Subject: Lawlessness is a Common Problem (4/11/2026)
Any of us who read daily news reports can heap claims of inappropriate conduct on the other party’s elected officials; and be correct. In reality, all should feel shame for electing politicians who piously claim they are totally committed to public safety and transparency, then immediately trample their claims with inappropriate conduct.
If you are paying attention, it’s difficult to refute the writer’s excoriation of the current administration (“Which Party Really Supports Lawlessness” L.G. Connor Ellicott City). But so many similar stories could be told about the previous administration’s policies and failures to act in the best interest of the nation. Narcissists all.
Closer to home, Maryland voters continue to elect the same type of politician whose speeches are filled with claims of righteousness. Then point the crooked finger at others for blame when festering problems reach their doorstep or duly appointed watchdogs are denied the tools necessary to uncover misdeeds. Or worse, refuse to appointment truly independent voter/taxpayer ombudsman.
I am new to Maryland and in my seventy plus years have never witnessed a state/city with totally unaudited, hundreds of millions of taxpayer funds going to supposed nonprofits. Everyone knows much of this money is going into the pockets of elected official’s friends, family, associates and donors.
And public safety? The growing violence problem is frightening to everyone despite claims of improvement. Some of Baltimore’s problems with violence are moving to nearby suburbs. Who isn’t afraid to go to the mall?
Yet, here we are in another election year and I fear little will change. Maybe the chorus of boos directed at the governor during the recent Orioles game will be a harbinger of new voter enlightenment.
Curt Rasmussen
Taneytown MD
Subject: Just Sayin’ (4/18/2026)
Mr. Cromwell, I now understand your perspective. ( A little grace can’t hurt on the political landscape 4/17/2026). You apparently found what you were looking for in action by the Maryland legislature in 2026. The rest of us did not. We were hopeful for much more meaningful action on the part of our legislators relative to reducing the relentless, crushing increases in the cost of living in this state as the exodus from Maryland increases. 2026’s session focused elsewhere preferring just another kick the can down the road and be reelected year.
I spent several years directly engaged with efforts to affect legislative action in Virginia. I fully understand those who have direct access to legislators must approach with sugar, carrots and relevant information.
Virginia’s economy is thriving because government there recognizes that economic strength increases the tax base in a fashion that benefits all citizens with increased government program spending and lower taxes. It takes time and political courage to turn the ship. I see no signs of real progress toward that goal here. And Virginia has nearly as many federal employees as Maryland.
Predictably, it appears the fiscal problems in Maryland become much worse in the near future. This is why those of us who see no meaningful progress or change are becoming angry and resentful. I am hopeful this year’s election will deliver that message more effectively. But hope is not a strategy.
Curt Rasmussen
Taneytown MD
Subject: The Image We Seek (4/28/2026)
An excerpt follows from “In Memoriam” as recounted in the introduction to the book “The Passing of the Armies” describes the hero of Little Round Top in the Battle of Gettysburg as well as the book’s author.
”Respect and admiration for the soldier-governor were not limited by party lines. His four years of service were an ‘era of good feelings’. His messages were admirable documents. They breathed of loyalty and state pride and his recommendations were made with care and full consideration and had only in view the welfare and advancement of the state and people. All the duties of his office and the many functions to which he was called by the people were performed with thoroughness, grace and dignity and to the enhancement of the great love and consideration in which he was held. His reputation as a statesman was worthy of that he had made as a soldier”
Joshua L. Chamberlain, professor, soldier, general, governor then finally President of Bowdoin College, was a man of many accomplishments. A man held in the highest regard for his heroism, leadership, integrity and governing, to state just a few of his exceptional qualities. An ethical man whose image I struggle to associate with Maryland’s current occupant of the executive mansion. Chamberlain’s record is fully on display transparently for all to see in every detail. Every Marylander should hope and pray that someday we would have a candidate for governor of this caliber to elect, reverse our decline and lead this state to the future its citizens deserves.
Curt Rasmussen
Taneytown MD
Subject: Not Much Headroom (5/21/2026)
Despite valiant attempts by many to bring to voters the myriad of reasons why this is finally the time to change the course of state government, I have resigned myself to the fact that Democrat machine voting will carry on again this November. Moore and his political cronies will be reelected despite clear evidence of narcissistic behavioral-driven mismanagement of voters trust and taxpayer funds.
Taxpayers must be secretly fearful of the coming slew of new taxes and fees necessary to address the billion dollar plus structural deficits facing the governor and general assembly for 2027, 2028 and beyond. The corporate tax rate is the highest in the region excepting only, by less than 1%, in tiny Delaware. Will they have the audacity to go there with accelerating corporate flight from the state? I am guessing not. So where then, because surely real financial discipline and actual spending cuts are not likely, will the increase in required funding come from? Income tax, sales & use tax, and fees are the primary revenue sources substantial enough to offset the structural deficit and balance the budget. All resting most heavily on citizen/taxpayers. With property tax (primarily for local government) they don’t even have to raise rates while riding the secretive valuation assessment increase train to more spending.
As many others have written here, wake up Marylanders, this election in November is your chance for real leadership-driven change!
Curt Rasmussen
Taneytown MD
Subject: Just a Voter’s Voice (6/1/2026)
I read both the Honorable Steve Hershey’s letter today as well as the one he referenced. Eighteenth months ago my wife and I moved to Maryland from Virginia to be closer to grandchildren. I have some knowledge about state and local government as I worked several years with Virginia, Maryland and D.C. state and local government entities during my career.
The contrasts between Maryland and Virginia are stark. Maryland gives greater credence to the often heard credo absolute power corrupts absolutely. Years of total control by one party has brought the state to the breaking point with disgracefully high taxes, fees and regulation. We can say the same of Baltimore City but the lack of governmental oversight of $20 billion in grants to “non-profits” EACH YEAR is opening the flood gates to mismanagement, fraud and abuse enriching politicians cronies.
My wife and I are proud to be Republicans and wish to help the party exert some positive influence in Maryland with our votes, letters to Sun editorial staff and financial support of worthy candidates. The party is not perfect, nor are some of its leaders, but, as Senator Hershey so aptly described it, the principles the party stands for represent our personal values.
A two party system is most successful for the people when true reins of power change hands on occasion and each party must compete fairly for voter trust. The one party system in Maryland has allowed that party over many years to hone the system to ensure their continued political success granting themselves absolute power.
Curt Rasmussen
Taneytown MD
The Willow 