Your sense of what's new and what's humorous appears skewed.

The piece about a veteran legislator giving "newbies" tips on avoiding lengthy supermarket conversations by having ice cream in one's cart and then return it for a fully frozen gallon smacked of irresponsibility ... his and yours.

Legislators should carry business cards, offer one and say, "Please call me during these hours when I'm available to listen, jot down notes and do justice to your concerns" and move on. Yes, there is a time and place, plus it's a job you wanted and won so be prepared to do it.

Once, coupon in hand, I perused the ice cream freezer. An elderly lady joined me, trying to make a decision. The outcome for her would be a precious treat, a monetary indulgence from a very fixed income, to last her a month. I gave her my coupon to help her choice.

I hope she wasn't a victim of this "return and switch" scam, leaving her with a pricey puddle.

I can't imagine you haven't heard from grocers or consumers as incidents involving product destruction/ deterioration contribute to inflated grocery costs.

At this time of economic distress, your attempt at humor (editorial, Nov. 15) condoning this "tip" falls short.

One can only hope a mentoring program with a more serious approach is being conducted in Augusta because the perceived lack of recognition for the seriousness of being an elected official and the promotion of such disregard through facetious editorial fluff is worrisome.

Christine M. Wilson

Bowdoinham