Ben Bragdon

Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel

Latest

Published
May 27, 2023

F.D. Flam: The spike in child mortality won’t go away on its own

For Americans under 20, an epidemic much deadlier than COVID-19 has raged over the last three years. Deaths among those aged 1 to 19 surged 20% — driven by an increase in car crashes, suicide, homicide and drug overdoses. The combined toll of behavior-related deaths on children and teens hit home after a March report […]
Published
May 26, 2023

Our View: Lawmakers should use child tax credit to boost next generation of Mainers

Maine lawmakers on both sides of the aisle want to use surplus funds to get relief to the people who need it most. One way is sitting right in front of them. L.D. 1544, a bill from Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, would provide extra support for low-income parents by expanding the state’s child tax credit […]
Published
May 24, 2023

Tom Waddell: Racism is in our roots

Last month I wrote that the source of racism in America is systemic, not individual. Since the topic spans over 400 years, one column, or even two, couldn’t adequately cover how our national laws legalized racism. So, this second column on racism in America will attempt to scratch the surface a little deeper. If I […]
Published
May 24, 2023

Jean Guerrero: Smartphones take a toll on teenagers. What choice do parents have?

We can’t keep ignoring social media’s harmful effects on the mental health of young people. Across the world, regardless of skin color or language, people are suffering from mental health problems that are linked to the age at which they got their first smartphone or tablet, according to a new report from Sapien Labs. The […]
Published
May 23, 2023

Our View: Farmers should get whatever it takes to overcome PFAS contamination

The state has an obligation to make farmers whole for the loss to their lives and livelihood.
Published
May 22, 2023

Noah Feldman: Biden has no power to unilaterally raise the debt ceiling

If Congress fails to raise the debt limit, can President Joe Biden somehow borrow more money to save the United States from default? The short answer is no. But that hasn’t stopped a group of Senate Democrats from urging Biden to act unilaterally by invoking the Fourteenth Amendment. Yet the stand-off between the president and […]
Published
May 20, 2023

Commentary: The best way to deal with the debt ceiling: Ignore it

With two weeks left until the national debt ceiling is expected to be reached, precipitating a constitutional and economic crisis, House Republicans continue to insist that President Joe Biden cave in to their threats. The problem is that if Biden makes any concession as the price of raising the debt ceiling, it will encourage Republicans […]
Published
May 20, 2023

Our View: Shah’s experience makes him right person to lead CDC at a crossroads

In Maine, Shah was a great communicator and a true public servant, which is just what the CDC needs.
Published
May 18, 2023

Our View: Inability to solve payroll problems at Hallowell school district is inexcusable

The problem, which goes back nearly two years, strikes at the trust between administrators and teachers and staff.
Published
May 17, 2023

Nicholas Goldberg: Why it matters that Johnny doesn’t know history

Most Americans don’t know which countries the United States fought against in World War II or when the U.S. Constitution was ratified. Good luck having them point to Ukraine on a map, much less Belarus. Watch them stare blankly if you ask who represents them in the state legislature or what rights are protected by […]