Politics — its signs, its times, its abuses

To the editor:
    Yes, the sign thieves are protected in Houlton, Mrs. Roper. The Houlton Police Chief extends this right to the sign thieves. You can find a copy of my complaint at the PD and the additional complaint filed with the Attorney Generals Office in Augusta. This complaint includes a copy of the telephone conversation, between the Police Chief and me, dealing with the theft of a political sign, and a locally produced and directed copy of the thief stealing the sign. I caught mine, unfortunately you did not.
    Just for the public’s information the sign ordinance the Town mysteriously seems to cite is not from several years ago, but 70 plus years ago when they called Houlton by the name, the “Village of Houlton”. Yes, they will try to control speech, but let’s see. One councilor who wants to control what goes on in the public right of way rather than enforce the law of stealing, decides when they will violate the rules of right of way, private property and stall for time when they are breaking the law.
    Now because someone exercises their right to be present, and display good manners by opening and closing a door there are complaints? How many of you ill-mannered men offered an arm to the elderly or disabled person while they stepped up or down stairs that had no handrail at most doors? None, zero nada. No one was forced to go through that door; they had five other doors they could have used. Of course those who complained to the town office and PD never had the courage or guts to say something to me, but one did take a picture, must be one of those secret admirers. Upon hearing of this complaint I asked many of the 2,000 people I shook the hand of, if they minded my opening the door for them. None objected.
    Rest assured I had no illusions, that people coming to the polls would change their mind, because I helped them, or held a door. Rather I learned in the real military; one extends their aid and assistance to those in need, at the very least to offer assistance without expectation of reward or thanks. I also learned that in Church, the Boys Club, from my parents, other adults and logic. My wife tells me its one of the reasons she married me 25 years ago, November 12, 1983, and why my sons respect me.
    I’m sure there are some who would question my saluting someone who also served, again you have to understand the complexities of military service, its honors and tradition, its courtesies and expectations and the law. But alas I know many of you when the times deserved service you ran to school or married, if not required to serve you didn’t volunteer, your expectations of others exceeds your demands that others do what you would not do because you had other interests placed before your country.
    Obediently serving, no thanks needed, may I help you please.
Stan Ginish
Houlton