BDN program supports local businesses
I’d like to thank the BDN for running my ad April 16 and 20 about my business’s curbside pickup program. Special thanks go to Laura George and her team for their outstanding job composing it.
Several callers thanked me for supporting the News through my advertising. To clarify, as I explained to them, while I’m a longtime supporter of the News, this ad was free to me through the paper’s program to thank and support local businesses. Other local business owners who might want to take advantage of this program can learn more on the BDN website.
Eric Furry
Bangor
Recognizing the Foreign Service
As a retired member of the U.S. Foreign Service, I was proud to represent American interests and values in four countries over my more than 26 years of service. I write this as Foreign Service Day approaches on May 1, intended to honor our active duty Foreign Service members.
Members of the Foreign Service are dedicated, hardworking public servants whose mission is to promote American interests, values, and national security. As the new coronavirus pandemic continues its march across the world, members of the Foreign Service have been working around the clock to bring home thousands of Americans stranded abroad, often putting their own health at risk to serve our citizens.
My colleagues are proud to serve their country. This global pandemic struck at a time when the Foreign Service was already overstretched and understaffed. Numerous critical positions in Washington and at embassies and consulates abroad remain vacant.
I hope that something good will come out of this frightening time, including the support the Foreign Service needs to best serve America’s interests abroad.
Ellen Conway
Orrington
Liberty and death
Protesters, calling for easing coronavirus-related restrictions, seem to mistakenly think they are freedom fighters. They believe they are repeating the slogan, “give me liberty or give me death.”
They may get the death, if not for themselves, than for the elderly like me.
Earl Kunstman
Bangor
Water rule defies common sense
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency just finalized a rule that leaves Sebago Lake, the Penobscot River and many other waterways more vulnerable to pollution and degradation, and puts our drinking water at risk. The move strips federal protection away from thousands of Maine lakes, wetlands and streams — an unprecedented weakening of the Clean Water Act itself, written by Maine’s own U.S. Sen. Edmund S. Muskie.
Here’s how this rule puts Sebago Lake at risk: As unprotected wetlands become degraded or paved over, they will no longer help filter out pollution before it reaches Sebago Lake. And pollution from unprotected streams will flow into the lake as well. The quality of water in Sebago Lake is among the highest of any lake in Maine, and serves as the drinking water supply for 15 percent of Mainers. But all that precious water will be at risk if nearby streams and wetlands become degraded and polluted.
This rule defies common sense, sound science and 50 years of bipartisan support for clean water. This is just plain wrong. Clean water is vital for our health, our way of life and for nature itself. We must not rest until protections for Maine’s waterways are restored.
Anya Fetcher
Portland
Our country needs a return to prayer
I want to comment on the letter written by Noreen Liebmann of Belfast, in the April 21 edition of the Bangor Daily News. I want to say that I totally agree with what she has written, quoting 2 Chronicles 7:14. This country needs to come back to the Lord. Many of us have forgotten him, and have decided to “do it on our own.” He has never forgotten us.
Those who have at one time given their hearts to him and have been backsliding need to return to reading their bible and praying — our country needs you! We need to pray without ceasing. If you’ve never given your heart to Jesus, now is the time. You will not regret it. God never breaks his promises. He promised to heal our land.
Please give this some serious thought. It certainly won’t hurt — and you could be very surprised at the results!
Christine Guy
Newport
A leader for these difficult times
We find ourselves in unprecedented times. The whole world is being held in a pandemic fist that won’t release its grip anytime soon. Whole communities are closed down. People are losing their livelihood and lives.
The federal response has been slow, inept and confused. Americans and Mainers are suffering. The time is now for someone who can take decisive action. Not someone who follows along behind President Doanld Trump and Sen. Mitch McConnell.
I firmly believe that person is Sara Gideon. I have seen and heard her in town hall meetings — hearing Mainers’ questions, addressing their concerns.
I believe Gideon has the knowledge, desire and focus to put in the hard work to help Maine out.
And boy, do we need help now. A vote for Gideon is a vote for us. Send her to Washington this fall.
I believe her energy and skill will pay off for all of us. I really do.
John Tiedje
Gorham
Lucky to be in Maine
I would like to convey my appreciation for Gov. Janet Mills and Dr. Nirav Shah’s daily briefings. In stark contrast to the federal administration’s press conferences, they have provided honest, informed, heartfelt and clear leadership.
It is refreshing and profoundly moving, especially amid the general governmental chaos that is taking place at the national level. Gov. Mills and Dr. Shah took immediate action to deal with the imminent pandemic, and continue to guide us, steadily, through added obstacles caused by storms, explosions and power outages.
The White House could stand to learn a great deal from the state of Maine’s leadership. Since I moved to Maine only three years ago, I don’t feel that I have yet earned the right to be proud of them, but I am anyway. How lucky I feel to be here right now. As E.B. White said: “I would really rather feel bad in Maine than feel good anywhere else.”
Fabiola Zambon
Blue Hill