Trump and his billionaire cronies are assaulting the poorest and most vulnerable. These actions — dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development and withdrawing from the World Health Organization — stop life-saving programs and limit the world’s ability to track and contain the next likely pandemic.
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
Said Mohamud: Population migration is God’s natural signature
America’s strength lies in its diversity; no immigrant of a single national origin is superior to another. The nation’s global influence is a direct result of the intermingling of diverse societies, producing generations of intellectual and cultural enrichment.
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Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Froma Harrop: America can’t rely on others to solve our drug crisis
There’s only one realistic way to at least slow down the crisis. Persuade Americans to not take illicit drugs and help those addicted get off them. Good luck with that.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Doreen Valecko: Unhumbled Trump
After Donald Trump came within an inch of being assassinated, he told us repeatedly that he felt God saved him. One would think that the experience would have humbled him. He claims that he’s a Christian, but true Christians aren’t filled with hatred, retribution and bigotry. They don’t ridicule disabled people and other minorities. They […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Errol Libby: Trump TV continues to entertain
I am really enjoying the new reality TV program where Donald Trump is cast as president of the United States. Here are a few of my favorite episodes. In one episode Trump and his crack White House team crippled essential programs that millions of Americans depend on by defunding them with no notice. Hilariously, they […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Richard Whiting: Congress needs to stand up to Trump
John Adams desired a “government of laws and not of men.” Now we have a government of men and not of laws. We have the “Department” of government efficiency, a team of sketchy tech bros led by a Nazi apologizer, bookended by Trump’s firing of the other DOGE, director of government ethics. What is in […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Cal Thomas: Getting rid of real change
The nickel … costs nearly 14 cents to make. One doesn’t have to have studied Economics 101 to understand this is a complete waste of money and part of the inefficiency and overspending Trump is trying to expunge from government.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Edward Walworth: Cutbacks on USAID will hurt exports, reputation
I am old enough to remember the stir caused by the novel (and later the movie) “The Ugly American,” published in 1958. It had to do with the American presence in the fictitious Southeast Asia country of Sarkhan, which was enmeshed in cold war rivalry. While one of the physically ugly characters was actually sort […]