
# -Requires a review of the effectiveness of the patent amendments set out in this bill to be submitted to Congress every seven years (Sec. 3).

Which of these points are the ones that you can’t live with? On the face of it, they seem pretty reasonable…

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-1908&tab=summary

Claudia wrote on March 30th, 2008 at 7:39 am :

The YouTube edition is terrific. I am constantly amazed at the strength in your message as you tirelessly employ the ideals of democracy. We need you in Washington, representing Maine people as an active citizen as opposed to a career politician. You have a very aggressive and refreshing message. The time is Now!

Bill Seidel wrote on April 1st, 2008 at 12:58 pm :

A follow up to my last post: If you believe that Tom Allen is a stand up guy fighting for the middle class that carries this country YOU ARE WRONG. Prior to Congressman Allen’s tenure in Washington, he was a lawyer that represented large corporations versus individuals here in Maine in the early 80’s (Xaphes v. Merrill Lynch and Tucker Anthony). He and his firm made big bucks on that one. In the next decade while running for office he did nothing when requested to help with the Feds “taking” of property that was built on wetlands. Unknown to homeowners, houses were “taken” by the Government. These situations were resolved through the courts and at great expense of the property owners, yet , Mr. Allen was silent on the issue (Baywoods Subdivision, Scarborogh). My house was one of them.

Rebecca Hopper wrote on April 30th, 2008 at 9:44 am :

Letter to the Editor, PortlandPressHerald (submitted 4/29/2008)

On Sunday, I attended a meeting of the Maine Democratic Party in North Berwick. Tom Ledue was there to speak and answer questions on his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. I went from being a definite Tom Allen supporter to an undecided. I was disappointed to hear that Tom Allen has declined to debate his sole primary opponent. Allen has done a good job for Maine in Congress, but there are significant differences between these two candidates. Tom Ledue is not a career politician. These days, many people think we need more “grass roots” candidates. Most Maine voters probably don’t even know there is a choice, that there are not one but TWO Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate in this fast-approaching primary! While everyone is so focused on the presidential race, I am afraid we will lose sight of this. Tom Allen is much better-funded, has more name recognition, and has nothing to gain by debating Tom Ledue, but I feel it reflects badly on Allen. I can’t help thinking: “What is he afraid of?” Haven’t we had enough of this closed style of government in the last 8 years, in which decisions are made behind closed doors, without giving the voters the full information? What we need is more, not less, communication and airing of viewpoints.

Ron Lessard wrote on May 22nd, 2008 at 5:55 pm :

Tom,

I listened to your “one man debate” on Maine Public Radio tonight. I had a true “driveway moment.” I was in my car and when I arrived at my destination I couldn’t leave my car until the program was over. I am very impressed with your vision and excited by your candidacy. I will work to get you to Washington. I can’t wait until I can address you as Senator Ledue. Thank you.

Jim Dunleavy wrote on May 29th, 2008 at 12:29 pm :

Dear Tom,

I share many of your ideas and look forward to meeting you in Augusta on Saturday. I want Susan Collins defeated, and it appears that Tom Allen stands a better chance than you to achieve this objective. Why should I support you over him?

In any event, Good Luck.

Jim Dunleavy

Mary Paine wrote on June 1st, 2008 at 12:49 pm :

My husband and I just got home from The Democratic Convention.
Tom Ledue has my vote!.
I have long been a defender of the underdog- that’s why I thought I might vote for Tom Ledue.
After reading and really listening to your message I thought to myself, the goals that Ledue has once he reaches the Senate are goals that I could only dream about for my family, my town, my state and my country. Some say Ledue’s goals are too far left and not moderate enough to satisfy the middle. I say that I am tired of “half steps”towards a better place, a better world to live. We need to embrace and develope alternatives to fossil fuels -we needed to do that 30 years ago. Imagine if we had. IMAGINE

Melody Lavers wrote on June 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 pm :

All my votes this year go to Democrats or Republicans who are against illegal immigration, PERIOD.
Is this your stance? Or are you for us Americans?
NOTE: I’m all for legal immigration.

Sally C.Jones wrote on June 4th, 2008 at 9:35 am :

On Saturday, I attended my first convention as an alternate from Hampden. After a long and interesting day of waiting/ being upgraded/ voting, I wasn’t sure if my own ideas would truly ever have any worth or place or meaning. Then I heard Tom Ledue ! He was smart, funny, sensible and dynamic, and he thinks about things the same way I do. I was APPALLED that Tom Allen didn’t even adknowledge that he’s running against Ledue, and though I’m sure Allen is also smart, and is taking some good positions — wasn’t it entirely RUDE and PRESUMPTIVE of him to talk only about his race against Susan Collins !? He acted like it was a coronation coming up, not a primary. As far as I’m concerned, Allen seems to have become a part of the political machinery — not a real person anymore. My vote is for Ledue, who was also the ONLY candidate who came to the less exspensive party for delegates afterwards, and who actually spoke to us personally. Thanks, Tom !

Bob wrote on June 8th, 2008 at 5:05 am :

Mr. Dunleavy,

Tom Ledue enters this race with no baggage. Tom Allen and Susan Collins have the baggage of their records - the good and the not so good. With more than $2Million in extra cash on hand, Susan Collins and the machine behind her will have no trouble making Mr Allen look weak and she will very likely win reelection. We have not attacked Tom Allen - that would only diminish us and the support of Democrats this year.

With regards to our campaign, she and her team will very likely underestimate our ability to draw in support - she willl make the mistake that others have made and try to ignore us. We will conduct that campaign the same way we have conducted our primary contest - with integrity, grit and determination. Tom Ledue is a fighter - but in a way that is different from current politics. People who meet and get to know him know that he is fighting for them and for the ideals of our democracy - he is the real deal. We will beat Susan Collins and we will work hard to earn every vote with our message.

Vote for Tom Ledue on Tuesday and together we will have a victory in November!

Raise Your Voice