E.J. Dionne’s column (Jan. 31) ends saying that rather than the media being “the opposition party,” as Trump strategist Steve Bannon has said, they are true patriots, the same as the original American patriots — persons who are prepared to vigorously defend democracy against enemies — in this case, defending the First Amendment to the […]
Jeff Christiansen
Posted inLetters
Protests not un-American
In response to Thomas Lord’s letter (Nov. 23), his characterization of students’ criticism of the president-elect as “un-American” is as ludicrous as it gets. Although Lord recognizes there is a two-party system, he seems to have forgotten the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech …; or the right […]
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Peace and quiet destroyed
William Weimer of Phantom Fireworks made a valid plea: Be mindful using consumer fireworks in the vicinity of veterans (letter, June 29). But was the purpose of that letter heartfelt concern, or is it really just public relations, trying to portray manufacturers in a positive light in view of the negative impacts fireworks have had […]
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Governor’s usual tactics
In opposing the creation of a national park on donated, private land in northern Maine, Gov. Paul LePage trots out his usual tactics: cast the issue as one of out-of-state interests versus the proud people of the region; northern Maine versus southern Maine (particularly that bastion of rich, liberals — Portland); loss of jobs by […]
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Republican obstructionism
In his letter March 25, Roland Rancourt Jr. hoped that Republican members of the U.S Senate will defer Supreme Court nomination hearings. He didn’t discuss the rationale those Republican members have given for obstructing the process required by the U.S. Constitution. He only talks about what he calls the hypocrisy of Vice President Joe Biden, […]
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Governor won’t stop until forced
This is in response to Louise Allen’s letter (Jan. 20) in support of Gov. Paul LePage. Excuses for Gov. LePage’s inappropriate comments include that they are mere “slips of the tongue” and, now, that they are a result of his upbringing. LePage’s verbal attacks are not inadvertent; they reflect exactly what he thinks — the […]
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Kentucky case a slippery slope
This is in response to Silver Moore-Leamon’s letter, “Another view of the Kentucky issue” (Sept. 5). Moore-Leamon points out what should be obvious: the new fashion of claiming a “religious exemption” to following the law is a classic case of a slippery slope. A founding principle of the United States is the separation of church […]
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A. Hall: It’s all junk science to the liberals
I was bemused by Jeff Christiansen’s letter (Aug. 2). He implied only flat-Earth, right-wing conspiracy theorists ignore scientific, evidence-based conclusions. Only leftist liberals understand that momentous social decisions should be made based on scientific facts. Except, wait a minute here. Many whacko leftist causes don’t stand up to ideology-neutral scientific scrutiny, such as BPA, phthalates, […]
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J. Christiansen: Equal voice in government
This is in response to recent letters to the Sun Journal that defended the U.S. Supreme Court’s “Citizens United” ruling that affords political freedom of speech rights to corporations. The First Amendment extends freedom of speech to “the people,” protecting rights of individuals and of groups holding a set of beliefs. The crucial difference between […]
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J. Christiansen: Politicians forget to use brain
This is in response to the letter from Charles Bouchles, “Use brain before using mouth” (May 5), regarding Westbrook City Councilman Paul Emery’s comments about Gov. Paul LePage. I agree that politicians, and one politician in particular, should engage one’s brain before opening their mouth. As far as Emery resigning — if Gov. LePage was […]