The Westshore Multimodal Center

All roads lead to Westshore. One day, all train tracks could, too
The Westshore Business District is the nexus where Interstate 275, the Howard Frankland Bridge, the Courtney Campbell Parkway, the Veterans Expressway and Tampa International Airport all connect. State planners also think it's the perfect area to build the transportation hub of the future — be it light rail, bus rapid transit or a combination — that could one day link Pinellas to Hillsborough and eventually Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.
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Let's keep the pressure on!
 Hillsborough County Commissioners
here
Tampa City Council
here
Pinellas County Commissioners
here
VoteTransit
Connect Tampa Bay

Tampa Getaway To Cuba

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor embarked on a four-day trip to Cuba this week. The purpose of her trip is to find opportunities to "poise Tampa as a getaway to Cuba, and create economic opportunities for small businesses in this area. During her trip, first reported by the Tampa Bay Times last week, Castor will meet with officials from the Ministry of Tourism and the National Association of Cuban Economists.

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Call Ms. Castor and thank her.
813.871.2817

Call Senator Nelson

Can you call Senator Nelson? Tell him: "Don't be the last one to support equal rights. Can you do the right thing and publicly stand up for marriage equality?"
Here's where to call:
202-224-5274
Then, please report your call by
clicking here

South Florida Daily Blog

One of Florida's best liberal bloggers is calling it quits.

here

We will miss him.

Tampa Bay Homeless

Homeless Living In Tampa

Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City

Hillsborough County's decision to convene a summit on transportation this spring holds some promise if it aims high. The idea is for county commissioners and the mayors of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City to embrace a priority list of transportation projects and a strategy to pay for them. After 15 years of talks that have gone nowhere and a flawed transit referendum that failed in 2010, the last thing the county needs is another conversation on transportation that wastes time and fails to address the major challenges. Officials should bring a transit package back to the voters that seriously addresses the county's needs and improves the region's ability to compete.

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Sen. Tom Lee Of Brandon Narrow Exceptions To The Gift Ban

In today's Tallahassee, a lobbyist is prohibited from buying a lawmaker a cup of coffee but is allowed to write a $50,000 check to the same lawmaker's political fund. Fittingly, the lawmaker who's trying to carve out some narrow exceptions to the gift ban is Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon, who was Senate president when the ban took effect in 2006.

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Tampa Bay senators who joined Lee in supporting the changes Monday included Sens. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, John Legg, R-Trinity, and Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa. This little tweak was needed," Joyner said.
Don Gaetz, R-Niceville said it best,
 "I'm just fine paying my dollar for a Diet Coke when I have one, I'm just fine with that."

Meet Waleah Of Miami

Dog Lovers Rally Around A Siberian Husky With Cancer

When Dawn Bauer learned that a dog owner had dropped a Siberian husky with a suspicious mass at the Miami-Dade Animal Services shelter, she and her group of volunteers sprang into action. Husky Haven of Florida, a small Clearwater nonprofit that rescues stray, surrendered
and endangered huskies from around the state.
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Want to adopt Waleah? Fill out an application here
Care to donate? Go here and click on the "Donate for a Dog" tab.
Scroll down to find Waleah's information and click the "Donate" button.

The Soho Saloon In Tampa

Our Backwards City Council At It Again

 The Soho Saloon is suing the city of Tampa over a City Council vote to deny it a permit to pour mixed drinks along with beer and wine. City Council member Mary Mulhern moved for denial based on the saloon's request to the city to waive three rules:
One requires 35 parking spaces, not the 16 the bar has. If this was the case in cities like New Orleans, Menphis or our own Ybor City then none of them would serve alcohol. What does she want a chain to come and pave half a city block for parking and take all the charm out of the area. Arn't they always telling us not to drink and drive? There are always plenty of cabs around and HART #4 comes right by this place.   Another requires a city waiver when there are residences within 1,000 feet (the closest home is 33 feet away). The third requires a similar waiver when there are other stores, restaurants or bars selling alcohol within 1,000 feet (there are 17).  The saloon is surrounded by bars, including MacDinton's Irish Pub across the street. Why is ok for them but not this place?
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Why do i keep supporting Ms. Mulhern?

Metropolitan Ministries Caring Hearts Circle

You care about hurting Tampa Bay families. Be a part of something larger than yourself.
Join Metropolitan Ministries Caring Hearts Circle
here

The Springs Revival Act: SB 978

"I knew it was going to be heavy lifting to pass that," said Sen. Darren Soto, D-Kissimmee, who's sponsoring SB 978, the Springs Revival Act. The reason is simple, Soto said: "The majority of the Legislature doesn't have an appetite to have a real aggressive spring rehabilitation program, because of the expense." A state-sponsored effort to save the springs, launched 12 years ago by then-Gov. Jeb Bush, ended in 2011 under Scott. While the Bush springs initiative existed,
it spent a total of $25 million.

here

Northwest Presbyterian Church In St. Pete

Tiny Northwest Presbyterian offers much to the poor, homeless
A mural at the rear of Northwest Presbyterian Church's sanctuary gives witness to the doctrine that members are taught — salvation is by grace alone, not good works.Nonetheless, good works appear central to this small congregation's life. Cold nights are an opportunity to shelter the homeless. Mondays and Wednesdays are for feeding the hungry, along with giving access to hot showers and laundry service.
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Northwest Presbyterian Church

Take The Train To The Ray's Games

The Mass Transit Factor

Rays fans across Tampa Bay are excited about Opening Day on Tuesday, but most are less excited over the prospect of more debate about the need for a new baseball stadium. Is there really any hope for a new home for the Tampa Bay Rays? There could be, if everyone would focus on successful stadium projects that have been built elsewhere. The modern era for baseball stadium design and location began with Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore in 1992. Since the construction of Camden Yards, 21 new major league ballparks have been built. Among the great ones: Progressive Field in Cleveland and Coors Field in Denver. Among the losers: the New Comiskey Park in Chicago and perhaps Turner Field in Atlanta. What separates winners from losers? Consider three important factors that characterize successful ballparks:
• They were built as part of an overall development plan.
• They include neighborhood integration.
• They include a mass transit factor.
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Ybor City and Channelside come to mind. Let The Rays build their stadium without taxpayers money and the city and county can build trains to it.

Congregation Schaarai Zedek Of Tampa

Tom Wood dished out helpings of ham and rice Sunday to families at Metropolitan Ministries for what is close to his 20th Easter in a row. Wood, who is with Congregation Schaarai Zedek, said he enjoys interacting with the families each year.
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The Everglades Bill

The Everglades bill speeding through the Legislature is not the sweeping victory that the unusual alliance behind it — the governor, his fellow Republicans, farmers and environmentalists — would have Floridians believe. The legislation awaiting Senate approval is better than a terrible version that sailed through the House, but it still unfairly shifts the costs for cleaning up the Everglades from the agriculture industry to the taxpayers. This is a handout to those who are causing the problem, and it violates the voters' intent behind the "Polluter Pays" protection in the Florida Constitution.
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The SOG City Oracle Recommends

Earl's Oyster Opener

As many of you already know, when it comes to oysters on the half shell I can be a real pain in the tuckus. I want those mollusks to be perfectly shucked, and perfectly presented. They also have to be real. I do not tolerate pasteurized or pre-shucked and frozen oysters on the half shell. As I said, I can be a real picker of nits when it comes to my oysters .If you like oysters on the half shell, you really do need one of these things...unless you are a masochist.

here

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor It Is Time To End The Embargo Against Cuba

The Tampa Democrat voiced those thoughts and made history by becoming the first Florida member of Congress to publicly support lifting the embargo when she made a speech March 22 at an evening reception at Mise en Place for the Rapprochement With Cuba conference.

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Help, end the war on the Cuban people, they are being held hostage by a small minority in South Florida.

Lunas Mexican Restaurant

What Stogie Had For Dinner
Chile Relleno and Taco
With rice and beans
$8.75 At Lunas Mexican Restaurant in Riverview
Very flavorful food with great service.

DFA Launches the Purple to Blue Project

Contact DFA and tell them we need help in Florida

Forget John Boehner and Paul Ryan -- Republicans don't need Congress to push their radical right-wing agenda. They're doing it right now, state by state: That's why DFA is launching the Purple to Blue Project, a new multi-year effort dedicated to winning state House and Senate chambers across the country.

here

Locked Tire, Lost Bike

In Tampa

Bright Lights, Safe Nights

Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Gordon Gillette, president of Tampa Electric and Peoples Gas, will celebrate and cut the ribbon on the first street lights installed as part of Mayor Buckhorn’s ‘Bright Lights, Safe Nights’ Initiative. The event will be Thursday, March 28, 2013, at 2 p.m. at the new streetlight located between 2106 and 2108 E. Nedro Drive. “Sulphur Springs is only the first neighborhood
that will benefit from this initiative.
more

Tampa Bay Homeless

Meet John
He is from Minnesota. He has been homeless 5 years.

Why Won't Florida's Goverment Protect Our Water

Billboard greeting tourists on I-75 in Columbia County.
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Florida Water Coalition

Where Are They Now

Hillsborough County's Three Amigos
Some of you are too young to remember or are not from around here but 30 years ago in 1983  three Hillsborough County Commissioners, Jerry Bowmer, Fred Anderson and Joe Kotvas were arrested for taking bribes. Commissioner Jerry Bowman was the ring leader who would solicit bribes and then make payoffs to fellow commissioners Kotvas and Anderson. Bowmer was caught red handed and then wore a wire to roll over on his crooked partners. I remember putting up signs for Mr. Kotvas.
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Joe Kotvas writes books and you can find him on Twitter or at his very nice website tvasbooks.
Jerry Bowmer according to WTSP  is selling swamp land in Polk  County.
 Fred Anderson has since died.

Mayor Bob: Darn Sure Means Rail

In a speech filled with talk of teamwork and cooperation, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn delivered this don't-mess-with-us challenge: "We can be a region with a first-class transportation system," Buckhorn said during his second State of the City speech on Tuesday. "We need mobility options now. That means bus rapid transit, that means (high-occupancy vehicle lanes), and it darn sure means rail. He went on to allude to Gov. Rick Scott's decision to turn away $2 billion from the Obama administration to build high-speed rail from Tampa to Orlando. "Don't tell me that I have to listen to the mayor of Detroit thank me because he's building his light rail system with our money.

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If he can pull this off he could make people forget about the 6 foot lap  dance rule 
and go down as the greatest mayor this city has ever had.

Florida Students for Equal Funding of Education

After attending the Hillsborough County School Board Student Forum, it came to our attention that Florida's lack of funding for education comes from our very own state legislators' inability to make our public schools a priority. Currently each student in Florida receives $3,000 less in education funds than the national average. As a sophomore at Freedom High School in Tampa, I am directly affected. I've witnessed firsthand the pressure both teachers and students are placed under when students of various academic abilities are placed in a single classroom. In addition, public schools are unable to expand and update programs in the areas of arts and technology.

That's why I created a petition on SignOn.org to the Florida State Legislature and Governor Rick Scott, which says:

Click Here

Tampa Bay Homeless

Homeless Living In Tampa

Neighborhoods Awards Ceremony 2013

New China

What Stogie Had For Lunch
Shrimp with lobster sauce
With Fried Rice and drink.
$4.95 At New China, 3801 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa

Same Old Jeb: Republican Rebrand? Hardly!

If You Build It They Will Come

Ruth: Stop Talking And Build A Rail Line
In 1973, I arrived in Tampa to start my career as an ink-stained wretch. I was 23. One of the big issues facing the greater Tampa Bay area was whether to spend the money to begin development of a light-rail system stretching across the Howard Frankland Bridge eventually linking Tampa to St. Petersburg and Clearwater. It was decided by the powers that be there should be extensive discussions on the subject before moving ahead.It is now 2013, 40 years later. I am 63. And everyone is still talking without so much as a single rail spike to have ever been driven into the ground.
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Poll shows public support for publicly financed light rail.
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Folks that want to help.
Vote Transit
Connect Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay Homeless

Homeless Living In Tampa

What stogie Had For Lunch

Hot Dog
With fries and a drink.
$3.50 at The Yellow Food Truck across the street from the Marion Transit Center in Tampa.

Stephanie Wilkerson Of Tampa

Brutal School Bus Driver

The surveillance video below shows school bus driver Stephanie Wilkerson viciously kicking an eight-year-old girl off a bus last year. The incident occurred on September 28, 2012, outside Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary School in Hillsborough County, Florida. The eight-year-old girl is autistic, according to WTSP, the local CBS affiliate. She suffered a fractured ankle when she fell to the ground. Wilkerson, 41, has been fired. Shecurrently faces a charge of aggravated child abuse.
See the video here.
See her at HCSO here
What a awful person. Yuck!

St Pete For Peace Celebrates 10 Years Of Resistance

Preserving Florida’s History

Researchers at USF St. Petersburg are working to digitize a treasure trove of Spanish documents that shed light on Florida’s past in St. Augustine.

here

Occupy Tampa Jams Interstate Traffic

With ‘No Keystone XL Pipeline’ sign
At i4 and 301 in Tampa, Police respond.
here

Help Feed Debbie Wasserman Schultz's Staff

What Stogie had for lunch.
$4.00 At the food truck across the street from the Marion Transit Center in Tampa.
What Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., said about the sequester. "We're really starting to see the effects of that in our office," she said. The cuts have also affected the quality of life for congressional aides, said Wasserman Schultz,  At the hearing, for example, she said prices of meals in House restaurants are getting so high that aides are being "priced out" of a good meal.

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Rick Scott: Worst Decision A Governor Has Ever Made

Remember we could of had High Speed Rail with $2.3 billion in investment money from the feds. Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio called Gov. Rick Scott’s rejection of $2.3 billion in high-speed rail money “an unbelievable decision. In my 26 years in public life, I think this is the worst decision a governor has ever made,”

here

 Scott is down 12 points, 52-40; against Pam Iorio in a new Public Policy Polling survey.

Let's make her our Governor!

here

Stop Parent Trigger Legislation in Florida

A quality public education is the foundation of a bright future -- for our children, our state and our nation. But in Florida, a bill entitled “Parent Empowerment” will do the exact opposite. This bill, also know as the Parent Trigger bill, will take away our rights as parents and concerned community members to have a say in our children's education, and will empower for-profit management corporations to put profits first. Sign the Petition 
here

Two (NotSo) Favorite Sons Of Florida

Floridians Love The The Golden Girl
Hillary Clinton has double-digit leads over Rubio and Bush in the 2016 presidential race in Florida, according to a Quinnipiac University poll on Thursday. Clinton leads former Gov. Jeb Bush, 51 percent to 40 percent, and tops Sen. Marco Rubio, 52 percent to 41 percent, in the survey of Florida voters.
here

Buzztime At Gaspar's Patio

Ace Buzztime player and Ybor Stogie team member Sonny with Greg, NTN Florida representative.
Buzztime is back at Gaspar's Patio in Temple Terrace. You can stop in anytime and play but on Wednesday nights Greg has taken it to a whole new level. If you have never played this game you should. It is candy for your brain. Call 813.988.6959 for times.

Good Cop "Chad" Likes Local Doughnuts

Krispy Kreme server Michelle Ross reacts after Tampa police horse Chad pulls a paper with a jelly doughnut she was serving at the drive-through at the Krispy Kreme on Kennedy.
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To help Special Olympics Florida
click here
Great job SKIP O’ROURKE

Reo At The Grayhound Bus Station In Tampa

What Stogie Had For Lunch
Picadillo
With red beans and rice.
$6.95 at the Grayhound bus station in Tampa.

Conservative Activist Rejects Domestic Partner Registry, Transit And Something About Gays

We Won -- Again

Yesterday morning over 50 citizens helped represent you in front of the Hillsborough County Commission to get the conversation started there about how to create more options after two and a half years of silence. We won. It was a unanimous vote to bring the cities and transportation agencies to the table within 6 weeks to find a way to create economic development and improve quality of life by creating more transportation options. You made this happen. Many said it wouldn’t happen and that you couldn’t get it done, but the Hillsborough County Commissioners listened to you and we won.

Please take a minute to send the Commissioners a note to thank them for this step
– and ask them to keep moving forward.
here

Sweetbay Of Tampa Bay

Sweetbay Supermarket is now selling only seafood caught and farmed in sustainable ways to help ensure the long-term survival of the species. The policy announced Tuesday covers 2,500 products sold at stores, from fresh, frozen and canned seafood
to items containing seafood as its primary ingredient, such as soups.
here
My family and i did not eat tuna for years back in the 80's until they made it dolphin safe. To this day we will not touch Star Kist Tuna. I remember their CEO saying that they were going to go dolphin safe not to help the dolphins but becouse the boycott must of been working and sales were down.

Tampa Bay's Iraq War Dead

46 service members from this region have perished in the war as of March 19, 2013:

• Army Capt. James Adamouski, 29, Tampa. Iraq, April 2, 2003.

• Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew J. Aviles, 18, Tampa. Iraq, April 7, 2003.

• Army Pfc. Roberto C. Baez, 19, Tampa. Iraq, Oct. 3, 2005.

• Army Pfc. Brandon K. Bobb, 20, Riverview. Iraq, July 17, 2007.

• Army Sgt. Dennis J. Boles, 46, Homosassa. Kuwait (Iraq War), Oct. 24, 2004.

• Marine Lance Cpl. Brian Rory Buesing, 20, Cedar Key Iraq, March 23, 2003.

• Army Spc. David A. Croft Jr., 22, Plant City. Iraq, Jan. 5, 2010.

• Army Staff Sgt. Wilbert Davis, 40, Tampa. Iraq, April 3, 2003.

• Army Pfc. Marc A. Delgado, 21, Lithia. Iraq, Nov. 24, 2005.

• Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua W. Dickinson, 25, New Port Richey. Iraq, Dec. 12, 2004.

• Army Sgt. Dennis J. Flanagan, 22, Inverness. Iraq, Jan. 20, 2006.

• Army Sgt. Denis J. Gallardo, 22, St. Petersburg. Iraq, Nov. 22, 2005.

• Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald A. Ginther, 37, Auburndale. Iraq, May 2, 2004.

• Army Spc. Cody C. Grater, 20, Spring Hill. Iraq, July 29, 2007.

• Army Staff Sgt. John L. Hartman Jr., 39, Tampa. Iraq, Nov. 30, 2006.

• Air Force 1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton, 24, Tampa. Iraq, Sept. 8, 2009.

• Army Sgt. 1st Class David A. Heringes, 36, Tampa. Iraq, Aug. 24, 2007.

• Army Sgt. William R. Howdeshell, 37, St. Petersburg. Iraq, July 26, 2007.

• Army Spc. Arturo Huerta-Cruz, 23, Clearwater. Iraq, April 14, 2008.

• Army Sgt. Bryan Luckey, 25, Tampa. Iraq, June 29, 2006. Army

•Sgt. Marcus C. Mathes, 26, Zephyrhills. Iraq, April 28, 2008.

•Army Sgt. Benjamin E. Mejia, 25, Tampa. Iraq, May 31, 2006.

• Army Pfc. Patrick J. Miller, 23, New Port Richey. Iraq, March 29, 2008.

• Marine Sgt. Lea Robert Mills, 21, Masaryktown. Iraq, April 28, 2006.

• Army Pfc. Jody W. Missildine, 19, Plant City. Iraq, April 8, 2006.

• Army Pfc. Louis Niedermeier, 20, Largo. Iraq, June 1, 2005.

• Army Pfc. Cody J. Orr, 21, Ruskin. Iraq, Jan. 17, 2004.

• Marine Lance Cpl. James R. Phillips, 21, Plant City. Iraq, Dec. 23, 2004.

• Army Staff Sgt. Michael B. Quinn, 37, Tampa. Iraq, May 27, 2003.

• Army Cpl. John T. Rivero, 23, Tampa. Kuwait (Iraq War), April 17, 2003.

• Army Spc. Alexis Roman-Cruz, 33, Brandon. Iraq, Nov. 16, 2005.

• Army Pfc. Jonathan M. Rossi, 20, Safety Harbor. Iraq, July 1, 2007.

• Army Sgt. Michael D. Rowe, 23, New Port Richey. Iraq, March 28, 2006.

• Army 2nd Lt. Charles R. Rubado, 23, Clearwater. Iraq, Aug. 29, 2005.

• Army Spc. Raymond A. Salerno, 27, Land O'Lakes. Iraq, July 16, 2006.

• Army Staff Sgt. Wentz J. H. Shanaberger III, 33, Zephyrhills. Iraq, March 24, 2004.

• Army 1st Lt. Kevin J. Smith, 28, Brandon. Iraq, Dec. 8, 2005.

• Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, 33, Tampa. Iraq, April 4, 2003.

• Army Sgt. James D. Stewart, 29, St. Petersburg. Iraq, June 21, 2005.

• Army Sgt. Robert Surber, 24, Inverness. Iraq, June 3, 2007.

• Army Maj. David G. Taylor Jr., 37, Tampa. Iraq, Oct. 22, 2006.

• Army Sgt. Antwan L. Walker, 22, Tampa. Iraq, May 18, 2005.

• Marine Lance Cpl. Kevin G. Waruinge, 22, Tampa. Iraq, Aug. 3, 2005.

• Army Chief Warrant Officer Aaron A. Weaver, 32, Floral City. Iraq, Jan. 8, 2004.

• Marine Lance Cpl. Nicholas Wilt, 23, Tampa. Iraq, Sept. 3, 2004.

• Army Lt. Col. Peter E. Winston, 56, Plant City. Iraq, Nov. 13, 2006.

Compiled from Times files, Associated Press casualty databases.

Pam Iorio for Governor

Show Pam and Florida that she has the backing of Floridians in this state. Rick Scott must go. When a politician ignores the people of his own state and puts politics before the economy of this great state, it's time for that politician to go. Pam Iorio supported High Speed Rail, she understood the economic benefits for Tampa and what it meant for Orlando and all of Florida. Crime remained low under Pam and she took a very hard but needed fiscal approach to the city budget during the Late 2000's recession. The state needs a politician and citizen like Pam to get this state on to the path of opportunity for all, and not just for the few.

here
Scott is down 12 points, 52-40; against Pam Iorio in a new Public Policy Polling survey.

Crimes Against Humanity

It seems that my memory has been on  steroids these last few days. On this the 10th  Anniversary of the Iraq war there are so many things to remember. Not only the birth of this blog but how hard i tried to show my family and friends the huge mistake we were about to make. I remember Michael Moore and the way he was maligned and ridicule, i remember the Dixie chicks and the way they were treated. I remember the millions of protesters all over the world. I remember the ban on photos of soldiers' coffins as they returned.  I remember Free speech zones (also known as First Amendment Zones) or Free speech cages, I remember our  brave politicians who spoke up people like Florida's Robert Graham, Howard Dean, Lincoln Chafee, Barrack Obama, Carl Levin, Nancy Pelosi, The late Paul Wellstone, Daniel Akaka, Barbara Boxer, Robert Byrd,Ron Paul, Jon Corzine, Richard Durbin,Russell Feingold, Daniel Inouye James Jeffords, The late Edward Kennedy and many more. But most of all i think of this wonderful place called  The Hague in the Netherlands, a place where they take war criminals and people who have committed crimes against humanity. The sad part is there are people that belong there
 that never make it.