Jon Reisman
Mid-July featured Bastille Day, Biddeford ICE/Orange Man Bad protests/riots, continued Platner fasciitis inflammation, and discomfort with a two round circus maximus Democratic Senate forum on NBC affiliate NewsCenter Maine followed by a Trumpian Presidential address (which NBC declined to cover) where The Donald declassified a trove of intelligence documents allegedly showing that our elections have been compromised by Chinese, Russian, Iranian, and domestic Democrats and deep state bad actors (looking at you Secretary of State/Senator wannabe Shenna Bellows). Finally, as I prepared my column, I was able to connect with Passamaquoddy Tribal Representative and State Senate District 6 Independent candidate Aaron Dana regarding his views on Platner and antisemitism.
The week started with Bastille Day on July 14, appropriately foreshadowing the “spontaneous” demonstrations that erupted in Biddeford when the Maine People’s Alliance and national leftists realized that a George Floyd agitation propaganda opportunity was available to blunt the negative consequence of the Platner problem. The Bastille Day connection was particularly appropriate because Biddeford is arguably more working class than Kennebunkport, replacing Bush WASP money with French Canadian mill worker immigrants and their progeny. Of course, most of the paid protestors were not from Maine, but why quibble over social justice strategy and tactics? Trust fund protestors and Soros socialists are just as entitled to whine, moan, and lie as any other political hack, including both myself and the President
Trump argued that the solution to election integrity perfidy was to pass the SAVE Act, requiring photo ID proof of citizenship to vote. Democrats oppose that as it would compromise their long march of open borders, illegal alien voting, subsidies, and political hegemony. A majority of Congressional Democrats also voted to defund Israeli military aid (in addition to the police.) It’s hard to tell which hate is stronger amongst Democrats: Trump or Jews. It’s a photo finish between Trump Derangement Syndrome and antisemitism. Trump also signaled that he would continue to bomb the crap out of Iran until the regime crumbles/surrenders, which will undoubtedly drive the Platner fascia into an antisemitic rage.
Finally, I talked to Aaron Dana about his views on Platner and antisemitism. My last column has recalled his March introduction and fulsome praise of candidate Platner at Centre Street Church in Machias. Dana maintains he introduced but did not endorse Platner, and his Facebook campaign page has a recent post condemning Platner’s misogyny and the anti-ICE /anti Law Enforcement demonstrations (Dana is a LEO). Dana also condemned antisemitism and reminded me of similarities between Jewish and Native American diaspora, displacement, and discrimination. I viewed his introduction as an endorsement, but did not record it (my bad; I was somewhat distracted and upset by the Centre Street sanctuary antisemitic rally)
Dana indicated he had not seen my e-mails because his legislative e-mail account had been password security blocked ( the same thing happened to Rep. Tuell, requiring IT staff intervention several months back). Dana urged voters to contact him at aarondanaformainesenate@gmail.com or 214-8345. His opponent, Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham, can be reached at billybob518709@msn.com. One of them will be advocating for Washington County in Augusta next year.
Many years ago, I set up a well-attended state Senate forum at the Cooper Grange. Before I retired from UMM, I often set up candidate forums and debates. I hope UMM, WCCC, and Towns across Senate District 6 will do the same. We need to vote in November as if our lives and livelihoods depend on it … because they do.
Jon Reisman is an economist and policy analyst who retired from the University of Maine at Machias after 38 years. He resides on Cathance Lake in Cooper, where he is a Statler and Waldorf intern. Mr. Reisman’s views are his own, and he welcomes comments as letters to the editor here or to him directly via email at jreisman@maine.edu.
