Burning the U.S. flag, attacking the police and writing “Hamas is coming” on walls do not help the Palestinian cause. These actions can actually harm the very cause they aim to support, creating a backlash and further division. Our country has experienced significant turmoil recently. We witnessed an assassination attempt on a former president and […]
American Journal Opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Campaign season a good time to remember shared humanity
What a crazy couple of days it has been in the news cycle, eh? I was sitting with my thoughts, sifting through how things “felt” and – stick with me here – I kept thinking about choosing a lunch spot with co-workers. OK, I am betting that might make literally no sense to some of […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: What we choose to emphasize determines our lives
Upon occasion, I have been accused of being “a Pollyanna.” Which, by the way, is an insult. I could get into the oddness of how being compared to a character who tries to spread joy is an insult, but meh, I get it. Relentless cheerfulness in the face of real stressors is annoying. It would […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: How do you want your steak cooked? Dining out can be challenging for immigrants
Summer in Maine is a delightful season, perfect for beach outings, scenic drives along the coast, and savoring the local culinary delights. Whether you’re indulging in pancakes or waffles with Maine maple syrup at a cozy diner, enjoying eggs Benedict and fries, or experiencing the quintessential whole lobster at a seaside restaurant, Maine’s food scene is […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: When it comes to spam calls and scammers, just hang up
Where I live, there is zero cell service. I mean, I can text people because we have the internet, but if I want to take or make a call? Then I have to wander outside and walk around with my phone held in the air until I find the one spot, approximately four inches square, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Take your own good advice and go easy on yourself
If you are a regular reader of my musings, then you know that I have spent the last few weeks sitting with my mom as she died. If you are new to my writings … well, hello. That’s a big introduction. Welcome to the conversation. I am working my way through my grief, and I […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Letter: We must do better to address poverty and homelessness
Last week, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to uphold an ordinance banning people from sleeping or camping in public spaces. Over the past few years, poverty has become increasingly visible in Portland. A walk through downtown Portland reveals many homeless people living on our streets. Poverty is often invisible, which is part of why homeless […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Scarborough Leader, South Portland Sentry, The Forecaster
Letter: Popular vote compact would disregard Mainers
Yarmouth state Rep. Art Bell’s Legislative Update stated that rural communities would have “equal sway” in in the outcome of elections if his national popular vote compact were enacted by enough states. That assertion is ludicrous. Maine, with a population of 1.385 million, would be ignored in favor of populous states such as New York […]
Posted inAmerican Journal
Letter: Vote yes on school budget to invest in future of Westbrook
Investing in our school system is crucial for the prosperity of our community. And this is not simply anecdotal, there’s data to back this up. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, a 5% increase in test scores can boost home prices by 2.5% to 5%. Similarly, the Brookings Institution found that homes in […]
Posted inAmerican Journal
Letter: Supporting Westbrook schools supports the community
I am writing to express my support for the Westbrook school budget being voted on July 16. My wife and I attended public school in Maine for our entire K-12 education. She attended a small community school in Aroostook County, and I attended Portland Public Schools. We both had wonderful educators that shaped the adults […]