Headlines from the Portland Press Herald report that asylum seekers from Africa and Central America are arriving in “droves,” overwhelming Portland city services. It seems that Maine is unique and now famous for its generosity, providing benefits that no other state provides. But fewer than 22 percent of asylum seekers nationwide are found eligible for […]
January 2019
Posted inbPlus, sj-web
In verse: Maine places and people
Produced by Dennis Camire This week’s poem is by former Portsmouth Poet Laureate John-Michael Albert. Birdseed on the Snow By John-Michael Albert Like the rime of salt left by the vapors of a shrinking lake; like a guest too quick to depart, trailing traces of himself so others might puzzle out who he […]
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Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Decision on Brexit still in question
LONDON — To Brexit, or not to Brexit, that is the question (apologies to Shakespeare). The answer to whether the UK will pull out of the European Union as a majority of voters favored in a 2016 referendum will be decided this month. Maybe. Prime Minister Theresa May told Parliament that debate on the deal […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
A good insurance policy
The slow return of daylight in early January usually sparks hope. This year, not so much. At least politically. For whatever reasons, pundits see a tough year ahead. The left is heartened by new majorities in Augusta and Washington, but Donald Trump is still president. The right is heartened by a stronger majority in the […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
What House Democrats should do with their majority
By Jonathan Bernstein Bloomberg opinion The Democrats took over the House majority on Thursday with more women, more ethnic and religious diversity, and the same leadership team that’s been in place for a long time. They have a very liberal caucus, though it includes members from swing districts who likely won’t want to compile very […]
Posted inDear Abby, sj-web
Mother cannot be trusted for support
DEAR ABBY: My mother recently confessed to me that in my senior year of high school, she sabotaged my chance to go to my dream school (with a nearly full scholarship) because she didn’t approve of my wanting to go to art school. I missed my orientation because she “got the date wrong” and then […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Spending money like we stole it
What is this about a “world-class” facility (the new Edward Little High School)? Artificial turf, of course, the best that money can buy. And don’t leave out a “professional” soccer field for the girls. Grass doesn’t grow on trees, you know. A “median” home of $155,000 in Auburn has an unrealistic property tax bill of […]
Posted inHoroscope, sj-web
Aquarius: Get into a sustainable fitness routine
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kate McKinnon, 34; Eddie Redmayne, 36; Julie Chen, 49; John Singleton, 51. Happy Birthday: Your passionate approach to maintaining and upholding your beliefs and integrity will result in a change of feelings, friendships and direction. It’s important to consider the result before you take action. A premature move will be […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Partisan warfare has begun
Here we go. Certain Republicans, embittered at election results, engage in partisan warfare before the new governor is even inaugurated. Letter writer George Mathews (Dec. 30) castigates Janet Mills for not attending a Trump-hosted governors conference. But is there any guarantee that that shameless charlatan will keep the promises he makes? Does he even understand […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Oxford Hills
Groups' efforts will get disabled vets out on ice
NAPLES — Four local groups are collaborating to put a fully accessible ice shed on Long Lake so local veterans can “do some ice fishing on the lake and enjoy the winter.” The American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 in Windham, Naples Memorial Post 155, Sebago Lake Anglers Association and Veterans on the Water collaborated on […]