I get my best thoughts at 3 AM. I was just thinking about the differences between the 2 political party's, and previous thoughts jumped into my head.
People say that the 2 party's are the same, so who cares. That's not true. Like it or not, the average Democrat thinks you should help others, but is very conflicted as to how to do it, consequently they don't always present a unified front. That's why they've lost so many elections in recent years
The average Republican, however, on the other hand knows what they want and knows how to get it, even if it hurts others in the process. That's what this country has become, and the Republicans are winning. They don't need Congress any more, they've pretty much gotten what they wanted. But I assure you, they will do anything to continue the control of our government. The power and money is what they wanted.
I just don't understand the thinking of the AVERAGE Republican. You're not going to see any of those benefits! I guaranty it!
When the owner of two truck manufacturers can afford to build a luxury 126 foot motor yacht for the inter-coastal waterways of Alaska and spend 12.5 million dollars doing it, you're not getting a raise!
You do not realize we have given our country to the rich, so strap on your seat-belt, this is going to be a rough ride.
And you Democrats had better get your shit together, otherwise you're going to be on the losing end again.
Personally, we independents are tired of the interaction between both party's and the lack of civility in Legislatures.
We will vote for who will do the best job, regardless of party affiliation. And we are growing stronger by the day!
Pleasant dreams, I know I will!
dennismoconnor.com

In the past several months, since it was brought to my attention, I have been conscious of every time I use and throw in the garbage, a piece of plastic. It's insidious how it has taken over our lives!
Think about it. You go to the store. Everything in that store is either packaged in one of four things, plastic, steel, aluminum, or glass.
Fresh fruit, plastic bag. Meats, plastic. Bakery, plastics. Pharmacy, plastic bottles. Milk, eggs, bread, chips, soda, WATER, all plastics. Checkout bags, all plastic. ALL SINGLE USE PLASTICS!  We are burying ourselves in plastics, our oceans are filled with garbage piles thousands of square miles in size, and none of it degrades for hundreds of years. We are running out of space for garbage disposal in landfills. We are burning garbage so it doesn't end up in landfills, thereby polluting our air.
We have alternatives, but business will say it's not cost-efficient. (Profit) The petrochemical industry will not allow alternatives, like hemp and other biodegradable plant-based plastics.
I ask one thing. Become conscious of what you personally use on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Each time you use a piece of plastic, make a mental note of it. Before long, you will come to realize just how much non-degradable garbage each of us produces. Then multiply that by the BILLIONS of persons on this planet and you will finally see that we cannot continue down this path. We are slowly but surely killing our planet and ourselves. It must change.
Am I an environmentalist? Yes, proudly I am. Am I a realist? Very much so. I know it won't change overnight, but every step forward is a step in the right direction.
Realization is the key, because unless you understand what you are doing and the consequences that go with those decisions, you will never see the need to change!
May peace be with all of you, thanks.
dennismoconnor.com

The examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes.
I've done a lot of that during this pursuit of the Maine House seat. I often look back and wonder why I do or did certain things in my life and most of the time, it comes down to conviction.
In my early life, I was bullied and beaten down to where I had no convictions, I had no idea of my worth to the world. As I grew past that point I finally learned my value, and made a commitment that what happened  before could not be changed, but what happened afterwards could be. So I changed and became what I am today, a person who knows that if I put my mind in the right place, I can do anything.
I just spent 15 hours sitting in a chair in front of the new Hannafords supermarket so that I could be the first customer to walk through the door. That's conviction! Some may think it foolish, but I did what I set out to do. I made a commitment. I met some very nice people during that time, mostly employees and executives. They were very gracious and treated me well, with respect of my dedication to being first. And I thank them for that!
But my whole point to this exercise was to stand for what I believe, and that is believing in myself!
I believe in people, even times when I shouldn't. People can change if they want to, it takes INTROSPECTION! Look at yourself. Is this the best that I can be? If not, try changing in small ways. you will find it refreshing.
I spent my life helping others, maybe not as much as I should have, but helping none the less. And I'm proud of that.
If I win this election, hopefully it will be because others see the good in me. If I don't, it will not stop me or prevent me from still living my life in a good way and continuing my fight for fairness in how we deal with others.
We are in very dangerous territory right now, whether you choose to believe that or not. Many of you will, but many won't. I can't change that, unless I can show by example what IS right, which I will continue to do.
Thanks to all who read this, may peace be with you!
dennismoconnor.com

I'm coining a new acronym that I believe many are suffering from, and that is DTSD, Donald Trump Stress Disorder. I am not in a good place today, and I believe my fatigue is brought about by DTSD. It's this constant day to day fight within yourself by seeing your country being ripped apart by your own government and not being able to stop it. I have reached the conclusion, like many, many others, that our country has been taken over by a foreign power, who, now that they have control, will do everything within their power to maintain that control. The Republicans in Congress have proven their complicity, the President has proven his complicity, and the people who really care about others are suffering from the fatigue of the everyday battle in their minds while fighting this. The canary in the mine is dead!
Which leads me to one conclusion. How much fight do we have left in us? I realize I am in a bad place TODAY, but where will I be tomorrow? On the front lines fighting!
Capitalism can be a good thing, but what is going on today in the world is Capitalism on steroids. We are being taken over by oligarchs, both foreign and domestic, and the outcome, if not stopped, will not be good for the average person. We are already way behind and falling fast.
We have 20% who will never see it, we have 20% who are fighting it every day, but we have 60% in the middle who will determine which way we go, Fascism or Democracy. They must awaken to the facts, and soon. Time is running out!
This is not a rant, this is based on a long journey I have been on, politically and philosophically. I have seen a drastic change in this country since the entrance of DJT into the picture, and it's not for the good. That anyone can continue to believe this is a good thing is beyond my thinking.
The hatred, the isolationism, the whole White Supremacy thing, is the resurrection of Nazi Germany, which in reality never went away, was never completely eliminated. Welcome to the FOURTH Reich! Welcome to the world where anyone who is not pure in their whiteness is "verboten".
DJT is a madman, concerned only for power and wealth, of which he probably has neither.
Hitler was a madman, but he was not controlled by others. DJT is both, and the sooner we stop him, the sooner we can stop feeling DTSD!
May peace be with you, and keep up the fight for our republic!
dennismoconnor.com

I have been asked many times, "What is your platform?" during this campaign. My answer to that is this. A platform is rigidity, laying out a prescribed path that you promise to try to accomplish.
I don't believe in rigidity, i believe in flexibility, to be able to see things from many perspectives and follow the right path.
I believe that we must return to the tenets of the Declaration of Independence, whereby each and every citizen, regardless of station in life, color of their skin, sexual preference, or any other dis-qualifier thrown around today, shall be equal and have the same rights to the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.
Our forefathers fought and died in a year-long war against the tyranny of the Crown to be able to sign that document. Why are we allowing it to be destroyed in the name of Capitalism, with hatred predicated on the basis that some are more worthy than others.
This is not the America I grew up in and raised my families in. This is not my America. My America cares about one another, respects one another, and treats one another fairly. It is not about how much one has, but how one obtains it.
If you obtain it off of the backs of others, without helping others, that is greed. This country is full of self-centered greed.
We do have problems, problems that must be solved. But they will never be solved if we do not learn to again talk to one another. That is my hope and my platform, and I hope you see that, thanks.
dennismoconnor.com @dmoconnor.district72.maine

I guess I got a little hot Sunday night. It's difficult sometimes to comprehend how people either don't read or don't know what is really going on in our country! I know many watch Faux news and get most of their info from that source, but it still doesn't explain how people can believe it.
We are in serious trouble here, but too many are not taking it seriously. And I do understand, life must go on and we must work and play. But I believe the crap is about to hit the fan, and when it does, we will have major turmoil.
The anger and rage that has been stirred up by the rhetoric from politicians is not going to go back under their rocks. It's here to stay for awhile regardless of what happens in DC in November.
Thankfully, most people in Maine know how to survive rough times, like ice storms and 3 weeks without power in the dead of winter. But many elsewhere don't.
I decided many years ago to make Maine my home, and I have never regretted that decision. This state is so different from the others. People here are friendly, caring, and helpful to others. The people I talk to on a daily basis, people I've only just met, are glad that Independents are running, as they are tired of the same thing over and over. So hopefully I stand a good chance in November and others like me will prevail!
On a lighter note, my great grandson Gage lost his first baby tooth today.
May peace be with you.
dennismoconnor.com

I have tried my best not to confront 45 supporters, but it is becoming much more difficult each and every day. And now with his treasonous acts in Helsinki it is long past time to do something to remove him from office.
The willful collective ignorance of 45 supporters is staggering! How can you stay in your little bubble world and not see the damage being done? Are you that hateful towards yourself and others that you refuse to look, or are you so convinced that our country and helping others in it is totally wrong?
I try to understand you, but what is occurring today is mass hypnosis. "Follow The Yellow Brick Road To Emerald City" to the Great Oz behind the screen!
To be so sure you are right, to destroy our Democracy in the process to prove you are right, is downright traitorous! We have lived together for over 260 years as a people that, in spite of ourselves, have gotten along rather well. Sure, we had a lot of growing pains, but just when we were getting it together along comes THIS clown.
He WILL take us down, make no mistake about that, unless we as a people can overcome the division and get rid of him and his stooges. TODAY!
As always, may peace be with you.
#Resist2018 dennismoconnor.com

To the 743 people who visited my website in the past 2 days, I thank you for at least giving me a look.
I hope that you liked what you saw, and if you did, please help by sharing my site, as I will need all the votes I can get. Let's make this a victory for the independent common man.
Thanks again,
#Resist2018 dennismoconnor.com
Dennis M O'Connor For Common Sense Maine Legislator District 72 on FB

If you notice the date, I posted this back in January. But in re-reading all my posts, I thought this one stuck out more than the others and is more relevant today than when I originally wrote it.
1/13/2018

Since I started this episode in my life many months ago, I have come to realize that the anger that I held from the day of the election was harming me. I was internalizing my anger and lashing out in my posts. So I have now backed off and realized that the only way I am going to change anything is to somehow find common ground with detractors and opponents. We are a country that has gone through major failures in our past and we have somehow managed to overcome them. We were born out of conflict, yet overcame . So now it is time to overcome again.
We must overcome ignorance, hatred, fear of others differences, greed, arrogance, and most of all not thinking that others opinions don't matter. Because they do, just like ours do.
I have found myself smiling at people I don't know, wishing them a good day. I have straightened the grocery carts that others refuse to put in the correct place, just because it makes me feel better and helps someone who has to corral those carts. Letting people out of side streets into traffic. Small steps make someone else's life just a little better.
But by doing so, it makes my life a little better each time.
I care about this planet and it's people! I want to end the incivility and hatred. I know I won't be able to change many, but if I can change a few along the way, I will feel good about myself and my place in society.
Think about that for yourselves and look at others in a different light. I think you will enjoy it.
We have a long and difficult road ahead to correct the damage that has been done and is being done to our country. But I believe there are enough good people left that we can get it done, one step at a time.
ONWARD AND UPWARD #Resist2018
#Resist2018 dennismoconnor.com
Dennis M O'Connor For Common Sense Maine Legislator District 72 on FB

To all my new visitors to my site, I welcome you. And to all who continue to read my posts, believe me, I appreciate you too! This has been a fascinating journey so far. I have met many fine people who just so happen to be Independent in their thinking. It is going to take much more than just MY voice to correct the course of this country, but we have to believe it's possible. Any start is a good start.
I've spent my entire life learning something new each and every day. Hopefully, I get to use all that knowledge to our benefit, but I need all of you to spread the word. If you believe in me and what I am attempting, please spread it among your friends and family. I will need every vote I can get. Thanks again to all.
Peace be with you.
#Resist2018 dennismoconnor.com Dennis M O'Connor For Common Sense Maine Legislator District 72 on FB

I started my walking campaign today. I walked at least 6 miles, if you include long, steep driveways. Talk to many people who seemed interested in what I'm trying to do.
I know I gained some votes, that's the important thing. Touched base with old friends who said they would help with people they know.
So, all in all, it was a good day! My feet are sure sore, but what's a little pain compared to the pain of a crippled government.
The count on my website is up considerably today and I hope that is a good indicator of my walk and handing out cards.
I say to all, this is doable. I know that if I can convince enough people to think of what I represent, I can and will win this. Most of all, I need people to talk about me with their friends and families.
This is the year of the Independent, believe in it and vote for it!  We can change the course of the state!
May peace be with you all.
#Resist2018 dennismoconnor.com
Dennis M O'Connor For Common Sense Maine Legislator District 72 on Facebook

Does anyone even care that our present Congress, in a year and a half, has passed one major bill (a disastrous tax giveaway)? One major bill!
We are paying millions of dollars a year for salaries plus bennies, and all we get in return is hundreds of investigations for scandal and corruption by the very people who are the subjects of these investigations. I've seen useless Congresses before, but this is the big daddy of them all! This is THE most corrupt I have ever seen!
Have a nice night!

I was just reading an article in Forbes about how "Medicare For All' is a campaign goal considered necessary for Democrats to get elected. Forbes then claims that they abandon it when they get elected because they can't come up with ways to pay for it.
Single payer is one thing, Medicare for all another. With Medicare for all, If you raise the roof of how much is taxable, instead of giving away the farm to these greedy clowns, that is one source.
Secondly, with Medicare for all,  any person who has paid taxes into Medicare for a long enough period and attains the age of 65 should be covered like always. Those below 65 would pay affordable rates  until they reach 65, at which time they would stop paying. I know, TAXES.  No, not really.
Think of the present rates and the millions who can't afford to buy insurance. I believe if you add all those costs together, along with excessive use of emergency rooms for minor occurrences, which many states pay to keep hospitals solvent, we all pay no matter what. Taking the profit motive out of something that should be obtainable by all, is a no-brainer. Figuring out how is the big question.
Because you have so many vested interests preventing this from happening, of losing their golden goose, politicians will not stand up and say this is wrong!
I'm not a politician, so I'll say it. THIS IS WRONG! Our Governor, PePe LePage, has said "I'll go to jail before I sign a bill to expand Medicaid". Tell that to the suffering!
No one in this country should  have to suffer with treatable diseases.!
No one in this country should have to worry about their children not getting treatment!
No one in this country should go bankrupt because they become ill!
No one in this country should have to go through the stress of choosing food or staying alive with expensive medications!
I could go on, but I won't, because I'm sure you got my drift. We must change this country back to caring about our friends and neighbors, and that means giving a little and gaining a lot. We must find a way!
May peace be with you!
#Resist2018 dennismoconnor.com Dennis M O'Connor For Common Sense Maine Legislator District 72  FB

Lets just suppose for a minute that you are an average citizen
that wants to run for office.
You have values, you've lead a moral life, you have friends and family that you are trying to do good for. So you spend a lot of money, run a campaign and win. I am talking federal here, not state, although it does happen in all politics.
Now suppose you go to DC and the feeling of being somebody with the power to change the world sets in. Then you receive a dose of reality. You have people approaching you all the time asking for favors or pressuring you to do something for them. After all, that's how our government works. You suddenly realize you've been bought by donors and are expected to return the favor for your campaign funding and future funding.
HOW LONG COULD YOU HOLD OUT BEFORE YOU JOIN THE OTHERS AND SELL YOUR SOUL? Because that's what you face with our present election system. And if you do bite just one little bit from the forbidden fruit, you are sunk for the rest of your term. Your will vote straight party line no matter how strongly you don't want to, because the powers that own Congress will tell you so, and you've already sold out, so you might as well take the bribes.
I have decided that I will spend as little as possible on my campaign, and not take contributions unless I can't afford it in the end, as I'm not going to run a popularity contest. If I can't go among the people and tell them my story face to face, then I don't deserve to win. I deal in honesty, and if I tell you something, it's usually well researched. I am who I am and I intend to stay that way.
Night All, may peace be with you.
#Resist2018 dennismoconnor.com
Dennis M O'Connor For Common Sense Maine Legislator District 72 Facebook

What started out supposedly as a blog that I could update on a daily basis as I walked Maine, I suddenly realized has taken on a life of it's own. I have been thinking for several years of writing a book of my life, so my great-grandson would understand me after I was gone. And tonight, I realized that I am doing that right now.
He won't know for several years yet as to what I am trying to accomplish here, and that is to return to a more civil time before I depart this Earth. So that is why this is now a journal. It will concentrate on this portion of my life and reveal my thoughts and hopes, for him and others like him.
I may have another 20 years if I'm lucky, but he has a lifetime ahead.
I have been told a very nice thing about my ramblings and I really appreciated that, because what I am trying to do is working.
Be nice to someone today, do a good deed. I guarantee it will make you feel better, and it will help you through these trying times.
Peace out, man, as the old hippies used to say!
#Resist2018 dennismoconnor.com Dennis M O'Connor For Common Sense Maine Legislator District 72