Charity begins in the heart, extends to the hands and often exits the body through the wallet.

“You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.” It’s a phrase coined by former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel. Put another way, it means never miss an opportunity to exploit a difficult circumstance for political gain.

WASHINGTON — Here in the capital, there is a whole new etiquette at stoplights.

Whenever I mention my intent to write a book about “Governing as an Independent in Maine” or some such other attention-grabbing title, former Gov. Angus King reacts as if it’s a threat, apparently suspecting that my real goal is to reveal his top 10 idiosyncrasies.

WASHINGTON — Fair enough. Barack Obama didn’t appease Osama bin Laden. He killed him. And for ordering the raid and taking the risk, Obama deserves credit. Credit for decisiveness and political courage.

Imagine that you raise sheep for a living, and your current and future livelihood depends on the stability and growth of your flock.

What mental picture do you form when you think of the homeless?

It is unfortunate that the discussion about the Occupy movement in Maine and across the nation has shifted from the underlying causes of the protests to First Amendment issues concerning peaceful assembly.

Imagine if they canceled Independence Day. What if the federal government declared that the Fourth of July was no longer a holiday? We would be told to report for work, cancel fireworks displays and picnics, and go about our business the same as any other day.