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Just FYI Leo also has time for local small time corruption.

This evening I participated in a protest in NorthEast Harbor outside the estate of Leonard Leo. I painted graffiti in chalk paint on the public road. It read "google Leonard Leo = Corrupt Courts and a drawing imagined how Leo turns dark money into corrupt courts. Pretty tame stuff.

I just (9pm) got off the phone with the NEH Police. Who gave me the option of going out to NEH now and removing the chalk painting or being served to appear before the court on charges of Criminal Mischief Title 17A sub. 806 of the Maine Criminal Code He informed me that he had already consulted with the ADA and they are ready to serve me. I said that was interesting. And it might be interesting to have Leo put me in jail for chalk paint graffiti.

Well we got Leo's attention. And he moves fast. As you may know, Leo has already had a local 21 year old arrested on charges of Disorderly Conduct for shouting an obscenity out of a moving car. But I am surprised that between 6pm and 9:00pm he already had the police and the DA on this. I told the sergeant that saddling a 21 year old with an arrest record at the start of his adult life is very different from threatening a 73 year old with less at stake.

Part of the background. Before protesting and 'tagging' I consulted with the Bar Harbor Police (who are a joint force with NEH) to find out the rules. I was told that using chalk paint on public property is allowed. They got a complaint one day, found me in the act. And agreed I was in compliance with the law. So there we are.

And an interesting point. The officer said he had hosed the road and it did not remove the chalk paint. He said he did that because it is part of the police's job to protect public property. I explained the composition of the chalk paint, and while it is not permanent, it may be water resistant for a while. Although other graffiti with it has washed away with rain and worn away with foot traffic. In my opinion, my chalk paint graffiti did not damage the tarmac materially or hinder normal use of the road. But Sgt. Sundberg told me my opinion does not matter. So there we are.

To be cont'd ; )

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As soon as I started reading today’s LFAA, I remembered your earlier postings about Leonard Leo, Iin. From what Heather describes and how Leo is over-reacting to your attention-getting chalk messaging, he appears even more powerfully corrupt than what you had portrayed! So sorry to read about what he’s putting you through. Equally troubling is that he seems to have enough buying power to acquisition his own “public” police force!

Wishing you the best, Iin, and a just resolution to your “to be continued.”

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Really, I find it somewhat comical for me - but such a tragedy playing out in our police and judicial system here.

BH is a little blue dot. Even Leo's wealthy neighbors are mostly cheering the protests. But Ellsworth where the DA is, is a hotbed of Trumpism and the DA is up for re election.

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Lin! To save you from having endless email notifications to delete, I'm virtually hearting your every comment on this thread!

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Thanks from lin (MDI by way of MD & DC & VA & Bklyn before it was hip. And some other places:)

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Morning, Lynell! And Lin! Good for you! And thanks for still being "out there" with the chalk paint!

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Morning, Alexander! Ahh, New Englanders; can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em!

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“Hotbed of Trumpiam,” a phrase that makes my blood run cold. A cult of MAGAts and the master manipulators who are rich beyond belief and evil to the core.

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Lin Might Medicare cover your court appearance? Sounds like you have a chronic , chalky medical condition. Chalk this up to an exemplary child hood.

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🤣🤣🤣❤️

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Hey lin,

I recommend you be careful and maybe let the old boy alone.

You don't want real trouble, and, he can definitely pay for you to have some real trouble.

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What exactly do you think the old boy will do? I really want to know. What do you predict? Forewarned is fore-armed..

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I think it is good news that LL rattles so easily. His M.O. for years has been secretive and definitive of the word "dark." I deeply appreciate the light you and others are shining on him, lin. I REALLY appreciate the humorous aspects of your protests. Go get 'em!

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Isn't Leo. member of Opus Dei, the Catholic cops?

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Attempted like

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And the courts....that include the Supreme Court!

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Thank you for your service lin•

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Waiting to read the next installment. Good luck.

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Thanks.

I've been involved in many protests - for almost 60 years. I always check the rules. And have never been threatened with arrest. This seems almost comical. The charge is a Class D offense which also includes Domestic Violence and a lot of really bad stuff. Up to a year in jail and up to $2000 in fines. Just curious how chalk graffiti would be sentenced.

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Odd, how people who seem just fine with massively ruining other people’s lives can be so touchy about a bit of chalk protest.

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All that money washes away any semblance of a conscience

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It washes away the connection between conscience and action. Maybe Leo, and for that matter Susan Collins, get so upset about legal chalk reproaches because the protesters prick their consciences.

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I was just thinking how thin skinned these destroyers of our democracy and ordinary people are. Can't protest them on public property or even in speech out a car window. If money is free speech protected by the 1st Amendment, then so are the things Lin has described.

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We can send money.

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HaHa! Your good cheer is enough. It is pouring rain and the sample graffiti in my driveway is washing away. I may go out a photo the crime scene tomorrow. Criminals always return ...

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Good idea to document for yourself. Even a conviction is looking for a form of restitution to the purported victim individual or public. So showing that the chalk on the public road has faded would help you. Good luck!

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ThankYou. If it is pouring on the other side of the island as it is here. It will resolve itself.

"O that this too too solid flesh would melt,

Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew!"

Ha! To Hamlet.

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Smiling, smiling, smiling!! Leo is downright evil. His medieval control-the-world for Jesus fascism, combined with the $$$ he controls, rank him alongside Hitler. That a 73 year old chalk paint artist can rankle him so deeply is pure joy for this activist!! Sending great energy your way; keep us updated and seriously, if you need help with bail or an attorney, let us know. Go fund me for lin the resister will appear. Thank you for all that you do!

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ThankYou!

In perspective, this is for the yucks;)

But Leo's little bullyings and perversions of the law speak to his larger depredations.

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Please post the photo if it won't add fuel to the fire.

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Jaw-Drop! Good grief.

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Peaceful protest is SO inspiring, Lin! You started my day right!

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Agreed

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You ROCK! I hope someone took photos or created a video of you explaining why and his corruption. They can be sent to local press for more awareness. You are my Super Heroine of this day.💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

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HaHa. I just spoke to him on the phone. We will see what tomorrow brings:)

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So PROUD of you!!!!!

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Endless respect to you.

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When you think of what people have suffered for getting into 'good trouble' this is such a tiny little blip of protest.

That Leo is so thin skinned is not surprising. Bullies often are.

But I am truly surprised that the police and DA are so readily cowed and so ready to so patently twist the law to bend to Leo's wishes.

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If you're squarely within the law, you should expect to be vindicated in court. And, you can counter-sue on grounds of harrassment, violation of free speech perhaps. Maybe, just maybe, you'll get your legal expenses covered by the defense in the judgement. Mr. Leo can spend a tiny bit of his 1.6 billion on legal representation, along with some negative press. And, your record at age 73 is truly unlikely to effect your prospects for much of anything, I suspect. Goodonya for using means at your disposal to ruffle his feathers a bit.

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Yes. I've been thinking that.

Thanks for reinforcing that.

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❤️

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Leo's law will be lambasted to bits now that Donald is day old news.

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Me, too

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Kudos for getting Leo's name out there. He is like a vampire, hiding during the light of day. He is obviously very committed to a political path and a way of thinking. Why does he feel the need to act under the cloak of secrecy? Why is he afraid of publicly discussing his deeds? Could it be that he is acting for "Satan"? (cue Dana Carvey)

I have such mixed emotions about my former state of Maine. I love the unspoiled beauty of it. The rugged coastline and the many fine people who work really hard to survive and are generous neighbors. But it is also appreciated by an extremely wealthy elite from "away". Many of whom consider the locals to be their servants. (including the cops?) There is a sense of feudalism. Nobles and peasants.

As more and more of the affluent move in, property values have exploded and the housing shortage for "normal" folks is a harsh reality. Portland, which has legitimately achieved a reputation as a mecca for fine food, is witnessing restaurant closings - the staff have no place to live. Nobles and peasants. It's not sustainable.

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They always kill the golden goose don’t they!

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Two minutes:

Watch "Cobra vs. Mongoose | National Geographic" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/vdg9gkmWsEA

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Wait, Bill. In feudal times, the lord of the manor was obliged to provide homes for the vassals. Even some food, too. Bring it on!

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Hope And the lord of the manor had ‘droit de monsieur,’ [translation—first crack at young girls.]

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Alas, similar scenarios are playing out in much of the USA. Housing and rentals are out-of-sight and unobtainable for 3/5 of the population. The rich keep raising the ante so the lesser folk keep far away.

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Don't want to 'Like' this but definitely don't disagree.

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Love you lin ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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We are headed to our house on the island. We don’t know where Mr Leo lives, but maybe remnants of your chalk painting will still be visible? Kudos to you for having the guts to exercise your 1st amendment rights and call out this corrupt man.

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iin posted this earlier:

Edge Cove

46 S South Shore Rd,

Northeast Harbor

Mount Desert, ME 04662

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Thanks, we have been by that place by mistake on our way to the breathtakingly beautiful Sergeant Drive, which is in Acadia!

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Someone needs to order unpleasant “things” get sent to that address

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Ha! I hope the pouring rain may have settled that - although that may not change the decision to summons me on the evidence of last night. Even if there is no longer any evidence of "damage and destruction" in sight. Oh brave new world;)

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Thanks for your acts, your response to the Police and delightful description of the venality of Leo who converts Free Speech to Criminal Acts.

His harassment of passive comments on a pavement summarizes the current Republican Party (AKA Federalist Society) with shrunken ideals and diminished value to the future. Their platform, a personality cult, cannot survive close examination nor criticism.

If you are arrested let me know. I will get my creaky old body down there to camp in protest.

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HaHa. You guys have kept me up laughing all night. Speaking of creaky old bodies ; )

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I hope Lin doesn't get arrested but what a great idea! I would join you!

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Alright!!!!!

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Good trouble 💪🏻

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Lin, do not discount the possible involvement of another Chalk Hawk, Sen Collins. (Tongue firmly in Cheek.)

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Ha! Forgot about that. Got a lot of national play. Hmm...

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The story that Heather covered today is huge!!! Twitter is on fire as we speak. All eyes are on Leonard Leo and his inglorious past. You have been thrown a fat pitch lin. It's up to you if you want to take a swing and knock it out of the park.

You were not served nor were you arrested. Everything that has happened so far would be considered hearsay in a court - he said, she said without proof. That's OK - you don't need proof. The chances of any legal action is almost nil but if you become proactive, I suspect that this will be another cover-up operation by the police, ADA and Leonard. It could get ugly.

The NEH police and allegedly the ADA have put themselves in a very compromising situation. You were threatened and you have the ultimate defense - your First Amendment rights. The court of public opinion is the only court you should care about because this is not going to trial. It would be political suicide!!

At this point, you need to decide if you want to turn this around and bring national exposure to the police department, the ADA and Leonard Leo by extension. Simply, think and act like a Republican who thrives on baseless innuendoes. Go on the offense and claim your 1st Amendment rights were being threatened by Gestapo-like tactics who were taking direction from a member of Opus Dei, Leonard Leo. You know Leonard Leo does not want this kind of national exposure. He doesn't want to be accused of threatening a 73-year-old woman who speaks the truth. Especially now!

If you ever wanted to damage Leonard Leo, this is your chance. I have to believe there is more than one Democrat who would love to see this story reach the national news. I would contact some political heads. Sara Gideon comes to mind, and it would be worth a phone call to her to ask for her thoughts. Lynell suggested Sheldon Whitehouse as a good contact. I agree and hopefully his team can make constructive suggestions and possibly provide direct help. Depending upon the advice of the political people, step 2 is to get in contact with Lawrence O'Donnell, Chris Hayes or Ari Melber. Tell your story and let them run with it. My point is simply, Leonard Leo, the vain and petty sociopath that he is, may have stepped into it, if you get my drift.

The Leonard Leo story is a huge story a few weeks out from the mid-terms and your story could significantly fan the flames of the Republicans Gestapo-like tactics of threats of criminal behavior and punishment over your right of freedom of speech. Think like the Republicans and how they blow up the tiniest actions of Democrats. Impeach Biden, investigate Garland, defund the FBI - talk about overreaction! Only you can decide if you really want the wrath of the Republicans on your doorstep. If you go down this road you should demand protection. If you don't go down this road, then I and everyone will understand. The Republicans have made this a dangerous world and if somebody doesn't stand up to them (looking at you Garland) it is only going to get worse.

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Rachel Maddow discussed Leo last night on her Monday night show. That was the first I had heard of this guy! You have my vote, lin!

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Check out Sen Shelton Whitehouse’s videos about how republicans bought their Court, as in Supreme. Quite interesting. He’s all over Mr Leo’s activities and the Supreme Court.

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Lin, good for you! If you incur expenses, please let us all know.

Say, do you mind sharing the address of “the scene of the crime?” 😉

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Thanks : )

There are more worthy and extreme needs in this world.

Edge Cove

46 S South Shore Rd,

Northeast Harbor

Mount Desert, ME 04662

https://www.centralmaine.com/2019/08/18/why-did-trumps-judge-whisperer-buy-a-house-on-the-maine-coast/

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Wow - after a lifetime of summers on MDI, I thought the police were offshoots of the Mayberry police. What a disappointment...

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This is what is so confusing. The Bar Harbor Police said chalk and chalk paint on public sidewalks/roads is fine. A BH officer watched me painting, asked about the paint, and said it was OK. But the Mount Desert Police and the Hancock County ADA are ready to serve me on charges.

In my limited experience the BH Police are fine. This is my first experience with the Mount Desert Police. Although it is supposed to be a unified district, they seem to be operating under different rules.

The DA is a Republican running for reelection. Hancock County, and particularly Ellsworth where the Court is, has some very deep pocketed and active Trump supporters. They are building a movement - including daily/weekly family bible and politics events - at essentially a 'Trump Liberty Temple' in a local mall. In previous elections the DA presented himself as a community minded moderate. But I wonder whether he's being influenced by extremists or by Leo?

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My kids just got back from MDI. Said it's changed since their childhood. They said it's moving toward basic NJ shore tourist. So sad.

I worked a full summer for the Maine Seacoast Mission back in the early 2000's, living in the maid's room of the mansion, and spent time as a summer pastor on Islesford, where I met new friends (Anna Fernald, among others) and a retired pastor who, as a young theology student, had a German knocking on his door late at night to go over his option of staying at Union Theological Seminary (my seminary) or going home to die. We know his decision - Dietrich Bonhoeffer was hanged a few days before the war ended. Bonhoeffer's decision changed my life.

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Yes. Bar Harbor, always touristy, from the days of steamboats, is in the throws of how much to cater to big - really big - cruise ships. Year round sustainable local businesses vs seasonal t-shirt shops. It has gotten very out of balance. And if it becomes primarily a cruise ship venue - it might even lose its appeal to cruise ship tourists. The park is also suffering growing pains.

The Mission has moved, and the mansion was bought by the Bar Harbor Historical Society (rich auntie's attic sort of place.) The serious custodial, preservation, and research entity is The Mount Desert Island Historical Society. Truly wonderful operation! https://mdihistory.org/

I attended Summer Institutes at JTS. We were neighbors. I used your library a few times. ThankYou. I am truly humbled by your even mentioning Dietrich Bonhoeffer in the same comment as my tiny protest. Although, although I have spent my life objecting to too easy comparisons with Nazism ... it is fair to compare it with today's Republican Party.

In 1946, 13 year old Ruth Bader published an essay in our East Midwood Jewish Center synagogue bulletin:

"we must try hard to understand that for righteous people hate and prejudice are neither good occupations nor fit companions. Rabbi Alfred Bettleheim once said: “Prejudice saves us a painful trouble, the trouble of thinking.”

http://www.emjc.org/13-year-old-ruth-bader-ginsburgs-essay-1946-emjc-bulletin/

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I have been comparing republican thug tactics to Nazism for longer than most, but Karl Rove used some of Goebbels’s favorite dirty tricks way back there. Seems that every fear I had has been realized as the rank-and-file republicans have sunk lower and lower. As W Bush reportedly said. “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and those are the ones you want to concentrate on.” Chump did just that…

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Thank you, lin*. I was brought back to "church" by a Jewish friend at the Met Opera where I was working: he had joined All Souls UU on Lexington Ave. I passed an orthodox Bet Din, and was about to apply at JTS cantorial program. I finally decided to put my lot in with the small-town Jewish rabbi and study Social Ethics with Gary Dorrien at UTS. Still felt the pull

every time I looked across the street. Did you know that Thomas Merton was baptized at Corpus Christi church on 121st east of Bway? Lots of social justice vibes in that small space - you included!

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Yes, thinking can be painful. RIP, RBG. Thank you for this

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Wow. That makes me tear and remember all the references my childhood through young adulthood minister made to Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

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Thank you for the reference to Bonhoeffer. You make it so real! I continue to learn so much from these threads.

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Attempted like

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Amazing how money buys people. Lin your actions give me hope. You have shedded light on the level of corruption Thank you for your brave move.

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I would suggest a 'leak' to the Ellsworth American. Discerning citizens will want to know about the DA candidate 's behavior. I was just down on the island, too bad I didn't get to see your work. Thank you for calling attention where it is due!

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ThankYou. I will mute the thread - Thank Y'all. Takk Fyrir - get some sleep and see what comes next.

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Excellent idea.

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This is awful! I guess it's a good thing it's a little more out in the open. I appreciate beyond measure your protesting. But back to Heather's reveal, is there nothing we can do about this? Is it all legal?

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Could we help by calling the Ellsworth DA office and complaining about your treatment?

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Not yet. I need to speak with people here on the island. Especially the Bar Harbor police who ok'd my activity.

But please keep writing Letters to the Editor in support of your Democratic candidates and Democratic legislation : )

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