I firmly believe that Maine is a special place, both in its physical beauty and in the character of its native inhabitants (known to some as “ornery, crusty Yankees”). No doubt members of the 20th Maine who engaged opposing forces at Little Round Top earned that description.

I recall that when growing up here in Maine I learned that the concept of an individual’s given word, along with a firm handshake, would be accepted as readily as a written contract. Today, such an agreement would be considered by many as naïve, at best, in addition to causing fits amidst the legal community.

For years I have used a local mechanic to service my vehicles. Like many Mainers, he had a fulltime job in a local mill and utilized his mechanical knowledge and expertise to help “get by”. Only recently, after his former employer closed its doors, has he turned to mechanical work as his main source of income.

A few weeks ago did some work on one of our family cars and within a short time it became apparent that something was still wrong and that a second visit to his shop would be necessary. The situation was soon corrected to our satisfaction and we were informed that he always stood by his work and that no additional cost would be incurred.

No signed work orders required. No written warrantees. Just the word of someone who stood by his work.

Once upon a time, our mechanic had run for his District’s seat in the Maine House of Representatives. He lost the election by a narrow margin.

Seems to me that Maine government was by far the greater loser.

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