Alyce Maragus
Negativity and Double Standards
By Alyce Maragus
Mar 16, 2008 - 7:42:54 AM

Let's take a quick look at the negativity in the area and determine just where it is originating from - and why, at least in my opinion, there appears to be a double standard!

We can start off with Mr. Talbott (WSYY) being accused of generating negativity.

The fact that Talbott is trying to protect his business is negative, we are to believe; yet the fact that our so-called economic development council, MAGIC, has applied for a tax-supported competing station is somehow not considered negative. DOUBLE STANDARDS?

That Matt Polstein supposedly believed that his snowmobile business was under attack from a self-perceived "boycott" because of his Quimby letter, that was negative. Yet the fact that MAGIC (our so-called economic engine) is encouraging businesses to "boycott" the current radio station is not considered negative. DOUBLE STANDARDS?

The fact that Talbott requested information from East Millinocket (through the Freedom of Information Act, allowable by law) has been called negative. Yet the fact that the MAGIC representatives "lied" to the selectmen of East Millinocket, telling them that Dennis Dunbar had applied for the NPR station is not considered negative. DOUBLE STANDARDS?

The fact that Talbott is educating the public as to what MAGIC has not accomplished, in addition to what is happening here in Millinocket and throughout the state is negative. Yet the fact that MAGIC wants a solely "green" educational station is not considered negative. DOUBLE STANDARDS?

Let's leave WSYY for now, and talk about many of our citizens who were and are labeled "negative" by these same people.

The fact that the public's attention has again been focused on Matt Polstein's letter to Roxanne Quimby is negative. Yet the fact that Polstein wrote that letter is not negative. DOUBLE STANDARDS?

The fact that two referendums have succeeded in reducing and eliminating MAGIC's funding has been declared negative. Yet the fact that Gail Fanjoy has outright lied (misstated) when she said that 85% of the people support MAGIC is not considered negative. DOUBLE STANDARDS?

The fact that our town manager has been chastised for trying to maintain a "certain" level of confidentiality, should a prospective business approach him, seems to constitute negativity. Yet the fact that MAGIC shows three or four pages of "confidential" in its five-year update is not considered negative. DOUBLE STANDARDS?

The fact that our current council has again allowed the public to speak is considered a negative action by some; yet the fact that the MAGIC bloc, and Gail Fanjoy in particular, stripped the public of that right is not considered negative. DOUBLE STANDARDS?

And the fact that anyone might mention that Lisa Pelkey/Hayes has made no attempt, in the last year or year and a half, to repay the almost $5,000 she owes the town of Millinocket is negative thinking. Yet it's not negative for her to print a story saying that approximately 250 people in Millinocket have not been able to pay their wastewater bills. DOUBLE STANDARDS?

Enough! I think by now you get the idea of what I mean by negativity and double standards.

I find most of the negativity in this town is coming from the MAGIC group. Excuse my language, but they are "hell bent" on having their way no matter what the cost. It seems whatever they say or do should be interpreted as positive, or so they would like us to believe. Only those who disagree or do not support their agenda are negative.

I contend that is a DOUBLE STANDARD and I'll even go so far as to say it reeks of socialism, but I know most of you out there can read between the lines.

Don't be sucked into their lies. Instead, demand credibility and the truth from the MAGIC bloc. and DON'T BE FOOLED!