Letters

Published
May 24, 2015

Letter to the editor: Many Mainers unaware of arsenic in private wells

Nearly half of Mainers use private wells for drinking water, yet an alarming number are unaware that they regularly consume arsenic. More than 30 percent of private wells are contaminated, and one in 10 wells in Maine contains dangerously high levels of arsenic. Despite arsenic’s prevalence in Maine groundwater, nearly 41 percent of homeowners in […]
Published
May 24, 2015

Letter to the editor: Food labeling act favors industry, not consumers

The U.S. House is considering a bill, H.R. 1599, “The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act.” This bill is misleading. It would end states’ freedom to pass local laws that require ingredients to be listed or asks that it be stated if the food is GMO-free – no genetically modified organisms. Why the concern? We […]
Published
May 24, 2015

Letter to the editor: FairPoint not faring well in customer satisfaction

I recently received notice from FairPoint Communications stating that they would no longer be providing White Pages in their directories unless they are requested. I was directed to leave a number for a call back. I did that and, as of now, no call has been forthcoming. As this company can no longer blame the […]
Published
May 24, 2015

Letter to the editor: Summer camp has biased, pro-hunting agenda

Apparently capitalizing on the “North Woods Law” TV show, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is offering a summer camp in July for boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 12, to be held at the Bryant Pond 4-H Camp and Learning Center. According to the brochure for this program, “Camp […]
Published
May 23, 2015

Letter to the editor: Along with police training, improve community attitude

Sahra Ahmed’s recent letter about police training has some validity, but it offers a one-sided view of the problem (“Police officers need training in how to avoid use of force,” May 12). She seems to suggest that “unarmed” means “not dangerous,” and that is not the case. She also ignores the fact that Michael Brown […]

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 […]

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Letters