Hamas, Isis, the Taliban and Hezbollah all have one thing in common. They are all pure barbarism at its ultimate worst that humanity has to offer. Barbarism is savagery at a primitive level, without any restraint or civilized state of being. This moment in history takes all of us back in time to the Twin […]

The Sun Journal has been reporting on the unfortunate plight of civilians In Gaza. Sadly, Hamas stores many of its weaponry in schools, hospitals and mosques. This strategy makes civilian loss of life inevitable. Very sad. Joel Olstein, Auburn

The legislature is beginning its short session next month. I suggest the following for their consideration. First, gun control: A red flag law, a limit on magazine capacities of five to 10 rounds, background checks for sale of all guns, a waiting period of perhaps three days. These measures wouldn’t prohibit someone from legally purchasing […]

I recently returned from a long trip to New Zealand and Australia. Aside from the tourism experience, which was great, we made some observations from which we feel our state and federal governments could learn. We drove a car in New Zealand, Australia, and its island of Tasmania. No one was speeding. There are traffic […]

A change in state law could open up hundreds, perhaps thousands of desperately needed new housing units in Maine. These units are the empty bedrooms in single family homes, particularly numerous in a state like Maine with an aging population and “empty nests.” These bedrooms could be rented out, but state law makes it unwise […]

Many don’t understand depression — hearing voices, paranoia, psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or the fringes of extreme trauma. I do. And I know the agony and craziness that it entails. Thank goodness for me, the Veterans Administration was able to help. Apparently, the military faltered for the Lewiston shooter, Robert Card. I am in no […]

As a high school teacher I am struck by how often I have to decide whether to add “Discuss the shooting” to the class agenda. Of course we talked about the local tragedy of Oct. 25. When we were back in class after the shelter-in-place days, a student asked how it could be that two […]

We ask fellow Mainers, has government gone absolutely loony? On Dec. 13 this was the headline that greeted us: “Maine considering California-style incentives to encourage electric vehicle sales.” This measure would require, not encourage, 82% of new vehicles sold to be zero emissions by 2032. The Maine Board of Environmental Protection must not implement such […]

On Dec. 16, Boba in Lewiston closed its doors for good. J. Dostie Jewelers will be relocating to Yarmouth after 76 years anchoring the corner of Main and Lisbon streets. Unfortunately, this is a disturbing trend that is plaguing the downtown area. That is only part of the problem. Lewiston has one hospital on the […]

Maine shouldn’t follow California standards to set emission policies for our state. The aggressive electric vehicle mandates will ensure that all vehicle prices will be higher with a limited supply of traditional gas or diesel units allowed on dealership lots. It’s concerning that a board of seven people (only four of whom need to vote […]