Why I’m Optimistic About The Way Things Are Going

You all know me by now, so it shouldn’t surprise you that I regularly post feedback at the White House site.  (I figure, the form’s there for a reason, and I’m pretty well-spoken, so what the heck, right?)

Because every now and then, this administration does something right.  Maybe it’s deliberate, maybe accidental; maybe it’s someone inside working against the system — who knows?  Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.  (Old saying but still true.  It may be flashing, but at 12:00 it’s right.)  Anyway — I think it’s vitally important that, when they get things right, it should be acknowledged. (more…)

How To Fix The World

The NFL is being boycotted in retaliation for some players kneeling in protest during the national anthem.  The protests began as against police brutality, particularly against members of minorities.

There was another mass shooting, this time against a crowded open-air concert.  Thoughts and prayers are being sent, and they’re being ridiculed by people demanding gun control — never mind that no practicable gun laws would have prevented this latest atrocity.

Marches and protests and riots.  Tearing down statues.  Congressional stalemate matches.  Hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes.  Bad economy, lousy job, sick parents and sick kids, student loans we can never pay back and an underwater mortgage.

Not just the country but the whole world is in rough shape, my friends, and small wonder there are protests.  But I put it to you that there are better ways (more…)

This Is Getting Ridiculous

When I look back over the majority of my articles written since January, I find a single recurring phrase:  “Look, I don’t like Trump either, but…”

And I’ll tell ya what:  I’m getting sick of writing it.  I’m coming to the conclusion that the average Democrat on social media is whiny, petty, and incapable of seeing any good at all in the opposition.  Don’t get me wrong, mind; we already knew that about most of the Tea Party.  But I thought there was supposed to be a difference.

Seriously, now — What is it we all, even the Tea Party members among us, detest about the Tea Party?  It seems to attract people incapable of real thought.  I’m all about disputing (more…)

Trump Caves Pointlessly

I’ve argued it before, and I’ll argue it again; I’d shout it from the rooftops if I thought it would help:  We need to do something about the damned Jones Act before we strangle Puerto Rico’s economy for good.

Just… not today. (more…)

Old Grizzly Bear

“An empty cab pulled up in front of Congress this morning, and Mike Michaud got out.” Only ever voted the party line. Man’s an empty suit; trained monkeys could have performed better, and I’m glad he got sent back home to Maine.

“Trained monkeys” might be a bit harsh, come to think of it, but as I recall, there was once a grizzly bear that did perform better as a Congressman… (more…)

Taking A Knee

I was going to write something incisive and insightfully meaningful about the national anthem protests in professional sports. Not that I care about sports, mind, but I figure it’s a popular topic, and my thoughts might go viral for once.

That was yesterday.  Since then, one of my restaurant reviews (which I do for fun) got more hits in two hours than any of my political articles since Refugees and any of my informative articles since Autism And Vaccines.  Which I guess is a good thing, but (more…)

Places We Didn’t Review

The Not Fake News exists because of the distressing tendency of the media to thrive on negativity and chaos.  We oppose the fearmongering and divisiveness by being a voice for reason whenever we can.  When we write a review, it’s because it was so very good we felt absolutely compelled to speak up; people need to know the good things in life.

The trouble is, people deserve a warning (more…)

The Bacon Tree, Winterport, Maine

Full disclosure:  I saw no evidence of barbecue here.  But it was so good it’s getting a review anyway; after all, what are rules for if you can’t break them?

In a tiny room off to one side of the Winterport Winery sits one of the best breakfasts in Maine (not to mention lunch and dinner).  We passed up Dysart’s for this, and we were not disappointed. (more…)

St. Louis Blues

On the second day of March, 1955, two women were asked to give up their seats on a Montgomery, Alabama bus.  They were black, and it was the policy at the time that, if any white people were standing on any crowded bus, black people should move back and, if there was no room, to stand.

But Mrs. Hamilton was pregnant and tired, and she didn’t want to get up.  And the young lady sitting next to her refused as well.

The bus driver called the police (more…)