AIF-Massachusetts<p><span class="h-card" translate="no"><a href="https://mastodon.social/@indivisibleteam" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@<span>indivisibleteam</span></a></span> "Just one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, voted against the measure. And just one Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, voted for it."</p><p>All right Mainers, if Jared Golden is your rep, let him know that you think he's a traitor.</p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MainePolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainePolitics</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MainePol" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainePol</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/JaredGolden" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>JaredGolden</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Fascist" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Fascist</span></a></p>
fosstodon.org is one of the many independent Mastodon servers you can use to participate in the fediverse.
Fosstodon is an invite only Mastodon instance that is open to those who are interested in technology; particularly free & open source software.
If you wish to join, contact us for an invite.
Administered by:
Server stats:
8.7Kactive users
fosstodon.org: About · Status · Profiles directory · Privacy policy
Mastodon: About · Get the app · Keyboard shortcuts · View source code · v4.4.4
#MainePolitics
0 posts · 0 participants · 0 posts today
Nathaniel Gregory<p><a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Palestinesolidarity" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Palestinesolidarity</span></a> in <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Saco" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Saco</span></a>, <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> where General Dynamics <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/manufactures" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>manufactures</span></a> guidance systems for the bombs Israel drops on Gaza.</p><p><a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/brucegagnon177089/p/palestine-solidarity-in-saco-maine" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">open.substack.com/pub/brucegag</span><span class="invisible">non177089/p/palestine-solidarity-in-saco-maine</span></a></p><p><a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Israel" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Israel</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Palestine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Palestine</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/MiddleEast" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MiddleEast</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Genocide" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Genocide</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/EthnicCleansing" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EthnicCleansing</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Palestinians" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Palestinians</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/PalestinianLivesMatter" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PalestinianLivesMatter</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Politics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Politics</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Egypt" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Egypt</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Lebanon" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Lebanon</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Syria" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Syria</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Iraq" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Iraq</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Iran" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Iran</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/SaudiArabia" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaudiArabia</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Qatar" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Qatar</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Gaza" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Gaza</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/US" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>US</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/USA" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>USA</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Zionism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Zionism</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Zionists" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Zionists</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/BDS" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>BDS</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Ceasefire" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Ceasefire</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/ArmsEmbargo" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ArmsEmbargo</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/CeasefireNow" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CeasefireNow</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/ArmsEmbargoNow" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ArmsEmbargoNow</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/ME" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ME</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/MainePolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainePolitics</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/MEPolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MEPolitics</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/US" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>US</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/USA" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>USA</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/UnitedStates" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>UnitedStates</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Protest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Protest</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Solidarity" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Solidarity</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>For the past few years, I've had to dedicate time to fight STUPID SHIT here in <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a>. Two years ago, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PolandSpring" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PolandSpring</span></a> / <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/BlueTriton" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>BlueTriton</span></a> / WhateverTheFuckThey'reCalledNow tried to double water extraction during a <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Drought" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Drought</span></a>. Last year, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineTurnpikeAuthority" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineTurnpikeAuthority</span></a> wanted to put a highway through one of the last working farms in <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GreaterPortlandMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GreaterPortlandMaine</span></a> (<a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SmilingHillFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SmilingHillFarm</span></a>). Now this year, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MDOT" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MDOT</span></a> wants to build a replacement bridge over the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SacoRiver" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SacoRiver</span></a> with NO PEDESTRIAN SIDEWALK! In an area with a library, an ice cream parlor, and hiking trails on both sides of the river! WTF is wrong with people! Well, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CorporateGreed" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CorporateGreed</span></a> is a big part of the problem. I'm sure MTA had the contractors salivating over the contracts they hoped to milk out of them!<br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MainePolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainePolitics</span></a></p>
Labor Party (US)<p>Maine's voter-approved $5,000 limit on individual super PAC donations is under legal attack by conservative groups citing free speech concerns. The Labor Party advocates for such reforms to ensure a more equitable democratic process. Does limiting large donations enhance or hinder our democracy? <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/CampaignFinanceReform" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CampaignFinanceReform</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/Democracy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Democracy</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/MainePolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainePolitics</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/CampaignFinance" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CampaignFinance</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/PoliticalReform" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PoliticalReform</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/MoneyInPolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MoneyInPolitics</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/EqualityInDemocracy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EqualityInDemocracy</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/FreeSpeechDebate" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>FreeSpeechDebate</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/VoterRights" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>VoterRights</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.social/tags/PoliticalTransparency" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PoliticalTransparency</span></a> <a href="https://buff.ly/4gvXAUZ" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="">buff.ly/4gvXAUZ</span><span class="invisible"></span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>Governor’s Bill to Exempt a Sand Dune on <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a>/ <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wahsumkik" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wahsumkik</span></a> from <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EnvironmentalProtection" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EnvironmentalProtection</span></a> for <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/OffshoreWind" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>OffshoreWind</span></a> Port Passes Committee – Full Vote Expected This Week</p><p>Sunlight Media Collective March 26, 2024 </p><p>"Governor’s Bill to Exempt a Sand Dune on Sears Island/ Wahsumkik from Environmental Protection to allow for her choice of the Undeveloped Island as the Site for the most 'Cost-Effective' Offshore Wind Port Passes Committee.</p><p>"The <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Passamaquoddy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Passamaquoddy</span></a> and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotNation" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotNation</span></a> and numerous <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/environmental" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>environmental</span></a> organizations oppose the development, while large environmental groups and unions back the governor.</p><p>"A full legislative vote is expected this week.</p><p>"On Thursday, March 21st the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Environment and Natural Resources voted in support of a bill that would carve out exemptions from existing environmental protections for the industrial development Sears Island/Wahsumkik.</p><p>"<a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LD2266" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LD2266</span></a> “An Act Regarding <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/OffshoreWindTerminals" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>OffshoreWindTerminals</span></a> Located in <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CoastalSandDune" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CoastalSandDune</span></a> Systems” put forth by the Governor’s office five days before its public hearing last week, seeks to specifically exempt a sand dune on Sears Island, in Searsport, from current <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EnvironmentalProtections" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EnvironmentalProtections</span></a> to allow for the advancement of an offshore wind staging development on the island.</p><p>"Governor Mills announced last month that Sears Island is the state’s “preferred site” for the major development, instead of the already industrialized <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a>, also in Searsport.</p><p>"The bill’s passage could set a dangerous precedent for the quick rollback of environmental protections at the behest of industry and the state.</p><p>"The development of Sears Island (known also by the Penobscot name Wahsumkik)), the largest undeveloped island within the state and one of the largest on the eastern seaboard, has been a lightening rod over the past decades, as the state and prevailing industry have attempted to site a number of projects there and received concerted local push back that stopped development.</p><p>"On this current attempt, the Governor’s office has gathered a roster of supportive environmental groups eager to be seen making visible strides on climate change, and unions eager for employment opportunities. But opposition to Sears Island development has not dissipated, and has increased in diversity to include both political parties, as well as local and state environmental groups, fisherman and the Penobscot Nation and Passamaquoddy Tribe.</p><p>"This movement is pushing back on what they see as a false choice on <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ClimateChange" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ClimateChange</span></a> action– alternative energy vs the destruction of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/forests" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>forests</span></a> and critical habitat on the undeveloped island. They challenge the Governor’s conclusion that Sears Island should be chosen over Mack Point.</p><p>"LD 2266 would allow for the exemption of a coastal sand dune on Sears Island within the proposed wind port from current protection under the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.</p><p>"Expressing public support for the bill at the hearing were: The Governor’s Office, The Maine DOT, Maine Labor Climate Council, Maine AFL-CIO, Maine State Camber of Commerce, Maine Peoples Alliance and the Natural Resources Council of Maine. Some expressed openness to locating at Mack Point, if it was considered viable.</p><p>"Against the development of Sears Island and additionally opposed to the bill that would make changes to the DEP coastal sand dunes protections, include: The Passamaquoddy Tribe, Searsport Representative Reagan Paul, the Alliance for Sears Island, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/FriendsOfSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>FriendsOfSearsIsland</span></a>, Isleboro Island Trust, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SierraClub" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SierraClub</span></a> Maine, Preserve Rural Maine, New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association , Upstream Watch, Community Water Justice, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/FriendsOfCascoBay" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>FriendsOfCascoBay</span></a> and Casco Bay Keepers and a number of individuals speaking on own behalf. The Penobscot Nation did not give testimony at the hearing but opposes the development at Sears Island/Wassamkeag.</p><p>"Speaking Neither for nor against were: Maine Conservation Voters and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineAudubon" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineAudubon</span></a>, who stated they could not support the bill as written, but could potentially with an amendment .</p><p>"Testimony from the March 18th hearing can be viewed online at</p><p><a href="https://legislature.maine.gov/committee/#Committees/ENR" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">legislature.maine.gov/committe</span><span class="invisible">e/#Committees/ENR</span></a></p><p>"A vote by the full legislature on the the rollback is expected this week.</p><p>Sunlight Media Collective will continue to follow this story.</p><p>Further coverage can be heard archived on WERU FM Community Radio on the programs Maine Currents and RadioActive. www.weru.org"</p><p>Source:<br><a href="https://www.sunlightmediacollective.org/governors-bill-to-exempt-a-sand-dune-on-sears-island-wahsumkik-from-environmental-protection-for-offshore-wind-port-passes-committee-full-vote-expected-this-week/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">sunlightmediacollective.org/go</span><span class="invisible">vernors-bill-to-exempt-a-sand-dune-on-sears-island-wahsumkik-from-environmental-protection-for-offshore-wind-port-passes-committee-full-vote-expected-this-week/</span></a> </p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Corporatocracy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Corporatocracy</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MainePolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainePolitics</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Greenwashing" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Greenwashing</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/JanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>JanetMills</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSearsIsland</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>Hmmmm... I'm seeing a pattern here. <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PeterMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PeterMills</span></a> and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineTurnpikeAuthority" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineTurnpikeAuthority</span></a> are looking to build a highway through forests and farms because it would be cheaper (but <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LightRail" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LightRail</span></a> would be even CHEAPER, but would involve less <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/contractors" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>contractors</span></a>). Peter's sister <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/JanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>JanetMills</span></a> wants to put an <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/OffshoreWindFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>OffshoreWindFarm</span></a> on <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SearsIsland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SearsIsland</span></a> because it would be cheaper than <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MackPoint" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MackPoint</span></a> (which would involve cleaning up pollution -- the horror!)</p><p>[Article is behind a paywall -- full text in comments]</p><p>The unusual political alliance opposing an offshore wind port in <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> </p><p>by Billy Kobin <br>December 4, 2023</p><p>"The 941-acre Sears Island, the largest undeveloped island in <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PenobscotBay" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PenobscotBay</span></a>, is connected to the mainland by a causeway and is located off the coast of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Searsport" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Searsport</span></a>, the Route 1 town of about 2,600 residents. The state owns the island, though <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/NativeAmericans" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NativeAmericans</span></a> who called it <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wassumkeag" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wassumkeag</span></a>, or 'bright sand beach,' used it over thousands of years for camping, hunting, fishing and resting along paddling routes."</p><p>Source:<br><a href="https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/12/04/politics/unusual-political-alliance-opposing-offshore-wind-port-joam40zk0w/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">bangordailynews.com/2023/12/04</span><span class="invisible">/politics/unusual-political-alliance-opposing-offshore-wind-port-joam40zk0w/</span></a> </p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MainePolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainePolitics</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Environment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Environment</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Greenwashing" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Greenwashing</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EnvironmentalRacism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EnvironmentalRacism</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>So, what's going on with the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamSpur" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamSpur</span></a> seems a lot like what happened with the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CMPCorridor" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CMPCorridor</span></a> (which <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Mainers" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Mainers</span></a> voted against). Despite public opposition, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MTA" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MTA</span></a> will say, "Oh, well we already bought most of the land, so we have to keep going!" The same tactic was used with the CMP corridor through the North Woods, when CMP said, "Well, we already started the project -- we plan on completing if, even if the public opposes it!"</p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MainePolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainePolitics</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/JanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>JanetMills</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PeterMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PeterMills</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Corporatocracy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Corporatocracy</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Overreach" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Overreach</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/TheWillOfThePeople" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>TheWillOfThePeople</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WorkingFarms" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WorkingFarms</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineTurnpikeAuthority" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineTurnpikeAuthority</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Sprawl" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Sprawl</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamSpur" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamSpur</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamConnector" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamConnector</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Wetlands" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Wetlands</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Meadows" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Meadows</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/EnvironmentalImpact" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>EnvironmentalImpact</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSmilingHillFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSmilingHillFarm</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveTheNorthWoods" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveTheNorthWoods</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>A look at the bills to amend <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> mineral mining laws in this year’s Legislature</p><p>By Kate Cough<br>February 12, 2023</p><p>"All the way back in the fall of 2021, I called a geologist to ask what he thought about plans by the Canadian junior mining company, Wolfden, to dig for zinc and copper up near Patten, just east of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.</p><p>We talked about the proposal for awhile, and just before we hung up, I asked the question I ask at the end of every interview, one that almost always elicits an unexpected answer and is often the very best way to find new stories: What didn’t we talk about that you want me to know? In this case it definitely didn’t disappoint: after pausing for a moment, the geologist said well, there’s something interesting going on over in <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WesternMaine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WesternMaine</span></a>…</p><p>"And thus began my (armchair) adventure into the world of lithium deposits, from the salt flats of South America to the hard-rock mines of western Australia, and, of course, into what is thought to be the world’s richest hard-rock deposit, in the sleepy town of Newry, near the New Hampshire border. A year-and-a-half later the story continues, now with a new player: lawmakers, who have introduced (at last count) ten bills aimed at altering Maine’s mining regulations.</p><p>"The bills (I was only able to review the full text of one, as most are still in the Revisor’s office) run the gamut. One, <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LR1624" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LR1624</span></a>, sponsored by Rep. Maggie O’Neil of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Saco" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Saco</span></a>, proposes a moratorium on lithium mining, while others (LR 1304, An Act to Promote Sustainable Lithium Mining in Maine, sponsored by Rep. Mike Soboleski of Phillips) are more full-throated in their support of the activity. (It’s worth noting that moratoriums are temporary holds on an activity designed to give regulators time to put in place rules, not permanent bans, as is often thought.)</p><p>"Here’s the full list:</p><p>- LR 1624, Rep. Maggie O’Neil of Saco: An Act to Ensure a Strategic Approach to Maine’s Energy System by Imposing a Moratorium on <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LithiumMining" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LithiumMining</span></a></p><p>- <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LR420" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LR420</span></a>, Rep. Scott Landry of Farmington: An Act to Support Extraction of Common Rock-forming and Rare Earth Minerals</p><p>- <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LR1121" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LR1121</span></a>, Rep. Lydia Crafts of Newcastle: An Act to Establish a Commission to Study Mining Materials</p><p>- <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LR1732" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LR1732</span></a>, Rep. Nina Milliken of Blue Hill: An Act to Eliminate <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Mining" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Mining</span></a> Without a Permit</p><p>- <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LR1304" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LR1304</span></a>, Rep. Mike Soboleski of Phillips: An Act to Promote Sustainable Lithium Mining in Maine</p><p>- <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LR2272" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LR2272</span></a>, Sen. Richard Bennett of Oxford: An Act Regarding <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MetallicMineralMining" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MetallicMineralMining</span></a></p><p>- <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LR2138" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LR2138</span></a>, Sen. Craig Hickman of Kennebec: An Act to Protect the People from <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/OpenPit" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>OpenPit</span></a> Quarry Mining</p><p>- <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LR930" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LR930</span></a>, Sen. Lisa Keim of Oxford: An Act Concerning Lithium Deposits</p><p>"The reason we’re seeing all of these bills, of course, is that Maine’s 2017 mining law prohibits mining for 'metallic minerals' in open pits larger than three acres. The deposit in Newry is already partially exposed, and numerous experts have said that open pit mining (as opposed to an underground shaft) is the only logical way to remove the rocks, which, they also point out, do not pose the same <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/environmental" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>environmental</span></a> risks as other types of metal deposits. But all mining poses some risks, and not everyone is on board with the idea of digging <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GiantHoles" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GiantHoles</span></a> in the earth, even if the end product is an essential part of the transition away from fossil fuels.</p><p>"State regulators have acknowledged the risks involved in mining this deposit are different but say their hands are tied: because 'metallic mineral' does not have a commonly-agreed upon meaning in the scientific community, and because legislators did not specifically exclude lithium from the 2017 rules, the Newry deposit should be considered a metallic mineral. (Meanwhile, the Freemans, the gem-hunters who own the land and identified the deposit, are challenging the DEP’s decision in court.)</p><p>"Of the lawmakers I spoke to, all expressed a desire to support federal efforts to boost domestic production of critical minerals while ensuring the spirit and integrity of Maine’s 2017 mining law remains intact. (In case you were wondering whether the feds are serious, look no further than a $700 million government loan to a <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/NevadaLithiumMine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NevadaLithiumMine</span></a> announced earlier this week.)"</p><p><a href="https://themainemonitor.org/maine-lawmakers-look-to-amend-lithium-mining-laws/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">themainemonitor.org/maine-lawm</span><span class="invisible">akers-look-to-amend-lithium-mining-laws/</span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/WaterIsLife" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>WaterIsLife</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineLegislature" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineLegislature</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MainePolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainePolitics</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ProtectTheForest" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ProtectTheForest</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Environment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Environment</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CorporateColonialism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CorporateColonialism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/NoMining" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NoMining</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/NoOpenPitMining" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NoOpenPitMining</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/RecycleLithium" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>RecycleLithium</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>ICYMI - from 2019:</p><p>VERIFY: does Gov. <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/JanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>JanetMills</span></a>' brother have ties to <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CMPCorridor" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CMPCorridor</span></a> project? </p><p>NEWS CENTER <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> verifies <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PeterMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PeterMills</span></a>' involvement in the CMP corridor.</p><p>July 3, 2019</p><p>"In the last year, we have been bombarded with questions and concerns surrounding the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CMP" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CMP</span></a> transmission line project.</p><p>"Most recently, some of those concerns from you at home have shifted to Governor Janet Mills' support behind the project -- more specifically, if her brother, Peter Mills, has any ties to the corridor or if he has anything to gain from it.</p><p>"To verify these claims, NEWS CENTER Maine spoke with Peter Mills himself and referenced these public documents -- 'The Memorandum of Understanding between Central Maine Power Company and Western Mountains and Rivers Corporation'. </p><p>Here's what we found out.</p><p>"Mills does currently sit on the board of a charitable non-profit called Western Mountains and Rivers Corporation, an organization established back in 2017.</p><p>"He admits the non-profit has ties to CMP and the corridor project, but he says it's a very specific partnership.</p><p>"'The purpose of the corporation was to negotiate with <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CentralMainePower" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CentralMainePower</span></a> and possibly <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/HydroQuebec" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HydroQuebec</span></a> to see to it that they would put together terms to mitigate in a public and charitable way, to mitigate for the impact of the power line if it were built.' says Mills. [I've seen this tactic before -- with <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineTurnpikeAuthority" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineTurnpikeAuthority</span></a> donations to non-profits affected by <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/highway" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>highway</span></a> expansion]</p><p>"Public documents detail this agreement between the two entities, which includes CMP's requirement to provide $250,000 dollars to the non-profits trust fund; for start-up costs and other proceedings.</p><p>"It has been used to hire an <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/attorney" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>attorney</span></a> to represent the interests of the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/corporation" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>corporation</span></a> in the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Legal" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Legal</span></a> proceedings before the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PUC" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PUC</span></a> and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/LERK" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>LERK</span></a> and the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/DEP" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>DEP</span></a>, and in negotiating for any mitigation terms including the creation of land rights of way in the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/KennebecValley" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>KennebecValley</span></a>." says Mills."</p><p>Read more:</p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MainePolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainePolitics</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ClimateActivism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ClimateActivism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CorporateColonialism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CorporateColonialism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CorporateFascism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CorporateFascism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Nepotism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Nepotism</span></a><br><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineTribes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineTribes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Mining" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Mining</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamSpur" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamSpur</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamConnector" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamConnector</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/SaveSmilingHillFarm" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>SaveSmilingHillFarm</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/NoCMPCorridor" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NoCMPCorridor</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>Despite local opposition and a statewide vote, the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CMPCorridor" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CMPCorridor</span></a> through <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a>'s <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/NorthWoods" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NorthWoods</span></a> is getting pushed through! <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/PeterMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>PeterMills</span></a>, head of the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineTurnpikeAuthority" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineTurnpikeAuthority</span></a> and brother of <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/JanetMills" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>JanetMills</span></a>, is on the board of a corporation involved in the project! Nothing to see here, eh? No wonder MTA has no problem destroying woods, streams and farmland here in southern <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a>! </p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CMPCorridor" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CMPCorridor</span></a> Proposal: A Bad Deal for Maine</p><p>"In April 2023, a Cumberland County jury ruled in CMP’s favor during a court case that very likely will decide the future of the company’s controversial transmission corridor. The decision was based on technical legal issues and not on the merits of whether or not this was a good project for Maine.</p><p>"We are disappointed with the outcome and remain sharply focused on achieving a just and equitable clean energy future that works for all Mainers. </p><p>"Maine has already shown there’s a better path forward than the CMP corridor. A path focused on regional collaboration and centered in Maine’s pragmatic approach to solving problems. </p><p>"Mainers are pursuing home-grown clean energy sources, like the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/KingPineWindProject" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>KingPineWindProject</span></a> in Aroostook County that will deliver new and verifiable reductions in pollution rather than a shell game that shifts existing energy for maximum profit. </p><p>"<a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineVoters" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineVoters</span></a> got it right when they overwhelmingly passed a referendum rejecting the CMP corridor because it’s a bad deal for Maine and a bad deal for our climate. </p><p>"<a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/NRCM" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NRCM</span></a> is honored to stand with youth <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ClimateJustice" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ClimateJustice</span></a> activists, tribes in Maine and Canada, people across western Maine who rely on a vibrant outdoor recreation economy, and many others in opposing the CMP corridor. Thank you to everyone who partnered with us on this hard-fought campaign."</p><p>Top 4 Reasons NRCM Opposes the Corridor:</p><p>- Won’t reduce climate-changing pollution, and may actually increase it.<br>- Cuts 53 miles of new transmission lines through undeveloped <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/forests" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>forests</span></a> in Maine’s <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/NorthWoods" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NorthWoods</span></a>, harming brook trout, deer, other <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/wildlife" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>wildlife</span></a>, and the tourism economy.<br>- Jeopardizes the construction of new in-state <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/RenewableEnergy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>RenewableEnergy</span></a> projects and creation of clean energy jobs.<br>- Generates billions of dollars of profit for CMP and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/HydroQuebec" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>HydroQuebec</span></a> while offering very little to Maine people and businesses.</p><p>Read more:<br><a href="https://www.nrcm.org/programs/climate/proposed-cmp-transmission-line-bad-deal-maine/" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">nrcm.org/programs/climate/prop</span><span class="invisible">osed-cmp-transmission-line-bad-deal-maine/</span></a> </p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MainePolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainePolitics</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ClimateActivism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ClimateActivism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CorporateColonialism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CorporateColonialism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/CorporateFascism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>CorporateFascism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Nepotism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Nepotism</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MaineTribes" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MaineTribes</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Mining" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Mining</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamSpur" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamSpur</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/GorhamConnector" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>GorhamConnector</span></a></p>
Alex Weston (he/him)<p>Remember the Maine.<br>To hell with Trump.</p><p><a href="https://historians.social/tags/MainePolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainePolitics</span></a><br><a href="https://historians.social/tags/maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>maine</span></a> <a href="https://historians.social/tags/2024election" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>2024election</span></a> <a href="https://historians.social/tags/maineprimary" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>maineprimary</span></a> <a href="https://historians.social/tags/democracy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>democracy</span></a> <a href="https://historians.social/tags/14th_amendment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>14th_amendment</span></a></p>
DoomsdaysCW<p>MAGA asshats better not try and mess with our Secretary of State!</p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Maine</span></a> disqualifies <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Trump" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Trump</span></a> from presidential primary ballot, citing <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/insurrection" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>insurrection</span></a> clause</p><p>Move comes days after <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Colorado" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Colorado</span></a> supreme court removes Trump from state primary ballot for same reason</p><p>by Maanvi Singh and agencies<br>Thu 28 Dec 2023 20.30 EST</p><p>"Maine has blocked Donald Trump from its presidential primary ballot, becoming the second state to bar the former president from running, under a constitutional provision that prevents <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/insurrectionists" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>insurrectionists</span></a> from holding office.</p><p>"On 19 December, a decision made by Colorado’s supreme court removed Trump from that state’s primary ballot, citing the same constitutional clause and setting up a legal showdown at the US supreme court.</p><p>"Maine’s secretary of state <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ShennaBellows" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ShennaBellows</span></a> examined the case after a group of citizens challenged Trump’s eligibility and concluded that Trump should be disqualified for inciting an insurrection on January 6, 2021.</p><p>"'I do not reach this conclusion lightly,' said Bellows, a Democrat, in the decision. 'I am mindful that no Secretary of State has ever deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on Section Three of the Fourteenth Amendment. I am also mindful, however, that no presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection.'</p><p>"Trump is the current Republican frontrunner, and his campaign has vowed to appeal the decision. 'Make no mistake, these partisan election interference efforts are a hostile assault on American democracy,' said <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/StevenCheung" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>StevenCheung</span></a>, a Trump campaign spokesperson, in a statement, also accusing Bellows of being a 'a virulent leftist'.</p><p>"Unlike other states, Bellows, who oversees elections in Maine, was required to make an initial determination about disqualification before it was considered by the courts. Bellows has suspended the effect of her decision until the state’s highest court rules on any appeal.</p><p>"The decision, if it takes effect, would apply only to the state’s March primary, but its conclusion would probably also affect Trump’s status for the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/November2024" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>November2024</span></a> general election. Both Maine and Colorado are Democratic-leaning states, which means Joe Biden will likely win in both. However, while Maine has just four electoral votes, it’s one of two states to split them. Trump won one of Maine’s electors in 2020.</p><p>"Both the Maine and Colorado decision are based on section 3 of the <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/14thAmendment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>14thAmendment</span></a>, which bans from office those who 'engaged in insurrection'. The provision, which came after the civil war, was intended to prevent Confederates from retaking power.</p><p>"Legal scholars have argued that the clause should apply to Trump because of his role in trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election and obstruct the peaceful transfer of power. The clause has rarely been used and has not previously been tested on the office of the presidency.</p><p>"Lawsuits in <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Minnesota" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Minnesota</span></a> and <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/NewHampshire" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>NewHampshire</span></a> arguing that Trump should be excluded from the ballot based on the 14th amendment were dismissed. In <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Michigan" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Michigan</span></a>, plaintiffs appealed to the state’s supreme court after lower courts declined to disqualify Trump.</p><p>"The US supreme court may ultimately resolve the issue nationwide. The Colorado Republican party has already appealed to the country’s top court and Trump is expected to file his own appeal over the disqualification in both states.</p><p>"The highest court currently has a 6-3 conservative majority, which includes three justices nominated by Trump." </p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/dec/28/maine-disqualifies-trump-presidential-primary-ballot-insurrection?ref=upstract.com" rel="nofollow noopener" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">theguardian.com/us-news/2023/d</span><span class="invisible">ec/28/maine-disqualifies-trump-presidential-primary-ballot-insurrection?ref=upstract.com</span></a></p><p><a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ClarenceThomasResign" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ClarenceThomasResign</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/JusticeThomasResign" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>JusticeThomasResign</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/ScotusIsCompromised" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>ScotusIsCompromised</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/MainePolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainePolitics</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/USPolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>USPolitics</span></a> <a href="https://kolektiva.social/tags/Election2024" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>Election2024</span></a></p>
Brian Pierce<p><span class="h-card" translate="no"><a href="https://newsie.social/@whatworks" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@<span>whatworks</span></a></span> Your toot is pertinent to <a href="https://mstdn.social/tags/maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>maine</span></a> <a href="https://mstdn.social/tags/portlandpressherald" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>portlandpressherald</span></a> <a href="https://mstdn.social/tags/portlandme" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>portlandme</span></a> <a href="https://mstdn.social/tags/MainePolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>MainePolitics</span></a></p>
Brian Pierce MD<p><span class="h-card"><a href="https://med-mastodon.com/@CastlTrAstonDrs" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@<span>CastlTrAstonDrs</span></a></span> <span class="h-card"><a href="https://news.twtr.plus/users/reuters" class="u-url mention" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">@<span>reuters</span></a></span> <br>Thank God (actually Gov. Mills and Maine CDC) that we didn't run into this in <a href="https://med-mastodon.com/tags/maine" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>maine</span></a> two years ago. It was bad but AFAIK we never ran out of ICU beds.</p><p><a href="https://med-mastodon.com/tags/covid" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>covid</span></a> <br><a href="https://med-mastodon.com/tags/mainepolitics" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">#<span>mainepolitics</span></a></p>
TrendingLive feeds
Mastodon is the best way to keep up with what's happening.
Follow anyone across the fediverse and see it all in chronological order. No algorithms, ads, or clickbait in sight.
LoginDrag & drop to upload