Written in 1791, back when the guns available included a flintlock rifle that could fire one bullet every minute if you were a quick reloader, the Second Amendment is often quoted when gun regulations are discussed. I am a hunter, and appreciate that the right to bear arms has its place in a democratic society. […]

First, a thank you to the Falmouth Fire Department. This volunteer department has responded to two recent fires in town. Unfortunately, the buildings could not be saved, but everyone got out without injury. This has brought to mind that people in the community need to take a little responsibility and help these firefighters out. Please […]

Stephen M. Woods’ column regarding the Portland City Council’s rejection of the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy reminded me of historic maritime projects that I have worked on. All had been born and initially flourished with great enthusiasm. Most faded away when reality set in. Few people outside the maritime field have any concept […]

The performance of the Maine Green Energy Alliance, and its effectiveness or ineffectiveness in helping Maine people winterize their homes, are topics worthy of scrutiny. The group’s track record is fair game for even the harshest objective analysis. I don’t feel the same way about character assassination by insinuation. I refer to the recent story […]

One morning about two weeks ago, I woke up and decided to see how long I could go without smoking. I didn’t have any plans to quit. I hadn’t made a resolution, hadn’t set a date, no drugs, no patches, no crutches. I just thought I’d see if I could make it a couple of […]

Contrary to advice, I drove into New York City the evening of Sunday, Dec. 26. I couldn’t help it. We had seven tickets to “Phantom of the Opera” at the Majestic Theater and they weren’t cheap. Given the prediction of snow, we decided to head into the city early so as to have plenty of […]

As the global economy slowly recovers from financial meltdowns of the past several years, it’s becoming clear that certain conditions, once thought to be temporary, have become the new normal, and certain trends will continue, giving rise to a new economic landscape. Gasoline prices have settled in at the $3-per-gallon mark nationally – much higher […]

Once again South Portland is in the position to expand it’s reputation as a place one wants to live in because of it’s many unique assets. I’m referring to the efforts of a new organization known as the Community Garden Collective to develop neighborhood community garden sites throughout the city so that it’s only a […]

I strongly support the community garden that would be located on the grounds of the former Hamlin School. When we moved to South Portland last year, my first project was to make room for a front-yard vegetable garden. Our neighbors were first curious, then intrigued, and ultimately excited by the bounty that unfolded as the […]

I am constantly amazed at the liberal view of gun ownership and our Second Amendment Rights. (See last week’s letter by a North Yarmouth liberal.) A “crazed lone gunman” – most are found after the fact to have given off many clues as to their mental instability – strikes, and the liberals suddenly want to ban […]