The Maine legislature has a constant news line these days and it is not their efforts to improve the economy, environment or Maine's quality of life. The news is the mouth on the new Governor. His actions and words are getting international attention. If the "Obama-Kiss my butt," "NAACP- Go to hell," and the "Women with little mustaches" remarks were not enough of his bad behavior, bad sense of humor, and disrespect, than you need to follow his recent actions. The governor decided to remodel the Maine Department of Labor from a space celebrating all labor's contributions to one focused on the business owners. He decided to remove a commissioned art mural that depicted the history of labor in Maine. This was not a dramatic piece like The Jungle. It depicted children, men and women whose labor built the industries and history of Maine. The piece is somber and historical. The mural was secretly taken down over a weekend, is being stored at an undisclosed location, and is at another example of LePage's restructuring of Maine's government. His actions speech loudly against our bill of rights and democracy. In LePage's government, the people do not have participation [The artist was not notified and no public process was followed to remove the mural], freedom of speech [The governor has a gag order on the state employees], and democracy [The first amendment is a right to Americans].The work was commissioned and approved by the people of Maine. The federal money, the artist, and the people are contractually connected to the work being displayed for the public at the Department of Labor. Governor LePage intends to construct a space where the business owners are the focus. This new take of Maine history will not represent the people of Maine. The twentieth century does not exist in LePage's take. It is a sad day. The businesses do not run without employees. Their labor is crucial to any production. Mutual respect is essential to good business, good neighbors and good government. Mr. LePage missed his critical lesson in good citizenship.
On this matter a lawsuit has been filed and a rally will take place at the statehouse hall of flags. The turnout was marvelous. The speakers stretched across the state. Over two hundred people attended.
In the studio I am collecting newspapers and digesting all the actions of the new government. This is not republican; this is insanity. I am saddened and appalled by the disrespect and mean character of our governor. Sad.
I have shoot a lot of film of the region's businesses, homes, signs, public spaces, tracks, and a dozen other categories. The film will be processed this week and I am eager to edit and organize my books.
My mood is low with the political climate and the weather. Snow forecasted until May. Somehow this year seems worse than ever. The cold is bitting.
On this matter a lawsuit has been filed and a rally will take place at the statehouse hall of flags. The turnout was marvelous. The speakers stretched across the state. Over two hundred people attended.
In the studio I am collecting newspapers and digesting all the actions of the new government. This is not republican; this is insanity. I am saddened and appalled by the disrespect and mean character of our governor. Sad.
I have shoot a lot of film of the region's businesses, homes, signs, public spaces, tracks, and a dozen other categories. The film will be processed this week and I am eager to edit and organize my books.
My mood is low with the political climate and the weather. Snow forecasted until May. Somehow this year seems worse than ever. The cold is bitting.
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