“Love Me or Leave Me.” The title of that old hit movie could be attached to that old hit government program – Social Security. Most Democrats, who invented it, love it. Some Republicans, conflicted about it, would leave it and replace it with individual investing. Both understand that, well past the usual retirement age, it […]
opinion
People Plus: Caring for a community takes a village
Editor’s note: This column was written in January 2023 Last week, I pulled into the driveway of a complete stranger’s house, got out of my van and pulled out a big, black trash bag full of wrapped presents for the child that lived at the house. The bag was simply labeled “female/age nine.” As I […]
Just a Little Old: Kudos to MaineHealth Cancer Care
I didn’t really know what to expect when I entered the infusion center for my first chemotherapy treatment in September. In fairness, I had had some experience with cancer treatments, as my wife Tina underwent chemo and radiation when she had breast cancer in 1997. And my younger brother Tony got more than his share […]
Giving Voice: Removing barriers to food
Engaging in food security work means operating within a complex system which goes far beyond procuring food and distributing to our neighbors in need. As our Midcoast community continues to expand and diversify, it’s apparent to us at Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program that our fight to end hunger cannot exist as a one-size-fits-all approach. […]
Commentary: Put parents back where they belong – the center of their children’s education
Some are trying to shift the space occupied by Maine mothers and fathers, but a great deal of work is being done to reverse this trend.
Our View: Maddie Ripley’s win a victory for all those who paved the way
Ripley, the first girl to win a wrestling state title in Maine, shares her victory with Lisa Nowak and others who fought to overcome sexism.
Maine Voices: What would Jesus do now? It’s actually a radical question.
Recent Super Bowl ads suggested that Jesus is just like us, but what strikes me is how willing he was to upend easy pieties.
The Conversation: Biden’s border crackdown explained – a refugee law expert looks at the legality and impact of new asylum rule
THE CONVERSATION — Anticipating a potential surge of migrants at the southern border, the Biden administration on Feb. 21, 2023, announced a crackdown on those seeking asylum after unlawfully entering the U.S. The proposed rule change – which would see the rapid deportation of anyone who had not first applied for asylum en route to the […]
Tom Purcell: Rooting for Sen. Fetterman
The day started at 7 a.m. with a breakfast meeting and ended after 11 p.m. — and I was exhausted. It was 1996. I had spent 16 straight hours with Pennsylvania’s freshman Sen. Rick Santorum to report on “A day in the life of a senator.” I realized that same crazy day that I never […]
The Maine Idea: A truce in the license plate wars
After 24 years, it looks like Maine will finally get a new license plate, with the “chickadee plate” will retired, beginning in 2025. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows presented the plan for almost two hours before the Legislature’s Transportation Committee last week, and it was a skillful performance. Bellows had satisfactory answers to almost all […]