by Dennis Maley - There has never been a clear mission in Afghanistan and probably because it would have read something like this: try to completely reinvent a desperately poor, woefully uneducated, culturally backward, fundamentally religious and technologically stunted culture into a pro-western democracy that is favorable to American interests in the surrounding region – or at least assemble a passable facade in the form of a puppet government that can pacify its people, so long as it's living high on the hog at the expense of American taxpayers. Do it all at the end of a rifle, asking American servicemen and women to lay down their lives for the cause. 1 of 6
|
By Dennis Maley - When Rick Scott recently signed a bill forbidding Florida governments from contracting with companies doing business in Cuba or Syria, the Miami-based anti-Castro contingent declared victory. However, it was quickly pointed out that federal law prohibits states from enacting international trade restrictions, and the Governor's office had to back peddle, acknowledging that it was unenforceable, to the venomous chagrin of those he was seeking to appease. 2 of 6
|
| - Advertisement - | ||
3 of 6
|
By John Rehill - Though the City of Bradenton is on the hook for most of the incentives to redevelop the former Manatee River Hotel, developers said that 25 parking places in the county administration building were the final piece to make the project doable. After some debate, the long-term lease was approved and construction is expected to start this summer. 4 of 6
|
With retailers still reeling from the downturn, there is a constant struggle to attract potential customers to the store where they might spend their hard-earned money. On a recent weekend, I noticed something striking – there's one place in Manatee County that's all but overrun by cash-wielding shoppers looking for one-stop deals – the Red Barn. 5 of 6
|
by Joe McClash As the Publisher of The Bradenton Times, I wanted to express my thanks to our readers, our advertisers and especially the employees of The Bradenton Times for making this product a success. Starting any business is difficult. Starting a new business in the worst recession is challenging. Creating a new model for news and community information goes beyond description. Here's a look at where we're headed in 2012. 6 of 6
|
