Last nights Council Meeting‏

Lisbon Council muzzles public

During the May Council meeting Lisbon Councillors severely restricted public input at Town Meetings. The reason given for this action was “to move the meetings along.”

I submit that long meetings aren’t the problem they are a symptom of the problem. The real problem being Councillors not representing the views of their constituents. When this happens the public becomes frustrated and tries to vent at council meetings.

Counselors shouldn’t take this discourse personally. They should use it as a gauge to direct their governance in accordance with the public’s wishes.

At last Tuesday’s Council Meeting they further defended their decision to squelch the public by citing “ Brunswick’s Council meeting regulations” as proof they were acting responsibly.

I didn’t know Brunswick was the authority in these matters.

They also vehemently denied they were trying to silence the taxpayers of Lisbon.

Lets let the facts speak for themselves:  The preceding three meetings before the rule change were between 2 and 2 1/2 hours in length.  Last nights meeting was about 30 minutes long.  A dramatic reduction in length.

Where did this reduction occur?

The only noticeable change in the meeting format was the amount of time allowed for the public to express their views . Whether intentional or not this change has the effect of limiting free speech.

I hope the Lisbon Council will come to their senses and do the right

thing.. Restore our Freedom To Speak and listen to our complaints.

　

Respectfully

F.E.Stacey

Editor's note:

The meeting is viewable now at Great Falls TV website.  
http://greatfallstv.net/webstream.htm


Also you will see that Larry Fillmore presents some figures to them about last years budget.  He states, "Last year you budgeted $7,684,757, and spent $7,081,998 leaving a difference of $602,759.  Where did this $602,759 go?"




He also leaves them with the definition of collusion.




Here's how the online dictionary defines it:

col·lu·sion

 [kuh-loo-zhuhn] 

–noun

1.

a secret agreement, especially for fraudulent or treacherous purposes; conspiracy:  

2.

Law . a secret understanding between two or more persons to gain something illegally, to defraud another of his or her rights, or to appear as adversaries though in agreement: 

Many thanks to the volunteer gardeners of Lisbon's Green Thumb Gang‏

Many thanks to the volunteer gardeners of Lisbon's Green Thumb Gang , the caring businesses who have 'adopted' gardens and our paid Public Works helpers who do a great job mowing and sundry tasks throughout the season. 

In our 14th season ,we cared for several large parks with multiple flower gardens and over 50 beautiful specimen trees and shrubs , park benches, a Gazebo , wagon and a wonderful Worumbo Mill Sculpture made from three large wheels that once worked machines in the Mill. The parks were hand dug for the most part and the trees, gazebo, wagon, benches and sculpture were gifts from our local citizens, many in memory of loved relatives. 

The 'kids' who were charter members of our "Gang' when they entered Kindergarten in Lisbon Falls graduated this year from Lisbon High School. Many of them helped create Lisbon High School's first garden. A big Green 'Thumb's Up' to all of them ,and a heartfelt wish that they will blossom and flourish as young adults. 

Thank you 2011 volunteers: Anita Marenius, Bob, Barbara & Alex Kazimer, Noyes & Dale Lawrence, Phil Breden, Sherri & Shelley Voight, the Girl Scouts under leader Pauline Gendron,Julie Ann Baumer, Faye Brown, Fern Libby, Sherri Hills and young daughters Briella & Ashley,Paula Cyr, Peggy Swan and Granddaughter Veronica Jalbert. 

Thanks to our local businesses who donated plants and labor: Pine Knoll Landscaping and Nursery, the Topsham & Lewiston town line gardens and the MTM center garden; Riverbend Landscaping donated the garden at the entrance from Durham; Davis Landscaping, a large garden banking in Lisbon Village, the Family of Moe Breton, the garden on Village St. and the mystery person who cared for the Upland St. War Monument. 

Our Public Works helpers were Darla McCoy, Mark Jones, Jared Chattick and Ben Tarr And thank you also to Bob August of Adept who generously donated 20 bags of mulch, Matt Laffely with help repairing a park bench and Bob Robitaille for making dozens of replacement stars for our beautiful 'Stars & Stripes' gazebo .( We have to keep replacing these solid white 3" stars because someone keeps stealing them- so parents, kindly notice if you see them in your kids room and return them- vandalism gets very 'old' in a hurry!) 

We invite anyone in Lisbon to join our Gang.If you would like to volunteer to help with 'dirty deeds done dirt cheap", we need growers, sowers, hoers and a water buffalo to help water some smaller gardens. Truly, many of the original members are are feeling our ages, as in the next birthdays will be 80, we are signing up for Medicare , etc....so a few more helping hands that are a little less knarley would be very welcome. 

For more information on how YOU can help call Faye at 353-5771. 

Submitted by Faye Brown 

Sure would be nice to have a few photos of these gardens to include with this. If someone were to submit them it would be most appreciated.

Thank you to everyone involved in beautifying Lisbon. 

For The BLUES

From a Friend

Our National Anthem, the story behind it all

Sent in by: Councilor Cote

More Insight on the Lisbon Government

MISMANAGEMENT AND/OR MISAPPROPRIATION

Is it mismanagement and /or misappropriation to pay an individual taxpayer’s dollars when they are not qualified (Watch the July 5, 2011 Town Council meeting)? I believe this is cronyism. Cronyism is the practice of appointing friends to high-level, especially political, posts regardless of their suitability or the practice of favoring one's close friends, especially in political appointments. Adding an additional layer to management cost the taxpayer’s money without a significant return on investment. This additional layer is costing the taxpayer’s $34,655.00 a year. As Eldridge states in his letter; this has been going on for five years which has cost the taxpayers $34,655.00 times 5 equals $173,275.00.

Now the town council approved an 8% pay increase to Leighton to be the Director of Public Works and Transfer Station. Again, I believe this is a prime example of cronyism. This additional layer will cost the taxpayer’s $35,209.00 per year. The town council and town manager should be looking at ways to reduce spending instead of increasing it. This year, the town council approved an increase in spending of .09% over last year’s budget.

What do you think? Is it mismanagement and/or misappropriations? I believe the town council and town manager are mismanaging the town of Lisbon by adding additional unnecessary layer of management (cronyism) and definitely misappropriating our tax dollars. If you agree with me, please contact your town councilor and voice your opinion or send your comments to the Lisbon Reporter.

Larry A. Fillmore

Concerned Citizen

 

 

Larry to Town Manager on Sewer-2

 

 

 

 

Steve Letter on Sewer

In Memory of Carl Huston

Carl and Madeline were not only neighbors on Woodland Avenue but were friends as well.

We lived "across the street". Our kids played together.

At Christmas time Carl, after he would get home from work,  would be out putting up Christmas lights.

Madeline loved Christmas lights.

My mother passed away on January 10, 1990. Without being asked and without my

knowledge, he spoke with George Janosco who owned Crossman's

Funeral Home, and went with his equipment to the cemetery and dug her grave.

At no charge. That is the kind of friend and neighbor Carl Huston was.

The Town of Lisbon has lost a great citizen and friend.

May his memory live on.

Dot Fitzgerald

Indeed Bill!  I haven't been around this area for very long and I did get to meet a deal with Carl.  He was and is tops in my book! 

Lou Turmelle

2011 Moxie Festival Schedule of Events

Friday July 8-Sunday, July 10, 2011

Friday July 8

4:00pm-10:00pm - Spirit of the Wolf Pow Wow, behind Lisbon High School Route 196

4:00pm–6:00pm - Lisbon Fire Departments Car Wash, Main St., Lisbon Falls

4:00pm–8:00pm - Friends of the Lisbon Library Book Sale, MTM Center, School St.

4:30pm – 6:00pm - Alma-Lea Dance Studio performance, Mid Town Plaza - Route 196

5:00pm – 6:30pm – Turkey Supper, Lisbon Falls Masonic Hall, Route 196

6:00pm – 8:00pm - Lisbon Historical Society Museum Open House, MTM Center, School St.

6:30pm - 8:45pm - Public Safety Demonstrations, Lisbon Public Safety Depts. – Lisbon High
School on Route 196

6:30 pm – 8:30pm - Rick Graham Band, Mid Town Plaza - Route 196

8:45pm - 9:15pm - Fire Poi Juggling Troupe, Mid Town Plaza - Route 196

9:15pm - 10:00pm - FIREWORKS DISPLAY Mid Town Plaza - Route 196

Saturday - July 9

All Day - Spirit of the Wolf Pow Wow, behind Lisbon High School Route 196

All Day - Kids Entertainment, including bouncy houses, pony rides, bungee jumping, face
painting, MTM Park & Downtown Main Street Lisbon Falls

6:45 am – 9:15 am – Pancake Breakfast, Lisbon Falls Masonic Hall, Route 196

7:30am – 9:00 am - Moxie 5K Road Race, behind Xtra Mart across from Lisbon High School

9:00 am – 3:00 pm – Open House, Lisbon Falls Masonic Hall, Route 196

9:00am – 2:00pm - Friends of the Lisbon Library Book Sale, MTM Center, School St.

9:00 am – 2:00 pm – Holy Trinity Church Bake Sale, Maine Art Glass Studio, Main St.

10:00am – 12:00pm - Moxie Festival Parade, featuring Grand Marshall Dick LaRoche, starts on
Capitol Avenue

11:00am – 12pm - Moxie Recipe Contest Registration, Main Street Stage, Lisbon Falls

11:00am – 4:00pm - Chicken BBQ, under the tent, Main Street, Lisbon Falls

11:00am – 3:00pm – 106 WQRY Internet Radio Broadcast, Lisbon Library, Main Street

11:00 am – 3:00 pm – Child Identification Program, Lisbon Falls Masonic Hall, Route 196

11:30am – 1:30pm – Half Moon Jug Band, MTM Center Pavilion, School St.

12:00pm – 5:00pm - Lisbon Historical Society Museum Open House, MTM Center, School St.

12:00pm – 2:00pm - New England Moxie Congress Moxie Cars Display, Crosman’s Parking lot,
Main Street, Lisbon Falls

12:30pm - 1:30pm – Guitar Workshop featuring Martin Gibson, Dube’s Music, Midtown Plaza

1:00 pm – 2:00pm - Moxie Recipe Contest Judging, Main Street Stage, Lisbon Falls

1:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Balloon twisting and face painting by Party Palooga, sponsored by Five
County Credit Union, MTM Center, School St.

1:45pm - 2:30 pm – The Great Stephan Magic Show, MTM Center Pavilion, School St.

2:00pm – 3:00 pm - Moxie Chug N Challenge Moxie Store - Corner of Main St. & Route 196,
Lisbon Falls

2:00pm - 4:00pm - Fireman's Muster - Sponsored by Lisbon Fire Departments Upper Main Street

2:00pm – 4:00pm - Butterfly & Insect Museum Tour, Maine Glass Art Studio, Main Street

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Penny Scramble, MTM Center, School St.

2:45pm – 4:00pm – Martin Gibson, MTM Center Pavilion, School St
.
4:00pm – 5:30 pm – Dube’s Music Student Bands, MTM Center Pavilion, School St.

Sunday, July 10

9:00am - 2:30 pm - Spirit of the Wolf Pow Wow, behind Lisbon High School Route 196

9:00am – 11:00 am – Registration for 13th Annual Chief Worumbo Androscoggin River Race
Durham Boat Launch Rt. 136

11:00am Start Time - 13th Annual Chief Worumbo Androscoggin River Race, Durham Boat
Launch Rt. 136

11:30am – 1:00pm - Moxie pulled pork and hot dogs with Moxie mustard at River Race finish,
Sabattus River Boat Launch, Route 196 in Lisbon

11:45am to 12:15pm - Spirit of the Wolf Pow Wow representatives at the River Race finish,
Sabattus River Boat Launch, Route 196 Lisbon

12:00pm – 3:00pm – Ridge School Open House, Lisbon Historical Society, Ridge Schoolhouse,
Rt. 9


Moxie Schedule

And remember to stop by Kennebec Fruit to Experience Some Real Maine History and pick up your own "Official" Moxie T-shirt or other collectibles from the "Original" Moxie Man, Frank Anicetti and his dedicated staff.

Enjoy and have a safe Moxie Experience!

Lisbon Town Council Recap for July 5, 2011 meeting

Council Recap

The Town Council meeting on 5 July 2011 was no exception to the rule. It proceeded just like a play with each councilor reading their lines on cue. Please review the meeting and watch three key players, Lori Pomelow, Mike Bowie and Fern LaRochelle. Watch the eye contract between Pomelow, LaRochelle and Bowie. Pomelow sat in as the Chair in Mark Lunt’s absence and she did an excellent job with Mike Bowie’s assistance.

During the meeting Stephen Eldridge announced, starting on 9 July 2011 the town will post the agenda documentation and any handouts for the next meeting. I assume these documents will be available at the same time as the agenda is posted to the web site. We sure could have used the handouts at this meeting because Ryan Leighton presented the Treatment Plant Budget and as usual he raddled off numbers and figures. When questioned by councilors, he was not really prepared to answer most of their questions but I think for sure he talked about raising our sewer bill to offset his expenses. The bottom line is your sewer bill is on the rise. The exact amount will depend on usage.

The council also approved approximately $32,000 dollars to replace a Public Works truck body.

Also Pomelow announced the Council Working Rules, which was approved at the last meeting, had some more issues. Pomelow did allow me to speak on the question of the Public Works truck body after the council’s debate and prior to the vote and I thank her for this. Whatever changes are made will certainly require a new debate and vote in order to approve the new and revised council working rules.

Prior to the council going into their Executive Session, I handed Pomelow a copy of the Maine Statue 708 Conduct of Meeting from Title 13-C Business Corporation Act Heading: which states under paragraph 3, Fairness of rules. “Rules adopted for the meeting and the conduct of a meeting held pursuant to this chapter must be fair to shareholders.” Since the Town of Lisbon is Incorporated, I believe this status applies and hope the council will take this into consideration when revising the Council Working Rules.

And of course, Roger Cote was the only councilor wearing a Moxie T-Shirt from the Kennebec Fruit Store in support of a local merchant and Moxie Day. Gina Mason provided input on Moxie Day.

Please review last night’s meeting on Thursday 7 July 2011 at 07:00 PM on Channel 7. Watch your councilors in action.

Larry A. Fillmore

Concerned Citizen

The night the public was silenced in Lisbon Maine:

Tuesday's council meeting was the first meeting under the new
gag order rules issued at last months council meeting.

Last night a heavy feeling of control hung over the room as a
uniformed armed POLICE Officer stationed not six feet from

the podium, gazed intimidatingly around the room. Almost daring

anyone to take the floor. As I sat there, stunned by the third
world atmosphere in the room, I had an epiphany. For the first

time in my life I truly understood why our forefathers felt so 

strongly about freedom of speech. It is the right that supports

the rest of the rights.

The law of this land allows hate mongering radicals to protest
at the funerals of its fallen War Heroes.. but Lisbon Council
feels its necessary to silence its taxpayers.

If there was ever a question about how Lisbon's Councilors 

view "freedom of speech" it was answered last night. The entire
public participation section,of the meeting, lasted about 90 seconds.

Congratulations on your victory. You won't have anyone looking
over your shoulder questioning your judgment. You wont have
anyone at YOUR meetings.

Shame on you Lisbon Council for silencing us and shame

on us for letting you

F.E.Stacey

Lisbon Loses out again Way to Go Gina, with her Rosie colored glasses‏

Topsham getting Renys

By Kathryn Skelton, Staff Writer

Jul 06, 2011

It's not Lisbon, but it is next door.
Four years after the town rallied to attract Renys, the department store will open in neighboring Topsham.
The new store is taking up 32,000 square feet in the former Village Candle, President John Reny said. It's tentatively set to open the third week of August.
He said between 40 and 50 people have been hired, some full time and some part time. More than 300 turned out at a job fair.
"We think Topsham is going to be a good location," Reny said. "It is right down the road from Lewiston and I know people have been screaming for us up there, (in) Lewiston and Lisbon Falls, for a long time."

http://www.sunjournal.com/business/story/1055581

A citizen suggests

To the Reporter

 

Just a quick note.  Maybe I missed it but I did not see any mention of the passing of Carl Huston.

 

Carl was a leader within the community.   He was also was friend to anyone who knew him.

 

He will be missed, but fondly remembered. 

 

I believe that this years Moxie event should be dedicated to his memory.
 

Bill Bauer

Moxie Festival 2011 in Lisbon Falls starts this Friday, but First a Special Insight

JUST WONDERING ? ?

                      

I have it on good authority that after the 2010 Moxie Festival there was approximately $6,000 left in the till to go towards the 2011 Moxie Festival expenses.

                                                                       

What happened to the $6,000? Was it forwarded go towards the 2011 Moxie Festival as intended?

According to Mrs. Gina Mason the cost to put on the 2011 Moxie Festival will be $20,000 to $26,000.

Yet when Sue and Toby Conroy chaired the Moxie Festival the costs were approximately $11,000.

That's a whopping increase of $9,000 to $15,000! ! ! ! ! !  Why such an increase? ? ? ? ? ?

And Yes, Gina, Sue Conroy did sell Moxie t-shirts for profit.

She did this with the approval of Frank Anicetti,  Mr. Moxie.

She obtained a license, designed, printed and sold about 100 t-shirts.

BUT, Sue also took a week off from work, contributed her time to plan, organize, contact contributors,sell ads, hold meetings and do all necessary to ensure a successful Moxie Festival.

With approximately $6,000 in the coffers to begin with, three Gold Sponsors at $1,000 (?) each,

Five Silver Sponsors at $$500 each (?),

Eleven Bronze Sponsors at $250 (?) each,

and two Friend Sponsors at $150 (?) each

for a total of $8,550 +/-.

Add to that the Sprit of the Wolf Pow Wow who pays $1,000 to come and participate,

Sales of 500 t-shirts at a profit of $8 each will bring in $4,000

(in competition with a local business)

Selling $700 worth of soda donated by a Coca Cola Bottling company to vendors for 50 cents a can, $350.

Income from vendors, 60 downtown, 24 at MTM at latest information at:

$50 for Lisbon businesses / $75 for Lisbon and out-of town Non-profit  / $125 for Out-of-town For Profits.

Plus miscellaneous income. This should be a very profitable Festival ! ! ! ! !

What I do not understand is, if Sue and Toby Conroy could put on a successful Moxie Festival for $11,000 +/-,

why is it costing over $20,000 this year? ? ? ? ? ?

JUST WONDERING ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

What was the cost and income of the 2010 Moxie Festival ? ? ? ? ?

Who is the treasurer of the 2011 Moxie Festival?

There should be a complete accounting of income and expenses for the 2010 and 2011

Moxie Festivals made available to the Town Council and the public.

This should be done within two weeks after the close of the Moxie Festival.

I'm sure the Moxie Festival Committee works hard to keep expenses down and still ensure

that it all comes together for a safe and successful Moxie Festival, but - this is Scott Benson's,

Town of Lisbon's Development Director, first Moxie Festival.

Is he always getting the best advice?

JUST WONDERING ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Information for price, space rental, Craft and Food vendors, from Craft and Food Vendor Reservation forms.

Information number of spaces rented, Moxie Festival web-site.

Number of Moxie t-shirts for sale by the Town of Lisbon, Gina Mason at a town Council meeting.

Profit for t-shirts and soda, valid but anonymous.

Submitted by:

Dot Fitzgerald

A Concerned Lisbon Citizen

 

Bombs Away: Two Lawsuits Filed On Town of Lisbon For FOAA Violations

CRACK-POT or CONCERNED CITIZEN

The Town Council, Town Manager and several other members of the Town of Lisbon management look at me as a crack-pot, rebel or trouble maker. The reason I am involved is because I love the Town of Lisbon. I am trying to point out, to management, issues which are not in the best interest of the Town of Lisbon. 

 

I lived in this town from April 1985 through January 2002. I raised three daughters in Lisbon, coached baseball in the Lisbon Junior Athletic League (LJAL) and loved every minute of it. From January 2002 to July 2007, I lived and worked in Germany for the Army. Upon my retirement, I decided to return to Lisbon because it had been a great town operated by individuals who used common sense and made decisions with the best interest of the town at heart. I did not realize at the time; the management of the town had changed.

After the giant tax increase, I became involved in the business of the town. It all started with Steve Eldridge claiming the tax commitment was valid and nothing could be done about it. When everything was over and done, the commitment was invalid and the town lowered the mill rate by $.60 per thousand. Since that town council meeting, Eldridge has continued to provide false information to the residents of the town. 

 

Every time I look into a situation, I find issues which are not in the best interest of the town of Lisbon. I have always notified the Town Council first to make them aware and provide the council an opportunity to correct a mistake. However, the council will not admit to anything being wrong. I do not know if it is an ego issue or these council members can not admit a mistake was made. However, it is blossomed to the point where they do not even listen to me. Watch the Town Council meeting on television and you will see what I am talking about. The council shows Mrs. Fitzgerald the same respect as they do me because she points out issues too.

In every case I have written to the Lisbon Reporter, I first brought it to the Town Council’s attention offering them an opportunity to correct a mistake. I never went behind anyone’s back. The members of the town council either have an ego problem or want to display their power. I believe the Town Council and Town Manager have clearly demonstrated they are not interested in what is best for this town but clearly want to reinforce their power. 

 

I believe the change in the Town of Lisbon began when Eldridge was hired as Town Manager. He has been manipulating the town council and hired his own staff to support him. Look at some of the individuals he has hired. Rosie Bradley was hired with a salary increase of 18 thousand dollars. Then, there was Dow the Tax Assessor who failed to prepare a valid commitment and cost the taxpayers over 10 thousand dollars to correct that mistake. The town government is supposedly transparent and the citizens should be able to get information on how their tax dollars are being spent. As of today, I have had to file two law suits, at my expense, for violation of the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) by Eldridge. In the end this will cost the taxpayers more money. I am not doing this to spend more of the taxpayer’s money but Eldridge could care less because it is not his money. I am doing this because I believe there is much deceit and deception going on which needs to be exposed to the residents of Lisbon. 

 

My goal for getting involved is to restore the Town of Lisbon back to the way it was when I left it. I want, once again, to be proud of the Town of Lisbon. It was once one of the greatest communities in Maine to live in and raise a family. Until we expose all the deceit and deception, this can never happen again.

It is apparent; this town council will not get rid of the basic problem, the town manager. On 8 November 2010, I provided the Town Council a letter outlining 12 or 13 violations of the town charter by Eldridge. The council took approximately 90 days to get the votes by the council to keep Eldridge as town manager. Until we get the majority of votes to get rid of the town manager we will continue to have deceit and deception in the town of Lisbon.

If the taxpayers agree with me, then let’s start by getting rid of the members of the Town Council who do not have the best interest of the town at heart come elect time, 8 November 2011. This year Roger Cote is up for reelection and he is the only member of the council with common sense and has the best interest of Lisbon at heart. Look at his voting record because it speaks for itself. However, next year the taxpayers get an opportunity to provide Cote with support to make a difference by getting rid of several members who do not have the best interest of the town at heart. Start now and monitor the voting records of other members of the council or check out their voting records. It will become very clear who has the best interest of the town and taxpayers at heart.

Larry A. Fillmore 

Concerned Citizen

Stay Tuned Folks, Much More To Come ! ! !

Happy Fourth Everyone ! ! !

 

Remember Me

An impressive piece of work. This film was made by a 15 year old girl. It is the hottest thing on the internet and on Fox News. Lizzie Palmer who put this YouTube program together, is 15 years old. There have been over 30,000,000 hits as of this morning. In case you missed it, here it is. Watch all of it........and, pass it on!!

Submitted by: Gordie

Harvard: July 4th Parades Are Right-Wing‏

TALK ABOUT THE EDUCATIONAL ELITE !!

 

Political candidates can skip this weekend's July 4th parades. A new Harvard University study finds that July 4th parades energize only Republicans, turn kids into Republicans, and help to boost the GOP turnout of adults on Election Day.

"Fourth of July celebrations in the United States shape the nation's political landscape by forming beliefs and increasing participation, primarily in favor of the Republican Party," said the report from Harvard. [See political cartoons about the 2012 GOP field.]

"The political right has been more successful in appropriating American patriotism and its symbols during the 20th century."

Submitted by:  C.C. Bondermann

That's All Folks

This has to be the best explanation of Everything, even in Lisbon!

How the Media Plays with the War Machine, The Trail of Corruption begins with the Press to feed the masses!

One of the things the mass media
is good at - besides selling junk
food and Big Pharma junk drugs -
is selling war.

No mass media, no war.

Howard Zinn (1922-2011) shows how
CNN and other "news" outlets cheerlead
the Iraq War and other atrocities.

Without news media liars, there'd be no wars

A lot of people speculate on what the "Brass Check" in BrasscheckTV.com means.

We're named after the title of the book "The Brass Check" by Upton Sinclair.

Nearly 100 years later, Sinclair's book is still, far and away, the best book on new media corruption ever written. In fact, it's a bit strange how severely news media criticism has regressed since giants like Sinclair and George Seldes walked the earth in the early to mid part of the 20th century.

Howard Zinn along with Daniel Ellsberg, Ralph Nader, Studs Terkel, I.F.Stone and many others were all subscribers to George Seldes' "In Fact" and Seldes in turn was a student and colleague of Upton Sinclair.

http://www.brasschecktv.com/videos/war-is-a-racket/how-the-news-media-sells-war.html

From the River Valley Sun, Some Facts About Maine Compared to the Rest of the Nation

By the Numbers 2010-2011

Candice Casey

Attachments Maine by the Numbers

Rumford, Maine-The Maine Heritage Policy Center issued the 2011-2012 compendium “By the Numbers” today.  This is a fact-based look at how Maine compares to the other states and the District of Columbia of the United States in six key areas: demographics, economics, health care, welfare, education and tax and fiscal.  Included are Maine’s totals with rankings alongside the New England state average, rural peer state average, national average, and those of the highest and lowest-ranked states.

Maine has the oldest population in the nation based on median age (43.4 years of age), ranks 3 in having the greatest percentage of the population over 65 (15.89%), and is second only to D.C. in having the smallest percentage of the population 18 or under (22.15%).

Not surprisingly, from an Economic perspective, Maine ranks 42, near the bottom when it comes to Gross Domestic Product at only $4,842,000,000. 

Follow more on this story Here.

http://rivervalleysun.com/

Check out these Incredible Indian Sculptures

 In 1987 Allen Eckman stumbled onto cast paper as a fine art medium and instantly recognized the beauty and possibilities for creating high detail, strong, acid free, pure, fine art sculpture. It took the Eckmans many years to unlock the secrets to the medium.

Discoveries included paper formulation, equipment and tool innovations and their unique paper processing methods. All this was necessary to create the dimension, strength, hardness, textures and detail that are clearly visible in Eckman pieces. It takes a lot of room and special equipment including pulping stations, presses, dehydrators, tools etc. as well as years of technical knowledge just to make the paper.

You cannot get where Patty and Allen Eckman are by pulping cotton linters in your kitchen blender or trying to make other store bought papers work. The fun and ease of the Eckman Method is in sculpting and creating beautiful works of fine art with Eckman paper, tools and techniques. So it is back to school for learning how to sculpt the way they do it. By taking the project lessons in order and putting into practice what you have learned, you can reach your maximum God given talent level!

The process taught through the Eckman Method® includes working with museum quality hand made Eckman paper and bonding agents, using casts from Eckman paper pulp, then altering and transforming them into finished works of art using Eckman techniques such as forms, templates, other casts and freehand sculpting with various hand made paper products and tools manufactured by Eckman Fine Art.

Allen and Patty Eckman,
222 Timberline Ct,
Rapid City, South Dakota 57702,
(605) 343-4252

allen@eckmanfineart.com

Post Turtle

YOU'VE GOT TO LOVE THIS RANCHER'S

OUTLOOK & COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO LIFE..

While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75 year old rancher, who's hand was caught in the squeeze gate while working cattle, the  doctor struck up a conversation with the old  man... Eventually the topic got around to Obama and his role as our  president.

The old rancher said, 'Well, ya know, Obama is a 'Post Turtle''.

Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him, what a 'post turtle' was. 

The old rancher said, 'When you're driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a 'post turtle'.

The old rancher saw the puzzled look on the doctor's face so he continued to explain. '

"You know he didn't get up there by himself, he doesn't belong up there, he doesn't know what to do while he's up there, he's elevated beyond his ability to function, and you just wonder what kind of dumb ass put him up there to begin with."

Lisbon HS Class of 2014 Going Moxie!‏

 

Lisbon – Members of the Lisbon High School Class of 2014 are going Moxie!  Fundraising committee members met on Tuesday, June 28 to discuss their class participation in the annual Lisbon Moxie Festival on Saturday, July 9.  Students will be hosting the ever popular Duck Pond (made famous by Lisbon Rotary) for Moxie goers to take a chance fishin’ for a duck and win a stuffed critter.   The festival kicks off on Friday, July 8 with fireworks, continues with a parade on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. and numerous activities and vendors throughout the day.   The festival runs through Sunday, July 10.  Pictured (l-r) back row:  Emma Wilson, Robert Dall, Sierra Crosby, Abigail Roy, Paula Caron, Brandon Laurelez, Dillion Poole, Nick Corey and Justin Crocker.  Seated in front row (l-r) Courtney Martel, Paige Galligan, Claudia Lemieux, Jenna Clifford and Shantal MacWhinnie.  All students are also members of the Lisbon High School Interact Club sponsored by the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club.   Not available for photo Sarah Craig, and Brianna Bennett.  Photo courtesy of Monica Millhime.

LePage Official Answers Union Rhetoric With Facts

 Maine People Before Politics

I believe People must come before Politics - even in Augusta!

-Paul LePage Victory Speech

Please Note: State Union Contracts Expire In Less Than 72 Hours  

Governor LePage's Chief of Staff John McGough has penned this Op-Ed to answer some of the outlandish union rhetoric about current contract negotiations.  It is time for the taxpayers of Maine to call out the MSEA union leadership and demand that they participate in an adult conversation.

View the full Op-Ed here.

  

Here are key points from the Op-Ed:

• The MSEA offered a 2 year contract extension claiming they were interested in 'saving negotiating costs' but then rejected the administrations offer to extend for 1 year with the same terms they initially proposed.

• Maine taxpayers subsidize the home telephone bills of approximately 1800 state employees. Many of these state employees also have a state provided cell phone, others are rarely, if ever called at home. This will cost Maine taxpayers approximately $380,000 in the next budget cycle.

• Currently the state of Maine is forced to use tax dollars to pay union members to attend private union meetings. This will cost Maine taxpayers $180,000 in the next budget cycle.

• Nearly 3,000 Maine state employees are forced to pay fees to the unions even though they do not wish to join the union or pay dues.  This proposed change would simply change policy back to where it was before the Baldacci administration allowed the union the ability to force payments from non-union employees.  The LePage administration does not believe that state government should be a bill collector for the union, nor do they believe workers who do not wish to join the union should be forced to pay union fees just towork for the state.

• The MSEA runs a $5.4 million budget and while they criticize the LePage administration for hiring a lawyer from New York, last year the MSEA sent their $1.5 million surplus to their international union office.  In this same budget, the union spent $2 million on lobbying and political activity, but only spent $1.4 million on collective bargaining representing state employees.

• In fact, Maine People Before Politics issued a report earlier this year showing where the union spends their money. View it here. 

The MSEA claims that the LePage administration is trying to "take away rights of Maine workers"  but as you can see, nothing in these negotiations would have a negative impact on the rights of Maine workers.

Our government should not be a bill collector for the unions, and a union that spends twice as much money out of state or playing politics than it does representing its members is not the standard-bearer for what's right for Maine taxpayers or workers.

Here is what you can do to help:

• Share this email with family and friends so they can know the facts.

• Ask your friends and family that are state employees why the MSEA is spending such a high percentage of their dues on political activity and salaries for union leaders instead of representation for which they have paid.

• Call your local talk radio shows - help get these facts out to the public. Help us make sure the union rhetoric does not go unanswered. Here are three major talk radio shows you can listen to and call in:
  
  WLOB Radio 95/5 FM 1310 AM
  Ray & Ted Show 6 am - 10 am
  1-877-393-8255
  
  560 WGAN Morning News
  Ken & Mike 5 am - 9 am
  207-879-9426
  
  WVOM 101.3 & 103.9 The Voice of Maine
  George Hale Ric Tyler Show 5 am - 9 am
  1-800-966-1039

• Write a letter to the editor thanking Governor LePage for hanging tough and protecting taxpayers in these negotiations. Go here for a listing and links to Maine newspapers that publish letters to the editor. 

• Tell your local lawmakers that you support efforts to reign in wasteful provisions of these contracts.

Sincerely,

Jason Savage

Executive Director

Maine People Before Politics  

 

WAR is a Racket

It's all about the money
Vietnam vet Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson was former Chief of Staff to Colin Powell during the blatantly fraudulent run up to the Iraq War.

He had the opportunity to see Dick Cheney, George Bush Jr,, Donald Rumsfeld and other assorted war criminals up close and personal.

An amazingly frank admission from the former
Chief of Staff of Colin Powell, also a former
instructor at the Naval War College, about
why the US goes to war. 
 
Hint: It's not about truth, justice or protecting
the American Way. 
 
Must watching and must forwarding, especially
now that the US is starting a new war almost
every other week. 
 

TSA has no concept of human dignity, America is Brainwashed

Huge public outcry over TSA forcing 95-year-old cancer patient to remove adult diaper

Monday, June 27, 2011
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger

(NaturalNews) The TSA has once again shown itself to be an agency utterly lacking in respect for human dignity by forcing a 95-year-old cancer patient to remove her adult diaper during the screening procedure. Jean Weber, a leukemia patient, underwent the humiliating procedure at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport where TSA agents, as usual, claim to be "protecting the public from terrorism." (You have to question the intelligence, obviously, of any federal employee who believes that terrorists are hiding weapons inside the diaper of a 95-year-old cancer patient. More on that below...)

Outrage over the "adult diaper pat-down" has rapidly spread across the internet as more and more people are waking up and realizing the TSA has no concept of human dignity and can justify anything -- yes, anything -- as part of the "war on terror." The TSA even justified this adult diaper pat-down, claiming what they did was conducted in a "respectful and sensitive manner."

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/032827_TSA_adult_diaper.html#ixzz1QYoEDgkL

Medical Marijuana, just more Factual Information, Not from the U.S. Government

Montana Dad Gives Cancer-Stricken Boy Marijuana Behind Doctor's Back

By SUSAN DONALDSON JAMES

May 5, 2011

Doctors said 2-year-old Cash Hyde would likely die after they found a stage 4 brain tumor surrounding his optic nerve just a year ago this week.
And he nearly did. After being subjected to seven different chemotherapy drugs, the little boy from Missoula, Montana suffered septic shock, a stroke and pulmonary hemorrhaging.
Cash was so sick he went 40 days without eating. His organs were threatening to shut down. His father, Mike Hyde, intervened, slipping cannabis oil into his son's feeding tube.
In Montana, medical marijuana is legal. Hyde had used it himself to treat his attention deficit disorder. When Cash was diagnosed in May 2010, Mike got him a marijuana card and purchased the drug from his own supplier.

 http://abcnews.go.com/Health/montana-father-medical-marijuana-cancer-stricken-toddler-son/story?id=13529490

http://www.jackherer.com/archives/maine-governor-signs-medical-marijuana-law/

Maine Governor LePage Signs Medical Marijuana Bill

LePage to sign medical marijuana privacy law

By The Associated Press

Jun 24, 2011 12:00 am

1 Comment AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Gov. Paul LePage has signed into law a bill that's aimed at protecting the privacy of medical marijuana patients.

 http://www.sunjournal.com/state/story/1051710