Those of us who read newspapers and pay attention to politics know that here in Maine, a tax revolt is going on. It’s not a typical tax revolt, where people are complaining about their tax burden. This new tax revolt is about a wealthy corporation not wanting to pay its fair share, thus shifting the expenses of government to ordinary people (real people).
It was Ronald Reagan who popularized the term “welfare queens,” referring to women who allegedly had babies to get more welfare money from the government. Well, we’ve got a “welfare emperor” here in Maine, namely General Dynamics, whose “offspring” are born at Bath Iron Works in the form of Zumwalt and Aegis destroyers.
General Dynamics, one of the top weapons corporations in the world, is seeking an extension of the tax break it was gifted by Maine in the late 1990s, despite its tax burden being covered by the U.S. Navy. In addition, General Dynamics refuses to allow state legislators to view their financial records.
Spread the word to our friends and neighbors who regard politics as a dirty business and avoid the present partisan squabbling. It is our civic responsibility not only to vote but also to convey our opinions to our local, state and federal elected officials. Pope Francis said, “Politics, according to the Social Doctrine of the Church, is one of the highest forms of charity, because it serves the common good.”
All our state legislators are aware that their vote on L.D. 1781 will be observed by a new, sizable group of citizens who know their lives are more affected by the quality of public services than by the bottom line of a wealthy corporation.
Sally Chappell
Bridgton
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