Letters

Published
May 23, 2015

Letter to the editor: Vietnam fiasco spotlights flawed logic

As one who became an adult during the time of the American involvement in Vietnam I am struck by our efforts as older citizens to justify the fiasco through the use of paternalistic and flawed logic. The use of this form of thinking is similar to the approach that caused the mistakes of the American […]
Published
May 23, 2015

Letter to the editor: Bill would have safeguards and allow dignity in dying

Five states have a Death with Dignity Act: Oregon, Washington, Vermont, Montana, New Mexico. Twenty-six states are now considering laws. A 2014 Harris Interactive Poll puts nationwide support for aid in dying at 74 percent. Maine has put back on the legislative agenda L.D. 1270, “An Act Regarding Patient-Directed Care at the End of Life.” […]
Published
May 23, 2015

Letter to the editor: NFL should value people’s well-being over air in ball

Even as a Patriots fan, I am not surprised that Tom Brady was suspended from the NFL. Indeed, he did deserve some type of punishment. But to give him twice the length of the suspension that was given to admitted wife batterer Ray Rice last year even after indisputable video evidence was presented sets a […]
Published
May 22, 2015

Letter to the editor: Evidence in Dechaine case deserves greater exposure

Twelve years ago, Maine’s Legislature ordered the attorney general to open his “confidential file” on the Dechaine case. Now, under Maine’s Freedom of Access Act, anybody can see that file. Documents there prove that prosecutors presented false testimony (detectives’ claims that Dechaine made incriminating admissions), and incinerated DNA evidence (bloody fingernails, vaginal swabs, hair on […]
Published
May 22, 2015

Letter to the editor: Two simple facts enough to warrant new Dechaine trial

For almost 26 years, our state has repeatedly denied Dennis Dechaine’s request to present evidence the jury never got to hear. After the Maine Supreme Court finishes deliberating his May 14 appeal of a Superior Court decision to deny a retrial, it may well happen again. But shouldn’t two simple facts have warranted reopening the […]

Published
May 22, 2015

Letter to the editor: City wise to support Fore Street plan

As a resident and business owner of Portland who cares deeply about this city, I have been following the progress of the 58 Fore St. zoning application. I think it is critical that we come together to support the rezoning of the site as proposed by CPB2, a local developer sensitive to the Portland community. […]
Published
May 22, 2015

Letter to the editor: Barron Center a bad place for seniors? Not so, DHHS

I vehemently disagree with a recent exposé on the Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ findings that the Barron Center in Portland is a detrimental and unsafe place for our seniors. I base that on my standing as a registered nurse and geriatric nurse practitioner who has provided care to those elders at that […]
Published
May 21, 2015

Letter to the editor: Battle over shelter spending is cold-hearted, unnecessary

Some people have occasion to know persons who are homeless and they develop an understanding perspective. Many, no doubt, have felt concern that there seem to be so many who are continuously in need of shelter, and they worry that Portland is something of a draw for people because it does provide the most decent […]
Published
May 21, 2015

Letter to the editor: Ranked-choice voting offers a better way to elect Maine leaders

Common sense would lead us to believe that our elected leaders should have majority support and that their decisions and viewpoints should reflect the ideals of a majority of Maine people. Unfortunately that’s not often the case. In fact, over the last 11 gubernatorial elections here in Maine, nine were decided by a plurality – […]
Published
May 21, 2015

Letter to the editor: Heartless leaders LePage, Mayhew need some empathy

The hypocrisy of Gov. LePage and his administration never ceases to amaze. The latest debacle regarding the Oxford Street Shelter is the icing on the cake. On one hand, the governor happily negotiates tax cuts for the richest Mainers and shamelessly wastes over $1 million of precious Maine tax dollars on the ill-fated Alexander report, […]

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Letters