Besides choosing our favorite presidential candidate during the March 3 primary, Maine voters will also decide whether to repeal a 2019 law requiring vaccinations for all schoolchildren. The issue is a complicated one with wide-ranging impact, but voting yes is the best prescription, since parents – not the state – should determine whether their children […]
Forecaster opinion
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Superintendent’s Notebook: Equity drives Portland Public Schools
I’m delighted the Portland Board of Public Education began Black History Month by voting to rename a school for Portland civil rights icon Gerald Talbot. That Feb. 4 vote means Riverton Elementary School will become the Gerald E. Talbot Community School, starting this fall. This exceptional community leader’s list of accomplishments is long. He’s an […]
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Posted inForecaster Opinion
Mainewhile: Maine residents need to get in the driver’s seat
When my mother was young and learning to drive, her father first taught her all the parts of a car, how they went together and how to fix things if they came apart. Granted, he was a bit of an outlier in this area. In his early 20s, the man actually got together with a […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
The Universal Notebook: Impeachment post-mortem
Yes, yes I know, you’re just as sick as I am of all this impeachment business. We knew from the very beginning that Trump was not going to be removed from office. Senators took an oath before God to “do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws,” but only one Republican honored that oath. […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Over Easy: The president’s (fictional) greeting cards
If the president owned both major greeting card companies, Hallmark and American, in his spare time between his lawful duties he could create some of the best poetry in the universe. These would be perfect cards for every occasion and compatible with any perfect phone call. “These are the best cards ever made,” the president […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Superintendent’s Notebook: Building resilient minds
“You want children to be able to handle setbacks, and hardship, and failure. So that someday, when they move out of the house, they can handle a problem at work, issues with a roommate at college, failing a test,” says social worker Amy Morin, author of the book “13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do.” According […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Letter: Show support for revisions to Indian Claims Settlement Act
It has been 40 years since the signing of the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980. Most states abide by federal Indian law, but Maine has been an outlier; its relationship with the Tribes has been more paternalistic. Maine Tribes want the freedom to control their own destiny in order to prosper. Last spring […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Life Unwound: Sweetness for Valentine’s Day
I’m a chocoholic, like many addicts, quick with denials: I hurt no one. I buy fair-trade, 80% cacao, organic, vegan. I seek charity-loyal companies. Dark, smooth, rich, creamy squares at 6 a.m. nudge me awake. Necessary, right? No harm in a little a pick-me-up after lunch, and a nightcap at dinner. Note the dazzling promos of my Valentine’s Day hidden stash: My favorite […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Letter: Beem has ‘narrow’ vision on environmental needs
I guess I should be happy that Edgar Allen Beem (“CMP project supported by old guard ‘environmentalists,’” Jan. 22) still considers me an “old friend.” He’s sad that I’m one of the group of 10 old environmentalists that support the NECEC transmission line. I’m sad that he has such a narrow vision of today’s environmental […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Letter: Beem has ‘narrow’ vision on environmental needs
I guess I should be happy that Edgar Allen Beem (“CMP project supported by old guard ‘environmentalists,’ Jan. 22) still considers me an “old friend.” He’s sad that I’m one of the group of 10 old environmentalists that support the NECEC transmission line. I’m sad that he has such a narrow vision of today’s environmental […]