A recent Quinnipiac University poll found the vast majority of Americans – 68% of Republicans and 95% of Democrats – support stay-at-home orders in order to protect vulnerable citizens from the coronavirus. And then there is that selfish minority that refuses to be inconvenienced in order to protect others. I have never referred to Donald […]
American Journal Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Give us liberty, or give us death
Founding Father Patrick Henry’s famous words still ring true today as Mainers’ personal and economic liberties are trampled by an overreaching state intent on preventing further deaths by the coronavirus. “Give me liberty, or give me death” is what Henry said to the Second Virginia Convention on March 23, 1775, helping to motivate the American […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
The Universal Notebook: Happy (belated) Earth Day!
If I had been on the ball, this column would have appeared last week, just in time for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. But I’m getting old and forgetful. On Wednesday, April 22, in order to atone for this oversight, my lovely wife Carolyn and I walked around the middle school playing field behind […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Maine ingenuity aiding coronavirus fight
Many residents would probably be surprised with just how much manufacturing is taking place in Maine. Sure, we hear a lot about well known, large scale operations such as L.L.Bean, Poland Spring and General Dynamics, which are awe inspiring and jaw dropping in scope, but we have many small and medium sized companies providing awesome […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
The Universal Notebook: COVID-19, 24-7
Are you as sick and tired as I am of COVID-19 news, and nothing but, 24-7? I ask this even as I embark on yet another coronavirus commentary, this one looking forward to what we may have to look forward to. While state and federal health officials caution against optimism, the Trump administration seems hell-bent […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
The Universal Notebook: Trump virus
America is suffering from a sickness that has the potential to forever change the way we live. No, I’m not talking about the coronavirus. That’s a natural occurrence. I’m talking about the Trump virus. That’s not. Watching the nightly pandemic briefings on television I get the sense that there is a huge and potentially fatal […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Signs of the times are everywhere
Housebound Mainers may not know it, but there are plenty of signs of hope out there. While many have been held prisoner in their own homes under threat of $1,000 fines and six months of imprisonment by Gov. Janet Mills’ executive order banning all “non-essential” work and travel, there have been many encouraging signs – […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
The Universal Notebook: Fear itself
For reasons having to do with both inherent skepticism and defiant denial, I have been slow to embrace social distancing as anything more than mass hysteria. Over the past two weeks, however, I have evolved from “This is way overblown” to “This could kill me.” I have had this gradual change of heart as people […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: We can only panic for so long
The Greek god Pan must be rubbing his hands and licking his lips in perverse delight watching Americans respond to COVID-19. While the word “pandemic” isn’t derived from Pan (it comes from the Greek words “pan” meaning “all” and “demos” for “people”), the word “panic” does originate from Pan, who caused frightened humans to “flee […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Viral reaction ‘at the point of absurdity’
People’s true nature comes out during times of trial. And while COVID-19 is bringing out the best in some, it’s bringing out the worst in others. The same is true for state governments. Many are forcing their residents to shelter in place with threats of fines and imprisonment for those who want to go for […]