“If you see somebody getting ready to throw a tomato, knock the crap out of them, would you? Seriously. Just knock the hell — I promise you, I will pay for the legal fees.” — Donald Trump, Feb. 1, 2016 “I’d like to punch him in the face.” — Donald Trump, Feb. 22, 2016 “You […]
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Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Trump owns the bloody crossroads of American politics
NEW YORK — For those who believe that Donald Trump is a clownish know-nothing who somehow tapped into the mood of the electorate or just got lucky in 2016, the last month has been instructive. Trump has demonstrated uncanny political instincts. When combined with his ruthless “amorality” — a term used by one of his […]
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Posted inLetters, sj-web
Prove them wrong on Nov. 6
The Bangor Daily News recently reported that Bruce Poliquin called his opponent, Jared Golden, a “young radical that embraces a socialist agenda” in a recent TV debate. Not once did he do this. Not twice but six times. Why? Because Poliquin is reciting the talking points handed him by Republican political consultants. The same words […]
Posted inOp-Eds, sj-web
Trump's nuclear-treaty withdrawal sends a message to North Korea
WASHINGTON — In announcing his decision to withdraw from the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, President Trump cited Russia’s repeated violations and the fact that the treaty does not bind China, which is engaged in the world’s most ambitious ballistic missile development program. But Trump’s withdrawal may also be designed for another purpose. It […]
Posted inbPlus, sj-web
In verse: Maine places and people
Produced by Dennis Camire This week’s poem is by John Reinhart of Brunswick. At Home By John Reinhart Swallows flit under the eaves, carrying grass and twigs, building their home, well-insulated and protected, swooping over Akers Pond for food, which wings itself numerous and nutritious. Boomerangs flung with precision, they arc out over […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Protecting people's rights
This is in response to Ralph Harder’s letter (Oct. 24), “Who will protect people’s rights.” I will reference his own words about the angry “mob” mentality being the reason the Pledge of Allegiance contains the statement: “… to the republic for which it stands.” The United States is a republic intended to be governed by […]
Posted inPerspective, sj-web
The US needs better data on gun violence
Are firearms injuries rising, falling or holding steady in the U.S.? It’s hard to tell, and that’s an enormous obstacle to understanding and preventing them. There is no reliable national database for firearm injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collect data from multiple sources. But they rely significantly on a system designed to […]
Posted inPerspective, sj-web
The myth of the modernizing dictator
Many Americans have an odd fascination with the idea of the reforming autocrat, the strongman who can “modernize” and lead his nation out of its backward and benighted past. This was the hope for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, a hope now somewhat diminished by the hit he appears to have ordered […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Jared Golden for working people
Jared Golden understands hard work and public service. In the Maine Legislature, he fought to improve benefits for fellow veterans, increased wages for workers and expanded access to health care. Throughout his military service and public career, Golden fights for a country that takes care of working families, public servants and the elderly. Bruce Poliquin […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Vote 'yes' on Question 5
The community colleges are an important and necessary asset to their communities. Most of our work force comes from the community college system. The students fill highly skilled jobs in machining and administrative roles and are compensated with good pay and benefits. Voting “yes” on Question 5 will help to expand access to qualified employees […]