2012-02-13T12:51:24-05:00 urn:uuid:0839331d-d62e-4604-88e6-e084b1ac3a5d urn:newsml:record-eagle.com:20120212:Opinion_18_49_41_2:s1 2012-02-13T07:05:56-05:00

<p>To North American Vasa volunteers and supporters; nearly 800 Special Olympians, 600 coaches, chaperones and volunteers; Detective Lt. Michael Anderson; the Downtown Development Authority; Jim and Sarah Adkins; and Michigan's boating industry.</p>

urn:newsml:record-eagle.com:20120212:Opinion_18_49_41_2:s2 2012-02-13T07:05:54-05:00

<p>Leelanau Trail Paving Campaign off track</p>

urn:newsml:record-eagle.com:20120211:Opinion_22_02_23_2:s1 2012-02-12T07:14:59-05:00

<p>Back in 2004 Northwestern Michigan College was facing tight budgets while also trying to justify why taxpayers were subsidizing two high-profile but high-priced programs — aviation and the maritime academy. Now, the aviation program is luring students from China, Great Britain and India and expects more.</p>

By Mike Cocoand Linda Johnson urn:newsml:record-eagle.com:20120211:Opinion_22_02_23_2:s2 2012-02-12T07:14:57-05:00

<p>We are at a critical point in the history of Traverse City Light &amp; Power. The benefits we enjoy, including the lowest rates in the region, high reliability and local, non-political decision-making, are at risk. </p>

By Jack Lessenberry, Columnist urn:newsml:record-eagle.com:20120211:Opinion_22_02_23_2:s3 2012-02-12T07:14:55-05:00

<p>Someone once said society needed to decide whether it could afford to lock up those it was mad at, or just those we are legitimately afraid of. What seems bizarre is that given Michigan's financial situation, its leaders seem unwilling to make the rational choice.</p>

By George Weeks, Syndicated columnist urn:newsml:record-eagle.com:20120211:Opinion_22_02_23_2:s4 2012-02-12T07:14:53-05:00

urn:newsml:record-eagle.com:20120211:Opinion_22_02_23_2:s5 2012-02-12T07:14:51-05:00

<p>Remember in November; Get set, let's roll</p>

urn:newsml:record-eagle.com:20120210:Opinion_20_28_18_2:s1 2012-02-11T07:14:59-05:00

<p>There is growing concern worldwide that Israel might launch an attack on Iranian nuclear plants. </p>

urn:newsml:record-eagle.com:20120210:Opinion_20_28_18_2:s2 2012-02-11T07:14:57-05:00

<p>It's an embarrassment that men and women returning have trouble landing and keeping jobs in the country they defended. A new program modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s could put thousands of them back to work.</p>

urn:newsml:record-eagle.com:20120210:Opinion_20_28_18_2:s3 2012-02-11T07:14:55-05:00

<p>Throw them all out; Losing our liberties</p>