Dear Honorable Senators,

You represent our wonderful state in the United States Senate.  As a lifelong Democrat, I was always a bit disappointed that both Senators from Maine, arguably a stalwart blue state, carry an “R” next to their names. However, whenever your names are invoked by the press, it’s rare that it isn’t followed up with the obligatory modifier – “Maine’s two moderate Republican Senators.”  I’ve taken comfort in the fact that, as good Eisenhower Republicans, I could count on both of you to be the voice of reason within a party that has slid further and further to the right. I’m certain that I’m not the only Mainer who feels this way.

As Maine’s two Senators, you both currently hold the highest office of any Republican in the state. I’m no political strategist, but I have to imagine that holding such a position affords you substantial influence with your party back home.

Maine’s GOP Platform

The Maine Republican Party platform, as ratified at this year’s party convention in Portland, has been causing quite a stir lately.   It’s not a long or complicated document, but for the benefit of those who don’t have the time to read the whole thing, here are some highlights:

• “Oppose ‘Localism and Diversity’, the Fairness Doctrine or whatever else such attempted restrictions are labeled. Any restriction on speech is by definition NOT free speech.”
• “Oppose any and all treaties with the UN or any other organization or country which surrenders US sovereignty. Specifically:  i. Reject the UN Treaty on Rights of the Child.  ii. Reject ‘LOST’ theLaw Of The Sea Treaty. iii. Reject any agreement which seeks to confiscate our firearms.”
• “Reassert the principle that ‘Freedom of Religion’ does not mean ‘freedom from religion’.”
• “Marriage is an institution between a man and a woman.”
• “Return to the principles of Austrian Economics, and redirect the economy back to one of incentives to save and invest.”
• “Espouse and follow the principle: It is immoral to steal the property rightfully earned by one person, and give it to another who has no claim or right to its benefits.”
• “Clarify that healthcare is not a right. It is a service.”
• “Repeal and prohibit any participation in efforts to create a one world government.”

Is This the Maine You Know?

The Maine that I know values independence, hard work, and natural beauty. We respect out neighbor’s freedom and privacy to a degree that people “from away” often interpret as cold indifference. I have no problem with a party platform that espouses these values.  But some of these points seem pretty far from the way the Mainers I know think.  I have to wonder who wrote them.

For example; a recent Gallup Poll showed that Maine is one of the least religious states in the nation.  I would venture a guess that many Maine Republicans would very much like to keep their freedom from religion.  Another poll from last year showed overwhelming support for healthcare reform with a public option (I’ll set aside the fact that both of you were against it, and leave that for another post).  Given that, I’m surprised that so many Republicans are clamoring to clarify that healthcare is not a right.  As for “Austrian Economics,” am I to believe that the Maine GOP is against having a minimum wage?  I know that taxes in Maine are high, and you’d be hard pressed to find a Mainer who didn’t think so.  But I’m troubled with the statement “it is immoral to steal the property rightfully earned by one person, and give it to another who has no claim or right to its benefits.”  Does the Maine Republican party believe in abolishing taxes entirely?

Where Do You Stand?

Senators, this is your political party.  This is your home state.  You represent me and a million other lucky souls who call this state our home.  As our Senators, I think Mainers are owed an answer.  I think members of your own party are owed an answer.  If this is the guiding doctrine of your party, I wonder if they still support you representing them?  Indeed, the term limit plank of the new platform sounds a bit like they are trying to replace you.

Is this the party you belong to?  Does this represent what you believe?  Are you concerned about the direction the party is taking?

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 at 9:28 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.