Perspectives

GLORIA SHELLERAssistant Perspectives Editor As I look out my window, it is hard to believe that the beautiful blue ocean could devastate the 27- mile stretch that is Malibu. It is true however, that Malibu could be ravaged by a tsunami similar to those experienced in Thailand just one year ago. So Malibu dwellers beware of earthquakes, fires, mudslides and now tsunamis. No … [Read more...] about Malibu preps for possible Tsunami

CLIFFORD SMITHContributing Writer Regardless of what happens, it seems to me that one of the great geo-political “What Ifs” of the past couple of decades will prove to be “What if Ariel Sharon had been able to see his vision through to completion?” We don’t know if Israeli Prime Minister Sharon will survive his massive stroke for long, but it does seem to be highly unlikely … [Read more...] about Sharon’s political legacy must continue

SHANNON KELLYPerspectives Editor The Internal Revenue Service recently sent a letter to the Graphic. How nice of them to think of us. I saw the envelope on the news desk and read the notice: “YOUNG PEOPLE MUST REPORT TAX CHEATS TO THE I.R.S. IT IS YOUR PATRIOTIC DUTY.” Serious business, I’d say. I read on, (back in lowercase font) “If a family member is living beyond their … [Read more...] about Patriotism redefined by the IRS

ASHTON ELLISContributing Writer In a generation of giants, Benjamin Franklin towered over the American landscape like few politicians have since. The holder of an honorary doctorate from Oxford could claim many titles: scientist, college president, founder of the first public library and volunteer fire department. It was his work as a statesman though, that solidified his place … [Read more...] about Remember America’s leaders

KELLY DAVIESStaff Writer A lot of things could be said about the rejection of all four of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s propositions during the Nov. 8 special election. Success in the election theoretically would have given the governor the tools he should have been using when he began his term in office, the tools necessary to fulfill the promises that made Californians vote … [Read more...] about Abortions must seek parental notification