I am appalled by the news story aired by WABI-TV Monday night regarding sexually transmitted diseases linking carnival workers to the citizens of Bangor. I believe there is no founded evidence which would prove that carnival workers are the main source of STDs in the Bangor area during the fair.

It seems they are looking for someone to blame. There are many other factors which could contribute to the rise in STDs during the summer — especially the numerous tourists who pass through the area and the increase in sexual activity among teen-agers due to the school break. Nobody should have unprotected sex in this society, so shouldn’t the people who catch these diseases take some responsibility? It is unfair to blame one group for a problem that is nationwide.

I also think Channel 5 made a bad judgment call by scaring the public away from the fair. The fair brings thousands of dollars to Bangor and is the one event the city can count on every year for needed tourism revenue. Most of the media know and appreciate this by airing stories that promote the “good” and not the “bad” about the fair. Channel 7 (WVII-TV) has done an excellent job this year of promoting and doing live coverage of the fair.

Stick to the facts, Channel 5, not the hearsay. Anne Violette Carmel