On May 22, the U.S. and Papua New Guinea signed a new military agreement. … Though late, it looks like Washington bets Papua New Guinea will be a bulwark against Chinese communist imperial expansion.
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
Cal Thomas: The debt deal: Could it have been better?
Whether approved in the current or another form, given past scenarios it is more likely to benefit the politicians and their careers than a majority of overburdened and fed-up taxpayers.
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Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Froma Harrop: Taxing clean energy: What is wrong with these people?
On the psychosis level, renewables serve as a right-wing, culture-war toy. After all, they are the pride and joy of President Joe Biden and concerned environmentalists everywhere. Same goes for the science behind planet warming.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Cathy Harris: Maine needs bills to prevent, not cause, school shootings
I am a retired teacher and a grandmother. I recently testified against a bill that would allow teachers to be armed in school (LD 52) and another that would allow individuals with a concealed weapons permit to carry in schools (LD 1557). Bringing a loaded weapon into a school setting is a disaster waiting to […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Phyllis Rand: June 19 is both Juneteenth and World Sickle Cell Day
June 19 is Juneteenth, a national holiday commemorating the end of American slavery. It is also World Sickle Cell Day. For me, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and the challenges patients face while battling the chronic condition. Through blood donation, I discovered that I was a match for patients living […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Christine Henson: Veterans homes offer award-winning care, don’t ‘warehouse’ residents
Maine Veterans’ Homes gratefully acknowledges the Western Maine Veterans Advisory Committee’s role in enriching residents’ lives through their volunteer support of activities organized on behalf of our veterans during the past several years. An important misnomer bearing correction, however, is the suggestion that at any point during the past three years our residents have been […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Milagros Sanchez: LD 199: Restoring health care access and well-being of all Mainers
There are countless Mainers who face insurmountable barriers in accessing essential health care, but one bill — L.D. 199 — can restore MaineCare coverage for all individuals in our state. It is time to ensure that all Mainers receive the vital care they need, regardless of immigration status. When COVID-19 hit, we sought solace in […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Larry Gilbert Sr.: Harmon offers ‘breath of fresh air’ for Auburn
I applaud Jeff Harmon’s decision to run for mayor of Auburn. He would be a breath of fresh air for the city. I’ve known Jeff going back to our law enforcement days when he was deputy chief of the Maine State Police. He is bright, has high moral character and is a true public servant. […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Paul Poliquin: Sheline deserves re-election as Lewiston’s mayor
The people of Lewiston are very fortunate to have a dedicated person who cares for our city, our community. With a proven track record, Mayor Carl Sheline is invested in Lewiston. He is a businessman and also owns property in our community. Carl has been a great ambassador for Lewiston, especially keeping us aware of […]