Democracy means more than just allowing people to vote on an issue. True democracy can only exist when an electorate has true information to base their decisions upon. This coming election is no demonstration of the voice of the people, particularly concerning Question 2, the bear baiting issue.

The fear-mongering by special interests, and even state employees from the governor on down, sets a new low standard for Maine. One would be hard pressed to think of any human endeavor that poses less of a risk of injury then being attacked by a bear. The real fear facing Maine wildlife officials is that they might lose a few precious dollars from out-of-state hunting licenses.

As a 10th-generation rural Mainer, I can attest that hunting is not a tradition that defines life in this state.

Hunting is the playing out of some people’s apparent genetic need to dominate others, with causing death as the ultimate domination and innocent animals serving as the surrogates for our human enemies. If it were not so, then sportsmen could enjoy the camaraderie of others and the challenge of the hunt armed with nothing more then a camera.

Barry Allen, Norway