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Opinion

    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 17, 2016
Why Trump won here

Historical trends pointed toward a Hillary Clinton victory in Florida. Three factors beat her: third-party/independent voters; her own party’s turnout; and Trump’s message.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Lt. Col. James Doolittle, left foreground, and Navy Capt. Marc A. Mitscher, skipper of the USS Hornet, gathered the 79 other Raiders for a group photo prior to launching the Raid over Tokyo on April 18, 1942. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 10, 2016
A tribute to veterans

Take a break from the elections. Take in a good story of old-fashioned American patriotism and heroism to remind you of the America you love. On Friday, thank a vet.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 3, 2016
Longboat Key Letter to the Editor

Isn’t marijuana also a pursuit of happiness?

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 3, 2016
Leadership for others

While many Americans lament public office seekers and their sycophants who are in it for themselves, here are four volunteer civic leaders contributing for the right reasons.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Marty Rappaport
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 3, 2016
Pray for new role models

Our republic has survived plenty of strife in our polity. Out of this election, let’s pray the pendulum swings to elected officeholders pledged to lifelong honesty and decency.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 27, 2016
What’s the best path?

Put aside the candidates’ sins and flaws. Think instead about the best path forward to lighten the next generations’ debt burden and improve their standard of living.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 26, 2016
Longboat Key Letters to the Editor

Observer ignores Charter Review Board issues; Media bias is bad for democracy

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 20, 2016
We recommend …

If you’re an independent voter or still undecided on the local races, this might help you decide. Reader beware: We always favor candidates who back the freedom agenda.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 20, 2016
We recommend …

If you’re an independent voter or still undecided on the local races, this might help you decide. Reader beware: We always favor candidates who back the freedom agenda.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 13, 2016
The amendments …

Once again, Florida voters will find their ballot full of proposed constitutional amendments. Don’t let the wording fool you. Here is what they really mean.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Although many readers were critical of downtown Sarasota, others criticized the proliferation of bars and spoke positively about the city.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 13, 2016
Readers respond: Is Sarasota Fun?

We asked, and you told us whether you thought the city of Sarasota was an exciting place to be — and what officials should do to make it more fun.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 12, 2016
Longboat Key Letters to the Editor

Roundabout will worsen traffic woes

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • October 6, 2016
Amendment 1: Bad for the future

This proposed amendment appears to be for solar power. A closer look reveals its true intent is to protect utility companies’ profits.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Carlos Beruff
  • By Carlos Beruff
  • October 5, 2016
My View: Why I ran for the U.S. Senate

We are foolish if we think we will achieve change by sending the same people back to run our government again and again.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 5, 2016
Your ‘fair share’

One of the presidential candidates has a mantra of vowing to make you rich people pay your ‘fair share’ (i.e. more) in taxes. But what is ‘fair?’ And who defines it?

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
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