6 years ago Geographical prejudice Prejudice, its many layers unfolded, invariably yield an influence unhealthy to society. More than the nostalgic lampoon of quirky Americana in a Hollywood taint, geographical prejudice, at its extreme, has been a combative divide between regions of our society with often tragic results. Surprising as it would seem, the Democrat Party has made geographical prejudice a hallmark of their political agenda.
6 years ago Mills finds middle ground with budget If you’re preaching a prophecy of doom or are red-faced angry about Gov. Janet Mills’ budget or her budget address, delivered Monday night, then you probably also get mad at vanilla wafers.
6 years ago Support carbon tax bill As I listened with anticipation to President Donald Trump outline his administration’s vision for leading our country forward in his State of the Union address, I was disappointed he didn't talk about one of the most important issues of our time: the threat to our country, our world and our entire global economy of climate change, especially given the bipartisan bill just introduced in the House of Representatives.
6 years ago DAR library can aid research The Daughters of the American Revolution Library in Washington, D.C., is one of those little-known treasures available for genealogists. And the great thing is that you don’t have to be a member of the DAR to use it.
6 years ago New movie uses WWI footage to bring doughboys and Tommies back to life I can’t remember the last time I paid to see one movie twice. (Serious movie fans are perhaps laughing.) But in the last few weeks I bought tickets to “They Shall Not Grow Old,” film director Peter Jackson’s documentary commemorating the 100th anniversary of World War I.
6 years ago Chronic absenteeism diminishes learning Every morning at Piscataquis Community High School in Guilford, my colleagues and I can be found in the hallways at 10 minutes to 8 greeting every student who passes by while discussing school issues and activities for the upcoming day. While many of our students regularly walk this hallway on their way to first period, a growing subset of our population is often not in the hall in the morning, routinely missing classes, and falling further and further behind their peers. It is an existential and worsening problem in American schools.
6 years ago Resentment in sports, and politics The day before the Super Bowl this year, my oldest son -- who is going to be 12 this month -- and I were in the car, talking about the upcoming game. He mentioned to me that "nobody wanted the Patriots to win."
6 years ago Expectations for Mills’ big speech: Part spreadsheet. Part policy. Part poetry. Gov. Janet Mills has set a blistering pace on a lot of big policy matters since taking office last month, including moving quickly to expand access to health care to more than 70,000 people.
6 years ago Another Trump lie? I was listening to a President Donald Trump interview over the weekend. He said they’ve already started to build the wall -- big parts, it’s going to be beautiful -- with money they had on hand. So what I’d like to know is, why was there a shutdown? Or is that another lie?
6 years ago The art of redefinition If only it were a lost art and we had left it there long ago. Its device and scheme is a plague upon our nation's soul. So it has followed us from distant shores, infectious and diseased, to raise its ugly bulbous head in a legislative eruption of taxation.
6 years ago Support transgender patriots The soldiers who identify as members of the transgender community serve our country and protect our freedoms in the U.S. military. Patriot hero soldiers from the LGBTQ+ community have given their lives or have come home from many wars with arms or legs blown off.
6 years ago Deaf culture is very different from hearing culture This week I extend last week's conversation with Tammy Estes, owner of Estes Consultant of Travel based in Augusta. Tammy has been a great help to me in understanding "deaf culture;" how deaf and hard of hearing (HoH) people communicate within the "deaf culture" and with the "hearing culture."
6 years ago A pox on both parties’ houses So, I've been a bit hard on the new liberal regime in Augusta recently. I've been giving Gov. Janet Mills and her allies in the Legislature unsolicited advice, telling them to do things that I am well aware they will never have any intention of doing. Things like controlling spending, lowering taxes and continuing to guard Maine's fiscal health.
6 years ago To all the rich guys who want to be president — remember Maine Dear America, remember Maine! Not “Remember the Maine,” which maybe you read in a history book. Rather remember the last eight years of politics in Maine.
6 years ago With proposed development rule change, Maine’s North Woods hangs in the balance With few places in the world still relatively untouched by development, Maine’s 10.5 million acres of North Woods are a disappearing resource. These woods rejuvenate us: They provide opportunities for hunting, fishing and recreation, and serve as vital habitat for plants and animals.
6 years ago Whimpers in the Whelpering Hope springs eternal or so the poets say But nothing seems poetic in Washington today Battle on the wind, stalemate all a'grind The blame, The game as who can best opine
6 years ago There’s no reason not to travel Film Director Peter Jackson’s new World War I documentary, “They Shall Not Grow Old,” is a powerful story told using 100-year-old film and advanced computer technology.
6 years ago In Congress, what is old is new again I am constantly told that the ancient fossils in Congress need to be thrown out in favor of younger generations, because they will provide a "breath of fresh air" and offer "new ideas" about this country's future.