THE CONVERSATION — Most military analysts expected Ukraine to fall within days when Russia launched its invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Yet one year into the war, Ukrainians have put up a fight and demonstrated remarkable resolve against a powerful military. In fact, some of those military analysts, including former U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, have begun […]
Times Record Opinion
Columns and opinion news from the Times Record.
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Gordon L. Weil: Time running out on fixing Social Security
“Love Me or Leave Me.” The title of that old hit movie could be attached to that old hit government program – Social Security. Most Democrats, who invented it, love it. Some Republicans, conflicted about it, would leave it and replace it with individual investing. Both understand that, well past the usual retirement age, it […]
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People Plus: Caring for a community takes a village
Editor’s note: This column was written in January 2023 Last week, I pulled into the driveway of a complete stranger’s house, got out of my van and pulled out a big, black trash bag full of wrapped presents for the child that lived at the house. The bag was simply labeled “female/age nine.” As I […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Just a Little Old: Kudos to MaineHealth Cancer Care
I didn’t really know what to expect when I entered the infusion center for my first chemotherapy treatment in September. In fairness, I had had some experience with cancer treatments, as my wife Tina underwent chemo and radiation when she had breast cancer in 1997. And my younger brother Tony got more than his share […]
Posted inTimes Record Opinion
Giving Voice: Removing barriers to food
Engaging in food security work means operating within a complex system which goes far beyond procuring food and distributing to our neighbors in need. As our Midcoast community continues to expand and diversify, it’s apparent to us at Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program that our fight to end hunger cannot exist as a one-size-fits-all approach. […]
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The Conversation: Biden’s border crackdown explained – a refugee law expert looks at the legality and impact of new asylum rule
THE CONVERSATION — Anticipating a potential surge of migrants at the southern border, the Biden administration on Feb. 21, 2023, announced a crackdown on those seeking asylum after unlawfully entering the U.S. The proposed rule change – which would see the rapid deportation of anyone who had not first applied for asylum en route to the […]
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Tom Purcell: Rooting for Sen. Fetterman
The day started at 7 a.m. with a breakfast meeting and ended after 11 p.m. — and I was exhausted. It was 1996. I had spent 16 straight hours with Pennsylvania’s freshman Sen. Rick Santorum to report on “A day in the life of a senator.” I realized that same crazy day that I never […]
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The Maine Idea: A truce in the license plate wars
After 24 years, it looks like Maine will finally get a new license plate, with the “chickadee plate” will retired, beginning in 2025. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows presented the plan for almost two hours before the Legislature’s Transportation Committee last week, and it was a skillful performance. Bellows had satisfactory answers to almost all […]
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The Conversation: The ethics of home ownership in an age of growing inequality
THE CONVERSATION — For many Americans today, homeownership is an unattainable dream. In 2022, the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose to 7% for the first time in more than two decades. The median sales price of existing homes climbed to a record US$416,000 while demand for mortgages dropped to a 25-year low. Experts forecast a turnaround in 2023, predicting […]
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The Conversation: How vinyl chloride, the chemical in the Ohio train derailment and used to make PVC plastics, can damage your liver
THE CONVERSATION — Vinyl chloride – the chemical in several of the train cars that derailed and burned in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023 – can wreak havoc on the human liver. It has been shown to cause liver cancer, as well as a nonmalignant liver disease known as TASH, or toxicant-associated steatohepatitis. With TASH, the […]