Opinion

WASHINGTON -- Early in what became the Great Depression, John Maynard Keynes was asked if anything similar had ever happened.

With improved drugs, proper care and treatment, people with HIV are living longer and stronger lives while caring for themselves and others.

The economy is difficult enough without predators trying to take advantage of Valley residents who are in danger of losing their homes through foreclosure.

The "D-plus" grade given by Children Now to Merced County for the care of its children ("Group says Merced's children near bottom in state" Oct. 27 Sun-Star) underscores that poor performance on critical factors such as education and health has long-term impacts on the quality of life and economic viability of a community.

There is a saying, perhaps attributable to Mark Twain, that in my experience seems to relate to medical specialists: "To the man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail."

As the final embarrassing days of California's special legislative session slip away with no state budget solution in sight, the 40 members of the state Senate and 80 members of the Assembly have once again proved the wisdom of my call to abolish the Legislature.

After three years and an expenditure of $600 million, the governance of California's stem cell research institute is starting to get the scrutiny it deserves from an independent panel.

Happy Thanksgiving. As you get together with your family and friends today to share a special meal, to take long walks or just to watch football on television, remember what you are thankful for.

The fog season has barely arrived and we've already had several collisions, including a fatal accident, on Valley roadways.

If ever there was an American holiday where history ought to be left off the menu it is Thanksgiving.

Telling it like it is

In responding to the threat of climate change, California has been far ahead of the federal government. It's an exciting and worrisome place to be.

We are entering the holiday season, a joyful time when we connect with friends and family members. Unfortunately, it's also a time when domestic violence increases.

Spending proposal