Writing for the Public Good

“An inspiring collection. The essays of David R. Colburn and Senator Bob Graham beg us to answer the contemporary questions: What does it mean to be a Floridian, and who is up to bat in the coming decades? It is a must-read for every mindful soul in the Sunshine State.”—Nashid Madyun, executive director, Florida Humanities

“These galvanizing essays lay out a vision for Florida and America at their best, girded by political integrity and engaged, civic-minded citizens. Writing for the Public Good is a reckoning with history, an indictment of avarice, and a deeply informed guide to a just and prosperous future. It is a book for every student and citizen of Florida—to be studied, celebrated, and, if we are wise, fulfilled.”—Cynthia Barnett, award-winning author and environmental journalist in residence, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications

“This timely collection of opinion pieces crafted over 30 years will be a welcome addition for Floridians still grappling with the same issues in the third decade of the twenty-first century. From the 1990s to the present, Colburn and Graham aimed to use their voices to promote civic engagement on all manner of issues confronting the Sunshine State.”—James M. Denham, author of Fifty Years of Justice: A History of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

“This historical compilation of editorials written by two of Florida’s most prolific public intellectuals is a must-read for anyone interested in Florida, as well as national and international politics over the last 30 years. The public writings in this book demonstrate the importance of public discourse and civil argument much needed these days.”—Kathryn A. DePalo-Gould, author of The Failure of Term Limits in Florida

“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