Thumbs down to the loss of the Biddeford High School marching band. The reason this program was easy to cut is because it was already struggling, with a low participation rate of only 15 students. At many schools, marching band participation is compulsory for any student who wants to be in concert band, which results in much larger numbers. If only Biddeford had taken that route, a large group of students would have been more difficult to disappoint.

A healthy marching band is a source of pride for a school and offers students a unique experience of teamwork and skill. Though BHS students should be glad for the opportunity to march with Old Orchard Beach High School, it will not be the same as wearing their own colors, blaring horns, rapping drums and forming shifting shapes on the field in honor of ol’ Biddeford High.

Thumbs up to Pam Payeur and her group of volunteers with The Warrior Legacy Foundation’s Wounded Heroes Program of Maine, based in Biddeford. Payeur saw a need ”“ injured veterans who have no means of support while they wait for government benefits ”“ and stepped up to fill it. She has made a great impact through her work and the veterans community and motorcyclists have gotten behind her to raise funds for this worthy cause. Though it’s unfortunate that bureaucracy has trumped proper care of our veterans, at least they can take comfort that people like Payeur will step up and help, with the support of many others. We agree with her son, Mike: Payeur is worthy of an award.

Thumbs down to the poor attendance at the recent gubernatorial forums in Saco and to general voter apathy as the primaries approach on June 8. The Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce hosted the forums ”“ which drew most of the Democratic candidates but few of the Republicans ”“ to help voters become aware of the candidates’ stances on various issues. It seems that few care. Granted, it is overwhelming to have to choose from seven Republicans or five Democrats, but informed voting is part of our duty as citizens. Lately, that duty has been taken much too lightly and we won’t be surprised when the primaries are unfortunately decided by only a tiny fraction of Maine voters.

Thumbs up to Paul Auger and Joe Doiron for offering a presentation on the KKK’s presence in Sanford in the 1920s. Many people do not realize the reality of the Klan, its social prominence and normalcy during that era, nor its anti-Catholic stance. Sharing the history of how widespread, accepted discrimination happened right here in Maine should help people put perspective on their own prejudices and realize it’s all been done ”“ and it’s time to move forward.

Thumbs down to the culture of alcohol that we have embraced that leads youth to think that a good time can only be had with booze on hand. A few students were removed from the Wells High School prom earlier this month for this reason ”“ funny how they’re the only ones who most definitely did not have a good time. Adults and advertisers really need to think about how they convey attitudes regarding alcohol use, whenever they are around young people. Until then, it will continue to be seen as a rite of passage for adulthood and will be abused by those who are least prepared for the consequences.

— Thumbnails is a Monday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you would like to respond, please write the Reader’s Forum via e-mail at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford or Sanford offices.