Santa savings
It was nice to see some old-fashioned methods of merchandising in last week’s BDN in regards to going back to the lay-a-way plan that was popular in the ’40s and ’60s. Just think, suppose the banks and credit unions came back with the Christmas club.
By putting away $2 a week, that would be $104 by 2009. Santa would like that.
Jim Koritzky
Bangor
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Expanding dentistry
Recently, 12 dental professionals from various corners of the state became Maine’s first certified Expanded Function Dental Assistants. Because of the ice storm and power outage, there was no ceremony to mark the occasion, so I am writing to highlight the event and applaud this remarkable class.
The EFDA program was launched at York County Community College in January. While YCCC is not close to our Newport dental office, my dental hygienist, Jenny Hall, was eager to participate. So one weekend a month, she left her family and traveled the three hours to York where she spent a day and a half in the classroom.
During the week in our office, Jenny had hands-on learning as I guided her through additional training. For her, it was both fun and satisfying. She acquired new skills that will make her work more interesting. At the same time, her ability to perform some of the routine tasks I have always had to do allows our office to see more patients.
The goal of this EFDA program is to expand access to oral health care by providing another set of skilled hands in the dental office. EFDAs must have direct supervision by a dentist so patients are ensured of quality work.
A second EFDA certificate program may soon open in Bangor. The new professionals are needed in Maine, and the interest to attend is high. While the EFDA program is one small step to providing more access, it is an important one. Congratulations to the graduates!
Jeffrey D. Dow, DMD
Newport
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No puppy love
I was absolutely appalled as I read the article in the Dec. 17 issue of the BDN describing the condition of the dogs in the recent puppy mill case. However, I was much more appalled when the last paragraph of the article stated that the person responsible for the trauma these dogs experienced will be allowed to keep four dogs as part of the plea agreement.
Pets are as helpless as babies, and they depend on their owners to provide them with suitable living conditions, a proper diet and necessary veterinarian care. Our pets also depend on us for love and attention. As a longtime pet lover and owner, I know that providing attention and care for one dog requires a firm commitment of both time and money. I cannot understand why a decision would be made to put four dogs in danger.
Jean Whitaker
Trenton
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Shame on GOP
Shame on the Republican National Committee for trying to weaken President-elect Obama by using guilt by association before he even takes office.
Of course you can find photos of the U.S. senator from Illinois talking with the governor of Illinois. This unfair attack is the old politics. The all too common approach of smearing the other side (Obama) with no facts is also the old politics. We need to promote the new politics of solving real problems for the benefit of all Americans.
Working in the “center” and in a bipartisan way should be demanded by the electorate, not criticized. We don’t need more polarization and political positioning — we need problem solving for the good of the majority. Highlighting different opinions and positions is appropriate. Negative ads and character assassination are not.
Let’s make this part of the change we all want.
Sheridan and Barb Steele
Bar Harbor
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Obama all-stars
Please keep politicians off the front page of the sports section (that’s twice in the past two weeks now). I read the sports section to read about local, state and regional sports teams. Who President-elect Obama and his cabinet are playing hoops against is not sports news. Once in a while maybe, but every week?
Not one article on the front page about any college team in the state; instead, we get Obama and his cabinet take on UNC. I wonder who won? No score. The Celtics win 15 straight, go to page three. Syracuse University was the other top lead on the front page. Did any local players make the SU roster? They played Cleveland State for goodness sake. I was enthralled.
The BDN does a great job helping and promoting local sports. It’s your bread and butter, and I am grateful to have you at my office door every morning. But stick to what you do best and what we really need you for. Your readers will thank you by buying your newspaper each day. What is better than that in this day and age?
Bob Davis
Presque Isle
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No pardon for Rumsfeld
I was appalled to learn that President Bush may be extending a pardon to former Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and others for their involvement in the human rights abuses associated with the war on terror. Not only will Bush leave two wars and an economic crisis as his legacy, but also a legacy of impunity when it comes to violations of international laws and the rights that every human deserves.
The American people need to know what has been done in our name and hold those accountable for their abuses. It is time we end this ignorance toward human rights and send a message to the rest of the world that crimes against humanity will no longer be ignored, regardless from where they come.
We need to clean up our own government if we intend on spreading a policy of human rights and it needs to start with Donald Rumsfeld.
Alisha Targonski
Monticello
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Farewell MPBN
My Gosh, what are we going to do without Maine public radio in Washington and Aroostook counties? If someone caught me listening to world and national news they might think I was attempting to become an intellectual so I could move south and actually take part in a conversation at a cocktail party. Heaven forbid!
I’m switching to NMPR — No More Public Radio. That way, when the end of the world arrives I won’t have a clue. Farewell to the rest of Maine, and for that matter, the country!
Howard Shaw
Lubec