Does Sen. Susan Collins remember when she suggested Donald Trump had learned his lesson and she voted to acquit him? We all know how that turned out. Does she remember when she voted to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court because he promised not to overturn Roe v Wade, but in fact he did? […]
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 inLetters, Opinion
David Griswold: Concessions precede negotiations in Ukraine peace talks
It is ironic that the Trump administration attempted to set up discussions of potential peace in Ukraine at Munich. The Russians are not there. Given administration statements about keeping Ukraine from joining NATO and ceding Crimea, apparently concessions are in order before negotiations start. Does “47” remember British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who sold out […]
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Posted inLetters, Opinion
Deanne Danforth: Trump is dismantling administrative state to usher in oligarchy
Adolf Hitler wrote in “Mein Kampf” that “The great masses of people will more easily fall victims to a big lie than to a small one.” President Trump claiming no knowledge of Project 2025 when running for office was a whopper of a lie. Trump’s supporters believed the liar; claimed Trump’s second term would be […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Mary Beth Booth: Sen. Collins disappoints, never surprises
Sen. Susan Collins is always a disappointment, but never a surprise. Mary Beth Booth, Auburn
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Tom Putnam: Presidential leadership in an ‘ocean of difficulties’
Presidents’ Day offers an opportunity to reflect on our history and be informed by it. Each of us has opinions about the presidencies we’ve experienced in our lifetimes. I encourage readers to pause to consider which modern presidents they most admire.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Austin Bay: Diego Garcia: The American nowhere vexing China and Iran
Because of Location: The island hosts an American super-strategic airbase (meaning it easily handles heavy bombers and air tankers that can refuel all aircraft), a naval base (a technically elite base that can re-arm nuclear subs and guided missile destroyers) and a fairly well-protected anchorage.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Clarence Page: Enjoy Black History Month — while you still can
In the wake of President Donald Trump’s re-election, largely on culture war issues, we see how the mere mention of race, academically or otherwise, quickly can turn oddly toxic.