In his recent column, “Do you still desire freedom?” (July 2), John Balentine suggests that people who didn’t fight the mask mandate during the pandemic don’t like freedom. He further implies that “real” Americans should resist any intrusion on their individual liberties. That staggering leap of logic may fly with Tucker Carlson or Sean Hannity, […]
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Letter: Balentine obsessed with individual freedom
John Balentine fixates on the “F-word” – not that one, but “freedom.” (“Do you still desire freedom?”, July 2). As a Republican, he believes freedom is bestowed only upon individuals, rather than a “collective right” shared by all citizens. In “The Social Contract,” Rousseau writes “… a society by means of a contract among themselves.” […]
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Letter: Balentine spouts ‘bizarre misinterpretation’ of liberty
John Balentine’s bizarre misinterpretation of “American liberty” (“Here’s Something: Do You Still Desire Freedom?”, June 30) is on full display with his renewed attempt to polarize the Independence Day holiday. The American Revolution was fought and won to procure independence from the British and to implement self-rule. The American experiment as embodied by the U.S. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Do you still desire freedom?
As Independence Day rolls around each year, I always find myself contemplating three things. The first is thinking about the traits and characteristics that make America unique. The second is trying to define a “real” American. And the last is wondering whether we’re measuring up to the Founders’ vision. July 4, 1776, of course, was […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Lakeside living is so overrated
For years, and especially during the pandemic, lakefront real estate throughout Maine has boomed as urbanites and suburbanites, especially from the wealthier greater Portland area, seek peace and quiet for their weekend and vacation retreats. Generations of Mainers have looked to lakeside camps in the Lakes Region and elsewhere for solace, but that solace is […]
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Letter: Local candidates’ political ties, beliefs most important
In order to craft and, thereafter, promulgate new or modified state and national legislation, step one in the Republican Party Playbook stipulates what the initial course of action must be, i.e., begin the process at the local city/county level. John Balentine’s opinion piece (“What constitutes an ideal candidate for local office?” June 4), clearly highlights […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: What constitutes an ideal candidate for local office?
While November elections often attract most voters’ attention, early June in many communities throughout Maine also offers electioneering opportunities. Community-minded men and women throw their proverbial hats in the political ring and hope their fellow town residents choose them to serve on the town council, school board, planning board or budget committees. As a reporter […]
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Letter: Balentine misrepresents facts to make his points
After reading another of John Balentine’s columns, wherein he plays fast and loose with the truth, I find myself once again urging you to hire a conservative columnist who doesn’t just make things up. Balentine’s column from the May 19 edition (“Panic’s over, get back to work,” May 19), asserts that people who are unemployed […]
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Letter: Balentine’s idea of family wealth is absurd
If John Balentine thinks $958 per month is making a small family wealthy I will be glad to educate him to the truth at a local grocery store (“Panic’s over, get back to work,” May 21). What an absurd idea! Jean Bicknell Scarborough
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Letter: Government safety nets can be justified
John Balentine must live a rather unique and self-reliant life, i.e., never requiring any advice, assistance or financial help from local, state or federal governments. As a Trump Republican, he believes those who do rely on governments cannot function without such intervention (“Panics over, get back to work,” May 21). In his protective “bubble,” he […]