Originally published Sept. 8, 2012 Over the last few days, I have learned some valuable lessons. First and foremost, I was reminded this week that I am extraordinarily blessed to have a diverse cadre of superior friends and family members. I also learned a valuable lesson about ladders, not to mention a very painful experience … Continue reading Shit happens
Radio Free Europe
There's one aspect of this year's Maine gubernatorial race that has received little attention: where will dispassionate Republicans land on Election Day? Four years ago, in what was largely a three-way race, Republican Paul LePage became Maine's governor by securing approximately 38 percent of the vote. Since then, much has been said about plurality, the … Continue reading Radio Free Europe
Lido Shuffle
The experiment is over, and it was a bittersweet experience letting it go. As it is with so many things in life, it occurs to me that my endeavor to create a diverse group to debate differing political ideas with civility was both a phenomenal success and an utter failure. We called this group "Thinking Politics" … Continue reading Lido Shuffle
Does anyone really care?
For those of you who are excited that the Lincoln Mill Clock Tower has been "saved," it's a bit early to put on your party hats and break out the champagne. Sure, the clock tower was moved from the ground where it sat rotting for seven years, but it's hardly saved. It will likely … Continue reading Does anyone really care?
Who do you love?
I was saddened this morning to read that the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram will end their longstanding tradition of offering endorsements of political candidates and races. Although this decision will likely be a popular one among the newspaper's readers, I think it is a terrible mistake. In today's media world, newspapers are struggling to … Continue reading Who do you love?
Survey says . . .
Independent gubernatorial candidate Eliot Cutler is in trouble. At least according to the latest All Along the Watchtower survey (and every other poll conducted over the last few months) Whatever star power the independent from Cape Elizabeth had during the 2010 gubernatorial campaign has all but vanished. Of the three major candidates, Cutler was the … Continue reading Survey says . . .
The boys of summer
I remember it well. It was the summer of 1985. I was 21 years old and working for the Maine Peoples Alliance, a progressive, citizens action organization that was then working to raise public awareness about a proposed Community Right-To-Know law that would require small and large companies to publicly disclose to their neighbors what … Continue reading The boys of summer
Talking in your sleep
Oftentimes, it's not so much what you say but rather how you say it. It's an important lesson for all of us, but especially important for those who aspire to be our leaders. Think: "Social Security is Welfare" Earlier today, I was interviewed for a locally produced talk show in my community. I was pitched … Continue reading Talking in your sleep
Cold as ice
There are advantages to being independent, but there are also some big disadvantages. If you don't believe me, just ask Ted O'Meara, campaign manager for gubernatorial hopeful Eliot Cutler. In an e-mail to Cutler's supporters this week, O'Meara praised his team's hard work and their ability to collect more than 5,000 signatures to ensure that … Continue reading Cold as ice
Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong (Redux)
This is a story about a bitter, cake-baked politician, a police chief and a little, pink bicycle. During the most recent Biddeford City Council meeting, former Mayor Joanne Twomey, was once again full of rage and fury. As she does during most public meetings, she nearly tripped over herself as she stormed toward the podium … Continue reading Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong (Redux)
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 