Archive By Section - Columnists
Steve Lunetta: Modification affects many properties
Editor's note: Due to technical problems on our end, Steve Lunetta's column did not make it to The Signal in time for Monday publication. With apologies to Steve, we offer it up today.
Ted Aquaro: Who is in charge?
In recent weeks, we have seen the news flooded with "Zippergate" involving Gens. David Petraeus and John Allen, who have both had questionable relationships with some kind of military
Gil Mertz: Count on the fickle American electorate
One of the lingering questions from the recent election is if this signals a turning point of the American electorate, as we are now hearing from both sides. I think it's too early to tell for sure, but if we look at our recent past, we'll find that our politics have been quite fickle.
Jonathan Kraut: In season of giving, keep charity local
You are watching the late night news. At the commercial break you witness a young, barefoot girl in some Third World country standing on a smoldering trash heap. Her younger naked brother is at her side.
Tom Purcell: Shopping for a Christmas tree taught valuable lessons
It was one of my favorite rituals every year. One evening after dinner - a few weeks after Thanksgiving - my father and I would shop for a Christmas tree. My father wore his rattiest coat as he prepared to do battle with strangers who would attempt to part him from precious family resources. He instructed me to remain silent as he executed his negotiation strategy - one he'd refined and perfected over the years ...
Kathryn Lopez: Let’s talk about sexual health responsibly
Have you heard about the holiday gift some American girls could be getting? Emergency contraception!
Michael Reagan: Republican suckers are going to be duped again
Republicans had better learn from history - and from Ronald Reagan's mistake. President Obama and his fellow big-spenders in Congress are promising if they get higher tax rates today they'll make even higher spending cuts tomorrow. It's an old sucker's game. Republicans - and the rest of the country - should know it by now, because for three decades we've all been suckers. If history is our guide, and Republicans in Congress don't grow a ...
Joe Guzzardi: Welfare soars as immigrant use skyrockets
Across America, officials in nearly bankrupt cities and states are outraged by the Department of Homeland Security's new website that explains to recently arrived immigrants how they can receive the entire federal welfare benefit cornucopia. The site, Welcome to USA.gov, maintained by DHS' U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS), promotes itself as the "primary gateway for new immigrants to find basic information on how to settle in the United States." Included is a comprehensive section ...
David Hegg: Society needs to focus on spiritual health
Our society is obsessed with health. Or maybe it is better said that we are obsessed with the idea of health. All around us new discoveries and formulas call us to eat better, stay away from decaying agents, exercise and visit our doctors and dentists regularly. Our political system has become enamored with health and with the right everyone has to be healthy. And, since health has become an inalienable right, health care must be available and affordable if we are to be a healthy nation.
Laurene Weste:
There's nothing like the holidays to bring family and friends together. Whether it's decorating a tree, cooking special dishes or watching a movie, the holidays are a time for sharing and friendship.
Will Durst: Fiscal cliff traffic report
So, expect showers and gale-force winds over the next couple of days and don't forget that high-surf advisory is in effect throughout the weekend.
Tim Myers: Placerita: The 800-pound gorilla in room
One of my absolute favorite sayings relates to the "800-pound gorilla in the room." According to Urban Dictionary, which accomplishes much in the definition of vernacular speech, the term references "an overbearing entity in a specific industry or sphere of activity. A seemingly unbeatable presence always to be reckoned with; whose experience, influence, and skill threatens to defeat competitors with little effort."
Betty Arenson: Who are the agendas for anyway?
The recent election gave a supermajority to Democrats in California. The Los Angeles Times and The Associated Press have generously reported that this ultimate domination and total power to now "side-step" Republicans could be dicey. They can also overrule the governor. Whether feigned or not, some appear to have a bit of concern with headlines like "Supermajority holds promise, peril for Democrats" and "Power comes with perils."
Kevin Bayona: Obama’s test will be in diplomacy
The election is finally over, and Barack Obama has been re-elected to another term in the White House. The president will face many challenges, but none will be more important than how America's foreign policy unfolds over the next four years.
Dick Ramirez: The chains are coming off
It's being reported that Grover Norquist's anti-taxing and anti-spending contract of coercion directed toward our political system is crumbling.
Articles by Section - Columnists
Tom Purcell: Are humans getting dumber?
The report said people are getting dumber - at least I think that's what it said, but the big words kept throwing me off."
Diana West: Setting the record straight on Joe McCarthy
Freshman Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas is just the latest in a long series of public figures to be reviled for "McCarthyism" following his recent questioning of Chuck Hagel, President Obama's nominee for secretary of defense.
Joe Guzzardi: Obama pushes amnesty
After President Obama left for a three-day Florida golf vacation that included a round with Tiger Woods, the White House announced his latest immigration plan.
SCV Voices: From SignalSCV.com
Editor's note: On last Tuesday's Kevin Buck column "Straw men live in glass houses," one poster on SignalSCV.com asked the question, "In your opinion, what are the five biggest problems America faces right now?" Here are some responses from his fellow posters.
David Hegg: What makes right, right?
I recently met a man who was the epitome of post-modern thought in that he did not believe in absolute truth.
Tim Myers: No money, no county
I love history. I plan to purchase the Blu-Ray of the recent film "Lincoln" and rewatch certain key scenes 100 times in a row, unapologetically.
Bob Kellar: Live from City Hall
In Santa Clarita, the arts influence our community's quality of life. Without even realizing it, the arts act as an economic driver - creating and supporting jobs, generating revenue and serving as a cornerstone of the tourism industry.
Steven and Cokie Roberts: Voting reform
"Obama's proposed voting commission under partisan fire from both sides."
Alice Khosravy: California is at bottom for business
Just a few short days ago the lanterns fell, bringing an end to Chinese New Year season for 2013.
Joe Gandelman: America’s poop deck politics
It's the ultimate stomach turner: how Carnival's 893-foot-long cruise ship Triumph, along with its 4,200 passengers, was stranded due to a fuel engine leak for five days with no food, little water and few working bathrooms.
Kevin Bayona: China's rise is challenge to U.S.
The start of the 21st century has brought with it an avalanche of international problems such as war, economic recession, nuclear proliferation, and rising global competitors. Although all these issues merit individual attention and consideration, I think the unrelenting rise of China presents the largest and most significant global challenge to the United States.
