Pro-gun rocker Ted Nugent’s bombastic comments on the president and the story of how two members of the Bangor City Council felt they should dis-invite Nugent to a summertime festival in the Queen City prompted vigorous commenting by our online audience this week. One story from the Bangor Daily News on how Nugent’s show will […]
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Fed program pits conflicting economic ideas
One of the great ironies of the past 40 years is how socialist nations adopted aspects of capitalism and capitalist nations adopted elements of socialism. The definitions that caused so much global tension in the ’60s and ’70s have softened as both sides took up elements of each other’s economic philosophies. China, for instance, is […]
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Tree Growth law laughably vague, blatantly abused
In an ideal world, everyone who received government assistance would be legally entitled to it. But if that world ever existed, it is long gone. Today, inmates steal other people’s identities and tax refunds — from inside prison! Phony disaster victims use their federal cash aid for tattoos, strip clubs and bail money. And the occasional lottery […]
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LAFF, trash and research on animals
Three cheers and a hearty round of applause for everyone and anyone associated with bringing the second annual Lewiston Auburn Film Festival to the Twin Cities last weekend. More than 1,000 locals and visitors attended the festival, enjoying a top-notch performance by singer/songwriter Don McLean at the Franco-American Heritage Center on April 13, followed Saturday […]
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Behind bars and beyond conscience
Zachary Tomaselli is a liar and sexual predator. The Lewiston man went to prison Wednesday to serve a hard three years for sexually abusing a young boy. This, after months of portraying himself as a victim of former Syracuse coach Bernie Fine and of the media. Tomaselli is not a victim, and his cycle of […]
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You weigh in on hot topics in the news
Here’s a look at what some members of our online audience had to say about stories in the news so far this week. On a story about the sentencing of a former Lewiston firefighter who was convicted of assaulting his daughter, Carl Kimball wrote: “Once again we see that a title or uniform isn’t some […]
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Maine must ‘zero-base’ its tax incentives
Gov. Paul LePage is a proponent of zero-based budgeting, a process by which all expenses must be justified each time a state budget is created. His idea is great, but Maine also needs a zero-based system to examine tax breaks to ensure they are fulfilling their intended purpose. If you think this is a small […]
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Voices of many diminished by money of a few
Ever been on a White House tour? It’s free when you obtain a pass from your congressman or woman. But if you are a high-rolling lobbyist or Washington lawyer, that visit is likely to cost you something north of $30,000. Then again, if you are a lobbyist, you are likely arriving at the “peoples’ house” with […]
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Tax advice? Here’s the best you’ll ever get
As tax day, April 17, approaches, we offer some wit and wisdom from the ages. This is too difficult for a mathematician. — Albert Einstein on filling out his tax return What is the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector? The taxidermist takes only your skin. — Mark Twain Government’s view of the […]
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Education, taxes and generosity
On Tuesday, Lewiston Mayor Robert Macdonald made a startling statement about funding for the city’s adult education programs. He said: “Look, we fund schools for these people for 13 years. If they don’t want to pay attention and use what we provide, why should we continue paying for them? It’s another example of a handout.” […]