The Air Show is, in my view, a tragic reflection of our culture. Granted, the skill and daring of the pilots is remarkable and would be awe inspiring were it not for the horror and catastrophe it imitates. We humans are brilliant at inventing new technologies, but how can we still believe that killing other humans is an acceptable way to spend our intelligence? Surely it would be more satisfying to lead from a cooperative place than a dominating one. These are some of the things that I have objected to over this Air Show weekend:

• The unacceptable noise which is the sound heard by all those around the world whom we are attacking with planes and bombs and drones. There seems to be an intentional celebration of our terrorizing, to pump us up with national pride. How truly grim that is.

• The pollution which is also unacceptable to people with a concern for our planet’s health, not to mention our own health and future.

• The recruitment of the young into a poverty draft is the most objectionable aspect of this awful, awe-filled celebration.

I stood at the gates on Saturday morning and watched with deep sadness as thousands of cars came willingly to lap up the poison of militarism.

Rosalie Paul,

Brunswick