To the readers and voters of Highlands County: There has been much attention from politicians and the good ole boys recently, regarding the 33 misplaced items within the sheriff's office. Well, my concern is for the 33 percent of our young veterans coming home, either dead or diseased from Iraq; the billions of dollars misspent, no sufficient armor, no safe drinking water, missing uranium, plutonium, weapons and computers. ...more

May 5, 2008

At the center of the housing crisis, we're told, is someone called the "predatory lender." Such is the myth driving the housing debate in Washington, where both Democrats and Republicans are rushing toward a mortgage bailout. ...more

May 3, 2008

In regard to the recent editorials about the need to raise taxes on cigarettes being necessary to help pay medical expenses, as well as help deter adolescents from smoking I can only say, "Give me a break!" If people, especially politicians, really cared about the health of our young people as well as saving others from the diseases associated with smoking, they would stop tobacco companies from manufacturing their deadly product. But, because of all the money they get in payola from these despicable corporations, it will never happen. It is a proven fact that tobacco use kills, and that these tobacco companies actually add nicotine to the cigarettes to ensure addiction. But Congress does nothing, and people keep dying. ...more

February 24, 2008

When it comes to evaluating programs for the developmentally disabled in Florida, "achieving" is an ideal word for a simple reason: It means a program is thriving, benefiting Floridians who need help the most. ...more

February 13, 2008

In answer to Mr. Boyce about Republicans. It may come as a complete shock to Mr. Boyce that all politicians play that game, including Democrats. Let Mr. Boyce name one Democrat that hasn't flip-flopped when expedient to do so. It is something we have to live with. Let the buyer beware. Mr. Boyce states, "Republicans agree on continuing the war until we have victory." Is there something wrong with that? There is no proof that "The number of people living in poverty has grown during this administration." Most Americans have one or two cars and a couple of television sets. This is not "poverty." Jobs and factories began leaving this country during the Clinton Administration. Clinton was the one pushing Nafta. The only thing Democrats promise to do is to repeal tax breaks and to add considerable more taxes to already strained Americans. Democrats just can't wait to impose their "social programs" on the rest of us, and that means more and more new taxes. ...more

February 9, 2008

Increase in the homestead exemption will only help the rich who own $100,000-plus homes. Those who rent will lose. The retirees on low fixed incomes, most of whom live in retirement mobile home parks on rented lots, will lose greatly. They will end up paying double property taxes on their addition rooms, their porches and sheds even though they do not own the land. ...more

February 7, 2008

Regarding "Florida Voters Take Advantage Of Their Moment In The Sun" (Our Opinion, Jan. 30): ...more

January 31, 2008

The local officials and newspapers are bashing Amendment One, but the state and the people want local officials to reduce spending to get the taxes under control. But, what do our local commissioners do just in the last couple of weeks? They create four new director positions at salaries ranging from $65,000 to $123,000. They don't care what we the people want or what the state says needs to be done. They snub their noses at the governor and legislature. Hopefully, our state officials will stand up like men and women and force these out-of-control politicians to do what the people want. If not, you will see more leaving Florida than coming. ...more

January 29, 2008

In the last four days, I have been called three times by Rudy Giuliani, twice by Mitt Romney and once each by three of the other candidates. I have been called by candidates endorsing other candidates. What's next? Will they dig up dead relatives and old girlfriends to entice me to vote for them? ...more

January 26, 2008