Saturday’s Synopsis

House Votes to Repeal Death Tax 

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to repeal the “death tax” and now it is on to the U.S. Senate.

Maine State Senator Amy Volk  Proposes Bill to Lengthen Senate Term

Senator Amy Volk has introduced a bill that would lengthen the Senate term to four years.  TMCV in the past has proposed lengthening the Senate term to six years, in keeping with the Federal term. At the State level all legislative offices are open at the same time and can be overwhelming for voters and political operatives come campaign season. TMCV, at this point, supports this bill.

IRS Goes Before Congress Hand Out Begging For More Money

Yes, you read right.   After completely misappropriating the exorbitant amount of money they confiscate from taxpayers every year, the IRS wants more because it doesn’t have enough to operate…maybe….it shouldn’t….operate….ever thought of that….

Maine State Senator David Burns Withdraws Religious Freedom Bill

After increasing pressure from LGBT groups and lack of support within his own Party, although legislative leaders voiced their support, Senator Burns has withdrawn his Religious Freedom Bill.  Republican Party officials tell TMCV that the timing was not right.  Is the timing ever right for courage and conviction?

Governor LePage Calls For Elimination of State Income Tax

Facing strong opposition from both Parties on portions of his budget, Governor LePage remains resolute in his belief that the State Income Tax should be eliminated.  LePage believes that if the legislature will not vote to repeal income tax the people will.

Hillary Announces Candidacy, Visits “Ordinary Iowans”, Uses Staged Iowans

Hillary Clinton announced her bid to be President of the United States this week then promptly traveled to Iowa to see “everyday Iowans”, locked everyday college students in their classrooms so they wouldn’t bother her, parked her campaign van in an everyday handicap spot, and staged her very own”everyday Iowans” meeting with some “everyday Iowan actors”-a whole three of them.

Veterans Administration is Scorched By Latest Report

A scathing report just released by the Inspector General in its latest investigation calls in to question whether the VA has any interest at all in reforming its battered image.  The latest findings of the IG detail a litany of abuse, misuse, and corruption including workers being forced to work in a rat infested building.

The “Fix” is In

The so-called “Doc Fix” has been sent to the Presidents desk for his signature.  This bill is an attempt to protect Medicare patients who would have had to absorb a 21% cut in services.

Warrior Wednesday

Navy CDR Robert A. Schlegel

schlegel-r

Died due to the events of September 11th, 2001 at the Pentagon.

CDR Schlegel was originally from Gray, Maine. He was known for his keen wit, forthright nature and avid interest in ice hockey and football. CDR Schlegel carried on a Navy tradition deeply embedded in his family as his father and two brothers also served in the Navy. CDR Schlegel was devoted to his wife, Dr. Dawn Schlegel, and shared many wonderful memories of their times together in high school, college and 13 years of marriage. He lives on in the hearts of his many friends, colleagues and family.

A Living Memorial to CDR Schlegel is below:

Dear Ones,

I could not have imagined the impact that participating in TSP would have on me. Last weekend, I had the honor of carrying Naval Commander Robert Allen Schlegel’s memorial stone to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. I learned about TSP from a dear friend who was completely moved by her involvement in the 2014 Memorial Day Weekend hike at Katahdin. I was intrigued and signed up, in full support of the premise that our soldiers should never be forgotten.

While I was without any connection to the military or military families in my present day-to-day existence (until last weekend!), my upbringing was certainly shaped by several missing ancestors. Most directly, my father grew up never knowing his father, who was killed in WWII when he was just 6 months old. I faithfully wore the POW bracelets in the 1970’s given me by my mom and dad during Vietnam. I was in elementary school, but well aware of the fear, anxiety, and loss all around me.

Fast forward all these years to Cadillac Mountain on October 4. I learned as much as I could about Rob Schlegel before that day and was overwhelmed by the experience. Rob was killed on 9/11 at the Pentagon at a moment in time that I will never forget. None of us will ever forget in our own personal ways. But the fact that I was assigned to carry his memorial stone is particularly amazing to me.

Now, there is no way that anyone could have known the common interests I share with Rob. We were the same age on 9/11, we both shared an interest in higher learning and international affairs, loved Maine and our families. Everything I have read about Rob – the tributes from colleagues, and especially his wife, leads me to believe that he was a sentimental, down to earth, and caring person. And he was witty and funny too! Qualities we all strive to emulate.

Moreover, in researching Rob, I learned that his college fraternity started a scholarship fund in his name after his death. Rob graduated with high honors from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA, and went on to achieve a Masters in International Affairs. The “Schlegel Prize” funds students at W&L to attend “conferences on foreign affairs.” Well, I happen to direct a prominent foreign affairs Conference right here in Camden, Maine.

I believe that the fact that I was assigned his stone is no accident. My hope is that I can provide a link between students from Rob’s Alma mater and the Maine that he loved so much! I can think of no better way to continue his memory than to bring like-minded students to Maine to learn about foreign affairs – a subject that Rob held dear. I truly hope to facilitate a connection between The Summit Project, Rob’s family in Maine, and the Schlegel Award – all together in some extraordinarily meaningful way.

I am forever indebted to Naval Commander Robert Allen Schlegel and his family for their sacrifice and grateful for this opportunity to keep his memory alive.

The bonds created last Saturday and the support I received from my Team Kebo colleagues were incredible! In just one day, I gained lifelong friends and comrades whom I hold close to my heart forever. Thank you to Major Dave and The Summit Project!

Never Forget.

Respectfully,
Kimberly Scott
Lincolnville, Maine

TMCV reminds our readers that The Summit Project, the families of the fallen, and the hikers providing these living memorials are not associated with The Maine Conservative Voice in any way and do not necessarily endorse, condone, or validate the views, opinions, and agenda regularly expressed by TMCV on this web blog.  Warrior Wednesday is simply an opportunity, once a week, to honor Maine’s fallen heroes free from political intrigue and strife. The Summit Project does not identify with a political party or idealogical persuasion. TSP reveals the character of Maine, a character of service, sacrifice, duty, and Patriotism. Please support The Summit Project and all they do for Maine’s fallen heroes.

MHANF

Warrior Wednesday

Army Sgt. Jason W. Swiger

Jason Swiger

24, of South Portland, Maine; assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died March 25 in Baqubah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Also killed were Cpl. Jason Nunez, Pfc. Orlando E. Gonzalez and Pfc. Anthony J. White.

Here is a living memorial testimonial to Army Sgt. Jason Swiger:

Zachary Sotiriou says

October 10, 2014 at 6:59 am

On October 4th I took part on The Summit Project’s hike up Mt. Cadillac. I had the humble honor of carrying the stone of SGT. Jason W. Swiger. In the weeks leading up to the hike I did a lot of research on this brave young man. He was a poet, singer and had planned on making the military his career. I found more than one testimonial about Jason’s great sense of right and wrong and how he always stood up for what he believed in. He was a selfless person who grew up amongst many foster children. As I hiked the mountain it was not lost on me the significance of his sacrifice for this country. Were it not for the actions of this great soul and many others like him I may never have even had the opportunity or freedom to take part in a leisurely hike let alone one with this much significance. When times got a little tougher on the mountain I just envisioned what Jason had been through and how he wouldn’t let something as small as rain, wind or slick rocks stop him from reaching his goal. This gave me all the strength I could ever need to complete the hike. I feel now that I have a new appreciation for Jason and all other fallen heroes. These people sacrificed their time, energy and lives all in the name of what they thought was right. Jason answered the call of his country and the amount of respect I have for him is endless. I pledge that I will do everything in my power to keep Jason’s memory alive. I will share his story and encourage others to do the same. Thank you to all my fellow hikers and The Summit Project for this incredible experience. Finally and most of all I want to thank the Swiger family for allowing me the honor of carrying Jason’s stone. Your hero, is not forgotten.

TMCV reminds our readers that The Summit Project, the families of the fallen, and the hikers providing these living memorials are not associated with The Maine Conservative Voice in any way and do not necessarily endorse, condone, or validate the views, opinions, and agenda regularly expressed by TMCV on this web blog.  Warrior Wednesday is simply an opportunity, once a week, to honor Maine’s fallen heroes free from political intrigue and strife. The Summit Project does not identify with a political party or idealogical persuasion. TSP reveals the character of Maine, a character of service, sacrifice, duty, and Patriotism. Please support The Summit Project and all they do for Maine’s fallen heroes.

MHANF

Warrior Wednesday

As many of you noted, I recently went on a snowshoe hike with my two boys not long ago.  This was my introduction to The Summit Project.  The hikes are what they call a living memorial, as hikers carry memorial stones up mountains in honor of Maine’s fallen heroes.  Hikers then write testimonials of their experiences leading up to and during the hike to honor the fallen.

I will be sharing one testimonial each week on Wednesday from The Summit Project.  It’s important to emphasize that none of these hikers and testimonials have any affiliation or are endorsing The Maine Conservative Voice in any way.  It is my hope that once a week we take a brief respite from the ideological battles and honor those who have given their all so we can do what we do.  So please be looking for Warrior Wednesday and share it with your friends as a way to honor Maine’s bravest.

Thanks,

Andy-MHANF