There really is an obvious answer to the homeless issue. Municipalities should establish community campgrounds that are open to all. Anyone could lie there or pitch a tent overnight, for as long as they want, for free. Toilets would be necessary, with a water supply. Some opaque fencing would offer containment to the grounds and […]

On Jan. 11, South Africa presented its 84-page charge of genocide – perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinians of Gaza – to the United Nations’ International Court of Justice. I don’t need that much paper: 23,000 Palestinians have been murdered; 10,000 of these have been children. Scott Hammond Portland Correction (Jan. 21, 2024): A previous […]

Last November, 86% of Maine voters approved an initiative to prohibit foreign government spending in state elections. In a swift punch to the nose of us voters, however, four federal lawsuits have since been filed against the new law by Central Maine Power, Versant and others. They allege that foreign-government controlled entities have a First […]

Rick Gowell’s opinion piece, “Small rural businesses threatened by consumer protection bill” (Jan. 10), grossly misrepresents an important bill before the Legislature that would protect Maine’s small businesses from abuse by large corporations that dominate markets. Unfairly monopolizing industries is already illegal under federal and Maine law. But monopolization can be exceedingly hard to prove, […]

Three cheers for artist Lauren Fensterstock and the case she makes for not allowing the former Children’s Museum at 142 Free St. to impede development of the Portland Museum of Art’s proposed new campus at Congress Square (“To move forward, Portland must loosen its grasp on history,” Jan 10). Fensterstock argues that the many benefits […]

Harborview Park was not only a proud example of reclaimed public open space, it was a cooperative agreement to share land reserved for recreation between Maine and Portland. At the turn of the century, Portland leaders and state officials worked together to design, fund and create Harborview Park. This unique 2.4-acre park masterfully integrated a […]

As a retired education professor who taught family and community courses to undergraduate education students, I am pleased to see an increase in funding and programs in New England states that foster home and school relationships. As a professional storyteller, I know that such relationships begin with story-seeking and story-sharing. Every child in a classroom […]