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Opinion

  • By Jorge Blanco
  • August 10, 2011
The Castaway

This week's Castaway cartoon.

  • Sarasota
  • News
  • By Rod Thomson
  • August 10, 2011
My View: Government debt is a moral failure

The moral compass for the majority of our political leadership in both parties is what is right for re-election, not the country's future.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 10, 2011
Our View: Three portraits in courage

It can be all too easy to get bottled up in policies, politics and personalities and miss the amazing ways in which everyday people accomplish greatness.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 4, 2011
Letters to the Editor: 08.04.11

We're getting what we voted for; A 3% cut in pay is still a 3% cut in pay;Deep changes needed in Washington, D.C.

  • Sarasota
  • News
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 4, 2011
Our View: Institute yes, tax support no

There is a lot to like in the Institute for the Ages. It draws on one of our area's strengths that is not well-utilized.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Letters to the Editor
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 3, 2011
Letters to the Editor: 08.03.11

I did not move here to live with other people's pets; Trial run for dogs on beach, Publix rebuild are great ideas; It's incorrect to say majority supports Key Club project

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 3, 2011
Our View: Smackdown. Vindication.

Reading and interpreting the rulings of federal judges in complex civil suits is often a scramblegram of Latin legalese, so much so that you ... well ... you need a law professor to translate what the judge is saying.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • August 3, 2011
My View: Give school boards more control

The nearly 40-year-old, school-funding program de-links those who set tax rates with those who spend the money. This erases accountability.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 3, 2011
Our View: 'Yes' on straw poll

After two years of discussion and debate, a huge step is being taken to turn Lakewood Ranch into its own city.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 28, 2011
Our View: A grand parking solution

Most rational people agree that parking is not free. Whether it is downtown Sarasota, St. Armands Circle or Westfield Southgate Mall.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Merrill
  • By David Merrill
  • July 28, 2011
My View: Schools: a vision renewed?

Something went wrong with the promise to use the extra school tax Sarasota County voters approved to make the school district "world class." The money poured in, but the scores declined.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • July 27, 2011
My View: The good news on jobs

In the relentless trashing by the mainstream media of everything Gov. Rick Scott does, there has been some pretty great news ignored lately.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 27, 2011
Our View: IDA surplus won't last

Every level of government is on forced austerity as the economic recovery stumbles under the frightening federal debt load and regulatory uncertainty.

  • East County
  • Opinion
  • By Bob Hendel
  • July 27, 2011
My View: Incorporation reporting is unbalanced

In the June 22 East County Observer, the editors announced that the newspaper would launch a summer-long incorporation series. The goal was to provide residents with enough balanced information for residents to be more educated about the pros and cons of becoming a city. Our group, the Friends of Lakewood Ranch, welcomed that effort with enthusiasm.

  • East County
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 27, 2011
Our View: How to simplify budget talks

The Longboat Key budget process reminds us of nature's annual course with the Key's beloved swans.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
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