A recent letter to the editor made an excellent point about politicians constantly raising money for their next election. The writer stated that if these politicians focused instead on representing their constituents, and being real leaders, they wouldn't need nearly as much money to be re-elected. That's the point that almost no one gets anymore. It's also what's ruining our country. It's a lot easier to win a race by holding fundraisers and kissing the rings of special interests than it is to be a real leader. The money buys smoke and mirrors, sound bites and enough attack ads to win an election. To be a strong leader, well, that requires work, backbone, integrity and brains. It seems like few of our leaders at the state and national levels have enough – or any – of these attributes. Try to name a few leaders over the last 50 years who let their records win the election for them. Come on, be honest. How many members of Congress or presidents can you name who truly were great – or even good – leaders? The list is painfully short. ...more

November 25, 2007

After a week of meetings but too little public debate, Florida lawmakers have agreed on where to cut $1.1 billion from the state's $71 billion budget. They'll return to Tallahassee on Friday for a final and largely party-line vote to bring it into balance. ...more

October 9, 2007

It once appeared dead, but now it's alive - or at least it will be Jan. 1. ...more

October 8, 2007

Study Proposal More Regarding 'FairTax Is Pure Fantasy' by Bruce Bartlett (Other Views, Oct. 1): ...more

October 6, 2007

Lobbyist John Thrasher, a lawyer and former speaker of the Florida House, makes a bogus but convincing case against the Hometown Democracy amendment that voters will possibly consider in November 2008. ...more

September 24, 2007