Alex Lear
Staff Writer
Alex Lear is a lifelong Mainer who has spent 25 years in journalism -- the first 20 as a reporter for newspapers in Damariscotta and Falmouth, then as Opinions section editor for the Sun Journal and now a digital producer with the Maine Trust for Local News. His long-running “Learics” column won first place in the Maine Press Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest. He and his wife Lauren are kept young by their 9-year-old daughter Alaina. Send feedback and suggestions to Alex.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Froma Harrop: Protests, privilege and hypocrisy
This is not directly about the issues animating the “pro-Palestinian” demonstrations at many colleges. Rather it’s about the air of privilege filling the sails of hypocrisy on which many ride.
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Posted inLetters, Opinion
Henk Goorhuis: Rural health care in Maine: Essential and at risk
Small rural hospitals, clinics and health care providers face steep challenges in U.S. health care, including staffing shortages and financial strain largely caused by complicated payment systems that don’t meet unique needs. This is aggravated by the fact that rural counties, in which two-thirds of Maine folks live, tend to have higher rates of economic […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
In rebuttal: Neil Garston: Opposing Israeli breaches of international law isn’t antisemitism
As a Jew born and raised, I appreciate the praise offered by Michael Peters’ guest column (“Jewish people deserve to be celebrated: Judeo-Christian teachings built America,” April 24). However, Mr. Peters seems to believe that in the 1950s and ’60s (and earlier) there was little if any antisemitism in this country. That is not true. […]
Posted inBusiness, Noteworthy
Augusta’s New Ventures Maine to offer free classes in May
AUGUSTA — New Ventures Maine is set to offer 20 free workshops and classes statewide in May in three program areas: small business, career building and financial education. Workshops and classes are designed to help people in Maine gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build a career, start a business, and manage money. The full […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
In rebuttal: William Britting: Actual facts regarding Trump vs. Biden economies
I write in response to Glenn Chateauvert’s highly inaccurate letter (“In Biden vs. Trump, these numbers matter,” April 25). Here are the actual facts concerning the Donald Trump economy and the Joe Biden economy. President Biden has over 15 million in job growth; 3.6 million in the past 15 months. His average gross domestic product […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Clem Bechard: Twisting the truth on Trump
Chellie Pingree said on the news the other day that Donald Trump said “I can stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and no one would care.” What he actually said was “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose voters.” This is once […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Paul Baribault: Trump’s negative statements on American servicepeople
Like many of my generation, I have friends who served in Vietnam who are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. For any servicemen and women who are ardent Donald Trump voters, I wonder if they know about these corroborated statements and many others made by the former president through the years. “Suckers and losers” he said […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Gail Shelley: Rep. Libby ‘the best choice for Maine’
When election time comes again in November, I urge voters to look hard at Rep. Laurel Libby, who is running for reelection. Laurel is a voice of reason who fights for the people of Maine. She firmly believes in personal freedom as well as smaller government. While others focus on issues that are not top […]