http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/ Latest articles for the Opinion section at springfieldnewssun.com. en-us Copyright 2010 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:37:53 GMT 2010-02-09T17:37:53Z en-us Copyright 2010 http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-feb-8-the-supreme-court-should-be-applauded-for-its-recent-decision-on-campaign-finance--534213.html?cxtype=rss_opinion The Supreme Court should be applauded for its recent decision on campaign finance. They upheld the First Amendment, and in this day and age, that is unusual. Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:01:00 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-feb-8-the-supreme-court-should-be-applauded-for-its-recent-decision-on-campaign-finance--534213.html 2010-02-06T23:01:00Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/as-cold-fronts-approach-children-should-eat-more-534211.html?cxtype=rss_opinion The first stage in the progress of spring is the sighting of “firsts”: first bluebird, first robin, first turkey vulture and so forth. Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:59:00 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/as-cold-fronts-approach-children-should-eat-more-534211.html 2010-02-06T22:59:00Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-feb-7-please-do-not-be-fooled-by-closet-republicans-acting-as-though-they-are-independents--534210.html?cxtype=rss_opinion I was trying to watch a game at Northeastern High School and was forced to move because I was a visitor. Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:54:01 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-feb-7-please-do-not-be-fooled-by-closet-republicans-acting-as-though-they-are-independents--534210.html 2010-02-06T22:54:01Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/ross-mcgregor-life-as-a-moderate-republican--534194.html?cxtype=rss_opinion Ross McGregor is now in his third term representing the 72nd House District. Here are his responses to questions from Editorial Page Editor Tom Hawkins about his political philosophy and experience in the state legislature. Q What did you think you were going to do when you first got in? A When I was first appointed, people didn’t really have much time to spend with a newly appointed state representative, so it was kind of a fight for yourself, figure things out on your own situation. Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:42:01 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/ross-mcgregor-life-as-a-moderate-republican--534194.html 2010-02-06T22:42:01Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/moved-by-funeral-for-firefighter-534184.html?cxtype=rss_opinion Moved by funeral for firefighter My husband and I were very good friends of Dave Edwards, who passed away in December. Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:36:04 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/moved-by-funeral-for-firefighter-534184.html 2010-02-06T22:36:04Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-feb-6-hometown-urgent-care-is-needed-in-springfield--533246.html?cxtype=rss_opinion We just made it back from seeing our granddaughter graduate from basic training in the U.S. Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:51:02 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-feb-6-hometown-urgent-care-is-needed-in-springfield--533246.html 2010-02-05T23:51:02Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-feb-5-i-visit-the-library-frequently-and-i-do-agree-there-are-large-amounts-of-bird-droppings--531204.html?cxtype=rss_opinion I visit the library frequently and I do agree there are large amounts of bird droppings. It’s disgusting and probably unhealthy. Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:27:29 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-feb-5-i-visit-the-library-frequently-and-i-do-agree-there-are-large-amounts-of-bird-droppings--531204.html 2010-02-05T00:27:29Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-readers-debate-trains-legend-and-handicap-stickers-528972.html?cxtype=rss_opinion Spend $400 million for a rail line that a few people will ride? Give that money to a school and people out of work. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:59:55 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-readers-debate-trains-legend-and-handicap-stickers-528972.html 2010-02-04T13:59:55Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/drinking-laws-causing-more-harm-than-good--528905.html?cxtype=rss_opinion I recently served as a juror. I met a fellow there who wore a tradesman’s uniform and was one of the hard-working, common-sense people who are so important to our society. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:39:01 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/drinking-laws-causing-more-harm-than-good--528905.html 2010-02-04T00:39:01Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-feb-3-i-was-disappointed-and-sickened-by-mark-mcgwires-press-appearance-526428.html?cxtype=rss_opinion Scott Brown had it right when he said the seats that are occupied by congressmen and senators are “the peoples’ seats” and not the Democrats’ or Republicans’ seats. Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:12:26 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-feb-3-i-was-disappointed-and-sickened-by-mark-mcgwires-press-appearance-526428.html 2010-02-03T01:12:26Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-feb-2-i-admire-people-wanting-to-adopt-from-haiti-and-other-countries--526411.html?cxtype=rss_opinion Explain to me how, if we have a budget overdrawn, we can come up with $100 million to send to Haiti? Wed, 03 Feb 2010 01:01:01 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-feb-2-i-admire-people-wanting-to-adopt-from-haiti-and-other-countries--526411.html 2010-02-03T01:01:01Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-feb-1-library-you-are-a-dinosaur-start-running-your-business-as-a-business-521116.html?cxtype=rss_opinion What happened to the no-smoking law in Springfield? Thanks to the gentlemen who helped me on Burnett Road at 1 a.m. Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:25:05 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-feb-1-library-you-are-a-dinosaur-start-running-your-business-as-a-business-521116.html 2010-01-30T22:25:05Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/the-very-worst-of-winter-thankfully-behind-us-now--521098.html?cxtype=rss_opinion The beauty of a seasonal inventory is that there is never a correct number of things to find. The end of winter always appears in the eye of the beholder, and critical mass for the arrival of spring rests less on the total quantity of observations than on one crucial scent or sight or sound that tips the scales of private time. Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:22:04 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/the-very-worst-of-winter-thankfully-behind-us-now--521098.html 2010-01-30T22:22:04Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/restraint-system-can-help-prevent-deaths-521092.html?cxtype=rss_opinion Restraint system can help prevent deaths Christmas evening witnessed an horrific traffic accident on I-675 resulting in one death and several extended hospital stays. Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:12:02 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/restraint-system-can-help-prevent-deaths-521092.html 2010-01-30T22:12:02Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/springfield-museum-of-art-could-use-your-help-521088.html?cxtype=rss_opinion It has been nine months since the Springfield Museum of Art reported to the community in “Your Turn” about survival in “thin times.” Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:08:01 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/springfield-museum-of-art-could-use-your-help-521088.html 2010-01-30T22:08:01Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/regional-medical-center-gratified-by-high-ratings-521087.html?cxtype=rss_opinion Hospitals are one of the most regulated and monitored industries in our nation, with good reason. Our community and our patients rely upon us for your health and well-being. Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:03:00 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/regional-medical-center-gratified-by-high-ratings-521087.html 2010-01-30T22:03:00Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-jan-30-i-love-my-city-i-dont-do-speak-up-a-lot-because-i-have-nothing-to-complain-about--520120.html?cxtype=rss_opinion I love my city. I don’t do Speak Up a lot because I have nothing to complain about. I actually left and came back because there is no place like Springfield. Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:59:03 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-jan-30-i-love-my-city-i-dont-do-speak-up-a-lot-because-i-have-nothing-to-complain-about--520120.html 2010-01-30T01:59:03Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/school-boards-deserve-our-thanks-520148.html?cxtype=rss_opinion School boards deserve our thanks Say “thanks!” to our school board members. Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:55:01 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/school-boards-deserve-our-thanks-520148.html 2010-01-30T01:55:01Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-jan-29-it-would-be-scary-if-sarah-palin-would-get-in-as-president--517795.html?cxtype=rss_opinion President Ronald Reagan once said if we forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation going under. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:22:21 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-jan-29-it-would-be-scary-if-sarah-palin-would-get-in-as-president--517795.html 2010-01-29T00:22:21Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-topics-include-panhandlers-park-system-515204.html?cxtype=rss_opinion We do have a wonderful park system, bike trail and that wonderful “free” Summer Arts Festival. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:27:48 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-topics-include-panhandlers-park-system-515204.html 2010-01-28T14:27:48Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-topics-include-library-bird-droppings-building-a-new-mall--513362.html?cxtype=rss_opinion Schools need dedicated students, which means dedicated parents. Next we will need a levy to operate the water park, then the ice rink. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:04:40 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-topics-include-library-bird-droppings-building-a-new-mall--513362.html 2010-01-27T14:04:40Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-jan-26-dont-fault-president-obama-for-not-fulfilling-campaign-promises--513344.html?cxtype=rss_opinion To the person who needs enlightened about why car windows are tinted: I have tinted windows on my SUV because my eyes are very sensitive and the window tint helps. Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:19:01 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-jan-26-dont-fault-president-obama-for-not-fulfilling-campaign-promises--513344.html 2010-01-27T00:19:01Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-brown-s-victory-speeding-on-local-roads-hot-topics-508202.html?cxtype=rss_opinion The victory of Scott Brown in Massachusetts is a precursor of what’s coming in November. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:40:11 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-brown-s-victory-speeding-on-local-roads-hot-topics-508202.html 2010-01-25T13:40:11Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/loss-of-dave-edwards-a-blow-to-fire-department-508165.html?cxtype=rss_opinion On Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, Engine 10 of the Springfield Fire Division led more than one hundred vehicles through the north end of the city. Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:34:20 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/loss-of-dave-edwards-a-blow-to-fire-department-508165.html 2010-01-24T01:34:20Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/be-extra-nice-to-your-loved-ones-when-full-moon-shines-508209.html?cxtype=rss_opinion I rejoice in the winter landscape, cut to the essentials. Earth and sky are more closely joined. Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:38:02 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/be-extra-nice-to-your-loved-ones-when-full-moon-shines-508209.html 2010-01-23T21:38:02Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-jan-24-why-is-it-that-education-in-this-country-is-always-the-area-we-choose-to-sacrifice--508191.html?cxtype=rss_opinion Disgusting that people are protesting PNC/National City bank, when they should be protesting the poor fiscal management by the folks who run the YMCA/Rec Center! As usual, people want something for nothing and feel they are “entitled” to not pay for something they use. Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:34:00 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-jan-24-why-is-it-that-education-in-this-country-is-always-the-area-we-choose-to-sacrifice--508191.html 2010-01-23T21:34:00Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/pentecost-carries-useful-lesson-in-communication-508177.html?cxtype=rss_opinion “The multitude came down and were confounded, because ... every man heard them speak in his own language.” Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:26:02 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/pentecost-carries-useful-lesson-in-communication-508177.html 2010-01-23T21:26:02Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-jan-23-where-is-the-outrage-about-what-rush-limbaugh-told-listeners-about-haiti--507253.html?cxtype=rss_opinion Thank you , Andrew McGinn, for your article regarding the online Speak Up posts. Who knew Springfielders were so unhappy, uneducated and not free to exercise their right to move? Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:49:01 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-for-jan-23-where-is-the-outrage-about-what-rush-limbaugh-told-listeners-about-haiti--507253.html 2010-01-23T01:49:01Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-readers-debate-taxes-bad-teachers-and-cell-phone-use-504925.html?cxtype=rss_opinion Why does Tremont need a government, police force and court? It needs zoning laws. The state should dissolve the town. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:00:32 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-readers-debate-taxes-bad-teachers-and-cell-phone-use-504925.html 2010-01-22T14:00:32Z http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-reader-warns-of-local-scam-others-debate-handicapped-stickers-502891.html?cxtype=rss_opinion About the handicap stickers: I am sorry, but if you can walk, you do not need to park in handicap parking. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:05:05 GMT http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/opinion/speak-up-reader-warns-of-local-scam-others-debate-handicapped-stickers-502891.html 2010-01-21T14:05:05Z