What happened to the experimental corn crop harmed not just the university and/or Maine farmers, but everyone who does or hopes to make a living by working the land. So sad, after so many forward strides being taken in this century, to observe a new groundswell of hysterical violence, generated not by analytical thought but the conscious choice to ascribe to demagoguery.

The one bright note is that where there is a free press, there is exposure of irrationality. This grants us, if nothing more, the possibility that those who choose to let others do their thinking for them may one day develop the self-awareness to at least be embarrassed. Carla King Yuma, Ariz.