Look, Bush/Cheney and their cronies have been bilking this nation and raiding the coffers with countless unaccounted for no-bid contracts for the war, Katrina, no child left behind, faith based initiatives, etc. while simultaneously almost completely eliminating taxes for corporations and rich old white dudes.......here
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Great Swindle of 2008
Look, Bush/Cheney and their cronies have been bilking this nation and raiding the coffers with countless unaccounted for no-bid contracts for the war, Katrina, no child left behind, faith based initiatives, etc. while simultaneously almost completely eliminating taxes for corporations and rich old white dudes.......here
Make Your Vote Count Tampa Bay!
I’ve heard soooo many different things being tossed around about who can vote, when you can vote where you can vote etc. So this blog is going to be VOTE CENTRAL!! I plan to keep you informed on making sure your VOTE counts!........here
Hallmark Prize Goes To Pet Lover From Tampa
Tampa's own Susan Rodnite, and pal Daisy, recently won the grand prize for funniest pet card in Hallmark Cards' recent YourPets contest. Susan and her English bulldog were among 67 finalists chosen by Hallmark, which turned their entries into greeting cards that are being sold across the country..........here
Florida Republicans: Filled With Corrupt Politicians And More
The Embarrassments Keep On Coming For Florida Republicans1) According to a recent report by the non-partisan Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), two Members of Congress from the Sunshine State --- both from the I-4 Corridor --- are listed among the 20 Most Corrupt from among the nation's 535 Senators and Representatives........more
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Florida's First Gay Adoption
Earlier this month I posted about the Circuit Court judge in Florida who had struck down the state's ban on gay adoption in order to allow a foster parent in Key West to adopt the son he had been raising. Here's more from the Miami Herald on Wayne Larue Smith and partner Daniel Skahen and their 12-year-old son........here
The Democratic Party’s Gang of 66
The Gang Of 66 came into existence on June 14, 2007 with a $10,000 "Money Contribution" (i.e. legal bribe or graft) to the Democratic Party Majority Whip, James Clyburn, from the ultra-right-wing 'U.S.-Cuba Democracy' PAC, headquartered in Hialeah, Florida, a suburb of Miami...........hereFlorida Members:
Boyd Allen, Brown Corrine, Castor Kathy, Hastings Alcee, Klein Ron, Mahoney Tim, Meek Kendrick, Wasserman Schultz Debbie, Wexler Robert.
Tampa Bay Socialists Have Their Presidential Candidate: Brian Moore
The Socialist Party of Tampa Bay -- not to be confused with the Socialist Workers Party, the St. Petersburg-based African People's Socialist Party or the neo-Nazi National Socialist Movement -- has been active in the Tampa Bay area since the early '90s. Activists with the group have led antiwar marches, supported the Immokalee workers and left a whole lot of propaganda at area coffeeshops............hereMario Diaz-Balart On Health Care
Mario Diaz-Balart thinks our healthcare system works well when it's accessible to athletes, celebrities and members of royal families.
Evangelicals Take Credit For Tampa Bay Playoff Berth
Christian evangelicals across the country are rejoicing today as the Tampa Bay Rays have made the playoffs, an event for which evangelicals are taking complete credit........hereSee what happens when you get the Devil out of you?”.......Pastor Lukas Mark Smithers
Howard Dean: John McCain Is Simply Making Stuff Up
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean lashed out at John McCain Tuesday for “simply making stuff up” about Barack Obama and his Democratic colleagues. “At this point his campaign has sort of deteriorated into just a really dishonorable campaign,” Dean said on MSNBC. “He says we’re opposed to clean coal. That’s not true. He says Obama’s going to have huge tax increases. That’s not true.”........hereJoe Garcia: Ask Him A Question, And Take A Seat
Over the weekend Real Clear Politics ranked Joe Garcia as the South Florida candidate most likely to defeat an incumbent and the Miami Herald's Naked Politics Blog was quick to pick it up..........here
What is the Cuban Mafia?
Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Bill Nelson, Mel MartinezThe Cuban Mafia is not an established organization per se; it is a state of mind of certain American politicians who are vociferously anti-Cuba, and who are primarily based in the state of Florida.........here
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Latinos in Tampa Make the Difference
We Will Be Hosting Two Events 1. Tampa Hispanics for Obama Kick-Off and Phone Banking for Change, which will take place this Tuesday, September 23 at 5pm. · It is the occasion to rally our supporters and reach out to those who still have to hear our message and connect to it.
2. Debate Watching House Parties, September 26 at 9pm ET · On the 26th of this month, Barack Obama will square off against John McCain on National Security and Foreign Policy..........here
It's Your Time, Don't Blow It.........Howard Dean
St. Lucie County Students To Lend Food Bank A Hand
Treasure Coast Food Bank's inaugural "Kids Feeding Kids Student Food Drive" begins today and runs through Nov. 1. Selected as one of six food banks in the nation, Treasure Coast Food Bank received a grant award from Tyson Foods to support youth volunteerism and launch a student-led food drive to help lessen hunger in the community........here
Florida Voter Suppression Makes a Dangerous Comeback
There are dark clouds on the horizon of the battleground state of Florida. New laws and tales of voter suppression efforts already have many voters nervous and confused. Florida, which was recently named “The Most Hostile State In The Nation To New Voters”
by three national voting-rights groups, has significantly tightened voter identification laws and made it easier for voter’s rights to be challenged..........here
Wayne Garcia's Moral Courage Award
I got the OK from the higher-ups here to give Moral Courage Awards annually, starting this December, for people in Tampa Bay who demonstrate, in the words of the county’s award, “exceptional ethical behavior and the moral courage to challenge the actions of government.”........hereTo make a nomination, send an e-mail to wayne.garcia@creativeloafing.com
Gay-Marriage Ban On Florida Ballot Generates National Attention
Proposed bans on same-sex marriage are on the ballot in Florida and two other important states this fall, rousing passions on both sides, yet neither John McCain nor Barack Obama seems eager to push the issue high on their campaign agendas..........here
The Florida Botanical Gardens
With 120 acres to explore, the Florida Botanical Gardens provides a day full of adventure. Meander down paths and walkways to beautiful courtyards, sculptured and succulent gardens, seasonal displays, tropical, native and palm gardens............here
Witch's Masquerade Ball
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Tampa Holds its fourth annual Witch's Masquerade Ball at 6 p.m. to midnight, 11400 Morris Bridge Road. There will be food, drink, shopping, tarot reading, face painting, dancing, a costume contest and a fun house. For more information, call (813) 988-8188 or go to uutampa.org.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Lady Lake, Florida
The McCain-Palin campaign is making a lot of noise about the large crowd that came to cheer Sarah Palin at her appearance in Lady Lake, Florida, last week. Local fire officials estimated the crowd at 25,000 to 30,000, while the McCain-Palin campaign claims an audience twice that size...........here Obama 2008
It's Your Time, Don't Blow It.........Howard Dean
Barack Obama in Dunedin
This Wednesday, September 24th, please join Barack Obama in Dunedin, where he will talk about his vision for creating the kind of change we need.......here
Cry foul: Lincoln Diaz-Balart won't debate Raul Martinez
Sorry, little mistake in the headline. Replace the word foul with fowl, for chicken. That should be the modifier for Lincoln Diaz-Balart, who's not up to the challenge of meeting his challenger in the debate arena..........here
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Was the McCain Camp Engaged in “Vote Caging” in Florida
That title got your attention, didn’t it? Good. Before we get to the potential voter suppression going on in Florida, however, a bit of stage-setting is in order. Context is everything, after all.........here
Saving Tampa
Saving Tampa , a romantic suspense is about an FBI Agent and a psychic forced to work together to prevent a terrorist attack on Tampa Bay.......here
New Hillsborough County Logo
Based on the decision by the Board of County Commissioners to rename the Moral Courage award, to the Ralph Hughes award, it is time to unveil the new Hillsborough County logo.........here
Christians Rally Around Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays clinched their first playoff berth in franchise history. Several Christian groups are attributing the team's success to the fact that this year they changed their name from "Devil Rays" to simply "Rays."...........here
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Big Cats Find Sanctuary In Tampa
In the jungle, the mighty jungle, you don’t often get lions called Cameron. Savage as Cameron is capable of being, he’s never seen nature red in tooth and claw. He was liberated from a roadside zoo and lives now at Big Cat Rescue, a non-profit sanctuary for exotic cats that have been abused or abandoned. It’s not a zoo. Visitors are offered two or three 90-minute guided tours a day and that’s it. Big Cat Rescue depends on the $25 admission fee to help meet its $1 million animal budget.......here
Howard Dean To Young Voters: It's Your Time, Don't Blow It
Howard Dean was the headliner at a voter registration rally hosted by College Democrats at Temple University. A crowd of a couple hundred heard the former Vermont governor and former presidential candidate call for young people to lead the way in taking the White House from the G.O.P.......here
An Open Letter to All Republicans
Dear Republicans: This election all Republicans who love America must vote for Obama. A vote for business-as-usual and a continuation of the Neoconservative/Religious Right/ party of corporate American alienation is a vote against America. As a former Republican activist, I appeal to your patriotism and honor..........here
Tampa Bay Bar and Restaurant Examiner
Locals and Limey's Pub; A St. Petersburg TraditionLimey's Pub is the quintessential local watering hole for St. Petersburg residents. With about 13 mostly British beers and one Cider on tap, served in true 20 oz. English pints, the pub has become a staple for business men, musicians, sorority girls and lesbians alike........here
Lacking Income, Sex Offender Lives Under Crosstown
Zackery Hicks, 42, needed a place to live after serving 14 years in prison on a robbery conviction. As a registered sex offender, however, Hicks wasn't allowed to live within 1,000 feet of a school, daycare center, public park, playground or bus stop........here
Obama To Prep In Tampa For 1st Presidential Debate
Officials within Obama's campaign confirmed the democratic presidential nominee will be in town to prepare for next Friday's presidential debate with republican candidate John McCain.........here
Puppets Pay Tribute To Their Master
I’m sure you’ve already heard that your Hillsborough County BOCC voted 5-2 to rename the county’s Moral Courage Award after long-time local activist and money man Ralph Hughes........here He was a major contributor to commissioners Brian Blair and Jim Norman and state Sen. Ronda Storms.
"He was the father of conservatism in Hillsborough County,"...........Joe Chillura
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
High-Tech 'Batman' Ship in Florida Drug Raid
In the early days of August, a suspected drug-running boat zoomed through the Straits of Florida, trying to outrun her American pursuers. The drug boat zigged and zagged near reefs and sandbars at 42 knots, and skimmed over water as little as five feet deep. Ordinarily, that would have been enough shake off any Coast Guard cutter or Navy frigate chasing her -- those vessels can't be in such shallow water. But this pursuer kept coming, and coming...........here
'Blacks Against Obama' Heckle Barack In Coral Gables
Not all black people are voting for Obama. A group of protesters calling themselves "Blacks Against Obama" interrupted Senator Obama's speech at a rally in Coral Gables, Florida today........here
Say No 2 Campaign Launches Make Your Own Commercial Contest
Florida's SayNo2 Campaign against the dangerous and deceptive Amendment 2 has just announced a contest to create your own commercial against Amendment 2! They will be picking the top user-generated commercials to blast out on all of their social networking sites..........here
Tampa Undecideds Swing Away From Palin
Of the 11 undecided voters participating in the free-wheeling discussion one recent evening at the Times — four Republicans, five Democrats, and two registered to no party — only two Republican men applauded the selection of Palin.............here
Homestead Mayor Lynda Bell
City taxpayers in Homestead footed the bill for nearly $500 worth of posters touting federal projects Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart has championed, city officials acknowledge.Though the poster boards didn't bear Diaz-Balart's name, they were displayed at a fundraiser for the congressman whose district includes Homestead -- and were ordered up by the city mayor.........here
Best Of The Bay: Best Radio Station WMNF
WMNF is a non-commercial, community radio station operating in the city of Tampa in the U.S. state of Florida that broadcasts at the FM frequency of 88.5 MHz and streaming live. The radio station is listener sponsored, relying on some 11,200 (as of June 2007) supporters for a majority of required funding which is raised in two or three semiannual pledge drives........here
Meanwhile, In Jebbie's Florida Fiefdom
Top Florida investigators found that state regulators failed to alert police agencies to crooked mortgage brokerages, ignored citizen complaints and allowed hundreds of people with criminal histories to peddle loans........here
Best Of The Bay Local Hero: Joe Redner
The Father Of The Nude Lap DanceRedner has been engaged in legal battles with the Tampa City Council, which has tried to place restrictions on the strip club industry for 25 years. Mons Venus and Redner have filed suits that have reached the Supreme Court and have become case law in many court cases. Redner ran for County Commissioner as an independent in 2004..........here
Joe Garcia: When Will Diaz-Balart Debate Me?
Mario Diaz-Balart and I were supposed to have a debate on Univision this week about the issues affecting our community. He said he couldn't make it because he would be in Washington, but an online invitation shows him as the headliner for an event in Miami.........here
Governors Sebelius and Napolitano at Eckerd College
This Saturday, please join the Florida Campaign for Change in St. Petersburg for a women's economic security event with Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas and Governor Janet Napolitano of Arizona.......here
Republican Party Of Hillsborough County Needs Your Cash
Charles Hobbs is a Democrat who votes in nearly every election. Hobbs is one of many local Democrats who have received mailers from the Republican Party in recent weeks questioning their voting status and hitting them up for cash. Staff at the Hillsborough County Democratic Party offices in Tampa have been getting barraged with phone calls from party members who have received what they say are deceptive mailers........here
Ralph Nader Makes Florida Ballot
Ralph Nader is back. The perennial presidential candidate will be on the Florida ballot in November. Nader's name is anathema to many Democrats in Florida becuase they blame him for President Bush's 2000 election........here
Motorcycle Riders In Florida Beware
Florida House Bill 137 Becomes LawThe bill that wanted to originally confiscate motorcycles for speeding and or stunt riding was contested by many during the Florida 2008 Legislative Session.......here
Megan in Plant City, Florida
Often worries about her family's ability to pay the bills. A mother of three and stepmother to one, Megan and her new husband first ran into trouble with the failing housing market. Though her husband still works as a nurse, Megan lost her job working as a property manager, and she has realized she can no longer afford health insurance........here
McCainvsFlorida.com Gets More Than 30,000 Hits
Today the Florida Democratic Party officially launched http://McCainvsFlorida.com, a website to highlight all the ways that John McCain is out of touch with Florida. This launch comes one day after the site was unveiled to grassroots activists across Florida, leading to more than 30,000 people visiting to learn more about why John McCain is wrong for the Sunshine State.......here
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
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