For what reason do we want to assemble a wall along the southern border of the United States? Loss of jobs? Currently, an average of 95 percent of Americans in the labor force are working. Illegal drugs? Trafficking? Violence?

When V. Paul Reynolds’ article appeared in the Piscataquis Observer (“Careless hunters, ticks, declining land access big stories of 2017”), I took notice as forestry professor who has researched forest recreation in Maine.

The United States has decided that it has zero tolerance for airplane crashes.

“Will America choose its children over guns?” The breathless New York Times editorial, printed Tuesday, certainly pulled no punches.

America has always been a great country, but as an American during the present administration, do you feel proud? Every day there is a new scandal rocking the White House, from domestic abuse charges in a staff lacking security clearances to paying hush money to a porn star for an affair with President Donald Trump.

For some time, I’ve felt like I’m living in the “Twilight Zone.” The conservative Republican Party is almost unrecognizable.

My name is Michael Wark. I am the chairman of the Sangerville selectboard and have served as a member since 2016. I am seeking reelection at the town meeting scheduled for March 31, 2018.

David Sorensen, a former aide to Republican Gov. Paul LePage and a speechwriter for President Donald Trump, was forced to resign last week after allegations by his ex-wife that he abused her during their two-and-a half-year marriage.

The funny thing about Maine politics is that, for the most part, everyone agrees on the same problems. There are two specific instances of that concept which we are constantly presented with: Maine's economy, and the need to get younger.

The year 2017 was a positive year for the town. Town meeting we elected a new selectman. That I feel gave us three good common sense people. All three selectmen had no experience as selectmen but I feel they are doing a good job.

Even after five years as a senator, there are some things you just never get used to, and the State of the Union is right there at the top of that list. This yearly tradition isn’t about the president – it’s about the presidency.

We need to treat our elderly with respect and let them keep their dignity. And we must let them keep their homes.

The world of sports and the world of politics have many similarities. Winners and losers. Fierce competition. Obsessive, almost cult-like, devotion to individual people and teams. Cheering crowds.

The new superintendent of Long Creek Youth Development Center, the state’s prison for kids, seems like a great person.

Ten years ago, Dominique Moceanu, a 1996 Olympics gold medalist, accused her former coaches of emotional and physical abuse. Rather than taking her allegations seriously, however, USA Gymnastics was dismissive of the concerns Moceanu raised.

There’s a horrific type of child abuse happening right here in Maine, and we must stop it. It is graphic and disturbing. No child should ever be subjected to violence, especially when leaves them permanently disfigured and interferes with normal bodily functions.

Gov. Paul LePage cannot simply wave his arms and make laws -- or the truth -- disappear. Though he often attempts both.

It is a terrifying time to be a parent. Monday evening, I learned that a student in my oldest son's middle school had passed away. The next day, media reports stated that the Maine State Police were investigating her death as a possible suicide.