Emails & Opinions

Jim RosicaFebruary 13, 2016

About a quarter-century ago, a pack of Marlboro cigarettes sealed a friendship between the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and Florida legal legend Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte. It was December 1991, during D’Alemberte’s tenure as American Bar Association president. Scalia had been on the bench about five years by then. The two men were on an ABA “mission […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 12, 2016

For almost a decade, Florida has been ground zero in the nation’s struggle against prescription drug abuse. So-called “pain clinics” became a common part of the Florida landscape, leading to an epidemic of the misuse and abuse of opioids. The Florida Legislature responded to the proliferation of pain clinics with new regulations and from 2010 […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 12, 2016

While watching the first hour of Thursday night’s Democratic presidential debate, I started thinking that Marco Rubio has gotten a bit of a bum rap. For months (maybe longer), political reporters have complained that Rubio has liberally inserted his standard stump speech into his answers to questions on the campaign trail. That meme hit Def Com […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 11, 2016

Driving my sons from one activity to another, if I turn off the radio and they put down their phones, is a great opportunity to talk about life. Recently, my youngest mentioned his friend Dave was in trouble because “Dave told Whitney he liked her, but he also likes Alice and wants to date Alice […]

Bob SparksFebruary 11, 2016

Tuesday night’s New Hampshire primary election revealed the mood of the electorate of that small state. Polls show that in many of the remaining primary and caucus states, voters in both parties are unhappy with the process of government. Amendments, show votes, executive orders and other process maneuvers have worn thin. The Florida Legislature offers […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 11, 2016

The abrupt end to the 2015 Florida legislative session left an important piece of legislation in limbo: the regulation of the onshore oil and gas industry. Fortunately, Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, and Rep. Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero, are again championing this good legislation during this year’s session, and we are nearing the finish line. HB 191 […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 11, 2016

Here’s some wishful thinking. Wanted to Rent: One bedroom, one bath house or apartment. Long-term lease. Willing to pay security, first and last. Employed. Good references. Can afford up to $775 monthly. In Key West. I don’t have a car so need to be close to work. Did that $775 a month make you snort […]

Sally SwartzFebruary 11, 2016

Candidates who want to keep Martin County different from the rest of crowded South Florida have lost county commission races when two who favor careful growth run against one development-friendly contender. In past elections, the two candidates who support careful growth split the majority vote and the candidate who developers favor coasts to victory on […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 11, 2016

With New Hampshire behind us, I want to share a few insights after spending several days in the state. First, driving through the snow is not at all like driving in rain. So I can take that off the bucket list. Hillary Clinton’s speech Tuesday night has inspired me more than ever to double down […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 11, 2016

Madeline Albright and Gloria Steinem need to stop obsessing about young women who won’t vote for Hillary Clinton. There’s a better use for their time and energy if they want her to be elected president. That’s to take Clinton by the shoulders, shake her until her teeth rattle, and scream into her ear, “Who do […]

Emails & Opinions
One of the U.S. Postal Service's new zero-emmissions electric vehicles. Image Via The Associated Press.

Antonin Scalia, Sandy D’Alemberte and the pack of Marlboros

Michael Ruppal: Legislature must authorize use of abuse-deterrent opioids to save lives

Mitch Perry Report for 2.12.16 – Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders clash in Milwaukee

Catherine Durkin Robinson: Valentine’s Day advice for kids who won’t listen anyway

Bob Sparks: Hear the gun bills, don’t restrict debate

Brewster Bevis: The Legislature should pass legislation regulating oil and gas industry

Linda Cunningham: Key West voters need to preserve housing for workers

Sally Swartz: If growth advocates split vote, can conservationist win Martin commission seat?

Christian Ulvert: Experience and passion make Hillary Clinton my choice for president

Martin Dyckman: Hillary Clinton should acknowledge that her speaking fees are offensive