Readers reply: night sky, drivers licenses

This week’s ClickBack asked readers to comment on a recent story that showed how eastern and northern Maine are virtually free of light pollution, and about the state’s ongoing debate with the federal government over the Read ID plan. To read all comments, go to www.bangordailynews.com and click on the ClickBack logo. On Tuesday, the BDN will pose new questions in the editorial column.

Should Maine try to maintain its “dark sky” status?

We live on the peaceful shores of Lake Sebasticook in Newport. It truly is the way life should be, until our neighbor goes out for the night, which is every night, and turns on her “beacon,” lighting up not only her entire yard, but ours, as well as our bedroom. This blinding outside light also impacts the multiple pairs of nesting owls in the area. These lovely creatures don’t have the option of putting up shades on their nests. We refuse to install shades – the morning sunrise is glorious, and once the neighbor is home and the horrible spot light is off, both Venus and the moon put on a show for free. Why would we put up shades and block nature’s glory? There is simply no reason for this neighbor to light up her yard and ours for hours every night, when a motion sensor light would allow us to enjoy a dark night, and light the path to her door.

– Jolly Roger

Your April 5-6 front-page story about “Saving our night sky” was very interesting and timely. Timely because we in this part of Maine have a chance through thoughtful application of responsible lighting codes to save a wonderful part of our outdoor natural heritage. The use of full cut-off lighting fixtures, while more expensive up front, will not only direct light down to the ground where anyone would seemingly want it, and allow the owner to use a less energy demanding bulb and save money in the long run.

Considering our Vacationland nickname, it’s easy to see that a beautiful, star-filled night sky can be just another magnet, in addition to our coast, mountains, rivers and lakes, to lure folks to Maine. It’s a “win win” situation for everyone involved. Check out http://www.darksky.org/mc/page.do for information on efficient lighting.

– gpalman

We should be both pleased and protective of the beauty of the low level of night lighting where we still have it in northern and eastern Maine.

It’s not generally known and should be, that the Land Use Regulation Commission, which guides development in most of this region, adopted thoughtful and effective standards for exterior lighting in 2004. These standards permit landowners to place exterior lights that illuminate their private properties yet avoid light pollution to the sky and neighbors. The LURC standards merit consideration for adoption elsewhere.

We also find that motion-sensitive exterior lighting is quite wonderful. It saves energy and we think it gives us more security by signaling that an intruder may be present.

– Pepper

Why not give everyone who can drive a license?

While I may have some reservations about Real ID and whether it will protect us from terrorism, I do think that if even one state is allowed to ignore implementing the law then it should be scrapped. It would be akin to filling a bucket with water that has holes in it. My main concern is the governor of this state took an oath to uphold the law. He should be impeached if he continues to encourage people who are breaking our immigration laws to come here. It is against the law in every state to come into this country illegally, and we expect our elected officials to obey the law, not just the ones they agree with. Otherwise I would ask the governor what laws we can choose to ignore. Can we stop paying our taxes? Can we ignore the speed limit?

– swann2001

Although a current resident of the state of Maine I travel virtually every week. I have started to carry a passport, and was finding in some airports across the country that TSA would actually state, “I have never seen a Maine license before,” and I was put into the line for special screening. I completely support the federal government putting pressure on the state to adhere to certain “rules” concerning the ID process. The government is not a charity but an institution to provide safety and infrastructure to the people. Bottom line, get over it, and pass the Real ID. Taking a stance on this will exhaust resources that could be used elsewhere.

– Orrington

Go to www.bangordailynews.net and look for the ClickBack logo to join the discussion.