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Sarasota | Opinion

How we compare
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 21, 2025
How we compare

Living in a capitalistic, competitive society, we all like to know how we compare. Are we best? Worst? First? Last?

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Manatee does it again
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 14, 2025
Manatee does it again

Learning Manatee commissioners voted to pursue voiding a contract was too much for SMR’s Rex Jensen.

  • East County
  • Opinion
There’s no need for search
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • May 8, 2025
There’s no need for search

The idea of enduring the City Commission's search for a city manager could make you cringe. So why do it when the best and right candidate is already here?

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Tyranny of Trump's tariffs
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 30, 2025
Tyranny of Trump's tariffs

Who is ripping off whom in international trade. How can Donald Trump know more about tariffs than 250 years of economic evidence? Tariffs punish everyone.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
In truth, our trade deficits benefit Americans
  • By Randall G. Holcombe
  • April 30, 2025
In truth, our trade deficits benefit Americans

While the Trump administration’s economic policies are aimed at least partly toward eliminating the nation’s balance of payments deficits, Americans should understand that they benefit from those deficits.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Noted economists past and present on tariffs and free trade
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 30, 2025
Noted economists past and present on tariffs and free trade

In any discussion to understand free trade, protectionism and tariffs, there is no debate among credible economists: Free trade: good; protectionism and tariffs: bad.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Weight-loss drugs still require lifestyle changes
    By
  • Mirabai Holland
  • April 28, 2025
Weight-loss drugs still require lifestyle changes

If you have to use the semaglutide medicines for weight loss, you still need exercise and a balanced diet.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
A legacy for us to carry on
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 23, 2025
A legacy for us to carry on

Modest, likable, trusted, respected, Charlie Stottlemyer is a testament to a life well-lived — and to which we should aspire.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Sarasota's downtown Mira Mar faces an important compromise
    By
  • Michael Harris
  • April 21, 2025
Sarasota's downtown Mira Mar faces an important compromise

The historic Mira Mar was built in 60 days but has withstood time. Now crumbling, it needs to be saved.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Ringling, Selby serve as models for SPAC
  • By Letters to the Editor
  • April 21, 2025
Ringling, Selby serve as models for SPAC

Both were created during challenging times and both show how an investment can pay off.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Let kids be independent
  • By Adrian Moore, Zachary Christensen
  • April 16, 2025
Let kids be independent

Florida lawmakers are on the verge of giving parents more leeway in deciding how much independence to give to their children and not be charged with neglect.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Which is greater: Christ’s birth, resurrection?
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 16, 2025
Which is greater: Christ’s birth, resurrection?

Which is the greater: Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, or Easter, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Longboat is far different than it was in 1955
  • By Letters to the Editor
  • April 15, 2025
Longboat is far different than it was in 1955

Many things like gas and operating expenses cost more now than back then.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
AI: The next new frontier?
    By
  • Kat Wingert
  • April 9, 2025
AI: The next new frontier?

While some media organizations are clamoring to be leaders in artificial intelligence, the Observer is following a different approach.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
The other side of Hi Hat
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • April 3, 2025
The other side of Hi Hat

Who is trying to rip off whom? Tom Knight fueled outrage with incorrect statements. Follow the history. It’s a totally different story.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
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