Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Diane RobertsJune 22, 2015

There’s a reason your mama told you not to bring up politics or religion in company. Things are bound to get ugly. If you’re a religious conservative politico running for president, you might want to steer clear of science, too, especially now that Pope Francis has delivered himself of an encyclical urging action on climate […]

Jac VerSteegJune 22, 2015

I have to believe Jeb Bush when he says he wouldn’t let his priest – or even the pope – dictate his economic policy. In fact, if you take Jeb’s recent statements about religion seriously, an obvious conclusion is that Jeb doesn’t take his religion seriously. “I hope I’m not going to get castigated for […]

Jac VerSteegJune 21, 2015

I have to believe Jeb Bush when he says he wouldn’t let his priest – or even the pope – dictate his economic policy. In fact, if you take Jeb’s recent statements about religion seriously, an obvious conclusion is that Jeb doesn’t take his religion seriously. “I hope I’m not going to get castigated for […]

Melissa RossApril 15, 2015

St. Augustine’s 450th commemoration this fall may include a visit from Felipe IV and Letizia, the King and Queen of Spain. Not only that, the organizers are seeking a papal designation for the event. “We are celebrating the Spanish founding of America,” said Dana Ste. Claire, director of the 450th Commemoration. “The King and Queen of Spain are very […]

Mitch PerryMarch 12, 2015

Although many people in Tampa are hoping a Cuban consulate comes to Tampa, a committee in the state Senate on Thursday officially disapproved of any such diplomatic outpost coming to Florida. The Senate Rules Committee approved SM 866, a largely symbolic bill that puts the committee on the record as expressing “profound disagreement” with President Barack Obama‘s […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 4, 2015

You see them haunting television commercials, old-time stars now hawking all sorts of stuff to make themselves some money and seem relevant. Here’s Shaquille O’Neal peddling medical products, as if we’d ever ask Shaq for advice about anything except how to dunk a basketball. There’s country crooner Kenny Rogers with yet another tired rendition of […]

Mitch PerryDecember 3, 2014

At this time of year, there’s always a bit of interest in speculation over who our last standing American newsmagazine, Time, will choose as its Person of the Year. A year ago the newsweekly tabbed Argentina-born Pope Francis with that honor. Coming in second was government whistleblower Edward Snowden. In Laura Poitras’ electrifying new documentary Citizenfour (now playing exclusively at […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 18, 2014

The Republican Party needs a Pope Francis. You know, an old white guy who is tolerant. Kind, not grumpy. Open to more than only people who have millions of dollars or an extra-large chip on their shoulder. Notice that Pope Francis hasn’t changed any fundamental beliefs of the Catholic Church. He’s just made it more […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 12, 2014

You may remember the novelty song from the 70s, “The Cover of the Rolling Stone,” in which the band complains that although they’ve hit it big, they still haven’t gotten their picture on the cover of the rock music and culture magazine. So guess who graces the cover of the Feb. 15 issue of the […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 7, 2014

What would Pope Francis think? He’s probably not up to speed on the details of the lawsuit brought by the Little Sisters of the Poor against the federal government. The Sisters say they should be exempt from providing contraceptive coverage to their employees who work at the Sisters’ home for the aged in Colorado. The […]

Tag: pope francis
Abortion rights protesters. Image via AP.

Diane Roberts: Pols get hot as pope warms to climate change

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: Jeb Bush’s view of religion knocks off some commandments

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: Jeb Bush’s view of religion knocks off some commandments

Visit by Spain’s royal couple foreseen for St. Augustine’s 450th birthday

Senate panel opposes opening Cuban consulate in state

Mark O'Brien: Jeb and Hillary, please stay home

Mitch Perry: In electrifying film ‘Citizenfour,’ we rediscover why Edward Snowden’s revelations were so big

Mark O’Brien: The GOP needs an endearing leader like Pope Francis

Cary McMullen: Pope Francis doesn’t belong to the left or the right

Tom O’Hara: What would Pope Francis think about challenging Obamacare?