The News-Press mailbag, editorials and guest opinion. http://www.marcoislandflorida.com en-us Copyright 2013, marcoislandflorida SaxoTech Online Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400 Tue, 21 May 2013 22:19:25 -0400 15 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130521/OPINION/130521021 Not only have the board members violated the public trust, but the five members have put future of the school district in jeopardy with a frightening execution in its process of selecting a new school superintendent. Tue, 21 May 2013 14:41:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130521/OPINION/130521021 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130521/OPINION/305210025 As I understand it, the 501(c)(3) tax exemption rules have been relaxed, via Congress, to permit general politicking by political groups, lobbyists and churches on social issues as long as candidates' names aren't targeted. Mon, 20 May 2013 21:24:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130521/OPINION/305210025 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130521/OPINION/305210024 Proposed changes in the Lee County animal control ordinances for dogs are too broad, adversely impact the lives of too many pet owners and need to be restructured before county commissioners consider approving them. Mon, 20 May 2013 21:23:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130521/OPINION/305210024 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130521/OPINION/305210023 Economic development is not a single-minded or single-handed pursuit. It takes a team. Jim Moore knew that and we applaud him for having a vision to bring people together to improve our business future. Mon, 20 May 2013 21:23:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130521/OPINION/305210023 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130520/OPINION/305200011 The immigration debate has long entangled federal officials, but they are laudably taking up the controversial issue again - this time aided by a bipartisan framework put forth by eight senators, including New York's Charles Schumer. Sun, 19 May 2013 21:32:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130520/OPINION/305200011 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130520/OPINION/305200010 And how does Haiti express its thanks? By naming the newly renovated airport in Cap-Haitien after Hugo Chavez, the deceased anti-American dictator from Venezuela. Sun, 19 May 2013 21:32:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130520/OPINION/305200010 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130520/OPINION/305200009 Florida's alimony laws were written back in the day - when women had little economic power, when divorce was uncommon, and cohabiting was scandalous. Sun, 19 May 2013 21:29:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130520/OPINION/305200009 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/305190063 It always seemed strange to me that in the corporate world someone had to step up on a ladder to reach success. Simply because I equated it with the home front, where climbing a ladder was an accident waiting to happen. Sun, 19 May 2013 00:22:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/305190063 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/305190034 President Barack Obama is in the middle of a firestorm - one created by a government under his leadership. Sat, 18 May 2013 18:44:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/305190034 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/305190033 Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you. Sat, 18 May 2013 18:43:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/305190033 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/305190032 Imagine a group of 4-year-olds building a suspension bridge for a circus train. Imagine families working together to grow vegetables in a small rectangular box, vegetables that may one day end up on their dinner tables. Sat, 18 May 2013 18:40:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/305190032 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/305190031 What I want to know is, where in the hell was the right-wing media and politicians when then President Bush not only lied us into a fruitless war but even more than that, what Bush knew one month before the 9/11 attacks. Sat, 18 May 2013 18:38:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/305190031 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/305190030 Note to GOP re Benghazi: Stop calling it Watergate, Iran-contra, bigger than both, etc. Sat, 18 May 2013 18:33:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/305190030 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/305190024 On May 6, I was removed from the council chambers when discussing the economic impact of having more commercial space in our city. Sat, 18 May 2013 15:51:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130519/OPINION/305190024 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130518/OPINION/305180012 Shouldn't you be able to see the price of something before you buy it, so you can shop for value or simply figure out whether you can afford it? Before you roll your eyes and say, 'Of course,' think about the last time you bought medical care, especially Fri, 17 May 2013 21:10:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130518/OPINION/305180012 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130518/OPINION/305180009 I am replying to Rep. Trey Radel's recent commentary criticizing the Common Core Standards, which are being implemented in Florida and schools across the country. Fri, 17 May 2013 21:09:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130518/OPINION/305180009 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130518/OPINION/305180011 Here is today's Mailbag. Fri, 17 May 2013 21:07:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130518/OPINION/305180011 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130518/OPINION/305180010 It was the pictures and riveting testimony that convinced a Philadelphia jury that abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell was guilty of murdering three infants born alive following botched late-term abortions and also guilty of the involuntary manslaughter of Kar Fri, 17 May 2013 21:02:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130518/OPINION/305180010 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130517/OPINION/305170023 Another day, another excessive use of government power by the Obama administration. Thu, 16 May 2013 21:48:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130517/OPINION/305170023 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130517/OPINION/305170019 Over the last couple of weeks, The News-Press has subjected its readers to its own bias against the current Lee County School Board, each member of which was elected by the public in open elections by voters from throughout the county. Thu, 16 May 2013 21:46:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130517/OPINION/305170019 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130517/OPINION/305170021 Barack Obama's presidency may be defined - and not favorably so - by three controversial events of recent weeks. Thu, 16 May 2013 21:46:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130517/OPINION/305170021 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130517/OPINION/305170022 Going to Arties? Maybe. Maybe in a few years, people will talk of going to Arties instead of going to the Phil, but in the meantime… Thu, 16 May 2013 21:43:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130517/OPINION/305170022 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130516/OPINION/305160011 We are disappointed the Florida House of Representatives saw fit to deny 1.1 million Floridians the opportunity to purchase health insurance, but supported low-cost insurance for themselves. Wed, 15 May 2013 23:40:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130516/OPINION/305160011 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130516/OPINION/305160010 We urge the Cape Coral City Council to develop a fair and equitable plan for 11 churches in the community impacted by the assessments associated with the utility expansion project. Wed, 15 May 2013 23:40:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130516/OPINION/305160010 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130516/OPINION/305160007 You can hear the crack of the bat this week at JetBlue Park, but it's not Major League players hitting the baseball. Wed, 15 May 2013 23:35:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130516/OPINION/305160007 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130516/OPINION/305160008 It's always the 'low-level' peon's fault, isn't it? When Democrats get caught red-handed abusing government powers and bullying their political enemies small and large, nobody at the top knows nuttin'. Wed, 15 May 2013 23:35:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130516/OPINION/305160008 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130516/OPINION/305160009 Here is today's Mailbag. Wed, 15 May 2013 23:26:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130516/OPINION/305160009 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130515/OPINION/305150017 In your May 8 edition, Rep. Matt Caldwell responded to a letter published on the same date from Hal Tray of Sanibel in regard to the Florida House's health care plan or lack thereof. I feel compelled to respond to Rep. Tue, 14 May 2013 21:29:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130515/OPINION/305150017 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130515/OPINION/305150022 March was the busiest month in the 30-year history of Southwest Florida International Airport, according to the Lee County Port Authority. Tue, 14 May 2013 21:29:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130515/OPINION/305150022 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130515/OPINION/305150019 Anyone with even a passing knowledge of recent U.S. history should recognize the sensitivity of anything that smacks of using the IRS as a political weapon. Tue, 14 May 2013 21:28:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130515/OPINION/305150019 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130515/OPINION/305150016 What a way to celebrate the executive editor's birthday. Tue, 14 May 2013 21:27:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130515/OPINION/305150016 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130515/OPINION/305150015 While traveling on the cruise ship these past few weeks, we met a judge from a Southwestern state. Tue, 14 May 2013 21:27:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130515/OPINION/305150015 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130515/OPINION/305150023 It should've been the shot heard around the world. Chances are, you didn't hear it. Tue, 14 May 2013 21:26:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130515/OPINION/305150023 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130515/OPINION/305150021 Hertz Corp. will find that getting around the state of Florida is costly, time consuming, but get a lot of rental car use. Tue, 14 May 2013 21:26:00 -0400 http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130515/OPINION/305150021