“I’m a real cool head — an’ makin’ real good bread!” sang The Beach Boys in “I Get Around” in 1964.

Several articles appeared on the (same) front page the April 19 Sunday newspaper regarding making “real good bread” in various forms. As the food staple — or the euphemism for “money.”

The first story showcased the Black Crow Bakery in Litchfield. The owner/baker/craftsman rises at dawn, stokes a wood fire, enjoys “a good life” (and hopefully a decent wage) by producing useful, quality products. That’s what built our country.

The second, titled “Payday at the Mill”, wasn’t so much about making bread — but rather stealing it — through legal chicanery and the desire to make a buck without producing anything of value. That’s what undoing our country.

This much-discussed, ballyhooed and condemned heist is as chilling and dastardly a horror story that even a taxpayer like Stephen King couldn’t imagine. Natch, nary a nickel went to rescuing that paper mill, but rather ensuring its demise and the misery of the families surrounding it.

Gov. Paul LePage’s response? “A deal is a deal.” Rumor has it he was elected, in part, to confront and clean up fraud at all levels. But how ’bout this level? Bullies (as some have labeled LePage) and cowards pick on those less able to defend themselves — women and children, the elderly or the Legislature. LePage claims to deplore domestic violence and seeks to eliminate taxes.

I wonder then if our no-nonsense governor has the courage or the Maine moxie to stand up to these wicked smaht charlatans and simply refuse to pay the $16 million in taxes “due.” Just stiff ’em.

In my view, definitive action beyond a dismissive shrug would be heroic. Or not.

Buddy Doyle

Gardiner

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