Welcome to Hell

Although I have lived in Rhode Island for over a year, my heart has always been, and always will be, in Maine. In the wake of midterm elections, now seems like an appropriate time to acknowledge the disaster Maine has voted itself into, and comment on the likely consequences of the recent elections, paying close attention to the gubernatorial results.

Receiving 38.33 percent of the votes in the gubernatorial election, the people of Maine have spoken: Paul LePage is the person they want for governor. Sadly, Paul LePage is the wrong choice, and by electing him to lead our state, Maine has chosen to step back and retreat from many problems that plague our communities, rather than form plans for policies that will address and confront these issues.

The first issue that Paul LePage clearly has no idea how to address is welfare reform. Mr. LePage's story of growing up in poverty and finally exiting its cycle is inspirational. Sadly, this does not mean he knows how to reform it into a working system for the state. Mr. LePage's most blatant misconception in his policy of welfare reform is his plan to place residents who receive benefits on a five year cap. With this in mind, Mr. LePage is creating unnecessary stress and pressure on families that already, obviously, have much to deal with. His insensitivity to the plight of people who benefit from welfare is captured in his statements during his campaign that focused on his desire to send people who are still on the system after five years to Massachusetts, where they can then start over. This is not the mindset of someone we can trust to help our brothers and sisters who suffer from poverty. Rather, it is one that exists in the mind of a businessman looking to cut dollars, putting people's lives at stake along the way.

The next issue that should repulse Maine voters is Mr. LePage's comments on transgendered students made on an Aroostook County radio show in the midst of the gubernatorial campaign. His comments reflected his view that transgendered students have no place in Maine public schools. Couple this with Mr. LePage's view of the traditional family as that being headed only by a man and a woman, and the bigotry and hatred are not hard to see. Soon after this comment was made, Mr. LePage retracted and did not recall making those comments. For me it is simple, and it should be for you too. Mr. LePage's lack of respect and education on issues within the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Questioning) community are rife with misanthropy and delusion. Call me a socialist, call me a Marxist, but I for one do not stand for a leader who tramples on the rights of other human beings and side steps issues of rights for students. The issue is simple, as it was for black men and women not too long ago in our country: do we want to provide an inclusive community where all people can live together without fear of discrimination, or do we want to perpetuate the myths and ignorance surrounding the issues of gay men and women and continue to oppress them in our state? Mr. LePage's view is as scary and pathetic as it is clear.

I should note the positive aspects of Mr. LePage's policies, however few they may be. His plan for education is particularly positive, despite his comments on transgendered students. He supports vouchers and charter schools, which together can make a drastic difference in the landscape of our state.

So welcome, my fellow Mainers, to Hell. Don't worry, though. This should hopefully only last four years and with any luck, no harm will be brought forth by the misguided policies of this ignorant miscreant who has slithered into the Blain House.