The state is already known nationally for its more measured discourse, but groups and political leaders push harder for compromise over conflict. As former Gov. Paul LePage and legislators clashed and the toxic national discourse seeped into the everyday discussions of many Mainers, some feared the state had veered from its famously civic-minded roots. In […]
civility
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Who will protect people's rights?
Recently, there has been a lot of public hand-wringing by the conservative commentariat, warning voters about the angry “mob” mentality taking over the Democratic Party. Mainstream Democrats are now branded radical activists by this narrative, “questioning the legitimacy of core elements of our system.” (Rich Lowry, Sun Journal, Oct. 16). Meanwhile, several Republican candidates for […]
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Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Have some respect for Sen. Collins’ rights
My grandfather was a Republican, an admirer of Margaret Chase Smith. My father was a Democrat, an Ed Muskie man. In spite of this, the political discussions in our home respected the right of others to have opposing views. Or what Sen. Smith called, “the basic principles of Americanism — the right to criticize; the […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
What are children learning?
Is civility in America quickly disappearing? Yes! Yes! Yes! I read Froma Harrop’s column in Saturday’s Sun Journal. I thoroughly agree with her points, but wish she would have added another thought to her topic. It is true that hearing the same lie over and over again makes the lie seem to be truth for […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Terry Hayes launches independent bid for governor
State Treasurer Terry Hayes launched her independent bid for governor Monday with a plea for civility in public life and a welcoming attitude toward the new Mainers who are the key to the state’s future success. “I have this vision for Maine that is so optimistic and inclusive – and the only way I can […]
Posted inMaine
Gov. Paul LePage’s call for military help wasn’t what he meant to say
In the midst of a diatribe against growing anger in the country, Gov. Paul LePage told a radio interviewer that “we’re developing an internal domestic problem” and then appeared to say that he may have to deploy the military in response. But in his mangled phrasing to the host for Auburn radio station Z105.5’s Breakfast […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Sen. Susan Collins calls on moderates to defend politicians who avoid extremes
Bemoaning the way the ground under middle-of-the-road politicians is “melting like late-winter snow in Maine,” U.S. Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday pleaded with those who don’t see compromise as a dirty word to become “just as fanatical as those on the far left and the far right.” Speaking at the No Labels Problem Solvers Conference […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
LePage lifts ban on commissioners attending legislative meetings
AUGUSTA — said Thursday that he’ll once again allow department heads to address lawmakers face-to-face in committee meetings. For months, LePage has upheld a policy that members of his Cabinet and other executive branch employees correspond with legislative committees in writing only. Democrats who chair legislative committees — especially the budget-writing Appropriations Committee and the […]