In a recent debate, Charlie Summers proclaimed skepticism that humans are the primary cause of climate change. He said other factors, including volcanoes, have greater climatic effect than humans. Volcanoes? Hmm, let’s do some research.

Numerous websites, including those at Scientific American and San Diego State University Geology Department, explain this phenomenon.

Volcanoes can warm or cool the climate, depending upon the mix of ejecta. Ash and sulfur dioxide (which turns into sulfuric acid) cool the climate in the short term by reflecting more sunlight back into space. Eventually, however, both ash and sulfuric acid droplets wash out of the atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide emissions, however, act to warm the climate and, being a gas, remain in the atmosphere long-term. But the amount of carbon dioxide emitted annually from volcanoes is less than 1 percent of that emitted by human activity. Clearly, climate warming from CO2 is driven by human activity, not volcanoes.

When Charlie Summers says volcanoes warm the climate more than humans, he demonstrates his scientific illiteracy. He is, therefore, unqualified to be Maine’s next U.S. senator.

Why is scientific literacy so important? Because scientific knowledge is the driver of technology, economic development, human progress and wealth creation, and Congress decides how to allocate our nation’s resources.

When we elect scientific illiterates to Congress, we end up with the likes of Rep. Todd Akin, who proclaimed that women don’t get pregnant from “legitimate” rape (he sits, by the way, on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology!) or Ron Paul, who denies evolution “as a theory.”

The U.S. once ranked first in the world in science education. It now ranks somewhere between 20th and 27th.

Who you elect to Congress does make a difference. Don’t put scientific illiterates in public office and abet our nation’s slide into mediocrity.

Mark Love

Portland

‘Bums’ wrong word for our fellow human beings

In response to Dennis Gervais’ letter on panhandlers (“City policy encourages panhandlers,” Sept. 13), I could not help but notice his repeated reference to these people as “bums.”

These people are human beings who I am sure were not born as well off as Mr. Gervais. I’m also willing to think that these people, if given the opportunity, would prefer a different lifestyle.

Ed Reagan

Portland

Obama’s done a great deal, needs to continue his work

With fewer than 50 days to the Nov. 6 election, I’m urging all to vote for the re-election of President Obama.

This is a pivotal election. In my opinion, it will determine whether we preserve the middle class, the basis of democracy, or concede it to the plutocrats.

We must not let the consequences of the Citizens United decision and the lobbyists decide our future. President Obama, despite the mess he inherited and the obstruction of the right-wing Republicans, succeeded in passing the Affordable Care Act, which supports Medicare and Medicaid; defended women’s rights, including fair pay; advocates for ending tax breaks for the very wealthy; saved us from economic collapse and continues to make progress in creating jobs; ended the war in Iraq;, promises to get us out of Afghanistan; gave the order to have Osama bin Laden killed, and exercises diplomacy and sanctions re: Iran vs. getting us into an unnecessary, immoral, costly war.

He needs another term to continue to make progress and complete his goals. Let’s listen to the upcoming presidential debates scheduled for Oct. 3, 16, and 22, and vote to re-elect President Obama.

Margaret Boyajian

Spruce Head

Story should have detailed local company’s ingenuity

Regarding the story on the front page of the Local & State section Sept. 15 (“Portland company’s drone photos may test FAA rule”): I find it disheartening that the Press Herald placed such a negative spin on Hoverflow’s new business venture.

During an economic downturn, the aspiring entrepreneur should be supported. We need positive, enthusiastic individuals to move us forward with imagination and perseverance. The article should have focused on the Federal Aviation Administration’s inability to formulate standards and regulations for machines operating under 400 feet by the due date set by the Legislature.

The article should have exclaimed how “cool” and ingenious these new machines are. We should be congratulating those who have not given up on starting a business in Maine!

And lastly, we should never put character judgments in print. It is not authentic journalism. We need to inspire readers. Inspiration will sell more papers.

Your ridiculing, rush-to-judgment writing shows that the Press Herald lacks credibility. Hoverflow is brilliant.

Sarah Westburg

Windham

No basis for professor’s portrayal of Republicans

I am not a Republican, but I was truly shocked that your newspaper ran a front-page commentary in the Insight section by a University of Southern Maine professor (“Going for the gold,” Sept. 9) that stated that Republicans favor a nostalgic past “of women as second-class citizens, immigrants and people of color as despised ‘others.'”

The writer cites no well-researched study for her statement, and I assume she didn’t ask Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe to vet her statement.

That language seems like hateful speech to me, and has no place in your newspaper.

It pains me that my tax dollars pay her salary, but I accept that in academia, even irresponsible free speech is permitted as part of the free flow of ideas. I just expected better from your newspaper.

James S. Burns

South Freeport

Politicians who robocall can forget about this vote

For any politician or campaign tempted to use robocalling: I will not vote for anyone or any issue, not even my favorites, who would call me on a robocall.

Larz Neilson

East Boothbay