09/02/2025 FEATURED BLOG
Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash
The source for all my thoughts on Maine, Germany, Politics, Culture, and more
Reading time: 5 min 44 sec
This post explains Maine’s 2025 Ballot Question 2, which asks voters whether to adopt a red flag law. It breaks down how the proposal compares to the current yellow flag system, what supporters and opponents say, and what your vote will mean.
Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash
Reading time: 1 min 47 sec
Over the last few months, I’ve been building a nonpartisan voter tool for Maine’s 2026 election—something I believe could truly help voters make informed choices. In this post, I share the roadblock that’s keeping it from launching, and how your insight or experience could help move it forward.
Reading time: 5 min 41 sec
Reaching out to your elected representatives can feel intimidating, especially if you're unsure where to start or worry about being ignored. In this guide, I share practical tips to help you confidently engage in the democratic process, from crafting effective messages to handling different responses.
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
Reading time: 3 min 15 sec
While proponents argue that offshore wind is Maine’s path to clean energy and economic growth, critical concerns are often overlooked. This piece examines the financial burden, risks to tourism and fishing, and the questionable long-term job benefits. Instead of rushing into costly offshore projects, Maine should explore smarter, more sustainable energy solutions.
Photo by Ronan Furuta on Unsplash
Reading time: 7 min 33 sec
Why do calendars start on different days around the world? While many countries follow the Monday-to-Sunday system, others—like the U.S.—start the week on Sunday. This blog explores the historical, cultural, and practical implications of these differences, highlighting the confusion they can cause in scheduling, travel planning, and workplace productivity.
Photo by Eric Rothermel on Unsplash
Reading time: 7 min 17 sec
In this blog post, we explore the cultural shift necessary to foster self-reliance and independence and how individuals, businesses, and communities can work together to reduce reliance on government support. By reframing the narrative, sharing real-life success stories, and promoting values like personal responsibility and hard work, we can inspire empowerment and resilience.
Reading time: 2 min 7 sec
In this article, I introduce you to the British sketch Dinner for One, which features Miss Sophie, an elderly aristocrat, and her butler, James, and its importance as a German New Year's Eve tradition. Even though this sketch originates in the UK and is performed in English, it's a stable in how Germans celebrate New Year's Eve.
Reading time: 10 min 37 sec
In this blog post, I’ll dive deeper into encouraging economic freedom through private sector growth, promoting financial literacy, and strengthening family and community support systems while also reflecting on potential optimizations in the realm of non-profit and NGO. Expect insights on how education, cultural shifts, and nonprofit roles can shape a self-reliant society while reducing the need for government intervention.
Photo by ray sangga kusuma on Unsplash
Reading time: 9 min 39 sec
In this blog post, I explore practical strategies to reduce taxpayers burdens and restore fiscal responsibility, including simplifying government operations, limiting spending through balanced budgets, and empowering states to manage social programs more effectively.
Reading time: 6 min 38 sec
In this article, I look closer into how the U.S. transformed from a nation build on individual liberty and local governance to one that's increasingly reliant on federal support. I trace the evolution of government involvement from the New Deal and post-WWII policies to the Great Society and economic shifts in recent decades.
Reading time: 7 min 23 sec
Using data from the U.S. federal budget and examples like the Social Security Administration, I uncover how expanding government programs and fiscal policies contribute to today's tax burden. Stay tuned for the next part, where I examine America's shift toward government reliance and steps to address it!
Reading time: 5 min 1 sec
In this post, I’m diving into the history of taxation in the United States. We will explore its humble beginnings with indirect taxes, the implementation of federal income taxes, and their expansion over time and learn about the key milestones, including the Civil War, the 16th Amendment, and the Current Tax Payment Act.
Reading time: 6 min 59 sec
This blog post contains the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776. Though it's widely available online, I wanted to provide a transcript in my blog. Why? Because it’s not just about convenience—it's about connection. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious reader, or someone reflecting on the principles that shape modern democracies, I hope this post makes it a little easier for you to engage with the powerful words that gave birth to the United States of America.
![Offshore Wind Risks: Why Maine Must Explore Smarter Alternatives [Op-Ed]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/66e644d9cfb7f1307ea7e37c/1739926332450-2QESLKSIWDRRL5B4DTYV/ronan-furuta-daSq9zhROxY-unsplash.jpg)
Reading time: 7 min 10 sec
This November, Maine voters will decide on Referendum Question 1, a citizen-initiated bill that would require photo ID at the polls and change several absentee voting rules. Supporters say it will strengthen trust and bring Maine in line with other states and democracies abroad. Opponents argue it risks creating new barriers in a system that already delivers some of the highest voter turnout in the nation. Here’s what the proposal actually says, what would change, what wouldn’t, and why it matters in Maine.
Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash