Writing for the Public Good - (Government and Politics in the South) by Steven Noll (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book presents over 100 important opinion pieces from David R. Colburn and Senator Bob Graham, two of the most influential public figures in recent Florida history, illustrating the power of civic engagement in tackling issues facing the nation.

Book Synopsis

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 recent Florida history. 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.

Review Quotes

"A fascinating new collection of essays. . . . Surprisingly
timely. Many of the topics Graham and Colburn wrote about 30 or more years ago
are still with us."--Tallahassee Democrat

About the Author

Steven Noll is
master lecturer in history and affiliate faculty member of the Bob Graham
Center for Public Service at the University of Florida. He is coauthor of Ditch of Dreams: The Cross Florida Barge
Canal and the Struggle for Florida's Future. David R. Colburn served in many roles at the University of Florida, including as provost and senior vice president, professor of history, and director of the Bob Graham Center for Public Service. He is the author of From Yellow Dog Democrats to Red State Republicans: Florida and Its Politics since 1940. Senator Bob Graham (1936-2024) served the state of Florida for nearly four decades as first a state legislator, then governor, and finally a three-term U.S. Senator. In 2006 he created the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida to continue his legacy of leadership and train the next generation of Sunshine State leaders.