Courage and Conviction in Midcoast Maine

We are building and bolstering our resilience, daily, here in midcoast Maine.

Over the weekend NOAA informed Maine Sea Grant of cuts to their funds, most likely in retaliation for Governor Mills' pushback to President Trump regarding the rule of law. (Other states with similar NOAA Sea Grant funds have not been affected--read about that here.)

If you'd like to express your opinion about these Sea Grant cuts, you can sign here. Or call Susan Collins, Chellie Pingree, and Angus King.

Last Weekend's Events

Many of you reading this have already discovered Audacitycat.org, the wonderful group creatively organizing resistance here in the midcoast. We were heartened by hearing that the size of the crowd size had doubled since in one week.

Here are few shots from Saturday's protest in Rockland.

This standout will be held every Saturday, at noon, until there is no longer a need to do so. (See Audacity website for more.)

State of the Union Viewing Alternatives

Here are a couple of alternatives to listening to the address by the current administration tonight.

Locally, you can go to this courageous movie, "I'm Still Here," set in Brazil in 1971 at the Strand. Here's their description: "Brazil, 1971. The country faces the tightening grip of a military dictatorship. Eunice Paiva, a mother of five children is forced to reinvent herself after her family suffers a violent and arbitrary act by the government." View the trailer here. It's playing there on Wednesday and Thursday, as well.

Or, take part in a great evening put on by MoveON: Calling BS--Live Chat and PreButtal with Senator Chris Murphy, Senator Brian Schatz, and Akilah Hughes.

Concluding Thoughts

I just got a note from the company that supplies the propane I use in my house, warning me that the tariffs of today will cause price increases. What saddens me– among many other matters–is this note they felt they needed to add:

"Please be kind to my team as it's not their fault. If you want to express your concerns, the best thing to do is to contact your Maine representatives. Thank you for understanding that we have no control over this executive order."

And our neighbors on Vinalhaven sent along this snippet from their weekly paper:

We've only just begun on our journey to protect Maine and all of the life herein. You're not alone--we will get through this...I'm not quite sure how, but we will.