Monday, January 29, 2018

Exposing Carlos Curbelo

The Miami press is making much noise about the Congressional Hispanic Caucus rejecting entry to Florida's Congressman Carlos Curbelo, and instead accepting Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a Democratic opponent for Curbelo's Congressional seat in 2018. The claim from the Miami Herald and its Spanish language counterpart "El Nuevo Herald" is that all Hispanics should be allowed to become part of the Caucus. No matter if what you stand for goes against the basic interests of the Hispanic community. 

Even though, Curbelo has cultivated an image of being a moderate in reality he is far from what he claims to be. For example, Curbelo voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) even though in his Congressional District Florida's 26, 20 percent of its non-elderly population is enrolled in the ACA and he voted in favor of that monstrosity once-called Trumpcare. The Caucus is correct in rejecting Curbelo's entry. Being a member of the Caucus it should be to further the interests of Hispanic people not to undermine them. If Curbelo had taken a position against Trumpcare like Republican Senator Susan Collins from Maine did then I could see merit on the complaint. Curbelo's moderation should also be called into question when he decided to vote for Trump's tax cuts. 

Working hard at exposing Curbelo should also be a major task for Democrats in his Congressional District. There is no reason for Curbelo to be holding a seat in a District that it's majority are Democrats. Curbelo's District is the nation's District where Democrats are the largest majority that has a Republican Congressman. 

The "Moderate" Curbelo has voted with the Republican Party on 86.3 of the time so far. He has also voted with President Trump's position 83.6 of the time. And one of those votes against Trump, the TPP ratification, most progressives were agreeing with Trump. Curbelo has cultivated well his moderate reputation, but there is no substance to his overall standing. He voted for the tax cuts at the last minute because as the Miami New Times reported, Curbelo's wife who owns a pass through Limited Liability Company would financially benefit from the last-minute provision in the bill enabling such companies to deduct a larger portion of their profits on taxes, after a provision was inserted in the Act that favored his wife's company. We could safely say that Curbelo is a typical Republican >Greed Over People. 

But, maybe the most important feature in exposing the real Curbelo (He used to say that he will not vote for Trump) are his votes regarding Trump releasing his tax returns forms. When Curbelo was serving on the Ways and Means Committee, he voted against a measure that would have led to a request of the Treasury Department for Trump's tax returns. Curbelo also voted against a resolution that would have directed the House to request 10 years of Trump's tax returns, which would have been reviewed by the House Ways and Means Committee in a closed session. With enemies like these, Trump can tiptoe
 through the tulips. 

Curbelo passes as a friend of the environment, but he supported building the Keystone Pipeline. Curbelo supports increased American involvement in Syria and Iraq. Curbelo supports diverting a portion of the Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts. In short, Curbelo supports privatization of Social Security.

 Curbelo has no business because the Congressperson for Florida's 26th CD. Democrats need to work hard in exposing the fake moderate.

Lorenzo Canizares

Affordable Housing In Downtown Tampa

This is good!
But how about some affordable housing 
for us common non-driving Tampenos

The Democratic Party (As is) Is Not Our Friend

Maybe you can still feel the wetness of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s lips from when he kissed you on your cheek before selling you out. Maybe you can hear the coins jingling in House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s pockets or Doug Jones being elected by black people in Alabama, then voting with the Republican Party on the continuing resolution. If you can’t, it’s probably because you are so accustomed to the sound and feeling of being sold out by the same people you are willing to fight for, you’ve grown numb to the feeling. here

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Florida GOP Jackie Toledo's Power Grab

HB1033 (sponsored by FL HD 60 representative, Jackie Toledo) would preempts local governments in regards to bike sharing companies. here

CFL Norml Gasparilla Party








Join them here

Gasparilla 2018 - Tampa



This year it was strictly a GOP affair
Bob Buckhorn, Sandy Murman, Yoli Capin
Darryl Rouson, Jackie Toledo and Dana Young were there.
Photos not avalable.
Well, they let Sean Shaw in


30 Min. bathroom wait

Downtown Tampa

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Ybor City Homeless

Meet Kathaleen

Democrats Keep Making The Same Mistakes Expecting Different Results

Resisting the Resistance
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In district after district, the national party is throwing its weight behind candidates who are out of step with 
the national mood.
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“If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself.” President Barack Obama
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Yet across the country, the DCCC, its allied groups, or leaders within the Democratic Party are working hard against some of these new candidates for Congress, publicly backing their more established opponents. here 

Tampa Paparazzi

Tally Ho Bar

Rick Scott's Final Report Card

 Health Care:  F
Funding for Education:  D
Environment:  D
Economic Development:  B
Ethics:  D
Overall Grade:  Lost Opportunity D
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here

Florida Union Buster Scott Plakon

A bill, (FL HB25 (18R) sponsored by Florida GOP Scott Plakon of Longwood, would make public-sector unions that see their total dues-paying membership fall below half of those eligible petition the Public Employee Relations Commission for recertification. here
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“H.B. 25 is not motivated by any public education need or public benefit. It is motivated purely by politics. It's an attempt to silence those who dare to speak out and speak up on behalf of our public schools and our students.” Florida Education Association President
Joanne McCall 

Friday, January 26, 2018

Democrats Just Don’t Have a Clue

You often seem terrified of alienating voters who do not embrace you, while discounting those — such as immigrants, African Americans, LGBTQ and, yes, progressive whites — who do.
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You made yourselves look feckless, spineless and brainless in the process. You’d said you would not vote to fund the government until the GOP acted to save DREAMers — from deportation. Three days later, you folded like a baby stroller, accepting a deal in which Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed only his “intention” to take up the legislation you want.
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According to Debbie Wasserman Schultz you won, “the potential for momentum.”
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The truth is closer to what GOP Rep. Mark Walker of North Carolina told Politico: “We gave them nothing.” For that matter, it’s even closer to what Denzel Washington said in “Malcolm X:” “You been had! You been took! You been hoodwinked!”
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Frankly, you could stand to be more petrified of your own base especially since the political left is having itself a moment unlike anything we’ve seen in almost 50 years. People are marching and raising money. Upstarts are running for office. The left is galvanized by a 
fierce new energy.

Gasparilla GOP Group Pic

Anyone you know?

Ybor City Homeless

Meet Willie

Florida GOP Ripping Off Our Public Schools

Manny Diaz, the Hialeah Republican who collects a six-figure salary as chief operating officer of the charter Doral College and sits on the Education Committee and the K-12 Appropriations Subcommittee.
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Richard Corcoran, the Land O’Lakes Republican whose wife founded a charter school in Pasco County that stands to benefit from legislation.
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Michael Bileca, the Miami Republican who hairs the House Education Committee and is listed as executive director of the foundation that funds True North Classical Academy, attended by the children of another legislator. Bileca is also a school founder.
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These three legislators were chief architects in the passage of a $419 million education bill that takes away millions of dollars from public schools to expand the charter-school industry in Florida at taxpayer expense. They crafted the most important parts of education
 bill HB 7069 in secret. Source

Joe Redner Wins Again

Joe Redner will go to trial to challenge the state’s ban on allowing Florida residents to grow their own 
marijuana plants.
A state circuit court judge on Wednesday denied a motion by the Florida Department of Health to dismiss Redner’s case. here

Thursday, January 25, 2018

The State Of Tampa Politics: Marina Welch

One year ago I helped organize the largest single day protest in US history. I was brand new to activism although, upon reflection, it’s been in my blood for decades. I believe the awareness brought about by the Women’s March on Washington has inspired our country, our state and our community to stand up, fight back. 

I had prided myself on always voting but have since learned how woefully unaware and uneducated I was in the realm of politics. This year has afforded me the opportunity to meet amazing activists and social justice warriors. I blindly believed that my vote was enough, that justice would prevail. I woke up on November 9, 2016 to the reality of that delusion.

I have learned the value of phone calls to legislators, the importance of showing up at their office. I stand with those working to rid our state of traditions in which people legally control other people and supporting issues that don’t necessarily impact me directly. What is most important is to be connected to the goal, which is justice for all, even if our motivation is different.

The reason I share the effect this year has had on me is because I know I’m not alone. Women are speaking up in numbers this country has never seen before. First-time female candidates are running for offices big and small, from the U.S. Senate and state legislatures to local school boards and county commissions. We are educating ourselves and each other on issues that affect us all. 

The reason I know how impactful this movement has become isn’t because of the press coverage or the number of women running for office. Last year my youngest daughter refused to listen to anything I tried to talk about regarding Women’s March or the potential consequences resulting from the election. I tried to engage her in meaningful discussions but she wanted no part of that - her vote was enough.  This year we are marched together in Roanoke, Virginia and she volunteered with the local Women’s March to put on this event.

This year women organized rally’s and marches, #PowerToThePolls, as a campaign to register and engage voters for the 2018 elections. Our collective power is rooted in one another and having a wave of women pouring into public office will bring forth the issues that draw support from women in both parties. Celinda Lake said, “Women candidates help energize women voters and in close races you win with women voters.” If I can help mobilize 26,000 Floridians to D. C. I can help mobilize 26,000 (and more) Floridians to the voting booths in 2018.

Women are the backbone of every society. Never underestimate the strength of a woman-led movement.

Marina Welch

Ybor City Homeless

Meet Greg

Andrew Gillum: Fair Share for Florida's Future

Republicans know a blue wave is coming in Florida and that when we're in charge, three decades of corporate tax loopholes will be closed to fund teacher pay raises, world-class public schools, and job training programs.
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Chat With Pat Kemp In Valrico

1.22 - 6 PM
Bloomingdale Public Library
1906 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico

Tampa Hoods

Ybor City

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Silence From The Florida Democratic Party

Yesterday I wrote about Bill Nelson's cowardly act of ending the government shutdown. Where are the voices of the Florida Democratic party leaders? Not a peep from any of them. I will not mention names, you know who you are.
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With his vote he not only took the wind out of the sails of Dreamers but of the progressive wing of the party who have been trying to frame this as a Trump/GOP shutdown.
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Now today a post on the questionable website "Florida Politics" a survey is posted that Bill Nelson’s approval is best among senators running in swing states. A survey that is dated January 23, 2018.
how Convenient. 

Progressives Party In Ybor With Mariella Smith

L'Union Italiana

When Mariella throws a party, everybody comes

Kent Bailey and Kate Connolly

Marina Welch

Our next mayor Ed Turanchik with Jim Bleyer

Kathy Castor

Pat Kemp

Kimberly Overman

Rebecca Barkdoll

John & Lynn Dingfelder

Dave Cutler





Endorsed by Kathy Castor, Pat Kemp and Linda Saul Sena
Help Mariella Win here
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