Regarding Our Opinion on Aug. 8, “Attack on King really a defense of negative ad,” the newspaper’s editors chastise the Chamber of Commerce, Charlie Summers’ campaign, the Supreme Court and Congress for all the negativity.

Seemingly shocked, they protest that “campaigns should show restraint,” explaining that with such negativity, a winner’s credibility may be so damaged that they’ll lose their effectiveness to lead, becoming a joke.

No kidding. I agree. I think the “other side” knows that all too well.

What made the editorial more incredulous was the political cartoon positioned right beside it making Mitt Romney out to be a cheat and a liar.

Does the media get a pass on restraint? If we should have respect for one candidate or office, shouldn’t we respect them all?

We can disagree with their views and methods, but reducing ourselves to name-calling, personal ridicule and slander is hateful. Disagreeing with principle is not. This applies to every issue, all the time.

I bring this up now because of the double standard that marches forward in this and many media outlets.

We recently had Romney “dividing a couple” because they couldn’t agree on their presidential pick.

Couples disagreeing about politics is common, but this made front-page news.

I’m not sure if the media know who they’re not kidding anymore.

I’ve followed politics all my life, mostly because of my parents’ influence. They told me no vote is better than an uninformed vote.

This is an extremely important election, in Maine and nationally.

We need to seek out the truth because it doesn’t come in sound bites, misleading headlines or any one media source. Can we focus on facts, issues and opinions that are constructive?

Patricia Maynard

Skowhegan

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