Support Senior League
Many baseball fans in the Bangor area without hesitation make the 600-mile round trip to Boston and pay hundreds of dollars to see Terry Francona’s pampered millionaires play. Yet these same people won’t take the time to support the Senior League World Series at Mansfield Stadium and watch youngsters from all over the world compete.
These kids display real talent and enthusiasm and you will never see them whining or dogging it on the field. You will never see a game that has 36 runs and 37 hits. The pitching is much better than that.
And the playing field is immaculate, kept that way by a group of volunteers who should be hired by the city of Bangor to maintain the municipal golf course, which is in terrible shape.
Even though the weather has not cooperated this year, the games that have been played have been entertaining. The players, coaches and the staff should be congratulated with more support from the locals.
Edward A. Matheson
Bangor
Plum Creek proposal
I am a landowner in the unorganized Lily Bay township. Many of us in the Lily Bay area support Gov. John Baldacci’s concerns, as reported in the July 24 BDN, regarding the unsuitability of the development proposed by Plum Creek at Lily Bay.
The current Land Use Regulation Commission zoning in Lily Bay recognizes it as a sensitive area and places significant land use restrictions on development that are designed to protect wetlands, wildlife habitat and water quality. Plum Creek’s proposal would trump these LURC protections.
LURC’s Lily Bay zoning demonstrates the unsuitability of a waterfront resort based on engineering and scientific criteria. This area is also shallow and full of unmarked navigation hazards that pose a serious danger to inexperienced boaters. Given its remote location, lack of emergency services, and presence of Lily Bay State Park, Lily Bay should remain a place for remote recreation, low-density family camps, and protected habitat for fish and animals, including the threatened Canada lynx.
I fully support the economic interests of the people of the greater Greenville-Moosehead Region. I would like to see the “smart growth” aspects of the Plum Creek plan implemented. Smart development located near Greenville — where Plum Creek owns thousands of acres — would directly benefit the town and our local citizens. However, the unsuitable development proposed for remote Lily Bay would siphon jobs and business away from Greenville, place undue burdens — and more taxes — on the local people, and ruin the existing Lily Bay experience for everyone else.
Eric Hince
Lily Bay Township
Living with autism
In response to the article by David Kolpack “How to maintain civility key to autism debate” (BDN, Aug. 14): As the mother of a handsome, athletic 20-year-old autistic son, I have to say it is the responsibility of the parents or caregivers to help my son with cues on how to behave in all settings. If he cannot follow directions and cues, he has consequences, which could mean leaving the setting. My son had the benefit of very early detection and intervention using behavior modification — natural and logical consequences — and sensory desensitizing techniques. He was born into a family of professional social workers. These were advantages.
Now he is a pleasure to take grocery shopping because he knows where everything is, to church because he loves the music and sings with enthusiasm, and anywhere else in the community. Again, this took enormous hours of training. If my son was loud and disruptive, we would voluntarily leave. Toughing it out does no one any good. Political correctness does not mean allowing disruptive behavior. My daughter, who does not have autism, would not be allowed to be disruptive. Why would I just let my son carry on?
Regarding the priest in Bertha, Minn., right on! My son was baptized Catholic but the Mass is indeed quiet and contemplative most of the time. He goes to a church that rocks with music and where he is a welcome addition. Perhaps the Race family can check into alternatives rather than pushing for rights. In my opinion, community living is about consideration of each other and finding compromises for differences.
Susan C. McEwen
Pittsfield
Collins and gossip
During her recent appearance on WJBQ-FM, Sen. Susan Collins crossed the boundaries of decorum and civility in expounding on her perception that John Edwards fathered an illegitimate child.
How has someone of such questionable taste been able to hide for so many years behind the false cloak of amiability and decency? It is about time Maine voters realized that Sen. Collins is a vastly inferior public servant than her fellow Sen. Olympia Snowe, with whom she is inexplicably joined at the hip.
Tom Allen, a man of authentic stature, would be a significant upgrade in all facets of his public and personal being. Shame on us if we do not seize the moment to elect him and retire Collins so she can spend more time fixating on extraneous gossip. As they face a host of pressing issues, Mainers deserve to be represented by someone who is more attentive to their needs.
Bruce Breimer
Castine
McCain’s energy plan
Barack Obama’s brief political background and his current reversal of opinions on issues appear to contradict themselves and voters should take notice. Energy provides a ready example. While Obama voted for the bloated 2005 energy bill and has received more contributions from energy executives than John McCain, Obama likes to pretend that he is a foe of Big Oil. Sorry, but the facts just don’t match the rhetoric.
In contrast, John McCain voted against the 2005 energy bill. He instead made the correct decision to criticize the legislation, putting taxpayers first. Today, as the candidates continue to campaign, one must understand their energy plans before deciding who to vote for.
McCain’s comprehensive energy proposal, called “The Lexington Project,” will break our dependence on foreign oil. His plan looks to promote and invest in alternative sources of energy and the production of domestic oil. John McCain has effective, realistic goals and plans that will bring America out of the current energy crisis.
Voters need to take into serious consideration which candidate will have the capability to put our country first while still holding true to his beliefs and goals. John McCain will. With Obama, it’s not so clear.
Catherine Martinage
Old Town
Lies and politics
Why does politics have to based on lies and distortions? We have the anti-Obama book full of distortions. Now we have the anti-Allen ad lying about his position on organizing labor unions.
Why does a candidate, who talks about uniting the Democrats and Republicans, allow such lies to support her? Why does the Republican party, which claims to support Christian values, create so many lies? Why can’t candidates offer simple true statements of their records and their positions for the future?
Why can’t the media accept responsibility to research and correct the lies? Finally, would the public buy more papers if they could truly trust what is printed?
Harold R. Hurlbert
Surry
Collins on Edwards
After reading the article headlined, “Collins: ‘Don’t you think he’s the father?’” (BDN, Aug. 16-17), I felt the need to write as I have had enough of the political garbage.
First, I believe that Rep. Tom Allen should be commended for taking the high road when asked about Sen. Susan Collin’s comments pertaining to John Edwards’ affair. His response of having no comment showed sound judgment, understanding and compassion. On the other hand, Sen. Collins showed just the opposite, and it is clear from her comments that she presumes Edwards is guilty until proven innocent.
It is my opinion that Sen. Collins is an embarrassment to the good state of Maine and should offer up an apology to Mr. Edwards and the people of Maine. The referenced article, in my opinion, clearly shows significant differences in the judgment and values of Sen. Collins and Rep. Allen. When it comes time to vote, hold people accountable for their actions. Let them know we need change, not the same old, same old.
Dave Kennedy
Dedham