To the editor:
As a college student, I find this getting out of hand. I personally have spoken with people on this topic and they happen to agree. Interestingly enough, we all are Mike’s constituents and we still support him.
I find it hypocritical that people who are angered by Mike’s comments call it “offensive” and state that “This has no place in Maine politics.” These people failed to recall [that] State Sen. Colleen Lachowicz has stated some pretty controversial statements. She stated that she may have to go hunt down Grover Norquist and drown him in her bathtub. In addition, she also commented about Governor Paul LePage; she stated she had worked with kids and she had never known any 11-year-olds that can support themselves except through drug dealing or sex work. I found it odd we never heard any of this when he was the mayor of Waterville.
Here is now the Democratic Party responded to Colleen Lachowicz’s comments: “Online speech is protected free speech.” I found this interesting, whereas Mike Willette’s posts were online also and now they find his comments to be offensive. No matter how you look at either person, whether you agree or disagree with their comments, you have to agree that they have the right to say it.
I voted for Mike this past election. I believe in him as a person and as a public official. This was my first election, as well, for I am 18 years old. I am proud to still support Mike because he is my friend. I believe in free speech, whether I agree or disagree with his comments or Colleen Lachowicz’s comments. The definition of bigotry is “intolerance toward those who hold different opinions from oneself.” We find this on both sides. So does that mean Mike’s critics are being bigots? Maybe. Were the remarks that Mike made on Facebook bigoted? That’s subjective onto itself.
Blake Winslow
Presque Isle
