Under most circumstances, everybody does what they want to do. Or they don’t do what they don’t want to do. Some homeless people wear homelessness as a badge of sorts. They use the available resources — free cellphones, SNAP benefits, Medicaid, warming/cooling shelters, etc. — to make that choice more livable. I’m sure there are […]

I called Sen. Collins’ office to find out what I need to maintain my right to vote. I’ve been married twice, changed my name, don’t have my birth certificate. But I collect Social Security. I’m on Medicare. I am an American citizen, and have been voting legally for almost 50 years.   “You’ll need a “Real ID,” […]

Why does Sen. Susan Collins support the SAVE America Act when Maine voters overwhelmingly defeated the much less restrictive Question 1 only five months ago?  By an almost 2-1 majority last November, Mainers voted against voter ID requirements at the polls and increased limits on absentee voting. Maine does not need the SAVE Act; indeed, […]

I was sad to see the March 18 Press Herald headline about the referendum question, to be voted on in November, which aims to ban transgender girls participation in public school sports. I am worried about the effect this referendum may have on trans kids and their families. I’ve only known a few such families, so, because I […]

Susan Collins needs to go. She told us 30 years ago that she’d only stay for 12 years. Republicans apparently believe that what’s left of the middle class and below are expected to pay for the country. They’re fine with giving permanent tax breaks for the wealthy. The average increase in Social Security for 2026 […]

Seldom is the hackneyed phrase “fake news” brought to our attention now by this president. This was, of course, his vocal reflex when he got hot and bothered by the media’s negative reports of him during his first term. In his second stint, Trump has effectively joined the newsroom by creating oodles of stuff to […]

In his March 10 essay in the Cook Political Report, Charlie Cook, founder of the Report, said “Maine Democrats face a fateful decision in their June 9 Senate primary” and “This is the big leagues — no place for beginners.” He is absolutely correct. Graham Platner, although energetic and enthusiastic, has no experience dealing with […]

Much has been written about Maine’s very important Senate race this year, with pros and cons of each candidate. But little has been published about Graham Platner’s grassroots organization and his goal to politically empower ordinary Mainers by coming together beyond the distinctions of progressive/conservative or right/left. As Graham describes, there is really only up/down […]