This op-ed is in response to a Dec. 12 article by Sun Journal reporter Emily Bader, “Advocacy groups rebuke calls to expand Maine’s progressive treatment program.” Gabriel Damour, killed on Thanksgiving morning in Poland, didn’t have to die. His brother, Justin Butterfield, has been charged with his murder. Justin suffers from schizophrenia and, according to […]
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.
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Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Froma Harrop: The lies of George Santos: Quantity over quality
Santos’ success was not so much a reflection of his mastery of deceit as of a credulous electorate made even easier marks by lazy political professionals. His response when found out was a whined “I’m sorry.”
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Bob Neal: The Countryman: Too much of a good thing …
While New Year’s excess comes once a year, excess may be all too common in our lives. Do we maybe have a cultural habit of going overboard, of bouncing from one extreme to another?
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Lou Giard: ‘Wonderful souls’ offer ‘hope for a better tomorrow’
This year has been very challenging for too many people, and I observed that many wonderful souls (they know who they are) stepped in and made a difference. It’s a warm feeling, and I am grateful. It gives me hope for a better tomorrow. Lou Giard, Turner
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Dave Griffiths: Hatred amid Trump legacy is un-American
Sadly, but predictably, the disgraced, morally bankrupt former president whose incoherent fulminations poison our public dialogue is not going away. Donald Trump’s insatiable appetite for publicity will continue to find a voice in headlines and broadcasts because his “charisma” and genius for playing off white grievance energize so many extremist, right-wing Republicans and armed “patriot” […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Froma Harrop: People I don’t want to see next year
There are media heavies we saw written about, talked about, day after tedious day, month after tiresome month. May the obsession over them fade in 2023.