John Balentine’s job is to provide issue-related commentary that often differs from other opinion writers employed by The Forecaster, and I salute him for the courage he shows in writing persuasive essays he knows many will disagree with. Having said that, I must respectfully take issue with his column of April 19. In “Comparing civil […]

I’m writing to support lifelong Democrat Richard Rottkov of South Portland in the June 12 primary election in House District 32. Over many years I’ve come to know him as a deeply dedicated member of our community. Richard is a thoughtful listener and a committed consensus builder. He has volunteered for numerous roles both within […]

I’m supporting Democrat Mark Eves for governor because we need a governor who will work every day to build a better Maine; one with a more equitable health-care system, that supports its seniors so they can age in their homes, fully invests in our children’s education, and enacts stricter gun safety laws. Time and again, […]

Our political system is broken. In polling, over 90 percent of Americans believe money has corrupted American politics and politicians represent their donors more than their constituents. The corruption inherent in our private campaign financing system takes the form of an inequality of influence. Moneyed interests are eroding prosperity and opportunity, intentional or not, by […]

Where is Falmouth’s institutional memory? I read in The Forecaster that the town is considering donating land on Woods Road for Habitat for Humanity to build an affordable community of homes. In 2009 and 2015 there was much community discussion and opposition to using this same parcel for this same purpose. Due to community disapproval, […]

I’m asking U.S. Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins to oppose the nomination of Mike Pompeo as secretary of state. My concern is based on Pompeo’s views about Iran and North Korea. I am also worried about his anti-diplomacy stance and views on same-sex marriage. In Congress, Pompeo advocated against negotiating with Iran in favor […]

John Balentine contends a red-flag bill before the Legislature is unnecessary because studies show that mass murderers are infrequently diagnosed as mentally ill and the bill only reinforces the stigma of mental illness. But LD 1844 specifically states that a diagnosis of mental illness alone is insufficient grounds for obtaining a protection order. It provides […]

Spring is here, at least in theory, and with it thoughts of fresh starts and new beginnings. In that vein, I am recommending everyone go see “Dawnland,” a movie that is coming out this month. This isn’t an easy movie, to watch or to find, but it is well worth the effort. “Dawnland” will be […]

The letter from Barry Stephens reminds me that I haven’t thanked Edgar Allen Beem for his well-researched and illuminating columns. As with most Trumpeteers, Stephens believes that enthusiasm and right-wing jingoism are a substitute for facts and history. For instance, he forgets that Barack Obama inherited an economy in recession from the last disastrous Republican […]

In totalitarian countries like China, Russia and North Korea you expect to find troops at the borders, state security checking citizen IDs and massive military parades. You don’t expect those sorts of things in a democracy. But more and more these days it seems as though America is becoming a police state. No, I do […]