I disagree with Andrew Soucy’s Aug. 16 letter that “Mainers aren’t in need of author’s political counsel” (Page A4). He is referring to Stephen King.

Mr. Soucy supports his argument by saying, “Does anyone really think Mr. King has a clue what a struggling family, minimally supported working folks and paycheck-to-paycheck citizens really need for help?” He makes this assumption because of Stephen King’s publishing success and current status among the wealthy.

I’ve read “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft,” by Stephen King, in which he portrays his life as a child with a single mother moving his older brother and him from state to state to be near her sisters, who could help her while she worked menial jobs to support them.

Even during the early years of his marriage, with two children within the first three years, he was working in a laundry and his wife, Tabby, was working the second shift at a Dunkin’ Donuts so they could take turns caring for their children. In my opinion, this qualifies as paycheck-to-paycheck living.

So, I take issue with Mr. Soucy’s lack of fact checking before making such a sweeping statement. Contrary to Mr. Soucy’s conclusion, that people do not care one second about Stephen King’s political views, Mainers are going to listen to Stephen King’s political views because he is well known and carries status in the state of Maine as an intelligent, talented and generous man. He has been there.

Joyce Leslie
Westbrook