The Way I See ItBy cj pollickLabor Day Weekend - The official last holiday of the summer is here. I know summer is over because I saw Rudolf the red-nosed Reindeer stuffed animals at Costco just last week. Joe Calio Will Be Missed - Joe Calio passed away last week at the age of 83. Joe's big smile and determined demeanor set the stage for his involvement in improving the quality of life for all the residents of Sand Key. Joe's selfless leadership has left a positive lifetime legacy on the city. Citizens' Apathy - It's amazing, especially in the current economic climate that only three people attended the City of Clearwater budget meeting this week. Cabana Club Comes Under Fire - Grandiose plans for both the restoration of the Cabana Club on Sand Key and the Belleview Biltmore Hotel have encountered major funding problems. The downturn in the economy undoubtedly played a role. Eyesores Are Cropping Up Everywhere - Another result of the downturn in the economy is the number of properties being neglected by owners. Now is really the time for greater code enforcement. More Empty Space - There appear to be more businesses closing their doors every week, resulting in more empty storefronts. Politics As Usual - Why would some folks be surprised at the fact that the GOP is uniting behind Rick Scott for governor? Primaries are typically brutal, but the winner is usually embraced by his political party. (Have we already forgotten Hilary Clinton vs. Barack Obama?) Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor - I can't understand why there is so much criticism of this event. The patriots from all over the country who attended were peaceful citizens who are concerned about the direction in which our government is moving. Glenn's message to return to our churches, be honorable, charitable, and accountable for our actions seem like positive messages to me. Urge Them To Go - Obama's Education Secretary Anne Duncan urged 4,000 employees to attend the rally of Rev. Al Sharpton. Closing Hospitals - Faced with mounting debt and looming costs from Obamacare, many local governments are closing their hospitals. Won't Admit Their Agenda - The progressive coalition Health Care for America Now is fighting hard to help reelect lawmakers who voted for Obamacare, but they are refusing to talk about it. Stimulus Costs More Than War - According to CBO number published this month, the cost of Operation Iraqi Freedom was $709, while the projected cost of the stimulus is $862 billion. Media Loves Democrats - According to the Washington Examiner, President Obama and Democrats got 88 percent of contributions by TV executives, writers and reporters in 2008. Justice Department Files Another Lawsuit - Against Arizona, this time claiming that community colleges acted illegally in requiring non-citizens to provide green cards before they could be hired. Reeducating The People - Acknowledging that majorities still oppose Obamacare, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius promised " a lot of reeducation" for the American people heading into the midterms. (Are they kidding? We got it the first time and obviously don't like it.) Obamacare Affects Patient Care - Wall Street Journal reports that Docs 4 Patient Care is encouraging physicians to leave a letter in their office explaining how Obamacare is "badly exacerbating the current doctor shortage" and will bring "major cost increases, rising insurance premiums, higher taxes." Auto Sales Terrible - U.S. auto sales in August were the slowest for the month in 28 years! Spend, Spend, Spend - Federal domestic spending increased by a record 16 percent to $3.2 trillion in 2009, the largest increase ever recorded by the Census Bureau. Football, Football, And More Football - Finally it is kick off weekend for college football. (Like to go to a sports bar to watch the games? Try the Brown Boxer Pub and Grille in Pelican Walk on North Clearwater Beach, where they have more than 20 flat screen TVs.) "One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." -Plato |