Always before, there have been words. Always before, someone crafted them with writerly skill and gave them to the president to give to us. Always, before. When seven people died aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, President Ronald Reagan spoke of how, just that morning, they “waved goodbye and ‘slipped the surly bonds of Earth’ to […]

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden told an African American talk show host last week: “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.” It was not a one-off remark. After strong condemnation, including from some fellow Democrats, Biden attempted to walk back his statement, suggesting he […]

Each day, I listen to the Maine Center for Decease Control’s COVID-19 update. Dr. Nirav Shah’s calming voice keeps Mainers current on the impact this virus is having on our communities. Every day, we learn how this virus is affecting the physical health of our state. We are also learning the influence this virus, and […]

The recent news that Avangrid, the parent company of Central Maine Power, has filed suit against its customers to deny them the right for self-determination in a citizens’ initiative is a shocking development in the CMP corridor debate. But more importantly, it also heralds here in Maine a distressing new reality about democracy and capitalism. […]

It’s not March anymore. The coronavirus has taken a heartbreaking toll on Americans, but the course of the virus is not the same as it was a few months ago. We are on the other side of the curve. There are encouraging signs all over the country, and no early indications of a reopening debacle. […]

“Oh beautiful, for heroes proved In liberating strife Who more than self their country loved And mercy more than life.” — “America The Beautiful,” by Katharine Lee Bates And Memorial Day comes around once more. Gateway to the summer, to beaches, beer and barbecue, yes. But gateway, too, to reminders of all that was given, […]

On Monday, in an off-the-cuff comment following a White House meeting with restaurant industry leaders, President Trump revealed that he has been taking the anti-Malaria drug hydroxychloroquine for “about a week and a half now” to protect himself from COVID-19. Asked why, the president said he has heard from a number of people, including a […]

Stacey Abrams has another distinction to add to her resume — she’s among the most preposterous potential vice-presidential candidates ever. Her attempt to leverage a failed Georgia gubernatorial bid into a spot on the Democratic ticket is so brazenly absurd that it’s hard to think of precedents. But the 46-year-old African American activist is not […]

Joe Biden still has time to do the smart thing and name New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo his running mate. The top two reasons would be Cuomo’s proven competence managing his state’s coronavirus crisis and a strong personality unafraid of that other son of Queens, President Donald Trump. We know. Biden pledged to name a […]