Imagine this: A general election with no negative campaigning and four or five viable candidates (regardless of party affiliation) competing based on their own personal ideas and actions — not simply their level of obstruction or how well they demonize their opponents. In this reformed election process, the candidate with the best ideas and the […]
Op-Eds
Opinion columns from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
Douglas Rooks: Much more at stake than Biden-Trump
We’ve just lived through an extraordinary political crisis — extraordinary because so unexpected. The about-to-be-renominated president delivered an instantly notorious debate performance June 27 that left some supporters gasping while others headed for the exits. On Monday, with Congress back, Joe Biden quieted dissent with a letter usefully read by all Americans, not just Democrats. […]
Opinion: Pride flags in Bangor spell positive change
Maine has come a long way from the senseless killing of 23-year-old Charlie Howard 40 years ago. We can’t go back there.
Opinion: I’m with Biden, whatever he decides
The argument for a more youthful Democratic nominee is genuine and, at the same time, hopelessly fanciful.
Commentary: Americans are getting our ‘pursuit of happiness’ all wrong. There’s a simple fix
When Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence that our unalienable rights include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, he had a very specific definition of happiness in mind. He believed that happiness was the result of living virtuously — that becoming a fully happy human required devoting yourself to service to your […]
Commentary: Teaching your kids to swim this summer? Steer clear of floaties
In the drowning prevention community, we dread hearing the other F-word: floaties. These seemingly innocuous devices give responsible parents a false sense of security with the assumption that the inflatables will keep their kids safe and help teach them to swim. But in practice, consistent floatie use increases the risks of accidental drowning. With U.S. […]
Opinion: Maine hospitals are getting a $60 million cash infusion. They must share the wealth.
Reducing the cost burden on insured consumers and employers will help to strengthen the state’s economy.
For an ethical and enjoyable wildlife experience, embrace the space
The opportunity to see fascinating species thriving in their natural environments draws many of us to national parks, waterways and wildlife refuges every year. Almost as alluring is the appeal of getting the perfect picture that captures an animal’s beauty, ingenuity or charisma. But our Instagram aspirations must not be achieved at animals’ expense. Experts […]
Jim Fossel: Democrats had better stay focused on Biden
A disastrous debate performance isn’t a legitimate reason to withdraw from the race.
The Maine Millennial: The true test for couples who are getting serious
Pets, pets, pets.