It seems many people confuse constitutional rights with getting what they want.

In our line, we see this most often when we decline to publish something for whatever reason. If it’s a letter, and it almost always is, one of the first complaints the writer will lodge is that we have violated their constitutional right to free speech.

For those of us for whom truth and justice are central to our lives, it is time to speak up in support of the righteous demand of the Penobscot people, asserting their sovereignty over their namesake river.

McDonald’s pledge last week to start using cage-free eggs is only a small step in preventing staggering suffering endured by millions of birds.

We have been every which way for the Pumpkinfest in the nine years of its existence.

I must respond to Craig Elliot’s letter regarding bicyclists. Route 130 is one of the few local roads with a paved shoulder (most of the way to the Point), and is therefore favored by cyclists.

As an avid cyclist, I ride on the road almost every day. Most motorists share the road in a kind and considerate way, moving over if they are able, and giving as much room as they comfortably can.

It’s hard to remember it now, but coming into the Blaine House on the heels of a professional politician seemingly duty bound to equivocate, Paul LePage was a breath of fresh air.

Once in awhile a person emerges in our midst who has such creativity and depth, that knowing them feels like a gift. Such a gift was Kelly Patton Brook.

It’s an April fool’s joke – right?

It is wonderful that the new field at Lincoln Academy is to be dedicated to the memory of such a wonderful man. (“Lincoln Academy to dedicate William A. Clark Field,” LCN, 9/17/15, Page 10B)

The number of the week is 26.

Twenty-six motorcycle enthusiasts have died on Maine roads so far this year. As various media reports all reiterated over the weekend, this number is more than double the total for all of 2014.

An ex-busboy will never forget Bobby Kennedy in ways many of us understand. Reading about Juan Romero’s August 29, 2015 memories of an internal cross of guilt that he carried for decades awoke many of my own painful memories, and yet the path of hope was expanded despite the loss of a great leader who died June 5, 1968.

The entire month of August generally always feels like the last weekend of vacation. Things are still suitably vacation-like but you can see the end coming.

We are sad to report that Dominik Lobkowicz will work his last day at The Lincoln County News Friday, Aug. 7.