If it weren't the dry season ...

Daniel Ruth has a little fun at the expense of Florida's latest eruption of "values" from Florida's knuckle-draggers: "There are plenty of reasons it's hard to find dedicated teachers - low pay, even lower societal appreciation, the focus on teaching the little dickens to simply take tests, rather than run the risk of actually learning something."

And then there is probably this, too. The fear a well-meaning teacher will be accused of practicing wizardry by pinched school bureaucrats armed to their tightly wound hair buns with their clipboards and lanyards and policy manuals.

How proud the Pasco County School District must feel to know their Col. Klink ineptitude in handling what should have been a bigger nonissue than "Do we give LeBron James the ball with 10 seconds left in the game?" has made these "educators" a laughingstock from Australia to Moscow to even Iraq!

On Jan. 16, substitute teacher Jim Piculas found himself with a few spare moments before the end of his intensive reading class at Rushe Middle School.

To pass the time, Piculas thought it would be fun to amuse the sixth- and seventh-graders with a silly sleight-of-hand trick in which he makes a toothpick appear to vanish in his hand.

Poof! Job Vanishes

It's probably more than reasonable to assume once you've been accused of "wizardry" by an elementary school tattletale, your future in the classroom is more doomed than a Salem witchcraft defendant.

And that's probably the good news here.

At least Jim Piculas wasn't burned at the stake.

Obama makes a move

William March: "CANF has long been known as a hard-line anti-Castro organization, strongly aligned with Republicans—the Bush family in particular. But there are indications that it has moderated its views recently, and may be sympathetic to Obama’s stances on how to deal with the island dictatorship. According to Frank Sanchez of Tampa, Obama’s adviser on Latin American affairs, CANF has agreed to alter the date of its annual celebration of Cuban Independence Day, May 20, to hold its celebration luncheon on May 23, during Obama’s May 21-23 tour of Florida. Obama will speak at the lunch. " "Sanchez: Obama Will Make Pitch To Cubans". See also "New emphasis placed on Cuba".

The FEA steps up

"The state's powerful teachers union is weighing a multipronged attack on amendments 7 and 9, which would clear the way to restart ex-Gov. Jeb Bush's school vouchers. Florida Education Association attorney Ron Meyer said the group may oppose all the amendments on the Nov. 4 ballot, including Amendment 5, which would eliminate $9.5 billion in property taxes for schools and replace it with other taxes." "Teachers union poised to fight amendments".

Never mind

"Budget cuts at FSU have not only put tighter caps on enrollment and have administrators scrambling to avoid layoffs, but the Mag Lab will shut down for perhaps two months to save electricity." "FSU, Mag Lab caught in state budget vise".

No prob ... they're plenty of jobs at Disney

"The University of Florida's governing body unanimously approved $47 million in budget cuts Wednesday that will result in reducing enrollment and laying off some faculty." "UF trustees approve cuts of $47 million".

Big business gives permission

"Publix, The St. Joe Co. and PetroAlgae of Melbourne are among the companies that could help Florida benefit from federal climate-change regulations, environmental groups said Wednesday." "Businesses team up with state to help limit carbon emission".

Time to cut their benefits

"Firefighters made major gains against a wildfire that has charred thousands of acres along Florida's Atlantic coast". "Firefighters make major gains against Central Florida wildfire" See also "Firefighters keep on battling blazes".

Put a fork in him

"Rubio's critics say the West Miami Republican is taking a little too much credit." "Rubio talks about 57 points of pride".

More from the "values" crowd

The Palm Beach Post editorial Board: "On per-child spending and quality, the National Institute for Early Education Research in March ranked Florida 34th of 38 states that finance preschool. States spent an average of $3,642 per child in 2006-07. In the 2008-09 school year, Florida will spend $2,628. And Florida meets just four of the eight quality standards the group measures, lacking in training and credentials for pre-K teachers. Legislation that would have required at least one pre-K instructor in a classroom to have an associate's or higher degree in early childhood education or child development by 2010-11 - and a bachelor's or higher by 2013-14 - did not pass this year." "A new early warning".

Mercury poisoning

"The Florida Department of Health and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said pig frogs taken from Wildlife Management Areas 2 and 3 showed elevated levels of mercury, a contaminant that can cause neurological problems, particularly among young children." "Look before you leap: State issues mercury alert for legs from Everglades pig frogs".

Take the test

Jac Wilder VerSteeg:

True or False: In particular, Floridians need to learn about the constitutional issues and vote to protect public education.

Answer: Too true.

Nap time

"Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain will visit South Florida next week to discuss Cuba and Latin American trade issues and to raise money for his campaign." "McCain to visit Miami, Fort Lauderdale next week".

Global warming may "submerge swaths of some of the most populated areas along the southeast coast"

"The South Florida Water Management District's long-term plans once anticipated the sea level rising about 1 foot by 2100, but more recent projections say the rise could be five times as much. That could move the southern tip of Florida's mainland to the Tamiami Trail and submerge swaths of some of the most populated areas along the southeast coast." "Study: Will rising ocean submerge part of South Florida?".

Allstate banned

"Allstate Insurance Co. and nine of its affiliates were temporarily banned by the state insurance commissioner from selling new insurance policies in Florida."

The suspension followed a ruling issued Wednesday by the First District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee denying Allstate's request for another hearing in its court case with the state over property insurance prices.

The action doesn't affect existing policyholders from renewing policies with Allstate, the state's third-largest automobile insurer and No. 4 property insurer. It stands to squeeze the company's lucrative auto insurance business, which collects about $1.9 billion in premiums a year statewide. Allstate hasn't sold new homeowner coverage in Florida since 2004.

"Fat chance!"

Even a Maitland housewife can see it "It doesn't matter that Florida has a huge glut of abandoned homes thrown up in the hinterlands, dragging down the economy. Our political leaders want more." "So you want to halt sprawl? Fat chance!"

Corporate welfare

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "This week Brazilian airplane maker Embraer announced plans to build a $51 million assembly plant at Melbourne International Airport. Gov. Charlie Crist had made a personal pitch to the company's executives during a trade mission to Brazil in November. Florida beat out four other states for the plant, promising almost $9 million in state and local tax breaks and grants. Embraer has agreed in return to create 200 jobs paying an average of $50,000 a year at the plant by 2011." "Our position: New Brevard airplane assembly plant shows value of foreign investment".

Challengers

"Four Democratic candidates seeking legislative districts in Palm Beach County held by high-powered Republicans on Tuesday held a news conference where they blasted the Republican-run Legislature for failing to fix homeowners insurance woes and not eliminating special-interest tax breaks. They say the Republican lawmakers dwelled instead on frivolous matters, and led what Miller described as 'draconian education cuts.'" "Four Democrats aim to unseat Republican state legislators".

Yesterday's news

- "NAACP: Feds dragging heels on Anderson probe".

- "Florida's top Democrat: We're 'alive and well'"

- "U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler tells Jewish voters that Obama will stand strong with Israel".

Time to cut Firefighters' "platinum", "lavish", "outlandish" and "sweet pay plans"

"Relentless wildfires burned into the early morning Tuesday across Florida's Atlantic coast, taxing firefighters and overwhelming residents ... Hundreds of firefighters worked the state's blazes, bulldozing highly flammable brush and vegetation and leaving behind less flammable dirt to keep the fires from advancing. At least three firefighters were injured Monday, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management." "Dozens of homes lost as Florida battles wildfires". See also "Crist declares state of emergency for Florida wildfires".

Overpaid firefighters with "platinum" and "lavish" benefits battle a house fire in Malabar, Florida early Monday morning

Florida firefighter "fattening up" on "overly generous" benefits as he makes his way through brush to battle a blaze near Daytona Beach

Another privatization disaster

"One of the two companies that feed state prisoners has racked up nearly $250,000 in fines since the beginning of the year for violations including not having enough food and staffing shortages. That brings the total fines for Aramark to more than $864,000 since 2001 when the state hired private companies to take over feeding the more than 92,000 inmates in Florida prisons."

Have no fear, privatization gurus: "More than $300,000 of Aramark fines have been rescinded by the Department of Corrections." There is a reason for that:

The department let Aramark off the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines under former Corrections Secretary Jimmy Crosby, now in prison for taking kickbacks from contractors.

Before you vote ...

"Know your Florida constitutional amendments".

C-plus?

"Study gives Florida C-plus for reading, math test standards". And this is courtesy of the open-minded folks at the "Hoover Institution, a well-funded conservative think tank".

Budget blues

Can't argue with the The Orlando Sentinel editorial board's assertion that Crist shouldn't veto some projects that can help stimulate the economy". But I have a hard time picturing the "yam-colored man" "por[ing] over the budget approved by lawmakers".

The delegate thing

"U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd, an uncommitted superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention, Monday suggested that Florida's 211 presidential nominating delegates should be seated in Denver next summer with a half-vote each." "Party leaders weigh Florida primary delegation". See also "Florida Democrats working toward '50-percent solution' for convention delegates".

Thomas on gays

Maitland housewives can be "liberal" on some issues:

The only state where gays can tie the knot, Massachusetts, has the lowest divorce rate in the nation, whereas Florida ranks in the top 10.

It's like our restriction on gay adoptions. Supporters of Amendment 2 say it will be enhanced by their initiative. Save the children!

But when you look at various measures of child welfare in the 50 states, we rank near the bottom while states with liberal gay-adoption laws are at the top.

There is a marriage problem in Florida as well as a child-welfare problem.

And neither has anything to do with gays.

It depends on what you mean by "public service"

"The wife of former Rep. Bob Allen, is one of four Republican contenders for the Brevard County Elections Supervisor. ... Beth Allen says 'I'm the one running for Supervisor of Elections. I am absolutely committed to public service.'" "Wife of former Rep. Bob Allen running for elections supervisor".

"Free trade"

The Tampa Tribune editorial board complains that "U.S. trade unions have lobbied against more trade with Colombia until Colombia offers better protection to union workers there. Last year, 26 union members were murdered."

And do we need a "free trade" deal to stop this: "The wholesale price of many of the U.S. products Colombia buys are increased by a third by tariffs while most Colombian goods enter U.S. ports tax free"? Of course, the traditional media, and their corporate owners, want the "deal": "Political Games Freeze Trade Deal With Good Partner Colombia".

As Florida burns ...

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board: "Last year, a bill that would charge renters a new fee for breaking their leases didn't make it past Gov. Charlie Crist's desk. Now a fairer, more balanced version of the legislation is back, and the governor should sign it. The bill would permit landlords to collect up to two months rent from tenants who leave rental properties prematurely. That means tenants would pay an average of $2,000 in South Florida." "Florida's tenant bill is a good compromise".

Democratic National Committee member Allan Katz of Tallahassee said the Barack Obama campaign authorized him to suggest to the Florida Democratic Party on Friday that it propose a compromise plan that would let Hillary Rodham Clinton net about 10 delegates out of Florida. He got nowhere with the state party, but on Sunday the Clinton campaign for the first time signaled publicly that it might accept something other than Florida's getting all of its delegates seated at the convention.

The day after the Illinois senator is expected to win a majority of the delegates for the nomination, he is planning to make up for lost time by kicking off a three-day Florida campaign swing in the Tampa Bay area on May 21. He also recently sent a campaign worker to Miami to work on voter registration, and more are expected soon.

"It just confirms what everyone on the Obama campaign has been saying — not only will we compete in Florida but we'll compete in every part of Florida," said Miami lawyer Kirk Wagar, Obama's Florida finance chairman.

And the sum total of Jebbie's State finance "plan" was to ... ahem ... eliminate the intangibles tax?

"Forced to cut state spending by more than $4 billion, legislators called this the worst budget year ever. But as they assemble for the new term next fall, they may look back on their just-concluded 2008 session as the good old days." "Florida's budget woes could worsen next year".

When will we ever learn?

"The solution should have been a no-brainer, voting specialists say. After all, it was a badly designed ballot that inflamed the 2000 election meltdown and introduced the vagaries of chads to the political lexicon — pregnant, hanging and otherwise."

So it would seem that redesigning ballots to make them simpler should have been a high priority. But that hasn't been the case, analysts say.

Eight years after the fiasco in Palm Beach County, confusing ballots continue to stymie voters and plague elections in this primary season.

FCAT Follies

Precisely what does The South Florida Sun-Sentinel editorial board by this editorial today?: "Over time, however, results like these, plus de-emphasizing the test as an end-all, will get schools more comfortable with the FCAT, and more confident about their preparations for it." "FCAT proves its worth even though fixes still needed".

After all, as The Tallahassee Democrat editorial board pointed out years ago, the test, which was "always intended as a diagnostic and accountability tool, the FCAT came to life when Lawton Chiles was governor".

And stop it with the self-serving gesticulation over improving test scores. "Florida rated a C-plus for difficulty on reading and math tests used to meet requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act last year, a study released Monday showed." "Study gives Fla. C-plus on No Child Left Behind standards".

Why not just do the poll tax thing?

"The battle over voting rights will expand this week as lawmakers in Missouri are expected to support a proposed constitutional amendment to enable election officials to require proof of citizenship from anyone registering to vote."

Voting experts say the Missouri amendment represents the next logical step for those who have supported stronger voter ID requirements and the next battleground in how elections are conducted. Similar measures requiring proof of citizenship are being considered in at least 19 state legislatures. Bills in Florida, Kansas, Oklahoma and South Carolina have strong support. But only in Missouri does the requirement have a chance of taking effect before the presidential election.

What's a dead union organizer or environmentalist anyway?

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board complains that

Opponents of the deal who cite violence against labor-union members in Colombia are ignoring the government's steady progress in protecting members and bringing perpetrators to justice.

"A black eye to the office"

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board writes that Buddy "Johnson was unqualified for the appointment Gov. Jeb Bush gave him in 2003 ... His record since then has given a black eye to the office, the county, the former governor and the Republican Party. Whether losing votes, switching polling sites without adequate notice, not paying his taxes on time or leasing cattle in what looks like a dodge to avoid property taxes, Johnson has been a one-man band of bad press. His decision to pay hush money to a former aide represents a way of thinking that is out of synch with public service, openness and accountability."

. If Republicans stick with him, they will make it easy for his Democratic challenger to make the race a stark contrast between opposite ideals of public service.

Stop the madness

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "In the waning days of the legislative session, lawmakers passed a pilot project allowing private-school students to play sports on public-school teams. Gov. Charlie Crist, a supporter of school choice and youth athletics, should sign the bill." "Private-School Students Deserve Chance On Public-School Fields".

Bad business

The St. Petersburg Times editorial board: "The state of Florida has no business favoring one charitable organization over another. Yet it does so by soliciting donations to certain private groups on state application forms for drivers' licenses and motor vehicle tags." "End state's charity checkoff".

Oh, well

"State budget woes gobble up Orlando-area 'turkeys'". The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Crist Should Gobble This Turkey In Pasco".

Empty gesture from empty suits

"The Wrongful Incarceration Act, which Crist has said he will sign,"

may be loaded with just as many complexities as the legislative process it is to replace.

The cases of seven men released from Florida prisons after DNA evidence cleared them of their crimes show how the legislation may not simplify things. Five of the men aren't eligible for the automatic provisions because they have prior felonies, contrary to the "clean-hands" requirement of the bill.

Even the cases of the two who are eligible provide a glimpse of just how difficult things could be.

You gotta problem wit dat?

"Leader of GOP convention quits after Myanmar ties reported".

Why not just pave 'em over?

"Some of Florida's springs have become choked with weeds and algae. Nitrogen from septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, fertilizer and livestock operations are feeding the plant growth, scientists say." Nevertheless, "Once again, Florida springs protection fails in session".

This is off-topic, but ... well, you get the idea: "McCain urges free-market principles to reduce global warming".

"Extravagant Hillsborough County"?

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "Pinellas County gives just nine employees a county car to drive. In Pasco County, just 10 supervisors drive county cars home, a number that will be cut later this year. But extravagant Hillsborough County gives 26 people county cars to drive, guzzling gas and tax dollars at once." "Put Brakes On County's Take-Home Cars".

"Dumbing down", yet again

"Thinking they can stop divorcing parents from fighting in court, state officials want to rewrite the laws to replace loaded terms like "custody" with "parenting plan.""

To do that, though, they'll strip out guidelines for psychologists that are designed to protect the children.

"It dumbs down the criteria," Coral Gables psychologist Jerome Poliacoff said of the proposal to replace American Psychological Association's guidelines with "standards that a reasonable psychologist would use."

"Who gets to be the reasonable psychologist?" Poliacoff said. "I think it leaves a lot of room for poor work."

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach, passed both the House and Senate last week and is waiting for Gov. Charlie Crist's signature.

Beware the "yam-colored man"

We missed this gem from Frank Cerabino the other day: "Republicans will be counting on getting all the white votes they can, especially in key states such as Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. By the end of October, the voters in those states will already be donning their sweat suits for the long, gray winter, and the appearance of a smiling, yam-colored man on their doorsteps might just irritate them. So I wouldn't be surprised if Crist stays out of the sun for the next few months." "Crispy-looking Crist drawing heat from conservatives".

This fall's elections could change the dynamics of the state Legislature. All 120 House seats will be up for grabs, as they are every two years. Almost a quarter cannot run for re-election because of term limits. Republicans dominate the House, but Democrats hope to pick up at least three seats.

Half of the 40 Senate districts will be up for election this fall. Of the 13 running for re-election, eight are Republicans, five Democrats. Political observers say Democrats could gain one seat.

RPOFer "Anti-government ideology vs. common sense"

Randy Schultz: "It hasn't sunk in to Florida's legislators that the state can't sell just sunshine anymore."

Visionary legislators would have kept their eye on 2019 even as they cut the 2009 budget. Instead, these legislators cobbled together a budget for next year and prayed that things will get better in 12 months. Let's look at what will have happened by then.

At some of Florida's key institutions, dry rot is setting in because of the state's neglect. University degrees are being drained of value. Career prosecutors are leaving state attorneys' offices because they can't expect the modest raise that would be enough to keep them on the job. As the state invests nearly $1 billion in biotechnology, legislators were trying to make denial of the theory of evolution state policy. As the state encourages innovative forms of energy, legislators were letting people bring guns to work. As legislators were cutting so many items that raise up society, they were adding prison beds, even in this historically tough budget year.

It is anti-government ideology vs. common sense. Is Florida Over? Only if this ideology prevails.

Is "Purer" really the way you want to put it?

Mary Anne Lindley has passed a cup of her kool aid to John Kennedy and Aaron Deslatte, and the result is this: "They're not out founding grandfathers, but . . . Back when big state changes were purer".

Just another RPOFer empty suit

The St. Petersburg Times's Deputy Editor of Editorials, Tim Nickens
"On the front page of the New York Times last week, Gov. Charlie Crist succinctly summed up his approach to governing: 'I'm supposed to respond to the people and try to make them happy.'"

And the governor tries really hard.

Gasoline prices too high? Crist proposes suspending the state gas tax for two weeks in July, which caught the attention of the New York Times.

Property insurance too expensive? Crist promotes the expansion of the underfunded state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and a freeze on premiums.

Property taxes too much? Crist persuades voters to approve a constitutional amendment to expand the homestead exemption and make Save Our Homes benefits transferable to new homes.

At this rate, we should expect the governor to provide all-you-can-eat ice cream to combat the summer heat. But that would be just as likely to give you a headache as the other quick fixes.

But after two regular legislative sessions as governor, it's hard to see where Crist has spent his political capital on long-term solutions to the state's most pressing problems. Now his job approval ratings have dropped from the unsustainable stratosphere to the merely high. One wonders whether he will become even more reluctant to tell voters anything they don't want to hear after his term hits the half-way point and he starts thinking about re-election in 2010.

Amendment folly

"On Nov. 4, voters will confront another nine constitutional amendments."

Three placed on the ballot by the TBRC -- one swapping a sales-tax increase for $9.5 billion in school property taxes, and two others reversing court rulings that invalidated Gov. Jeb Bush's school-voucher programs -- are expected to draw major opposition from business and education groups.

The Florida Education Association could decide Friday whether to challenge the voucher questions in court, and industry groups have discussed suing to block the tax swap from reaching voters.

A "poll tax" by any other name

The Miami Herald editorial board: "For more than a half century, the U.S. Supreme Court interpreted voting law in a way that encouraged voting and access to the polls. But no longer. The court's recent ruling in an Indiana voter-identification case reversed the modern court's role as a champion of voting rights. Instead, the conservative-majority court* has swung to the other side. This court is doing what states once did: making it more difficult for citizens to participate in their democracy."

The Indiana case presented the Supreme Court with an easy choice. It could follow legal precedent established with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed poll taxes, literacy tests and other barriers that states -- mostly Southern -- erected to suppress votes, especially of African Americans. The other option was for the court to support Indiana's restrictive law that requires voters to have a government-issued photo ID. Regrettably, the court chose the latter in a 6-3 vote.

On the other hand, there was plenty of evidence that the strict photo-ID requirement will be difficult for some people, especially the elderly, the disabled and some segments of Hispanic and black populations. It is true that for most people, producing a photo-ID isn't a problem. But a retired or disabled person who doesn't drive will find that getting an official ID can be difficult.

Many states issue official photo IDs to nondrivers, but getting one of these requires having a passport, birth certificate or other document that some people don't have. For these people, getting that government-issued photo-ID will be time-consuming and costly. No doubt, some won't bother to try to get one, or will give up in frustration.

This is the kind of obstacle that the 1965 voting-rights law was designed to erase. For more than a century, states had suppressed the black vote by requiring special fees, poll taxes, literacy tests, etc. They gerrymandered districts, established primaries for whites only and created many hurdles to prevent blacks from voting.

During oral arguments in January, Chief Justice John Roberts** indicated how indifferent the high court's majority was to voters who might find the photo-ID requirement difficult. He said that it wasn't ''very far'' for a voter who had to travel 17 miles by bus to get government-issued photo-ID.

Same old

The Daytona Beach News-Journal editorial board writes that "halfway through the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission's yearlong function, it became obvious its members weren't concentrating on reforming the state's broken-down tax system or addressing the state budget. Instead, they pursued political and ideological agendas, such as diverting public education dollars to private institutions and expanding faith-based programs in state prisons." "State constitutional panel lost sight of its mission".

At least read the stuff

The Tampa Tribune editorial board: "All too frequently, lawmakers use a strike-all amendment to substitute new language - often a completely different topic - that's never been heard in committee or presented for public comment."

Sometimes a strike-all amendment simply cleans up grammar or typos. But other times, especially on huge packages like the transportation bill, growth management and affordable-housing package, the changes are significant. Yet because there's no time to read, lawmakers must trust the bill's sponsor to disclose any changes and their impacts.

At a minimum, political leaders should ensure members have time to read the legislation on which they're being asked to vote.

"We"?

"'We are going to be more important than ever. The Hispanic vote of this nation is going to be more energized, it's going to be more numerous and it's going to be more important than ever before,' U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez said." "Republicans woo Hispanics".

I love it when RPOFer Cubans discover that they are "Hispanic" around election time.

"Golden era"?

"This was supposed to be a golden era for South Florida, an unprecedented four-year period of political power where lawmakers with ties to Miami-Dade and Broward counties -- and the clout to bring the area money and push for local priorities -- were firmly in charge of the Florida Legislature."

But that era could be coming to a close sooner than predicted.

House Speaker Marco Rubio, whose two years in charge were tempered by a souring economy, is leaving office. Republican Alex Villalobos of Miami was in line to become Senate president for the 2009 session, but he was toppled after a bitter intraparty fight.

Sen. Jeff Atwater, a North Palm Beach Republican whose district stretches into Broward County, is next in line for president, but he could face a tough reelection fight in a year when war worries and economic hardships could drag down GOP candidates.

And along with Rubio, other veteran lawmakers from South Florida, including Senate Democratic Leader Steve Geller from Cooper City and Rep. Jack Seiler of Fort Lauderdale, also are leaving. In all, 10 South Florida legislators will not return.

Whatever

The Orlando Sentinel editorial board: "Our position: Lawmakers failed on red-light cameras, but locals should still move ahead".

Did your lobbyist do better than mine?

Find out here: "2008 legislative session — what it means for you".

Off topic

No, Barack Hussein Obama didn't send a million bucks to Kenyan socialist. "Missionaries botch facts". Perhaps the headline should read,

Missionaries with a political agenda are, like folks of all political stripes, prone to botch facts to serve their political ends

Daniel Ruth

"It would seem there were plenty of readers who had the same reaction I experienced to discovering an academic expert on genetics and human evolution had been disinvited to speak by Pinellas County officials on, of alllllllll dates, Charles Darwin Day." "Darwinners And Darlosers: Stupidity Is 1 Thing That Just Keeps Evolving".

Yet another RPOFer GOTV artifice

The St. Petersburg Times's Howard Troxler wonders "if you believe that same-sex marriage should be illegal, the question here is whether this amendment — which outlaws something that's already illegal — risks a future court ruling that would intrude into the private affairs of thousands of Floridians." "Aiming at Adam & Steve, or a lot more?".

That, and whether the RPOF is tying to stimulate its moribund base of knuckle-draggers.

That this "crook"* resides in Florida ...

... speaks volumes: "Limbaugh: 'My impact will increase'".

- - - - - - - - - -
*We call him a "crook" because he was "arrested" and "booked" and then entered the typical plea deal for White (wealthy) drug offenders: pre-trial diversion ("PTD"). See "Rehab, $30,000 to keep Limbaugh out of court" and "Limbaugh cuts deal on drug charge".

Upon completion of the terms of the negotiated PTD settlement, the criminal charges are dismissed. He nevertheless remains a "crook" for a variety of reasons - indeed, with the PTD deal on his record, Limbaugh would probably be unable to hire on as a laborer at a theme park.

Florida's booming economy

"State's revenue outlook is bleak". See also "Summer looks bleak for job seekers in Central Florida".