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California Judge Overturns Marriage

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:39:28 PST

California, the home of blue jeans, hula hoops, flower children and the counter culture, is a non-ending source of fad and innovation. The latest innovation from California threatens to be an unprecedented social disaster, however. The Family Research Council is warning that a recent decision by a California judge, if upheld by the Supreme Court, could spell the end of traditional marriage in America.

In 2009, two couples, a homosexual couple from Berkeley and a lesbian couple from Burbank, brought suit against the State of California after being denied a marriage license. The denial of marriage licenses to same sex couples was a result of Proposition 8, a popular referendum which amended the California state constitution to limit marriage to one man and one woman.

Augusta's Problem Bar Closes

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 19:12:25 PST

Club OTR, a bar in downtown Augusta, has found a new owner. Thanks to the bar’s troubled past, many are wondering if the old way of doing business will continue.

The Record was the first news outlet to break the story about the reckless behavior at the bar. As a follow-up to a story about drunkenness in the state capital, The Record learned that the bar with the worst reputation for rowdiness was Club OTR. Fights between drunken bar patrons spilled out into a nearby public parking lot after hours, and young women passed out in taxis on their way to the hospital to be treated for acute alcohol poisoning.

How You Can Protect Our Soldiers

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:09:48 PST

Despite the advice of top military brass, including every member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Congress is poised to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy which prohibits homosexuals from serving openly in the armed forces.

Maine’s own Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Armed Forces Committee, voted for the bill in May, over the advice of more than 1,000 top military officials who warned the bill would harm morale and impair combat readiness. Also opposing the bill were General George Casey, Chief of Staff of the Army; James T. Casey, Commandant of the Marine Corps; Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations; and General Norton A. Schwartz, Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

Governor Speaks at Same Sex Marriage Rally

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:27:37 PST

The granite walls of the State House rang with cheers and loud applause Wednesday morning as Governor Baldacci made a surprise appearance at a boisterous rally for same sex marriage. The crowd of approximately 80 to 100 activists, all wearing red, jammed the staircase leading from just outside the Governor’s Office to the third floor of the Capitol Building. The crowd erupted in applause several times during Governor Baldacci's brief remarks, as he repeatedly praised same sex marriage, saying that his support for "marriage equality" was the proudest moment of his career.

How Kagan Sabotaged Marriage

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 07:31:54 PST

Despite victories in popular referendums in Maine and California, and years of hard work by the defenders of marriage and the family, a federal judge has moved the nation one step closer towards legalizing homosexual marriage in all fifty states.

The ruling was handed down on Thursday July 8^th, by Federal Judge Joseph L. Tauro of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Judge Tauro’s ruling strikes down part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) a law enacted by Congress to protect the institution of marriage. Under the law, all fifty states are free from any obligation to recognize same sex marriages made in other states, and marriage is defined as the legal union of one man and one woman. It is this second part of the ruling, the definition of marriage, that Judge Tauro struck down.

Quebec's Euthanasia Agenda

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:04:26 PST

Although Maine law prohibits aiding another person in committing suicide, Washington and Oregon, and several countries in Europe have already legalized euthanasia. The law in Washington and Oregon is somewhat more restrictive than the corresponding laws in Europe, and applies only to those who have less than six months to live.

Supreme Court Decision Impacts Rights of Christian Groups

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:56:16 PST

A recent ruling by the Supreme Court promises to become a serious threat to Christian organizations on campuses across the nation. While some commentators are concluding that the decision in Christian Legal Society v. Hastings is no cause for immediate concern, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has warned the ruling “is a serious setback for freedom of expression.”

In 2005, students at Hastings Law School in San Francisco sought to form a local chapter of the Christian Legal Society. In order to join the group, prospective members were required to sign a Statement of Faith and to uphold the bylaws of the society. The Statement of Faith excludes anyone who engages in sex outside of marriage, or professes a faith other than Christianity.

Ask Your Senator About Elena Kagan

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:06:43 PST

No nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court has been more controversial than Elena Kagan, since none has been more out of step with traditional American values. Gun rights activists are unhappy that Kagan drafted an Executive Order for President Clinton which banned the import of many types of semiautomatic rifles.

The National Right to Life Committee has expressed its strong opposition to Elena Kagan, stating she was the key strategist in persuading President Clinton to veto the ban on partial birth abortion. According to the NRLC, Kagan kept President Clinton from learning important medical evidence that partial birth abortion is never needed to save the life of a pregnant mother. As a result of Kagan’s advice, more than 2,000 babies were killed by partial birth abortion.

Portland's Fishy Deal

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:02:52 PST

Portland has changed a great deal since the days when Henry Wadsworth Longfellow looked out from his home on Fore Street, down to the docks that lined the Fore River. The young poet would see majestic sailing ships and stevedores, busy chandlers and barrel-makers. In Longfellow’s day, the most imposing buildings in town were the tall-spired churches, or perhaps the monumental Custom House.

Today, much of the working waterfront is gone, replaced by trendy boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Where Longfellow’s house once stood, at 161 Fore Street, there is now a vacant lot, and across the street, a parking garage. A five-minute stroll to the west, and one reaches the part of Fore Street where nightclubs and bars crowd one another competing for customers, and one or two stores cater to a trade too vile to mention.

Collins Wants Gays to Serve - Ignores Advice of Top Military Brass

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 19:09:05 PST

Thanks to liberal politicians in both parties, the outlook is poor for retaining the policy which bans gays from serving openly in the armed services. Despite overwhelming opposition from top military brass who warn of the danger to good order, discipline, and morale, a bill which repeals the 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy' will in all likelihood be signed into law this fall.

Barack Obama promised to repeal the ban during his campaign for the presidency; and he repeated his promise during his State of the Union address in January 2010. The current policy barring homosexuals from openly serving in the armed forces has been in place since the Clinton administration.

A Struggle for the Soul of Maine

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 07:56:49 PST

The most recent edition of the Family Research Council newsletter Washington Watch makes the claim that “the Tea Party movement needs some salt and light.”

The newsletter warns against the efforts of some leaders within the movement to emphasize only economic issues and to omit any discussion of abortion and same sex "marriage." Support for so-called social issues is strong among Tea Party members; and the newsletter reports that the loudest cheers at a national Tea Party rally were reserved for a speaker who challenged the Obama administration’s support for abortion.

Sangerville Fights Red Tape in Battle Against "Gentlemen's Club"

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:39:11 PST

The fact that the small town of Sangerville is nicknamed “The Town of Two Knights” adds a dash of irony to the continuing battle over a proposed “Gentlemen’s Club.” The town was home to the inventor Sir Hiram Maxim and the much more wealthy, but less fortunate, Sir Harry Oakes. If anyone in Maine could ever lay claim to the title of “Gentleman” it was certainly Sangerville’s own Sir Hiram or Sir Harry. In contrast, Stephen Cardelli's proposal for a club for indecent "dancing" is enough to put the town’s reputation into temporary eclipse.

Owner of "Gentlemen's Club" is No Gentleman

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:23:51 PST

Webster’s Complete and Unabridged Dictionary defines a gentleman as “A man of keen sense of honor and chivalry, a man who shows courtesy and consideration for the feelings of others.” This definition certainly does not apply to the owner of the proposed “Gentleman’s Club” in Sangerville. Exploiting women for profit is not chivalrous, of course, but Cardelli has even more frightening skeletons in his closet.

LePage Win Sends Shock Waves Through Augusta

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:23:12 PST

The unexpected win by Waterville mayor Paul LePage is sending shock waves throughout the political establishment in Augusta. As late as Election Day, the consensus among Republican voters was that the election was going to go to Augusta insider Peter Mills, or to the multi-millionaire businessman Les Otten, who spent two million dollars on his own campaign.

New Casinos Seek Voter Approval

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:39:27 PST

Hollywood Slot’s $693 million dollar revenue last year was an attractive proposal for many – an offer they couldn't refuse. But breaking into the casino racket isn’t an easy matter. 2009 saw the Maine Legislature wrangling over many proposals and counter-proposals for new gambling efforts, including the use of competitive bids to establish a casino run by one of the tribes.

Maine Voters Feared Reprisal by Same Sex Marriage Activists

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:52:03 PST

When the voters of Maine defeated same sex marriage last year, the 53 percent to 47 percent win was smaller than might have been expected. Supporters of traditional marriage were faced with a juggernaut of liberal opposition which included a majority of Maine legislators, well-funded gay rights organizations, the press, the Governor, and even the Attorney General.

Nor did advocates of same sex marriage limit themselves to a fair election contest, fought out on a level playing field. The supporters of traditional marriage were often faced with intimidation; and the extent of the intimidation is still not generally known by the public. But a lawsuit against the Maine Ethics Commission is revealing that underhanded methods of intimidation are often used by the advocates of same sex marriage.

Old Port Bars Claim Another Young Life

Thu, 27 May 2010 08:56:55 PST

Before it became a trendy tourist destination, Portland's Old Port was a working waterfront with shipyards and factories. When the Old Port was renovated in the 70s, abandoned factories and dilapidated warehouses were replaced by boutiques, restaurants, and more than a score of bars. By day, the cobblestone streets of the Old Port are filled with tourists and the mood is bright and cheerful. After dark, a different story unfolds - a story of violence, crime, and untimely death, all fueled by the liquor trade.

Mother of Crash Victim Sues Bars

Fri, 21 May 2010 08:25:35 PST

In January 2008, Kenneth C. Brassard and Paul Hinerman decided to go bar-hopping in Waterville. Brassard, whose license had been suspended due to a prior DUI conviction, borrowed a truck from his girl friend, and Hinerman rode along.

They drove to three bars that evening, Mainely Brews & Tavern, the Midnight Blues Club, and The Chez Paree. After leaving the Midnight Blues Club, the pair drove to The Chez Paree, where the bartender served each of them at least one "Cocaine Lady," a powerful mixed drink.

"It Was For the Children"

Wed, 19 May 2010 13:44:04 PST

For centuries, it was a settled part of the law that as soon as a child moved in its mother’s womb, the child was alive. One eminent jurist wrote, “Life is the immediate gift of God, a right inherent in every individual, and it begins as soon as the infant is able to stir in its mother’s womb. An infant in its mother’s womb is supposed in law to be born for many purposes.”

In contrast, Maine’s two U.S. senators and one congresswoman believe that under some circumstances an infant is not to be treated as alive, even as it is being born. That is, Senators Collins and Snowe, and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree support the practice of partial birth abortion.

Steep Rise in Gambling Addiction at Hollywood Slots

Thu, 13 May 2010 16:28:48 PST

The latest statistics from Hollywood Slots in Bangor show a shocking rise in the number of addicted gamblers. Up until now the media have been reporting that there are “about 100 problem gamblers” on a Self-Exclusion list maintained by the facility in Bangor. The figure is based on statements made by a Gambling Control Board member one year ago.

A different picture has emerged in recent days. In April, the General Manager of the facility, John Osborne, stated there are 167 names on a self-exclusion list maintained by Hollywood Slots. Since problem gamblers by definition find it difficult to stop gambling, the actual number of addicted gamblers still gambling at Hollywood is significantly under-reported. As a result, there is no accurate measure of the extent of problem gambling at the casino.