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Sarasota | Opinion

    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 7, 2009
Our View: Taxing cigs won't cure a thing

America's do-gooders love to bash and villify the smokers.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
  • By Rod Thomson
  • May 7, 2009
My View: 'Buy local' is a bad buy

In weak economic times - shoot, sometimes even in strong ones - the impulse to push 'buy local' programs overwhelms all common sense.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 30, 2009
Our View

How much is your life worth?

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 23, 2009
Go for it: Sell the stadium

Go for it: Sell the stadium

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
« 94 95 96 97 98 99
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