In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder, countless articles have been written about him. Most simply mention he was a conservative activist, as if he advocated for traditional conservative principles like small government or individual liberties. What’s often left out are his actual words, perhaps because they aren’t suitable to print. About Black people he […]
letter to the editor
Let’s hope blue states explore secession | Letter
Learning more about the idea of blue states uniting to support each other, if they were to financially secede from the federal government, has been fascinating. A so-called “soft secession.” Canada annexing Maine for its 11th province was definitely an attractive idea, albeit remote, after the 2024 election. But I was recently reminded that blue states […]
GOP education policies eat away at rural America | Letter
The GOP has recognized that education poses a challenge to its agenda. In response, it has appointed figures like Linda McMahon, known for her background in the World Wrestling Federation, as secretary of education. Funding for public schools has been systematically reduced. At the same time, sympathetic courts have facilitated the redirection of public resources […]
Politically, Maine isn’t what it used to be | Letter
I’m old enough to remember, during the Second World War in Brunswick, Maine (where I’ve lived all my life), everybody from the right and the left joined together as one fighting fascists and Nazis — not to mention the Japanese. I have had relatives who served with Joshua Chamberlain in the Civil War. They also […]
We must reframe how we view health care | Letter
I was appalled at Sunday’s headline about MaineCare (“As it grew, MaineCare became a breaker of budgets“). Saying it’s health care that is breaking the budget is saying that health care is not a priority for the people of Maine. People will die. Health care is a priority, and we need to reframe how we […]
A proposed treatment plan for Northern Light’s financial ills | Letter
The answer may be as simple as switching to a publicly funded single-payer system for everyone.
Common Ground Fair a celebration of craftsmanship and community | Letter
I read with great enjoyment the Sept. 11 article about growing interest in the Common Ground Fair. This fair is the backdrop of many of my cherished childhood memories — from perusing the fine art and craft market with my grandmother, to raising dust clouds sliding down the amphitheater hill on a cardboard sled. Since […]
Is Maine headed for recession? It’s likely. | Letter
There have been several articles questioning the potential for a recession in Maine. We should be concerned about the Republicans’ history of depressions and recessions. The Great Depression (1929-1941) financially destroyed millions, yet we are told Republicans are the party of fiscal responsibility. Historical facts easily dispelled that great con job. Consider the following: The […]
Charlie Kirk is not a hero | Letter
While I am horrified and disgusted by the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, I feel that elevating him to an American hero and martyr is really inappropriate. No one in this country should be violently targeted for expressing their political beliefs. However, for years, Charlie Kirk has spread vile and poisonous statements contributing and promoting […]
Maine’s tribal relations board is going strong | Letter
I am writing in response to the Aug. 26 article “Gov. Mills pledged to revive Maine’s tribal relations board. Most state seats are empty.” The gist of the article is that the vacancies on the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission (MITSC) have rendered the commission ineffectual and “teetering on the verge of stalling out.” To the […]