There were three opinion pieces in last week’s Maine Sunday Telegram. Which one was most effective?

Bill Nemitz was incensed that Paul LePage might consider running for the Senate. In his usual fashion, Nemitz took the “Big Guy” to task regarding all of his shortcomings. In his usual vitriolic style, Nemitz went on to convince all who agree with his thinking that he is “right on” as usual.

Cynthia Dill was also upset. She was seeing red and spewing venom over all the shortcomings of Maine, and the blame rests squarely on the shoulders of Paul LePage. Childhood poverty, a small workforce, poor roads and even the low reading scores of Maine students are all his fault. According to Dill, we have no lawmakers other than LePage in Maine.

Connor Mullen, South Portland sophomore, wanted to explain the brouhaha over his pro-Donald Trump hat, which reads “Make America Great Again.” He laid out the facts of the negative treatment he experienced when he wore his hat to school.

He wrote in a straightforward way with no emotional language. He was offended by the intolerance of others, but all he asked was that others not infringe upon his right to support a candidate or cause he believed in.

His text included no animus toward those who disagreed with him. Since the incidents, he has had good conversations with others and he does not feel they are bad people. He thinks ” … we all are going to be able to move forward in a positive way.”

How refreshing! His column addressed the need for free speech and meaningful, unemotional discussions when people disagree.

Isn’t it interesting how a high school sophomore exposed the sophomoric writing of Bill Nemitz and Cynthia Dill, college graduates who should do better?

Gerald Caruso

Falmouth

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