Many today wonder whether America is headed toward autocracy. Will our democracy survive? Is it really a democracy at all in the first place? Yes, most of us can vote, but is that all it takes to be a free nation? Right now, according to the Federal Reserve, 10% of the people control 67% of […]
letter to the editor
With loss of SNAP, Bethel-area food pantry needs donations | Letter
As we have all heard, many of our local neighbors are temporarily losing their SNAP benefits. Our food pantries are already struggling to keep up with the increased demand. For those living in the Bethel area who want to help, one way of doing so is to donate either time, money or nonperishable items to […]
The silence on Trump’s health is deafening | Letter
In covering the president’s recent visit to Japan, the media came up short.
Urging Sen. Collins and colleagues to reopen the government and restore needed subsidies | Letter
On the day after Election Day, I sent an email to Sen. Susan Collins in which I shared the following thoughts: I think yesterday’s election results were very decisive in both Maine and around the nation. In Maine, I am heartened to see that we choose to maintain our freedoms to vote and that we strive […]
Pooches and people: Who bears the responsibility for curbing waste? | Letter
As a keeper of eight dogs, I found the Oct. 28 op-ed (“Maine dog owners need to curb the unwanted baggage“) hilarious and objectionable. Hilarious mostly because of the photo that accompanied it. Upon searching the photo for evidence of dog owner irresponsibility, all I saw were discarded fast food containers. Human waste? Not dog […]
Don’t discount Maine’s experienced public servants | Letter
I must take exception to Rob Neal’s Nov. 3 op-ed titled “Maine’s elder politicians need to move along.” While he states that older politicians should retire and visit with their children and grandchildren, I beg to differ. Gov. Janet Mills has served her entire career in public service with integrity and the moral compass to […]
Yes on 1 campaign insulted Maine voters | Letter
In response to the results of the vote on Maine Referendum Question 1: changes to voting laws in Maine, the Yes on 1 campaign issued this statement: “Instead of honestly debating the merits of voter ID, they spread lies and fear, convincing voters to vote against their own interest.” It’s not stated exactly who “they” […]
Columnist fails to understand Graham Platner | Letter
Graham Platner appears to be living in Steve Collins’ head rent free. In late September, Steve lectured Democratic voters that they need to listen to party elders and support Janet Mills in the primary for the U.S. Senate seat held, since 1997, by Susan Collins. On Oct. 23, he joined the commentators who’ve decided that […]
A request of our congressional freeloaders | Letter
Since our elected congresspeople and senators seem content to collect paychecks for doing nothing for a month, while our air traffic controllers and other federal employees receive $0 paychecks and SNAP benefits are not going to be paid for November, I think we should ask these freeloaders to donate their last month’s salary to local […]
ICE overreach keeps me up at night | Letter
At some point, these agents will realize they aren’t in pursuit of “greatness.”