December 23, 2024
Editorial

CLICKBACK ON BANKS, DEER

ClickBack, the BDN’s interactive feature in which readers post comments at www.bangordailynews.com, this week asks about the federal government’s role in banking, the Legislature’s post-budget agenda, and whether feeding deer should be made illegal. Look for the ClickBack logo on the BDN Web site, and register to comment if you have not already done so. The BDN does not share your information with third parties. And look for some of the more intriguing comments to be printed on the OpEd page on Friday. Happy clicking!

The federal government has taken the unprecedented step of backing JPMorgan’s buyout of investment firm Bear Stearns. Should the federal government bail out banks? And if so, should U.S. taxpayers benefit if the company recovers and flourishes? And a related question: Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is urging changes in federal regulation institutions so they can better head off any future financial crisis, such as the subprime lending debacle. Democrats say the plan doesn’t go far enough, leaving too many loopholes. Should the government rein-in banks, and protect consumers from themselves? Or is “buyer beware” the best strategy?

The Maine Legislature appears, at least as of late Monday, to be on the verge of adopting a supplemental budget. Now that this critical work is done, what should legislators focus on for the duration of the spring session? Further refining school and jail consolidation? Rethinking the state’s social service philosophy? Downsizing the number of state employees?

Many people who love and empathize with wildlife have taken to feeding deer this winter, especially as the deer struggle to survive the deep snow that has eliminated their access to food. Yet state biologists say the practice of providing deer with grain and other food is ultimately bad for the herd. In the past, bills proposed in the Legislature to ban such feeding have not won support. Should such a ban on feeding deer be reconsidered?

Are there other issues that have you scratching your head or fuming with frustration? Ask your own questions at the ClickBack Web site. Go to www.bangordailynews.com and look for the ClickBack logo to answer these questions, ask your own and respond to comments from other readers.


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