The decision to withdraw the Met from Maine Public Radio is appalling. While I do not profess to be an opera buff, I have come to expect its presence among the repertoire of classical music programs offered by public radio. How can we promote and preserve the arts among our youth and within our schools if the pillar of classical music programming fails to set a precedent?

At a time when Britney Spears has become an influence upon by 5-year-old through her peers on the playground, it remains music to my ears to also hear her humming the sweet lyrical notes of Schumann and Chopin. The influence of classical music maintains a strong presence in our homes and always will. Rebecca MacLeod Bangor