In response to Nancy O’Hagan’s letter (“Numbers show Mainers support abortion“) published Sept. 5, I would like to offer a thoughtful rebuttal. The problem with numbers these days is that they can only be trusted to defend a position if the source of the information also supports your position. Statistics and numbers aside, I would […]
American Journal Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Letter: Don’t be deluded by ‘medically necessary’ abortions
A letter from Nancy O’Hagan of Portland (“Numbers show Mainers support abortion,” Sept. 5) contained this summary passage: “I have never met a single woman that wants anyone but herself to decide if and when she gives birth.” In response, I note that in my 81 years, I have never met a single woman that […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Letter: Equity requires inequality, modern America is better
In their Sept. 7 letter, “Follow federal agency’s lead for racial equity,” the Mishlers state that “systemic racism … is taking place” in this country and that “equal rights and protections” can be pursued through President Biden’s mandated equity agenda. I challenge both ideas. Equality means the same treatment for everyone. Equity means the same […]
Posted inAmerican Journal
Letter: Affordable housing more important than free parking
I proudly support plans for affordable housing in Westbrook on city-owned surface parking lots. A recent University of New Hampshire poll states that the top three concerns of Mainers are affordable housing, cost of living and homelessness. This housing will be part of the solution to those concerns, and it will be within walking distances […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Teach kids about governance, invest in civic pride
I try, as a general rule, not to indulge in nostalgia because the past is a slippery animal. It shapeshifts through memories. Take, for example, the time I am currently obsessing over: that oddly golden era for our country that was post-World War II until, oh, say the early 1960s. We often think of that […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Farming is a path to inclusion for immigrants
Encouraging the active participation of Maine’s minority communities in both urban and rural farming and gardening endeavors can serve as a powerful tool to help them overcome cultural and economic barriers. A significant portion of Maine’s immigrant population arrived with deep-rooted agricultural expertise, shaped by generations of traditional farming practices. However, their migration to Maine […]
Posted inAmerican Journal
Forum: Westbrook’s local Warren charities are community treasures
Following my July 27 opinion column, “They paved paradise – and put up a parking lot,” about Westbrook City Hall’s apparent lack of community engagement these days, and after a citizen-led community meeting two weeks ago with over 100 concerned taxpayers about the city’s plan to develop the remaining downtown parking lots without citizen input, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Did you remember to honor the rights of American laborers?
Labor Day. The end of high season, the start of the harvest, the lessening of traffic, the time to remember where we put the sweaters. These are all things that we in Maine associate with the holiday we just celebrated. But none of them are really what the holiday is about. Labor Day was founded […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Letter: Fighting for abortion deflects from real issues
I write in support of Anne Philbrick’s letter (“What majority was polled on abortion?” Aug. 23). These days when participating in politics, maybe in anything, you must look at the question, the words. Maine media made it appear that Maine people wanted “abortion on demand” by their words, but the reality is while many Maine […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Letter: Numbers show Mainers support abortion
Replying to Anne Philbrick’s Aug. 23 letter, “What majority was polled on abortion?,” which was in response to my Aug. 2 letter on same topic. The very day that SCOTUS overturned our almost 50-year-old federal right to abortion, thousands of people marched to protest the decision in Portland. Large protests took place in York and […]