Article aided big oil

Letters to the Portland Editor, September 4, 2009
By PORTLAND PHOENIX LETTERS  |  September 2, 2009

ARTICLE AIDED BIG OIL

Nothing helps big oil, and big coal, more than a piece like "What's Wrong With Wind Power?" (by Deirdre Fulton, August 21). I appreciate trying to generate a fresh look at things like wind power. We must all look at the little things in the way of progress. Perhaps I won't go to the hospital to receive treatment for cancer, because in doing so I might cause minor problems in my life or innocent others. Perhaps I will take a taxi to the hospital, perhaps I will feel that I should tip the driver (ouch). Perhaps I will increase the size of a traffic jam just by riding in that car, inconveniencing others. Then I will have to wait in the waiting room.(dread). I will even be helping the evil pharmaceutical industry because I will be prescribed medications.

No, I think I will stay home and do nothing. I will let the cancer grow because it might be inconvenient or mildly distressing to try to help myself. I know . . . I will sit home and write to other people suffering from cancer, warning them of the pitfalls of getting help.

I'm not sure who you work for, or what your true aim is in trying to make the little problems seem like big ones, but they are not. These issues will obviously be worked out with ease. Try to be more responsible while creating a "fresh look at things." Please don't misquote or take out of context the opinions of experts. And above all, never repeat things like a mystery illness which is obviously baseless. It only helps the disinformation grow . . . like cancer!

Bravo if you are writing on behalf of big oil/coal. It is a perfectly understated article that will make progressive-minded liberals pause on the cause. Just subtle suggestions like yours will tell them that their movement isn't perfect, creating just enough doubt to give up and in.

I apologize for coming across in a crass way, but I feel we are truly addicted to the ease of fossil fuels, and my frustration is equal to the frustration one might feel when screaming their head off at the addict they love, to please, no matter what you do . . . get some help!

Brian Leonard
Westbrook

MURDERED INMATE IS A MARTYR

Anyone who mourns the loss of Sheldon Weinstein (see "Federal Investigation Requested," by Lance Tapley, July 24) might take comfort in the fact that his death by murder at the hands of his fellow inmates at Warren has generated an investigation of the Maine prison system (and presumably some improvements). Thus Weinstein is elevated from the role of victim to the status of martyr.

Isabel Lewando
Ogunquit

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