Monday, December 24, 2018
Sunday, December 23, 2018
The 2019 Dream with Asher
2019 will set the stage for 2020, both nationally and locally. Keep in mind that Florida won’t have a scheduled Senate or Governor election until 2022. That gives Floridian progressives time to work our local and presidential races.
In cities like Tampa, municipal elections are to be held in March. I already support some candidates for City Council. John Godwin, Bill Carlson, and Orlando Gudes have proven to me that they belong on the Council. As for Mayor and other Council races, I am still undecided. What do you want to see in Tampa politics? I want a government that will protect and expand transit options, take justice reform seriously, and take Tampa away from the influence of Bob Buckhorn.
The presidential primaries are upon us, and we need to be prepared for what that will come with. For one, it will reignite old rivalries between centrist and progressive Democrats. I advise that my fellow progressives remain bold on the issues and push for “when they go low, we go high” tactics when interacting with less than pleasant individuals—we ought all end up on the same team after the summer of 2020, and we should do so by the setting the stage for what we want to see happen. I want our progressives to be tough and have the spinal fortitude to stand by the issues. I do not want our progressives to engage in pointless feuds, or waste energy while using reason to combat irrationality. I want our progressives elected, in power, and in a position to redefine political triumph in a way that accomplishes goals, such as expanding the ADA, and ensures cooperation through positive dialogue.
I recall being an Organizer for the progressive Gillum campaign and making it a habit to introduce myself to the staffers from other gubernatorial campaigns while promoting a field of decency, mutual respect, and kindness. I had good relationships with the other staffers, and had a positive interaction with Gwen Graham (While I wore my Andrew Gillum t-shirt, no less). Following the primary, and moving forward into 2020, I cannot say that I have not encountered challenges. People from the right wing to the left wing have frustrated me, and I feel that it is important to do two things. Acknowledge the frustration, and move on. Be confident and bold on the issues, and speak out if you or someone who you care about is the butt of someone’s hostility. Examine the (sometimes) blurry line between needless drama and making an important point. There are opportunities ahead to elect wonderful people to different offices, and we need to hone in on our commonalities to achieve the best results.
What I want to see are genuine, strong progressives run and win. For President, I like Bernie Sanders, Tulsi Gabbard, and Julian Castro. For School Board, I would like to see some competent candidates to heal the poisoned Board, particularly in Districts 1 and 7 (West Hillsborough and Countywide, respectively). Maybe Robert Pechacek, Bill Person, Laurie Rodriguez, and Karen Clay will consider running. For County Commission, I know that I will support the re-election of Pat Kemp. For District 3 (East Tampa area) I like Sky White and Gwen Myers. For District 1 (South Tampa area) I like Jen McDonald, and wouldn’t mind seeing some other candidates to entice an issue driven primary for that seat. For the judicial elections, I know that I will support attorney Gary Dolgin should he decide to run.
Who do you want to see set the stage for 2020? Leave your comment on the Stogie or on Facebook, and please, remember that agreeing to disagree is a crucial step in respectfully containing a potentially hostile political discussion. Remember First Lady Michelle Obama, “When they go low, we go high!”
— Asher
2018 Tampa Activist Of The Year: My Picks
Blake High School
Lets not forget the students who walked out of their classrooms
to protest gun violence.
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Hillsborough High School
And many more.
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March For Our Lives
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Florida Elections Guru Ion Sancho
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“Basically, the Florida Division of Elections is putting a hold on its responsibility,” Sancho explained. “With the governor demanding legislation for implementation, it could be that the Division won’t act until May.” The “hold” will certainly affect important, local spring elections in the cities of Tampa (nonpartisan) and Jacksonville, Sancho, a Democrat, went on. Ex-felons will be deprived of their voting rights in those mayoral and council races. more
Friday, December 21, 2018
Email to Kathy Castor
As one of your constituents, I feel I should inform you of something. By accepting the position of head of the "revived" U.S. House panel on climate change, which effectively killed efforts to establish a select committee on a Green New Deal, something polls showed was approved by over 80% of registered voters, and by waffling on any commitment to bar members who have accepted donations from the fossil fuel industry from serving on this panel, you have pretty much assured that, if you choose to run again for re-election, you will likely be contested.
As a committed voter, I have to consider your complicity in the furtherance of my government's role in neglecting to address the most vital issue of this age.
As a known activist in Hillsborough County, I feel it is my responsibility to fervently spread the word that we, the people, must pressure you and others to immediately take drastic steps to negate the disastrous effects we have had on our environment. There is no longer a place for debate. As the people have made clear, it is a Green New Deal or no deal at all.
2018 Tampa Activist Of The Year: TheZulema Ramos
Zulema and I met when they started coming to climate justice meetings. Their energy drew me in immediately. From the day I met them, they have been consistent, kind, open, dedicated, and extremely active in the community - all while going to college! One thing about Z that make them truly a model for other activists is that that their personality is genuinely kind and uplifting. They understand that in this work, we have to support each other, encourage each other, and create an atmosphere
of mutual respect.
Another thing about Z that I reflect upon at times is that they deeply understand intersectionality in a way that motivates them to show up for every marginalized person, plant, animal and community whenever they have a spare moment. Finally, Z is someone you can count on. Even if they aren't able to make it to your event, they will always respond to your text with appreciation and an eagerness to learn more. We are so lucky that Z is in our community and is dedicated to empowering the marginalized, oppressed, working and non-working class of Tampa Bay. We love you Zulema - take care of yourself, don't work too hard, and take some time for yourself to just relax and eat dank vegan food in your pjs!
Dayna Lazarus
Bay News 9: Pay to Play?
Bay News 9: We, the undersigned, are disappointed in your irresponsible decision to participate in exclusionary practices regarding the Decision 2019 Mayoral Debate. We demand that all voices of every Mayoral candidate is heard, regardless of campaign donation amounts. Add your name here
Luis Viera Demands Amendment 4 Be Implemented Immediately
I motioned that Tampa City Council write Governor-elect DeSantis and our state legislative delegation and demand that Amendment 4 and Second Chances Florida be implemented immediately.
Thursday, December 20, 2018
2018 Tampa Activist Of The Year: My Picks
6 Brave souls went up against the
powers that be and won.
powers that be and won.
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Andrew Gillum primary campaign soilders.
They also won.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Florida Democratic Party Still Doesn't Get It
This was supposed to be the Florida Democrats' year. The Blue Wave was cresting. Andrew Gillum was a strong candidate for governor. Ron DeSantis and Rick Scott were grotesque, cretinous candidates and seemingly awful human beings. Everything looked so easy.
So of course the Florida Democrats blew it.
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They're the Florida Democrats! They're a group of party apparatchiks and generally privileged white people who treat political representation like a club and a hobby instead of seeing politics as the very dire, important, often-life-altering issue that it is. The party is currently staffed by people who reward those who stress loyalty and tradition over good ideas. more
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My post on Octorber 6, 2018 here
Monday, December 17, 2018
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