Last Sunday, General Dynamics-owned Bath Iron Works launched the last of three death machine “destroyers.” Two weeks ago, Rep. Chellie Pingree signed on to the “Green New Deal.” The two actions may seem unrelated, but they are not. The Green New Deal would create “green” jobs by shifting the nation’s energy use to fossil fuel alternatives. The military is the single greatest contributor of fossil fuel emissions. Rep. Pingree correctly notes in her news release that the effects of climate change are already being felt here, from lobster and shellfish to rates of asthma and tick-borne illnesses. Today's Letters Volunteer drivers vital for doctor's office visitsSpectrum's new charge puts viewers in a boxCollins deserves credit for Waterville grantLet's not forget the Bush presidents' involvement with the Carlyle Group And don’t forget the immense suffering exacted around the world through the direct action and support of our military … [Read more...] about Letter to the editor: Shift BIW’s reliance on military
Another View: Who has the right to Nazi-looted art?
The looting of art by the Nazis during World War II was, arguably, the greatest cultural theft of all time. Seven decades later, Holocaust survivors and their descendants are still looking for paintings and other works that were taken as they fled Europe. Some experts estimate that 600,000 pieces of art were stolen; others say it’s much higher. About 100,000 works remain missing.Today, the search continues for the missing works. But even when a looted work of art is located all these years later, a new battle may begin over who deserves to own it. Last week, the 20-year quest by the descendants of Lilly Cassirer to reclaim the Camille Pissarro painting she was forced to surrender in return for an exit visa from Berlin in 1939 landed in a federal court here in Los Angeles. THE OBVIOUS MORAL BOTTOM LINE No one disputes that the Pissarro masterpiece depicting a rainy Paris streetscape – “Rue Saint-Honore, Apres Midi, Effet de Pluie” – once hung in … [Read more...] about Another View: Who has the right to Nazi-looted art?
Maine Voices: May we all ensure there will be joy among Catholic youths
Thump! The morning Portland Press Herald lands at my door. Thud! My heart drops as I read another article about clergy abuse. Whenever this occurs, I think back to when my little brother was born. I, at the age of 8, became his baby sitter when my parents went shopping on Saturday night. I was terrified to be left alone in the house at night. I would cry and cry as my parents were leaving. No one came to my aid – not my big brother, who was off with his friends; not my sister, who accompanied my parents out the door. ABOUT THE AUTHOR The Rev. Joseph R. McKenna is a Portland resident, a Rumford native and a retired priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. I want to emphasize that this only occurred occasionally, and in no way was it like having one’s childhood taken away by a sex abuser. But as a result I have great sympathy for children, and I can realize when a child desperately needs an adult advocate. My own experiences as a child in the Catholic Church … [Read more...] about Maine Voices: May we all ensure there will be joy among Catholic youths
UMaine football coach has Black Bears believing anything is possible
ORONO — In the moments after the University of Maine football team defeated Weber State to advance to national semifinals for the first time in program history, the Black Bears head coach stood among his players in a crowded locker room. His voice cracking with emotion, he ended his postgame speech by saying, “I’ve got two words. Final Four!” And then he leaped into the air to join his players in celebration. Related Headlines Drive for a national title fires up UMaine Bear huggers This is Joe Harasymiak. At 32, he’s the youngest head coach among the nation’s 125 NCAA Football Championship Subdivision programs. He’s young enough to remember what it’s like to be a player, but tough enough that his players know better than to cross him. “I’ve said this before,” sophomore quarterback Chris Ferguson said, “he’s a bad man in the best way possible.” Harasymiak coaches with a swagger. He expertly … [Read more...] about UMaine football coach has Black Bears believing anything is possible
Letter to the editor: Collins deserves credit for Waterville grant
There are moments when elected leaders make extraordinary efforts to support their local communities, and it is important that we recognize that good work. Last week, the city of Waterville received notice that it had won a $7.3 million grant to improve the transportation infrastructure and pedestrian experience downtown. This is an exciting time in Waterville, and this grant will complement a wide range of other investments that are strengthening the city and creating hundreds of new jobs. Today's Letters Let's not forget the Bush presidents' involvement with the Carlyle GroupSpectrum's new charge puts viewers in a boxVolunteer drivers vital for doctor's office visitsShift BIW's reliance on military The leadership and persistence of Sen. Susan Collins made this grant possible. These grants are highly competitive – of 869 proposals, only 91 received funding. Of those funded, three were for Maine – a 100 percent success rate for the grants submitted by the state. The … [Read more...] about Letter to the editor: Collins deserves credit for Waterville grant