Local newspapers have mentioned that the Bush administration has denied financial assistance to Aroostook County. With a record snowfall of 200 inches, sub-zero weather conditions and now the St. John River ready to flood as I write this, people there need some assistance.

It makes me furious to hear of the millions spent in Iraq for a needless war that was started with no plan to get out, while our own people upstate are in dire need for assistance. With fuel bills at an all-time high, and the economy at its lowest, people in northern Maine are struggling to make ends meet.

When Cumberland and York counties had flood damage, the government agencies wasted no time in assisting residents. U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe lives in Cumberland County. And let’s not forget former President George H.W. Bush in Kennebunkport. I am convinced there are two Maines.

I wonder if the president would react the same way if another catastrophe were to occur in southern Maine.

Joe Voisine, Lewiston