Scott Thistle’s article Nov. 5 about Mike Michaud’s disclosure that he is gay made some attempt at providing a balanced point of view at a political time in Maine, but it was not balanced. By devoting roughly 10 paragraphs to comments by one former congressional opponent, Republican Jason Levesque, the story was slanted for lack of other comments.
The article’s focus provided one possible indicator as to why Michaud sent his disclosure announcement to three other news outlets, omitting the Sun Journal from the announcement list.
I can only speculate why Michaud chose to make the disclosure now, but the following is worth considering:
a) Rumors, when they are loud enough and broadcast far enough, often have to be acknowledged, else they distract too much, and tear down people in the process. Michaud addressed growing rumors directly and honestly. Perhaps his family was a factor, since it may have been better to discuss it with them first than have them be hurt by rumors heard via radio.
b) Perhaps in a now different social climate, he believes that he can be more open about a personal matter, and that voters will focus on the real campaign issues.
Michaud is a public servant and political leader. He is also just one human being, who grew up in different times. He had a moral and ethical right to disclose — or not — in the past, and now.
Last week, he was decisive. I hope the Sun Journal treats the issue with respect.
Catherine Carson-Gabriel, Farmington
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