It seems Maine newspapers and no doubt the citizenry are falling all over themselves to be named the “Most Peaceful” state in the U.S. However, it’s unfortunate that three major newspapers, the Sun Journal, Press Herald and Bangor Daily, opted to republish a piece of crap written by the Associated Press to manipulate public perceptions and influence thought.(Note: At least the Bangor Daily News chose to provide a link to the source of the “Peace Index“.)

It has been proven time and again that the prevalence of gun ownership plays no role in the increase in violent crime and yet the AP chooses to word their report to say, “The South is the least peaceful region with the highest homicide, violent crime, and incarceration rates, as well as the highest prevalence of gun ownership.”

However, in specifically referencing Maine, the same AP report states, “Maine is America’s most peaceful state with recorded reductions in the homicide and incarceration rates as well as the number of police employees.”, while mentioning nothing about the prevalence of gun ownership.

The attempt by the Associated Press is clear. They intend to influence readers to believe that in areas where more people own more guns, life is not “peaceful”.

For shame.

Tom Remington