I have tinnitus, a constant sound in my ears. This morning, Dec. 17, it changed from ringing to a whine when I looked at Page One of the BDN. Yet another whine from the Maine Chamber of Commerce fearing that some level of government is going to ask business to help pay its fair share. It’s all about the bottom line. Who cares if the jails and shelters are full of the mentally ill (who have no place else to go), who cares if some old geezer freezes or goes hungry. It’s all about the bottom line.

If business can’t fill the pockets of investors, owners, shareholders or directors, who cares? Business cares, they care enough to cause a constant whine in my ears. In the same paper, on Page C8, an article about wrapping gifts mentioned one business that will sell you 20 popcorn boxes for $7.99; that’s 40 cents apiece! Just don’t ask them to pay a tax on the profit, in that instance it must be a hefty margin.

I know there is a lot of exaggeration here, and that not all businesses are evil, but please help my ears, reduce the whine.

Lawrence Grant

Carmel