Kathryn Leedom outgoing Sun intern “My ensemble consists of sandals from Pacific Sunwear, jeans from Express, a shirt from the Gap, and a sweater from the bottom of my closet.” Troy Ambroff student “I’m wearing Crew jeans. I have no idea where my shirt came from, and I’m wearing Emerica shoes.” Lindsay Flamm cashier “I’m […]
Opinion
Posted inOpinion
The government must respect the law
The nation will suffer if violations aren’t prosecuted
When humans first came together to live in agricultural communities, the need developed for rules and laws. It became important for those early leaders, just as today, to set good examples to follow for the rest of the community. Those social rules and laws have become the glue that holds modern civilization and societies together. […]
Posted inOpinion
Would you rather win a copy of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire signed by J.K. Rowling or a big-screen television?
Delfino Carreras library page “I would want the big-screen television because I don’t read the Harry Potter books.” Dottie Ott retired “Probably the book, because I could give it to my granddaughter, even though she’s 23.” Aaron Thomas construction worker “The Harry Potter book, because I could sell it on eBay for a lot of […]
Posted inOpinion
The boy wizard trumps all
To the winner of the autographed Harry Potter book from the library fundraiser: I’ll give it a good home
I have a confession to make. A couple of weeks ago, I told Mark van de Kamp, a management analyst for the city, that the Santa Maria Public Library doesn’t need any more money. A week before that, I said the same thing to Phil Alvarado, the new Santa Maria Bonita School District Superintendent and […]
Posted inOpinion
What’s your favorite sport to watch in the Summer Olympics?
Jim Perry retired/photographer “Baseball. Anything I can do with my grandson is interesting.” Omar Herrera student “Track, because it’s more of a single-person event.” Sarah Candey mother “Probably the swimming and the gymnastics are the most fun for us to watch.” Mike Doe mystery man “I like them all. I’m interested in all of the […]
Posted inOpinion
Marching on Washington
Forty-five years ago, the country united under a dream
It was August 1963, and I was a college junior. I had a summer job in New York City, and each day I took the commuter train with my father. On one such trip, I looked at the New York Post and was surprised to learn that college students had gone down south to help […]
Posted inOpinion
What is the worst gift you’ve ever been given?
Brandon Carroll intern “A fruitcake.” Bill Spriggs vendor “I’ve always had good gifts. Every gift I’ve gotten came from the heart, and that’s all that matters to me.” Tasia Bech camp counselor “On Valentine’s Day, I got a teddy bear from a gas station. It smelled and was dusty.” Tina Vincent camp counselor “Probably money, […]
Posted inOpinion
Arnold is holding us hostage
Atascadero
The legislators gridlock has created a complete mess. Hospitals, nursing homes, and community health clinics are no long being paid. Schools are trying to plan a new school year without knowing how many staff they will be able to keep. This is irresponsible. It has to stop. State workers making $6.55 an hour are not […]
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Enough with change!
Atascadero
Some politicians are now calling for change—this might even sound good to young people who have no memory of the past. I remember when gas was 25 cents a gallon. My first house cost $29,000, and a loaf of bread was 20 cents. I remember when jobs were easy to get because things were still […]
Posted inOpinion
Obama is practical; Republicans are out of touch
San Luis Obispo
There was a time when the Republican Party believed in realistic goals and personal responsibility. Under the failed policies of the Bush Administration, this is no longer the case. They embrace the word “conservative” while ignoring the root of that word: “conserve.” The last eight years have been all about excess: excess military spending, excess […]
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Here’s my political tally sheet
Santa Maria
As an Independent trying to stay on top of the platforms of politics, I am dismayed by the lack of knowledge of the Democratic opinions. I don’t care for Bush, but understand his problems. Obama, like the Clintons, will promise you anything that will win your vote, even though he has no experience in anything. […]
Posted inOpinion
Get the word out: Iran is dangerous
Santa Maria
Please make it known that Iran is an imminent threat to the whole world. Iran is defiant and will not stop its nuclear ambitions. It is important for the American and world public to understand the issues and the threat that Iran poses to the world’s peace and stability.
