Posted inOpinion

Who can claim the pope?

I have no more claim to Francis than those who oppose me socially, philosophically, and politically

Pope Francis’s address to Congress was remarkable in surprising ways and especially relevant for the Santa Maria Valley. The pope exemplified four historical figures (“great Americans”) in calling for a more egalitarian and compassionate American society. Only one was a woman, but think about the woman the pope chose.  First, consider one woman the pope […]

Posted inOpinion

A road runs through it

Whose authority is paramount: civil or military?

When it comes to the value of property, Realtors tell us it’s all about “location, location, location.” On Dec. 4, the U.S. Supreme Court put that proverbial maxim to the test in its hearing of oral arguments in U.S. vs. John Dennis Apel. The value of the land at stake in U.S. vs. John Dennis […]

Posted inOpinion

Say no to guns

Regular citizens don’t have law-enforcement training

I am a former New Jersey State Police officer. As a Jersey trooper, I served on the “TEAMS” Unit for four years. My unit carried out high security details and operations—including Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)—in 11 northern counties of New Jersey. This territory included rural areas such as in Sussex, Warren, and Hunterdon counties, […]

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