Letters

Published
March 6, 2011

Letters to the editor, March 6, 2011Right-to-work laws undercut unions

Under economic analysis, right-to-work laws and the states that employ them provide evidence that the only effect of these laws is to destroy unions’ ability to organize and collectively bargain effectively. This ability provides benefits to all workers, both union and nonunion. These contracts are agreed upon by the employers and the employees represented. Collectively […]
Published
March 5, 2011

Letters to the editor, March 5. 2011:BPA ban necessary for Maine

Inconclusive science doesn’t mean there aren’t risks. Scientific studies will rarely, if ever, reach 100 percent agreement regarding the health effects of chemicals like BPA. That’s the nature of the science analyzing complex compounds and systems. Gov. Paul LePage should err on the side of caution, especially when the risks may include harm to children’s […]
Published
March 5, 2011

More letters to the editor, March 5, 2011:Wisconsin budget battle, Rep. Russell’s trip stir readers

In your Feb. 24 editorial regarding Rep. Diane Russell’s trip to Madison, Wis., to show support for the teachers there, I would have to agree with you that she left her job here to go off and support people that did not elect her. That’s certainly something she can be chastised for. But to say […]
Published
March 4, 2011

Letters to the editor, March 4, 2011Dr. Dora Mills: Tireless public servant

I was shocked and saddened to read that MaineCare Medical Director Dr. Dora Anne Mills was “relieved of her duties, effective immediately” last week. Dr. Mills has served the people of Maine for over 15 years as director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to promote health for all Maine citizens. She […]
Published
March 3, 2011

Letters to the editor, March 3, 2011Controversy over public workers

George Will’s recent column regarding the political protests in Wisconsin are a quintessential example of ideology masquerading as journalism. Mr. Will describes the protests as an attempt to “repeal an election.” While Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker was clear during the campaign regarding his intentions to cut spending, Will fails to mention that Wisconsin workers have […]

Published
March 3, 2011

City’s SATs disappointing for elementary parent

– The 2009-2010 Portland high school SAT results (Deering, Portland High and Casco Bay) reported in the Feb. 21 Press Herald are appalling. The students who took the test as juniors are graduating in June (most of them, anyway). More than 60 percent of them do not meet Maine state standards in math, and more […]
Published
March 2, 2011

Letters to the editor, March 2, 2011Mideast conflicts create many reactions

The headlines showing Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi brutally repressing his people as they protest for freedom are no surprise, but Col. Gadhafi’s long and checkered dealings with the West might surprise some. Twenty-five years ago, Col. Gadhafi was bad-guy No. 1 on the world stage, and the self-professed “Arab socialist” with his Hermann Goering-esque uniforms […]
Published
March 1, 2011

Letters to the editor, March 1, 2011Diet game not best way to lose weight

In reading the recent article about the Biggest Loser challenge at David’s Restaurant, part of me wanted to applaud, but part of me was also concerned (“Weight watchers,” Feb. 16). As someone who lost 130 pounds and kept it off for eight years, I understand the difficulty of significant weight loss. From that perspective, I […]
Published
February 28, 2011

Letters to the editor, Feb. 28, 2011Add Clifford back to tax rolls

I find it very interesting that the Portland School Department insisted that we taxpayers shell out millions for the new Ocean Avenue School because Nathan Clifford, due to the department’s neglect, was in such disrepair. Now it’s supposed to be a center for teacher education. Nathan Clifford should be put back on the tax rolls […]
Published
February 27, 2011

Letters to the editor, Feb. 27, 2011Finding help for older drivers

The AARP Driver Safety Program in Maine thanks Bill Nemitz for asking “When must elderly drivers give up the keys?” His treatment of the issue was personal and timely. Maine’s population is getting older and at a pace faster than the national average. Thus Maine’s driving population is quickly aging. The vast majority of drivers […]

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Letters