While capitalism is a greedy and exploitative system, it has always relied on laborers for its function, but with new technology in a new phase of domination, our necessary place in this system will no longer exist. We will no longer be the cheapest or fastest source of labor — something that does not need sick time, or a worker’s permit, or legal protections for working hours and breaks, or even a salary, will replace us.
Alex Lear
A Maine native and Colby College graduate, Alex has been covering coastal communities since 2001. He lives in the Portland area with his wife Lauren, 4-year-old daughter Alaina, and 7-year-old bulldog Walter. He has released four CDs of original music and does occasional research work for Marvel Comics' collected editions.
Crystal Ward: Health decisions should rely on experts, not politics
A top priority for Lewiston Superintendent Jake Langlais and the Lewiston School Committee is the health and safety of all students and employees. When dealing with health and safety, experts in the field should be the guiding voices — not the loudest, the politically correct, or the emotional. With the recommendation of the superintendent the […]
Leonard Pitts Jr.: Skepticism can make you blind
There’s nothing wrong with skepticism. Skepticism can be healthy, can even save your life. But skepticism can also make you blind. So this is me begging my sons and all our sons and daughters: Just take the damn shot.
Kiernan Majerus-Collins: The future Lewiston deserves
We must not be a city where everyone wants things to be different, but no one wants anything to change. Our city has to be brave enough, and confident enough, to embrace new ways of thinking and new visions of what we can be.
Kerry Gallivan: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a key test to reversing climate change
Unless Congress takes action, a second Arctic Refuge lease sale is mandated by the 2017 Tax Act. We urge Sen. Collins to continue leading bi-partisan efforts to protect, as she said, “these treasures for future generations.” We need her to prevent the destruction of this wildlife refuge by restoring protections now through legislative means and by encouraging her colleagues to join her.
Cal Thomas: Doubling down on crises
Selectively imparting information to the public, including misinformation, while ignoring information that contradicts a desired political outcome is the stuff of cults. It also leads to a further reduction in the credibility of government and “experts” in the eyes of people they most hope to influence.
Patricia Bernard: Afghanistan pullout a sad reminder of Vietnam
Biden has pulled out of Afghanistan without getting everyone who helped us out, too. It’s just like the disgraceful way we pulled out of Vietnam. Since we promised them protection, we should have airlifted them and their families out. Congress continues to try to bankrupt us. Pennies go to real infrastructure. There was the pledge […]
Jim Handy: Congress should back ‘Dreamers’ citizenship bill
The U.S. House should welcome the Senate’s passage of a budget resolution that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented young adults brought to the U.S. as children, also known as Dreamers. The House already passed a pathway to citizenship through the American Dream and Promise Act in March, so it should be a no-brainer […]