This week, ClickBack sought reader comment on the Penobscot Nation’s threat to sever ties with the state, the increase in drink taxes and oil prices.

Penobscot Indians consider defying state – is that an appropriate response?

The Penobscot Indian Nation threatened to sever ties with the state after Gov. John Baldacci’s veto of their plan to install 100 slot machines on Indian Island. The tribe has said it might install the slot machines anyway

To suggest the possibility that the tribes are not sovereign shows an ignorance of the subject. Inherent sovereignty cannot be granted or taken away by another government. The problem is that the state has chosen not to recognize nor to respect the tribe’s sovereign governments. If the state would recognize and respect the tribe’s sovereignty we could all move ahead together, side my side, and enter into truly collaborative ventures to the benefit of all.

– pyjujaryz

Should the people oppose the drink tax?

A petition has been filed to repeal the upcoming tax increase on beer, wine and soda to support Dirigo Health. Would you sign it?

What’s the big deal? Beer, wine and soda are optional, and maybe not the best thing for one’s health (although I enjoy my share of beer and wine). It’s not like the state slapped a big tax on milk. Health coverage is vitally important for Maine families who lack insurance. Let’s not be carried away by selfishness.

– mcpd

I would sign on to repeal the newest taxes thought up by the out-of-touch Legislature. The Dirigo plan would be great in a utopian world. The reality is we are a state that puts too much into “wish” programs and nothing into essentials. Dump the program and fund the state like most taxpayers do their households: as we can afford it, on what we make.

TABOR looks to be a likely initiative again.

– yaya

Once again, the state is looking to generate additional revenue streams rather than looking at itself in an attempt to streamline spending. The governor needs to realize that Dirigo is a failure. I believe it is time for smaller government at the state level and to push more power to the local towns.

– Orrington

Where were all of these retailers and distributors when the tax was going to be on tobacco products? Then they didn’t care. The consumer got the tab. They still will be the ones who pay. I’m surprised they don’t start a petition to bring the minimum wage back to 60 cents and do away with benefits of any kind. They only care about lining their own pockets and have absolutely no respect for workers. Should we just give the business owners a free ride?

– dinikigod

Maine truckers went to Washington, D.C., to protest high diesel prices. What is the solution to being over an oil barrel?

The BDN could help lower oil prices simply by publishing the names and addresses of all the people and organizations manipulating the oil market through computerized energy trading. Who are these people, and are they engaging in economic warfare? If Sen. Olympia Snowe helps close the Enron loophole, which shields energy speculators, prices might be lower.

– takei

The discontinuation of exporting U.S. oil might be a good start instead of looking to new drilling sites. I watched as foreign oil tanker after foreign oil tanker filled up and left from the Alaska Pipeline Terminal at the Port of Valdez.

– Orrington

Go to www.bangordailynews.com and look for the ClickBack logo to join the discussion.