Weekly Address: The End of Combat Operations in Iraq
Target Video - This weekend, Target customers fed up with Target's shameless attempt to buy an election in Minnesota took their message straight to their local store—but with a great creative twist!
Dylan Radigan Show - Jane Hamster Legalize Marijuana - I appeared on MSNBC a couple of weeks ago and said that what we were calling an immigration problem was really a drug cartel problem. The video surprisingly traveled all over the internet, so they asked me back to talk about it and let me give Dylan’s “daily rant.” It was fun.
Family Health Care - Free Family Health Fair on Saturday, August 14, 2010 from 9
Bud Chiles Encouraged and Energized to Move Forward - August 8, 2010 - Every candidate is supposed to say that they’ll bring jobs to Florida. But the other candidates will spend their time in office appeasing the interest groups that got them there.
Judge takes Florida property tax measure off ballot - July 24, 2010 - A judge Friday removed from November's ballot a proposed constitutional amendment that would have given an extra property tax break to some homeowners, saying its ballot title and summary are misleading.
Aid for the long-term jobless - July 24, 2010 - Gov. Charlie Crist issued an executive order that allows Floridians who had exhausted 79 weeks of jobless benefits to be eligible for up to 20 more weeks.
Alan Grayson on Unemployment Bill
State's jobless may miss out on extended benefits - July 23, 2010 - The federal government on Thursday finalized an extension of unemployment benefits that will bring welcome relief to millions of the struggling jobless. But not, at least for now, if they live in the Sunshine State.
By the People - July 11, 2010 - A video by Carl Malamud making change to our Justice System. This is a 22 minute video that I think you should watch and support for change in our Justice System.
What Can We Do About Unemployment Benefits? - July 7, 2010 - My report on the Senate's failure to pass the latest version of the jobs/tax bill has generated more comments than I've seen in a long while. They concern one piece of the package — the extension of unemployment insurance benefits.
$2 million toxins cleanup to begin at Bicentennial Park - July 4, 2010 -
Work crews will clear the way for construction of downtown Miami's long-planned Museum Park this month, when they begin removing thousands of cubic yards of contaminated soil from the site of the old Bicentennial Park.
Listen All Y'all, It's a Republican Sabotage - July 1, 2010 - Tuesday morning on CNBC, the spazzy white guys in lower Manhattan were debating how the administration and Congress can best repair the economy, and mainly the jobless numbers. At one point, Rick Santelli, the hyperkinetic shoutcaster and instigator of the tea party movement, began to flail around, waving his arms above his head while yelling, "Stop spending! Stop spending! Stop spending!"
Ed Shultz on the Very "Bad Senate" or "Very Bad Republicans"
Top Miami-Dade police official Frank Vecin retires
- June
24, 2010 -
A top county police official retired as investigations continue into an environmental fund he oversaw and his own private contracting business.
Audit: Moonlighting cops skirted rules - June 24, 2010 -
A draft investigative report details how top county officials earned more than $400,000 moonlighting in Panama -- violating county policy in the process.
Miami-Dade Transit to add, cut and extend some bus routes - June 19, 2010 - Under a new summer schedule, Miami-Dade Transit cuts some trips, restores others and adds an express bus line in Kendall that will offer free Wi-Fi on hybrid vehicles.
You're being lied to about Fair Districts - June 14, 2010 - Politics is full of lies. However, rarely is a lie so provably debunked as the one that opponents of Fair Districts are spreading
Corruprion in 2010 - May 28, 2010 - Will 2010 see a surge forward, or an easing back of corruption? There is unease about how much of the stimulus money might be corruptly misappropriated.
Post Editorial Board Interviews
Kendrick Meek
Kendrick Meek in Pamama City on Sunday - May 17, 2010
Bill Nelson on Oil Drilling - May 15, 2010 - Many people from Louisiana to Florida are upset and worried about how bad the oil spill is going to be. Believe it or not, some people think we should still put rigs right off Florida. I presented what I think is a reasonable view in USA Today. Hope you get a chance to read it and let me know what you think.
Magic Hour: Meek Scores Fundraiserwith Earvin Johnson - April 27, 2010 - While Republicans Charlie Crist and Marcio Rubio squabble over tax returns and male hygiene, Democrat U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek has been racking up the sports endorsements.
Florida voters face lengthy list of constitutional amendments - April 23, 2010 - When Floridians head to the polls in November, they'll face a lengthy and confusing array of constitutional amendments dealing with everything from property taxes to classroom sizes – tying the longest ballot in a decade.
Moving State Funds Should be Illegal - April 22, 2010 - As I was going through the news I ran across an article from Florida Capital News called "Legislature Raids Trust Fund" Transportation money will be used to help plug budget shortfall by Jim Ash and I was thinking that Florida Republican Congress has already messed the Florida Budget up so bad that it is a wonder if anyone can figure it like it suppose be.
Kendrick Meek on Space Program - The Apollo missions to the space shuttle Endeavour’s scheduled launch today, spaceflight has inspired generations of young Americans to advance human understanding of the universe around them.
This Should Not Have Happened, Then the Coverup was Even Worst
Police release sketch of Brickell-area rapist - April 3, 2010 - Miami police on Thursday released a composite sketch of a man who followed a woman into her Brickell-area apartment and sexually assaulted her over the weekend.
The woman left the Blue Martini bar in Mary Brickell Village about 3 a.m. Sunday, and when she got into her apartment building a man followed her into the elevator.
Keith Olbermann ripping Republican Rubio and I don't blame him. He deserved it.
Preventing Veteran Suicides - March 31, 2010 - This is distubing. I got an E-Mail from change.org about suicides among our veterans and think that you should read it.
Thank the Republicans for Health Care Reform and More - March 22, 2010 - If you do not like the Health Care Reform Bill the way it is then thank the Republicans. That’s right, thank each and every Republican because they decided to destroy President Obama instead of putting together a good Health Care Reform Bill like the American People wanted and needed because of greedy insurance companies.
Fire The Party of "No" - February 14, 2010 - Fire the Party of "No" is in response of listening to the lies of the Republican Party and seeing the disruption of our new President.
Republican strategy: Filibuster everything, win in November - February 14, 2010 - WASHINGTON -- Senate Republicans are using the filibuster to limit and often derail Democrats' initiatives, paralyzing the Senate and making it nearly impossible to accomplish even the most routine matters.
A New Chair, a New Chance- February 10, 010 - After a turbulent period in the direction and performance of the MDCDEC, we finally have a Chair who seems to be committed to have the party do what is necessary to fulfill the mission of the DEC.
Marco Rubio to run for the US Senate - February 10, 2010 - The thought of any more Florida Republicans in Congress is enough to make any thoughtful Democrat have a sudden attack of what will probably feel like “swine-flu”.
Obama: Expand two lending programs - February
7, 2010 - President Barack Obama wants Congress to expand two lending programs to get more money in the hands of small business owners.
The President Holds an Open Discussion Across the Aisle
Posted by Jesse Lee on January 29, 2010 at 05:58 PM EST
Redistrict plan on ballot - January 23, 2010 - Organizers for the Fair Districts proposal have gathered enough signatures to put the measure -- to change the way lawmakers draw legislative districts -- on the November ballot.
Meek gains as Ferre's Senate bid takes a hit - January 16, 2010 - Haiti's tragedy has raised the profile of the Democratic front-runner for Florida's open U.S. Senate seat, Miami U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek.
Politifact: Kendrick Meek's `tossup race' claim not substantiated - January 16, 2010 - With Republicans Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio dominating news coverage about Florida's U.S. Senate race, Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek would like you to know he's running, too.
I wanted to invite you to the BBQ Kendrick Meek, the Democrat running for Senate, is having in North Broward. It will be a lot of fun and the tickets will help pay for the food and help get Kendrick elected.
Kendrick Meek Defends Class Size
Haiti president describes `unimaginable' catastrophe after earthquake - January 13, 2010 - PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Haitian President René Préval issued an urgent appeal for his earthquake-shattered nation Wednesday, saying he had been stepping over dead bodies and hearing the cries of those trapped under the rubble of the national Parliament.
GOP infighting boost Kendrick Meek's campaign status - January 10, 2010 - Kendrick Meek wants to introduce you to the learning-impaired child who overcame dyslexia to get through college, joined the Florida Highway Patrol, won a seat in the Legislature and worked his way into a prime position of influence in Congress.
Senate hopeful Kendrick Meek visits university - January 10, 2010 - While national attention has been focused on Florida's Republican contenders for the U.S. Senate, Kendrick Meek has been flying under the radar.
Several reasons why Broward County is awash in corruption - January 10, 2010 - Last year, when an ambitious Fort Lauderdale lawyer named Scott Rothstein decided to hire someone to develop political strategies for businesses seeking government contracts, he turned to none other than Ken Jenne, the disgraced former sheriff who had just been released from jail
Court records reveal trouble at Turkey Point - January 4, 2010 - When Coleen Ware walked into Turkey Point, she was shocked to see that the indicators showing control rod positions looked like something out of an early '70s sci-fi movie.
Metrorail, Metromover to run all night - December 31, 2009 - Miami-Dade Transit has advice for downtown revelers on New Year's Eve: Use public transit, put at least $4 on your card and don't forget that daily passes expire at 2 a.m.
Strange? Odd? Weird? Bizarre? _ That's Florida! - December 29, 2009 - TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- You know you're living in a weird state when the governor promotes a pay-per-minute sex chat line.
Miami taxpayers may be hit by city's financial woes - December 15, 2009 - With the Securities and Exchange Commission investigating Miami's budgeting practices once again, experts say `this is a very big issue' for the city.
State government run like a Ponzi scheme - December 4, 20009 - In recent days, the biggest names in big Florida Ponzi schemes have been Madoff and Rothstein. No question, they've been huge and have hurt lots of people. But they are small potatoes compared to the biggest Ponzi of them all: the humongous one run for 10 years by our Republican-dominated Legislature and two governors. It has left every man, woman, and child in Florida holding the bag and has bankrupted the state.
FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER CREDIT EXPIRING - September 23, 2009 - Time is running out to take advantage of the Federal government's offer of an $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. To qualify, homebuyers must complete a first-time home purchase before December 1, 2009. This means the last day to close on a home and take advantage of the credit is November 30. I encourage potential homebuyers to take advantage of market prices and this tax credit.
Overtaxed homeowners will hit the road - September 2, 2009 - Tell us it was a misprint or perhaps a belated April Fool's joke. In a recent Home & Design's How Does Your Home Compare, the real-estate taxes on a home in El Portal that sold for $232,500 were listed at $11,866. Another home in North Miami sold for $595,000 with taxes at $21,264. But a home in Bal Harbour, which sold for $1.3 million, had taxes of $7,668. Bal Harbour gets, by far, superior services and schools than El Portal and North Miami, so why are the taxes so drastically different?
Medicare works; everyone should be covered - September 2, 2009 - I want Medicare for everyone. Before Medicare, old people just died of old age. But Medicare expanded the elderly market so there was money for research and development. Then we began to understand geriatric diseases. It was Medicare that provided money for the technology that created, for example, innovative coronary care. So everyone, even those with private wealth and insurance, got healthcare that wasn't possible without Medicare.
Writer Peter Orvetti - Ain't That America- September 1, 2009 - Officer Wesley Cheeks, Jr., inadvertently revealed a sad truth during a confrontation with a peaceful demonstrator last Tuesday in Reston, Virginia. The man was one of several holding up signs outside a town hall forum on health care hosted by Rep. James Moran. Cheeks, a security officer employed by the public through the Fairfax County Public Schools, singled out this man because he did not like his sign.
So much is riding on the outcome of the health care reform debate. That's why it is essential that decisions be based on facts and on an understanding of the actual content of the bills under consideration. The following is an (edited) compilation of various responses to the most common myths and misleading claims raised by critics. The responses pertain most closely to the House version, where all committee review has been completed.
Budget snafu leaves Miami-Dade transit tax spending in limbo - August 20, 2009 - Miami-Dade won't be able to use half-penny transit sales surtax proceeds to support existing transportation services should commissioners follow Mayor Carlos Alvarez's lead and choose not to increase the county transit outlay in the upcoming fiscal year.
Bad Judge, Teretha Lundy Thomas - August 8, 2009 - When you think the laws are correct then you have to get a judge to read them the way the law was meant to be read. All of the Landlord/Tenant laws have been thrown in the thrash when it comes to Teretha Lundy Thomas. Florida Statute 83.51 Landlord’s obligation to maintain premises. Florida Statute 83.51 is what the landlord is suppose to do to maintain their apartment building up Florida Building Codes. They are required to....
Is Judge Shelley Kravirtz Just PlainStupid - August 8, 2009 - Florida Statute 83.49 (2) The landlord shall, within 30 days of receipt of advance rent or a security deposit, notify the tenant in writing of the manner in which the landlord is holding the advance rent or security deposit and the rate of interest, if any, which the tenant
Proposed Mastectomy Law Change - August 7, 2009 - Ladies & Gents; I know we know someone who has been has the surgery and could have benefitted from this bill. Let's encourage our respresentative to support this bill. Please sign the petition and keep this e-mail
Imagine someone watching your every move, hearing everything you say and knowing where you are at every moment. If you have a cell phone, it could happen to you. 13 Investigates explains how your cell phone can be secretly hijacked and used against you - and how to protect yourself.
4 police officers caught in crash cover-up - July 29, 2009 - Miami Herald - HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- Four Hollywood police officers are accused of faking a crash report - and it was caught on an officer's dashboard camera.
DCF ignored case of baby who later died- July 29, 2009 - A Broward Circuit judge sought state intervention repeatedly for a vulnerable baby. But help for Bryce Barros came too late.
Joe Sanchez for Mayor – I think “NOT" - July 16, 2009 - I was reading an article stating that City of Miami Commissioner Joe Sanchez was thinking about running for Mayor for the City of Miami replacing Mayor Manny Diaz at the end of his term in 2009. The question is, “Is Joe Sanchez ready to become Mayor?”, and I think not. I will explai
Republicans are trying to find a voice and a direction - March 4, 2009 - The governor's annual report card on the state of Florida exposed the nationwide rift in the Republican Party over whether increased government spending will repair the economy.
Gov. Charlie Crist defends support of stimulus package - February 19. 2009 - Republican voters who said they don't share Gov. Charlie Crist's support of the recently passed economic stimulus plan said they believe he's trying to do the right thing.
Fighting corruption with the 'honest services' doctrine - January 25, 2009 - It might be a good idea for public officials and those who lobby them in Florida to pay attention to what's going on in federal courtrooms around the nation. Especially state legislators.
Crist praises Obama's promised stimulus package - January 23, 2009 - West Palm Beach - Gov. Charlie Crist told a crowd of 700 today the stimulus package promised by President Barack Obama offers hope on the heels of severe budget cuts.
Foreclosure Fightback - January 22, 2009 - "This is a crowd that won't scatter," James Steele wrote in the pages of The Nation some seventy-five years ago.
Interest Rate Drop Has Dire Results for Legal Aid - January 19, 2009 - BOSTON — Scores of legal aid societies that help poor people with noncriminal cases — like disputes over foreclosures, evictions and eligibility for unemployment benefits — are being forced to cut their staffs and services, even as requests for help have soared.
Obama Has Chance to Shape U.S. Courts - January 19, 2009 - Vacancies of Appellate Judges, Makeup in Congress Should Give New President Sway Over How Laws Will Be Interpreted
Bush's legacy is America's shame - January 18, 2009 - Although Americans would be wary of admitting it to others, we know the wreckage left behind by the outgoing administration
Poll: Solid support for Obama's economic plan - January 14, 2009 - WASHINGTON - A solid plurality of the American public supports the economic stimulus plan that President-elect Barack Obama has proposed, according to the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll.
Crisis getting worse, lawmakers are told - January 6, 2009 - Lawmakers returned to Tallahassee to cut the state budget and close the deficit but were greeted with more bad financial news.
5 governors unite, seek $1 trillion in federal aid - January 3, 2009 - Governor Deval Patrick and four other influential Democratic governors pleaded their case yesterday for up to $1 trillion in federal assistance over the next two years, to help alleviate budget cuts, create jobs, and avoid inflicting irreversible damage to schools during a fiscal crisis.
The Student Loan Bailout - January 2, 2009 - As the economic crisis deepened during 2008, the turmoil in the housing and credit markets generated most of the more dramatic headlines. But higher education, and particularly the market for student loans, has also been feeling the effects of the ongoing recession.
Federal Panel Pushes Big Bump In Gas Tax - January 1, 2009 - A 50 percent increase in gasoline and diesel fuel taxes is being urged by a federal commission to finance highway construction and repair until the government devises another way for motorists to pay for using public roads.
An Irresponsible Budget - - December 31, 2008 - House Speaker Ray Sansom and Senate President Jeff Atwater on Tuesday officially released their call for the special budget-cutting session set to start next week and it closely mirrors the trust-fund raids and cuts Gov. Charlie Crist recommended.
Reform judicial nominations - December 28, 2008 - As became evident this month, Florida gives the governor too much power over selecting judges.
Double dipping rises despite outrage - December 28, 2008 - TALLAHASSEE — This year some of Florida's public officials are giving a whole new meaning to the phrase "home for the holidays.''
Lawmaker: End tax money for candidates - December 27, 2008 - UMATILLA - State Rep. Alan Hays wants Florida to end the practice of giving public money to statewide candidates to help finance their campaigns.
Stop Being Stupid - December 27, 2008 - I’ve got a new year’s resolution and a new slogan for the country.
States slash Medicaid amid economic woes - December 26, 2008 - States from Rhode Island to California are being forced to curtail Medicaid, the government health insurance program for the poor, as they struggle to cope with the deteriorating economy.
3 Legislators Are In Favor Of Forgoing Their Raises - December 25, 2008 - WASHINGTON - With the economy teetering and thousands of Floridians and other Americans losing their jobs, three Florida members of Congress say they would vote to give up their automatic $4,700 pay raise next year.
Florida lags in school funding - December 24, 2008 - Florida ranks below the national average for teachers' pay and per pupil spending, according to the 65th annual report from the country's largest teachers' union.
Florida prisons will have new cooks in the kitchen - December 23, 2008 - Florida’s inmates will soon have a new chef in the kitchen. By the second week of January all food served in state prisons will be prepared by state employees and inmates.
Up is Down, Down is Up - December 22, 2008 - According to the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, here were some of our state's rankings in 2007:
Lawmakers cash in with campus jobs - December 21, 2008 - Former and current lawmakers are finding employment at community colleges and state universities, even in times of cutbacks and curbs on enrollment.
Transit hires after tax hike included the well-connected - December 21, 2008 - Aides and secretaries to current and former public officials found new jobs at the transit agency after voters backed a sales tax for transportation in 2002.
Tax money inflated salaries, overtime - December 21, 2008 - It was Nov. 1, 2002, four days before a historic election aimed at reshaping the transit landscape in Miami-Dade County, and a backroom deal was quietly being cemented at County Hall.
Obama moves toward unity politics - December 20, 2008 - Democrats have complained for years about bitter partisan politics under George Bush. They blame it on Bush even though, logically, it takes two sides to produce a standoff. Now some Dems are irked at Barack Obama for giving his administration a big-tent look with moderates in the cabinet and elsewhere.
Burst bubble pushes Florida jobless rate to 15-year high - December 20, 2008 - Normally, Florida’s jobless rate falls in November as the holiday hiring season gears up. But, as President Bush said this morning, these aren’t normal times.
Unemployment Inches Up - December 20, 2008 - Unemployment in Florida inched up three-tenths of a percent in November. 680,000 Floridians are now out of work. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, there are now 200,000 more Floridians out of work than there were a year ago.
Where's the Leadership?- December 18, 2008 - It's a question every Floridian should be asking themselves about our state government these days. We're facing a $2 billion dollar deficit, with an economy that isn't predicted to recover until 2010.
DeFede: Hooray, Florida Still #1 For Corruption - December 18, 2008 - Ever since Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested, there has been a lot of talk about whether Illinois is the most corrupt state in the country.
Fla. Legislature Meeting In 2009 To Slash Budget - December 15, 2008 - TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ― In today's economy of budget shortfalls at the private and public level, many experts predicted Florida's legislature would hold a special session to deal with a budget deficit of millions, and Monday the announcement was made official.
States’ Funds for Jobless Are Drying Up - December 14, 2008 - With unemployment claims reaching their highest levels in decades, states are running out of money to pay benefits, and some are turning to the federal government for loans or increasing taxes on businesses to make the payment
Treasury Dept. To Step In, Save Automakers - December 12, 2008 - WASHINGTON -- The Treasury Department said Friday it's prepared to act to avoid any possible collapse of nation's three largest auto companies given that rescue efforts in Congress have failed.
Ron Paul: Bailouts Will 'Destroy the Dollar' - December 11, 2008 - U.S. Representative and former presidential candidate Ron Paul tells Newsmax that bailouts of U.S. corporations are “bad morally” — and says current federal economic policies “will literally destroy the dollar.”
Election Deception: The Web's 12 Dirtiest Tricks Nov. 3, 2008 -
If scammers have things their way -- with the help of a dozen sneaky ploys -- plenty of ballots will never make it to the boxes.
Social Security Hike Largest in 26 Years October 16, 2008 -
Rising inflation drove the 2009 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to greatly surpass this year’s 2.3 percent raise. The 5.8 percent adjustment is the highest since 1982
House GOP leader asks Bush to cut off ACORN funds - October 22, 2008 - House Republican leader John Boehner on Wednesday urged President Bush to block all federal funds to a grass-roots community group that has been accused of voter registration fraud.
Miami Complaints Blog is a good place to start if you have something to say about the way the government is run.
Landlord/Tenant Laws
Check out my Blog about Landlord/Tenant issues. Learn about how the law is written and exactly how the laws works.
Things to Think About
Things to Think About are some videos that I think everyone should know and think about so you can make your own conclusion. Go here for the things that the American should not forget and let your representitives know what you think about their policies.
Here are Some More Important Websites
Here is where you can go for more organizations that will help inform you about what is going on in the State of Florida. You can also find some help here from different organizations throughout Florida.
Quote of the Year
The word 'politics' is derived from the word 'poly', meaning 'many', and the word 'ticks', meaning 'blood sucking parasites'.