Getting to yes
Sometimes, when I’m talking to my son, I become aware of my own voice and the words coming out of my mouth. I don’t always like the sound. It’s bitter to the ear. Too often, the sound I hear when … Continue reading
A columnist’s conundrum
As some of you might know, I’ve been volunteering for U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud’s campaign for governor. He formally announced he is running last week. Come Sept. 1, I’ll be officially joining the campaign as a senior adviser. The new … Continue reading
Going to college – again
This year will be my 20th college reunion. I almost didn’t go – to college, that is — in the first place. I can’t imagine how my life might have been different. I suspect it would have changed everything. In high … Continue reading
Save the surplus party balloons for now
Given the choice of a deficit or a surplus, it’s much better for the state to finish the fiscal year with a surplus. But we shouldn’t blow up the party balloons or start spending the cash too fast. The state … Continue reading
Unnecessary fight drags soldiers into controversy
In fewer than 70 words, a legislative molehill has turned into a political tempest. That’s what has happened with LD 1503, “An Act to Ensure Student Access to Postsecondary Military Options.” The little bill, which would have little practical impact … Continue reading
Cities like Portland offer chance to move in and move up
Earlier this week, the Portland City Council passed a new ordinance that forbids loitering in the medians of the city’s streets. The new restriction, while impacting anyone and any activity, was put into place specifically to target panhandling. Portland has … Continue reading
The cost of low wages is paid over and over
If a person works eight hours a day, five days a week, 52 weeks a year, he or she should earn enough money to afford the basics. Today, in Maine and most of the United States, it’s not even close. … Continue reading
A victory for millions and a new hope for millions more
When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the absurdly named Defense of Marriage Act last week, the lives of thousands of families in Maine instantly got better. Throughout New England, in New York, Maryland, Minnesota, Iowa, D.C., Delaware, Washington and, … Continue reading
Caricature and the GOP theater of the absurd
Caricature makes compromise impossible. Last week, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal wrote an OpEd that appeared in the Washington publication Politico that, in his mind, describes Democrats. “Because the left wants: The government to explode; to pay everyone; to hire everyone; … Continue reading
Media blackout likely to backfire for LePage
I’ve been mad at reporters before. I’m mad at a couple right now. I’ve been mad at one or two for several years. But you can’t just stop talking to them, not if you live and work in the public … Continue reading
