Marijuana article not appropriate
Like many Mainers, I am seriously concerned about the drug abuse epidemic we are suffering here and across the nation. Everyone knows the statistics, and there is no data that doesn’t indicate that alcohol and other drug problems are out of control.
To this end, I am left scratching my head. Why would the Bangor Daily News think it wise or appropriate to publish the article ” How to grow marijuana now that it’s legal in Maine“? This article encouraged drug use. Marijuana is indeed a serious drug that affects millions negatively, often opens the door to other drug use, and the BDN took a salacious and ill-informed approach to selling newspapers.
I’m not sure one can be ashamed of a newspaper, but I am ashamed of the BDN for encouraging and supporting a dangerous behavior in dangerous times.
Robert Dana
Bangor
A dangerous road
I am the neighbor to Drinkwater’s Variety on Route 2 in Lincoln, where a Howland man died after his motorcycle collided with a car exiting the establishment’s parking lot. This man lost his life directly due to the congestion of this area and the limited visibility in a 55 mph zone that is entirely dotted lines.
This company has an ice cream outdoor building, used vehicles for sale, and sit-down eating.
The available blacktop for parking vehicles is not adequate. In addition to the multiple businesses here, there is Fastco Corp. building, a trailer park and a church within 500 feet of Drinkwater’s. I had asked the town of Lincoln and the police to address the speeding and the passing issues. I have been passed between my car and my driveway with drivers going up onto lawns to do multiple passes. I was told by Lincoln police that drivers have a right to pass multiple cars and to increase their speed.
We have 35 mph zone about 500 feet after the Interstate 95 access and then at Robinson’s Auto it hits 55 mph. All cars passing or pulling out of driveways or parking lots enter this raceway of heavy traffic at all hours in summer months. Most of the loudest noise levels are right here. Certainly motorcycles are heard before being seen.
I only wish that other neighbors would demand that the state change either the passing zone or the speed limit. We are all in danger of being killed just stopping to buy a soda.
Joyce Bradway
Lincoln
Poliquin no help
In December 2016, we sent a large packet of paperwork to Rep. Bruce Poliquin’s office asking for assistance with getting reimbursed VA benefits due to my mother from her 11 months in the Winterberry Heights Assisted Living Facility.
Since then, we have heard nothing. No notification that the packet was received or nothing from his office that they are working on it. It took us a few months to get all the paperwork from the U.S. government together and then to write a detailed request for Poliquin’s assistance in the matter. Nothing.
I guess he is too busy with all his other endeavors than to stoop so low as to help any of his constituents. He will not be getting our vote in the next election. As far as we are concerned, he is useless.
Joseph and Deborah Johnston
Hermon
Fulford for Congress
My first reaction was surprise when I heard that Jonathan Fulford was running for Congress rather than the Maine Senate. Upon reflection, I see this new, ambitious goal as consistent with Fulford’s energy and commitment to promote the change necessary to ensure greatness exists in our country.
To me, Fulford’s agenda to improve a working-class economy, health care for all, affordable clean energy and fair opportunity for education is important locally and nationally. But the American promise of greatness may lay beyond these individual policies. How can our society find “greatness” in a government that currently undervalues the pursuit of knowledge in order to seek profits and political power?
The trend of anti-intellectualism now establishing itself in politics and business leadership, and tolerated by a declining education system, should be cause for concern by leaders and the general population. The dismissal of science and the arts and humanities in favor of entertainment, self-righteousness and deliberate ignorance of facts doesn’t sound great to me.
As the next round of elections heats up and Americans go to the polls, I am excited to be given an opportunity to vote for Fulford who I know is truly working to make America great again by not by courting the cult of ignorance, but by working for ethical and fair initiatives that benefit all citizens.
John Krueger
Northport