The Way I See ItBy cj pollickLocal Elections - Challengers to incumbents in local communities is very positive in many respects, mainly issues are discussed that might not be otherwise! Before you vote make an effort to see and hear where the candidates in your community stand on issues of importance to you. Informative Website - Pcsoweb.com is the website of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office where you can see for yourself some of the active calls to which deputies have responded, in addition to numerous other bits of information regarding the many services provided by the PCSO. Gov. Charlie Crist Has Met His Match - Once known as the darling of the Florida GOP, Charlie Crist rose through the political ranks from a fledgling State Representative who developed a reputation as "Chain-gang Charlie," to quickly become a State Senator, Education Secretary, Attorney General and Governor of Florida. Everyone liked Charlie Crist--great hair, great smile and great tan. However, Charlie Crist changed with his political offices to become...more moderate and liberal in his politics. He made new friends, such as Donald Trump and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and even found time to tender a hug or two to president Obama, whenever the President was in town. Along the way, he became a prominent name in Washington politics and even was considered a VP candidate by John McCain (which hurt other GOP candidates such as Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney.) The political life of Charlie Crist could not have been better, he evolved into a favorite politician of moderate and liberal voters while distancing himself from conservative voters. Someone in Washington must have given Crist advice that he did not need conservative GOP voters in Florida to win a US Senate seat. Bad advice. Crist is now in trouble and could lose the GOP primary to another talented Florida opponent named Marco Rubio. Crist squandered his once unbeatable 30-point lead and now trails Marco Rubio by 5 points in latest polls. Yes, Crist is trailing Rubio, an opponent Crist refused to publicly debate. Of course, there is still time for Crist to mount a charge to overtake Rubio, but many conservative GOP voters wonder how Crist can overcome some of his political decisions and judicial appointments made while Governor of Florida. Nevertheless, Gov. Charlie Crist is a charismatic person and a great politician. However, Crist has met a fellow GOP opponent who is also charismatic and a great politician, Marco Rubio. Rubio vs. Crist, the winner has a very good chance at winning the US Senate seat vacated by Mel Martinez. Iran Tells US To Take A Hike - Not many people were surprised to hear Hillary Clinton recently say that Iran is close to becoming a military dictatorship. On the other hand, perhaps the fact that Iran has been a military dictatorship is recent news to Hillary Clinton. Then there is vice-president, Joe Biden, who could say just about anything, implying that Iran was not a nuclear nation. However, Iran disputes that assertion and claims they indeed have the ability to super-enrich uranium (to make nuclear weapons.) Israel, on a more serious note, is following the lack of US intervention to stop Iran from moving to make nuclear weapons and disrupt the tenuous balance of power in the Middle East. Israel is the one nation that would take action to stop Iran from building nuclear weapons and that is what worries some US top officials. One thing is sure: Iran is not afraid of America. Why? Are there potential problems in store for America thanks to our hands-off policy in Iran? Harvard Educated Shooter - University shooter, Amy Bishop, who allegedly went on a shooting spree at the University of Alabama (Huntsville) has been described as a "far left" political extremist who was obsessed with President Obama to the point of being obnoxious. (Wow, I thought only "conservatives" were dangerous!!) Opposition To Bailout - According to the Heritage Foundation opposition to a European Union bailout of Greece, where the retirement age is 63, is growing among Germans, who can't retire until 67. It's About The Winter Olympics - Tired of news about Tiger Woods and steroids in baseball? If yes, then perhaps you should take some time to watch the winter Olympic games taking place in Vancouver, Canada. The Olympic games traditionally have offered the best example of great athletes competing to be the best in their sport...without multi-million dollar contracts. Both men and women from around the world competing at sporting events where only three will win Olympic medals. Talented athletes who have worked every day for years fine-tuning their talents to participate in only one or two events. And, as observers know from these winter games, an unfortunate slip or fall can result in favorites losing to unranked competitors. The Winter Olympics, don't miss the excitement. President's Day And Working People - Few people would disagree that honoring our former Presidents is important, regardless of their successes or failures. On Monday we celebrated President's Day. However, a couple of things were noticed on Monday-- governments were closed and government employees had the day off. US mail services were closed for the day, as well as banks and other businesses such as the stock market, etc. On the other hand, small business owners and their employees were working on Monday. Perhaps the current Great Recession has affected the manner in which small business owners are required to work...even on President's Day. No federal bailout funds for small employers who are struggling to meet payroll and take-home whatever is left (usually a smaller sum than the previous year.) Thus, there is no such thing as automatic cost-of-living pay raises for small business workers and "paid" time-off for holidays such as President's Day, etc., etc. Yes, small to medium-sized business owners and employees in America are struggling to survive this recession and, therefore, must work on holidays, even if it means working on a most worthy and memorable President's Day. Here is to the working people of America who are dealing with financial issues not many politicians understand! Gratitude - Wherever I find a great deal of gratitude in a poor man, I take it for granted there would be so much generosity if he were a rich man. -Alexander Pope |