Does anyone still have their lights on? We can no longer support the security of the entire world. "Rich Uncle" is in serious financial trouble. We can no longer finance the bases we have all over the world, many as long as 60 years. The Military Industrial Complex is costing millions of dollars each and every day, millions we no longer have. ...more

June 16, 2008

Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Buddy Johnson's tenure has been plagued by questions - about hush-up payments to a former aide, his failure to his pay property taxes on time, even his willingness or ability to forthrightly explain his office's operations. ...more

June 13, 2008

Exceptionalism, we citizens are frequently told, is no longer the credo of our country and its people. ...more

June 3, 2008

I should have known: Call people suckers and they'll take offense. A number of folks were either confused or offended when I said recently that we are all suckers - that is, losers - when we use credit to pay for services and goods. ...more

May 25, 2008

John Chase of Palm Harbor says nation needs Obama, veto-proof Democratic majority in Congress. ...more

February 23, 2008

Doing The Right Thing Regarding "Gonzmarts Quit Knights Over Vulgar Gasparilla DJ" (front page, Feb. 19): ...more

February 23, 2008

If you're sad and shopping, watch your wallet: A new study shows people's spending judgment goes out the window when they're down, especially if they're a bit self-absorbed. ...more

February 8, 2008

Ken Pruitt, the leader of the Florida Senate, says compensation for the wrongfully convicted is one of his top priorities this year. ...more

February 2, 2008

It appears the Highlands County Commission is going to step up and do something good to support our troops who have been serving in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's a wonderful gesture and sure to help any local soldiers who have been serving their country and placing themselves in danger. If approved – and it appears it will be – any soldiers who have served in a combat role will receive a $75 per month stipend, for every month they serve in combat, from the county, which could mean an extra $900 per year depending on amount of time. Commissioners are considering this instead of giving a property tax break, which would only benefit troops who own homes. Veterans officials suggested making it a stipend for all combat soldiers, instead of just property owners, since so many of the troops in harms way are young and just getting started with their lives. Some other Florida counties are offering the property tax rebate, but Highlands County would be one of three counties offering stipends. ...more

December 21, 2007

My goals for my children's education include development of a lifelong love of learning, higher order thinking skills, and the gift to become good world citizens in the age of a global economy. The best classes are those that encourage my children to think and apply knowledge across disciplines, not merely to memorize and regurgitate facts in isolation. Our schools are evolving to meet the needs of today's student and must continue to do so. Computers in the classroom were an important step in this process and now Highlands County is ready for the next. ...more

December 6, 2007