We need to keep Councilors Bob Muir, Donna Chapman and, yes, Jarrod Maxfield. Yep, that’s what I said and wholeheartedly mean. Councilman Robert Muir, much like Chairman Clayton Haskell, says very little; they speak only when they have something to say and when it needs to be said, and contrary to the response from some […]
Lakes Region Weekly opinion
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
The Universal Notebook: Never Trump
During the five-month illness (pancreatitis) that kept me in the hospital all summer, a couple of my close friends wondered aloud whether my constant outrage at the lying and cheating of Donald Trump and my penchant for arguing with individuals who support that awful man had anything to do with making me sick. I guessed […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Presidential profanity is just plain B.S.
Shame on President Trump for his use of profanity while speaking at a recent rally in Louisiana being broadcast on live TV. I was enjoying the president’s speech right up to the point when he unleashed the full and uncut version of “B.S.” to describe the Democrats’ impeachment inquiry. And then I turned it off, […]
Posted inLakes Region Weekly
Letter: Vote for Muir, Chapman to maintain diversity of voices on Windham council
This letter is written in support of Robert Muir and Donna Chapman, who are running for Town Council. Diversity of needs due to age, financial resources and health, as well as diversity of occupations, interests, desires, opinions, etc., are necessary for a thriving community. When comments are made that the Town Council should have unity, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
The Universal Notebook: Defending the newsroom
While I was in the hospital these last few months my dog died and my editor left over a disagreement with the publisher. Rudy was a sweet, gentle soul (about whom more in another column), but he outlived his prognosis by two years, so his death was not unexpected. Editor Mo Mehlsak’s departure, after 15 […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Gimme a political break
I just got back from a weeklong vacation. And, I’m happy to say, I feel much better. The monotony of daily life – eating the same food, working the same job, seeing the same scenery and basically doing the same things day after day – gets old. Taking a break from it all was refreshing. […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly, The Forecaster
Here’s Something: A.T.+20: Lessons from the Trail
Twenty years ago this week I finished hiking the Appalachian Trail. It’s been my proudest accomplishment, and I think about it all the time. People who read this column on a regular basis have likely picked up on a few of my recurring themes – perseverance and hard work. The lessons I learned on the […]
Posted inLakes Region Weekly
Letter: Who in right mind would want to be Windham town manager?
No one is winning at the game of hiring a new town manager for Windham. Three times at bat and three times a strikeout. See a pattern here? Maybe the Town Council should try another approach? We certainly wouldn’t want anyone to think we’re insane here in Windham. I’m unaware of what process the council […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Forecaster Opinion, Lakes Region Weekly
Politics & Other Mistakes: Sweet illusions
Betsy Sweet has spent her career as a lobbyist, so she’s used to advancing unrealistic ideas. In the Sweet universe, it doesn’t necessarily have to make sense. It just has to be warm and fuzzy. Speaking of fuzzy, before she ran for governor in 2018, Sweet had a side gig offering customers contact with their […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Lakes Region Weekly
Here’s Something: Climate strikers fail to appreciate gains, elders
Watching news coverage of the recent Climate Strike, held Sept. 20 in various locations around the world in the United States, including here in Maine, made me wish kids knew their history. Here were millions of youth taking to the streets to protest what they perceive as the injustices foisted upon the planet by their […]