'Weed and feed' is not foolproof

Written by archive on March 6, 2017. Posted in columns, lifestyle.

The weed-and-feed concept is very popular. Fertilizing a lawn and controlling weeds at the same time sounds like a winning combination.

But be cautious — it's not foolproof.

When the herbicide (weed killer) in a weed-and-feed product is a pre-emergent, the product must be applied prior to weed emergence.

Applying a pre-emergence herbicide, after weed emergence (when weed seedlings are visible), will have little or no effect.

In general, a pre-emergence herbicide should be applied Feb. 15 to March 1 in North Florida, when day temperatures reach 65 degrees to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for four or five consecutive days. This is about the time that azaleas and dogwoods first begin to bloom.

Many common weed-and-feed products contain high amounts of nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen stimulates top growth in lawns. Applying a high-nitrogen fertilizer too early increases the likelihood of frost or freeze injury to the tender new growth induced by the early nitrogen application.

If the weed-and-feed is applied mid-February to early March (as a pre-emergent), it's too early for the fertilizer. If it is applied mid-March through April (as a fertilizer), it's too late for the pre-emergence.

There are additional concerns with the weed-and-feed approach, which:

*Does not lend itself to spot treatment of small weed-infested areas in a lawn, because fertilizer is typically applied throughout the lawn.

*Does lend itself to blanket application of the herbicide, even where weeds aren't a problem; again, because the herbicide is mixed with the fertilizer.

*Herbicide can easily end up on paved surfaces and ultimately in waterways.

*Many weed-and-feed products contain too much nitrogen and too little potassium.

*Herbicide in some weed-and-feed products can injure nearby trees and shrubs.

*Overuse of some pre-emergence herbicides can result in stunted lawn roots.

*Pre-emergence herbicides can interfere with lawn-grass seed germination.

*Some pre-emergence herbicides can severely injure newly sprigged lawns.

Give these considerations some thought and you may decide to do your weed control and fertilization separately.

It is the user's responsibility to read and follow all label directions and precautions when applying any pesticide, including herbicides.

Larry Williams is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Weed and feed' is not foolproof

With Crestview's growth come tradeoffs

Written by archive on March 6, 2017. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

Progress is exciting. Have you looked around when driving up and down Ferdon Boulevard? There are all sorts of buildings and clearings of land. Crestview is growing with new businesses.

While I remain excited about all of the new opportunities we will have for eating and shopping, I do mourn the loss of so many trees.

It is sad that trees have to be destroyed in order for us to have shopping centers. Trees are important, as they absorb carbon dioxide and then release oxygen for us to breathe — a rather large benefit for those of us who enjoy breathing.

They also help clean our air; their leaves and bark absorb impurities; and trees moderate the temperature. In the summer, I always look for a tree to park beneath so my car stays cooler.

I have mixed emotions about losing trees for commercial gain.

It is interesting to watch the progress on the new shopping center being built on South Ferdon Boulevard next to Publix.

And, at the north end of town, construction has started at the corner of Airport Road and North Ferdon Boulevard for, from what I understand, a new Publix.

I would still like to see a store such as Kohl's or Dillard's come into town, but it doesn't seem as though we have the population they need to build.

I think a department store would do well in Crestview, but am not sure how we would handle the traffic problems that would come with a larger shopping outlet.

It would be nice to keep the sales taxes that would come with such a store here in town, and I would prefer to spend my money here rather than in Destin or Fort Walton Beach.

We seem to have lots of talk and studies about traffic and how to relieve it, and nothing is accomplished. We need some real traffic relief now, not after hundreds more houses and businesses are built.

While I look forward to the progress, I don't look forward to more traffic jams.

Please work on the traffic flow in Crestview!

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: With Crestview's growth come tradeoffs

HUBBUB: Thoughts on climate change, Crestview's city manager proposal

Written by archive on March 6, 2017. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

CRESTVIEW — Numerous crestviewbulletin.com and Facebook readers shared their thoughts on recent news reports. Here are some of their comments.

A MISSED OPPORTUNITY

This is a very good article and should be shared with as many citizens as possible. It gives clear examples of how our current structure leaves the city vulnerable.

The comparison of the three options I found to be helpful, as it allows the readers to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each option.

I do not believe there is any doubt that this city would benefit from a city manager. I believe our greatest issue is engaging our citizens and educating them on the benefits of the charter change. The true challenge is not “do we change,” but rather “what system do we employ to get the education to our citizens.”

I attended the city council meeting and feel that we missed an opportunity to have the best in the nation assist us in that specific area. Based upon the information gathered, a plan was developed by the Mason-Dixon Group, who has repeatedly been able to develop reliable and consistent results with proven success.

My one personal question is: What purpose does it serve to have the city council "research" when the "best practice" is to establish an Administrative Board to advise and facilitate city structure, procedures and operations management in anticipation of a new city charter.

That and that alone should be the city council’s next decision. The establishment of an Administrative Board to advise the city on next steps in order to present and pass a new city charter.

Melissa Simpson

GIVE UP ON ‘SMALL TOWN’ LABEL

I don't know why these old-school Crestview people don't understand that we're already not a small town! We haven't been a small town in years!

We are a bigger town with nothing available to its residents. Insufficient infrastructure, entertainment, dining, etc.

It's time to give up on the "small town" mentality

Shauna Preston

IS THIS PROPOSED POSITION A…

City manager or “let's hire someone with a huge salary that we can blame and fire if things go wrong so that we can get re-elected?”

David Hall

GET WITH THE TIMES

Are you serious? It is a military town; you got people coming and going all the time. I've only lived here a little under two years but this town outgrew its diaper a long time …

We are now in big boy, big girl underwear. This town flew way past the Pull-Ups.

If you can't get with the times, then get out of office.

Rachel Harris

WRONG TO USE PEOPLE AS PROPS

I wish Trump had the respect and basic decency to not use a recent widow as a political prop. I don't care who did what in the past; bring up Obama or Clinton or whatever, they were wrong too.

David Jenkins

OWENS WOULD RATHER BE LIVING

She was used to make people forget that he was responsible for the Seal’s death. The stupidity of saying he is in Heaven, amazed over breaking a record for longest ovation, is unreal.

I am sure he would much rather be alive than have an ovation for being dead.

Trump blamed everyone but the man at the top, who made this decision while having dinner. I would not have stood for that mockery, either.

Gwen Kimbro

GOD BLESS THE OWENS FAMILY

Trump was paying more respects towards the widow then any B.S. liberal … for not standing.

This is the respect that our military should receive present day, past and to all our veterans … respect which has been lost in the past 30 or more years due to the government in the past saying we have to kiss the parents’ fanny of children and the children while teaching them in all aspects of preschool to college (now).

We have raised a pampered society the last 30 years. It is time for these children to learn and prosper within society, and they do not know how to do it because of parents, education system and because they all know how to lie and manipulate anyone and everyone.

My respects to Mrs. Owens and her family! God Bless them!

Michelle Cook

GLOBAL WARMING FITS LIBERAL AGENDA

Good for Ron Hart having the courage to publicly stand up and eloquently shine light on the hysteria that is the climate change/global warming liberal agenda, that is more about power grabbing and population enslavement than it is about real conservation of natural resources.

Will Cantrell

WHY WE NEED REGULATIONS

Yes, we do have something to gain. A planet we can actually live on. Breathable air and water we don't have to filter.

You know, the things we need to survive.

How dumb can one person be? Also, the money spent is not so a caribou doesn't have to look at a pipeline; it’s so the caribou doesn't die from an oil spill … !

I’d like you to look at the people in Flint and tell them regulations aren't needed. Honestly, look them right in the face and say that, because I know they will spit on you.

We need regulations, so (stuff) like that doesn't happen.

Stephanie Wahner

CLIMATE CHANGE IS NOT POLITICAL

The climate has always changed and has gone through periods of temperature changes and other shifts — fact.

Science has shown us that although these changes are considered normal, it's the rate that they are taking place. The climate is currently at an accelerated rate of change that is beyond the normal spectrum.

The need for change, for a look into cleaner energies or the rate of deforestation, for example, is not a liberal agenda but should be the agenda of every single person living on this planet who hopes to see it flourish for future generations to come.

More importantly, for our children.

Sadly, people have this idea that it's political. The planet has no time for politics.

Kasey McCoy

CONTRACT BRINGS EXTRA COST

Thank you, commissioners, for the new (Waste Management) contract that now increases my cost. I did not get that big of a raise in my monthly SSA check so I will remember you at the polls.

Gisela Harper

NOT SAD ABOUT SECTION 8

After what HUD has done to my neighborhood (drug dealing, break-ins, trash dumped whereever) I can’t say I’d be sad to see it go away, but more like throwing a BBQ and invite friends over on the weekend since they all work!

Becky Reeves

PREDICTION ABOUT LANDLORDS

At CPAC, Trump's guru, Steve Bannon, said, "We are dismantling the administrative state.” That means they are gutting funding for all government agencies, and HUD is at the top of their list. There won't be a Section 8 program four years from now. So I would not be sitting around waiting for a voucher; plus, even if you have one, no landlord is going to take them now that they know HUD is going to gutted.

Jeff Barnes

THOUGHTS ABOUT GUN CRIMES

I have no opinion regarding the policy change. However, the following statement does bother me: "more law-abiding people should receive firearms training to help fight crime."

NO.

This will not reduce either crime or violence, and until someone can produce convincing evidence otherwise, people in positions of authority should not misinform the public this way.

Civilians "fight" (i.e., help reduce) crime by being alert, observing details and contacting authorities sworn to "fight" crime when appropriate.

I've lived in or worked in 18 different countries, and overwhelmingly, lower numbers of guns and higher barriers to gun ownership correlate strongly to lower violent crime.

It isn't even close.

See South Korea, Japan, England or any other developed country with stronger gun laws.

Vince Ryder

KUDOS FOR HEALTH-CARE MEMBERSHIP PLANS

Blessings on your new business. Excited to see someone values human life more than money.

Patricia Christian

DESIGNATED GRAFFITI-LEGAL AREAS

Traffic is still the big issue! Who cares about spray paint! If you give these kids/artists a landmark to legally spray, like The Graffiti Bridge in Pensacola, we might have less of a problem. Very simple fix.

Chris Richards

GRAFFITI NEEDS TO STOP

There has been very limited graffiti activity in Crestview until recently. As someone stated, it's showing up in several places.

This is not artists showcasing talent. It is the work of vandals and it needs to stop.

It truly makes our town look trashy. I hope they are caught and prosecuted.

Shorty Mohon

OBAMACARE SHOULDN’T TAKE ALL THE BLAME

Um, how about we dial back the corporate cuts and congress raises. Let's not insult people's intelligence by claiming that this single program has built up all this debt.

Krista Gray Ladner

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Thoughts on climate change, Crestview's city manager proposal

To kind Americans: please stand up

Written by archive on March 2, 2017. Posted in columns, Opinion.

I'm missing people.

In recent years, I have eulogized my wife's father's funeral as well as her mother's funeral. This weekend, I will attend the funeral service for my mother-in law from my first marriage. My first wife died in 2002.

My mother and father have passed on, along with all of my aunts and uncles, with the exception of one living aunt, Lucille. This reminds me that I hope to see her at the family reunion in May.

Recently, my sister's daughter, who lived beside my Kentucky home, passed at age 53 after a lifelong battle with diabetes.

One of my dear friends died a couple of years ago from cancer and another dear friend is apparently suffering from dementia and unable to communicate much anymore.

I miss laughing with these guys.

I keep trying to make new friends. However, it seems like my old friends are dying off quicker than I can make new friends.

I miss my childhood pastor, who used to brag on me and always had a good word. I miss an old newspaper editor who brought me into the fold and mentored my writing.

Of course, they are both dead now.

I miss my high school basketball coach who was a star player himself. He was so gifted at cussing us out at halftime and telling us everything we had done with the basketball except actually playing with it.

He also knew how to extend a compliment, encourage and point out the good that he saw in others and me. I miss that guy.

We were driving from Baltimore, Maryland to Charleston, West Virginia recently and we were somewhat amazed by our drive. One guy made a point of pulling in front of us and slamming on his brakes. I guess we hadn't been driving fast enough in the fast lane for him but 76 mph was more than we should have been going.

Another guy was coming up the exit ramp and I couldn't pull over to give him all the room he wanted so he just started honking and giving me the finger. This reminded me of a five-mile stretch of highway that I drive a lot in Indiana where I get the finger a couple of times a week from motorists in the Hoosier state.

Sadly, kindness is just not in vogue today, it seems, and I don't like it. I still can't believe that elected political people did not have the decency and human kindness to stand for the widow of slain Navy Seal Carryn Owens at President Trump's address to Congress on Feb. 28.

Regardless of your politics, and however you view Trump's reasoning, there should be respect for the slain Navy Seal, Ryan Owens, his widow Carryn Owens, and all those who serve and have served.

Many people in leadership roles are teaching us how to act and live. More and more it's all about trash talk, rude comments and crude behavior toward others.

If we want kids across America to show some respect to each other and demonstrate kindness to others, then it must be jumpstarted anew and afresh by the big people who are seen and heard throughout our country.

I miss many people from days of old who have passed on. I am especially missing those who knew and understood kindness and how to treat others.

So is most of America.

I know there are millions of kind people still in America. They just need to stand up.

Glenn Mollette is an American syndicated columnist and author.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: To kind Americans: please stand up

Why America needs mentors, life coaches

Written by archive on February 23, 2017. Posted in columns, Opinion.

A growing industry across the country is life coaching. People are actually going into private practice opening offices and spending hours every week giving direction and a listening ear to people.

We have had psychiatrists and other mental health workers for years, but now people are training to help others with just the most basic types of problems and questions.

We live in an age when people are more desperate than ever for somebody to talk to. People have problems from spiritual and financial, to making daily decisions. People wonder about what to do with their lives. They don't know how to get a job or what opportunities might exist for them. Millions of American kids pass through 12 grades of school and graduate clueless about what to do next.

More than ever, people need to know that their lives are not in vain. They do not exist to just create social media postings in hopes that a few people will "like" them.

They need to know that if they do not make a television reality show that they are still okay because every day they exist in their own reality show. The reality is that each American has an opportunity to have a real life.

Life is never free from hurdles, work, challenges and the usual grit and grind. However, there are ways to navigate the maze of living life.

Bad things happen to people. People are brought up in broken homes, by single parents, in poverty, and surrounded by domestic violence. The scenarios are endless. This is why, more than ever, we need everyday life coaches who can help people with the simplest of life's quests.

Young adults up to senior citizens need guidance. You can find many answers on Google, but often people don't know the right questions to ask.

How do I write a resume?

What do I put on a resume'?

How do I dress for a certain job interview?

What are my career choices?

How do I choose a career?

How do I know what I am good at doing?

How do I save money?

How can I make my life better?

How can I avoid trouble?

How do I start a business?

How do I obtain financial aid for college?

What do I have to do to be a schoolteacher, a lawyer, a doctor an engineer or some other professional?

I am unhappy with my physical condition — what can I do to be a healthier person?

I understand that not every counselor has an immediate answer to every person's questions. However, answers are available and often a steady mind with a listening ear can help someone find an answer.

Some people need help from a medical professional. Some need help from licensed clinical counselors. Many today just need some basic common sense direction.

Every city in America struggling with violence would be well served to plant guidance coaches, mentors or life coaches throughout these troubled communities.

In reality, every parent should do the job. Unfortunately, parents have either dropped the ball, flown the coop or just cannot pull their own lives together. Sadly, in America, we have so many dysfunctional families that life coaches are needed to help mom and dad as much as the young teens struggling in these scenarios.

More law enforcement, more police dogs and more curfews are not going to solve the hurt being felt by so many lost young adults in America.

More than ever, these young men and women need community leaders, mentors and coaches with a listening ear and common sense advice for living and achieving a better life.

Glenn Mollette is an American syndicated columnist and author.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Why America needs mentors, life coaches

12 prayer tips for Lent

Written by archive on February 20, 2017. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

With all the turmoil that is going on in the world, it is refreshing to take a step back and reflect on things of the Lord.

In the Christian tradition, we have specific times of reflection, Advent, the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, and Lent, the 40 days prior to Easter.

This year, Lent begins on Wednesday, March 1. Many churches will have an Ash Wednesday service in which the pastor will place ashes in the shape of the cross upon one's forehead or hand as a reminder of what Christ did for us upon the cross. Generally, the words from Genesis 3:19 are said at this time: "For you are dust, and to dust you shall return." Ash Wednesday can be a day of fasting as well as repentance.

In some traditions, the words "Alleluia" and "Gloria" are omitted during worship services to emphasize the solemnity of the Lenten season. Lent is meant to be a time for repentance and spiritual reflection as well as a time to draw closer to the Lord before Easter. One of the ways we can observe Lent is to spend more time reading the Scripture and in prayer.

Prayer for others, as well as ourselves, is always a good practice. Here are some prayer suggestions:

•That the Lord will meet our spiritual and physical needs

•That we will obey the Lord's commandments

•Wisdom, discernment and peace for our pastors, priests and church staff

•Peace and unity in our country and community

•Wisdom and godly discernment for our elected leaders — federal, state and local

•Safety and wisdom for our police, sheriff and fire departments

•Safety for our military members — both deployed and at home

•Forgiving hearts toward those with whom we may disagree

•That the Lord will meet the needs of those in war-torn countries

•That we will have compassion for those less fortunate and help them

•Honesty in our dealings and the dealings of our leaders

•Gratitude for all that the Lord has given to us

We can also show support and love for our spiritual leaders by sending them an encouraging card or note.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 12 prayer tips for Lent

President Trump, keep us out of Syria

Written by archive on February 20, 2017. Posted in columns, Opinion.

President Trump must not authorize troops on the ground in Syria. Once our troops are moved to a country they never leave.

Iraq and Afghanistan are cases in point. Part of our economic despair in our country can be traced to the trillions of dollars we've spent on foreign soil the last 16 or so years. This doesn't include all the countries where we have troops and billions of dollars invested in military bases.

America is scattered out around the world.

Our soldiers go and are killed or are maimed for life. We revere all they do for America but, in the meantime, our government continues to send thousands of troops overseas.

There is now a buildup of troops in Poland on the Russian border. I am sure Poland does not appreciate Russian aggression against them. Is it America's job to send thousands of troops to this region of the world?

More is now being said about troops on the ground in Syria. Once we start, we will be there for years and maybe forever.

What will be the defining moment that stops our country from making every world problem and conflict our problem?

Will it be when all Americans are poor and hungry?

Will it be when we no longer have bridges that we feel safe crossing or roads in such shambles we can't drive on them?

Will it be when we are so drained from spreading ourselves around the world so thinly that we can no longer defend ourselves?

Inside our own nation, we are spread too thin. We have welcomed the world to come here for many years. Many of our major cities are beyond recognition, as thousands of internationals have become a major presence in our country. They need money, medical care, housing and on and on. In the meantime, we have hungry veterans and homeless Americans sleeping in cars, under bridges and in city parks. I see it all the time and it's not pretty.

I understand life is not pretty in Syria or many other places on the planet. We cannot fix them all. ISIS is a threat to America and destroying their oil refineries, bridges, communication abilities and airports is something we can do from the sky.

That doesn't require military bases and thousands of troops stationed in Syria.

Plus, we can't kill them all. No silver bullet will eliminate the entire ISIS cell groups scattered in Syria and now in other parts of the Middle East.

Please, President Trump, do not put our troops on the ground in Syria. We don't want to lose another thousand American lives, spend another trillion dollars and try to police another nation that we will later have to rebuild.

Glenn Mollette is a syndicated columnist and author of eleven books. He is read in all 50 states. Visit www.glennmollette.com. Contact him at GMollette@aol.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: President Trump, keep us out of Syria

The benefits of cataract surgery

Written by archive on February 15, 2017. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

I went to the eye doctor about three and a half years ago for my yearly exam. The doctor said I had early onset cataracts, but they take years to develop.

The next year I saw a different optometrist and she told me that the cataracts were developing, but not yet ready for surgery.

On one of my visits to a retinal specialist, I found I couldn't read the eye chart with my right eye, which meant new glasses and time to think about cataract surgery.

I began talking with everyone I knew about which doctor to use, what lens to have implanted, what to expect, what types of complications there are, the cost, and so forth. I did my research since I was so much younger than most cataract patients, and I would have to live with my decision for a long time.

My right eye had the thickest cataract and got to the point where I could no longer read with it. I had to save the money for this surgery since we have such a ridiculous deductible for our medical insurance. I had some complications due to swelling because of the thickness of the cataract, but I see so clearly now, I am thrilled.

I just had surgery on my left eye and am still recovering, but it was much easier and I knew what to expect this time. My vision is getting clearer each day and I can drive confidently at night again. I look forward to seeing as clearly in my left eye as in my right eye.

I have a great deal of respect for my eye surgeon, Dr. Andrew Kortz of Mullis Eye Institute here in Crestview, as well as the office staff. I had a wonderful experience.

I am so happy that I chose to stay near-sighted, as it fits my lifestyle. Even though this is not the usual decision for cataract surgery, it was the right decision for me. I don't mind wearing glasses to drive and I do mind wearing glasses to read.

So, if the time comes for you to have cataract surgery, don't be afraid to ask questions and get it done. You will be glad you did.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The benefits of cataract surgery

If left keeps crying 'Wolf,' protests won’t work

Written by archive on February 9, 2017. Posted in columns, Opinion.

Lefties have one go-to reaction to anything that does not fit their narrative: protest. They know if George Soros or any two-bit local malcontent can get 10 lay-about friends together, paint some signs and alert the media, they will get inordinate TV coverage.

Apparently, you don’t have to say what you are protesting or have a concise message. Just show up in perpetual outrage. As long as you are yelling about Trump, you will be captured on TV.

The problem these folks have now is that they march about everything Trump does. They will have no currency left in the bank when Trump inevitably does something really worth protesting. And he will.

Trump is fulfilling his clear campaign promise to tap the brakes of immigration from terrorist-prone states, much like Obama did. It's not a move I favor, but he did promise it. So the left uses its other favorite move: clogging the court system to slow anything it doesn’t like.

They went left-coast judge shopping and found a sympathetic Washington State judge, who wants to get some press, to rule against the travel ban. He took the extraordinary step of slapping a Temporary Restraining Order, based on dubious and speculative claims of "harm," on the president.

Now the TRO goes to San Francisco’s far-left Ninth Circus of Appeals.

The Democrats are slow-walking Trump's cabinet nominees, so he doesn’t have a loyal attorney general available yet to fight the case. In a DOJ of highly political, race vigilante holdovers from Obama’s reign, leaks and backstabbing are the defiant orders of the day. Talk about “extreme vetting”; the petulant politicians on the left are taking forever to interview Trump’s appointees. They should have spent as much time at the DNC vetting their own cyber security company.

It is funny to watch Trump move so fast that protestors cannot keep up with him. He really doesn’t give a (rip) about the protestors. Irrelevant entertainers protesting just fuel him, and the nation cheers.

On the bright side, with Trump making all the news so quickly now, we have heard hardly a peep from the Kardashians.

The planned appearance of Milo Yiannapoulos, a well-known gay, right-wing writer for Breitbart, upset the snowflake college students at Cal Berkeley and sparked violent protests. Polls show that only 41 percent of college students believe in free speech if it is offensive. They don’t understand that that is what free speech is about. Their leftist instincts are to attack it and shut it down — not exactly informed debate.

Kids today think they should get free college, free student loans, free health care, etc. But they think free speech should not be free. This is the generation our education system has raised for us, and it is in part why Trump was elected.

At play here is the dynamic by Sally Yates, the Washington State judge, or anyone who criticizes Trump: They become instant celebrities to progressives. At their core, Democrat protestors do so to flatter themselves. They essentially are trying to say that they are tolerant, kind and great, but it is actually all about them. If they really could get rid of government cronyism, hunger, poverty and government-dependent welfare recipients, and get these folks independence through a job, they wouldn’t.

Those are the only voters the Democrats have left.

Ron Hart, a libertarian op-ed humorist and award-winning author, is a frequent guest on CNN. Contact him at Ron@RonaldHart.com or @RonaldHart on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: If left keeps crying 'Wolf,' protests won’t work

HUBBUB: Thoughts on health care, EPA, Golden Buffet

Written by archive on February 8, 2017. Posted in columns, more-voices, Opinion.

CRESTVIEW — Numerous crestviewbulletin.com and Facebook readers shared their thoughts on recent news reports including Golden Buffet’s latest closure due to health code violations.

Here are some of their comments.

LEAVE HEALTH CARE ALONE

Let me ask you this. Can everyone in the U.S. buy a loaf of bread? Yes, I understand, there are those indigent. Get government out of health care and it will take care of itself. Period. Because everything they touch has the opposite effect.

JR Bell

NOTHING WOULD CHANGE

If the EPA were dissolved, governors and legislators would still have the authority to establish environmental safeguards in their states. In theory, at least, nothing would change in Florida — the state would just have to pass the needed laws to make things happen the way we want/need them to be.

Jeffrey Smith

STARTING TO AGREE

I used to love eating here (at Golden Buffet). Even if I still wanted to go there, my family won't eat there anymore because of all the health violations. I'm starting to agree with them, as in reading this article, it looks like they do pretty much whatever they want, health code violation or not.

Jeff Werner

SOMEONE’S EATING THERE

They get shut down for the same stuff time after time. When does it come to a point that they are shut permanently? Obviously, someone's still eating there because there's always cars!

Candace Arvanetes

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Thoughts on health care, EPA, Golden Buffet

CRESTVIEW — Numerous crestviewbulletin.com and Facebook readers shared their thoughts on recent news reports. Here are some of their comments.

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