Much has been said about Maine's quality of place, a subject that hit me like a brick this weekend as I once again travel the roads of rural Maine. But what is the value of a quality place without a quality life? GrowSmart Maine describes quality of place as: ". . . our majestic mountains, … Continue reading Constant Craving
You’re gonna have to serve somebody
Brace yourselves. I have an announcement to make. Although it's been nearly eight years since I left my Biddeford newspaper gig, there is hardly a week that goes by when someone doesn't stop me on the street, call me or otherwise seek some inside information or the latest scoop about my hometown's political structure. In … Continue reading You’re gonna have to serve somebody
Ain’t no cure for the summertime blues
Mike Michaud. Eliot Cutler. Larry Gilbert. Joanne Twomey. Whaaattt? Every year it seems as if the NHL playoffs stretch closer to summer, as if football starts sooner --- and like everything else, those who love politics and speculating about those playoff games, the political season no longer seems to have a beginning or an end. We used … Continue reading Ain’t no cure for the summertime blues
Street fighting man
While many of us were obsessing this week about whether Big Brother is monitoring that silly cat video we posted on Facebook or whether the IRS will now audit Tim Tebow, Maine's newest senator quietly announced that he was consolidating two of his southern Maine field offices. Although the news of Senator Angus King closing his … Continue reading Street fighting man
Let it be
Like many of us, Governor Paul LePage is frustrated by welfare abuse, but one of his most recent proposals to reform an undeniably flawed system is misguided and completely misses the mark of an otherwise noble goal. Among his many other initiatives to rein in government spending and reform Maine's welfare system, LePage sponsored LD 1411, a … Continue reading Let it be
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Pop Quiz: Name at least one individual who signed the Declaration of Independence. If you answered John Hancock, congratulations: you are in the majority. John Hancock's famous signature has been immortalized over time, becoming synonymous with integrity, courage and conviction. When taking on the world's most powerful army and navy; when telling a temperamental king … Continue reading Dear Mr. Fantasy
Update: the long and winding road
I am pleased to report that State Sen. David Dutremble (D-Biddeford) has gone where few politicians go. Just a short while ago, Dutremble commented on my Facebook page to concede his faux pas. Randy, I don't say this often but you are right! I should have spoke with Rep. Casavant on my position first before … Continue reading Update: the long and winding road
Dancin’ with myself
How do they do it? I mean . . . really? How do they stay together, despite their almost polar opposite political views? I'm referring, of course, to James Carville and Mary Matalin, two political strategists who have gained national prominence for their sage political advice and their respective close relationships to former presidents and aspiring politicians … Continue reading Dancin’ with myself
Bury my heart
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana A Facebook friend reminded me that it was 122 years ago today, on December 28,1890, that more than 300, unarmed native Americans were slaughtered in South Dakota by U.S. Forces. The dead included women and children, and this travesty is recanted in horrific … Continue reading Bury my heart
Thank you!
As our nation and people around the globe continue to grieve the loss of young lives, I offer a bit of good news and a ton of gratitude... Through the generosity of this blog's readers, several hundred dollars was raised this year (assuming all pledges are donated) to Santa's Cause, a non-profit organization in York … Continue reading Thank you!
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 