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 […]
Here’s Something
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 […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Put your freedom to good use – stay home
Why do we have such a hard time sitting still? I have family members, unable to stay inside another minute, who are going on unnecessary trips. They’re visiting public places such as the mall, post office, grocery store and even an accountant’s office when they don’t really need to. I’m guilty of the same unnecessary […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Here’s Something: Earth is not our friend, and other viral lessons
If there’s one good thing to come from our confrontation with the new coronavirus it’s that we’re going to learn a lot about science, ourselves and society. Some forced to work from home and take care of their kids 24-7 will probably go nuts from the isolation. Some accustomed to staying in and crosswording and […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Letter: Balentine stumbles again with Sanders put-down
To be kind, John Balentne’s put-down of Bernie Sanders (“Who wants to be a millionaire under Sanders?,” Feb. 26) reflects neither disingenuousness, stupidity nor historical ignorance. He merely ignores the “democratic” in “democratic socialist,” which allows making Bernie a communist. Any cosmopolitan experience, such as millions of American travelers and servicemen have of Europe annually, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Windham councilor no dope for opposing pot
The Windham town councilor who resigned last week while the board was debating an ordinance governing retail marijuana stores was right to quit in protest. Some have argued that Rebecca Cummings should have stayed on the board, and in the proverbial political fight, rather than resigning, but I applaud her act. It brought widespread attention […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Letter: Balentine favors regulation only if it suits him personally
After the regular criticisms against most if not all regulation in his weekly column “Here’s Something,” Balentine has just admitted that he favors at least one regulation: against drones. (“Drone surveillance law needed in Maine,” Feb. 5) Did Balentine misspeak? Did the underworld just freeze over? Or did he just admit that he supports regulation […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: For freedom’s sake, repeal vaccine law
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 […]
Posted inForecaster Opinion
Here’s Something: Rush to judgment reveals society’s sad state
The 1980s was a triumphant decade for America. It was the height of hope and optimism. Ronald Reagan brought pride to all except the most partisan. We won the Cold War and defeated communism. Media and politics were professional and cordial. Never could we have foreseen what America would become just a generation later. In […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Journalists should follow Lehrer’s ‘Nine Rules’
If there’s one thing liberals and conservatives can agree on, it’s the need for unbiased, independent and fact-based journalism. We may feel more comfortable consuming news, analysis and opinion that fits our political worldview, but that’s not what we need. To know the truth, we require both sides of the story. Unfortunately, as we all […]