An upbeat U.S. economy has been good to the restaurant industry in many ways. Strong consumer sentiment has helped keep average checks growing, as diners shrug off price increases and splurge on bigger orders, and prevented industrywide traffic from falling off a cliff. But the healthy economic environment comes with a downside for dining behemoths […]
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Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Getting tough on criminal justice reform
Republicans and conservatives dating back at least to Richard Nixon have used the slogan “tough on crime” and its corollary “lock ’em up and throw away the key” as electoral red meat. The problem is what to do when inmates are released with few skills, fewer job prospects and a bleak future that leads some […]
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Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Everywhere, there is a growing backlash to populism
NEW YORK — Emmanuel Macron has been the great hope for those who worry that global politics is being dominated by populism, nationalism and racism. In his presidential campaign last year, Macron was able to rally France around a message of reform and multilateralism, staying firmly wedded to the European Union and other international alliances […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Will Trump repeat Obama’s mistake in the Middle East?
WASHINGTON — During his time in CIA custody, 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed told his interrogator something prophetic. The United States may enjoy some fleeting battlefield successes, Mohammed declared, but in the end “we will win because Americans don’t realize … we do not need to defeat you militarily; we only need to fight long […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Mixing up everything — and everybody
As one ages, one increasingly evaluates the events of one’s life. Not just one’s personal life, but the life of the larger world as well. This is about the life of the larger world. Having grown up white in segregated Missouri, I have been aware since I was barely past toddler age that race is […]
Posted inPerspective, sj-web
Analysis: Politicians caused pay 'collapse' for bottom 90 percent of workers
Political decisions by elected officials are largely responsible for a “collapse in pay for the bottom 90 percent” of the labor market since 1979, according to a new analysis of wage stagnation by the Economic Policy Institute, a left-leaning think tank. While many economists pin much of the blame for wage stagnation on impersonal market […]
Posted inMark LaFlamme, sj-web
Mark LaFlamme: Yule be glad I gave you these gift ideas
This gift stinks So on Tuesday – just one week before Christmas – a conveniently timed windstorm sent trash cans bouncing merrily across various neighborhoods in Lewiston and Auburn. For the frantic last minute shopper, this was like a gift from heaven. Merry Christmas, Mom! Here’s a slightly dented Brute brand garbage can with only […]
Posted inNuptials, sj-web
Before renting a car, get the real cost
Christopher Elliott Special To The Washington Post When Jeremy Epstein rented a Nissan Altima from Hertz in Albuquerque recently, he couldn’t believe the car rental fees. They made the extras charged by the rest of the travel industry look like the work of amateurs. They do. But not for much longer. Epstein’s base rate for […]
Posted inHoroscope, sj-web
Sagittarius: Carefully consider what others say
CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Finn Wolfhard, 16; Noel Wells, 32; Susan Lucci, 72; Harry Shearer, 75. Happy Birthday: Let your heart be your guide. Listen and pay attention to what others have to contribute. Having a broad perspective will give you the ability to be a leader. Don’t let the changes others make cost […]
Posted inbPlus, sj-web
Mystery Photo for December 23
If you can identify where this photo was taken, contact us at bmail@sunjournal.com or call 207-689-2896 and leave a voice mail with your answer, your name, town and phone number. Correct entries will be eligible for a drawing for a $20 Hannaford Supermarkets gift card. Find the Mystery Photo online at www.sunjournal.com/bplus.