Gripes:

Dear Mr. Gripes,

A couple of things bother me. #1 Instructions on boxes written so small you can’t read them. And the modern pocket reading books are in the same small writing. #2 The younger under-65 generation that are not handicapped, who do not like walking as an exercise and using their good legs God gave them, and take the closest parking spaces! They should be thinking of others, who are lucky to be able to walk at all.

— Grammy in Franklin County

Funny no matter how many other varieties and breeds of dogs attack someone, the only breed stigmatized is the pit bull. Let’s hold owners responsible, not a breed.

— Anonymous

People need to stop blaming coyotes solely for the decline in deer population. Our area has seen a rise in fisher, mink and martins due to new homes being built and land being cleared. The wildlife will move into the cities as the cities move into wild habitat.

— Anonymous

A reminder to local business: Rude salespeople mean I will take my business elsewhere.

— Anonymous

My gripe is about people who advocate against hunger — worldwide and local — yet don’t have a problem with burning corn in stoves or adding it to gasoline. These are probably the same people who donate food to the various “occupy” squatters and yet let local food banks go in need. Remember, occupiers are volunteer, hungry kids are not!

Ken H., Temple

We got telemarketing calls on Thanksgiving! During dinner!

— Anonymous

What the heck happened to sealing wax? Doesn’t anyone write any more?

— Anonymous

Gushes:

About those pay-to-park lots in Portland that close at midnight and chain the gate. What if you need to get your car out in an emergency? It’s enough to make you thankful for open lots in our area.

— Anonymous

The lovely lobster trap Christmas tree I pass almost daily. What a stunning example of Maine ingenuity and humor to celebrate the season.

— Anonymous

As one of the many seniors who ride the city buses daily, I would like to say thank you to the bus drivers. They are so polite and their patience is amazing. We are so lucky to have such a great group of drivers on the purple buses. Let’s give them an extra thank-you during the holidays.

— A happy senior

Gripes and Gushes offers readers a chance to chide and to cheer. Bring it on! But references to specific people, businesses, agencies, etc. will not be used, in order to keep us all out of legal trouble and to make the column general enough to appeal to all. Send your Gripes and Gushes to bmail@sunjournal.com or snail mail to Gripes and Gushes, b section, Sun Journal, 104 Park St., Lewiston ME 04243.

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