I will celebrate Father’s Day with my daughter by wading in the ocean or taking a bike ride. I am a pediatrician, and the fathers of many of my patients will do the same. I am thrilled to see my daughter and my patients thrive and grow, and I want to keep them safe from danger.

Some dangers we can see, but it’s the ones we can’t that concern me most, like the toxic chemicals in a child’s world.

Clinical evidence suggests that chemicals found in pesticides, household cleaners, plastics and personal care products threaten the health of our children.

Even before they are born, children are exposed to thousands of these chemicals, most of which have not been tested for safety. I am convinced that toxic chemicals in our environment will soon be shown to cause a wide spectrum of disease in adults and children.

The good news is that for the first time in over 30 years, we now have a chance to fix the chemical safety laws that have allowed toxins into our food, toy chests and bathrooms.

The Safe Chemicals Act of 2010 would require new health and safety information and minimum health safety standards for all chemicals, and the phase-out of the most dangerous chemicals.

Please urge Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins to support this legislation. Let’s make future Father’s Days safer for our children.

Jeff Peterson, M.D.

Portland

 

‘Openly gay’ letter a study in contradictions

I would like to respond to the June 9 letter writer who has a problem with “openly gay” military personnel serving in uniform. This reader asks, “Who really cares if a person is gay?” but then goes on to recite reasons why others should be kept from knowing that some of their comrades are in fact homosexual. This is a blatant contradiction.

Then this person goes on to ask what will happen when openly gay personnel serve – will they pester their straight comrades? Will they monopolize the showers? What? Are heterosexuals pestering their comrades? Are they monopolizing the showers?

Bad behavior is bad behavior – why should anyone assume gays would be more prone to it?

Here’s another reason: Gays might be “openly” having sex with another gay. Are we talking about public behavior here? Are heterosexuals in the military “openly” having sex with each other? I hope not. Why would it be any different for gays? The rules apply to everyone.

Assuming that gays would behave more inappropriately than straights is anti-gay bias. How would it feel to have someone assume these things about you?

Mary Burdick

Scarborough

 

Newspaper should focus on nation’s energy future

As a resident and native of this state, and an online reader of your publication, I implore you to provide more information coverage, and editorials about reducing our national addiction to oil. It is way past time to get serious.

Here’s what everyone needs to know, and it is the job of the free press to keep this as front page news.

Experts have been saying for years that a true investment in clean energy could move our economy away from oil over 20 years. It’s just a question of starting down that path.

Anywhere from 42 million to over 100 million gallons of oil are already devastating the waters off the Gulf Coast. In comparison, the Exxon Valdez spill — the previous worst in U.S. history — spilled 11 million gallons into waters around Alaska in 1989.

The choice is clear, and so are the consequences. If we don’t transition off oil, the next disaster is just a matter of time. But the real disaster is what we are doing to sustainable life on the planet. We are destroying the only home we have.

That is really what is at stake.

Regis Tremblay

Vassalboro

 

All political groups have share of ‘moonbats’

I am a liberal who agrees with the June 12 letter by Dennis Gervais regarding the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws and Arizona’s right to identify people who are there illegally.

But when Gervais writes, “Yet every two-bit, politically correct, left-leaning moonbat appears to prefer ginning up the ‘race card’ factor, instead of the facts,” I have to wonder if he is trying to start an argument or state an opinion.

There are more than enough two-bit, politically incorrect, right-leaning moonbats who disregard the facts to go around.

Perhaps we could discuss this over snacks and refreshments. We could have a Tea Party.

Michael Foley

Portland

 

Paper’s election coverage left voter well-prepared

I have been voting for 56 years and I have never been as prepared to enter a voting booth in my life as I was on Tuesday past.

You and your staff left no stone unturned when it came to telling your reading public about the candidates and the referendums, not only once but repeatedly.

The coverage was unbiased, as it should be, so that the public could chew it, digest it and make up their own minds without a reporter’s personal opinion interfering. You are to be commended for a job well done.

Judy Larsen

West Boothbay Harbor

 

Look at outdoor decks missed two at DiMillo’s

Shannon Bryan’s review on the best outdoor decks in the June 10 “Get Out” column was very good.

She wrote about most of the scenes on Portland’s outdoor decks, and very nicely explained what they had to offer.

How did she miss DiMillo’s? It has two decks. One is the port side deck. People on this deck can interact with the boaters and hear some very exciting stories about what goes on at the waterfront.

DiMillo’s topside deck has a panoramic view of the inner harbor. Watch the ferry boats depart and dock. It is a beautiful deck, nicely decorated and with a classy atmosphere.

It doesn’t get any better in the summertime.

Justina Ives

Portland