With all the news swirling about these days, concerned observers can’t be faulted for thinking this July 4 may be the last time we celebrate Independence Day. If you haven’t yet buried your head like an ostrich by turning off news broadcasts, you’re probably shocked that Marxists have taken over sections of American cities, that […]
American Journal Opinion
Letter: Measure impact of Trump events, BLM rallies on COVID-19 cases
It seems we have not studied our history thoroughly, or at least we ignore it. We should be measuring the impact of what social activities result in increases of the COVID-19 cases. The two activities that seem to be promoting the most social intercourse are the Trump campaign, with events starting up, and the Black […]
The Universal Notebook: Colin Kaepernick was right
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick got himself banished from the National Football League in 2016 because he took a knee during the national anthem to call attention to police violence against Black people. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color,” […]
Here’s Something: This summer, venture beyond the Maine cliche
At the beginning of each summer, right about the time when the midday sun is highest and the days start getting shorter, I start thinking about Maine’s famously long, still, frigid, weary, dead winters again. They’re so evil they read like the opening line of a Faulkner novel. Late June stirs the worst kind of […]
Letter: Violette has proven himself to be strong representative for Westbrook
I am writing to endorse Jim Violette for House District 35 representative. Jim has sat on a variety of boards and clubs within the city and has done yeoman’s work. He was a City Councilor for eight years with six of those years as council president. He was elected to the School Committee in 2010, […]
Here’s Something: BLM should demand less government, not more
Everyone reading this newspaper agrees that black lives matter. (I’d be surprised if our readership included racists, which are already few and far between in our tolerant state and probably not diligent newspaper readers.) But I’d venture another guess that fewer readers would as enthusiastically support the group known as Black Lives Matter after visiting […]
The Universal Notebook: Losing track of time
Woke up from a nap Tuesday afternoon and was convinced it was Sunday. At 71, either I have begun to fail or I have found the secret to happiness. I am constantly losing track of time and I no longer give a damn. The pandemic and Carolyn’s retirement have conspired to destroy my temporal orientation. […]
Letter: A thank you for support of Warren outdoor pool
It was beyond pleasing to see a large citizen turnout speak at the June 1 Westbrook City Council meeting, as well as to hear many citizen letters read by councilors about the Warren outdoor pool. In a lengthy community survey I conducted in 2016 after starting a project to rehabilitate the remainder of the Warren […]
Here’s Something: Protesters wrong to call for Jennings’ ouster
Protests calling for change in how Maine and other states police the black community took a surprising and disturbing turn last week as protesters in Portland turned their ire toward the widely respected city manager. Portland Mayor Kate Snyder and other members of the Portland City Council came to the defense of City Manager Jon […]
The Universal Notebook: Who was that unmasked man?
This pandemic is twisting us all into ethical knots, one of the knottiest of which is whether and when to wear a face mask. Masks have come to symbolize the partisan divide in this sick society of ours. One day last week, I stood in line at Home Depot in Topsham. The majority of the […]