Bob Sparks, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bob SparksJune 10, 2014

Each week, state and federal courts in Florida process and adjudicate thousands of lawsuits. Some are frivolous while some have larger implications, or perhaps garner some national attention. With the ongoing tragedy, and that is precisely what it is, involving the U.S. Veterans Administration, expect courtrooms to be busy handling cases of veterans treated badly. […]

Bob SparksMay 26, 2014

Two weeks ago, Sen. Marco Rubio appeared on ABC’s “This Week.” He said a number of things, but this is what perked up the ears of America’s newshounds: “I do not believe that human activity is causing these dramatic changes to our climate the way these scientists are portraying it.” The reaction was swift. Among […]

Bob SparksMay 19, 2014

“I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore.” — Anchorman Howard Beale from the movie “Network” Recently we learned of the scandal over health care involving the Veterans Administration. The story started in Phoenix, but is now spreading to other VA facilities. Last week, Florida joined the story when three […]

Bob SparksMay 12, 2014

Last week the U.S. House of Representatives voted to create a select committee to bore into just what happened in Benghazi, Libya before, during and after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2012. Despite previous hearings by other standing committees, the select committee, unfortunately, is necessary. Congress has oversight over the agencies of the executive […]

Bob SparksMay 6, 2014

Another legislative session is behind us. A host of bills, some more significant than others, await a signature and possibly a made-for-media signing ceremony by Gov. Rick Scott. With one party leading two branches of government, the governor’s veto pen will require precious little ink. A surge in “member projects” (some say pork, some say […]

Bob SparksApril 28, 2014

Last week, a federal judge issued a ruling serving as a perfect illustration of how the judicial system should work. The case left one side glad and the other side sad, but the reasoning behind the opinion demonstrates why thoughtful jurists deserve our respect. On April 22, District Judge Mark Walker dismissed part of a […]

Bob SparksApril 14, 2014

Last week, a living legend made news for two reasons. First, he was honored for a remarkable accomplishment witnessed by millions on television 40 years ago. What he said during an interview in conjunction with the remembrance dwarfed the significance of the celebration itself. Hank Aaron, one of the greatest to ever play baseball, became […]

Bob SparksApril 2, 2014

Florida’s Secretary of State as well as the former United States Secretary of State both have been in the news recently. Ken Detzner may not know Condoleeza Rice, but they could compare notes about freedom of speech. Detzner, and by extension the administration of Gov. Rick Scott, are accused of silencing a critic by […]

Bob SparksMarch 24, 2014

The right to express one’s opinion unhindered by the government stands at the top of the list of citizen rights. The founders thought it important enough to rank it first on the list of the Bill of Rights. With minimal limitation, people can pretty much say what they wish, no matter how distasteful, hurtful or […]

Bob SparksMarch 19, 2014

As most of Tallahassee and those enrolled in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) throughout the state know, the Legislature is again taking up what is called public pension overhaul. Both House Speaker Will Weatherford and Senate President Don Gaetz seek to change a system that is not broken. In fact, more than 86 percent […]

Bob Sparks

Bob Sparks: Is Florida’s lawsuit against the VA political? Who cares?

Bob Sparks: Poll shows Rubio is in the majority on climate change issue

Bob Sparks: Veterans deserve answers about VA health-care fiasco

Bob Sparks: With or without Democrats, Benghazi probe will go forward

Bob Sparks: Real people must trump ideology

Bob Sparks: On occasion, judges can surprise both sides

Bob Sparks: Despite comments, Hank Aaron still greatly admired

Bob Sparks: Attempts to limit critical voices is usually a bad idea

Bob Sparks: Government can foster, not define, civility

Bob Sparks: Is overhauling FRS a greater risk than doing nothing?