Let the Phippsburg Pilings Stand

It has come to my attention that an application has been submitted to the Phippsburg Historical Preservation Commission, requesting the removal of the ancient steamboat pilings at Popham Beach. This historic landmark is greatly loved by the descendants of those who built their cottages along the shore, stretching from Fort Popham to Pond Island and along the sands to Fox Island. I am very much opposed to this proposal.

My grandfather Attorney Edward W. Bridgham, of Bath, erected the family cottage on the point by Wood Island in 1927 and my mother used to tell us that her father would take the steamboat to Bath, running errands for the local inhabitants. My brothers and I were raised in Bath and spent our summers on the beach and presently own the cottage together. We love looking at the pilings and telling our grandchildren their legacy, as we stroll along the beach.

In my opinion, erosion will won’t be prevented by removing the pilings; however, the mechanical damage to the beach that would be caused by bringing in heavy machinery to dislodge the wood will cause a real problem, and I dare say, bring about severe erosion. You just can’t fool around with the ocean and expect no consequences.

I have urged the Commission to deny this application. This is an historical landmark that belongs to the people of Phippsburg and beyond. In fact, the pilings stand as a testament to the steamboat era, much as the rune stone found at Popham Beach echoes back to the Vikings, not to mention our 1607 colonial settlement and the Virginia, the first European ship built in America — what incredible history! The Civil War fort stands, the World War II fort stands — please join me in asking the Phippsburg Historical Preservation Commission to let the steamboat pilings stand, as well, as we all go forward together, cherishing the efforts and the accomplishments of all of those who have gone before us.

Anne Bussey Dale,
Ellsworth

On Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Despite being the #1 cancer killer of men and women in the United States, awareness about lung cancer remains critically low, meaning people don’t bring it up with their doctors, understand screening procedures or recognize potential symptoms. That lack of awareness has a profound effect on the tens of thousands of Maine residents and nearly a quarter of a million Americans who will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year, many of whom are non-smokers with no history of lung disease.

The American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE movement has launched a campaign urging you to #ShareYourVoice about how lung cancer has impacted lives – either through personal diagnoses or that of loved ones. This collection of personal stories will illustrate the impact that lung cancer has on our country, giving us the power to ignite change on a national scale and for individual families.

Your stories will help us turn the tide on lung cancer. In fact, when lung cancer is caught before it spreads, the likelihood of survival more than triples. By talking more about lung cancer, you can help make Americans aware of the facts, empowering them to speak to their doctors, get screened, and change this devastating reality. If you or someone you love has suffered from lung cancer, please consider joining us at lungforce.org and sharing your story. Your voice will help save lives.

Julie Osgood,
Freeport,
Chair, Maine Leadership
Board, American Lung Association of the Northeast

Rules for Radicals

According to Saul David Alinsky in his “Rules for Radicals,” “How to Create a Socialist State,” There are eight levels of control that must be obtained before you can create a socialist state.

The first of these are the most important:

1) Healthcare — Control healthcare and you control the people.

2) Poverty — Increase the poverty level as high as possible. Poor people are easier to control and will not fight back if you are providing everything for them to live.

3) Debt — Increase debt to an unsustainable level. That way you will be able to increase taxes, and this will produce more poverty.

4) Gun Control — Remove the ability for citizens to defend themselves from the government. That way you will be able to create a police state.

5) Welfare — Take control of every aspect of their lives (food, housing, and income).

6) Education — Take control of what people read and listen to, take control of what children learn in school.

7) Religion — Remove belief in the God from the government and schools.

8) Class Warfare — Divide the people into the wealthy and the poor. This will cause more discontent and it will be easier to take (tax) the wealthy with the support of the poor.

Does any of this sound like what has happed in the United States of America?

As I see it these levels of control are well on their way to completion. An informed citizenry would resist this encroachment.

Gail Card,
Bowdoin