Dana Connors, Rachel Kerestes: STEM funding, education and workforce development key to Maine’s economic future

Opportunities are flourishing here. It’s now possible for students to remain here after school and enter a job market that will provide pathways to good-paying, fulfilling livelihoods. But we must be diligent in our path forward.

Leonard Pitts Jr.: He’s baaack

Granted, he never really left. Unlike other former presidents, Donald Trump didn’t disappear from the daily news cycle once he departed the White House. Thanks to his legal troubles, the hearings into the Jan. 6 insurrection and his diarrheic spewing in speeches and online, he has remained a constant presence.

Editorial cartoon for Sunday, Nov. 20

Rich Lowry: Kevin McCarthy’s task

Assuming that he becomes speaker of the House, which will require the near-unanimous support of his caucus and isn’t necessarily a forgone conclusion, he’s signing up for the most miserable experience of any congressional leader since John Boehner barely controlled a Republican House majority in the Obama years.

Arin Quintel: Sex ed doesn’t belong in school system’s hands

I wish to thank the Sun Journal for posting the article regarding the book vote that occurred at the Nov. 10 RSU 73 School Board meeting (“Gender Queer, White Fragility to remain in high school library“). I was one of the people who filed a complaint against having the book “Gender Queer” available for students […]

William LaRochelle: Kudos to columnist Cal Thomas for disavowing Trump

I never expected to see the day when columnist Cal Thomas would disavow former president Donald Trump, as he did in a recent piece titled, “Toxic Trump must leave the stage” (Nov. 16), in which he rightly scorned the man’s intention of seeking another term. Thomas had habitually stated that, admittedly, Trump has his character […]

Froma Harrop: Trumpian carnage goes on full display

Donald Trump had taken America on one of those dark amusement park rides, but like them, the thrill loses its punch through repetition. On the first go-through, scary ghosts and demons jump out at you. By the third time, however, the screeches are anticipated. You start noticing the peeling paint and hear the creaking machinery.

Tom Putnam: Being one with the land — and with each other

Just as farmers work diligently to maintain a rich and fertile soil for their crops, we need to sustain and fertilize the democratic foundations which support our electoral process. The efforts of town clerks, poll workers, and the public safety professionals who protect them are essential to ensure the integrity of our elections, the primary “constitutional means” by which the will of the people is determined.

Bob Neal: The Countryman: For these I give thanks

I ran for the Maine House of Representatives. Though I lost, I found a great deal along the campaign trail for which to be thankful in this season of gratefulness and gluttony.

Editorial cartoon for Saturday, Nov. 19