Of all columnists writing in favor of erasing history by not allowing the replica of Columbus’ ship from visiting Maine, Heather Martin’s article is reasonably accurate (“Replica of Columbus’ ship has no business on Maine’s shores,” July 16). Unfortunately, she completely flies off the rail of historical accuracy in the closing paragraph, where she says, […]
Forecaster letters
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Collins was right to oppose election bill
I have been dismayed by a number of recent letters criticizing Sen. Susan Collins’ vote against S.1 (“For the People Act of 2021”) that would have resulted in a federal takeover of the entire election system. Although it was branded a “voting rights bill,” it was actually a Trojan horse concealing a host of bad […]
advertisement
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Constitutionally speaking, Balentine had it backwards
The Constitution of the United States clearly refutes John Balentine’s assertion that “our government’s lone job is to ensure individual rights” and “that it exists to keep the individual free, not rule over them” (“Do you still desire freedom?”, July 2). According to the Preamble, “We the people of the United States, in Order to […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Freedom requires all assume more personal responsibility
Mr. Balentine probably exercised his cherished idea of personal freedom by skipping history class, when the fundamentals of social/democratic vs. socialist/communist forms of government were discussed in school (“Do you still desire freedom?”, July 2). I should like to meet all those young people, who – according to him – love socialism and communism so […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: The cure for post-pandemic depression: trust experts
Following the perusal of John Balentine’s opinion piece (“Post-pandemic depression rears its ugly head,” July 16), I became rather depressed. Why? How many mores times must he rail about the same topics, always providing us with lies and Republican Party-based propaganda, especially when he is presented with real alternatives, i.e., numerous, fact-based and articulate responses […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Many sacrifice personal freedom for greater good
“Shocking” doesn’t begin to describe my reaction to John Balentine’s selfish and racist diatribe on the meaning of individual liberty (“Do you still desire freedom?”, July 2). When he characterizes young people as having “favorable views of socialism and communism,” he goes on to say that acting for the collective good and having personal freedom […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Reader pens thoughts on Independence Day
I only contemplated two things this Independence Day: 1. What, other than the truth, qualifies John Balentine to judge who qualifies as a “real” American? and 2. What, other than the truth, has John Balentine ever sacrificed for freedom? Loren D. Porr Lieutenant Colonel, retired, U.S. Army Topsham
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Fourth brought forth displays of privilege, bullying in Portland, South Portland
Did anyone else see the displays that took place in Portland and South Portland on July 4? The displays of privilege, hypocrisy and bullying that happened on our two cities’ public social media groups that evening need to be addressed. Juxtaposed to the 100-plus posts of new moms, elderly and pet owners politely pleading for […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Balentine ignores values in Declaration of Independence
John Balentine pretended to write a column about the proper roles of the American government (“Do you still desire freedom?”, June 30). Of course, he did no such thing. He cited the Constitution, although he only mentioned the Bill of Rights, granting us the freedoms we enjoy. The Bill of Rights was an afterthought. The […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Nostalgia no substitute for the facts where freedom is concerned
Re: John Balentine’s “Do you still desire freedom?” Mr. Balentine wraps himself in Betsy Ross’ flag and pretends that America didn’t exist until 1776. He waxes nostalgic about laying it all on the line in the face of being hung, drawn, quartered, etc. and extols “desire for freedom” as “the primordial American trait.” His breakdown […]