Sacrifices Made For Free Speech, Gone With A 'Backhanded" Vote In Lisbon, Maine, United States of America

A SAD DAY IN LISBON

Today is Veterans Day, a day to remember the many sacrifices our veterans have made in the defense of this great nation.  JFK once said “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”.  I spent 20 years in the Army and 20 years as a Department of Defense civilian because I believe in this great nation and our Constitution.

The last time, I left Lisbon it was in good hands with the Selectman.  These men were strong leaders who believed in this country and our Constitution.    The residents were allowed free speech and people took part in local government.   

Today, sadly this is no longer true.  These leaders were replaced by members of the” Good Old Boy” network whom do not believe in our Constitution.    These representatives such as Mike Bowie, Lori Pomelow, Fern LaRochelle, Miriam Morgan-Alexander, and Gina Mason are responsible for stripping the right of free speech in our community and the lack of participation.   

At town council meeting, the people are censored and restricted as to when and what can be said.  This is because councilors are afraid of criticism because they know what they are doing is wrong.  However, Chairman of the Appeals Board has taken this to another level by denying the Public the right to speak at a “Public Hearing”.  How can you hear the Public at a Public Hearing if the Public is denied the right to speak?

Veterans Day is a day to honor our veterans who travel to foreign lands, live under extreme conditions, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.  Free people have the right to speak out against injustice.  Throughout the years too many veterans have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of these beliefs.  These are the true heroes of this nation.

It is a sad day in Lisbon when so many have suffered so much defending this great nation and its principles just to have a few losers strip our citizens of their right to free speech and participation in our local government.

Larry Fillmore