I received an e-mail recently from the McCain campaign, alerting me that Sarah Palin would be in Bangor for a “Road to Victory Rally.” She would be speaking at the maintenance hangar at Bangor’s airport.

As is usual with Republicans, the venue was easily controlled and away from direct public view. Admission was to be by ticket only, and tickets were available only at McCain campaign offices or online.

Just as four years ago, when Laura Bush visited Maine, Republicans prefer to have democracy only on their terms.

Richard Bevins, Auburn