<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
    xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
    xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
    xmlns:admin="http://webns.net/mvcb/"
    xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#"
    xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
    xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
    xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/">

    <channel>
    
    <atom:link href="http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/rss/cat_opinion/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
    <link xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="display:module" type="text/xsl" href="http://cm.my.yahoo.com/feedtemplates/npc/simpletemplate_left.xsl"/>

    <title>Opinions for Stafford County Sun</title>
    <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/</link>
    <image>
        <url>http://static.mgnetwork.com/scs/core/media_path/icons/my_yahoo_header.jpg</url>
        <title>Opinions for Stafford County Sun</title>
        <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/</link>
        <width>150</width>
        <height>30</height>
    </image>
    <description></description>
    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>Stafford County Sun</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2010</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2010-03-12T11:08:26-05:00</dc:date>

    <admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.staffordcountysun.com/" />
    
         <item>
          <title>Gold: Life&#8217;s heroes deserve attention</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/lifes_heroes_deserve_attention/53355/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;The Olympics have dominated our viewing hours and millions of our fellow citizens know the names of those on the USA teams. Don&#8217;t get me wrong, these athletes train very hard and have abilities of Olympians.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:45:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/lifes_heroes_deserve_attention/53355/#When:15:45:03Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letters to the Editor: March 5 Paper</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor1/53342/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Reader questions state spending

With the budget crisis, I want to know why Virginia is spending money filing lawsuits against the EPA for efforts in reducing global warming.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:06:42 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor1/53342/#When:15:06:42Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: For a moment, we are united</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/for_a_moment_we_are_united/53341/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In a nation torn asunder by economic and political strife, the recent Winter Olympic games were that rare event that could draw all Americans together.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:01:41 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/for_a_moment_we_are_united/53341/#When:15:01:41Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Callander: Just cutting spending not good enough</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/just_cutting_spending_not_good_enough/53340/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The millions of dollars that have to be cut from our state and county budgets present such an overwhelming challenge that it seems all priorities need to be re-examined&#8230; and in a hurry.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:58:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/just_cutting_spending_not_good_enough/53340/#When:14:58:51Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letter to the Editor: Twitter and the weather</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_to_the_editor_twitter_and_the_weather/52558/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I have started reading a lot of interesting information on twitter.com, keyword StaffordSun. This is very convenient and very informative news.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:14:27 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_to_the_editor_twitter_and_the_weather/52558/#When:16:14:27Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>CARTOON: Snow in D.C.</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_snow_in_d.c/52421/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in this mad, mad world&#8230;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:43:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_snow_in_d.c/52421/#When:17:43:39Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>GOLD: Snow helpers are heroes to many</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_snow_helpers_are_heroes_to_many/52420/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;While the snow flakes fall our thoughts are of how beautiful the snow-covered vistas look to us. But alas, even before the last flakes hit the ground our thoughts quickly change to &#8220;let&#8217;s get rid of this nasty stuff.&#8221; The pure white beauty has now changed to brownish-black muck with ice replacing the powdery layers creating hidden hazards all around us. Cleanup becomes imperative and the rest of our world needs to be made passable again.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:40:41 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_snow_helpers_are_heroes_to_many/52420/#When:17:40:41Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>CALLANDER: Blizzard 2010: Lesson &#45; Be prepared</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_blizzard_2010_lesson_-_be_prepared/52419/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As the Boy Scouts of America celebrate their 100th anniversary, I&#8217;m reminded of their motto, &#8220;Be Prepared.&#8221; That&#8217;s what we were told to be before the Blizzard of 2010. We&#8217;re lucky the December and January snowstorms helped us do &#8220;a dry run&#8221; before the big one.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:39:30 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_blizzard_2010_lesson_-_be_prepared/52419/#When:17:39:30Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>EDITORIAL: Back to those American roots</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_back_to_those_american_roots/52418/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
If ever one wanted to buy American, now is the time &#8212; at least when it comes to cars.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:37:09 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_back_to_those_american_roots/52418/#When:17:37:09Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>CARTOON: Snow</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_snow/52172/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in this mad, mad world&#8230;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:21:27 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_snow/52172/#When:18:21:27Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>BLANKENSHIP: Improve Stafford? Attract more feds</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_improve_stafford_attract_more_feds/52140/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Getting rid of the BPOL tax should help make Stafford more attractive to new businesses and less hostile to those already here. That&#8217;s the upshot of your vote for county supervisors last fall.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:08:28 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_improve_stafford_attract_more_feds/52140/#When:16:08:28Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>GOLD: Don&#8217;t &#8216;bathe in an empty tub&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_dont_bathe_in_an_empty_tub/52138/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;the old clich&#233; &#8220;money makes the world go &#8216;round&#8221; is something that some of our elected officials are losing sight of.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:06:41 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_dont_bathe_in_an_empty_tub/52138/#When:16:06:41Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letters to the Editor: Feb. 12 Paper</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_feb._12_paper/52135/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Reader backs Sterling
I was disappointed to read Mr. [Joe] Brito&#8217;s negative attack on Supervisor [Cord] Sterling. I understand Mr. Brito&#8217;s frustration after having his policies rejected by the voters in his district in the last election, but that is no reason to become so negative. Of course, those of us who read the memo of Mr. Brito&#8217;s campaign advisor, David Beiler, would recognize he is conducting the &#8220;unrelenting guerrilla war of confrontation&#8221; that Mr. Beiler advised the democrats to wage.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:02:24 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_feb._12_paper/52135/#When:16:02:24Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>KISER: Strangers come to aid of reporter</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kiser_strangers_come_to_aid_of_reporter/52130/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The very last thing he wanted to see as he was trying to dig out from this weekend&#8217;s crippling snowstorm is a reporter who pulled onto his street driving a Honda that sits a little more than a few inches off the ground get stuck.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:52:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kiser_strangers_come_to_aid_of_reporter/52130/#When:15:52:40Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>EDITORIAL: Ask, tell&#8230;open the closet door</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_ask_tell...open_the_closet_door/52129/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The military isn&#8217;t in the habit of turning many recruits away lately, but it will make an exception for homosexuals - unless of course they can pretend not to be gay.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:50:14 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_ask_tell...open_the_closet_door/52129/#When:15:50:14Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cartoon: Snow jobs</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_snow_jobs/51716/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in Fredericksburg&#8230;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:17:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_snow_jobs/51716/#When:20:17:51Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>KERR: Repealing the Potomac Resource Protection District</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/repealing_the_potomac_resource_protection_district/51714/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Whenever a legislative body changes hands as decisively as the Stafford County Board of Supervisors did in last year&#8217;s election you know things are going to change. Usually, this means repealing a lot of the other party&#8217;s initiatives and decisions from the prior term. The list of just the ordinances and taxes that will likely meet the chopping block hasn&#8217;t been determined yet. One, initiative, an important conservation decision, that looks like it could be one of the first to go is the Potomac River Resource Protection Overlay District. Several of the members of the board are confident they have the votes to repeal the district.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:45:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/repealing_the_potomac_resource_protection_district/51714/#When:19:45:38Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>CALLANDER: A Virginia pride and joy closes</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_a_virginia_pride_and_joy_closes/51713/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
One of the victims of the downturn in the economy is a wonderful Virginia grocery store chain, Ukrop&#8217;s Super Markets, Inc., in business since 1937. Despite denying rumors that the company was selling out, it turns out that, yes, Ukrop&#8217;s has been taken over by Giant of Carlisle PA (not Giant of Metro Washington, D.C.) and is closing as of Jan. 30.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:43:57 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_a_virginia_pride_and_joy_closes/51713/#When:19:43:57Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Don&#8217;t be scared; it&#8217;s only a shadow</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_dont_be_scared_its_only_a_shadow/51712/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Alas, friends and neighbors&#8230;six more weeks of winter weather stand before us. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:41:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_dont_be_scared_its_only_a_shadow/51712/#When:19:41:02Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editor&#8217;s Column: Academy announces nominees</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/editors_column_academy_announces_nominees/51711/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
STAFFORD &#8212; On Tuesday academy President Tom Sherak and actress Anne Hathaway announced the nominations for the 82nd annual Academy Awards.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:35:41 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/editors_column_academy_announces_nominees/51711/#When:19:35:41Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>KERR: At&#45;large chairman makes sense</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/kerr_at-large_chairman_makes_sense/51339/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When our county was first incorporated in 1664, the governing body had four members and was called the quorum. Its members were appointed by the Royal Governor. Also, in that era, many of the duties that we now consider governmental were handled by the local Anglican Church Vestry. Over time, with many changes, our form of local government has evolved into the system we know today.&nbsp;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:57:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/kerr_at-large_chairman_makes_sense/51339/#When:20:57:03Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Still a ways to go</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_still_a_ways_to_go/51158/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It&#8217;s been a little more than a year since Barack Obama was elected and many are saying that the public has become disenchanted with the man.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:10:41 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_still_a_ways_to_go/51158/#When:17:10:41Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letter to the editor: Former supervisor discusses new board</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_to_the_editor_former_supervisor_discusses_new_board/51156/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Brito: New board lacks fiscal responsibility
 
Stafford&#8217;s new board of supervisors has already demonstrated a lack of fiscal responsibility. Following the lead of Supervisor Sterling (R) on Jan. 5, they raided $4.8 million from the county and school retiree health care fund. This despite the fact that Government Accounting Standards (GASB-45) require the county to set aside funds for such employee benefits.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:01:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_to_the_editor_former_supervisor_discusses_new_board/51156/#When:17:01:03Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cartoon: Spelling bee</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_spelling_bee/51154/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in our mad, mad world&#8230;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:57:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_spelling_bee/51154/#When:16:57:45Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cartoon: Moment of silence</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_moment_of_silence/50820/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in Stafford County&#8230;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:12:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_moment_of_silence/50820/#When:19:12:31Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>CALLANDER: Don&#8217;t be hoodwinked over BPOL</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_dont_be_hoodwinked_over_bpol/50814/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
We knew it was coming: The new board of supervisors would take steps to repeal the much maligned Business and Professional Occupational License that was scheduled by the previous board to go into effect this year. First, the new board had to schedule a public hearing. The hearing is now set for Tues., Feb. 2.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:29:06 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_dont_be_hoodwinked_over_bpol/50814/#When:18:29:06Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>GOLD: Jobs are the ultimate answer</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_jobs_are_the_ultimate_answer/50812/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;With more than 10 percent unemployment, businesses failing, an overwhelming lack of jobs, problematic foreclosures and difficult to impossible loans, it may be time to rethink what government must do to restore a healthy economic climate to the Fredericksburg area. One key factor to making this happen is putting people back to work.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:28:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_jobs_are_the_ultimate_answer/50812/#When:18:28:51Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Haiti delivers a message</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_haiti_delivers_a_message/50811/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It is odd that only in the midst of devastation do many of us remember who we are: members of the human race.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:26:24 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_haiti_delivers_a_message/50811/#When:18:26:24Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editor&#8217;s Column: Early screenings save lives</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/editors_column_early_screenings_save_lives/50810/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
This week my mother would have turned 61.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:25:33 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/editors_column_early_screenings_save_lives/50810/#When:18:25:33Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Gold: Snow creates unnecessary hysteria</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/snow_creates_unnecessary_hysteria/50390/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;A snowfall in the Fredericksburg area creates hysteria and makes some people think irrationally. No matter how few snowflakes actually fall, the mere announcement of even the potential for snow creates a fear that food, especially bread and milk, will never be available again.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:13:48 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/snow_creates_unnecessary_hysteria/50390/#When:16:13:48Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letter to the Editor: Jan. 15 paper</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/former_supervisor_responds_to_columnist/50389/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As the past Falmouth District Supervisor, I am writing in response to Harvey Gold&#8217;s Dec. 25 column (Board can take tips from Berra).           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:10:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/former_supervisor_responds_to_columnist/50389/#When:16:10:03Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Some don&#8217;t bear arms responsibly</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/some_dont_bear_arms_responsibly/50388/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Handling a gun, for those who must, is a responsibility.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:07:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/some_dont_bear_arms_responsibly/50388/#When:16:07:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cartoon: Jan. 8 Paper</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/cartoon_jan._8_paper/50025/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in our brave new world&#8230;2010.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jan 2010 10:35:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/cartoon_jan._8_paper/50025/#When:15:35:43Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Kerr: Saying goodbye to the aughts</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/kerr_saying_goodbye_to_the_aughts1/50008/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
We&#8217;re saying goodbye to the first decade of the 21st century and here we are, after 10 years, still debating about what to call it. This problem is far from unique. From everything I have been able to find out, our great-grandparents, a hundred years ago, faced the same problem. It may be one of those questions that never find a satisfactory resolution.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:41:10 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/kerr_saying_goodbye_to_the_aughts1/50008/#When:14:41:10Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Callander: Improving dental care a critical need</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/callander_improving_dental_care_a_critical_need/50006/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Those who don&#8217;t take care of their teeth, either because of cost or indifference, run the risk of serious medical emergency, as evidenced by a Westmoreland County man who recently ended up with a $43,992 bill because he didn&#8217;t have the $25 for a follow-up dental appointment at the Northern Neck Free Health Clinic. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:39:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/callander_improving_dental_care_a_critical_need/50006/#When:14:39:40Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Gold: Have we learned anything?</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_have_we_learned_anything/49522/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;As 2009 and another decade steals away I can almost hear the plaintive sounds of Woody Guthrie and his guitar and his words and music saying goodbye to bad times. Woody sang, &#8220;So long it&#8217;s been good to know you&#8221; saying goodbye to the Dust Bowl, the Depression, mass unemployment and poverty. He told the heartbroken story of folks leaving their homes to seek better lives anyplace but where they lived.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:43:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_have_we_learned_anything/49522/#When:18:43:51Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Kerr: Saying goodbye to the aughts</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_saying_goodbye_to_the_aughts/49521/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
We&#8217;re saying goodbye to the first decade of the 21st century and here we are, after 10 years, still debating about what to call it. This problem is far fom unique. From everything I have been able to find out, our great-grandparents, a hundred years ago, faced the same problem. It may be one of those questions that never find a satisfactory resolution.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:41:49 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_saying_goodbye_to_the_aughts/49521/#When:18:41:49Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Blankenship: Happy New Year &#45; Yes, if you&#8217;re a fed</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_happy_new_year_-_yes_if_youre_a_fed/49520/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Admittedly, $14,000 may be chump change for the wealthy, but it&#8217;s real money, even for those of us around here on government payrolls or drawing comfortable federal pensions.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:40:04 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_happy_new_year_-_yes_if_youre_a_fed/49520/#When:18:40:04Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letters to the Editor: Jan. 1 Paper</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_jan._1_paper/49507/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Resident addresses officials

Dear Mr. Reid and Speaker Pelosi: I wish to officially offer for sale our votes to you to use in any manner you see fit. After seeing how you are buying the votes of our elected representatives, I conclude that you are not looking to stop your buying spree at the walls of the Capitol.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:34:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_jan._1_paper/49507/#When:17:34:00Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Hello to a new year, decade</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_hello_to_a_new_year_decade/49506/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A new year is upon us, as is a new decade. It&#8217;s a time when many of us take the time to look back at all that&#8217;s occurred over the year, as well as the past 10 years, and we also take time to look ahead at what is to come.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:32:53 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_hello_to_a_new_year_decade/49506/#When:17:32:53Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letters to the Editor: Dec. 25 Paper</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_dec._25_paper/49219/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Local residents ready for health care reform

When I knocked on hundreds of doors in Stafford County this summer, local people were ready for major reform of our health care system. As an intern with a social justice organization I asked hundreds of local residents about the issues that they cared about.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:39:56 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_dec._25_paper/49219/#When:15:39:56Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cartoon: East Coast snowstorm</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_only_in_stafford_county/49218/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A snowstorm hits the East Coast, affecting numerous localities, including Stafford. A white, but wet Christmas is now predicted.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:33:12 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_only_in_stafford_county/49218/#When:15:33:12Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Gold: Board can take tips from Berra</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_board_can_take_tips_from_berra/49217/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;when Yogi Berra said, &#8220;It ain&#8217;t over &#8216;til it&#8217;s over,&#8221; he had the Stafford County Board of Supervisors in mind.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:30:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_board_can_take_tips_from_berra/49217/#When:15:30:40Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Callander: Surviving the holidays</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_surviving_the_holidays/49216/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The December holiday season is a time meant for joyful celebration, worship, expressions of love and appreciation, self-examination and commemoration. If not handled well, however, it can be a time of extreme stress, overspending, gluttony, loneliness and even suicide.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:29:27 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_surviving_the_holidays/49216/#When:15:29:27Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Kerr: When Christmastime was simple</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_when_christmastime_was_simple/49215/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It&#8217;s a common complaint. Parents have been doing this for at least the past 40 years &#8212;&nbsp; moaning about the ever-increasing complexity of Christmas gifts.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:27:11 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_when_christmastime_was_simple/49215/#When:15:27:11Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Holiday blessings are everywhere</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_holiday_blessings_are_everywhere/49214/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As Christmas approaches this week, a winter wonderland of snow has covered Stafford and its surrounding area in a sea of white. This extra touch adds beauty to the holidays, when we hold our loved ones close, and it&#8217;s now that we often reflect upon the blessings that bring us together.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:25:09 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_holiday_blessings_are_everywhere/49214/#When:15:25:09Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>KERR: Lighting the holiday season</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_lighting_the_holiday_season/48933/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When asked, most people can easily name their favorite thing about Christmastime.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:28:56 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_lighting_the_holiday_season/48933/#When:19:28:56Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial cartoon: Dec. 18&#45;24 issue</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/editorial_cartoon_dec._18-24_issue/48932/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Editorial cartoon drawn by Frank Lewis for the Stafford County Sun.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:24:30 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/editorial_cartoon_dec._18-24_issue/48932/#When:19:24:30Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>EDITORIAL: Give &#8216;green&#8217; gifts</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_give_green_gifts/48931/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Economic hard times, two wars, the environment in trouble. It&#8217;s enough to make you feel like the Grinch.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:21:14 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_give_green_gifts/48931/#When:19:21:14Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>BLANKENSHIP: Dulles: White elephant no more</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_dulles_white_elephant_no_more/48759/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
An indication that we&#8217;re coming out of the recession is said to be the crowded parking lots again at major airports. Maybe so, particularly over the holidays.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:14:17 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_dulles_white_elephant_no_more/48759/#When:21:14:17Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Callander: Wish list for county goes on and on</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_wish_list_for_county_goes_on_and_on/48621/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In this season of Santa Claus and little elves, let me suspend belief and make a wish list of how to spend the mysterious $6.2 million dollar surplus that the county has discovered.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:23:08 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_wish_list_for_county_goes_on_and_on/48621/#When:20:23:08Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letter to the Editor: Winter preparedness</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_to_the_editor_winter_preparedness/48602/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Big and little white reminders can come in all different  sizes this season, like this morning, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, here in Stafford, Virginia where we have been having snow all which will then turn into ice. Now is the time and a good idea to just get ready for ice and snow! Life can be disrupted with the changes our temperatures.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:51:24 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_to_the_editor_winter_preparedness/48602/#When:18:51:24Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Gold: Shaky economy affects us all</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_shaky_economy_affects_us_all/48598/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me that the state of our economy can only be improved with the ability of the private sector to provide jobs in all sectors of U.S. industry.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:44:20 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_shaky_economy_affects_us_all/48598/#When:18:44:20Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Let it snow, with caution</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_let_it_snow_with_caution/48595/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The first snow of the winter fell upon us this past weekend.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:39:37 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_let_it_snow_with_caution/48595/#When:18:39:37Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>And now in Virginia</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/and_now_in_virginia/48153/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Cartoon           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:47:55 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/and_now_in_virginia/48153/#When:20:47:55Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Kerr: Preventing more missing money</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/preventing_more_missing_money/48119/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I&#8217;m frustrated. The story about the missing $5.6 million that neither the schools system nor the county has been able to explain, just doesn&#8217;t seem to get resolved&#8230;until now? 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:07:59 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/preventing_more_missing_money/48119/#When:17:07:59Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Reach out to a child</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/reach_out_to_a_child/48116/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
This year marks the 10th Anniversary of National Adoption Day, held late last month.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:05:21 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/reach_out_to_a_child/48116/#When:17:05:21Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Viewpoints</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/viewpoints/48112/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Smoking ban a long awaited relief
Virginia&#8217;s smoking ban in restaurants, which kicked off Tuesday, is a long-awaited, welcome relief.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:53:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/viewpoints/48112/#When:16:53:31Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Blakenship: Nothing sacrosanct about science</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/nothing_sacrosanct_about_science/48111/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Having spent a working career writing about and editing and publicizing the results of scientific inquiry, I&#8217;d guess those new revelations of monkeyshines among the world&#8217;s most eminent climate scientists come as a shock to many.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:43:28 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/nothing_sacrosanct_about_science/48111/#When:16:43:28Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cartoon: Nov. 27 Paper</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_nov._27_paper/47918/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in our brave new world&#8230;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:54:11 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_nov._27_paper/47918/#When:23:54:11Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Make the most of Black Friday</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/make_the_most_of_black_friday/47907/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Eight years ago, I experienced my first retail Black Friday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:12:59 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/make_the_most_of_black_friday/47907/#When:20:12:59Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letters to the Editor</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor/47906/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Dog article interests reader:Winning candidates congratulated:           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:11:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor/47906/#When:20:11:45Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>GUEST COLUMN: Business lessons from an ancient carpenter</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/guest_column_business_lessons_from_an_ancient_carpenter/47462/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
To successfully lead and manage a group of individuals is a skill that many employers spend exorbitant amounts of money on.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:50:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/guest_column_business_lessons_from_an_ancient_carpenter/47462/#When:18:50:43Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>HOLLIFIELD: Going up the mountain, back in time</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/hollifield_going_up_the_mountain_back_in_time/47461/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
My truck may be a time machine.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:43:53 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/hollifield_going_up_the_mountain_back_in_time/47461/#When:18:43:53Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>BLANKENSHIP: The better candidates won</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_the_better_candidates_won/47450/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Now that the smoke has cleared here in Stafford following our election of supervisors in early November, maybe we can sit back for a few moments and figure out what happened.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:30:15 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_the_better_candidates_won/47450/#When:17:30:15Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>CALLANDER: Holiday a welcome reprieve</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_holiday_a_welcome_reprieve/47449/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I&#8217;m going to savor this Thanksgiving for all it is worth.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:24:19 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_holiday_a_welcome_reprieve/47449/#When:17:24:19Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>EDITORIAL CARTOON: Nov. 20</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/editorial_cartoon_nov._20/47448/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Editorial cartoon by Frank Lewis, For the Stafford County Sun           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:23:30 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/editorial_cartoon_nov._20/47448/#When:17:23:30Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>EDITORIAL: Even when the Feds help, they hurt</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_even_when_the_feds_help_they_hurt/47447/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The problem with taxes isn&#8217;t just that we have to pay them, but also that they&#8217;re complicated.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:21:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_even_when_the_feds_help_they_hurt/47447/#When:17:21:39Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letters to the Editor: Reader sounds off on pup park, road trips</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_reader_sounds_off_on_pup_park_road_trips/46955/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Being a pet owner of a well-behaved, small sheltie from a rescue service, I have found that the information provided seems to be very useful when taking her along on short travels.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:17:29 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_reader_sounds_off_on_pup_park_road_trips/46955/#When:18:17:29Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Kerr: A glance at Pilgrim economics</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_a_glance_at_pilgrim_economics/46942/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Thanksgiving is a holiday we Americans celebrate with passionate enthusiasm. There is food, family and football. However, while the holiday is one of the most popular, we do our best to ignore the very people who gave it meaning. The popular perception is that these early settlers were rigid, puritanical and overly pious.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:27:54 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_a_glance_at_pilgrim_economics/46942/#When:17:27:54Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Veterans Day for ordinary people accomplishing the extraordinary</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_veterans_day_for_ordinary_people_accomplishing_the_extraordinary/46941/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When then-Gov. Ronald Reagan introduced returning POW John McCain at a speaking engagement in 1974, the future president asked, &#8220;Where do we find such men?&#8221;
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:23:03 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_veterans_day_for_ordinary_people_accomplishing_the_extraordinary/46941/#When:17:23:03Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Callander: What to expect under the GOP</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_what_to_expect_under_the_gop/46940/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
So what will the Republican clean sweep bring to Stafford County? What&#8217;s in store for our local governing body and what impact will a state Republican governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general have on us here at home?
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:17:07 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_what_to_expect_under_the_gop/46940/#When:17:17:07Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Gold: Rude drivers everywhere</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_rude_drivers_everywhere/46571/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;either someone rewrote the Virginia Driver&#8217;s Manual or no one is reading it anymore. It&#8217;s not only a matter of courtesy anymore; it&#8217;s a case of people not obeying the law.&nbsp; 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:54:50 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_rude_drivers_everywhere/46571/#When:21:54:50Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letters to the editor: Nov. 6 paper</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_nov._6_paper/46570/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Reader: Fight global climate change
Please help fight against global climate change. If we don&#8217;t, fatal heat waves will most likely hit all over the world. The melting icecaps will cause floods on the coasts. Powerful hurricanes will thrive. The ozone layer will be depleted till it doesn&#8217;t offer much protection from the suns deadly UV rays. Cancer rates will increase.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:47:43 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_nov._6_paper/46570/#When:21:47:43Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: For a while, no more glossy fliers</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_for_a_while_no_more_glossy_fliers/46564/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Election Day has come and gone. This means I can come home from work and live in peace. My answering machine will no longer blink with 11 messages a day telling me how to cast my vote. 
I can now sit down with my kids and eat dinner in peace without someone from a political action committee knocking on my door. And there will be no more glossy fliers clogging my mailbox. There was once a time when those ads were reserved for newspapers and not my mailbox.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:42:48 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_for_a_while_no_more_glossy_fliers/46564/#When:21:42:48Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Blankenship: Honor our brave veterans</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_honor_our_brave_veterans/46556/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
With all the chatter our county and state elections stirred up this week, it will be all too easy to let next Wednesday pass as just another day off. It&#8217;s not. It&#8217;s the nation&#8217;s special tribute that is Veterans Day.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:22:33 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_honor_our_brave_veterans/46556/#When:21:22:33Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: A fool tries to fool us all</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_a_fool_tries_to_fool_us_all/46133/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The story of Sgt. David Budwah baffles the mind.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:37:41 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_a_fool_tries_to_fool_us_all/46133/#When:20:37:41Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letters to the Editor: Election</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_election/46132/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Readers sound off on coming election

In less than two weeks, Stafford voters will go to the polls.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:35:09 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_election/46132/#When:20:35:09Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Callander: Deeds &amp;amp; company deserve our votes</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/deeds_company_deserve_our_votes/46131/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
All the hubbub about the speaking style of Creigh Deeds, Democratic candidate for governor, has caught me a bit by surprise, though when I cast my vote for Deeds in the Democratic Primary in June I had wondered how well he would be received by people just getting a first impression.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:33:44 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/deeds_company_deserve_our_votes/46131/#When:20:33:44Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Kerr: My suggestions for school board</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_my_suggestions_for_school_board/46129/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
What&#8217;s involved in being on the school board? Well, first of all, there are the meetings. They start early and go late.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:32:11 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_my_suggestions_for_school_board/46129/#When:20:32:11Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letters to the Editor: Oct. 23 Paper</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_oct._23_paper/46021/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Resident can&#8217;t back Ortiz

I received a door hanger on my door informing me of Mr. Paul Ortiz&#8217; campaign for Aquia Supervisor. It is unfortunate that he was not knocking on doors to meet the citizens who would potentially be voting for him.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:06:07 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_oct._23_paper/46021/#When:15:06:07Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Callander: Comp plan delay impacts election</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_comp_plan_delay_impacts_election/46014/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Over the past decade &#8220;growth&#8221; has been a big theme in county elections. With the recession, I didn&#8217;t expect us to be talking much about growth before Election Day. However, now that the board of supervisors, by a narrow 4-3 margin, postponed a vote on the revised Comprehensive Plan until after the new board takes office, planning for growth is a huge issue.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:17:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_comp_plan_delay_impacts_election/46014/#When:14:17:40Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Blankenship: Dems should vote on Wednesday</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/dems_should_vote_on_wednesday/45758/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Aside from previously blasting presidential candidate Obama, the Democrats in general and Creigh Deeds, the lame candidate for Virginia&#8217;s governor, I have mostly stayed out of partisan politics in recent columns. Surely you&#8217;ve noticed.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:10:04 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/dems_should_vote_on_wednesday/45758/#When:19:10:04Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Gold: Have we grown tired of politics?</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/local_elections_lack_public_enthusiasm/45756/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;our local elections are stirring up as much enthusiasm as watching glue dry. It&#8217;s not for a lack of candidates or issues because there are enough candidates who differ in their platforms. However, here we are less than three weeks away from Election Day and there are no real forums to hear debate. So what is going on?
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:51:13 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/local_elections_lack_public_enthusiasm/45756/#When:18:51:13Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: This November, get out and vote</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_this_november_get_out_and_vote/45753/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
On Nov. 3, don&#8217;t forget to exercise your right to vote. It&#8217;s important to the candidates, to the political process, to you and your family and to the outcome of the elections. If you don&#8217;t vote, you can&#8217;t complain about what happens in the long run politically, because you didn&#8217;t exercise your right to determine who will lead us.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:30:59 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_this_november_get_out_and_vote/45753/#When:18:30:59Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Gold: Letterman scandal, response a poor indicator</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/letterman_scandal_response_a_poor_indicator/45368/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;David Letterman is an indicator of the societal values in the United States today. If it wasn&#8217;t for how the public reacted to his recent actions, he and most of what he does would be in the category of &#8220;who cares.&#8221; However, the latest episode which is bizarre to say the least shows what certain personalities can do, get away with and how the public reacts to it.&nbsp;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:46:56 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/letterman_scandal_response_a_poor_indicator/45368/#When:17:46:56Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Blankenship: A glance at local politics</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_a_glance_at_local_politics/45367/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A tough job that many covet. Why?
 
&#8220;One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.&#8221; &#8212; Greek philosopher Plato (428-348 B.C.)           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:45:32 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_a_glance_at_local_politics/45367/#When:17:45:32Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letters to the Editor: Oct. 16 Paper</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_oct._16_paper/45366/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Supervisor likes community spirit
 
Over the last month, I have been particularly touched by a sense of community.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:33:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_oct._16_paper/45366/#When:17:33:39Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Campaign road a bumpy one for Deeds</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_campaign_road_a_bumpy_one_for_deeds/45361/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
If the Virginia governor&#8217;s race were a football game, all Bob McDonnell would have to do is run out the clock. Most polls show McDonnell with a lead of at least 8 points over Democrat Creigh Deeds whose campaign continues to sink in a bog of indecision and bad sound bites.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 17 Oct 2009 11:58:04 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_campaign_road_a_bumpy_one_for_deeds/45361/#When:16:58:04Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: October marks domestic violence awareness month</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_october_marks_domestic_violence_awareness_month/45382/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It could be a punch or a smack here and there that escalates to daily beatings. It could be physical intimidation, emotional or mental abuse and even sexual assault. Domestic violence takes shape in many different forms, and all of it is part of a dangerous epidemic.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:18:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_october_marks_domestic_violence_awareness_month/45382/#When:18:18:16Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letters to the Editor: Oct. 9 Paper</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_oct._9_paper/45369/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Reader comments on scam, animal &#8216;dark side&#8217; stories

Thank you for the different ways mentioned on how to prevent being forced into a scam.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:48:48 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_oct._9_paper/45369/#When:17:48:48Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letter to the Editor: Officer on board with Cuccinelli</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_to_the_editor_officer_on_board_with_cuccinelli/44461/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Police officer on board with Cuccinelli
When Virginians pick their next Attorney General, they need to know more than just who will fight crime and who will help get the economy going again; they also need to know who can be counted on to challenge the federal government&#8217;s attempts to enact labor laws, like collective bargaining, as repayment to big labor. Sen. Ken Cuccinelli has done it in the Senate and will as AG, and that is why he is the best choice for Virginia&#8217;s next Attorney General.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:12:13 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_to_the_editor_officer_on_board_with_cuccinelli/44461/#When:21:12:13Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: United as one, we celebrate milestones</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_united_as_one_we_celebrate_milestones/44452/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Last week, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of our parent paper, the Potomac News, and the 140th Anniversary of the Manassas Journal Messenger.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:48:36 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_united_as_one_we_celebrate_milestones/44452/#When:20:48:36Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Callander: Our schools need your vote</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_our_schools_need_your_vote/44451/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It sure looks like the schools aren&#8217;t responsible for a $5.6 million dollar accounting error that keeps being brought up. How about spotlighting the county treasurer&#8217;s office instead? It makes me wonder if this issue is dragged out in an attempt to somehow influence the outcome of November&#8217;s local elections.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:46:31 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_our_schools_need_your_vote/44451/#When:20:46:31Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Kerr: Both parties eye Stafford</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_both_parties_eye_stafford/44450/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
There is a mistaken perception that Stafford County with its 74,000 registered voters isn&#8217;t that important in a statewide election campaign.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:44:24 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_both_parties_eye_stafford/44450/#When:20:44:24Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Letters to the Editor: Sept. 25 Paper</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_sept._25_paper/44022/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Reader speaks up about health care
Under health care reform, any decisions regarding your health will continue to be made by you, your doctor and your family, not by the government.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:14:54 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_sept._25_paper/44022/#When:19:14:54Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Hollifield: Men&#8217;s grooming raises eyebrows</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/mens_grooming_raises_eyebrows/44019/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A lot of British men are going to brow bars to get threaded.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:10:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/mens_grooming_raises_eyebrows/44019/#When:19:10:51Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cartoon: Falmouth re&#45;enactor</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_sept._25_paper/43894/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in Stafford County&#8230;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:08:34 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_sept._25_paper/43894/#When:18:08:34Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Gold: It&#8217;s time for a voter revolution</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_its_time_for_a_voter_revolution/43893/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;it is time for a voter revolution. I don&#8217;t care what your political party is or if you don&#8217;t have one. Each one of us, as a U.S. citizen, has a constitutional right to cast one vote. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:06:42 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_its_time_for_a_voter_revolution/43893/#When:18:06:42Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Blankenship: No way or the highway</title>
          <link>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_no_way_or_the_highway/43892/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
No way or the highway?           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:05:25 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_no_way_or_the_highway/43892/#When:18:05:25Z</guid>
        </item>
    
    </channel>
</rss>