At the Litchfield Fair, I saw two t-shirts displayed prominently at a vendor’s tent: “F—- Biden” and “F—- Mills.”

How do you explain that to wide-eyed youngsters taking in all the sights and sounds of a Maine fair?

The Bill of Rights says the government cannot abridge free speech, but entities such as the Litchfield Fair can police language as they see fit. Why it didn’t is an abomination.

How did our politics, not just campaign rhetoric, sink so low? To be sure, both parties are guilty of going too far. Witness truly radical Democrats calling opponents “fascists” when, compared to the alarming rise of right-wing tyrannies around the world, both parties support a free press, an independent judiciary, freedom to engage in mass demonstrations, and the right to worship in any way we please — or not worship at all. 

Still, why all the vitriol? Columnist Max Boot says Republicans are so alarmed about imaginary Democratic plots that 40 percent think violence against the government can be justified. Why? I blame the far right’s outrage machine, fed by the social media cesspool, Fox News, and more extreme outlets such as NewsMax.

Spotted on Facebook: “Using Fox News to support your arguments is like saying you’re a marine biologist because you watch SpongeBob SquarePants.”

Dave Griffiths, Mechanic Falls

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