Monday night football in the afternoon

The time in Alaska is four hours earlier than Maine.

So when it’s Monday night in Maine, it’s Monday afternoon here.

So last Monday, when the annoying television announcer asked: “Are you ready for some football?” it was 3 p.m.  Not exactly Monday Night Football.

And Wednesday, when the Red Sox were on ESPN, the game began at 3 p.m., not 7.

The early starts eliminate one problem. I have no trouble staying up to watch.

We don’t get NESN in Alaska, so I can see the Sox and the Pats only when they are broadcast nationally.

I’m told that when Monday night football was on network television, local stations had to be forced to show it live here. They were reluctant to do so because the afternoon time slot was not interesting to advertisers.  Now it’s shown live on ESPN.

I wonder how many of my friends in Maine turned off the Patriots game and went to bed thinking we’d started the season with a loss.

Maybe there is something good about Monday night football in the afternoon.

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No one who follows public issues should be surprised that the biggest local political issue involves (drum roll, please) TAXES.

Fairbanks residents will vote soon on whether to adopt a local sales tax as a way to lower property taxes.

The arguments are identical to those in Maine. Those in favor say the plan would be fairer. Those opposed say there is no guarantee that property taxes will stay low.

Another hot issue here – and in Maine: Gay rights.

A man who claims to be a former gay is gathering interest – and protests – with his speeches at the university here. Some students object to his anti-gay ministry and don’t think he should be allowed to speak on campus. Others embrace his Christian message.

I favor gay rights in Alaska and in Maine, but I respect those who disagree with me and certainly support the right of anyone to speak. Here or there.

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I received an e–mail message from Bob Brooks, who tells me people at Duke’s Barber Shop in Augusta talk about— and like – my column. I’m delighted. (I hope they are following this blog, too.)

And I can report that while I am getting decent haircuts at the campus barber shop, it’s not the same as Duke’s.  No talk about politics, no election polls.

Keep the chairs warmed for me. I’ll be back next year.