So much for insurance choice for Maine religious orders preferring horse-propelled buggies to Ford Mustang Shelbys. Faith-based freedom? Forget that too.
The Democrat-majority Legislature shot down the latest attempt to let Mennonites self-insure their wheels.
LD 918, “An Act to Allow a Qualifying Religious Organization to Self-Insure for Automobile Insurance” was introduced – yet again – by state Rep. Steve Foster (R-Dexter) on behalf of his Mennonite constituents.
The bill would have allowed the Mennonites to self-insure their horse-drawn carriages instead of having to take part in the broader and more profane world of car insurance.
At the urging of Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Democrats voted in the main to shoot down the bill that would have allowed Mennonites to self-insure in alignment with their religious convictions. Having recently won the Maine Peoples’ Alliance’s endorsement in her 2026 bid for the Blaine House, Bellows has no need for God.
The absurdity of Democrat arguments against the Mennonite initiative was laid bare a few weeks ago when a criminal suspect trying to outrun police in Presque Isle ran into an Amish buggy, which helped the police nab the outlaw.
But shooting down Rep. Foster’s bill is a slap in the face to the family whose carriage was wrecked in the process. Suspect Anthony Vangel of Easton now stands accused of crashing into a horse-drawn Amish wagon that was carrying children while he was trying to flee from police, together with underlying charges.
Cops had spotted Vangel, 34, in the parking lot of the Aroostook Mall.
Vangel was wanted for failing to report to the Aroostook County Jail on charges that included aggravated trafficking with a firearm, burglary, theft, forgery, and violation of bail. Vangel drove off when he spotted officers.
Police followed him, but the chase was called off on Fort Road due to speeds reaching 90 mph.
Shortly after, police said Vangel lost control of his vehicle and hit a horse-drawn Amish wagon that was carrying six children.
No one was hurt in the crash, not even the horse.
But for their forswearing against modern conveniences – including The Maine Wire – the family in the wagon would have been glad to share the frightening experience.
“The Amish do not have telephones and will not speak to media,” said Kim Smith, “spokes”-woman for Presque Isle Police Department.”
Amish and Mennonites share similar religious beliefs, yet with distinctions.
