We have witnessed increasingly extreme gun violence in this country following the end of the federal ban on assault weapons in 2004. On Oct. 25, that violence reached our doors here in Maine in the most disturbing way. We now have the tragic distinction of not just having the worst mass shooting this year, but […]

Mr. Joe Purington, Central Maine Power’s chief executive, has a tin ear. The overwhelming defeat of Question 3 did not validate Central Maine Power’s performance and does not justify an arrogant victory lap. CMP and Versant didn’t win, Pine Tree Power lost. Conservation Law Foundation is the only environmental advocate that opposed the Pine Tree […]

“We the People” are seeking qualified candidates to replace and, thereafter, occupy 221 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives currently held by Republicans. Candidates wishing to apply for such a congressional seat should possess the following qualifications: Candidates must be 25 years old and have been a U.S. citizen for seven years; candidates must […]

I am stunned that Portland city councilors are willing to provide public funds and resources to “house” people in our city parks and other publicly owned spaces outdoors. Many of these people are in need of behavioral health services and I am surprised that the local social welfare community has largely been silent on the […]

I’m deeply concerned about the isolation and censure in Congress of Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan. Her brave, articulate and passionate plea that the United States take leadership to stop the deadly and relentless assault on Gaza civilians speaks for millions of United States citizens and people across the world. Why is this country not […]

Copper was mined sustainably in Zambia for millennia. Yet, while conducting a multi-year study in mining communities there, I saw how some modern industrial practices did long-term damage to towns and the countryside. Effects included stunted vegetation; large sludge pools; huge areas scoured of everything but crushed rock; and acrid air. What changed? An economic […]

At last, the election is over and so are the unending ads. Millions of dollars were spent and while I’m all for free speech, this election was ridiculously lopsided. I was actually tempted to vote the opposite choice promoted by the advertisers, just to spite the sponsors of the ads, never mind the issue. As […]

Regarding the flurry of bills being proposed in the wake of the Lewiston tragedy, it’s no surprise that Sen. Eric Brakey is suggesting a license plate tribute instead of something substantive. After all, Brakey was instrumental in the effort to pass the “concealed carry without a permit” bill a few years ago, giving Maine’s gun-related […]