White House questions viability of GM, Chrysler
President Barack Obama is sending a blunt message to Detroit automakers: To survive — and win more government help — they must remake themselves top to bottom. Driving home the point, the White House ousted the General Motors chairman as it rejected GM and Chrysler's restructuring plans.
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/03/white_house_questions_viability_of_gm_chrysler.php?ref=fp1
Bachmann Blasts Obama's "Economic Marxism," Calls For "Orderly Revolution" To Save Freedom
Wow. Just plain wow. This past Wednesday, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) appeared on Sean Hannity's radio show, and sharply reiterated her calls for revolution in America, warning against the imminent dangers of tyranny under Barack Obama: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/03/bachmann-blasts-obamas-economic-marxism-calls-for-revolution-to-save-freedom.php
The Oil Patch Vaudeville Act
There they go again. It was so nice and quiet on the oil front for a short while. Had the price of oil held at $147 we would have been regaled endlessly with all the good reasons why it should go ever higher. Procrastinations came from far and wide and were trumpeted loudly for all to hear. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/raymond-j-learsy/the-oil-patch-vaudeville_b_180595.html
Generations Must Stand United for Employee Free Choice Act
Our nation’s economic crisis is affecting nearly everyone. Unless you are getting one of those big Wall Street bonuses, you are probably struggling to pay your bills, keep your home, or afford to see a doctor or fill a prescription. There is no longer any doubt that the fundamentals of our economy are broken
http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/27/generations-must-stand-united-for-employee-free-choice-act/
Pension insurer shifted to stocks
WASHINGTON - Just months before the start of last year's stock market collapse, the federal agency that insures the retirement funds of 44 million Americans departed from its conservative investment strategy and decided to put much of its $64 billion insurance fund into stocks http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/03/30/pension_insurer_shifted_to_stocks/?page=full
Nelson seeks ban on Chinese drywall
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida filed legislation today seeking a temporary ban on Chinese-made drywall believed to be emitting sulfur-based gases in numerous Florida homes built with the product, correspondent Eun Kim reports.
http://www.floridatoday.com/watchdog
- Feeling Too Down to Rise Up
IN Chicago, during the summer of 1992, I watched a rally explode into a riot. Unruly public housing tenants were protesting high prices at local grocery stores. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/opinion/29venkatesh.html?pagewanted=1&th&emc=th Companies Pretty Up Prices to Win Stimulus Projects
Department stores are marking down their spring collections. Broadway shows are offering discount tickets. Now road work is on sale, as well. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/us/29bids.html?th&emc=th
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
News 30 March 2009
White House questions viability of GM, Chrysler
President Barack Obama is sending a blunt message to Detroit automakers: To survive — and win more government help — they must remake themselves top to bottom. Driving home the point, the White House ousted the General Motors chairman as it rejected GM and Chrysler's restructuring plans.
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/03/white_house_questions_viability_of_gm_chrysler.php?ref=fp1
Bachmann Blasts Obama's "Economic Marxism," Calls For "Orderly Revolution" To Save Freedom
Wow. Just plain wow. This past Wednesday, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) appeared on Sean Hannity's radio show, and sharply reiterated her calls for revolution in America, warning against the imminent dangers of tyranny under Barack Obama: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/03/bachmann-blasts-obamas-economic-marxism-calls-for-revolution-to-save-freedom.php
The Oil Patch Vaudeville Act
There they go again. It was so nice and quiet on the oil front for a short while. Had the price of oil held at $147 we would have been regaled endlessly with all the good reasons why it should go ever higher. Procrastinations came from far and wide and were trumpeted loudly for all to hear. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/raymond-j-learsy/the-oil-patch-vaudeville_b_180595.html
Generations Must Stand United for Employee Free Choice Act
Our nation’s economic crisis is affecting nearly everyone. Unless you are getting one of those big Wall Street bonuses, you are probably struggling to pay your bills, keep your home, or afford to see a doctor or fill a prescription. There is no longer any doubt that the fundamentals of our economy are broken
http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/27/generations-must-stand-united-for-employee-free-choice-act/
Pension insurer shifted to stocks
WASHINGTON - Just months before the start of last year's stock market collapse, the federal agency that insures the retirement funds of 44 million Americans departed from its conservative investment strategy and decided to put much of its $64 billion insurance fund into stocks http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/03/30/pension_insurer_shifted_to_stocks/?page=full
Nelson seeks ban on Chinese drywall
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida filed legislation today seeking a temporary ban on Chinese-made drywall believed to be emitting sulfur-based gases in numerous Florida homes built with the product, correspondent Eun Kim reports.
http://www.floridatoday.com/watchdog
- Feeling Too Down to Rise Up
IN Chicago, during the summer of 1992, I watched a rally explode into a riot. Unruly public housing tenants were protesting high prices at local grocery stores. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/opinion/29venkatesh.html?pagewanted=1&th&emc=th Companies Pretty Up Prices to Win Stimulus Projects
Department stores are marking down their spring collections. Broadway shows are offering discount tickets. Now road work is on sale, as well. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/us/29bids.html?th&emc=th
President Barack Obama is sending a blunt message to Detroit automakers: To survive — and win more government help — they must remake themselves top to bottom. Driving home the point, the White House ousted the General Motors chairman as it rejected GM and Chrysler's restructuring plans.
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2009/03/white_house_questions_viability_of_gm_chrysler.php?ref=fp1
Bachmann Blasts Obama's "Economic Marxism," Calls For "Orderly Revolution" To Save Freedom
Wow. Just plain wow. This past Wednesday, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) appeared on Sean Hannity's radio show, and sharply reiterated her calls for revolution in America, warning against the imminent dangers of tyranny under Barack Obama: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/03/bachmann-blasts-obamas-economic-marxism-calls-for-revolution-to-save-freedom.php
The Oil Patch Vaudeville Act
There they go again. It was so nice and quiet on the oil front for a short while. Had the price of oil held at $147 we would have been regaled endlessly with all the good reasons why it should go ever higher. Procrastinations came from far and wide and were trumpeted loudly for all to hear. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/raymond-j-learsy/the-oil-patch-vaudeville_b_180595.html
Generations Must Stand United for Employee Free Choice Act
Our nation’s economic crisis is affecting nearly everyone. Unless you are getting one of those big Wall Street bonuses, you are probably struggling to pay your bills, keep your home, or afford to see a doctor or fill a prescription. There is no longer any doubt that the fundamentals of our economy are broken
http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/27/generations-must-stand-united-for-employee-free-choice-act/
Pension insurer shifted to stocks
WASHINGTON - Just months before the start of last year's stock market collapse, the federal agency that insures the retirement funds of 44 million Americans departed from its conservative investment strategy and decided to put much of its $64 billion insurance fund into stocks http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/03/30/pension_insurer_shifted_to_stocks/?page=full
Nelson seeks ban on Chinese drywall
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida filed legislation today seeking a temporary ban on Chinese-made drywall believed to be emitting sulfur-based gases in numerous Florida homes built with the product, correspondent Eun Kim reports.
http://www.floridatoday.com/watchdog
- Feeling Too Down to Rise Up
IN Chicago, during the summer of 1992, I watched a rally explode into a riot. Unruly public housing tenants were protesting high prices at local grocery stores. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/opinion/29venkatesh.html?pagewanted=1&th&emc=th Companies Pretty Up Prices to Win Stimulus Projects
Department stores are marking down their spring collections. Broadway shows are offering discount tickets. Now road work is on sale, as well. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/us/29bids.html?th&emc=th
Saturday, March 28, 2009
News 28 March 2009
Why We Need the Employee Free Choice Act
A position paper on the Employee's Free Choice Act
http://www.goiam.org/uploadedFiles/Pick_A_Fight/EFCA/Issue_Updates/ARAW_EFCApacket.pdf
Economic Blackmail
Corporate opponents of workers’ freedom to form unions repeatedly have shown they are not interested in the welfare of their employees or any of the pseudo-lofty ideals they cite while fighting the Employee Free Choice Act http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/27/economic-terrorism/
Bank CEOs voice support for Obama's economic plans
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama won support from top bankers on Friday for his efforts to rid financial institutions of bad debts, but differences remained over broader U.S. plans for the financial industry. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2651410320090327?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
Pun for the Ages
THE inglorious pun! Dryden called it the "lowest and most groveling kind of wit." To Ambrose Bierce it was a "form of wit to which wise men stoop and fools aspire." Universal experience confirms the adage that puns don’t make us laugh, but groan. It is said that Caligula ordered an actor to be roasted alive for a bad pun. (Some believe he was inclined to extremes.)http://http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/opinion/28Tartakovsky.html?th&emc=th
U.S. Expected to Give More Money to Automakers
DETROIT — The Obama administration will probably extend more short-term aid to General Motors and Chrysler on Monday, but will impose a strict deadline for bondholders and union workers to make concessions that would help the ailing automakers become viable businesses and avert bankruptcy http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/business/economy/28auto.html?th&emc=th
High-Minded Budget Goals Yield to Reality
WASHINGTON — When President Obama unveiled his spending plan last month, he loudly proclaimed a return to honest budgeting and called for elimination of the cute fiscal acrobatics that the government had used for years to avoid facing up to cold truths. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/us/politics/28memo.html?th&emc=th
Higher Education Gone Wrong: Universities Are Turning into Corporate Drone Factories
Unless we take hold of the reigns we will be cursed with a more ruthless form of corporate power wielded through naked repression. http://www.alternet.org/workplace/133446/higher_education_gone_wrong%3A_universities_are_turning_into_corporate_drone_factories/
100 Historians Sign On to Support Employee Free Choice Act
Some of the nation’s top historians have signed a petition asking Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act and protect the freedom to form unions and bargain. http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/24/100-historians-sign-on-to-support-employee-free-choice-act/
Taxing Health Care Benefits: An All-Around Bad Idea
There’s noise now in Washington that policy makers are considering paying for health care reform, in part, by taxing health care benefits workers receive through employer-provided health coverage. Such an ill-conceived plan not only represents a big a tax hike for workers and their employers, but carries serious and hidden costs, according to a new study by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/24/taxing-health-care-benefits-an-all-around-bad-idea/
Obama's Prime Time Pitch
Some exaggerations and misstatements from his evening news conference. Summary President Obama sometimes strayed from the facts or made dubious claims during his hour-long evening news conference March 24
http://www.factcheck.org/politics/obamas_prime_time_pitch.html
A position paper on the Employee's Free Choice Act
http://www.goiam.org/uploadedFiles/Pick_A_Fight/EFCA/Issue_Updates/ARAW_EFCApacket.pdf
Economic Blackmail
Corporate opponents of workers’ freedom to form unions repeatedly have shown they are not interested in the welfare of their employees or any of the pseudo-lofty ideals they cite while fighting the Employee Free Choice Act http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/27/economic-terrorism/
Bank CEOs voice support for Obama's economic plans
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama won support from top bankers on Friday for his efforts to rid financial institutions of bad debts, but differences remained over broader U.S. plans for the financial industry. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2651410320090327?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
Pun for the Ages
THE inglorious pun! Dryden called it the "lowest and most groveling kind of wit." To Ambrose Bierce it was a "form of wit to which wise men stoop and fools aspire." Universal experience confirms the adage that puns don’t make us laugh, but groan. It is said that Caligula ordered an actor to be roasted alive for a bad pun. (Some believe he was inclined to extremes.)http://http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/opinion/28Tartakovsky.html?th&emc=th
U.S. Expected to Give More Money to Automakers
DETROIT — The Obama administration will probably extend more short-term aid to General Motors and Chrysler on Monday, but will impose a strict deadline for bondholders and union workers to make concessions that would help the ailing automakers become viable businesses and avert bankruptcy http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/business/economy/28auto.html?th&emc=th
High-Minded Budget Goals Yield to Reality
WASHINGTON — When President Obama unveiled his spending plan last month, he loudly proclaimed a return to honest budgeting and called for elimination of the cute fiscal acrobatics that the government had used for years to avoid facing up to cold truths. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/us/politics/28memo.html?th&emc=th
Higher Education Gone Wrong: Universities Are Turning into Corporate Drone Factories
Unless we take hold of the reigns we will be cursed with a more ruthless form of corporate power wielded through naked repression. http://www.alternet.org/workplace/133446/higher_education_gone_wrong%3A_universities_are_turning_into_corporate_drone_factories/
100 Historians Sign On to Support Employee Free Choice Act
Some of the nation’s top historians have signed a petition asking Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act and protect the freedom to form unions and bargain. http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/24/100-historians-sign-on-to-support-employee-free-choice-act/
Taxing Health Care Benefits: An All-Around Bad Idea
There’s noise now in Washington that policy makers are considering paying for health care reform, in part, by taxing health care benefits workers receive through employer-provided health coverage. Such an ill-conceived plan not only represents a big a tax hike for workers and their employers, but carries serious and hidden costs, according to a new study by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/24/taxing-health-care-benefits-an-all-around-bad-idea/
Obama's Prime Time Pitch
Some exaggerations and misstatements from his evening news conference. Summary President Obama sometimes strayed from the facts or made dubious claims during his hour-long evening news conference March 24
http://www.factcheck.org/politics/obamas_prime_time_pitch.html
News for March 28 2009
Economic Blackmail
Corporate opponents of workers’ freedom to form unions repeatedly have shown they are not interested in the welfare of their employees or any of the pseudo-lofty ideals they cite while fighting the Employee Free Choice Act http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/27/economic-terrorism/
Bank CEOs voice support for Obama's economic plans
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama won support from top bankers on Friday for his efforts to rid financial institutions of bad debts, but differences remained over broader U.S. plans for the financial industry. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2651410320090327?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
Pun for the Ages
THE inglorious pun! Dryden called it the "lowest and most groveling kind of wit." To Ambrose Bierce it was a "form of wit to which wise men stoop and fools aspire." Universal experience confirms the adage that puns don’t make us laugh, but groan. It is said that Caligula ordered an actor to be roasted alive for a bad pun. (Some believe he was inclined to extremes.)http://http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/opinion/28Tartakovsky.html?th&emc=th
U.S. Expected to Give More Money to Automakers
DETROIT — The Obama administration will probably extend more short-term aid to General Motors and Chrysler on Monday, but will impose a strict deadline for bondholders and union workers to make concessions that would help the ailing automakers become viable businesses and avert bankruptcy http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/business/economy/28auto.html?th&emc=th
High-Minded Budget Goals Yield to Reality
WASHINGTON — When President Obama unveiled his spending plan last month, he loudly proclaimed a return to honest budgeting and called for elimination of the cute fiscal acrobatics that the government had used for years to avoid facing up to cold truths. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/us/politics/28memo.html?th&emc=th
Higher Education Gone Wrong: Universities Are Turning into Corporate Drone Factories
Unless we take hold of the reigns we will be cursed with a more ruthless form of corporate power wielded through naked repression. http://www.alternet.org/workplace/133446/higher_education_gone_wrong%3A_universities_are_turning_into_corporate_drone_factories/
100 Historians Sign On to Support Employee Free Choice Act
Some of the nation’s top historians have signed a petition asking Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act and protect the freedom to form unions and bargain. http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/24/100-historians-sign-on-to-support-employee-free-choice-act/
Taxing Health Care Benefits: An All-Around Bad Idea
There’s noise now in Washington that policy makers are considering paying for health care reform, in part, by taxing health care benefits workers receive through employer-provided health coverage. Such an ill-conceived plan not only represents a big a tax hike for workers and their employers, but carries serious and hidden costs, according to a new study by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/24/taxing-health-care-benefits-an-all-around-bad-idea/
Obama's Prime Time Pitch
Some exaggerations and misstatements from his evening news conference. Summary President Obama sometimes strayed from the facts or made dubious claims during his hour-long evening news conference March 24
http://www.factcheck.org/politics/obamas_prime_time_pitch.html
Corporate opponents of workers’ freedom to form unions repeatedly have shown they are not interested in the welfare of their employees or any of the pseudo-lofty ideals they cite while fighting the Employee Free Choice Act http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/27/economic-terrorism/
Bank CEOs voice support for Obama's economic plans
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama won support from top bankers on Friday for his efforts to rid financial institutions of bad debts, but differences remained over broader U.S. plans for the financial industry. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN2651410320090327?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
Pun for the Ages
THE inglorious pun! Dryden called it the "lowest and most groveling kind of wit." To Ambrose Bierce it was a "form of wit to which wise men stoop and fools aspire." Universal experience confirms the adage that puns don’t make us laugh, but groan. It is said that Caligula ordered an actor to be roasted alive for a bad pun. (Some believe he was inclined to extremes.)http://http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/opinion/28Tartakovsky.html?th&emc=th
U.S. Expected to Give More Money to Automakers
DETROIT — The Obama administration will probably extend more short-term aid to General Motors and Chrysler on Monday, but will impose a strict deadline for bondholders and union workers to make concessions that would help the ailing automakers become viable businesses and avert bankruptcy http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/business/economy/28auto.html?th&emc=th
High-Minded Budget Goals Yield to Reality
WASHINGTON — When President Obama unveiled his spending plan last month, he loudly proclaimed a return to honest budgeting and called for elimination of the cute fiscal acrobatics that the government had used for years to avoid facing up to cold truths. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/us/politics/28memo.html?th&emc=th
Higher Education Gone Wrong: Universities Are Turning into Corporate Drone Factories
Unless we take hold of the reigns we will be cursed with a more ruthless form of corporate power wielded through naked repression. http://www.alternet.org/workplace/133446/higher_education_gone_wrong%3A_universities_are_turning_into_corporate_drone_factories/
100 Historians Sign On to Support Employee Free Choice Act
Some of the nation’s top historians have signed a petition asking Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act and protect the freedom to form unions and bargain. http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/24/100-historians-sign-on-to-support-employee-free-choice-act/
Taxing Health Care Benefits: An All-Around Bad Idea
There’s noise now in Washington that policy makers are considering paying for health care reform, in part, by taxing health care benefits workers receive through employer-provided health coverage. Such an ill-conceived plan not only represents a big a tax hike for workers and their employers, but carries serious and hidden costs, according to a new study by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/24/taxing-health-care-benefits-an-all-around-bad-idea/
Obama's Prime Time Pitch
Some exaggerations and misstatements from his evening news conference. Summary President Obama sometimes strayed from the facts or made dubious claims during his hour-long evening news conference March 24
http://www.factcheck.org/politics/obamas_prime_time_pitch.html
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
News 25 March 2009
Obama's Prime Time Pitch
Some exaggerations and misstatements from his evening news conference. Summary President Obama sometimes strayed from the facts or made dubious claims during his hour-long evening news conference March 24
http://www.factcheck.org/politics/obamas_prime_time_pitch.html
Bills would loosen Fla. zero tolerance policies
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Legislature is considering bills to prevent child arrests for minor violations of zero tolerance laws — like bringing plastic butter knives to school or throwing an eraser. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee today approved a measure that would prohibit calling police for nonviolent misdemeanors. The Senate sponsor, Jacksonville Republican Stephen Wise, said his bill (SB 1540) would save money and prevent unnecessary criminal records for children. Instead of police, schools would handle such disciplinary matters administratively. http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090325/BREAKINGNEWS/90325033/1086/
Immigrants held during DCF visit
MIAMI — Elida Arriaga was holding her 1-year-old grandson during a routine visit with a state social worker when local deputies told her she was in the country illegally and led her away, immigration advocates said Wednesday. http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090325/BREAKINGNEWS/90325040/1086/
24 MAR 09
GOP warns about budget hardball
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said again Monday that it’s too early to say whether Democrats will use the budget process to ram through the president’s legislative agenda. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0309/20400.html
Fed's Evans: U.S. growth could resume by year-end
PRAGUE (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve could expand its already vast efforts to restore normal functioning in financial markets, and growth in the United States should resume by the end of this year, a top Fed policymaker said on Tuesday. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52N20520090324?feedType=nl&feedName=ustopnewsearly
Ellis will challenge judge's order to resume clerical support
The chief judge of the 18th Circuit has ordered Brevard Clerk of Courts Scott Ellis to resume providing clerical support for temporary relief, http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090324/NEWS01/903240314/1086/guardianship and eviction hearings.
Schools lose $100M
Cuts to Brevard Public Schools could be as high as $100 million next year, an increase of $20 million over previous projections, Superintendent Richard DiPatri warned Monday, citing recent revenue estimates http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090324/NEWS01/903240322/1086/
Unions Don’t Cause Firm Closures
What’s the real effect of union membership on businesses? A new report by economist John DiNardo of the University of Michigan suggests there’s no connection between a firm’s likeliness to shut down and whether its employees have a union. http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/23/epi-unions-dont-cause-firm-closures/
Some exaggerations and misstatements from his evening news conference. Summary President Obama sometimes strayed from the facts or made dubious claims during his hour-long evening news conference March 24
http://www.factcheck.org/politics/obamas_prime_time_pitch.html
Bills would loosen Fla. zero tolerance policies
TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Legislature is considering bills to prevent child arrests for minor violations of zero tolerance laws — like bringing plastic butter knives to school or throwing an eraser. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee today approved a measure that would prohibit calling police for nonviolent misdemeanors. The Senate sponsor, Jacksonville Republican Stephen Wise, said his bill (SB 1540) would save money and prevent unnecessary criminal records for children. Instead of police, schools would handle such disciplinary matters administratively. http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090325/BREAKINGNEWS/90325033/1086/
Immigrants held during DCF visit
MIAMI — Elida Arriaga was holding her 1-year-old grandson during a routine visit with a state social worker when local deputies told her she was in the country illegally and led her away, immigration advocates said Wednesday. http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090325/BREAKINGNEWS/90325040/1086/
24 MAR 09
GOP warns about budget hardball
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said again Monday that it’s too early to say whether Democrats will use the budget process to ram through the president’s legislative agenda. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0309/20400.html
Fed's Evans: U.S. growth could resume by year-end
PRAGUE (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve could expand its already vast efforts to restore normal functioning in financial markets, and growth in the United States should resume by the end of this year, a top Fed policymaker said on Tuesday. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52N20520090324?feedType=nl&feedName=ustopnewsearly
Ellis will challenge judge's order to resume clerical support
The chief judge of the 18th Circuit has ordered Brevard Clerk of Courts Scott Ellis to resume providing clerical support for temporary relief, http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090324/NEWS01/903240314/1086/guardianship and eviction hearings.
Schools lose $100M
Cuts to Brevard Public Schools could be as high as $100 million next year, an increase of $20 million over previous projections, Superintendent Richard DiPatri warned Monday, citing recent revenue estimates http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090324/NEWS01/903240322/1086/
Unions Don’t Cause Firm Closures
What’s the real effect of union membership on businesses? A new report by economist John DiNardo of the University of Michigan suggests there’s no connection between a firm’s likeliness to shut down and whether its employees have a union. http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/23/epi-unions-dont-cause-firm-closures/
Support Brevard ACLU by attending Annual Fundraiser after the Florida March For Peace.
Please attend and bring a friend to show your support for the organization that has spent COUNTLESS HOURS protecting and defending your freedoms and civil rights in Florida and Brevard County.
Saturday March 28th - 8:30pm at Imago Gallery -701 East New Haven Ave, Melbourne
Featuring Live Original World Beat Music from Nuclear Umbrella.
Cost only $10
Cash Bar for Beer and Wine.
+ Silent Art Auction.
ACLU Info and Memberships available.
For more info contact Kevin by email
thecitizen@cfl.rr.com
MegaVote 23 March 2009 for Florida's 15th Congressional District:
Recent Congressional Votes -* Senate: Confirmation of Ronald Kirk to be U.S. Trade Representative
* Senate: Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009
* House: Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act
* House: To impose an additional tax on bonuses received from certain TARP recipients
Upcoming Congressional Bills -
* Senate: Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act
* House: Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009
* House: Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act=
Recent Senate Votes:Confirmation of Ronald Kirk to be U.S. Trade Representative http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=100&chamber=S&congress=1111
Vote Confirmed (92-5, 2 Not Voting)
On Wednesday, Ron Kirk was confirmed as U.S. Trade Representative.
Sen. Mel Martinez voted YES
send e-mail (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/mail/?
id=10033&mailid=custom)see bio (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/bio/?id=10033)
Sen. Bill Nelson voted YES
send e-mail (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/mail/?id=10892&mailid=custom)
see bio (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/bio/?id=10892)-----------------------------------------------------------------Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009
http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=106&chamber=S&congress=1111
Vote Passed (77-20, 2 Not Voting)
The Senate passed this package of legislation related to public lands, national parks and water development.
Sen. Mel Martinez voted YES
send e-mail (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/mail/?id=10033&mailid=custom)
see bio (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/bio/?id=10033)
Sen. Bill Nelson voted YES
send e-mail (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/mail/?id=10892&mailid=custom)
see bio (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/bio/?
Recent House Votes:-----------------------------------------------------------------Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act
http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=140&chamber=H&congress=1111
Vote Passed (321-105, 6 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill to reauthorize and reform national service programs.Rep. Bill Posey voted NO
send e-mail (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/mail/?id=2401&mailid=custom)
see bio (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/bio/?id=2401)---------------------------------------------------------- To impose an additional tax on bonuses received from certain TARP recipients http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=143&chamber=H&congress=1111
Vote Passed (328-93, 10 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill that would enact an additional income tax on bonuses given to employees or former employees of companies that received Troubled Assets Relief Program money.
Rep. Bill Posey voted NO
send e-mail (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/mail/?id=2401&mailid=custom)
see bio (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/bio/?id=2401)===================
==Upcoming Votes:------
Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act - H.R.1388
This week the Senate will work on this national service bill.Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 - H.R.146
The House will vote on this public lands, national parks and water development legislation.
Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act - H.R.1404
The House is scheduled to vote on this bill intended to improve funding and management of fighting wildfires.
Please attend and bring a friend to show your support for the organization that has spent COUNTLESS HOURS protecting and defending your freedoms and civil rights in Florida and Brevard County.
Saturday March 28th - 8:30pm at Imago Gallery -701 East New Haven Ave, Melbourne
Featuring Live Original World Beat Music from Nuclear Umbrella.
Cost only $10
Cash Bar for Beer and Wine.
+ Silent Art Auction.
ACLU Info and Memberships available.
For more info contact Kevin by email
thecitizen@cfl.rr.com
MegaVote 23 March 2009 for Florida's 15th Congressional District:
Recent Congressional Votes -* Senate: Confirmation of Ronald Kirk to be U.S. Trade Representative
* Senate: Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009
* House: Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act
* House: To impose an additional tax on bonuses received from certain TARP recipients
Upcoming Congressional Bills -
* Senate: Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act
* House: Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009
* House: Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act=
Recent Senate Votes:Confirmation of Ronald Kirk to be U.S. Trade Representative http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=100&chamber=S&congress=1111
Vote Confirmed (92-5, 2 Not Voting)
On Wednesday, Ron Kirk was confirmed as U.S. Trade Representative.
Sen. Mel Martinez voted YES
send e-mail (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/mail/?
id=10033&mailid=custom)see bio (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/bio/?id=10033)
Sen. Bill Nelson voted YES
send e-mail (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/mail/?id=10892&mailid=custom)
see bio (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/bio/?id=10892)-----------------------------------------------------------------Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009
http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=106&chamber=S&congress=1111
Vote Passed (77-20, 2 Not Voting)
The Senate passed this package of legislation related to public lands, national parks and water development.
Sen. Mel Martinez voted YES
send e-mail (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/mail/?id=10033&mailid=custom)
see bio (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/bio/?id=10033)
Sen. Bill Nelson voted YES
send e-mail (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/mail/?id=10892&mailid=custom)
see bio (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/bio/?
Recent House Votes:-----------------------------------------------------------------Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act
http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=140&chamber=H&congress=1111
Vote Passed (321-105, 6 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill to reauthorize and reform national service programs.Rep. Bill Posey voted NO
send e-mail (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/mail/?id=2401&mailid=custom)
see bio (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/bio/?id=2401)---------------------------------------------------------- To impose an additional tax on bonuses received from certain TARP recipients http://capwiz.com/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=143&chamber=H&congress=1111
Vote Passed (328-93, 10 Not Voting)
The House passed this bill that would enact an additional income tax on bonuses given to employees or former employees of companies that received Troubled Assets Relief Program money.
Rep. Bill Posey voted NO
send e-mail (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/mail/?id=2401&mailid=custom)
see bio (http://capwiz.com/congressorg/bio/?id=2401)===================
==Upcoming Votes:------
Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act - H.R.1388
This week the Senate will work on this national service bill.Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 - H.R.146
The House will vote on this public lands, national parks and water development legislation.
Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act - H.R.1404
The House is scheduled to vote on this bill intended to improve funding and management of fighting wildfires.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
News 24 March 2009
Reading Test Dummies
IN his recent education speech, President Obama asked the states to raise their standards and develop “assessments that don’t simply measure whether students can fill in a bubble on a test.” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/opinion/23hirsch.html?em
Dutch FinMin targets bonuses; ING in staff appeal
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The Dutch Finance Ministry will seek to curtail bonuses among senior management at financial companies receiving government support, while ING (ING.AS) is asking some staff to give back their 2008 bonuses. http://www.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUSTRE52M13420090323?feedType=nl&feedName=usbusinessearly
The State of the Music Business
Over the last few years, we have all witnessed the decline of the music business, highlighted by finger-pointing and blame directed against record companies, artists, internet file sharing and any other theories for which a case could be made. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-mellencamp/on-my-mind-the-state-of-t_b_177836.html
Call to Action! Resistance & Recovery Week of Action
Momentum is growing to create an economy that works for everyone, and the Employee Free Choice Act is an important part of building that better future for ALL workers. In that spirit, Jobs with Justice is organizing a "Resistance and Recovery" Week of Action March 27 to April 4 in conjunction with the 10th Annual Student-Labor Week of Action to "Resist and Reclaim our Future". See Orlando section at http://www.jwj.org/recovery/03-09grid.html
Robert Reich's Blog: Is Obamanomics Conservative or Revolutionary?
The first, much preferred by the White House, is as a set of initiatives so modest as to hardly merit a raised eyebrow. Yes, steps must be taken to deal with the current economic crisis. http://robertreich.blogspot.com/2009/03/is-obamanomics-conservative-or.html
What Would the Man Who Got Us Out of the Last Depression Do About Wall Street's Greed?
What would FDR do if he were around to see AIG's bonus bozos spit in the face of the American taxpayer? http://www.alternet.org/story/132353
Florida Democrats Petition against McCollum
Attorney General Bill McCollum spent more than $1.4 million in public funds to pay his campaign consultant to create an ad- starring Bill McCollum. That money came out of the same funds needed to catch and prosecute cyber criminals, but instead, it went to fund Bill McCollum's political future. It's disgusting. https://secure.fladems.com/page/petition/McCollum
“Obama Bin Lyin’ IMPEACH NOW”:
After accepting illegal and unethical behavior for years from President Bush, the right wing has finally come around to advocating for the impeachment of a President. On Sat. March 21, more than 4,000 people gathered in Orlando for a “tea party” protest to denounce what they called “wasteful Washington spending.” The Orlando Sentinel quoted one attendee saying, “They need to shove that bum out,” referring to Obama. The signs that were distributed said “Obama Bin Lyin’ IMPEACH NOW”: http://thinkprogress.org/2009/03/23/impeach-protest-obama/
After Years Of Lies, WSJ Concedes That Employee Free Choice Act ‘Doesn’t Remove The Secret-Ballot Option’
In a stunning reversal, the anti-labor Wall Street Journal editorial page admitted today that one of the key messages in Big Business’s fight against the Employee Free Choice Act is false. “The bill doesn’t remove the secret-ballot option from the National Labor Relations Act,” wrote the WSJ editors today. http://thinkprogress.org/2009/03/20/wsj-secret-ballot/
IN his recent education speech, President Obama asked the states to raise their standards and develop “assessments that don’t simply measure whether students can fill in a bubble on a test.” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/opinion/23hirsch.html?em
Dutch FinMin targets bonuses; ING in staff appeal
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The Dutch Finance Ministry will seek to curtail bonuses among senior management at financial companies receiving government support, while ING (ING.AS) is asking some staff to give back their 2008 bonuses. http://www.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUSTRE52M13420090323?feedType=nl&feedName=usbusinessearly
The State of the Music Business
Over the last few years, we have all witnessed the decline of the music business, highlighted by finger-pointing and blame directed against record companies, artists, internet file sharing and any other theories for which a case could be made. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-mellencamp/on-my-mind-the-state-of-t_b_177836.html
Call to Action! Resistance & Recovery Week of Action
Momentum is growing to create an economy that works for everyone, and the Employee Free Choice Act is an important part of building that better future for ALL workers. In that spirit, Jobs with Justice is organizing a "Resistance and Recovery" Week of Action March 27 to April 4 in conjunction with the 10th Annual Student-Labor Week of Action to "Resist and Reclaim our Future". See Orlando section at http://www.jwj.org/recovery/03-09grid.html
Robert Reich's Blog: Is Obamanomics Conservative or Revolutionary?
The first, much preferred by the White House, is as a set of initiatives so modest as to hardly merit a raised eyebrow. Yes, steps must be taken to deal with the current economic crisis. http://robertreich.blogspot.com/2009/03/is-obamanomics-conservative-or.html
What Would the Man Who Got Us Out of the Last Depression Do About Wall Street's Greed?
What would FDR do if he were around to see AIG's bonus bozos spit in the face of the American taxpayer? http://www.alternet.org/story/132353
Florida Democrats Petition against McCollum
Attorney General Bill McCollum spent more than $1.4 million in public funds to pay his campaign consultant to create an ad- starring Bill McCollum. That money came out of the same funds needed to catch and prosecute cyber criminals, but instead, it went to fund Bill McCollum's political future. It's disgusting. https://secure.fladems.com/page/petition/McCollum
“Obama Bin Lyin’ IMPEACH NOW”:
After accepting illegal and unethical behavior for years from President Bush, the right wing has finally come around to advocating for the impeachment of a President. On Sat. March 21, more than 4,000 people gathered in Orlando for a “tea party” protest to denounce what they called “wasteful Washington spending.” The Orlando Sentinel quoted one attendee saying, “They need to shove that bum out,” referring to Obama. The signs that were distributed said “Obama Bin Lyin’ IMPEACH NOW”: http://thinkprogress.org/2009/03/23/impeach-protest-obama/
After Years Of Lies, WSJ Concedes That Employee Free Choice Act ‘Doesn’t Remove The Secret-Ballot Option’
In a stunning reversal, the anti-labor Wall Street Journal editorial page admitted today that one of the key messages in Big Business’s fight against the Employee Free Choice Act is false. “The bill doesn’t remove the secret-ballot option from the National Labor Relations Act,” wrote the WSJ editors today. http://thinkprogress.org/2009/03/20/wsj-secret-ballot/
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
News 17 March 2009
How many of the uninsured are U.S. citizens?
A:The vast majority of the uninsured are citizens from working families. http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/how_many_of_the_uninsured_are_us.html
Will 300,000 illegal immigrants get construction jobs through the stimulus package?
A: There's no way of knowing how many illegal immigrants may or may not end up with a job from stimulus funds. But this inflated estimate comes from conservative groups concerned about the absence of employee verification requirements in the final bill. http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/will_300000_illegal_immigrants_get_construction_jobs.html
Railroad Bailout May Offer a Model for Detroit
As General Motors and Chrysler struggle to remain solvent, the railroad bailout of a generation ago could offer a template to the Obama administration — one in which the federal government would run the auto companies until they are back on their feet. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/business/16rail.html?th&emc=th
Massachusetts Faces Costs of Big Health Care Plan
BOSTON — Three years ago, Massachusetts enacted perhaps the boldest state health care experiment in American history, bringing near-universal coverage to the commonwealth with Paul Revere speed.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/health/policy/16mass.html?th&emc=th
Irish Premier’s U.S. Trip Has Dark Tone
With the formerly highflying Irish economy now in an even deeper tailspin than the American one, the Irish prime minister’s annual St. Patrick’s Day visit to the United States has an unusually somber feel about it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/world/europe/16irish.html?th&emc=th
Bracing for a Backlash Over Wall Street Bailouts
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is increasingly concerned about a populist backlash against banks and Wall Street, worried that anger at financial institutions could also end up being directed at Congress and the White House and could complicate President Obama’s agenda.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/us/politics/16assess.html?th&emc=th
Bernanke sees U.S. recovery beginning in 2010
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke suggested in a taped interview on Sunday that the U.S. recession could last most of the year and said the biggest risk was that the political will needed to fix the fractured financial system could be lacking. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52E22520090316?feedType=nl&feedName=ustopnewsearly
Left out from Obama's health care summit SocialistWorker.org
BARACK OBAMA promised to put fixing America's broken health care system at the top of his agenda as president. But supporters of the one solution that could actually work were at the bottom of his White House invitation list.
http://socialistworker.org/2009/03/16/obama-health-care-summit
TPM Photo Features Talking Points Memo Axis of Weasels: The Men Who Ruined the Economy
Axis of Weasels: The Men Who Ruined the Economy http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/photofeatures/2009/03/villains-of-the-economic-crisis.php?img=1
Americans Are Raring for a Fight Against Corporate Power AlterNet
Last October, Home Depot cofounder Bernie Marcus blew a gasket, spewing outrage in all directions. "This is the demise of civilization," he exploded. "This is how a civilization disappears. I'm watching this happen and I don't believe it!" http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/131456/americans_are_raring_for_a_fight_against_corporate_power/
A:The vast majority of the uninsured are citizens from working families. http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/how_many_of_the_uninsured_are_us.html
Will 300,000 illegal immigrants get construction jobs through the stimulus package?
A: There's no way of knowing how many illegal immigrants may or may not end up with a job from stimulus funds. But this inflated estimate comes from conservative groups concerned about the absence of employee verification requirements in the final bill. http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/will_300000_illegal_immigrants_get_construction_jobs.html
Railroad Bailout May Offer a Model for Detroit
As General Motors and Chrysler struggle to remain solvent, the railroad bailout of a generation ago could offer a template to the Obama administration — one in which the federal government would run the auto companies until they are back on their feet. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/business/16rail.html?th&emc=th
Massachusetts Faces Costs of Big Health Care Plan
BOSTON — Three years ago, Massachusetts enacted perhaps the boldest state health care experiment in American history, bringing near-universal coverage to the commonwealth with Paul Revere speed.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/health/policy/16mass.html?th&emc=th
Irish Premier’s U.S. Trip Has Dark Tone
With the formerly highflying Irish economy now in an even deeper tailspin than the American one, the Irish prime minister’s annual St. Patrick’s Day visit to the United States has an unusually somber feel about it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/world/europe/16irish.html?th&emc=th
Bracing for a Backlash Over Wall Street Bailouts
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is increasingly concerned about a populist backlash against banks and Wall Street, worried that anger at financial institutions could also end up being directed at Congress and the White House and could complicate President Obama’s agenda.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/us/politics/16assess.html?th&emc=th
Bernanke sees U.S. recovery beginning in 2010
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke suggested in a taped interview on Sunday that the U.S. recession could last most of the year and said the biggest risk was that the political will needed to fix the fractured financial system could be lacking. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52E22520090316?feedType=nl&feedName=ustopnewsearly
Left out from Obama's health care summit SocialistWorker.org
BARACK OBAMA promised to put fixing America's broken health care system at the top of his agenda as president. But supporters of the one solution that could actually work were at the bottom of his White House invitation list.
http://socialistworker.org/2009/03/16/obama-health-care-summit
TPM Photo Features Talking Points Memo Axis of Weasels: The Men Who Ruined the Economy
Axis of Weasels: The Men Who Ruined the Economy http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/photofeatures/2009/03/villains-of-the-economic-crisis.php?img=1
Americans Are Raring for a Fight Against Corporate Power AlterNet
Last October, Home Depot cofounder Bernie Marcus blew a gasket, spewing outrage in all directions. "This is the demise of civilization," he exploded. "This is how a civilization disappears. I'm watching this happen and I don't believe it!" http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/131456/americans_are_raring_for_a_fight_against_corporate_power/
News 17 March 2009
How many of the uninsured are U.S. citizens?
A:The vast majority of the uninsured are citizens from working families. http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/how_many_of_the_uninsured_are_us.html
Will 300,000 illegal immigrants get construction jobs through the stimulus package?
A: There's no way of knowing how many illegal immigrants may or may not end up with a job from stimulus funds. But this inflated estimate comes from conservative groups concerned about the absence of employee verification requirements in the final bill. http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/will_300000_illegal_immigrants_get_construction_jobs.html
Railroad Bailout May Offer a Model for Detroit
As General Motors and Chrysler struggle to remain solvent, the railroad bailout of a generation ago could offer a template to the Obama administration — one in which the federal government would run the auto companies until they are back on their feet. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/business/16rail.html?th&emc=th
Massachusetts Faces Costs of Big Health Care Plan
BOSTON — Three years ago, Massachusetts enacted perhaps the boldest state health care experiment in American history, bringing near-universal coverage to the commonwealth with Paul Revere speed.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/health/policy/16mass.html?th&emc=th
Irish Premier’s U.S. Trip Has Dark Tone
With the formerly highflying Irish economy now in an even deeper tailspin than the American one, the Irish prime minister’s annual St. Patrick’s Day visit to the United States has an unusually somber feel about it. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/world/europe/16irish.html?th&emc=th
Bracing for a Backlash Over Wall Street Bailouts
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is increasingly concerned about a populist backlash against banks and Wall Street, worried that anger at financial institutions could also end up being directed at Congress and the White House and could complicate President Obama’s agenda.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/us/politics/16assess.html?th&emc=th
Bernanke sees U.S. recovery beginning in 2010
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke suggested in a taped interview on Sunday that the U.S. recession could last most of the year and said the biggest risk was that the political will needed to fix the fractured financial system could be lacking. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52E22520090316?feedType=nl&feedName=ustopnewsearly
Left out from Obama's health care summit
BARACK OBAMA promised to put fixing America's broken health care system at the top of his agenda as president. But supporters of the one solution that could actually work were at the bottom of his White House invitation list.
http://socialistworker.org/2009/03/16/obama-health-care-summit
Axis of Weasels: The Men Who Ruined the Economy
Axis of Weasels: The Men Who Ruined the Economy Pictures http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/photofeatures/2009/03/villains-of-the-economic-crisis.php?img=1
Americans Are Raring for a Fight Against Corporate Power
Last October, Home Depot cofounder Bernie Marcus blew a gasket, spewing outrage in all directions. "This is the demise of civilization," he exploded. "This is how a civilization disappears. I'm watching this happen and I don't believe it!" http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/131456/americans_are_raring_for_a_fight_against_corporate_power/
A:The vast majority of the uninsured are citizens from working families. http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/how_many_of_the_uninsured_are_us.html
Will 300,000 illegal immigrants get construction jobs through the stimulus package?
A: There's no way of knowing how many illegal immigrants may or may not end up with a job from stimulus funds. But this inflated estimate comes from conservative groups concerned about the absence of employee verification requirements in the final bill. http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/will_300000_illegal_immigrants_get_construction_jobs.html
Railroad Bailout May Offer a Model for Detroit
As General Motors and Chrysler struggle to remain solvent, the railroad bailout of a generation ago could offer a template to the Obama administration — one in which the federal government would run the auto companies until they are back on their feet. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/business/16rail.html?th&emc=th
Massachusetts Faces Costs of Big Health Care Plan
BOSTON — Three years ago, Massachusetts enacted perhaps the boldest state health care experiment in American history, bringing near-universal coverage to the commonwealth with Paul Revere speed.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/health/policy/16mass.html?th&emc=th
Irish Premier’s U.S. Trip Has Dark Tone
With the formerly highflying Irish economy now in an even deeper tailspin than the American one, the Irish prime minister’s annual St. Patrick’s Day visit to the United States has an unusually somber feel about it. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/world/europe/16irish.html?th&emc=th
Bracing for a Backlash Over Wall Street Bailouts
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is increasingly concerned about a populist backlash against banks and Wall Street, worried that anger at financial institutions could also end up being directed at Congress and the White House and could complicate President Obama’s agenda.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/16/us/politics/16assess.html?th&emc=th
Bernanke sees U.S. recovery beginning in 2010
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke suggested in a taped interview on Sunday that the U.S. recession could last most of the year and said the biggest risk was that the political will needed to fix the fractured financial system could be lacking. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52E22520090316?feedType=nl&feedName=ustopnewsearly
Left out from Obama's health care summit
BARACK OBAMA promised to put fixing America's broken health care system at the top of his agenda as president. But supporters of the one solution that could actually work were at the bottom of his White House invitation list.
http://socialistworker.org/2009/03/16/obama-health-care-summit
Axis of Weasels: The Men Who Ruined the Economy
Axis of Weasels: The Men Who Ruined the Economy Pictures http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/photofeatures/2009/03/villains-of-the-economic-crisis.php?img=1
Americans Are Raring for a Fight Against Corporate Power
Last October, Home Depot cofounder Bernie Marcus blew a gasket, spewing outrage in all directions. "This is the demise of civilization," he exploded. "This is how a civilization disappears. I'm watching this happen and I don't believe it!" http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/131456/americans_are_raring_for_a_fight_against_corporate_power/
Sunday, March 15, 2009
News 16 March 2009
**Special 2009 Session Primer**
To watch the Florida Legislature in action, one would think that the 2008 elections never happened. On November 4, 2008, voters across the country and here in Florida sent a blazingly clear message… that they were tired of the failed economic policies of the past decade. http://www.flaflcio.org/page_files/11_February_09.pdf
Posey: Future presidential candidates should show their birth certificates; won’t say whether he believes Obama is a US citizen by Mark Matthews
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Indialantic, has stirred up the hornet’s nest by filing legislation that would make it mandatory for future presidential candidates to include copies of their birth certificate when filing to run for the White House. http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2009/03/posey-future-presidential-candidates-should-show-their-birth-certificates-wont-say-whether-he-believ.html
Getting lost in Amazon? Obama banters with Lula
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Foreign leaders hoping to have good chemistry with U.S. President Barack Obama may want to take a lesson from Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52D23N20090314?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
The Culture Warriors Get Laid Off
SOMEDAY we’ll learn the whole story of why George W. Bush brushed off that intelligence briefing of Aug. 6, 2001, “Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S.” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/opinion/15rich.html?th&emc=th
Harnessing the Sun, With Help From Cities
PALM DESERT, Calif. — Rick Clark’s garage is loaded with fast toys for playing in the sun. He has a buggy for racing on sand dunes, two sleek power boats for pulling water skiers, and a new favorite: 48 solar panels that send his energy meter whirring backward. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/science/earth/15solar.html?th&emc=th
Administration Is Open to Taxing Health Benefits
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is signaling to Congress that the president could support taxing some employee health benefits, as several influential lawmakers and many economists favor, to help pay for overhauling the health system. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/us/politics/15health.html?th&emc=th
A.I.G. Planning Huge Bonuses After $170 Billion Bailout
WASHINGTON — The American International Group, which has received more than $170 billion in taxpayer bailout money from the Treasury and Federal Reserve, plans to pay about $165 million in bonuses by Sunday to executives in the same business unit that brought the company to the brink of collapse last year. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/business/15AIG.html?th&emc=th
Florida sales tax breaks aren't likely to be dumped
TALLAHASSEE -- For the first time in more than two decades, the Florida Legislature is taking a serious look at eliminating some sales tax exemptions that have been embedded in the state tax code at the request of special interests. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/945610.html
A Tsunami of Excuses
IT’S been a year since Bear Stearns collapsed, kicking off Wall Street’s meltdown, and it’s more than time to debunk the myths that many Wall Street executives have perpetrated about what has happened and why.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/opinion/12cohan.html?th&emc=th
To watch the Florida Legislature in action, one would think that the 2008 elections never happened. On November 4, 2008, voters across the country and here in Florida sent a blazingly clear message… that they were tired of the failed economic policies of the past decade. http://www.flaflcio.org/page_files/11_February_09.pdf
Posey: Future presidential candidates should show their birth certificates; won’t say whether he believes Obama is a US citizen by Mark Matthews
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Indialantic, has stirred up the hornet’s nest by filing legislation that would make it mandatory for future presidential candidates to include copies of their birth certificate when filing to run for the White House. http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2009/03/posey-future-presidential-candidates-should-show-their-birth-certificates-wont-say-whether-he-believ.html
Getting lost in Amazon? Obama banters with Lula
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Foreign leaders hoping to have good chemistry with U.S. President Barack Obama may want to take a lesson from Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52D23N20090314?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
The Culture Warriors Get Laid Off
SOMEDAY we’ll learn the whole story of why George W. Bush brushed off that intelligence briefing of Aug. 6, 2001, “Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S.” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/opinion/15rich.html?th&emc=th
Harnessing the Sun, With Help From Cities
PALM DESERT, Calif. — Rick Clark’s garage is loaded with fast toys for playing in the sun. He has a buggy for racing on sand dunes, two sleek power boats for pulling water skiers, and a new favorite: 48 solar panels that send his energy meter whirring backward. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/science/earth/15solar.html?th&emc=th
Administration Is Open to Taxing Health Benefits
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is signaling to Congress that the president could support taxing some employee health benefits, as several influential lawmakers and many economists favor, to help pay for overhauling the health system. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/us/politics/15health.html?th&emc=th
A.I.G. Planning Huge Bonuses After $170 Billion Bailout
WASHINGTON — The American International Group, which has received more than $170 billion in taxpayer bailout money from the Treasury and Federal Reserve, plans to pay about $165 million in bonuses by Sunday to executives in the same business unit that brought the company to the brink of collapse last year. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/business/15AIG.html?th&emc=th
Florida sales tax breaks aren't likely to be dumped
TALLAHASSEE -- For the first time in more than two decades, the Florida Legislature is taking a serious look at eliminating some sales tax exemptions that have been embedded in the state tax code at the request of special interests. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/945610.html
A Tsunami of Excuses
IT’S been a year since Bear Stearns collapsed, kicking off Wall Street’s meltdown, and it’s more than time to debunk the myths that many Wall Street executives have perpetrated about what has happened and why.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/opinion/12cohan.html?th&emc=th
News 16 March 2009
**Special 2009 Session Primer**
To watch the Florida Legislature in action, one would think that the 2008 elections never happened. On November 4, 2008, voters across the country and here in Florida sent a blazingly clear message… that they were tired of the failed economic policies of the past decade. http://www.flaflcio.org/page_files/11_February_09.pdf
Posey: Future presidential candidates should show their birth certificates; won’t say whether he believes Obama is a US citizen by Mark Matthews
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Indialantic, has stirred up the hornet’s nest by filing legislation that would make it mandatory for future presidential candidates to include copies of their birth certificate when filing to run for the White House. http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2009/03/posey-future-presidential-candidates-should-show-their-birth-certificates-wont-say-whether-he-believ.html
Getting lost in Amazon? Obama banters with Lula Reuters
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Foreign leaders hoping to have good chemistry with U.S. President Barack Obama may want to take a lesson from Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52D23N20090314?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
The Culture Warriors Get Laid Off
SOMEDAY we’ll learn the whole story of why George W. Bush brushed off that intelligence briefing of Aug. 6, 2001, “Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S.” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/opinion/15rich.html?th&emc=th
Harnessing the Sun, With Help From Cities
PALM DESERT, Calif. — Rick Clark’s garage is loaded with fast toys for playing in the sun. He has a buggy for racing on sand dunes, two sleek power boats for pulling water skiers, and a new favorite: 48 solar panels that send his energy meter whirring backward. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/science/earth/15solar.html?th&emc=th
Administration Is Open to Taxing Health Benefits
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is signaling to Congress that the president could support taxing some employee health benefits, as several influential and many economists favor, to help pay for overhauling the health care system
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/us/politics/15health.html?th&emc=th
A.I.G. Planning Huge Bonuses After $170 Billion Bailout
WASHINGTON — The American International Group, which has received more than $170 billion in taxpayer bailout money from the Treasury and Federal Reserve, plans to pay about $165 million in bonuses by Sunday to executives in the same business unit that brought the company to the brink of collapse last year. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/business/15AIG.html?th&emc=th
Posey to president hopefuls: Prove it
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Bill Posey has introduced a bill that would amend election laws by requiring White House candidates to show a birth certificate to run for president.
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090314/NEWS01/903140315/1086/
To watch the Florida Legislature in action, one would think that the 2008 elections never happened. On November 4, 2008, voters across the country and here in Florida sent a blazingly clear message… that they were tired of the failed economic policies of the past decade. http://www.flaflcio.org/page_files/11_February_09.pdf
Posey: Future presidential candidates should show their birth certificates; won’t say whether he believes Obama is a US citizen by Mark Matthews
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Indialantic, has stirred up the hornet’s nest by filing legislation that would make it mandatory for future presidential candidates to include copies of their birth certificate when filing to run for the White House. http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2009/03/posey-future-presidential-candidates-should-show-their-birth-certificates-wont-say-whether-he-believ.html
Getting lost in Amazon? Obama banters with Lula Reuters
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Foreign leaders hoping to have good chemistry with U.S. President Barack Obama may want to take a lesson from Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE52D23N20090314?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews
The Culture Warriors Get Laid Off
SOMEDAY we’ll learn the whole story of why George W. Bush brushed off that intelligence briefing of Aug. 6, 2001, “Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S.” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/opinion/15rich.html?th&emc=th
Harnessing the Sun, With Help From Cities
PALM DESERT, Calif. — Rick Clark’s garage is loaded with fast toys for playing in the sun. He has a buggy for racing on sand dunes, two sleek power boats for pulling water skiers, and a new favorite: 48 solar panels that send his energy meter whirring backward. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/science/earth/15solar.html?th&emc=th
Administration Is Open to Taxing Health Benefits
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is signaling to Congress that the president could support taxing some employee health benefits, as several influential and many economists favor, to help pay for overhauling the health care system
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/us/politics/15health.html?th&emc=th
A.I.G. Planning Huge Bonuses After $170 Billion Bailout
WASHINGTON — The American International Group, which has received more than $170 billion in taxpayer bailout money from the Treasury and Federal Reserve, plans to pay about $165 million in bonuses by Sunday to executives in the same business unit that brought the company to the brink of collapse last year. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/business/15AIG.html?th&emc=th
Posey to president hopefuls: Prove it
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Bill Posey has introduced a bill that would amend election laws by requiring White House candidates to show a birth certificate to run for president.
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090314/NEWS01/903140315/1086/
Friday, March 13, 2009
News 12 March 2009
Florida sales tax breaks aren't likely to be dumped
TALLAHASSEE -- For the first time in more than two decades, the Florida Legislature is taking a serious look at eliminating some sales tax exemptions that have been embedded in the state tax code at the request of special interests. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/945610.html
Op-Ed Contributor - A Tsunami of Excuses - NYTimes.com
IT’S been a year since Bear Stearns collapsed, kicking off Wall Street’s meltdown, and it’s more than time to debunk the myths that many Wall Street executives have perpetrated about what has happened and why.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/opinion/12cohan.html?th&emc=th
Engineers find way to build a better battery
CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. engineers have found a way to make lithium batteries that are smaller, lighter, longer lasting and capable of recharging in seconds. The researchers believe the quick-charging batteries could open up new applications, including better batteries for electric cars.
http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE52A6P420090312?feedType=nl&feedName=usmorningdigest
Centrist Dems dodge labor bill - Patrick O'Connor and Manu Raju - POLITICO.com
Rep. G.K. Butterfield and Sen. Kent Conrad cosponsored the Employee Free Choice Act when it was introduced in the last Congress. This year? They both seem to have ... other things to do. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0309/19918.html
Citigroup Enters Union Fray With Anti-EFCA Call
Embattled financial giant Citigroup Inc., which has received at least $50 billion in federal bailout funds, hosted a private conference call on Wednesday to build opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/12/citigroup-enters-union-fr_n_174106.html
DemocracyForAmerica.com » DFA Birthday Party
Celebrate Democracy for America's fifth birthday with DFA Members in your neighborhood and across the country -- Wednesday, March 25!
http://democracyforamerica.com/activities/136-dfa-birthday-party
MoveOn.org Political Action: Stop subsidies for Big Oil
Think oil companies should pay their fair share of taxes? So does President Obama. In his budget, the President has proposed cutting billions of dollars in special subsidies and tax loopholes for oil and gas companies.
http://pol.moveon.org/stopbigoil/?id=15729-7766386-HnUhuzx&t=3
AFL-CIO NOW BLOG Setting Standards for Green and Good Jobs
If the nation’s economy is to truly recover, the funds from President Obama’s economic recovery package—the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act—must be spent in ways that keep working families’ needs in mind and create a foundation for their future. http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/11/setting-standards-for-green-and-good-jobs/
Barack Obama Change We Need Host a Pledge Project Canvass
Host a Pledge Project Canvass Opening our doors and talking to our neighbors is the only way we'll make President Obama's economic plan a reality. Take the next step now by hosting a Pledge Project Canvass in a national day of action on Saturday, March 21st. http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/pledgeprojectcanvass/
Bernard Madoff pleads guilty; South Florida investors cheer
Herald Staff and Wire Reports Saying he was 'deeply sorry and ashamed,' Bernard Madoff pleaded guilty Thursday in New York to pulling off perhaps the biggest swindle in Wall Street history and was immediately led off to jail in handcuffs to the delight of his seething victims, many of whom live in South Florida.
http://www.miamiherald.com/1374/story/946526.html
TALLAHASSEE -- For the first time in more than two decades, the Florida Legislature is taking a serious look at eliminating some sales tax exemptions that have been embedded in the state tax code at the request of special interests. http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/945610.html
Op-Ed Contributor - A Tsunami of Excuses - NYTimes.com
IT’S been a year since Bear Stearns collapsed, kicking off Wall Street’s meltdown, and it’s more than time to debunk the myths that many Wall Street executives have perpetrated about what has happened and why.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/opinion/12cohan.html?th&emc=th
Engineers find way to build a better battery
CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. engineers have found a way to make lithium batteries that are smaller, lighter, longer lasting and capable of recharging in seconds. The researchers believe the quick-charging batteries could open up new applications, including better batteries for electric cars.
http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE52A6P420090312?feedType=nl&feedName=usmorningdigest
Centrist Dems dodge labor bill - Patrick O'Connor and Manu Raju - POLITICO.com
Rep. G.K. Butterfield and Sen. Kent Conrad cosponsored the Employee Free Choice Act when it was introduced in the last Congress. This year? They both seem to have ... other things to do. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0309/19918.html
Citigroup Enters Union Fray With Anti-EFCA Call
Embattled financial giant Citigroup Inc., which has received at least $50 billion in federal bailout funds, hosted a private conference call on Wednesday to build opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/12/citigroup-enters-union-fr_n_174106.html
DemocracyForAmerica.com » DFA Birthday Party
Celebrate Democracy for America's fifth birthday with DFA Members in your neighborhood and across the country -- Wednesday, March 25!
http://democracyforamerica.com/activities/136-dfa-birthday-party
MoveOn.org Political Action: Stop subsidies for Big Oil
Think oil companies should pay their fair share of taxes? So does President Obama. In his budget, the President has proposed cutting billions of dollars in special subsidies and tax loopholes for oil and gas companies.
http://pol.moveon.org/stopbigoil/?id=15729-7766386-HnUhuzx&t=3
AFL-CIO NOW BLOG Setting Standards for Green and Good Jobs
If the nation’s economy is to truly recover, the funds from President Obama’s economic recovery package—the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act—must be spent in ways that keep working families’ needs in mind and create a foundation for their future. http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/03/11/setting-standards-for-green-and-good-jobs/
Barack Obama Change We Need Host a Pledge Project Canvass
Host a Pledge Project Canvass Opening our doors and talking to our neighbors is the only way we'll make President Obama's economic plan a reality. Take the next step now by hosting a Pledge Project Canvass in a national day of action on Saturday, March 21st. http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/pledgeprojectcanvass/
Bernard Madoff pleads guilty; South Florida investors cheer
Herald Staff and Wire Reports Saying he was 'deeply sorry and ashamed,' Bernard Madoff pleaded guilty Thursday in New York to pulling off perhaps the biggest swindle in Wall Street history and was immediately led off to jail in handcuffs to the delight of his seething victims, many of whom live in South Florida.
http://www.miamiherald.com/1374/story/946526.html
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
News 11 March 2009
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT FOR FLORIDA REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN JIM GREER:
JUST READ THE STATE CONSTITUTION
Representative Oscar Braynon, the Democratic Ranking Member of the Florida House Governmental Affairs Policy Committee, issued the following statement in response to today’s Republican attacks on Democratic lawmakers who voted to defend workers’ rights to organize:
"Chairman Jim Greer’s frothing today over Representative Adam Hasner’s anti-worker legislation exposes fundamental flaws and deep misunderstandings about the real agenda behind House Joint Resolution 1013.
"Despite today’s hostile Republican rhetoric, this resolution is not about the secret ballots that voters rely upon on Election Day. Secret ballots at the voting booth are already secure under Article VI, Suffrage and Elections, of the Florida Constitution.
"Perhaps Chairman Greer can put his press releases on hold until he studies the state constitution.
"Leader Hasner’s proposal is a smoke-and-mirrors game that doesn’t add any real protections for voters. Rather, his plan puts voters’ rights at risk by subjecting constitutional protections to potential new legal challenges.
"Today’s deliberations raise a question: Is Representative Hasner’s resolution an attempt to boost his political career by getting state lawmakers drawn into a debate on federal issues?
"This resolution doesn’t protect workers and it doesn’t protect voters. It’s nothing other than an anti-worker campaign.
###
The return of socialism?
Republican hype notwithstanding, the scale of the economic crisis and the Obama administration's break from past policies are reshaping U.S. politics--not only at the top, but throughout society. http://socialistworker.org/2009/03/11/the-return-of-socialism
Welcome to the FDP Legislative Liaison Committee's Yahoo Group!
-The Committee uses this email group to distribute information from the Senate and House Democratic Caucuses. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FDPon-Cmte/ Legislative-Liais
McCollum says cyber ads not politically motivated
McCollum says cyber ads not politically motivated
TALLAHASSEE — Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum claims there's nothing political about his starring role in a television ad warning about Internet predators. http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090311/BREAKINGNEWS/90311023/1086/
Big Business Lobby Goes to War With Grassroots Workers Over Pro-Union Bill Today
The biggest battle between corporate power and workers' rights in over 50 years starts today with the official introduction of the Employee Free Choice Act by leading Democrats in the House and Senate. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/art-levine/big-business-lobby-goes-t_b_173344.html
Wal-Mart May Win Democrats Unions Need on Card-Check
March 10 (Bloomberg) -- Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas defied her state’s largest private employer, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in 2007 by voting to make it easier for workers to join unions. This year, she may spurn organized labor. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aZlpZBx4Y_DM&refer=us
Dirty details revealed: Florida ranks No. 3 for trashiest beaches
Cigarette butts, bottles, pull tabs, syringes, condoms, dead animals, more cigarette butts. No, these are not leftovers from the sleazy neighbor's latest weekend wingding . http://www.miamiherald.com/1374/story/942247.html
Workers Without Borders
AMERICANS are hardly in the mood to welcome new immigrants. The last thing we need, the reasoning goes, is more competition for increasingly scarce jobs. But the need for immigration reform is more urgent than ever. The current system hurts wages and working conditions — for everyone. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/opinion/10gordon.html?th&emc=th
Taking a Depression Seriously
The Democratic response to the economic crisis has its problems, but let’s face it, the current Republican response is totally misguided. The House minority leader, John Boehner, has called for a federal spending freeze for the rest of the year. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/opinion/10brooks.html?th&emc=th
Unlocking the Secrets of Gray Hair
When we start getting gray hair, we tend to blame stress — a high-pressure job, an illness, even our unruly children. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/health/10well.html?th&emc=th
Conspicuous Consumption, a Casualty of Recession
ATLANTA — It is a sign of the times when Sacha Taylor, a fixture on the charity circuit in this gala-happy city, digs out a 10-year-old dress to wear to a recent society party. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/10/us/10reset.html?th&emc=th
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
News 10 March 2009
Wal-Mart May Win Democrats Unions Need on Card-Check
March 10 (Bloomberg) -- Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas defied her state’s largest private employer, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in 2007 by voting to make it easier for workers to join unions. This year, she may spurn organized labor.
Big Business Lobby Goes to War With Grassroots Workers Over Pro-Union Bill Today
The biggest battle between corporate power and workers' rights in over 50 years starts today with the official introduction of the Employee Free Choice Act by leading Democrats in the House and Senate.
Conspicuous Consumption, a Casualty of Recession
ATLANTA — It is a sign of the times when Sacha Taylor, a fixture on the charity circuit in this gala-happy city, digs out a 10-year-old dress to wear to a recent society party.
No need to worry; rich won't starve
Amid pleas to spare the rich, the right is accusing the Obama administration of waging vile class warfare. They envision wooden carts carrying the wealthiest 2 percent to the guillotine. Are the critics right? Only in the tumbrels of their mind.
Obama plan sees extra pay for top teachers, may anger union
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Tuesday proposed lengthening the school year and paying top teachers more as part of an effort to help U.S. students regain an edge in the competitive world economy.
March 10 (Bloomberg) -- Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas defied her state’s largest private employer, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in 2007 by voting to make it easier for workers to join unions. This year, she may spurn organized labor.
Big Business Lobby Goes to War With Grassroots Workers Over Pro-Union Bill Today
The biggest battle between corporate power and workers' rights in over 50 years starts today with the official introduction of the Employee Free Choice Act by leading Democrats in the House and Senate.
Conspicuous Consumption, a Casualty of Recession
ATLANTA — It is a sign of the times when Sacha Taylor, a fixture on the charity circuit in this gala-happy city, digs out a 10-year-old dress to wear to a recent society party.
No need to worry; rich won't starve
Amid pleas to spare the rich, the right is accusing the Obama administration of waging vile class warfare. They envision wooden carts carrying the wealthiest 2 percent to the guillotine. Are the critics right? Only in the tumbrels of their mind.
Obama plan sees extra pay for top teachers, may anger union
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Tuesday proposed lengthening the school year and paying top teachers more as part of an effort to help U.S. students regain an edge in the competitive world economy.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Marxist view of the state
The Marxist view of the state A common anarchist misconception about Marxism is that socialists are "pro-state."
Check Out Workers Memorial Day Via Facebook
Workers Memorial Day is April 28 and as part of the preparation for the events and ceremonies to honor workers who have been killed or injured on the job—and to demand improved workplace safety—the AFL-CIO has set up a special Workers Memorial Day Facebook page.
Next shoe to drop for U.S. job seekers: lower wages
NEW YORK (Reuters) - With "no end in sight" for U.S. job losses amid a recession that could stretch into 2010, American workers will soon have to contend with another blow to their confidence: stagnant, or even falling wages.
Obama's proposed budget increases workplace safety funding - WASHINGTON -- Asserting that mounting workloads and dwindling staff have hindered the government's ability to protect workers, President Barack Obama is pledging to increase the enforcement of workplace safety.
Biden to AFL-CIO: Employee Free Choice Act Key to Rebuilding Middle Class
Vice President Joe Biden told the AFL-CIO Executive Council today that returning our economy to health means restoring the basic right to join a union and bargain collectively. And the way to do that is by passing the Employee Free Choice Act
The Marxist view of the state A common anarchist misconception about Marxism is that socialists are "pro-state."
Check Out Workers Memorial Day Via Facebook
Workers Memorial Day is April 28 and as part of the preparation for the events and ceremonies to honor workers who have been killed or injured on the job—and to demand improved workplace safety—the AFL-CIO has set up a special Workers Memorial Day Facebook page.
Next shoe to drop for U.S. job seekers: lower wages
NEW YORK (Reuters) - With "no end in sight" for U.S. job losses amid a recession that could stretch into 2010, American workers will soon have to contend with another blow to their confidence: stagnant, or even falling wages.
Obama's proposed budget increases workplace safety funding - WASHINGTON -- Asserting that mounting workloads and dwindling staff have hindered the government's ability to protect workers, President Barack Obama is pledging to increase the enforcement of workplace safety.
Biden to AFL-CIO: Employee Free Choice Act Key to Rebuilding Middle Class
Vice President Joe Biden told the AFL-CIO Executive Council today that returning our economy to health means restoring the basic right to join a union and bargain collectively. And the way to do that is by passing the Employee Free Choice Act
Thursday, March 5, 2009
News 4 March 2009
3 Brevard housing boards suspend Sellers
COCOA — Members of three housing authority boards relieved Executive Director Ron Sellers of the Brevard Family of Housing Authorities of his duties Tuesday night during a joint meeting to address the troubled agency. Read more..
Dumb Quote of the Week
Dumb Quote of the Week Read more..
A.F.L.-C.I.O. to Support Nationalizing Banks -
MIAMI BEACH — The A.F.L.-C.I.O.’s executive council will call on the Obama administration on Wednesday to speed the nationalization of problem banks to stimulate lending and lift the sagging economy Read more
Want cleaner energy? Get ready to pay
A program in President Obama's budget that would restrict greenhouse gas emissions by requiring polluters to purchase government permits would likely lead to higher utility bills. Read more..
Two Cheers for Clean Coal
I think it's terrific that the Coen Brothers are making funny, effective ads against relying on "clean coal" as part of the US energy program. But I worry that the clean energy community is really missing the boat here. Read more...
Republicans Increasingly Unhappy With Steele's Leadership
Republican party officials are starting to regret picking Michael Steele to run their national committee. In the wake of Steele's embarrassing scuffle with Rush Limbaugh, the GOP dissatisfaction has become increasingly vocal. Read more.
Press Release from Democratic leaders in Florida
SAFETY ADVOCATES JOIN LAWMAKERS IN SUPPORT OF SAFETY BELT LEGISLATION
Tallahassee –State Senator Nan Rich (D-Weston) on Wednesday announced the filing of the "Doris Slosberg and Kate Marchetti Safety Belt Law" - legislation intended to prevent scores of needless deaths along Florida’s highways.
Joined by bill co-sponsor Senator Thad Altman (R-Melbourne) and House sponsor, Representative Rich Glorioso (R-Plant City), together with a coalition of safety advocates, the lawmakers underscored the need for SB 344/HB 1, which would enable law enforcement to enforce the wearing of seat belts as a primary violation.
"I feel strongly that this common sense change to the safety belt law in Florida will save many lives, and the statistics from other states show this to be true," said Representative Glorioso. "We have lost too many good people because they weren’t buckled up. Seat belts save lives."
Accompanying the lawmakers was Laura Marchetti, whose daughter Katie Marchetti was tragically lost in an auto accident while not wearing her safety belt. The "Doris Slosberg and Kate Marchetti Safety Belt Law" was named in memory of Katie and the daughter of former State Representative Irv Slosberg. Slosberg’s daughter was also killed when she was involved in an auto crash and was not belted.
Last year 1,972 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes on Florida roads and highways at an economic impact to the state of more than $408 million. Of those killed, 61% were not wearing a safety belt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that if Florida were to enact a primary enforcement safety belt law it would save more than 142 lives, prevent 1,733 serious injuries, and save more than $589 million every year.
"The statistics are grim," said Senator Rich. "Traffic related injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults ages 4 through 34. Our children and young people are clearly paying the price. We know we can reduce the death toll on our highways. Now is the time to enact a primary enforcement seat belt law."
"I commend Senator Rich and Representative Glorioso for sponsoring this bill as part of a legislative strategy to make Florida’s highways safer," noted Altman.
Of the approximately 1000 traffic statutes in place in Florida, seat belt enforcement is the only law enforced on a secondary basis. Consequently, many people consider this weak form of law more of a suggestion than a requirement. Secondary laws prevent police from enforcing the law except when a belt infraction is observed following a stop on a primary violation.
If passed by the Legislature, primary or "standard enforcement" of the seat belt law would enable police officers to enforce a violation of a safety belt law after observing a belt use infraction alone. That is, the police could treat a safety belt violation as they would any other violation.
###
SENATOR NAN RICH DESIGNATED INCOMING SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER
History made as the Weston Democrat Becomes First Woman to Lead the Senate Democratic Caucus
TALLAHASSEE – State Senator Nan Rich (D-Weston) on Wednesday was unanimously named incoming leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus for the 2010-2012 term. The designation is a milestone in Florida’s history as Senator Rich will become the first woman to ever head the Florida Senate Democrats.
"Change has not only arrived in Washington, but clearly here in Tallahassee as well," said Senator Rich. "I’m honored to be chosen as leader of such a dedicated group of Senators. And I’m privileged to have followed in the steps of the visionary women who have blazed the trail to this day."
Prior to Wednesday’s designation, former Senator Gwen Margolis (D-Miami) was the only female Democratic Senator to have served in a top leadership position. Senator Margolis presided from 1990 until 1992 as president of the Florida Senate, but never served as leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus.
Senator Rich was first elected to the upper chamber in November 2004 after serving in the Florida State House of Representatives from 2000-2004. Senator Rich established a reputation for being one of the most passionate and dedicated members of the Florida Legislature and is widely recognized as one of Florida’s leading champions of children’s and social justice issues.
Senator Rich currently serves on numerous committees including Health and Human Services Appropriations, Vice Chair; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, Vice Chair; Policy and Steering Committee on Energy, Environment, and Land Use, Vice Chair; Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Commerce; Environmental Preservation and Conservation; Ethics and Elections; and the Joint Legislative Sunset Committee.
Prior to her election, she served as the National President of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) for the 1996-1999 triennium – the first Floridian elected to that office in the organization’s 115 year history. She has extensive experience in advocacy and community service, and has worked to improve the lives of women, children and families in her community, the U.S. and Israel. In 1999, President Bill Clinton appointed Ms. Rich to serve as a Board Member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
Throughout her career, Senator Rich has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the March of Dimes, 2007 Woman of Distinction Award. Four years earlier, Senator Rich was inducted into the Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame.
A long-time resident of Florida, Nan was educated at the University of Florida. She and her husband David have four children and three grandchildren.
###
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Press Release from Democratic leaders in Florida
SAFETY ADVOCATES JOIN LAWMAKERS IN SUPPORT OF SAFETY BELT LEGISLATION
Tallahassee –State Senator Nan Rich (D-Weston) on Wednesday announced the filing of the "Doris Slosberg and Kate Marchetti Safety Belt Law" - legislation intended to prevent scores of needless deaths along Florida’s highways.
Joined by bill co-sponsor Senator Thad Altman (R-Melbourne) and House sponsor, Representative Rich Glorioso (R-Plant City), together with a coalition of safety advocates, the lawmakers underscored the need for SB 344/HB 1, which would enable law enforcement to enforce the wearing of seat belts as a primary violation.
"I feel strongly that this common sense change to the safety belt law in Florida will save many lives, and the statistics from other states show this to be true," said Representative Glorioso. "We have lost too many good people because they weren’t buckled up. Seat belts save lives."
Accompanying the lawmakers was Laura Marchetti, whose daughter Katie Marchetti was tragically lost in an auto accident while not wearing her safety belt. The "Doris Slosberg and Kate Marchetti Safety Belt Law" was named in memory of Katie and the daughter of former State Representative Irv Slosberg. Slosberg’s daughter was also killed when she was involved in an auto crash and was not belted.
Last year 1,972 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes on Florida roads and highways at an economic impact to the state of more than $408 million. Of those killed, 61% were not wearing a safety belt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that if Florida were to enact a primary enforcement safety belt law it would save more than 142 lives, prevent 1,733 serious injuries, and save more than $589 million every year.
"The statistics are grim," said Senator Rich. "Traffic related injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults ages 4 through 34. Our children and young people are clearly paying the price. We know we can reduce the death toll on our highways. Now is the time to enact a primary enforcement seat belt law."
"I commend Senator Rich and Representative Glorioso for sponsoring this bill as part of a legislative strategy to make Florida’s highways safer," noted Altman.
Of the approximately 1000 traffic statutes in place in Florida, seat belt enforcement is the only law enforced on a secondary basis. Consequently, many people consider this weak form of law more of a suggestion than a requirement. Secondary laws prevent police from enforcing the law except when a belt infraction is observed following a stop on a primary violation.
If passed by the Legislature, primary or "standard enforcement" of the seat belt law would enable police officers to enforce a violation of a safety belt law after observing a belt use infraction alone. That is, the police could treat a safety belt violation as they would any other violation.
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SENATOR NAN RICH DESIGNATED INCOMING SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER
History made as the Weston Democrat Becomes First Woman to Lead the Senate Democratic Caucus
TALLAHASSEE – State Senator Nan Rich (D-Weston) on Wednesday was unanimously named incoming leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus for the 2010-2012 term. The designation is a milestone in Florida’s history as Senator Rich will become the first woman to ever head the Florida Senate Democrats.
"Change has not only arrived in Washington, but clearly here in Tallahassee as well," said Senator Rich. "I’m honored to be chosen as leader of such a dedicated group of Senators. And I’m privileged to have followed in the steps of the visionary women who have blazed the trail to this day."
Prior to Wednesday’s designation, former Senator Gwen Margolis (D-Miami) was the only female Democratic Senator to have served in a top leadership position. Senator Margolis presided from 1990 until 1992 as president of the Florida Senate, but never served as leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus.
Senator Rich was first elected to the upper chamber in November 2004 after serving in the Florida State House of Representatives from 2000-2004. Senator Rich established a reputation for being one of the most passionate and dedicated members of the Florida Legislature and is widely recognized as one of Florida’s leading champions of children’s and social justice issues.
Senator Rich currently serves on numerous committees including Health and Human Services Appropriations, Vice Chair; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs, Vice Chair; Policy and Steering Committee on Energy, Environment, and Land Use, Vice Chair; Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Commerce; Environmental Preservation and Conservation; Ethics and Elections; and the Joint Legislative Sunset Committee.
Prior to her election, she served as the National President of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) for the 1996-1999 triennium – the first Floridian elected to that office in the organization’s 115 year history. She has extensive experience in advocacy and community service, and has worked to improve the lives of women, children and families in her community, the U.S. and Israel. In 1999, President Bill Clinton appointed Ms. Rich to serve as a Board Member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
Throughout her career, Senator Rich has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the March of Dimes, 2007 Woman of Distinction Award. Four years earlier, Senator Rich was inducted into the Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame.
A long-time resident of Florida, Nan was educated at the University of Florida. She and her husband David have four children and three grandchildren.
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Wednesday, March 4, 2009
News 03 March 2009
STATE OF THE STATE RESPONSE
House Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Geraldine Thompson and Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Greetings Floridians!
I am State Representative Geraldine F. Thompson, and I represent House District 39 in Central Florida.
As the House Democratic Leader Pro Tempore, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to you about the state of our state, and to respond to Governor Crist’s message.
Let me come straight to the point.
We are in perilous times.
Florida is feeling the effects of the national economic recession to a greater degree than most other states.
I know you are cutting back and stretching dollars to get through a tight spell. Businesses are struggling, and many are laying off workers. People are worried…Worried about finding another job…And worried about paying their bills.
In these dire times, Florida House Democrats understand that our citizens want solutions and not political posturing from elected officials.
In this tough economy, we need to make tough choices. We’ll need to collaborate and listen to one another.
Our challenges-- -FLORIDA’s CHALLENGES---need more than one-party solutions. The people need Democrats at the negotiating table alongside Republicans. And we’re going to fight to get those opportunities.
We know help is needed.
Last year, sadly, more than TWO-HUNDRED- FIFTY-THOUSAND Floridians lost their jobs, and countless more may be laid off this year.
Thousands have lost their places of residence due to home foreclosures. And nearly every property owner has been stunned by deep dips in home values.
Uncertainties abound about families’ ability to finance their children’s college education. Many are frightened by having seen their retirement accounts wither.
And shamefully, more than 3.6 million Floridians are without health insurance. That’s one-fifth of our state’s population without coverage.
What’s worse, we still do not know the extent of the economic chaos that awaits us. There’s concern that this may become the worst economic contraction since the Great Depression.
But despite these woes, this is no time for fear. Rather, we believe this is a time for COURAGE and HOPE. Difficult times like these require historic levels of cooperation- --BIPARTISAN COOPERATION.
There are 44 Democrats in the Florida House of Representatives. We are ALL eager to participate and provide solutions.
Democrats in the Legislature will seek to use these next nine weeks of business in Tallahassee to redeem hope. We are confident that there will be a healthier, better prepared and more resilient Florida than what exists today.
We are heartened that a new president and a new year are bringing the promise of change and opportunity.
We know that Floridians have faced challenging times before--some much worse than what we’re going through now. Wars. The Great Depression. Natural disasters. And, at times, falling short in our pursuit of equality, tolerance and social justice for all people.
As we’ve done before, we will meet today’s challenges by not showing cowardice. We will do so by ensuring that we have a better educated workforce. We will THRIVE by ensuring that we protect our natural and cultural landscape…and by investing in public safety without sacrificing the basic health needs of our people.
In these difficult times, many are naturally skeptical of the ability of their government to solve the very real problems they face in their daily lives.
But to restore confidence and to turn unemployment checks into paychecks, we MUST INVEST in our human infrastructure.
One of our top priorities remains education. Only by creating the best trained, the best skilled, the best-educated workforce in America will we be able to create the employment opportunities that are this state’s future.
And that means finding POLITICAL COURAGE to consider raising revenues---but only so long as it doesn’t hurt the middle class and those already struggling with lower incomes.
It also means having courage to say "NO" to more
reductions in state spending on our public schools, colleges and universities. And it means maintaining our commitment to universal pre-kindergarten education.
Of course, some may ask if this is the right time to invest in education and human services.
Friends. The question is, if not now, when?
Today, there are more than FOURTEEN-BILLION dollars coming from Washington, D.C. with Florida’s name on it. These are monies to help cover UNINSURED CHILDREN and adult’s basic health coverage. It’s money to provide for their education. It’s money to help grow jobs.
It’s money that President Barack Obama and Congress have envisioned to give a lift to states like ours. It’s money that FLORIDA TAXPAYERS have already sent to Washington.
Florida House Democrats applaud Governor Charlie Crist for showing courage in writing a budget that puts federal stimulus dollars to work.
Using these economic recovery funds will be a WIN for everyone---- especially our children, the uninsured, and Floridians worried about their jobs.
JOBS are the lifeblood of our economy. When jobs are threatened and businesses shutter, communities suffer and people lose hope.
To turn this economy around, we must take immediate action on our shared goals of putting Floridians back to work.
If we educate our children and keep them healthy, and make sure there are good jobs for their families, Floridians will thrive.
Understandably, the federal economic recovery package is not a panacea or a silver-bullet solution to all that ails Florida. These are one-time funds.
Some states may use these monies to PUSH BACK problems two years—or some states will turn down these funds.
Florida should not do this. We NEED these dollars to soften the blow of the recession, and to be a bridge to better days.
We can focus on the BASICS---education, health care, good jobs—so that our state is positioned well for when the economy breaks through again.
Let us all be proud of our great state of Florida. Let’s use our resources and the power and grace of our state to endure and to thrive. Let’s improve our schools, grow jobs and provide for the health needs of our children and families.
Let’s not let our challenges defeat us. We have hope for a bright future.
On behalf of the Florida House Democratic Caucus, I thank you.
###
Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson
Response to State-of-the-State
March 3, 2009
· Good evening. It’s an honor and a pleasure to be here tonight to give you our thoughts on the state of Florida and our outlook for the coming year.
· On behalf of the Senate Democratic Caucus, we welcome the governor’s embrace of the Democratic priorities we have long championed.
· There are no commitments greater than those we owe to our children, our seniors and our disabled and frail.
· Florida is a great and generous state; we know we cannot move forward if we abandon those who depend on us for their education and their well being. We know our prosperity is limited if our children are uneducated and are seniors languish through neglect and illness.
· They represent our history and our future. And it is our responsibility to protect both.
· Florida is also a state facing great challenges. Our homes, through foreclosures, are emptying faster than they were built. Like the bread lines of the 1920’s, our people overflow in long lines at application centers seeking food stamps and jobs.
· At the start of this year, more than 752,000 Floridians were out of work. In just one year’s time, we lost 255,200 jobs, more than 88,000 of them in construction alone.
· More than 400,000 of our citizens were added to the food stamp rolls in January, swelling the ranks to 1.92 million.
· These are people who have never sought government assistance in their lives. They were proud of that independence. They still are. But desperation has set in. There are children to feed. Families to keep intact. And pride will not ease that hunger or shelter them from foreclosures or bankruptcies.
· And it is that ability to regain that independence that concerns us.
· As I said, Senate Democrats welcome the governor’s decision to join us in protecting the priorities for which we have fought for so long.
· But not only do we need to hold the line on any further spending cuts to education, but we need a re-dedication to higher education, especially community colleges.
· Because it is these institutions which have become a beacon to all those laid off construction workers, service-related employees, retail sales clerks, and every displaced job seeker seeking retraining in promising new fields.
· At the same time, we need to ensure that new jobs are created. The shovels that are idle, the cement trucks that have ceased turning, the machinery that sits rusting, the retail stores that have shuttered – all of these people who staffed all of these jobs are desperately seeking work that Florida needs to find a way to create.
· Governor, many of the same hands now reluctantly outstretched for food stamps are the very ones that built this state.
· Eighty-three years ago, three years before the Great Depression, Florida found herself in similar financial turmoil.
· By 1929 nearly 220 banks in the state collapsed, some counties forfeited on their bonds, closed schools, and in some cases declared bankruptcy.
· We may not be to that point yet, but in some communities, we’re coming dangerously close.
· What pulled Florida out of that pit, and will likely pull us out again, was a massive influx of spending from Washington.
· But as we watch very carefully how and where that money is spent, we also urge the governor and the Republican leadership to carefully rethink how we landed in this crisis, and ways to prevent it from ever occurring again.
· There is no doubt that the mortgage meltdown, housing speculation frenzy, and the credit crisis, have helped bring this state to her knees.
· But had our tax policies been fairer, and our spending priorities wiser, our state could have weathered this storm much better than it has.
· Over the past 10 years, we’ve given away more than $12 billion in tax breaks. Not to the average Joe or Jane Public, but to well heeled special interests and large corporations.
· It’s time they paid their fair share.
· We’ve shifted the bills for a good public education from the state – where that responsibility rests – down to local cities and towns and counties, where it helped drive up the property taxes to record levels.
· No wonder they still haven’t dropped like a rock.
· And when the economic clouds began to roll into our state like hurricanes sweep over our shores, we turned not to the wealthy special interests to pony up, but to Joe and Jane Public again.
· We raised fees on court costs, and traffic tickets. We axed 66 probation officers we desperately need to protect our children from predators that threaten them, and we came dangerously close to gutting the government services more and more Floridians have turned to because their jobs have disappeared.
· I wonder about the governor’s commitment to the people when he’ll gamble $10 million on a risky "gardening" program that might create jobs, when he knows pink slips will surely follow because the money was withdrawn from the state’s housing construction program.
· I wonder about his commitment to the people when he says he wants to cut local government spending with no plan to pay for the critical services the people will lose as a result.
· The governor is correct that taxes are still too high for those people in homes that aren’t homesteaded, or small businesses that own the property.
· But you don’t stop someone from bleeding to death by cutting out the heart. You stop the bleeding at the source, and that’s what Florida desperately needs to do.
· The leadership in Florida needs to come to terms with the lopsided priorities that have governed this state for too long. It needs to find the courage to make a few of these special interests a little uncomfortable, and realize that the burden of paying for the services and the protections that this state provides, needs to be shared by all.
· While the federal stimulus money is a godsend, it is not a panacea.
· We’ve been given a little bit of breathing room and a moment to reflect.
· The people’s money needs to be returned to the people in ways not designed to reflect a political ideology or political gimmicks, but a wise investment for the future of Florida.
· Education, health care, retraining and restarting Florida’s workforce. If those priorities are sound, so too will be the state of Florida.
· On behalf of the Senate Democrats, thank you and good night.
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