Cal Thomas: Democrats need a day of atonement

With the creation of June 19th (“Juneteenth”) as a federal holiday, Democrats have one more claim to be the party of civil rights and equal opportunity for African Americans, though most Republicans also voted for the holiday. That claim has been promoted for decades by a compliant media, academia and high-profile politicians, but the facts say otherwise.

Marc Jalbert: ‘Calm the insanity’ of too many TV ads

I’d like to talk about TV commercials. We all know that commercials are a necessary evil that most of us detest. That said, the mute button is my salvation. What I just can’t fathom is advertisers’/networks’ obsession with the bombardment method they impose on us constantly. An ad, with another ad, and then a repeat […]

Safiya Khalid: American Jobs Plan would make Lewiston safer

As a nonprofit employee and Lewiston City Council member, I am excited about the proposed federal infrastructure package, the American Jobs Plan, because it will really transform our communities for the better. I am particularly excited about plans to increase funding for Brownfield redevelopment, because in Lewiston we have many old industrial buildings with incredible […]

Cartoon for Wednesday, June 23

Steve Bien: Critical race theory provides legal canon analysis

It is a shame that Gardiner school administrators caved so easily to accusations that their English Advanced Placement curriculum was, heaven forbid, teaching critical race theory. In fact, thanks to misleading edicts and legislation all over the U.S., educators are similarly being warned off teaching almost anything having to do with race. Critical race theory, […]

Rev. Don Mayberry: Measuring statistics, not politics

As we return to some normalcy after 15 months of pandemic living, I see some things that I am grateful for. We grieve for those who have lost loved ones due to this virus. It has been a difficult period with lots of sacrifices made by all of us. I have felt the frustration. I […]

Cartoon for Tuesday, June 22

Leonard Pitts Jr.: The right to bear arms does not extend to Black people

If it did, would the NRA — that vigilant defender of gun rights — have kept silent when a John Crawford III or a Tamir Rice, the one a man legally carrying a firearm, the other a boy legally playing with a toy gun, were executed by police?

Tula Biederman: Equality Act needs Sen. Collins’ support

The Equality Act would ensure that all LGBTQ Americans can live, work, and access public spaces free from discrimination, no matter what city or state they call home.

Alex Lear: Music, memories mingle on Father’s Day

Learics: Dad was a little bashful at times about singing with me, apologizing if he felt he was off key. Which was ironic, because I was honored to sing with him. As a child I’d hear him crooning in the bathroom, his smooth voice bolstered by the room’s acoustics, and I admired his ability. I hoped that when I grew up, we could sing together.