Editor:

    I am writing to express my frustration with your coverage of presidential candidate John McCain’s visit to Maine last week and more specifically my museum.  I do not understand your decision to publish solely the photo of the two dozen or so protestors outside the McCain event, while not one photo of Sen. McCain appeared anywhere in your paper. In fact, I have had dozens of calls and emails asking me what’s up with this. I could not answer their complaints

     More than 500 people came to hear John McCain speak in South Portland last week. John made the effort to come to South Portland and speak to Mainers about his vision for our future, his plans to get America’s economy back on track, create jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. 

     He also came to express his appreciation for our troops abroad and our veterans at home and the sacrifices they have made and continue to make. A photo of McCain speaking with veterans would have been more appropriate than what you chose to publish.  As a veteran myself and director of the Maine Military Museum in South Portland where John McCain spoke, and as a friend, it was an incredible honor to have him visit my hometown and the museum.

     While your story was thorough and balanced, your choice of photo was not. It is quite possibly a reflection of bias on the part of decision makers and editors at your paper. More importantly, it is a disservice to your readers in that it does not present the story and John McCain’s visit in a fair and balanced manner.

    For fairness’ sake, when and if  Barack Obama ever takes the time to come to Maine, I expect to see a photo of McCain supporters on your front page and no photo of Obama inside.

 Lee Humiston

Director, Maine Military Museum and Learning 

Center

South Portland