Fresh on the heels of Maine Maple Sunday, one of the largest agricultural tourism events in the state, farmers banded together and scored a huge victory in Augusta.

L.D. 1605, An Act to Promote Agricultural Activity in Maine by Limiting the Liability for Agritourism Activities, barely squeaked through the judiciary committee on a 7-6 vote.

The Maine Farm Bureau prompted its farmer members to contact their legislators if this liability protection is important to them. Because the farmers got involved in the process they were able to get the bill passed in both the House and Senate.

Agricultural tourism has become a large part of Maine agriculture in the past few years as more people want to reconnect with the source of their local food or just enjoy the open space that a farm provides.

This bill will offer farmers some measure of protection as the public flocks (pun intended) to pick-your-own farms, open house events, corn mazes and many other fun and informational activities that farms are now providing. Congratulations to Maine farmers on working together.

Clint Harris

president, York County Farm Bureau

Dayton

Instead of dieting, just aim for choosing healthy plate

With National Public Health Week behind us, it’s no surprise that much of the national conversation has turned once again to diets and obesity. Yes, 35.7 percent of Americans are overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control. And yes, this results in a wide range of health complications including hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes.

However, it seems to be overlooked that 8 million Americans are also reported to have an eating disorder.

In a culture so obsessed with obtaining a Barbie-like image, it is important not to stress diets, but to instead take the perspective of healthy eating.

Regardless of an individual’s current weight status, a healthy weight can be obtained by adhering to the new U.S. Department of Agriculture recommendations. This new plan, MyPlate, found at www.choosemyplate.gov, has customized options based on your weight goals.

This plan is an easier version of the previous food pyramid and gives visual representation of what a balanced diet actually looks like.

At each meal, one should aim for half a plate of vegetables and fruits, a fourth of a plate of whole grains, a fourth of a plate of protein, and a cup of dairy.

This visual eliminates the previous confusion about serving sizes. It’s healthy eating made simple — fill an average plate, 8 inches in diameter, with a variety of well-chosen foods and experience the effects of healthy eating.

If more Americans could make this small change in the way they think about food, the stigma around dieting could be eliminated. There is no need to focus specifically on weight loss when the same goal would be achieved by advocating healthy choices for all.

It is truly amazing the effect one’s diet can have on one’s overall health. It does not take big changes to make a big difference.

Your health is in your hands, or should I say, your plate.

Jessica Child

Greene

Even Obama demonstrates excesses with fundraisers

While Maine is filled with hungry and cold citizens, some others will have paid $10,000 for the “privilege” of having dinner with President Obama. Even more obscene is the lack of criticism of the latest example of the “let them eat cake” philosophy that seems to define so much behavior by the elite, liberal or otherwise.

The question of conscience never seems to arise when such excess is demonstrated by liberals or conservatives.

It should not be forgotten that this “lesser-of-two-evils” president proposed cutting heating aid to the poor in half (to $2.5 billion), something so extreme that our incompetent Congress raised it to $3.75 billion. If this doesn’t illustrate the limitations of the “lesser-of-two-evils” approach to politics, what will?

David Victor

Portland

Judge could have weighed other factors in mural case

How unfortunate that U.S. District Court Judge John A. Woodcock Jr. based his ruling on the labor mural on one of the worst and most destructive decisions ever made by the Supreme Court (“Judge rules removal of labor mural was justified,” March 24).

Did he not consider thinking for himself on this matter? Did he not consider the fact that the mural portrays a significant piece of Maine history?

Did he not consider the fact that the mural’s removal was based on a sole anonymous complaint? Surely, if he had considered these factors, he would have made a wiser decision, one more becoming his office.

Sally Trice

Portland

Teacher who died in crash shared joy through music

I want to pay tribute to a wonderful person. Beth Polletto was a truly extraordinary woman who touched many lives in her all-too-brief life (“Popular teacher, 26, killed in crash” March 29).

Over the years, I have been blessed to know many people who have had a positive influence on my four children’s lives. Beth was one of those people.

When I heard of her passing, there wasn’t even a moment of questioning which teacher she was. I could see her conducting a middle school band with all the passion and joy of one who conducts a symphony orchestra. She was someone who embraced her love of music and wanted to share it.

I can only hope that her loved ones understand how deeply she touched her students and, quite possibly, all who knew her. She brought joy, passion and art into the lives of others.

Let her memory be a radiant example of why, in this world that can be so devoid of beauty, we should espouse art, music and a passion for sharing that which is beautiful.

I know that when I leave this world, the most I can hope for is that my presence somehow made a positive difference.

There is no question that in her short time here on Earth, Beth Polletto made a big difference.

Valerie Lindholm

Gray

Retired teacher suggests union stick to education

As a retired teacher and a Republican, I long ago lost my patience with the Maine Teachers Association.

My frustration with the MEA is not because they are a labor union or because of any collective bargaining issues, for that is their job.

It is because of the hard-core left-wing positions they now embrace.

Their alignment and advocacy is with “all things Democrat Party,” and they demonize anyone who disagrees with them.

On a recent “legislative scorecard” that supposedly rated our legislators on education issues, the MEA included issues that had nothing to do with education, such as voter registration, minimum wage and health insurance.

The MEA fought vehemently against a bill that would simply allow school districts to shop outside the MEA for health insurance, allowing, perhaps, some school districts to save some money. Why would they take that position? What’s in it for them to resist competition?

And, yes, union dues come out of teachers’ paychecks, but their salaries are paid by the school system that gets its money from property taxes, paid by ordinary citizens. I don’t want my hard-earned money to allow the teachers’ union to mess in politics.

The MEA should focus on teachers and improving education in Maine. They could start with the low graduation rate for high schools in our state.

Rose Marie Russell

Westbrook