Welcome to another edition of Boos and Bravos, the occasional, quick-hit, catchall column of “Here’s Something,” where we heap praise or criticism on a range of current topics. BRAVO to Sen. Susan Collins on her 8,000th roll-call vote in the U.S. Senate, where she has served since January 1997. The Republican has honored Maine with […]
Here’s Something
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Reader questions Balentine’s value as a writer
“Aren’t you John Balentine, Tucker Carlson’s favorite actor? (‘John Balentine parrots Tucker Carlson’s positions,’ Sept. 3.) I saw you in Carlson’s play several weeks ago.” “Yeah, that’s me.” “Hi, I’m Eleanor. Because you’re an actor and play so many different roles, I’ve often wondered what kind of costume an actor would wear on Halloween? They […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: CMP corridor question poses a conundrum
Mainers have a tough choice Tuesday, Nov. 2, in the form of Question 1. Do voters allow Central Maine Power to erect a high-wattage electrical transmission line through 53 miles of Maine forest from The Forks to the Canadian border to tap into Hydro-Quebec’s network of hydropower electric dams? This referendum, more than any in […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Balentine wrong about causes of unemployment
Mr. Balentine’s latest rant about unemployment was premature and has missed the mark (“This country needs a miracle,” Oct. 6). According to a poll just released by CNBC, the top three reasons for workers quitting their job were: 1. Demanding greater flexibility at work due to pandemic-related reasons, 2. Desiring a raise to meet rising […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Reader offers solutions to Balentine’s posed problems
“Are you waiting in line?” “Yes, didn’t I see you before? We had discussed mask-wearing. (‘An overabundance of caution is our undoing,’ Aug. 13.) I’m Martha, the mask-wearer!” “I remember our heated conversation. I’m still NOT wearing a mask!” “As I said, ‘the virus isn’t done with you.’ Aren’t you Mr. Balentine from The Forecaster?” […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: This country needs a miracle
The roadside sign in front of a Raymond church last week, replete with poetic double meaning, aptly described not only the spiritual condition of the nation right now but also the dire employment situation. Quoting Luke, the Lake Region Baptist Church on Route 302 sign read: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Reader cites history, puts Afghanistan in perspective
Telephone rings and John Balentine answers: “Hello.” “It’s Tucker Carlson. I read your column. Can’t believe your depiction of Biden … ‘Our president proved what conservatives had been saying about him … He is a fool, certainly not to be trusted with major decisions’ (‘Remember the Maine ties to Sept. 11,’ Sept. 10). It’s too […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Hidden truth in Balentine column
I usually disagree with broad generalizations used by writers like John Balentine to bolster often-weak arguments. However, given the voting patterns in the 2020 election, there may be some truth to his most recent slap at old people, whom he called “old fools.” The “wise young people” voted for Biden in much larger numbers, while […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
Letter: Many more essential workers need our thanks
Thanks to Mr. Balentine for his recent Labor Day piece honoring all the hard-working people that labor to make sure we have warm houses, food to eat and warm clothes, etc. (“Labor Day reminds us all workers are essential,” Aug. 26). I presume due to lack of space he forgot an important group of laborers. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Remember the Maine ties to Sept. 11
They say as people get older, they get wiser. I don’t think so. There are many wise young people and too many old fools. I also don’t see politicians getting wiser as they age. They callous over. They spin lies. They believe their own fairy-tale views of the world. Proof of that is last month’s […]