The odds are good that, no matter what your religious affiliation, you are currently in the midst of the holiday gift giving bonanza also known as the month of December. I’ve heard tales of people so organized, so prepared, that their holiday shopping is already complete. Can this be true? Who are you people? My […]
American Journal Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal
Letter: Westbrook church luncheon packed the imperiled parking lots
I attended the Tips for Charity luncheon, part of the Festival of Trees at the Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church. Both parking lots on Church Street were full and I parked in the lot between the two banks on Main Street, which had a couple of free spaces. All three of these lots are at risk as […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Letter: For our children’s future, it’s time for gun control
In 1966, a gunman shooting from the University Of Texas tower killed over a dozen innocent people while wounding over 30 more. Almost 60 years later, our country has suffered over 600 mass shootings this year alone. Despite the noble efforts of gun control advocates, legislative solutions have proven futile. New Zealand, after a horrific […]
Posted inAmerican Journal
Letter: Complainers should know the U.S. officially supports Israel
While I understand there should be no favoring of any specific religion in the holiday decorations in Westbrook, I would like to remind those who complained of two things. First, the Star of David has evolved into use as a Hanukkah symbol. Secondly, and most importantly, I would like to remind them that the United […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Immigrants can find joy in American holiday season
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on my experiences with it during my past decade in Maine. The internal conflict of whether to fully embrace December festivities, especially Christmas, or maintain a certain distance as some in my immigrant community do, remains an ongoing theme. Despite this struggle, I’ve discovered aspects of […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: The oldest state needs more senior living options
Maine is not an easy place to grow old, which is weird. After all, we continue to be the oldest state in the nation by population. You’d think it would be Florida or Nevada – but nope. It’s us. You’d think, therefore, that we would have a plethora of elder care options, ways to make the […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Budgets reflect values – how are we doing?
Thanksgiving behind us, we are now legitimately within the holiday season which, as it happens, is also budget season. At least for some of us. The thing about budgets is they are more than just dollars and cents. They are value statements. Those of us who have served in the nonprofit sector are steeped in […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Letter: Guns to blame for widespread terror in U.S.
An opinion piece in The Forecaster by Bob Rose (“Guns are not the problem, but ban AR-15s,” Nov. 14) claims that guns do not kill people but people do, a regular trope within the gun community. My beloved husband of 52 years, Charles W. Hedrick, died while in lockdown on Oct. 26 at (the) Marshwood […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Letter: Enforce existing laws to prevent gun violence
Where have we heard this before? “I am a proud card-carrying member of the NRA, but…” Bob Rose lists his bona fides as a firearm owner, user and licensed concealed carrier in his Forum opinion piece “Guns are not the problem, but ban AR-15s” on Nov. 14. Plus, he’s a “lifelong Conservative and registered Republican.” […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Appreciating both Somali and American ways of giving thanks
When asked about how immigrants celebrate Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the rich tapestry of traditions within my own community. Many of my community members celebrate by cooking in their homes, but the menu diverges from the typical American fare of turkey, stuffing and apple pie. Instead, we indulge in a typical Somali meal […]