Dear Editor:

I just started reading O’Reilly’s book "Confronting the Presidents."

I’m only up to 1829 and I can’t believe all the similarities that are happening now (the past 10 years) and  in the past (the first 50 years). The country is split (almost 50/50) now and as in the past on the following issues. Some want the central government to have all the power, some want the states to have all the power. Some want the courts to have more power, some less.

The slander and misinformation was rampant then as now. 

"The press hatred toward President Adams gets worse. So during a two-week period beginning on June 18,1798, the Federalist-controlled Congress passes four bills known as the Alien and Sedition Acts. Adams signs these “war acts” into law on July 14. The most powerful of these limits the freedom of the press, making it illegal to publish “false, scandalous, and malicious writing” against the president. The intent is clear: Republican editors will be jailed if they criticize John Adams.

Five large newspapers immediately test the new law. Their editors are quickly accused of libel. James Callender, a journalist actually paid by Thomas Jefferson to smear Adams, is arrested and put into prison.” *

So, my conclusion as of now is: If you want an all powerful government or not, if you think the country is saved or lost. Maybe.

*Bill O’Reilly, Confronting the Presidents, pg. 17

Joe Scorcia

Boothbay