We, the board of directors of the First Universalist Church of Auburn, Unitarian Universalist, condemn the recent incidences of antisemitism and Islamophobia that have taken place across the country and around the world. We express solidarity with our Jewish and Muslim friends who are feeling especially vulnerable at this time. We reaffirm the hope and […]
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.
Froma Harrop: Time to face political truths on immigration
The need now is to modernize the asylum program so it can quickly adjudicate claims. Thing is, you need two parties to fix it, and until just a few weeks ago, a collapsed Republican caucus couldn’t get its act together to even elect a House speaker.
Rich Lowry: The kidnapped posters aren’t an affront
There’s an ongoing struggle in our streets over whether it’s legitimate to post flyers about people kidnapped in the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7, or this is a provocation that warrants the posters being torn down.
Dave Griffiths: Safe passage for veterans
I went back a week later and his room was empty, neatly laid out for the next veteran. Woven into the bedspread was an image of the Stars and Stripes.
Bob Neal: The Countryman: We can all reach out to a veteran today
I made it a point each Nov. 11 for two decades to personally thank a veteran. But for a couple of years, I haven’t been able to think of a vet I know whom I hadn’t thanked. Which had a lot to do with deciding to write this column. Maybe you can find a vet today and say “thank you.”
Ed Ferreira: ‘Deeply disappointed’ by Rep. Golden’s censure vote
We are deeply disappointed with U.S. Rep. Jared Golden’s vote to censure fellow Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib. We support free speech, especially in the center of government, Congress. The censure of Ms. Tlaib is an effort to silence dissent and efforts to stifle speech prevent reform and progress. We also think the censure demonstrates an […]
Ronald and Susan Dorman: School communities must resist bullying
We encourage School Administrative District 44 administrators and teachers to continue tackling the issue of bullying in schools. (And in other districts, too). One of the frustrating, and incendiary, aspects of school is bullying. Teachers, administrators, parents and students must resist bullying. But there seems to be no courses on the history of bullying. Here […]
Bob Mennealy: Kudos to Lewiston, Auburn voters on election choices
I consider myself a fiscally conservative, compassionate Democrat. It was nice to see Lewiston/Auburn seemingly move in that direction on Nov. 7. Bob Mennealy, Lake Worth, Florida
Clarence Page: President Biden adds battle against Islamophobia to his quest for peace
Biden has faced intensifying pressure from human rights groups, other world leaders and even liberals in his own Democratic Party who argue that the Israel-Hamas crisis needs more remedies than Israeli bombardment.