I wish to thank the Sun Journal for posting the article regarding the book vote that occurred at the Nov. 10 RSU 73 School Board meeting (“Gender Queer, White Fragility to remain in high school library“). I was one of the people who filed a complaint against having the book “Gender Queer” available for students […]
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
William LaRochelle: Kudos to columnist Cal Thomas for disavowing Trump
I never expected to see the day when columnist Cal Thomas would disavow former president Donald Trump, as he did in a recent piece titled, “Toxic Trump must leave the stage” (Nov. 16), in which he rightly scorned the man’s intention of seeking another term. Thomas had habitually stated that, admittedly, Trump has his character […]
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Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Froma Harrop: Trumpian carnage goes on full display
Donald Trump had taken America on one of those dark amusement park rides, but like them, the thrill loses its punch through repetition. On the first go-through, scary ghosts and demons jump out at you. By the third time, however, the screeches are anticipated. You start noticing the peeling paint and hear the creaking machinery.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Tom Putnam: Being one with the land — and with each other
Just as farmers work diligently to maintain a rich and fertile soil for their crops, we need to sustain and fertilize the democratic foundations which support our electoral process. The efforts of town clerks, poll workers, and the public safety professionals who protect them are essential to ensure the integrity of our elections, the primary “constitutional means” by which the will of the people is determined.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Bob Neal: The Countryman: For these I give thanks
I ran for the Maine House of Representatives. Though I lost, I found a great deal along the campaign trail for which to be thankful in this season of gratefulness and gluttony.
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Dr. Allison Burden: Only take antibiotics as prescribed, only when necessary
Antibiotic Awareness Week, which runs Nov. 18-24, draws attention to the fact that taking unnecessary antibiotics increases risk to both ourselves and our communities. Antibiotic resistance is a global threat and is not contained to the individual who took the antibiotic. Side effects from taking antibiotics — such as nausea, diarrhea and rash — can […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
David Griswold: ‘Batten down the hatches’ for price hikes in fuel, electricity
Fuel prices and electric rates are going up for the second year. There are no quick fixes. World events set the market. Natural gas prices are up but, more importantly, there is a pipeline bottleneck in Southern New England that limits supply to Maine. Several years ago there was a gas price spike that by […]
Posted inLetters, Opinion
Bob Pelletier: Lewiston council needs to work for taxpayers
As a 70-year-old taxpayer of the City of Lewiston, I have a concern about the 82 new units proposed for Bartlett Street. Last month, Economic Development Manager Misty Parker said the 82 units would cost $350,000 each. One councilor said the amount was ridiculous, and ludicrous. At the Nov. 15 meeting, Misty Parker put the […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Leonard Pitts Jr.: A few words on the silence
Election denial having proven itself a losing strategy, these deniers abruptly decide to impersonate adults. Suddenly, they have nothing to say. Suddenly, they fall silent. Maybe we should thank them for small favors.