Author: Randy Seaver

Randy Seaver is a cranky, nearly insufferable malcontent living in Biddeford. He is a retired newspaper editor and the principal of a small strategic communications consulting firm. He may be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com

If I were King of the DNC

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

I got a lot of angry feedback about my last blog post, which suggested that Democrats and others who despise President Trump need to do a lot more than attend rallies and protests if they really want things to change.

I learned some lessons from that post, namely that I buried the lead of what I was really trying to say.

That post was also way too long, and I learned that you can’t kick readers in the nuts and then ask them to consider the larger picture.

I apologize. So, allow me to try a different tact this week.

Our problems are much greater and complicated than Donald Trump

In addition to running a small, Biddeford-focused media site, I earn a living by offering clients throughout New England political and public relations advice.

Although I have never worked professionally on a federal campaign, I do have a pretty good track record when it comes to statewide and municipal campaigns.

So instead of criticizing others, allow me to offer my own unsolicited advice to those who are really concerned about the Trump Administration.

Before we proceed, allow me to ask you a question that I ask of each new client: which is more important to you: your pride or your greed?

Think of that question this way: your “pride” is about how you do things and your ego. Your “greed” is about your objective and what you want.

There is not a right nor wrong answer to that question, but if your pride is more important than your greed you should probably save your time and stop reading here.

I cannot help you if your pride is greater than your greed.

Stop doing this!

If I were king of the DNC

Here is my unsolicited and free advice in five easy steps.

  1. Take a deep breath. Acknowledge the painful loss and allow that disappointment to be the fuel that drives you. Ask yourself and your friends some hard and difficult questions about went wrong.
  • Protests are fine, but don’t miss the bigger picture. The midterm elections will be here before we know it. Now is the time to develop crisp and clear messaging that focuses on positive messages. Simply bashing Trump on social media or during rallies is not enough. We all learned that lesson the hard way seven months ago.
  • Do some reconnaissance work. Start watching FOX News. Attend events that you would normally abhor. What are the other guys saying and doing? Go beyond your comfort level and actually listen to what the other guys are saying, no matter how badly you disagree.
  • We need more voters. The last presidential election was razor-thin. Trump won the popular vote by a margin of only 1.48 percent.  We need to peel off the moderate Republicans. Stop catering to the far-left progressives. When it matters, they will line up. Find a candidate (candidates) like Bill Clinton. Someone told me recently that Clinton was his favorite Republican president.
  • Finally – and most importantly – take the high road. Let your greed trump your pride. Stop ridiculing and name-calling conservatives. Stop making fun of them. Stay on the high road as if your life depends on it, because it does. Do your very best to respectfully engage. Don’t talk to them. Listen. Ask them questions. Find out what’s important to them. Listen. Take notes.

As Ghandi said, you do not help a man see your point of view by giving him a black eye.

I could learn a thing or two from Ghandi. How about you?

For a deeper analysis of what I think went wrong in November, check this piece.

__________________

Randy Seaver is a cranky, nearly insufferable malcontent living in Biddeford. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Trump protestors face much bigger problems than Trump

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

Earlier today — on the occasion of President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday – millions of Americans took to the streets to participate in hundreds of “No Kings” protests and events all across the country.

From where I sit, those protestors were wasting their time and accomplishing little more than barking at the moon – a theatrical circle-jerk of self-righteous indignation.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not a fan of Donald J. Trump – not by a longshot, but I have some very bad news for the Democrats and all the others who can’t stomach the thought of Trump sitting in the Oval Office:

You have much bigger and much more significant problems than Donald Trump.

This may be hard for you to hear, but Trump is not a king nor a dictator. He is the duly elected president of the United States.

And that fact should scare the bejesus out of all of us.

But no matter how shocked we are, no matter how angry or stunned we may feel about this nightmarish Administration, it is time for the Democrats to accept a very harsh – yet simple — reality. Trump won and you lost.

Instead of carrying cardboard signs and shouting at passing traffic from the side of the road, you should be working to fix what went so terribly wrong on November 5, 2024.

You should also be more concerned about a much bigger – much more frightening – threat to our democracy.

Screaming in the rain may have sort of therapeutic benefit, it may make you feel better; it may even help you believe that you are doing your civic duty – but as my therapist always reminds me: feelings are not facts.

Based upon only statistical data regarding life expectancy, Donald Trump is not going to be with us much longer. Today he turns 79. He’s not in the best of shape. The life expectancy for an American man is 77.4 years. Trump is already on borrowed time.

But when Trump finally does shuffle off his mortal coil, will things then go back to normal? Hardly. Why? Because the bigger threat will still be here.

In fact, do you really believe that things were more normal before Trump returned to the White House? Maybe, but that was only because so many of us were not really paying attention.

The boogeyman is real

During his farewell address from the White House in 1961, President Dwight D. Eisenhower – a Republican — warned us all about the potential dangers of a “Military Industrial Complex.”

Eisenhower specifically cautioned us regarding “the acquisition of unwarranted influence” by this complex within the government.

He also said this ‘complex’ could lead to the “disastrous rise of misplaced power” and potentially undermine our cherished democratic processes.

Ironically, Eisenhower’s successor was assassinated only a little more than two years later; and so was his brother a few years later during his own campaign for the presidency and so were civil rights leaders Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcom X . . . but I digress.

For the most part — despite the escalation of the Vietnam War, Watergate and the Iran Contra Affair – Americans basically let their eyes glaze over, rushing to embrace color televisions, cordless phones and so many other trinkets of distraction.

“The eagle has landed,” . . . about nine months ahead of National Guard troops slaughtering four unarmed college students who were protesting on the campus of Kent State University in Ohio.

Tin soldiers and Nixon’s coming  . . .

Any of this starting to sound familiar?

Sure, it’s easy and much more convenient to focus our rage and indignation on Donald Trump, but he’s really nothing more than a placeholder, a puppet for a well-oiled machine that has repeatedly proven its effectiveness in eroding our civil liberties.

Trump is little more than a narcissistic, not-very-bright ego maniac. The bad news? He holds the nuclear launch codes.

If nothing else, Donald Trump
is the perfect distraction
to what is really wrong in our country.

What is the real threat?

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center and so many others, hate groups are on the rise in America.

According to the Wall Street Journal (hardly a bastion of liberalism), far-right groups were sharing violent messages ahead of the “No Kings” protests this weekend.

The WSJ also reported that accounts associated with extremist groups are “also sharing detailed information about protest organizers, including names and where protestors work.”

And then? Surprise. Minnesota lawmakers are killed and attacked early Saturday morning because of their political views. Coincidence? Yeah, right?

Sadly, hate groups are nothing new in America. These days, the Klan stays mostly hidden – but not inactive.

While Democrats are growing hoarse, screaming “No Kings,” they seem somewhat reticent to admit that more American voters chose Trump than Harris.

The Democrats also failed to gain back control of the House and lost control of the Senate. Despite the current make-up of the Supreme Court, eroding civil rights, infringements on women’s reproductive rights and the general rise of corporate welfare, the left basically screwed the pooch.

Why?

Well, lots of people much smarter than me have offered their own theories about what went wrong in the last election. But here are some factors that seem painfully obvious (in retrospect).

Democrats lost a big portion of their base leading up to the election. Many people say the party basically abandoned some of its key supporters: from younger men to non-white voters and a middle-class that values labor unions.

Instead, Democrats chased a platform of identity politics and a far-left political ideology that doesn’t match current polling. Their messages were blurred and inconsistent. They simply thought the threat of Trump was enough.

They were wrong.

Despite the fact that many Americans say the Biden Administration was weak on immigration issues, Trump and his allies were able to effectively torpedo a bi-partisan bill that would strengthen and enforce immigration policies just weeks before the election.

And there were lots of other things, namely the failure of Democratic leaders to acknowledge what everyone else already knew: President Joe Biden was mentally failing. They tried to keep it a secret until it became painfully obvious to millions of television viewers in the first debate of 2024.

Jake Tapper, an award-winning journalist and the lead Washington anchor for CNN, recently co-wrote a book about the Biden cover-up: Original Sin.

In a recent episode of Bill Maher’s Real Time talk show, Tapper said the Democrats lost a lot of trust by covering for Biden.

Does any of this really matter? I don’t know. Can it be fixed? I don’t know. Maybe.

But the fact remains that the bigger threats to our democracy go way beyond Donald Trump. Despite whatever batshit thing he says or does, millions of his supporters joyously cheer him on.

That is what should keep you awake at night. If nothing else, Donald Trump is the perfect distraction to what is really wrong in our country.

Randy Seaver is a cranky, nearly insufferable malcontent living in Biddeford. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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Fear and Loathing in Biddeford

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

It’s been a crazy, hectic and somewhat emotional week.

On the work front, I was dealing with back-to-back significant news stories that took up a lot of my energy and time.

And — Laura chipped a tooth while eating a salad (Exhibit 104 of why you should avoid salads). The ensuing emergency dental visit put a nice little ding on the bank account.

We struggled with getting the camper ready for the season, and could not figure out why the battery was not charging. It’s fixed now. Also, the work week was evenly framed by two Saturdays of rain. Nice. I am already way behind on my outdoor chores.

And then there is always the plentiful criticism, the wailing and gnashing of teeth from people who are upset about me being one of the admins on the Biddeford + Saco Community Facebook page. What else is new?

But there was one thing that hit me much harder than expected this week. It was supposed to be a rather benign feature story about the closing of the JFK Memorial School in Biddeford.

My friend Liz Gothelf, publisher of Saco Bay News, was also there to cover the story, but I doubt that she experienced any of the emotional baggage that I felt walking back into that building for – presumably – the last time.

I would not be who I am today
if I didn’t shit my pants in the first-grade.

You see, I was a first and second-grade student at JFK, just before my parents bought their home in Saco.

Liz and I left the press event at the same time. On our way out, we spotted a large canvass hanging in the hallway. Apparently, it was used to take pictures of the students. The banner read: “Be Awesome Today! We Are So Proud of You.”

We simply could not just walk past that photo opportunity. We took pictures of each other under the banner before exchanging goodbyes in the parking lot.

I quickly walked back to my truck, trying to hold back the tears welling up inside of me. I didn’t want anyone to see me crying.

All I could think about in that moment was a little six-year-old boy so afraid of his surroundings and the teacher that he literally shit his pants instead of asking the teacher to use the bathroom.

It might be okay if that was an isolated incident. Accidents happen, more literally: shit happens. But this was just a symptom and sort of encapsulated how I continued living my life.

For as long as I can remember, I have always been afraid. Always.

I was afraid of the other kids. I was shy, terrified of gym classes with Mr. Stanley at Young School in Saco. I was terrified of storms, I believed my parents were intentionally trying to poison me.

This carried on into high school. I was a shy basket case. I went through the motions, almost completely disconnected from my classmates. In fact, you cannot find a photo of me in our senior yearbook.

It’s as if I was invisible, and that’s how I liked it.

The fear thing continued into my very brief stint in the Air Force and followed me to college and later as I rather aimlessly shifted about the country. In and out of psychiatric facilities in Arizona, Tennessee and Oregon.

Things didn’t really change until the late 1990s when I was hired by the Biddeford-Saco Courier. All of a sudden, I had both a purpose and a personality. A couple of years later, I met Laura.

Today, I am not afraid of public restrooms. I’m not afraid of the teachers or even the principal.

Almost 55 years later, I was telling the teachers and staffers where to stand and how to pose for the photo. People listen to me — and for reasons I do not understand – they seem to respect me.

I wish I could go back in time and tell that terrified, little boy that he doesn’t have to be afraid; that very good things are coming his way. I wish I could tell him, ““Be Awesome Today! We Are So Proud of You.”

But you know what?

I would not be who I am today if I didn’t shit my pants in the first-grade.

Randy Seaver is a cranky, nearly insufferable malcontent living in Biddeford. He may be contacted by email: randy@randyseaver.com

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An Open Letter to Rep. Marc Malon: Transparency is needed and necessary

~ Randy Seaver ~ 2 Comments

Dear Marc,

I just read your recent “Cleaning Out the Notebook” piece that you posted on Facebook.

Overall, this is a good and interesting piece; a valuable behind-the-scenes view for those of us not watching Augusta as closely as we should.

Although I sometimes disagree with your positions, I do admire your tenacity and your underpinning commitment to the people like me who live in your district. (Hence, why I’m always happy to have your campaign sign on my lawn.)

That said, your repeated swipes and criticisms of your Republican colleagues comes off as sophomoric and rather boorish. Certainly, well below your ability.

In your most recent column to the Courier aka the Portland Press Herald, you write: “The loss of access to trustworthy information has impacted our political discourse greatly. It has created a void that rewards clickbait and outrage, causing misinformation to spread on social media before anyone can even attempt to correct the record with the truth.”

State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford)

Reading your piece, it doesn’t appear that you are willing to even attempt anything even resembling a bipartisan approach, castigating those on the right side of the aisle for everything from taking too long to eat their lunch at Applebee’s to outright questioning of their cognitive skills.

This is a problem for you, especially. Why? Because you are actually employed by one particular party. You are a professional party operative, beyond your role as a lawmaker.

Your day job as job as director of party affairs for the Maine Democratic Party, puts you in an awkward position.

Maine’s Democratic Party helps pay your mortgage, your utilities and Christmas presents for your children. The Democrats are your employer. I don’t blame you for wanting to keep your boss on your good side. That’s a simple survival skill.

But you are not a pundit. You are a duly elected representative in the Maine Legislature. You voluntarily took on a much higher responsibility than some wayward guy making jokes on Facebook. This recent post of yours comes off as snobbish, condescending and a bit elitist.

I should not have to remind you that not everyone in your district is a Democrat, and you have a responsibility to be fair to them, also. You were unopposed and your district is, in fact, one of the strongest of Democrats’ strongholds across the state.

Maine’s Democratic Party helps pay
your mortgage, your utilities and
Christmas presents for your children.

As I said near the top, I don’t pay as close attention as I should. Perhaps you are making a good-faith effort at bipartisanship. It would be nice to hear an example or two from you. . . from time to time.

I get that the work is sometimes frustrating. I also get that Republicans simply dig in their heels sometimes for no other reason than they are the minority party right now.

Back in the day (mid to late 1990s) I covered Augusta for various publications. I saw plenty of times when both parties were being somewhat silly and very partisan, but I also saw a lot of compromise and good-faith efforts from both sides of the aisle.

I would find your column a bit more palatable if you tried a bit harder to at least appear a bit neutral. But hey, it’s your column so do what you want.

You are a smart and principled man. You are also a community leader. For better or worse, this latest column from you does not reflect those admirable traits of yours.

You owe me nothing. But if you’re going to complain about a “fractured system” and a “lack of serious media,” maybe you should not be dumping gasoline onto that fire.

As a professional journalist, I offer you this last bit of food for thought:  If you are going to write a newspaper column, you really should disclose your employer. It is especially relevant to your opinions and your subsequent commentary.

Best to you and your wonderful family. Enjoy the weekend.

Sincerely, R —

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Remembering ‘Vinny’

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Biddeford Mayor Marty Grohman and members of the city council set aside some time at the beginning of Tuesday’s council meeting to remember and honor one of the city’s most iconic Irish residents.

Patrick “Vincent” Keely, a former city councilor and the owner of the Wonderbar, died on April 8 this year. He was 90.

According to his obituary, Keely was born on August 20, 1934, in Galway, Ireland, to John and Delia (Walsh) Keely. He moved to Boston, Massachusetts in 1960 and later to Biddeford in the early 1970s, according to his son, Brian.

Grohman described Keely as a bridge builder and community leader who had a special talent for bringing people together to resolve their differences. “He also could pour a perfect pint of Guiness,” Grohman fondly recalled, describing the downtown Wonderbar as a popular gathering spot for people of all backgrounds.

Members of Vincent Keely’s family pose with Mayor Marty Grohman (far right) and members of the Biddeford City Council to honor a man who has left a lasting legacy of respect and cordiality (Seaver photo)

Brian Keely told the council that his father “fell in love with Biddeford,” recalling how his father moved his family to Biddeford more than 50 years ago.

“It was a big change from Boston,” the younger Keely recalled. “There was no mass transit and we all kind of wondered why we were here, but we quickly fell in love with this community, too. My father made us see what Biddeford could become.”

My father made us see what Biddeford
could become.”

— Brian Keely

Brian Keely told the council that his father knew everyone who came into the Wonderbar by name, and everyone — regardless of their political differences — was treated the same by the smiling man behind the bar.

“We could all learn a lot from my father,” Brian told the council. “About being kind to one another, about treating everyone with respect.”

Brian told the council that his father always envisioned Biddeford as a “gem in the rough.” He would be proud of what the city has become today, the younger Keely said.

Keely was also known for doggedly ensuring the annual raising of the Irish flag at City Hall to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day each year.

Patrick Vincent Keely

Grohman asked the council and members of the public to stand for a moment of silence to honor Keely’s legacy of community service in Biddeford.

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Merchant is a dumbass; Grohman is not a “Nazi”

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Despite what one downtown merchant in Biddeford is saying on Facebook, Mayor Marty Grohman – despite his pale skin tone, blonde hair and blue eyes – is not a member of the Aryan Nation.

I’ll be kind and not call the merchant out by name — but calling the mayor a “Nazi” for something he didn’t actually do is quite a leap and a profoundly stupid move, especially when it’s posted on your business Facebook page.

I’m not suggesting that Grohman is above reproach or criticism. In fact, the most dangerous place in Biddeford is getting between Grohman and a camera. He does love posting selfies, showing us all how connected he is to the city. He is also somewhat overly genial in how he runs city meetings, but to call him or anyone else a “Nazi” is simply despicable.

So, what incurred this merchant’s wrath and their subsequent public vitriol?

Two days ago, the Saco Bay News site posted an update about this year’s Memorial Day celebration, pointing out that the traditional parade had been cancelled.

That was near the top of the story.

Apparently, a lot of people stopped reading the story beyond its second sentence and they jumped on Facebook to accuse Grohman and other municipal officials for “a slap in the face to our local veterans.”

Here, hold my beer.

One, the annual celebration is a two-community event. Where was the outrage for my step-sister, Saco Mayor Jodi McPhail?  Are we absolutely sure that she’s not a Nazi? I’ve known her since she was 12, but you can never be too trusting,

Some people just love to be outraged and can’t wait to share their righteous indignation all over Facebook. The technical term for this behavior is “dumbass-it is.”

If you had taken the time to read the story – beyond the headline – you would see that this year’s Memorial Day celebration will be bigger and better than ever before.

Or, as Saco Rep. Marshall Archer says, “it will be like a parade without all the walking.”

Archer knows a thing or two about local veterans. He served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and did two tours in Iraq. He is today the Post Commander for the Amvets in Saco.

Marshall Alexander, Commander, Saco AMVETS post (Contributed photo

Archer is also a former city councilor and today serves as a member of Maine’s Legislature. He said he was saddened by many of the comments he saw on Facebook.

“This was not a last-minute decision,” Archer explained. “A lot of people worked very hard over the last several weeks to organize the event.”

Archer says that closing Main Street in both Saco and Biddeford for a parade was not a viable option this year, considering the ongoing, state-mandated repair project.

“It’s just a different approach,” Archer explained. “We will close down the bridge for five minutes to do the annual wreath laying on the Saco River.”

Archer said this year’s event is a coordinated effort between several different organizations and dozens of volunteers.

I don’t suspect that the outraged businessowner was one of those volunteers.

This year’s celebration will also include musical performances by marching bands from schools in Biddeford and Saco. More details can be found by clicking this link:

“I felt compelled to respond to the rumors and criticism,” Archer explained. “There is no need to feed off the negative. My fallen brothers and sisters will be well-honored this year, and I’m proud to be part of that.”

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Maine’s 2026 midterms pose a dilemma for both Republicans and Democrats

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Okay, so now it’s official. Former Gov. Paul LePage (Maine’s own version of Donald Trump) has finally announced that he will seek the CD2 seat, now occupied by Democrat Jared Golden who won his last election in 2024 with a razor-thin majority.

Will Golden try to hold his seat, or maybe buy a couple new flannel shirts and spread his wings to run for governor; or maybe run against the constantly shifting Republican Susan Collins in the upcoming senate race?

Former Governor Paul LePage

Golden — sticking to his principles and ideals — has caused a lot of unease from many of his fellow Democrats because of his failure to always toe the party line.

While CD2 does lean much more right than CD1, Republicans are not guaranteed a victory in the mid-terms and Democrats cannot afford to lose a single Congressional race in their attempts to push back against Trump.

Rep Jared Golden, not afraid to stir things up

What am I saying? LePage is closely identified with Trump, a man whose current poll numbers are not even close to strong. Will this help or hurt LePage in his 2026 bid?

Next: What about current Gov. Janet Mills (D)? She is facing term limits. Does she quietly retire and take up teaching crochet lessons in Farmington or does she eye U.S. Senator Susan Collins’ seat?

Mills has been somewhat vague in saying what her next steps will be.

Speaking of Susan Collins, far right Republicans are none too pleased with the current chair of the Appropriations Committee because she has bucked Trump a few times in recent weeks. How many Democrats will hold their nose and vote for her simply because she is a bankable centrist? But is she actually a moderate Republican? She’ll have to be if she wants to win her sixth consecutive senate race.

Senator Susan Collins

Will the Republicans put up a serious primary challenge to the Queen of Caribou? Only if they are insane. Even the strongest MAGA voter knows — deep down — that Collins has consistently rolled over challengers since 1995.

Back to the governor’s race, please tell me that Democrats have higher hopes than Troy Jackson and someone older and more experienced than Shenna Bellows to run for governor. Statewide, both of them would likely be considered as “too left.”

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows

And what of the Democrats bench to take on Collins? According to Newsweek, Jordan Wood and Natasha Alcala—have already announced their intention to run against Collins. Who? My dog has better name recognition, and Sasha is a good girl.

Let’s keep watching. Someone please make another batch of popcorn.

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Blinded By the Light: A public-school teacher goes off the rails

~ Randy Seaver ~ 1 Comment

As first reported this morning by the Maine Wire – a politically conservative media outlet — a Waterville public teacher is now facing scrutiny and widespread backlash after making a post on social media that calls for people to physically harm President Donald Trump and his supporters.

Notice how I chose my words carefully. Using the words “ki**” or “assasi**te” in connection to the President of the United States can land you in serious hot water.

I know this lesson better than most everyone else who is commenting on this now viral story that has been picked up by mainstream media outlets across the country.

According to reporter Seamus Othot, Waterville High School teacher JoAnna St. Germain publicly urged the U.S. Secret Service to intentionally harm the president.

“The Secret Service has the perfect opportunity, if they choose to step up and take it. You are the ones with power. Coordinate. Take out every single person who supports Trump’s illegal, immoral, unconstitutional acts. Look at the sycophants and give them what they’re asking for,” St. Germain wrote on her Facebook post.

As expected, the vast majority of commenters criticized the teacher, calling into question her mental health and her motives for such a fiery post.

A screenshot of St.Germain’s Facebook comment posted by the Maine Wire

No matter where you land on the political spectrum, you gotta feel sorry for both the school superintendent and principal. Their offices were reportedly flooded with calls from angry and worried parents.

“If I had the skill set required, I would take them out myself,” St. Germain also wrote on her social media post.

According to the Bangor Daily News, the U.S. Secret Service is aware of St. Germain’s post.

A big no-no

There is no doubt that Trump has created controversy and deep resentment because of his controversial policies, inflammatory statements and his confrontational personality, but that doesn’t give anyone the right to encourage a physical attack on him.

Public school teachers like St. Germain are entrusted by taxpayers to use good judgment.

It remains to be seen if St. Germain will face any repercussions from the school department for her inflammatory, thoughtless and emotionally charged public statements.

So, why do I claim to know so much about this story?

For that, we need to get into the “Way Back Time Machine” and set the dial to 1984.

Ronald Reagan had just been reelected for a second term as president of the United States. I was 20 years old, working as a third-shift janitor at McDonald’s. I was an avowed liberal and blamed Reagan and his “trickle-down” economic policies for all of my troubles.

I was actively involved with a group named PAUSICA (Portlanders Against U.S. Involvement in Central America). I was reading books by Angela Davis, the vice -presidential candidate for the Communists USA party. In my spare time, I participated in nightly vigils with other malcontents in Monument Square, protesting a ramp up of nuclear weapons.

For Christ’s sake, I was pretty much
a reincarnated version of Lee Harvey Oswald.

One night, while feeling particularly frustrated about Reagan, I made a remark saying someone “should do something about him” and if no one else was willing to, I would take on the task myself. As you can probably imagine, those were not my exact words.

A co-worker apparently called the Portland Police Department to report my comments about the president.

Before we proceed, let’s also remember that I had just been discharged from my third, involuntary psychiatric hospitalization. I was estranged from my family. I had no girlfriend or close friends.

I was a low-wage underachiever. In high school, I had pinned all my hopes to a career in the U.S. Air Force. But that did not go the way I intended. Although I received an honorable discharge, I considered myself a failure; now 20 years old with no future.

As you can imagine, the life I was living set off a lot of red flags for the U.S. Secret Service. For Christ’s sake, I was pretty much a reincarnated version of Lee Harvey Oswald.

The Secret Service asked to meet me at the Federal Building on Forest Avenue. They conducted a rigorous interview, took handwriting samples and a fresh set of finger-prints.

They let me go, but with a stern warning. Do it again, and you’ll find yourself in jail, they told me. I was pretty much scared straight, though I lost my job as a janitor at McDonald’s.

My view of Ms. St. Germain’s public rant?

She needs help. Pronto. I understand that Trump can make people very angry, but you simply can’t call for someone to help him shuffle off his mortal coil, especially if you hold a position of public trust.

We deserve better.

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GLORY DAYS, oh they will pass you by

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Yesterday was “Career Day” at the Biddeford Intermediate School, an annual event that gives third, fourth and fifth-graders an opportunity to explore various career fields.

I was asked to be one of the many presenters, but I knew that I was in trouble as soon as I walked through the front-door, clutching a stack of old newspapers, a reporter’s notebook and two pens (always two).

The other presenters were so much cooler and interesting. The police K-9 officer and her dog showed up, a firefighter arrived wearing his helmet with a large oxygen tank on his back. There was a nurse with a stethoscope draped around her neck.

For Pete’s sake, Graig Morin of Brown Dog Trucking even brought one of his 18-wheeler trucks for the kids to explore.

Admittedly, I was a bit nervous as I waited for my first of three-groups of students to arrive in my designated classroom. It’s been a while since I have been grilled by a group of nine and ten-year-olds.

If you’re not careful, they can really get into your psyche and throw off your whole game. For example, during one of the Q & A sessions, one young lady asked me if I was afraid of heights. I quickly admitted that I am terrified of heights.

“What about snakes?” was her follow-up question. “Yes,” I responded, I am also very afraid of snakes.”

A quarter century? Really?

On the night before the event, I ventured into my basement and hauled out an old-cargo chest that holds scores of old copies of the weekly Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier. I was in a rush, so I just reached in and grabbed five copies, paying no particular attention to the dates or the stories.

I have worked for several newspapers, but most people ‘round here equate me to my fun-filled days as the Courier’s editor (1997-2006) and my infamous weekly column, All Along the Watchtower.

As I was waiting for the kids to arrive, I started flipping through the old papers. Yes, I know that all past issues of the Courier are available on microfiche at the McArthur Library, but this seemed like a more practical way to make my presentation.

As luck would have it, the papers I grabbed were all from April of 2000, exactly 25 years ago. It seems like yesterday, but it was a quarter-century ago. A quarter century.

Just a few weeks ago, the Courier’s new owners (the Portland Press Herald’s parent company) abruptly announced that they will no longer offer print versions of the paper that had been delivered to every household in the Biddeford-Saco area since 1989.

When I heard that news, I didn’t realize how deeply that weekly paper was connected to the community. A wave of nostalgia washed over me as I flipped through the pages of yesteryear.

Time may change me. But I can’t trace time.

The kids were eager to pore through old copies of the Courier. Sure, I still write news and opinion, but I can’t imagine 25 years from now that a bunch of kids would be so excited about reviewing a web site.

It was interesting to see what caught their eyes and their imagination. Each of the newspapers had a full back-page ad from Marc Motors. Apparently, in April of 2000, you could buy a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire for $10,995 or a weekly payment of $38. Or you could get a 1997 Ford F-150 for $17,995 (or $65 per week).

In April 2025, we ran a contest: Find the Mistakes in the Courier. The person who found the most verifiable mistakes each week got a free lunch at the Wonderbar. We were all glad when that contest ended.

A lot of the names have changed, but the news back then was not much different than it is today.  Ironically, one of the headlines told readers that Biddeford voters may soon be asked to approve construction of a new school to address overcrowding. That school? Yup, the Biddeford Intermediate School, where I was sitting yesterday morning.

The Old Orchard Beach School budget was up $500,000. There was an explosion of a propane tank at the former Maine Energy trash incinerator in downtown Biddeford. Another story explained how Biddeford’s tax rate would increase $1.50 if MERC left town. The top five taxpayers then were MERC, IBC (Nissen Bakeries), Central Maine Power, Walmart and D.K. Associates Limited.

Saco residents were faced with a possible pay-per-bag trash disposal fee, a downtown landlord in Biddeford found himself in hot water with the city’s code enforcement office.

On and on. Into infinity and beyond.

I asked the kids if any of them remember the Yellow Pages. They were stumped; their brows furrowed with intrigue. It’s quite likely that someday the same fate will finally overcome print newspapers.

I don’t look forward to that day.

Originally published in the Biddeford Gazette

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Games Without Frontiers

~ Randy Seaver ~ Leave a comment

Last night, I watched President Trump’s address to Congress.

For those of you complaining about the boorish behavior of some Democrats:

1.) You are right. Several members of Congress acted like six-year-olds in a playground.

2.) You have very short memories. Do you not remember Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene screaming at Biden; or when Rep. Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina) shouted “You lie!” during one of President Obama’s State of the Union addresses?

3.) Look up the word hypocrisy. There is no way for you to claim the moral high ground when it comes to foolish behavior during presidential addresses.

I support the idea of greater government efficiency. I support plans to lower tax burdens on working Americans, but Trump’s credibility is overshadowed when he slips into unchecked egomania.

(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Last night, the President of the United States claimed to have one of the biggest “landslides” ever when it came to both the popular and Electoral College totals. That’s just fantasy. In November, Trump won the popular vote by a margin of 1.48 percent.

Hardly historic, in fact, not even close. Check out some other totals: Teddy Roosevelt (18.8 percent) Calvin Coolidge (25.2 percent) FDR (24.6 percent in 1936) LBJ (22.5 percent) Nixon 23.15 percent in 1972. Heck, even Jimmy Carter beat Trump with 2.06 percent.

In fact, Trump had one of the lowest percentages of winning popular votes in history.

Trump’s tendency to inflate or distort his accomplishments is to be expected. All narcissists act that way. But here was the deal breaker for me:

When the President of the United States taunts and makes fun of a U.S. Senator as “Pocahontas.” and Vice President J.D. Vance breaks out in laughter. Decorum? Are you serious? I know fourth graders who exhibit greater maturity.

Mr. President, the United States deserves a leader who is not so insecure that he feels the need to denigrate anyone who has the temerity to disagree with his point of view.

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