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September 17, 2001
Editorials
Instant runoff is still possible
Having worried a year ago whether anyone would hoist their banner against Gov. Jeb Bush next year, Florida Democrats now have almost too many volunteers on hand. Five well-qualified candidates have declared. That wouldn't be a problem if there were to be the traditional runoff primary next year. But without one -- thanks to some cunning moves by the Republicans who rule the Legislature -- the Democrats may nominate a candidate who commands only a third or even less of the vote, and who is scarred by desperation attacks in the final days of the winner-take-all primary. Bush, of course, will have been renominated by acclamation.
A state named Denial
Florida's Revenue Estimating Conference plowed ahead last week despite the uncertainties created by terrorism. The goal was an estimate rosy enough to avoid a special legislative session.
Letters
U.S. should seek justice rather than revenge
If it is wrong for terrorists to kill innocent men, women, and children, it is equally wrong for Americans to kill innocent men, women, and children. I urge our leaders to summon the courage to avow that the United States of America will not perpetuate the murder of civilians.
Perspective
Taking jobs, alienating customers
For weeks Americans have been told that the outsourcing of high-tech jobs is good for our economy. So said Greg Mankiw, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers in a recent report signed by President Bush. So, too, writes Thomas Friedman of the New York Times in articles praising the rise of call centers in India used for everything from making airline reservations and reading medical X-ray films to providing tech support for American computer firms.
Philip Gailey: Democrats fall off campaign finance reform wagon
Well, what do you know. Soft money is back, and it's making hypocrites of all those Democrats who fervently championed the McCain-Feingold campaign reform law, not to mention those Republicans who objected to the law's restrictions on issue advocacy.
Bill Maxwell: Who is for the farm worker?
Florida Gov. Jeb Bush is touting legislation to improve the lives of Florida's 300,000-plus farm workers, who endure institutional and systemic injustices each day in our fields and groves and their personal lives.
Robyn E. Blumner: For some defendants, an American gulag
In Bernard Malamud's masterpiece The Fixer, inmate Yakov Bok was subjected to psychological torture in a Soviet gulag through the humiliations of constant shackling and repeated strip searches.
© Copyright 2001 St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.
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