The Contributor's Columnists

It was 25 years ago that our country struggled with what to do with the surplus military bases around the country. Prudent management of our national budget dictated that a large number be shuttered and that could be done without any threat to our defense capability.

In Florida, Republican Governor Rick Scott is running for re-election in 2014, with the most embarrassing poll numbers in memory. At least one of his challengers on the Democratic side is probably going to be former Governor Charlie Crist, who just ducked a law suit testimony bullet in the Greer case in Florida.

The appointment process in political governance is terribly important for a number of reasons, and the more important the appointment, the more necessary it is to work the appointment process in advance of announcing the appointment.

Civil liberties and justice are important values of America, and I do not believe in government becoming drunk on power or a president acting as king. However, President Obama and his defense team have done neither.

During his confirmation hearings before the U. S. Senate Committee on Armed Services yesterday, former Senator Chuck Hagel demonstrated his lack of knowledge among the very similar committees in his old employer.

President Obama had not even been sworn in for his second term when he used the ‘bully pulpit’ to introduce his initiative to control guns outside of Congressional action.

These people want no restrictions whatsoever on gun purchases, ammunition or magazines. They don’t want to hunt deer or protect their families; they want to have the capability of taking on the Marines. When they say they want to “take our country back” by “Second Amendment remedies” if necessary, they aren’t talking about having a voter registration drive.

As has been demonstrated by so many successful presidential races in the past, an early start is very important - especially when it is a candidate’s first nationwide campaign. But, as a Florida resident and longtime voter, I would prefer Rubio stay in Washington or in Florida so that he can tend to his current and important duties.