New immigrants to Maine quickly find that Maine is not the America portrayed by Hollywood. I shockingly learned that firsthand 10 years ago. Maine is not the bustling streets of Boston, the iconic skyline of New York or the glitz and glamor of L.A. or Vegas. Crowded streets, taxis zooming around and bars frequented by […]
American Journal Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Letter: Rethink our approach to the climate, even EVs
During the recent power outage, I imagined a scenario where we have arrived at that Net Zero place. All vehicles are now electric – cars, trucks, emergency vehicles, utility trucks, all electric. But this is a power outage. No electricity. No vehicles can move without a charged battery. Now this would seem to be the […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Letter: Bring psilocybin treatment access to Maine residents
I am writing today to ask my fellow Mainers to learn about and support L.D. 1914: the Maine Psilocybin Health Access Act. This bill would create a regulated market for adults over 21 to access psilocybin services in a safe and beneficial environment. Psilocybin mushrooms have been used for healing and ceremony for several thousand […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Letter: Legal immigrants have nothing to fear from Trump
Abdi Iftin’s Dec. 19 article, “Help immigrants navigate the threat of Trump’s return,” references Trump’s “poisoning the blood of our country” comment to infuse a fear of deportation into Maine’s asylum-seekers. Iftin wants to mobilize Maine’s immigrant community to prevent a 2024 Trump victory and ensure the continuation of Biden‘s immigration policies. Biden’s policies: Biden’s […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Let’s get practical and ditch those grand resolutions
It’s a new year! So much potential. So much promise. And, you guys? I have exciting news to share with you. This year is the year. This is it. This is the year I finally complete my edits on the book I wrote and get it off to the publisher. This is also the year […]
Posted inCoastal Journal, The Forecaster
Letter: Hypocrisy is embedded in our national anthem
In 2016, was it disrespectful or an act of real courage, when Colin Kaepernick “took a knee” while the National Anthem was sung? It is the latter – why? His silent and powerfully visible act drew national attention to the hypocrisy embedded within said anthem, namely “O’er the land of the free and the home […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion, The Forecaster
Forum: Town’s climate action plan omits a key threat: idling motors
The town of Falmouth’s Climate Action Plan just landed in my email inbox. Town leaders deserve kudos for the years of work that produced the plan, which “contains strategies and actions that will guide decisions and development for the town until 2050.” The above quote from the plan is important. These sorts of documents are […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Head healthily into winter by heading out to the woods
Well, here we all are. The holiday season has peaked, and now we are slushing and sliding into the new year. How are you holding up? The question might sound flippant, but I mean it. Winter is hard and while the holidays, with all of the lights and the “making merry” and whatnot, are intended […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Help immigrants navigate threat of Trump’s return
Former President Trump’s recent derogatory remarks on immigrants, including the alarming statement, “They are poisoning the blood of our country,” have sent shockwaves through Maine’s immigrant community. The looming prospect of Trump’s return, coupled with his policy proposals like advocating for the “largest deportation operation in history,” has instilled fear as the 2024 election approaches. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Christmas tree farmers take note for next year: Add dogs
Right, so I realize this is a little late in the game, but for those of us who celebrate Christmas, there is a farm, a tree farm, out there doing it right. Not that all you other Christmas tree farms are getting it “wrong,” but this farm just really nailed the Christmas vibe. How, you […]