“A house divided cannot stand” feels uncomfortably on-target at this time in our political history. To compare Abraham Lincoln’s famous words to our current political intransigence may appear hyperbolic. But the reality is that our divisions are intense and deep. Politically, there is a sense of caution in talking to friends, neighbors and family. A […]
Ben Bragdon
Staff Writer
Ben Bragdon is managing editor of the Sun Journal. Prior to that, he was deputy managing editor for news at the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel. Ben was previously editorial page editor for those newspapers and Central Maine Sunday for more than 10 years. Before that, he was managing editor for weekly newspapers at Current Publishing in Westbrook. He began his career as a reporter at the Piscataquis Observer in Dover-Foxcroft and editor at the Moosehead Messenger in Greenville. He has a bachelor’s degree in history from Boston University.
Posted inLetters to the Editor, Opinion
Allegations against Winslow councilors ring true
Winslow Councilor Quirion’s charge in the Aug. 11 Sentinel that some councilors are routinely meeting in private resonated with me (“Sitting Winslow councilor blows whistle on ‘secret meetings’ held at chairman’s property“). About two years ago final action on the proposed Roderick Road solar farm was on the council’s agenda. I arrived some 15 minutes […]
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Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Here’s what it will take to stop the rise of hate groups in Maine
Speak up, confront dangerous ideology directly, and protect neighbors who are targeted and make it clear that they are as much a part of our communities as anybody else.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Commentary: Have fun with strangers. Democracy and our mental health may depend on it
Over the past couple of years, I lost my fear of the Other. It happened while I was picking up new hobbies, such as skating and dancing, while befriending a larger and more diverse array of people. In some cases, I bonded with people whose politics are very different from mine. The disconnection I’d felt […]
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
View from Away: Five takeaways from the first year of America’s biggest climate law
One year ago, President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s most significant action yet to combat climate change. The law dedicated $369 billion to boost renewable energy production and manufacturing, help homeowners install rooftop solar panels, switch to efficient electric appliances, drive up sales of electric vehicles and get the U.S. closer […]
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Leonard Greene: The second-most important speech at the March on Washington
At the age of 92, attorney and activist Clarence Jones reminds us of the life Martin Luther King Jr. might have enjoyed if he had been a simple church pastor or a seminary professor. Jones, a top King lieutenant and a trusted friend of the slain civil rights leader, has been blessed with longevity and […]
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Three cheers for a rare Maine team in the Little League World Series
Fourteen players aged between 10 and 12 take the field Thursday in Pennsylvania, the fourth team from Maine to ever qualify for the Little League Baseball World Series.
Posted inOp-Eds, Opinion
Commentary: We’ve defended Trump’s 1st Amendment rights. But his latest claims about the Jan. 6 indictment are nonsense
Does the 1st Amendment shield Donald Trump from prosecution for conspiracy to obstruct the 2020 election results? Trump’s lawyer has proclaimed the indictment “an attack on free speech and political advocacy.” He says Trump thought there was voter fraud, and “as a president, he’s entitled to speak on those issues.” And the indictment by special […]
Posted inEditorials, Opinion
Our View: Winslow residents deserve answers on ‘secret meetings’
When elected officials bend the rules, it’s easy for the public to lose faith.