“Who could possibly argue against L.D. 1353, a bill requiring school to provide lunches to deserving children during months when school lunches are not available?”

A recent Press Herald editorial (“Our View: LePage should back bill to close student food gap,” July 11) drew “Another View: Summer food program for kids bad idea if it boosts school costs” (July 17).

The guest editorial writer, Skip Simonds, and his wife have “moved into our former summer home,” which needs repairs, and he is against using his tax money to feed children.

I read the guest editorial a few times to make sure I understood. He has a house — he used to have two. He has enough money to pay taxes. He does not want to pay any more to feed children.

I am volunteering at a summer feeding program for children. They are getting half a sandwich, an orange, half a carrot and a small carton of milk. That is too much?

If they are in a qualifying program, they also get a snack of an apple, a couple ounces of crackers and a second milk. Too much? Really? How sad!

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Colleen Congdon
Brunswick

“Another View” by Skip Simonds on July 17 really goes to the heart of what’s wrong in America today.

Why should he have to have his property taxes increased to ensure that schools can provide lunches for hungry children during the summer when he can’t even afford to buy a new septic tank and washer for what was his second home? It’s just not fair.

Jane Cotnoir
Portland

Statement undercuts views of climate change skeptic

In his somewhat rambling presentation of personal opinion (“Letters to the editor: Manmade warming theory not supported by science,” July 17), Howard Cutler helpfully presents one reference. Strangely, he seems not to have carefully read that reference, rather selecting one phrase out of context, thus totally changing the message.

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Cutler writes that “Rajendra Pachauri … admitted no warming has occurred in the past 17 years.”

The actual statement, in context, follows, from a Feb. 22 article by Graham Lloyd of The Australian headlined ” ‘Nothing off-limits’ in climate debate”:

“The U.N.’s climate change chief, Rajendra Pachauri, has acknowledged a 17-year pause in global temperature rises, confirmed recently by Britain’s Met Office, but said it would need to last ’30 to 40 years at least’ to break the long-term global warming trend.

“Dr. Pachauri, the chairman of the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, said that open discussion about controversial science and politically incorrect views was an essential part of tackling climate change.”

In his letter, Mr. Cutler also fails to mention that, prior to the 17-year pause, global temperature had risen steadily since records have been kept, and very sharply since the early ’70s. Nor does he reveal that the past decade has been the hottest ever recorded, which in time will have its own impact on the global reading.

Finally, he writes of 47-year-old predictions of oceans rising, polar bears dying, severe storms and “dire consequences,” concluding, amazingly, “Yet, none of this has happened.” That it is happening around the world, affected millions will attest, and the longer we delay in coping, the worse it will get.

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We need a new way of thinking, and I can only hope that Mr. Cutler will come to his senses and join in the effort.

Richard K. Jennings, M.D.
volunteer, Climate Reality Project
Brunswick

Statue tribute to labors of hardworking Marine horse

This Saturday, July 27, marks the ending of the Korean War, aka “The Forgotten War.”

Not forgotten by the Angels Without Wings, Inc. was a horse named Staff Sgt. Reckless, who served with the Marines during that conflict.

Staff Sgt. Reckless would climb up a mountain with ammo on her back and then carry wounded back down, only to again be loaded with ammo and sent back up. Many of the guys would give her some of their rations, and some even put their flak jackets on her for protection.

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Last Thursday, a statue of her was erected at Semper Fidelis Memorial Park in Virginia, a lasting tribute to a true Marine. Semper Fi, old girl.

Frank D. Slason
Somerville

Longtime Republican urges support for civil candidates

When we elect people to serve in positions such as our representatives, senators or governor, we expect the type of leadership that fosters a spirit of cooperation and above all, an example, especially to our young people, Maine citizens and our tourists that such leaders exemplify treating others with respect and civility.

It is very disappointing to realize that the current governor of the state of Maine has fallen far short of this expectation on many occasions.

As reported, his recent verbal attack against one of our state senators is totally unjustified and well beyond what is acceptable conduct from someone in this high position.

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For him to say “Sorry if you were offended” is no apology at all but merely a transfer of responsibility to the recipient not to be offended. If the governor were really sorry, he would first admit he made a serious mistake, then show concern for those who may be offended.

The only reason I have chosen to remain a registered Republican (since 1952) instead of becoming unenrolled is to do my part to elect leaders who will display the positive leadership qualities expected while holding office.

During the next election, I suggest others consider voting for those candidates who will promote a willingness to work with others, and above all, will conduct themselves in a manner that shows respect for the state of Maine and all its citizens and visitors.

Some excellent examples of those who performed respectfully while holding office are former Govs. Muskie, Reed, Curtis, McKernan, Brennan, King and Baldacci.

Because of his own inappropriate actions, the current governor does not deserve a place on the list of “good guys” above.

This is very disappointing. We deserve better. Let’s make it happen at future elections.

Lou Haskell
Portland and Raymond

 


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