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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.
Leonard Pitts Jr.: Democrats should challenge Republicans to climb
Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow’s triumph was to cut through the hail of idiocy with an implicit reminder that the moral high ground is held, not by those who objectify and thingify, who demonize, marginalize, scapegoat and fearmonger, but by those whose compassion isn’t bound by tribe, those whose hearts dwell with “the least of these,” those who build bridges in place of walls.
Austin Bay: Putin funds fake protests, rattles nukes
On Feb. 27 Russian President Vladimir Putin played drama king and put Russian nuclear forces on high alert. His war in Ukraine already failing, Vlad added nuclear pucker factor. Translation into emotional propaganda: world beware, or I’ll start Armageddon.
Froma Harrop: Hijabs, face masks and oppression
Historians may marvel at how face masks and scarves became weaponized for political warfare. We may have to live with it, but better manners could smooth the edges.
Rich Lowry: Let Disney be an example
Ideally, Disney and the Florida legislature work out a renewal of the company’s special district before it is set to expire, and Disney — and other corporations seduced into making themselves de facto left-wing pressure groups — resolves to stick to its core competency and mission.
Leonard Pitts Jr.: So-called conservatism remains a doctrine of hate
A man with a guitar stands in the aisle of a crowded plane singing a Christian worship song. While some passengers sing along, others seem annoyed or studiously ignore the commotion. A little boy plugs his ears. It all moved Ilhan Omar, a Muslim born in Somalia, to write: “I think my family and I should have a prayer session next time I am on a plane. How do you think it will end?”