About the Book
Insights into modern American
politics and society from two of Florida's most influential public
figures
Writing for the
Public Good presents a selection of over 100 important opinion pieces from David R. Colburn
(1942‒2019) and Senator Bob Graham, two of the most influential public figures
in contemporary Florida. Spanning 30 years and addressing a wide variety of
topics that continue to be relevant today, these essays show the key role of
Florida in modern American life and politics and illustrate the power of civic
engagement in tackling issues facing the nation.
Exemplifying public writing
that connects with and informs readers everywhere, these pieces appeared as
op-eds in outlets including the
Miami Herald, the
Tampa Bay Times,
the
Tampa Tribune, the
Orlando
Sentinel, the
New
York Times, the
Washington Post,
Politico, and
Time.
With style, intelligence, and thoughtfulness, Colburn and Graham examine subjects
including the economy, race relations, public education, the environment,
national intelligence, and international affairs. They look to history to give
context to the social problems of today, and they point forward to constructive
solutions that center on the role of citizen activism.
Together, these essays chart the history of modern Florida,
reflecting the state's rise to a Sunbelt powerhouse that is often at the center
of national conversations. Colburn and Graham challenge readers to consider and
discuss different perspectives on current issues and, above all, to respond.
Readers will come away with renewed hope that their actions can make a
difference to improve society and will be inspired to work for a better
tomorrow.
A volume in the series Government and Politics in the South, edited by Sharon D. Wright Austin and Angela K. Lewis-Maddox
