Sentient creatures deserve protection

While I do not always agree with columnists who write for the Bangor Daily News I do find their train of thought both rational and responsible. Occasionally something appears in this newspaper that defies both qualities.

Such behavior was seen in the recent column by John Holyoke. Mr. Holyoke has what I believe is an unhealthy obsession with violence and the killing of sentient beasts. For those who are unsure of the word “sentient,” it means creature that can think and feel pain.

While I find Holyoke’s remarks fairly provincial I can see their minimal value. Occasionally, though, Holyoke says something that goes well beyond the limits of responsible journalism.

Such was his remark in the Nov. 22 edition of the NEWS: “The assumption: If you don’t expose children to hunting they’ll be less likely to take up the sport.” It would not take a whole lot of effort to translate this as, “if you do not expose children to violence they will be less likely to become violent as adults.”

I must be terribly liberal but I find the idea of discouraging violence in children as one of the most important, if not the most important, qualities that modern society can strive for. It is seen as a means of preventing domestic abuse and as an effective way of dealing with violent criminal behavior.

The idea of settling one’s differences through peaceful means is often a hallmark of an enlightened society. Any modern, rational human being would be very hard-pressed to disagree with a belief in nonviolence.

Then there is John Holyoke and his message to teach your children to learn to enjoy killing sentient creatures. Am I wrong or is this encouraging anti-social borderline criminal behavior?

John D. Blaisdell

Bangor

Community support aids Brewer team

As the mother of a Brewer High School football player, I would like to say a heartfelt “thank-you” to the people of Brewer. Thank you for the support that the boys felt (recently) as they prepared for the state championship game. Thank you for the signs of encouragement on businesses all over town. It was great for them to see and feel your support.

That support followed them to Portland as the cheers of the Brewer crowd reverberated throughout Fitzpatrick Stadium and beyond. Brewer’s fans were the best, especially the contingent of students who had lent their support throughout the season, traveling to such far-flung places as Waterville, Belfast, and Leavitt (Turner) to cheer on the team.

All that encouragement paid off. The support continues still in the form of congratulatory comments, e-mails, phone calls, and thanks to W.S. Emerson Company for the championship T-shirts and hats for their first day back at school.

For the boys of the Brewer High football team, this memory will last a lifetime. You all helped make it happen. Thank- you!

Janet Ecker

Brewer

Congratulations Brewer

Congratulations to one hard-nosed football team. The 2005 Brewer Witches coach and staff and now their link to the 1968 and 1970 Witches. Awesome!

Richard Cosmos

Bangor

Note to readers: The NEWS reserves the right to edit submissions for libel, taste, clarity, and to fit available space. Letters should include a signature, full name, address, and daytime phone number. Letters may be mailed to: P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402, or e-mailed: bdnsports@bangordailynews.net