Twomey should apologize for Vaseline incident

Joanne Twomey created an incident at a town meeting conducted by Gov. Paul LePage about his budget.

News outlets have been characterizing what happened with Twomey’s jar of Vaseline in different ways.

These vary from the Vaseline being placed onto the stage, flipped toward LePage’s direction, tossed near him, thrown at the governor, or thrown near LePage.

However the incident is characterized, this sort of behavior is not ok. It’s uncivil and wrong.

Gov. LePage provided a time for people to ask questions. Twomey’s actions were disruptive.

Even without the Vaseline jar, she shouldn’t have moved toward the governor as she was being escorted out after standing up out of turn and shouting.

Democrats acted rightly for immediately criticizing this action by a former office-holder.

Kudos to law enforcement for ensuring the governor’s safety.

Twomey should apologize.

Given her temperament, that seems unlikely.

Mainers attending future town meetings and commenting on the budget plan, whatever the setting, should continue to speak their minds.

Whether they think about the plan, they should express themselves with facts and with civility.

Amy Fried

About Amy Fried

Amy Fried loves Maine's sense of community and the wonderful mix of culture and outdoor recreation. She loves politics in three ways: as an analytical political scientist, a devoted political junkie and a citizen who believes politics matters for people's lives. Fried is Professor of Political Science at the University of Maine. Her views do not reflect those of her employer or any group to which she belongs.