A retired judge, district attorney, state commissioner and former mayor from Biddeford reflects on his career and the changes in his community. Hollywood movies often rely on stereotypes. Lawyers are frequently depicted as corrupt and self-serving. The district attorneys in those movies are not much better, using their power as glorified crime fighters for political … Continue reading Interview: Michael Cantara
Category: BLOG POSTS
Commentary that has not been published elsewhere.
I Wanna Hold Your Hand
Two rather interesting events happened this week, each painting a troubling picture for loyal, solid Democrats at both the national and local level: Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced he would not seek reelection, and City Councilor Marty Grohman was elected to become Biddeford’s next mayor. What do Manchin and Grohman have in common? … Continue reading I Wanna Hold Your Hand
Deschambault stumbles during mayoral debate
Several people were less than pleased about something I posted yesterday on Facebook regarding Biddeford mayoral candidate Susan Deschambault. Several of Deschambault's supporters questioned my take-away observations of Monday's mayoral debate, in which I wrote that candidate Susan Deschambault tripped over herself and made a big "gaffe." Some folks speculated that I was supporting the … Continue reading Deschambault stumbles during mayoral debate
I Am The Walrus
I have been covering Biddeford City Hall for nearly a quarter century, and I don’t recall seeing anything so silly and inane as what I witnessed during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
The Deadbeat Club
I grew up in a working-class family during the early 1970s. Actually, we were probably only one half-step above the poverty line, but both my parents worked very hard to give my sister and me a blissful and happy childhood with all the trappings of middle class America. Despite the popularity of the rebellious, love-the-one-your-with … Continue reading The Deadbeat Club
A Day That Never Ends
A LONG STRANGE TRIP | My first inpatient hospitalization happened in 1982, when I was 18 years old but my struggle with depression, bipolar symptoms and schizoaffective disorder began long before then. ____________________ Jesus, it has now been more than 40 years, but it seems like just yesterday. This the story about the day I … Continue reading A Day That Never Ends
Things to do in Denver when you’re dead
As I previously stated on Facebook, there are four topics that I now avoid discussing on any social media platforms: Abortion, Climate Change, Guns and LGBTQ+ issues. The way I see it, it has become virtually impossible to discuss or debate any of these issues without the conversation dissolving into an abyss of bruised egos, … Continue reading Things to do in Denver when you’re dead
Fortunate son
I’ve told this story before, but I think it bears repeating, especially since we are about to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday and because our nation seems increasingly divided as our focus becomes more and more about our own individual concerns and less about the nation as a whole. It’s also because today is … Continue reading Fortunate son
Even the losers get lucky sometimes
Recently, someone on social media asked me why I think I’m “so smart” and “why should anyone listen or care about what I say (or write)?” My answer is rather simple. In all seriousness, I’m actually not very smart. In fact: I don’t know how to change my own oil; I often get lost while … Continue reading Even the losers get lucky sometimes
Homelessness in My Community
This page offers links to each installment of my three-part series regarding the issue of homelessness in northern York County. That series of articles was published between February and March 2023 on the Saco Bay News website. Additional stories and resources regarding this issue can be found by simply using the 'Category' section on the … Continue reading Homelessness in My Community
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 