While out campaigning, I met a friend who wanted me to post his opinion on Ranked Choice Voting. He has written down some well thought out points to share.
Category maine news
About that Letter/A Letter, A Rebuttal, and a Response
I have waited for several weeks, in a vain hope against reality, for Doug Thomas to show some modicum of integrity and honesty to clarify just exactly what was meant by the supposed “letter of endorsement” from Governor LePage. Surprised that LePage would create an appearance of aligning himself against a strong political ally such as Paul Davis, I contacted various sources close to the Governor. Given Thomas’ abysmal performance in the last primary, I was hard pressed to believe that LePage would take such a calamitous political risk in challenging Senator Paul Davis, who enjoys strong popularity, influence, and strength of reputation, with no signs of diminishing.
I was able to contact those close to the Governor; in fact, seated right next to the Governor, who answered my questions and confirmed my suspicions. Governor LePage was given to believe, when he wrote the letter, that Paul Davis was retiring and would not seek reelection. He has assured me that had he known that Senator Davis would seek another term, he would not have written that letter.
I would have hoped that Mr. Thomas would have been honest with voters of Senate District 4. He has not, but sadly, this is just another in a pattern of dishonest acts from the former Senator. So here is the simple truth; Governor LePage never intended to endorse Doug Thomas against Paul Davis. Paul Davis has Governor LePage’s full support and should have yours this July 14th.
Andy Torbett
Doug Thomas printed a rebuttal to my letter, which can be read at the Piscataquis Observer . Here is my response to that rebuttal:
A Letter, A Rebuttal, and a Response
It seems I need to offer a few words of explanation to Doug Thomas as to why I, my own person, view him as a dishonest person. First, let me thank Mr. Thomas for his rebuttal to my former letter, which offers a clear case in point to my assertions and beliefs. Let us move forward and step by step dissect the half-truths and downright lies in this rebuttal.
Thomas tries to immediately pivot to blame his opponent, Paul Davis, for my letter and past letters against him. Paul Davis has never been involved with The Maine Conservative Voice or any of my opinion letters. I stand on my own merit, beliefs, and opinions for better or for worse.
I did write fund raising letters and “Get Out The Vote” letters for Senator Davis, a service which I also did for Doug Thomas when he was Senator. I did get paid a consulting fee for that service, but these are not opinion or activist articles. I have my billings, receipts, and copies of the letters.
After a lengthy history on his endorsement letter, Doug Thomas claims that I am questioning the reality of this letter. I have done no such thing; in fact, my letter was an acknowledgment that it does exist. I was disappointed, however, Mr. Thomas had not provided better clarity to it.
Neither do I refute that Governor LePage stands by it. I would have advised the Governor to do just that. Rescinding the letter would have made him look weak, but some clarification from Thomas would have gone a long way towards honesty.
I have never done a radio ad. Not with Paul Davis. Not with anyone.
Paul Davis has been nothing but respectful in public appearances to any of his opponents, including Doug Thomas. I believe Paul Davis referred to Thomas as a chameleon in an interview, can’t be sure. A chameleon is not a skunk, not even close, and I’m sure about that.
I am the one who has questioned Doug Thomas’ honesty and integrity, not Paul Davis. Senator Davis has no idea of what I write, although I’m sure it makes him a little uncomfortable when he reads it. The “anyone that opposes them” is simply opposing Doug Thomas, that’s all, and this rebuttal from Thomas only solidifies my personal opinion that he is not fit to represent the good people of District 4.
Andy Torbett
Atkinson
Silence is Golden: The Embodiment
Maine is blessed with pristine vistas where souls can find their quiet repose and reflection. The soothing sounds of nature, while rejuvenating, prove to us that in the silence of the forest it is nearly impossible, even in the whisper of the wind and the chirp of the chickadee, to find complete silence. And yet, Jared Golden has managed to achieve the impossible.
As the sound of shuttering death, the slam of the doors of venerable, generational establishments of private enterprise in Maine reaches a deafening cacophony under the heavy misguided hand of Governor Mills , there has nary been a peep from the less than Honorable Jared Golden. The Second Congressional District, which he represents, stands to have irrevocable damage done to its fragile economies as the Governor crushes them beneath her mindless heel, yet not even the customary whimper of Democrat talking points from the Congressman. Mr. Golden has become the embodiment of fearful silence; hidden, cowering, and invisible.
One would expect, as CD2 is facing impending doom from the barrage of Draconian measures from his Party, that Golden would at least have a trembling prepared statement in her defense. Is it too much to ask for a Congressman from rural Maine to have the backbone to stand against Nancy Pelosi and Governor Mills to speak in our behalf? But Behold!, fellow Mainers, Representative Golden has managed the courage to vote, in pensive, furtive subjection, to have someone else vote for him.
-Andy Torbett TMCV
The Old Dame
There was an old dame
Who lived up in Maine
She thought she was such a queen
She took from your living
Demanded your giving
To her every whim and dream
She said she knew best
Ignored the protest
She failed every test
A lie was her quest
Her budget was lacking
The bills were all stacking
She knew she must find a way
To cover the shortfall
She looked for a windfall
Quixote had windmills to slay
She cried with all zest
“Go hide in your nest!
You are all blest
That I know what’s best!”
She said, “There is sickness!
Through city, through wildness.
Oh terrors! Oh, dread this could be!”
“Lets make matters worse
And empty your purse!
I need some more money, you see!”
To claim a disaster
We cover and plaster
We silence and master
With fear climbing faster
Its royal deceit
A theft! No receipt
We see through the veil
A sham old and pale
To bow us to fiefdom
And take all our freedom
History warned us
Will history scorn us?
There was an old dame
Who crushed all of Maine
To cover her plot and scheme
by Andy Torbett
