Regarding your article in the newspaper on Jan. 22, “Maine AG drops defense of CDC director,” this event could have been totally prevented.

In the 21st century, with computers, Internet and multiple means of electronic storage, I don’t understand why every state document isn’t electronically stored and backed up for protection against loss. It’s a fairly simple process and probably too much of a common-sense approach to prevent anything like this ever happening again in the future.

The cost of these lawsuits would more than fund such an approach for preservation of all records. Nearly every document, letter, memo, application, vital record and report throughout every department is generated via computer. These could easily be stored via a common file type that can be converted easily to other file types in the future to avoid becoming obsolete data that can’t be accessed.

I wonder if any of the documents referred to in this article exist electronically? Any and all documents that aren’t within the system should be required to be scanned. If this was the rule and protocol, it wouldn’t do anyone any good to order any paperwork shredded in order to alter or conceal any improprieties in the performance of government.

Reflect back on world history and what governments come to mind for using similar tactics? Certainly not any supported by the majority of its citizens. I hope the phrase “As Maine goes, so goes the nation” doesn’t apply to more than its original meaning referring to presidential elections.

Automatic storage of everything generated within or received by state government should be the rule if for no other reason than to keep everyone honest. It would avoid these kinds of incidents and protect the innocent.

Stanley G. BoyntonWinthrop


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