The Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee is debating several bills. Among them is LD 618, “An Act to Eliminate Critical Race Theory, Social and Emotional Learning and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from School Curricula.” It is quite a perplexing bill. First, Critical Race Theory is a deeply complex and nuanced theorem taught at the […]
Lakes Region Weekly opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: It’s time to erase mental illness stigma in immigrant communities
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s time to raise awareness in the immigrant community about the importance of mental health and end the stigma surrounding both mental illness and seeking professional help for it. As a Somali immigrant in Maine, I understand the challenges of navigating mental health in a new community. In […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Letter: Embrace neoclassical economics’ gift to us all
John Facella’s inspirational column, “Patriotism not limited to one party, so stop throwing stones,” May 1, led me to read the recommended conservative icon Thomas Sowell, who asked, “What do you call it when someone steals someone else’s money secretly? Theft. What do you call it when someone takes someone else’s money openly by force? […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Letter: End flavored tobacco sales, support our youth
The health and well-being of our youth, and therefore the future of our state, is currently being debated in the Maine State House, but I’m not sure what there is to debate. LD 1215, “An Act to End the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products,” will help reduce youth tobacco use and addiction, and promote healthier […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Letter: Republicans loyal to Trump, not Constitution
I read John Facella’s Forum column, “Patriotism is not limited to one party, so stop throwing stones,” published May 1. I, too, am not loyal to any political party. I am loyal to values that I hold dear, such as honesty, integrity, freedom, fairness, kindness, peace, democracy, the even-handed application of the rule of law, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Coastal Journal, Lakes Region Weekly, Northern Forecaster, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster, The Forecaster
Letter: Proposed bills have reckless disregard for students’ safety
As a mother, grandmother, church member, physician and citizen of Maine, I am deeply concerned regarding several legislative bills under consideration in Maine this spring. These bills are reckless and careless in their effect on the health and welfare of children in our schools. LD 52 proposes to impose on school boards the responsibility to […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: Men of yore loved high heels – for themselves
In my ordinary, day-to-day life I tend to venture out into the world wearing sensible, comfortable, “up for an adventure” footwear. Jodhpur boots and tennis shoes are my go-to look. However, into each life some special occasions must fall. When the call for “Sunday best” goes out, I will step up and into some heels […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Forum: Patriotism not limited to one party, so stop throwing stones
I am writing in response to the Forum titled “Patriotism is not loyalty to one person” by Susan Chichetto, printed in these newspapers the week of April 23. Indeed. Perhaps one could also add “nor to one party.” That article is a classic example of projection, or placing your own negative traits or unwanted emotions […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Mainewhile: A reminder that Nazis are still the bad guys
I really want to talk about the recent neo-Nazi march and rally that happened in Portland. The thing is, I don’t get it. I don’t get how it is that we must once again say, out loud, that Nazis are the bad guys. If you don’t have the time to do the deep dive into […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Through My Lens: Signs of spring are a privilege to be valued and preserved
Spring is a time of beauty, renewal and reflection. As a resident of Maine, I am fortunate to witness the signs of spring all around me – the return of birds, the growth of plants and the trees bursting with new leaves. For many of us, this season is a much-needed respite from the cold […]