We have debated what our reaction should be to an advertisement we have been confronted with daily in your newspaper. We have decided, as subscribers, that we must speak out.

We refer to the ad by the Spectacular Event Center in Bangor for a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater on Sept. 13.

We are members of Parents of Murdered Children Inc., a national organization dedicated to the families and friends of those who have died by violence, as well as the Maine Chapter of POMC.

One of the principal programs developed and sponsored by POMC is “Murder Is Not Entertainment” (MINE). We find it hard to believe people can be enticed to pay $35.95 per person to be entertained by “Lights! Camera! Murder!” The thought of the pain, suffering, anguish, cruelty, hate, let alone the horrific details associated with murder, should make most people sick. How can you enjoy a five-course dinner surrounded by such prospects? A $35.95 donation to the local battered- women’s shelter, abandoned children’s center, halfway house or soup kitchen, or even POMC, should give a person a much greater sense of satisfaction and entertainment.

Each murder is against some person; someone’s son, daughter, sister, brother, mother, father, relative, friend. There are many of us in eastern and northern Maine who have dealt with murder and a murderer first hand and will continue to deal with murder for the rest of our lives.

Our objective is to raise the awareness and sensitivity of our community to the horrific effects and consequences of murder and violence.

Patricia Matthews

Robert Matthews

Houlton