The State of the Union message presented an opportunity for the President to adjust to the political realities of last November’s election. With divided government, compromise is needed by both political parties to achieve the best interests of our country, rather than voting along straight party lines. “Let us be clear,” as the President usually […]

A drainage plan devised by the City of Biddeford was approved by the state last week. The strategy of ripping up pavement, regrading and planting is an interesting solution ”“ it’s rare to see development undone. In this case, the bulldozer work is planned at Biddeford Municipal Airport. Since there are some who would like […]

The Environmental Protection Agency last week cleared the way for gasoline to be blended with up to 15 percent ethanol ”“ a formulation that will make certain engines sputter and stall. It’s a decision that has raised opposition across the political spectrum. Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, and Sen. James Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, have raised concern about […]

The wind was just starting to come up, setting the trees to swaying, cracking and popping like arthritic old limbs when I took a short walk down the dirt road yesterday. A few of last year’s oak leaves still on a branch rustled, and the top boughs of the giant pine sighed as the wind […]

Temperatures are inching up after dipping below zero ”“ a typical low point for January. When accompanied by brisk winds, a cold day in midwinter can easily bring wind-chill values of minus-20 degrees in Southern Maine. Difficult weather like this usually isn’t a problem for those who are healthy, sensible and well-prepared. The danger is […]

Thumbs up to the Biddeford School Committee and City Council for setting aside a time last week to hear from those who are concerned about air quality at Biddeford High School. The industrial hygienist hired by BHS students has suggested the same measures that are already planned. We hope the situation will cool down as […]

More than a decade ago, the United States was on a path toward establishing new relationships with the people of Cuba. U.S. students went there to study, religious groups sent missions, and in two exhibition games, the Baltimore Orioles struggled to contain the hard-hitting Cuban national baseball team. Normalization was severely set back during the […]

House Republicans made a dramatic gesture this week, condemning “Obamacare” and voting emphatically to repeal the nation’s new health care law. It was a carnival for those who want no part of reform. House Republicans rose to decry the health care law as job-killing socialism and “cheese in a rat trap.” The excitable Joe Wilson […]

After winning a hard-fought campaign to become chairman of the Republican National Committee, Reince Priebus said his top priority will be to unify the factions of the party. “We have to get on track,” he said Saturday. “And together we can defeat Barack Obama in 2012.” We don’t endorse that partisan goal, but it’s probably […]

A plan to encourage schools to serve healthier meals emerged last week from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is the first step in a comprehensive effort to improve childhood nutrition. The USDA is seeking public comment on new standards for school lunches and breakfasts. The goal is to provide more fruits, vegetables, whole grains […]