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    <title>Opinions for Stafford County Sun</title>
    <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/</link>
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        <title>Opinions for Stafford County Sun</title>
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    <description></description>
    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>Stafford County Sun</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2009</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2009-07-09T15:01:57-05:00</dc:date>

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         <item>
          <title>Cartoon for July 10 paper</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_for_july_10_paper/38957/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in Virginia           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:44:42 EDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Letters to the editor for the week of July 10</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_july_10/38929/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I was &#8220;razzle dazzled&#8221; by the sign on the 95 corridor, &#8220;Business Certified location.&#8221; Now I am having second thoughts of my decision to come to Stafford.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:22:29 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_july_10/38929/#When:16:22:29Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Want to die? Text and drive</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_want_to_die_text_and_drive/38927/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Starting July 1, it officially became illegal to text and drive in Virginia.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:18:33 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_want_to_die_text_and_drive/38927/#When:16:18:33Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Kerr: The stimulus comes to Stafford</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_the_stimulus_comes_to_stafford/38857/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When we hear important officials talk about infrastructure, what we usually think of are highways, subway systems, trains and airplanes. However, it&#8217;s more than large-scale projects.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:36:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_the_stimulus_comes_to_stafford/38857/#When:16:36:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Only in Stafford County</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/only_in_stafford_county12/38848/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:22:41 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/only_in_stafford_county12/38848/#When:15:22:41Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cartoon for July 3 paper</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_for_the_week_of_july_3/38518/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in our brave new world.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:10:00 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_for_the_week_of_july_3/38518/#When:21:10:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Loss of icons reminds us life is short</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_loss_of_icons_reminds_us_life_is_short/38500/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The recent loss of celebrities Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, all in the span of a few days of one another, serve to remind the rest of us that life is indeed short and sweet.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:30:08 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_loss_of_icons_reminds_us_life_is_short/38500/#When:16:30:08Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Letter to the Editor for the week of July 3</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_july_3/38494/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It looks likes we may be about to see food prices jump, along with prices for utilities and energy.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:10:40 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_july_3/38494/#When:16:10:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Callander: Face it: Animals need county&#45;run shelter</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_face_it_animals_need_county-run_shelter/38493/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
We&#8217;ve been hearing for some time about a proposal to put a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals compound on the site of the old Brooke Nursing Home.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:07:55 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_face_it_animals_need_county-run_shelter/38493/#When:16:07:55Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Blankenship: Beyond the land of the free</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_beyond_the_land_of_the_free/38490/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
So we&#8217;re again celebrating Independence Day. Hooray for the U.S. of A!           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:30 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_beyond_the_land_of_the_free/38490/#When:16:00:30Z</guid>
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          <title>Editorial: Terror on the Metro affects us all</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/terror_on_the_metro_affects_us_all/38029/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
What is more indicative of life in our area than Metro?            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:04:48 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/terror_on_the_metro_affects_us_all/38029/#When:19:04:48Z</guid>
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          <title>Gold: The Tale of Two Ws</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_the_tale_of_two_ws/38024/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;as long ago as 1859, Charles Dickens saw the current Walmart controversies and the love affair with Wegmans when he wrote &#8220;It was the best of times, it was the worst of times&#8230;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:56:54 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_the_tale_of_two_ws/38024/#When:16:56:54Z</guid>
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          <title>Kerr: A missed opportunity to save open space</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_a_missed_opportunity_to_save_open_space/38012/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It&#8217;s is a resource whose value is difficult to quantify. Some people would argue it&#8217;s not important and not worth paying for. Others would tell you it&#8217;s invaluable.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:05:25 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_a_missed_opportunity_to_save_open_space/38012/#When:16:05:25Z</guid>
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          <title>Letters to the Editor for the week of June 26</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_june_26/38008/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It is fantastic to hear that the people from our county law enforcement went out of their way to run in honor of the Special Olympics and to carry the Special Olympics torch down Route 1.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:52:13 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_june_26/38008/#When:15:52:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>This Sunday, celebrate Dad</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/this_sunday_celebrate_dad/37928/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
STAFFORD &#8212; In writing a Father&#8217;s Day column this week, I needed two things: inspiration and sources.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:53:53 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/this_sunday_celebrate_dad/37928/#When:14:53:53Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>On your graduation</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/on_your_graduation/37927/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
For those of you finishing high school, this is the first time, probably since kindergarten, that you are free of mandatory schooling.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:50:46 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/on_your_graduation/37927/#When:14:50:46Z</guid>
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          <title>Gold: Get involved &#8212; not snowed &#8212; in election process</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_get_involved_not_snowed_in_election_process/37925/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;now is the time to get involved in the election process. With the primaries over, we know who the candidates are; now we must learn what they stand for.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:45:16 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_get_involved_not_snowed_in_election_process/37925/#When:14:45:16Z</guid>
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          <title>Blankenship: Lots of higher taxes ahead</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_lots_of_higher_taxes_ahead/37574/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Brace yourself. We&#8217;re fixing to get clobbered with higher taxes on lots of things. Why? Lots of reasons. Two stand out.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:07:55 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_lots_of_higher_taxes_ahead/37574/#When:20:07:55Z</guid>
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          <title>Letters to the editor for the week of June 19</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_june_19/37563/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
David Kerr&#8217;s editorial last week, &#8220;The BPOL debate continues,&#8221; failed to stick to the facts concerning this important issue for Stafford&#8217;s future.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:56:50 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_june_19/37563/#When:17:56:50Z</guid>
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          <title>Callander: Republicans campaign at Democratic Primary</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_republicans_campaign_at_democratic_primary/37562/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The most noteworthy happenings at the polls on Tuesday had nothing to do with the Democrats&#8217; nominating primary for governor.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:52:24 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_republicans_campaign_at_democratic_primary/37562/#When:17:52:24Z</guid>
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          <title>Hollifield: Newspaper industry &#8216;blowed up&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/hollifield_newspaper_industry_blowed_up/37370/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Newspapers are in trouble. 

I know, because I read about it online. (Ha, ha. That&#8217;s a funny joke. I&#8217;ll remember to tell it to the guy beside me at the unemployment office.)            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:51:32 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/hollifield_newspaper_industry_blowed_up/37370/#When:19:51:32Z</guid>
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          <title>Ask Emily: Encourage pregnant wife</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/ask_emily_encourage_pregnant_wife/37369/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Dear Emily: My wife is two months pregnant and refuses to eat food that is good for her and then baby.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:38:30 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/ask_emily_encourage_pregnant_wife/37369/#When:19:38:30Z</guid>
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          <title>Kerr: The BPOL debate continues</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/the_bpol_debate_continues/37355/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Business and Professional Licensing Tax, known as the BPOL, was approved by the Stafford County Board of Supervisors last year. It follows an example set by Fairfax, Prince William and Spotsylvania counties. It requires businesses of all kinds, ones with store fronts, as well as those run out of the garage, to register and pay a tax on their revenues. The vote on this new tax was one of the most heated debates the county board of supervisors has had in years and it&#8217;s still raging.&nbsp;             ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:49:11 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/the_bpol_debate_continues/37355/#When:17:49:11Z</guid>
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          <title>Letters to the Editor for the week of June 12</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_june_12/37584/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
After reading the news, I was glad to hear that the State Fair of Virginia has moved from the Richmond Raceway Complex to Caroline County and will be there for the September opening.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:34:24 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_june_12/37584/#When:20:34:24Z</guid>
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          <title>Remembering a friend and hero</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/remembering_a_friend_and_hero/37582/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I met Lt. Col. Mark Stratton when I was just shy of sixteen years old. My dad had just gotten back from a tour in Afghanistan and we had quickly moved across the country to Norfolk Naval Base.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:24:25 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/remembering_a_friend_and_hero/37582/#When:20:24:25Z</guid>
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          <title>Detached from realities of the past</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/detached_from_realities_of_the_past/37579/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
On June 6, 1944, American troops poured onto the beaches of Normandy and marked the beginning of the end of World War II.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:18:16 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/detached_from_realities_of_the_past/37579/#When:20:18:16Z</guid>
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          <title>Blankenship: Will the GOP retake Richmond?</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_will_the_gop_retake_richmond/36892/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
So I drive a Town Car, live in a gated community, and vote Republican. What&#8217;s not to like about that? What&#8217;s more, we Virginians next fall get to start turning our fine state red again, like God always meant it to be.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:18:09 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_will_the_gop_retake_richmond/36892/#When:22:18:09Z</guid>
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          <title>Editorial: Don&#8217;t make history a thing of the past</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_dont_make_history_a_thing_of_the_past/36883/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Pop quiz: 

&#8226; When did Columbus land in the &#8220;New World?&#8220; 
&#8226; Who was the first president of the United States? 
&#8226; Which president issued the Emancipation Proclamation?            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:58:44 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_dont_make_history_a_thing_of_the_past/36883/#When:21:58:44Z</guid>
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          <title>Editorial: The menace is near</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_the_menace_is_near/36566/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Swine flu has breached the imaginary walls of a neighboring county, a hop, skip and a jump away.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2009 15:38:57 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_the_menace_is_near/36566/#When:19:38:57Z</guid>
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          <title>Letters to the Editor for the week of May 29</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_may_29/36353/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Readers share their views on Anne Holton&#8217;s speech and parental legislation.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2009 18:34:25 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_may_29/36353/#When:22:34:25Z</guid>
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          <title>Callander: Finally, new library breaks ground</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_finally_new_library_breaks_ground/36346/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Once in a while in this opinion column writing business you advocate for something and it actually comes to fruition. When that happens, I pinch myself and ask, &#8220;Is this for real?&#8221;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2009 17:26:13 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_finally_new_library_breaks_ground/36346/#When:21:26:13Z</guid>
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          <title>Blankenship: Seen any stimulus money?</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_seen_any_stimulus_money/36345/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
They are really throwing money around nowadays.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2009 17:23:16 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_seen_any_stimulus_money/36345/#When:21:23:16Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Can&#8217;t we get along?</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/cant_we_get_along/35968/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Illegal immigration. Abortion. Capital punishment. Elections. Guantanamo Bay detainees &#8212; these are just some of the areas in which it seems impossible to have a discussion.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 15:31:48 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/cant_we_get_along/35968/#When:19:31:48Z</guid>
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          <title>Letters to the Editor for the week of May 22</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_may_22/35966/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I&#8217;m inclined to believe it is much too soon to be issuing grades on the new administration&#8217;s performance.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 15:06:11 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_may_22/35966/#When:19:06:11Z</guid>
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          <title>Callander: Democratic primary offers good choices</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_democratic_primary_offers_good_choices/35937/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
While Stafford Republicans head to Richmond for a May 30 convention to nominate their candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, Stafford democrats and independents have an opportunity to nominate the Democratic candidates via a primary June 9.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 10:58:15 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_democratic_primary_offers_good_choices/35937/#When:14:58:15Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Letter to the Editor for the week of May 15</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_may_15/35677/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I have closely followed the actions and agenda of community leaders and have worked &#8216;behind the scenes&#8217; on various issues for the past 28 years.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 16:02:27 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_may_15/35677/#When:20:02:27Z</guid>
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          <title>Kerr: Stafford stands up to the recession</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_stafford_stands_up_to_the_recession/35676/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
We all know just how serious the national economic situation has become. The U.S. Gross Domestic Product, the sum of everything we buy, invest and consume, is down over six percent.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 16:01:28 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_stafford_stands_up_to_the_recession/35676/#When:20:01:28Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Make dining, public activities smoke&#45;free</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/make_dining_public_activities_smoke-free/35670/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
With December&#8217;s cold air will come a new law in Virginia that will place more restrictions on smoking in restaurants, although it won&#8217;t entirely ban the habit.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 15:53:08 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/make_dining_public_activities_smoke-free/35670/#When:19:53:08Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>A case against moving Guantanamo terrorists to Stafford</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/a_case_against_moving_guantanamo_terrorists_to_stafford/35663/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The decision to move the terrorists from Guantanamo to the Brig on the Quantico Marine Base has not been officially announced, but the rumors abound that Quantico is on the very short list.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 15:33:15 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/a_case_against_moving_guantanamo_terrorists_to_stafford/35663/#When:19:33:15Z</guid>
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          <title>Blankenship: Realize the effects of alcohol</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_realize_the_effects_of_alcohol/35661/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Need it happen every spring? Graduation means celebration. That means booze. That means death for young people.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 14:55:01 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_realize_the_effects_of_alcohol/35661/#When:18:55:01Z</guid>
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          <title>Cartoon for the week of May 8</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_for_the_week_of_may_8/35079/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in our brave new world.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 16:01:19 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon_for_the_week_of_may_8/35079/#When:20:01:19Z</guid>
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          <title>Gold: It sure is easy being green</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_it_sure_is_easy_being_green/35072/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;at the risk of contradicting Kermit the Frog, &#8220;It is easy being green.&#8221;&nbsp; And, it&#8217;s not only easy, it&#8217;s smart!            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 15:43:10 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_it_sure_is_easy_being_green/35072/#When:19:43:10Z</guid>
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          <title>Editorial: More things to do than fear swine flu</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_more_things_to_do_than_fear_swine_flu/35052/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The swine flu appears to have come to Virginia, and the flu continues to spread, along with the hysteria associated with it.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 11:37:46 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_more_things_to_do_than_fear_swine_flu/35052/#When:15:37:46Z</guid>
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          <title>Callander: Master planning moves in right direction</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_master_planning_moves_in_right_direction/35050/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
If you stay in contact with county officials and other people in the know, you might have known about the redevelopment sessions going on as part of &#8220;shaping a master plan&#8221; for specific areas of our county.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 11:30:22 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_master_planning_moves_in_right_direction/35050/#When:15:30:22Z</guid>
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          <title>Blankenship: When will things get better?</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_when_will_things_get_better/34640/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Forgive me, but I have misplaced my optimism. I&#8217;m sure it&#8217;s somewhere, because it has stood me in good stead for these many years           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:40:57 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_when_will_things_get_better/34640/#When:18:40:57Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Fears swell over swine flu</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/fears_swell_over_swine_flu/34634/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The dreaded swine flu continues to spread along with fear of a pandemic. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:30:08 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/fears_swell_over_swine_flu/34634/#When:18:30:08Z</guid>
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          <title>Kerr: Interest rates only a mobster could love</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_interest_rates_only_a_mobster_could_love/34633/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I have two credit card accounts and for the most part I pay them off whenever they&#8217;re due.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:27:16 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_interest_rates_only_a_mobster_could_love/34633/#When:18:27:16Z</guid>
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          <title>Letter to the Editor for the Week of May 1</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_may_1/34632/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Reader shares view of autism story           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:26:11 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_to_the_editor_for_the_week_of_may_1/34632/#When:18:26:11Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cartoon</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon17/34195/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in our brave new world.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:25:48 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon17/34195/#When:18:25:48Z</guid>
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          <title>Gold: Importance of language often overlooked</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/it_seems_to_me...importance_of_language_often_overlooked/34194/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;one of the most important abilities we humans have that sets us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom is language.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:14:10 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/it_seems_to_me...importance_of_language_often_overlooked/34194/#When:18:14:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Politicizing Tech</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/politicizing_tech/34188/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Virginia&#8217;s political leadership rose to the occasion in the aftermath of the Virginia Tech massacre.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:51:29 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/politicizing_tech/34188/#When:17:51:29Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Callander: Stand up for the unemployed</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_stand_up_for_the_unemployed/34186/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Our usually calm governor is outraged with the actions of the Virginia House of Delegates in rejecting $125 million in federal stimulus money intended to extend unemployment benefits.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:40:40 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_stand_up_for_the_unemployed/34186/#When:17:40:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Reader Mail week of April 24</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/reader_mail_week_of_april_24/34168/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The [conditional-use] permit proposed sounds like a great idea to have a Stafford SPCA.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:57:09 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/reader_mail_week_of_april_24/34168/#When:16:57:09Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Editor&#8217;s Column: Rush for guns not safe idea</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/editors_column_rush_for_guns_not_safe_idea/33786/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
For those of you who missed it, an interesting report appeared this past week on &#8220;20/20&#8221; titled, &#8220;If I Only Had a Gun.&#8221;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:39:07 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/editors_column_rush_for_guns_not_safe_idea/33786/#When:22:39:07Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Blankenship: Read it while you can</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_read_it_while_you_can/33785/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Someday soon, oldtimers may regale their grandkids about the good old days when there was a daily paper upon which many words were printed, one which arrived at the doorstep or nearby.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:52:57 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_read_it_while_you_can/33785/#When:21:52:57Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Kerr: Redistricting:&amp;nbsp; Nothing democratic about it</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_redistricting_nothing_democratic_about_it/33778/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I&#8217;ve got news for you. Elections for the House of Delegates, State Senate, and yes, even our members of Congress aren&#8217;t as democratic or representative as you might think.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:28:47 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_redistricting_nothing_democratic_about_it/33778/#When:21:28:47Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Editor&#8217;s Column: Proposed SPCA important for community</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/bell_proposed_spca_important_for_community/33365/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Last week, the Stafford County Planning Commission put off its recommendation to the county&#8217;s board of supervisors regarding a conditional-use permit for a proposed Stafford SPCA.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:20:36 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/bell_proposed_spca_important_for_community/33365/#When:20:20:36Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cartoon</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon16/33363/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in Stafford County           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:18:03 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon16/33363/#When:19:18:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Editorial: The bay is still safe for native oysters</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/the_bay_is_still_safe_for_native_oysters/33353/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It&#8217;s bad enough the toys my kids play with are cheap products made in China that may or may not contain lead.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:53:31 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/the_bay_is_still_safe_for_native_oysters/33353/#When:18:53:31Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Callander: Who&#8217;s entitled to public utilities?</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_whos_entitled_to_public_utilities/33334/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
One of the issues of the times here in Stafford is who should get public water and sewer service and who shouldn&#8217;t be entitled to such modern niceties.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:40:35 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_whos_entitled_to_public_utilities/33334/#When:17:40:35Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cartoon</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon15/32916/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in Stafford County           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:51:26 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon15/32916/#When:20:51:26Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Reader Mail Week of April 3</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor141/32893/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Unfortunately, due to the weather conditions in my area I was not able to make it to the epilepsy walk this year held in Washington, D.C.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:56:13 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor141/32893/#When:17:56:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>It seems to me&#8230;The story of Average Joe</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/it_seems_to_me1/32889/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It seems to me&#8230;the average Joe in this great US of A is getting more of a shock treatment than a stimulus.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:46:58 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/it_seems_to_me1/32889/#When:17:46:58Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Blankenship: Visit a different world nearby</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_visit_a_different_world_nearby/32886/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
So the writing is on the wall and in your bank statements: Times are tough.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:36:27 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_visit_a_different_world_nearby/32886/#When:17:36:27Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Kerr: Stafford&#8217;s railroading past</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_staffords_railroading_past/32881/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Governor Tim Kaine&#8217;s office has announced that Virginia will soon begin paying for new passenger trains.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:17:38 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_staffords_railroading_past/32881/#When:17:17:38Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Editorial: If newspapers fall, you may too</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_if_newspapers_fall_you_may_too/32875/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The newspaper industry, which wasn&#8217;t exactly in a state of youthful health before the economic downturn, is sliding down a destructive slope.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:01:58 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_if_newspapers_fall_you_may_too/32875/#When:17:01:58Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Reader Mail Week of March 27</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_3_26/32570/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I was very pleased to read about the federal and state funding that will be used to purchase Phase 2 of Crow&#8217;s Nest.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:58:22 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor_3_26/32570/#When:14:58:22Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Kerr: The opossum on the porch</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_the_opossum_on_the_porch/32568/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Even though I live in the suburbs I am always surprised by just how many wild creatures manage to make their lives in the scant bits of habitat that still remain.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:52:35 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_the_opossum_on_the_porch/32568/#When:14:52:35Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Blankenship: Don&#8217;t blame TV for financial woes</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_dont_blame_tv_for_financial_woes/32557/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Like many others who have had their savings savaged in the past year, my thoughts have darkened nearly every day lately over the financial fiasco running amok both on Wall Street and in Washington.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:29:07 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_dont_blame_tv_for_financial_woes/32557/#When:14:29:07Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cartoon</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon14/32555/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in North Stafford High School           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:21:15 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon14/32555/#When:14:21:15Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Gold: It seems to me&#8230;</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_it_seems_to_me/32552/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It Seems To Me&#8230;the old expression, &#8220;Money Makes the Word Go Around&#8221; is most appropriate to describe a recent meeting of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:07:05 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/gold_it_seems_to_me/32552/#When:14:07:05Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Editorial: World TB Day important to note</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/world_tb_day_important_to_note/32539/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In an era when we hear a lot about HIV, possible flu pandemics and bizarre diseases like SARS, little attention is given to diseases like tuberculosis.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:33:07 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/world_tb_day_important_to_note/32539/#When:13:33:07Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Reader Mail: Week of March 20</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor14/32155/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
During the March 10 meeting of the Stafford County School Board over 30 people showed up to express their disapproval with the recent adoption by the county AP History Program to use Howard Zinn&#8217;s &#8220;A People&#8217;s History of the United States&#8221; as a &#8220;supplemental textbook.&#8221;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:32:23 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor14/32155/#When:15:32:23Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Guest Op&#45;Ed: Conservation Easements: Preserving open space, rewarding landowners</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/guest_op-ed_conservation_easements_preserving_open_space_rewarding_landowne/32153/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The current recession may have slowed the rate of farmland being destroyed by residential and commercial development in Stafford County, but when things pick up again the bulldozers will once more be threatening our farms, forests and other open spaces.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:24:39 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/guest_op-ed_conservation_easements_preserving_open_space_rewarding_landowne/32153/#When:15:24:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cartoon</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon13/32145/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in Stafford County           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:42:03 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon13/32145/#When:14:42:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Blankenship: Things out of whack? Just wait</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_things_out_of_whack_just_wait/32143/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I was there when a former county supervisor stood up recently and, in effect, said he was totally ashamed of how Stafford&#8217;s current board has degenerated.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:32:42 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_things_out_of_whack_just_wait/32143/#When:14:32:42Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cartoon</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon12/31666/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in Stafford County&#8230;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:00:03 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon12/31666/#When:20:00:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Bonuses for blinders</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/bonuses_for_blinders/31663/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Republican members of the Stafford Board of Supervisors (Sterling, Milde, Dudenhefer) have lately been pushing for a &#8220;pay for performance&#8221; scheme for BoS members: Salaries would be reduced, but six bonuses would be instituted &#8212; based on such goals as improved student test scores, timely transportation projects and reduced fire/rescue response times. The other members of the Stafford Board have opposed this measure, leaving them the targets of a media offensive launched by the GOP trio.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:34:13 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/bonuses_for_blinders/31663/#When:19:34:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Callander: Pay for performance smells of politics</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/callander_pay_for_performance_smells_of_politics/31662/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Surely, our members of the county board of supervisors should be held accountable for their performance, as Stafford Supervisor Cord Sterling, R-Rock Hill, says.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:30:06 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/callander_pay_for_performance_smells_of_politics/31662/#When:19:30:06Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Try to help others in rough times</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_try_to_help_others_in_rough_times/31661/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The economic malaise continues, and sometimes it feels as though it will never end. Some sink into the mire of self-pity. Some take refuge in optimism. And others take solace in lending aid.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:20:06 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_try_to_help_others_in_rough_times/31661/#When:19:20:06Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Reader Mail Week of March 6</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor13/31659/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republican committee leader recalls dinner
 
I had the pleasure of [Sun columnist]Ben Blankenship&#8217;s company at my table at the 2nd Annual Stafford County Republican Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner.&nbsp; It was with surprise that I read his rather codgery summation of the evening.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2009 15:18:39 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor13/31659/#When:19:18:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cartoon</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon11/31311/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in Virginia           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:26:44 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon11/31311/#When:20:26:44Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Weekend events will do your heart good</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/weekend_events_will_do_your_heart_good/31305/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
For those wishing to lend a hand this weekend and in the weeks coming up, a few special events come to mind.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:14:41 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/weekend_events_will_do_your_heart_good/31305/#When:20:14:41Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Kerr: Stafford County schools at risk</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/stafford_county_schools_at_risk/31304/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Stafford County Schools are facing one of the most serious financial crises in their history.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:10:24 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/stafford_county_schools_at_risk/31304/#When:20:10:24Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Paying for performance</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/paying_for_performance/31300/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
For more than 230 years the government created by our forefathers, and continued by successive generations of the American people, has sought to preserve our freedom, advance our ideals, and ensure our happiness.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:55:36 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/paying_for_performance/31300/#When:19:55:36Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Blankenship: Now we face a taxing future</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_now_we_face_a_taxing_future/31147/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Time does fly. The Super Bowl, the Inauguration and the stimulus law are already just a memory, and now we must focus on springtime despite its most hated feature. Hint: April 15.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:31:47 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_now_we_face_a_taxing_future/31147/#When:23:31:47Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Reader Mail Week of Feb. 27</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor12/31310/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I am appalled that the majority, led by democrat George Schwartz, voted down a proposal by Supervisors Cord Sterling  and Mark Dudenhefer (and supported by Paul Milde) to tie  a portion of the pay of supervisors to  advancing universally held goals of a balanced budget, improvements to education and public safety.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:21:51 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor12/31310/#When:20:21:51Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cartoon</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/cartoon10/30820/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in our mad mad world.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:06:08 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/article/cartoon10/30820/#When:17:06:08Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Editorial: Uncertainty ahead</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_uncertainty_ahead/30804/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The $787 billion stimulus package was passed, and President Barack Obama has a $75 billion plan to prevent home foreclosures.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:28:58 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/editorial_uncertainty_ahead/30804/#When:16:28:58Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Reader Mail Week of Feb. 27 II</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor11/30800/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In response to [Sun columnist] Harvey Gold&#8217;s viewpoint, &#8220;Install &#8216;parental control&#8217; in adults&#8221;, I&#8217;ve got to say, we&#8217;re in a lot of trouble!            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:19:42 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letters_to_the_editor11/30800/#When:16:19:42Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Callander: New urban areas could stop sprawl</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_new_urban_areas_could_stop_sprawl/30799/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&#8220;Urban,&#8221; unlike &#8220;suburban,&#8221; is a word we don&#8217;t hear mentioned often in describing Stafford County.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:14:32 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_new_urban_areas_could_stop_sprawl/30799/#When:16:14:32Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Blankenship: Strong words from our new bosses</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_strong_words_from_our_new_bosses/30784/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
They make things worse: President Obama says we face disaster, or at least a grave crisis. And now here comes his new Attorney General to call us cowards.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:38:47 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_strong_words_from_our_new_bosses/30784/#When:15:38:47Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Cartoon</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon9/30324/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:16:36 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon9/30324/#When:19:16:36Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Kerr: A day without e&#45;mail</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_a_day_without_e-mail/30294/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It wasn&#8217;t much of a news item.&nbsp; I guess it was a slow news day, because it got picked up by news services all over the country. But the White House, shortly after President Obama took office, announced that it had lost its e-mail service.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:43:40 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/kerr_a_day_without_e-mail/30294/#When:15:43:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Editor&#8217;s Column: Hunting show a crying shame</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/editors_column_hunting_show_a_crying_shame/30292/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Has anyone seen this television show on Stafford&#8217;s local cable channel, which airs Appalachian Outdoors Television? The show airs in some neighboring counties, too. If not, here&#8217;s a basic summary of what I have seen several times while flipping channels, and this last time, decided to linger even longer, despite simmering in anger and discomfort. 

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:37:09 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/editors_column_hunting_show_a_crying_shame/30292/#When:15:37:09Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Blankenship: Newt wowed capacity crowd</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_newt_wowed_capacity_crowd/30291/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
They looked like they had won. That was the most interesting thing about last week&#8217;s Lincoln-Reagan Day dinner, sponsored by the Stafford County Republican Committee. &#8220;It was the biggest dinner yet in this place,&#8221; enthused committee chair Susan Stimson over the turnout, which filled the 500-diner capacity of the Fredericksburg Expo Conference Center on Feb. 12. 

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:34:08 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/blankenship_newt_wowed_capacity_crowd/30291/#When:15:34:08Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Editorial: New hospital a big plus for Stafford</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/new_hospital_a_big_plus_for_stafford/30286/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Stafford Hospital Center, which will open its doors Feb. 27, could not come at a better time. Most importantly, Stafford residents will greatly benefit from a hospital close to their homes. If a dire emergency were to happen to any one of us, or to a family member, we&#8217;d all surely be thankful that a hospital is so close by. As we all know, some emergencies don&#8217;t give us much time to wait for an ambulance to arrive. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:26:02 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/editorials/article/new_hospital_a_big_plus_for_stafford/30286/#When:15:26:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Callander: Autism requires medical insurance, too</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_autism_requires_medical_insurance_too/30281/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As the cases of diagnosed autism in children have skyrocketed in recent years, the cry for government to do something has intensified, but things are looking bleak for autism treatment legislation in Virginia this year.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:11:25 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/columnists/article/callander_autism_requires_medical_insurance_too/30281/#When:15:11:25Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Reader Mail Week of Feb. 20</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_reader_thanks_bill_howell/29834/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I wanted to write to commend Speaker Bill Howell for finding common ground with Gov. Kaine on the smoking ban in Virginia. I realize that this was not any easy choice, as many within his party believe this is a free market issue. I want to thank Speaker Howell for making this tough choice and for doing what he thought was right. I wish there were more elected officials willing to govern that way.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:38:58 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article/letter_reader_thanks_bill_howell/29834/#When:17:38:58Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cartoon</title>
          <link>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon8/29832/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Only in Virginia           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:20:33 EDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.staffordcountysun.com/scs/news/opinion/cartoons/article/cartoon8/29832/#When:17:20:33Z</guid>
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