Re: “Should this Ghost of Paul Revere song be Maine’s new state ballad?” (April 12): This article was definitely thought-provoking. I can understand how Griffin Sherry, the writer of “The Ballad of the 20th Maine,” wanted to write about a foot soldier from Maine in the Battle of Gettysburg rather than hero Gen. Joshua Chamberlain. […]

My grandmother and I were canoeing down the Presumpscot River. Last year, I did the same thing with my dad and the rapids were a lot smaller. So, when we went down what was just ripples last year, we hit a wave that started to fill our canoe. I knew what was happening, so I […]

On April 8, Portland City Manager Jon Jennings gave a public presentation about his proposed fiscal year 2020 city budget. I say “his” budget, because he is responsible for drafting the budget that is reviewed by the City Council and the public. This is a tremendous amount of power for one unelected official to hold […]

I state up front that I’m a Democrat, but I’m an independent thinker and voter. This is directed to our Maine Democratic and independent elected officials. The Mueller report is in and the results are mixed. I’m glad there was no criminal conspiracy! The non-decision by Robert Mueller about obstruction will be debated for decades. […]

Despite the media focus on the issue of obstruction, the most significant fact revealed by the Mueller report that we didn’t already know is that there was no criminal conspiracy with Russia during the 2016 election. Knowing there was no crime (as he incessantly tweeted), President Trump would have been wise to ignore the leaks […]

I am writing to express my support for L.D. 820, a bill that would ensure that Mainers can use their health insurance for abortion care. On March 27, I traveled to the State House in Augusta to listen to and support both those who shared testimonies in support of the bill and the folks who […]

Let’s face the facts: No one wants a homeless shelter in their neighborhood. The way that the shelters are run in Portland is horrible. Low- or no-barrier means that all comers are welcome. I walk by the Portland soup kitchen frequently. I am a male and not the timid type, but it feel unsafe walking […]

Would a few victims of Russian efforts to sway 2016 presidential votes come forward and describe the experience? I’m curious about the nature of the tactics and incentives, particularly on targeted voters. I don’t want to trivialize Russian schemes, but in the absence of specifics, my free-wheeling mind insists on imagining six-packs of vodka or […]