Sound Off: Do You Have Issues? (Section #5)
We are starting a fifth thread of “Sound Off”. Our fourth thread has accumulated many comments, and we want to make it easier for you to review and post comments. Please use this section to discuss issues you want to “Sound Off” about that are not yet covered on our Politically Homeless blog.
The “Sound Off” thread is provided for anyone who wants to start a discussion and/or offer an opinion concerning an important topic or issue. Our question of the month and other postings may not satisfy your interests or concerns. You don’t need to wait for the Blog Master, or someone else, to bring up a discussion topic. You can start your own open discussion forum right here.
You can review the issues and comments that have been covered in the past, just go to “Sound Off: Do You Have Issues? (Section #4), January 19” and click on “Comments”.
Let us hear from you.
posted by Blog Master @ 12:30 AM
130 Comments:
GO GATORS...BEAT THE BRUINS!!!
Went to Cliff Stearns’ town hall meeting on Saturday. He did a good job. I have been to several and yesterday was one of his best. I’m glad to see he is representing the people in his District and not just doing what the President wants him to. He has not walked the party line on some issues. He will continue to get my vote.
Linda:
Don't think we attended the same meeting.
I’m in the Stearns camp on one issue, immigration reform. Hope he and the rest of the House will fix the problem not make it worse like our U.S. Senate wants to do.
However, I’m not sure the rest of the U.S. feels the same as me. I saw poll results (AP-Ipsos survey) today that say:
(1) 56 percent of Americans favor offering illegal immigrants some kind of legal status.
(2) Democrats were more likely to support temporary worker status, with 62 percent favoring the idea. Among Republicans there was even majority support, by a narrower 52 percent.
(3) Two-thirds of Americans think illegal immigrants fill jobs that most Americans don't want.
(4) Fifty-one percent said illegal immigrants mostly make a contribution to society, and 42 percent said they were mostly a drain.
(5) There was division on how serious a crime it should be to enter the country illegally. Fifty-one percent thought it should be considered a "minor offense" and 47 percent considered it a "serious criminal offense.
Maybe the President has more support on his plan than folks like Stearns and I think he has.
Illegal is illegal. Enough of this amnesty crap. Why not let everyone have amnesty. I have a brother in prison for passing bad checks. How about an amnesty for him?
^^^And maybe the President isn't right.^^^
Immigration: Thought of the Week from Steven A. Camarota, Center for Immigration Studies.
''Advocates of legalizing illegal aliens and increasing legal immigration argue that there are no Americans to fill low-wage jobs that require relatively little education. However, data collected by the Census Bureau show that, even prior to Hurricane Katrina, there were almost four million unemployed adult natives (age 18 to 64) with just a high school degree or less, and another 19 million not in the labor force. Perhaps most troubling, the share of these less-educated adult natives in the labor force has declined steadily since 2000.''
So who’s supporting these less-educated adults who aren’t working? I bet we all know the answer to that question.
Been in the U.S. for 5 years, has a good job and speaks English, give some consideration to amnesty for an illegal immigrant.
Sounds like what Congress is debating. They may shorten the time to two years. I would go with the longer time to be sure of English skills. This is only a small part of the problem.
Don
(OTOW)
This from the Associated Press (today):
WASHINGTON -- Supporters of a guest worker program that would let illegal immigrants stay in the United States said Tuesday they don't have enough Senate votes to overcome objections from conservatives who oppose the measure on grounds it amounts to amnesty.
I would bet the number of illegals is costing our school systems some money. Saw a recent poll of 84,000 people to the question: should states fund tuition for illegal immigrants? 98% said No and 2% said Yes.
What’s Bobby D saying about the Catholic Church support of illegal immigration?
Here is the current immigration proposal making its rounds in Congress:
— Those who had been in the country the longest, more than five years, would not be required to return to their home country before gaining legal status. They would be subject to several tests, including the payment of fines and back taxes, and be required to submit to a background check, according to these officials.
— Illegal immigrants in the United States less than five years but more than two would be required to go to a border point of entry, briefly leave and then be readmitted to the United States. As with the longer-term illegal immigrants, other steps would be required for re-entry, after which they could begin seeking citizenship, these officials said.
— Illegal immigrants in the United States less than two years would be required to leave the country and join any other foreign residents seeking legal entry.
Sounds reasonable to me.
I could live with what is being floated as a solution.
Webster will have to issue a new dictionary . . .
Amnesty: All foreigners are granted citizenmship without otherwise required paperwork
and ahead of those legally seeking entry.
Illegal: There is no longer any such word. All editions of Webster are no longer valid.
Undocumented: No longer means illegal.
Stupid: Members of Congress.
The legislation has stopped in the Senate. It's not moving forward. A couple of bloggers are gettig your wish.
Big demonstartion in Ocala on the 10th to support illegal immigration.
Article published Apr 8, 2006 in Gainesville Sun
"Ocala March Planned Over Immigration Issue"
It's safe to say Edwin Quintana and David Young are on opposite sides of the battle over immigration reform. But both say they will be marching on the downtown square Monday afternoon.
Quintana is the organizer behind a march that opposes a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would make being in the country illegally a felony.
"Hispanics are part of Marion County, and growing," he said. "We make up close to 50,000 of the population of Marion County."
Young is planning a counter-protest, objecting to the growing Hispanic influence in his neighborhood in the Ocala Estates area that's commonly referred to as "Little Mexico" for its high concentration of Hispanic residents. Young emphatically rejects that name.
"It is not 'Little Mexico.' It is Ocala Estates," he said.
The Senate compromise bill at the heart of the debate fell apart Friday afternoon, leaving the immigration proposal going nowhere as Congress headed into its two-week Easter recess.
The bill, introduced by Sens. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and John McCain, R-Ariz, would have given most illegal immigrants a chance to become citizens, created a temporary guest worker program to meet the needs of business and tightened border security.
Despite the derailed bill, Quintana said he expects 700 to 1,000 people to march from Southeast Eighth Street to the downtown square Monday.
"I believe that if you've been here for some many amount of years, you should be given the opportunity to pay back taxes, start paying taxes and live out the American dream," he said.
Quintana announced Thursday that he will pay the added cost of extra police, traffic personnel and equipment for the march, estimated at $1,600. The city council voted 4-1 to waive the expenses.
Quintana and his march will cost the hispanic community lots of money that provide freebies for them. He should remember why he went through the naturalization process, or did he? anyone know if he is legal or illegal. His claim of 50,000 hispanics is probably high by about 20-25,000. But most legals I know want the process to remain -- they dont like illegals anymore than the rest of us.
The march is a bad idea. Especially in Marion county.
I'll be there.
2000 people showed up for yesterday’s immigration laws protest. Don’t know the split between those for and those against. One thing for sure there were a lot more against the law changes than the 400-500 anticipated to be there. Raises an interesting question. Are there possibly more illegals in Marion County than we think there are?
FYI: There were reported to be only 50 people demonstrating in favor of the immigration legislation.
I did not see the meeting on TV. However, as a Zanetti and Mosley supporter I'm becoming concerned about both, and thinking I may have made a mistake in voting for them.
Perhaps it's time to clean the slate. Sue is up for reelection this year. I'm going to have to do much soul searching about her.
so kelly is now able to take time out from his catholic church bashing to attend to school business.
A big problem with advisory committees and boards in the county is that many of them are made up of people with much more brainpower and experience than the elected officials they are advising. Probably part of the issue with Zanetti being against the construction advisory board. I know a couple of boards/committees that would probably do a better job running the county or our school system than the current Commission and School Board.
I am disappointed that Mrs. Zanetti would be soooo against the Construction Advisory Committee. I like Wally Waggoner and beliieve he does a good job, but I also know that architects and principals slip things into plans that are unnecessary and very costly maintenance wise -- they even slide things in private buildings! Construction Advisory Committees in particular and Citizen Advisory Committees in general are valuable. Sometimes, they might get their priorities out of whack, but they can be very valuable to elected officials and therefore, to citizens.
They need the "guidance" of staff, but should not be "led" by staff they need to be able to dig and find the skeletons. Citizen input has been severly limited with the three minute rule at City council, commission, and especially at School Board meetings, but there are times when citizens actually know more than grandstanding orators who are so impressed with their position.
--pwf
Back to immigration.
Here are some key sections of the Immigration Laws of, you guessed it, MEXICO!
1. Only professionals or investors can immigrate to the country. No unskilled laborers will be allowed in. Investors must be able to invest at least 40,000
times the daily average wage. If they can’t, they are not allowed in.
2. Immigrants may purchase property, but locations and availability will be limited. Ocean front property cannot be purchased by immigrants. It is
exclusively for citizens born in the country.
3. Immigrants cannot vote nor can they be elected to any public office.
4. Immigrants cannot collect any type of government assistance.
5. Immigrants cannot protest the countries government, policies or president.
6. Immigrants cannot display a flag of a foreign country.
7. Immigrants who have illegally entered the country will be found and imprisoned.
So what is wrong with the U.S. being equally restrictive?
WE ARE FAR TO LAX IN THE U.S. IMMIGRATION LAWS!
CANDIDATE VISIT TO OCALA
Tom Gallagher, candidate for Governor, will be in Ocala on Saturday, April 22 to help celebrate the opening of his Marion County Campaign Headquarters! The TG 2006 Marion County Headquarters is in the same building the Bush Campaign Headquarters occupied during the 2004 Presidential Election, on 17th Street next door to McCall Communications and Wood-U Furniture. Please come out and meet Tom Gallagher.
Saturday, April 22nd
11 AM – 2 PM
1510 SW 17th Street
Ocala, FL 34474
Don't count out Rod Smith. He has a very good chance.
I'm with you Dave, Rod Smith should not be taken lightly.
Gallagher can beat a Democrat, Crist can't.
I think you are on the right track. A Gallagher-Smith match would be a good one. However, remember Rod Smith is a part of our state's legislative problems. Wish we had better choices.
The "Florida Government Accountability Act" was a discussion topic on the blog several months ago. It is moving ahead toward passage.
It appears certain to pass in the final two weeks of the session, as its sponsors include the next three speakers of the House. A companion measure in the Senate has cleared one committee and is pending in a budget panel.
Every state agency would face abolition, reorganization or renewal every eight years, under a bill approved Friday by a powerful House committee.
Rep. Ray Sansom, R-Fort Walton Beach, sponsored the bill (HB 1123) to set up a 12-member commission that would review the duties and operations of every agency, including regulatory boards and commissions of state government. The panel - five House members, five from the Senate and two outsiders appointed by the legislative presiding officers - would recommend abolition, reorganization or reauthorization of agencies on an eight-year cycle.
The final decision would remain with the Legislature and Governor.
It will be a miracle if the Accountability Act makes it through the Senate. That group is in a mess and not much is happening on that side of the legislature. Many bills are dead in the water in the Senate.
Are you afraid the U.S. government is watching over your every click on the internet? Copy and paste the following to see how much you are being watched:
http://users.chartertn.net/tonytemplin/FBI_eyes/
Love the watching eyes.
Here is a report from the GrapeFruit Blog concerning progress on the term limits issue:
Momentum is building in the State Legislature to scrap a proposed constitutional amendment it overwhelmingly approved a year ago that would ask voters to extend term limits for legislators from eight to 12 years.
After having been stuck for weeks in the Senate's Ethics and Elections Committee, a bill that would yank the amendment off the November ballot suddenly breezed through the panel Monday by a 5-1 vote. Leaders in both chambers acknowledged that many more legislators are having second thoughts about the issue.
Is this a good or bad move?
I was not too convinced either way on term limits. However, let's leave it alone. We should even have limits at the local level. Could solve many problems we have.
The term limit issues has not proven itself as a good issue for taxpayers. I was solidly for it years ago, and worked to get it approved.
Now I am convinced, however, the term limits should be imposed on the STAFF members, rather than on legislators or Congress.
Generally, the legislative process is run by the staff. The best thing to improve turnover would be to ELIMINATE RETIREMENT for legislators, congress and staff members. Then perhaps we would return to citizen legislators who serve for two or three or four terms then come home to run businesses.
At the Congressional level, a man named Carrier ruined government when he air conditioned Washington. Prior to air conditioning, and this is the truth, Congress met from January to May, came home for the summer (during the very, very hot and humid days in Washington) and members of Congress actually made a living running their businesses. They returned to Washington in Mid-October for six weeks, and came back home. In 1956, members of Congress, a part time Congress, was paid as I recall $12,500. They had four paid trips back home. Now they make about $165,000 )plus about $50,000 in benefits) and they are home almost every weekend, working Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday many weeks.
This America is a great country!
--pwf
We must be around the same age (76)cause I also knew about your tid bit of political history. Yes, America is a great country!
Copy and paste this link into your browser. This is great! Don't forget to have your speakers turned up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o762HKxYMeA&search=%22The%20Right%20Brothers%22
Great video!
Finally some entertainers who don't just sing liberal anti-Bush songs. God bless "The Right Brothers".
Right on about the lobbyists!
"walkerforflorida", how is your campaign progressing?
Extending term limits is a dead issue this year, but this is still good.
Term Limits—from “JPublic” on the St. Petersburg Times Blog:
If we could just apply the same sense of urgency we applied to the Schiavo matter to all matters of the people, we could actually shorten term limits. Eight is plenty.
Extending terms limits only extends the retirement plan accounts provided by the lobbyists’ and special interest.
Our founders never intended our public offices’ to be used as retirement plans, inner-circle paybacks, or family heirlooms handed down from generation to generation.
Thank you for your service, but get out of the way of our future leaders. Sure we may lose some “institutional knowledge” and experience… we’ll live.
Frankly… I think we’ve “experienced” just about enough “institutional knowledge“ from many of you... trust me, we’ll be ok, really, move on and let the process flow for the good of our nation and our future
… not that I have an opinion on this or anything… :-/
EIGHT YEARS IS PLENTY.
Whoa, Anonymous . . . at 76 you got too many years on me. Why, I am just a youngster at 70!
When the legislature met for 60 days every two years (instead of every year) one wag suggested Florida would be better off if they met for two days every 60 years!
Might still be a good idea!
--pwf
WalkerforFlorida……
You are going to have an uphill battle against Dennis Baxley. The State Republican Party ain’t about to let his seat get away.
I’m curious as to why you aren’t entering politics at the local level. I think you have a much greater chance winning in a couple of the local races over the legislature. Why not become a county commissioner or a school board member? There are at least five potential spots where you would have an excellent chance of being elected. And God knows we need some really good people in all of these positions!
I would much rather click on to a website at “WalkerforMarion.com” than “WalkerforFlorida.com”.
For what it is worth, Dennis started his political running for . . . . . drum roll here as you try to remember . . . . . more drum roll . . . . . .
he started his career as an elected official as a State Representative. He was defeated running as a Republican for school board by a life long Republican who changed party registration (before school board was non partisan) and ran as a Democrat after the GOP told her they had already picked their candidate. The Dem was Leslie Scales.
Dennis next ran and easily won and has easily won reelection as State Representative.
--pwf
Beating Baxley will be more than an uphill battle. More like climbing Mt. Everest!
The Republican Party will give much support to Baxley. The voters will decide, as Walker says, but it takes quite a bit of money to get your message out and Baxley will get the money he needs.
If Walker can put about $300,000-$500,000 into the campaign, he might be able to make a race out of it.
Baxley has forgotten too many of the people who put him in office. WalkerForFlorida is right, he has become a liberal on spending and he is too far to the right for me on the government being involved in people’s lives.
Wasn't Mr. Baxley at one time the Mayor of Belleview?
yes - 1982
For how long did Baxley serve as mayor?
I think it was only one term. I know that he was beaten as an incumbent.
The picture is no longer there. I can imagine what a scary sight that was, probably why they took it off.
Walker....I checked out your campaign website. Man, you sound much more like the traditional Republican than a Democrat!
Go all out Walkerforflorida -- Baxley can (and should) be beaten. People are really sick of him.
James Walker has two potential problems to overcome in upsetting Dennis Baxley. (1) Baxley has a well entrenched ultra-conservative Republican support base and Walker may have difficulty in gaining support from an offsetting group of local, left-leaning (liberal) Democrats because he appears to be more Republican than Democrat. If the left part of the Dems shows election apathy, Walker will have a problem. (2) money, money, money…….. Walker better have a big campaign account! He will need every penny.
Just my opinion. I have already been wrong about my prediction of local Republican “unity”. School Board election is not a good example of unity.
I smell upset!
Upset? NO WAY!!!
To me a key issue is returning government to the people. I’m talking about good old “local home rule”. Too many things are being imposed on local government and local citizens. Let’s get the Tallahassee bunch out of our business on things that are not their concern.
Walker: Our state roads around here are a mess.
Walker: A PS to the above post.
What do you think of Tom Gallagher"s education plan, if he is elected governor?
We agree and disagree. I agree that people are getting tired of state government blaming the federal government for all its problems, counties blaming the state, and cities blaming the counties. Everyone is passing the buck. Make politicians responsible.
I disagree with you on Gallagher’s education plan. I like it, other than he wants to take too long to implement it. I'm also not sure I trust our local school board to have the independence you would like to see it have.
If Mr. Walker is looking for issues, how about the cost of homeowner's insurance and even getting coverage?
Where's James Walker on Elton's question?
Cretul's bill passed all the assigned committees. It was placed on the bill calendar to be heard before the entire house. It stalled in the senate. It will be back.
Mr. Walker: I think you may have misunderstood my question. Yes, I know that UF has its own domestic partners policy. My question related to extending what UF is doing to ALL State agencies and paid for by State funds. Rep. Cretul’s bill is not the issue.
I want to determine where you stand on making domestic partner benefits available to all State employees at taxpayer expense. It is not an important factor as to whether or not I vote for you, but would like to know your position.
The latest Quinnipiac University poll, released today, has a lot of data on what issues are foremost on the minds of Floridians. No. 1 was education at 19 percent. Immigration was next at 13 percent, followed by overcrowding/overpopulation and hurricanes at 7 percent each. Then a tie with economy and home/property insurance at 6 percent each. Open space/urban sprawl rates 4 percent. Energy comes in at 3 percent, along with the environment, health care, taxes and "politicians/campaigns." Crime at 2 percent.
How comparable/different is Baxley’s House District to the state results is the big question for Walker and Baxley to determine. Don’t see any of those Values Issues that Baxley is known for on the state-wide list.
I wouldn't put too much faith in statewide results. I imagine Baxley has a good fix on what the people in his district are concerned about and I imagine there are some value issues on the list.
Mr. Walker: I'm satisfied with both of your responses. Look forward to hearing more about you during the campaign. Your position on "values" is so true.
"walkerforflorida.com"
For a Democrat, you actually make sense!
Walker better call on the Texas Rangers!
He’s going to need all the help he can get to beat Dennis Baxley. Political conventional wisdom says, he is going to need 1 ½ to 2 times the money Baxley raises to even have a competitive race against an entrenched incumbent. Based on a comparison of “current” campaign accounts and Baxley just getting back into fundraising—post legislative session—that means Walker needs about $147,000-$196,000. He has about $3,000.
With all the new voters we have in the County, it takes a lot of money to get your message out. By the time it gets closer to Election Day, the money required will likely be in the range of $250,000-$300,000.
Good luck Mr. Walker trying to get that kind of money from local Democrats!!!
GOOD POINTS!
YOU MAY HAVE A CHANCE IF BAXLEY KEEPS MAKING QUOTES LIKE THAT.
I like Walker's position on contributions. Can he compete against Baxley and stay true to his position?
"IDEARAISER SCHEDULED"
This was posted in the section about “100 Innovative Ideas”. Have moved it to a more frequently used section. If you have not attended one of the Idearaisers, recommend you do so. They are very good.
------------------------------
baxley4florida said...
We invite you to attend Marion County's next "Idearaiser", on Monday, June 12. The "Idearaiser" will begin at 7:00PM, and will be held at the Silver Springs Community Center, 590 Silver Rd., Ocala, FL 34472. Please join us as we discuss your ideas for improving Florida’s Future. Representatives Dennis Baxley and Dean Cannon will be hosting the event.
In case you missed it a letter in the newspaper today. The last sentence says it all! The young man, Walker, may not win, but he may make things interesting.
"Clowning Around"
If you were to look up the word "useless," you would have to go no farther than the B's for Baxley.
State Rep. Dennis Baxley is not country common, he is just plain common. I am tired of his pontificating, God, country, family and church on Sunday.
He gloated because Sens. Evelyn Lynn and Nancy Argenziano didn't get their district appropriations. Play the game girls, he said, or Uncle Jeb will spank you.
This clown Baxley is more interested in playing politics than he is representing the wishes of his constituents.
J.R. Cavanaugh
Ocala
PHOOEY!! WALKER WON'T COME CLOSE.
GO TO BAXLEY'S IDEARAISER ON MONDAY IF YOU HAVEN'T ATTENDED ONE. THE ONE I WENT TO WAS VERY GOOD. PEOPLE HAD A LOT OF GOOD IDEAS. WHETHER BAXLEY AND OTHERS DO ANYTHING WITH THEM IS TO BE SEEN.
Well, it was not "Baxley's Idea Raiser." It was the Florida Idea Raiser of Speaker to be Rubio, Sansom and Cannon, and it is important enough that Rep. Cannon, who has a very pregnant wife, took time to come from Orlando to facilitate the discussion.
As is frequently the case (unfortunately) the crowd at Silver Springs Shores was small, perhaps 45-50, but the discussion was good, most of the ideas were solid, well thought out suggestions on proposed legislation, and I suspect some will be implemented in the future.
Water supply, protection, and water management districts came off asd some of the biggest topics of discussion as could be expected, tied into growth management, traffic congestion, lack of infrastructure, immigration, property and casualty insurance issues ... these were some of the major discussions in the 75-90 minute time frame.
As a somewhat cynical curmudgeon who has attended meetings like this for 50 years, I was impressed with the meeting. Those attending were serious and committed to their issues. The topics were good. I was impressed with Rep. Cannon, and only time will tell if Rubio, Samson and Cannon will be strong enough to take the 100 issues that make their way into the book they will publish and guide them into reforms and law.
Rep. Cannon and Local State Rep. Dennis Baxley were hosted by the SSS Community Assn., and as always, they were excellent hosts to us interlopers! Good meeting, well worth the time.
--pwf
In ref. to Walker’s comments in the Banner today. I’m disappointed in Mr. Walker. I was hoping for more substance. He has already fallen into the Democrat trap of “quick to criticize but offer nothing”. Maybe it has taken 12 years for the Republicans to wake up. But there also seems to be a new type of leadership takinf over in the Party (examples Rubio and Cannon).
Two questions for Mr. Walker: (1) Why haven’t the Florida Democrats come up with a better plan than the Republicans in the past 12 years? (2) How many ideas did you present last night—I didn’t attend, so would like to know?
I read the “new” five-page Democrat direction statement put together by Karen Thurman. To me, more of the same...a lot of fluff and no substance.
So Mr. Walker, I want to hear less criticism and more of your 100 Big Ideas and how you are going to get them approved!
A reasonable response. However, it will be interesting to see how much State Dem support you get if you aren't using the direction in the party's "position paper".
Admire your independence,but the Democrats are just as nasty as the Republicans to those who don't toe the line. And your opponent Baxley is a master at toeing the party line.
From someone who is not a partisan (but I am a long time Republican)for whatever problems may exist with implemention with A++, FCAT and other initiatives undertaken by Jeb Bush and the GOP, these things can not be disputed:
1. Education in Florida (and nationally) was a disaster under administrations led by Democrats.
2. Test scores are improving.
3. The percentage of increase in spending for PUBLIC education has increased many fold under Bush and the GOP than the percentage of increse EVER under administrations led by Dems.
4. The quality of teachers has improved in the past dozen years.
Where we go in the future will be guided by these three speakers more so than by Governors.
--pwf
Walker:
You need to be sure that you get your message out to as many Republicans as possible. I think there are many of us who want an independent thinking State Representative for a change. You don’t seem one of those left wing nuts the Democrats are famous for and from what I am learning about you, you will get my vote.
Any of my Marion County friends who think that electing Democrats is going to “SAVE” Marion County should read this letter from one of my neighbors in Alachua County.
“Just Look At What They've Done Here”
Sean Lebowitz (June 9), president of the UF Law School Democrats, stated that "Americans will take back our country in November." By inference, Lebowitz suggests that a government that is run by Democrats is the answer to all our prayers.
In case Lebowitz hasn't noticed, Alachua County and Gainesville are governed almost exclusively by Democrats. Despite having the highest property, gas and sales taxes in the state, this area has poor roads and terrible traffic. Our elected officials cannot coordinate the construction of new schools to where homes are being built. They cannot provide parks and recreation services for their community and the homeless situation grows worse each day.
These Democratic officials told us there were over 14,000 people in the county who worked full-time yet couldn't obtain health insurance. It turns out it is actually 200. And Lebowitz wants to do to the country what these people have done to the county?
To William Hedges (June 10) who complained that his former student, an Estonian-born naturalized American citizen who is embarrassed by President Bush so therefore refers to herself as an "Estonian living in the United States," why doesn't she move back to Estonia so she can live without the shame and ridicule? The answer is that the opportunity and prosperity that she has under President Bush is unmatched anywhere in the world.
To Ray Thomas (June 11) who stated that as "university faculty members we are expected to accept salaries below those of our colleagues in the private sector": You have free will and can go anywhere you like for as much money as you like. In the private sector however, one would have to work rather than just pen George Bush hate mail.
Simon B. Cantley,
Gainesville
(Gainesville Sun—6/13)
R or D, does it really matter? Read the first two sections of the letter and it sounds just like Marion County. Maybe both counties need some Independents or Libertarians. Would they be any worse?
As a local radio host would say: "and that's the truth".
John Lund couldn't have said it any better!!
James Walker has a real uphill battle. He would get my vote if I was in the district he represents. A refreshing change to politics as usual.
Have a Happy Father's Day!
I attended the Idearaiser mentioned above. It was an excellent way to get input from citizens of the county. The Democrats have taken their shots at the idearaisres, probably because they aren't clever enough to think of it own their own. I do not see any local Democrats who are going to replace any of the Republicans currently in office.
DAVID VS. GOLIATH!
Check out a good article about James Walker and his campaign versus Dennis Baxley. Copy and paste:
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/06/18/news_pf/Tampabay/Soldiers__new_battles.shtml
A really great article. I learned much about James Walker.
I finally got to hear James Walker speak. I like him and what he stands for.
Does anyone know anything about Mickey Thurman? He is running against Larry Cretul for State Representative.
It's Macky Thurman - actually McLin Thurman. He's the son of former Congresswoman and current FDP Chair Karen Thurman. He's a teacher at Dunnellon Middle School I think.
He's not the most polished candidate, but he's down to earth and comes across as a "good ole boy" - in the good sense of the term. His family connections are going to ensure a well funded campaign in a district that Republicans - at least demographically - have no business holding.
The spelling of his name is “Mackie”. I know him from his teaching days. Don’t think he is still a teacher. The incorrect spelling of his first name “Mickey” is a much better fit for him! He doesn’t come close to James Walker as a good candidate for State Representative. Too bad Walker’s mother won’t be able to strong arm all the Democrats to give money to his campaign like Thurman’s will.
Actually, it's "Macky." His website, which isn't fully up and running yet is www.mackythurman.com.
I believe Macky is correct spelling. Although I have also seen it Mackie. I agree, he doesn't seem as strong a candidate as James Walker. I hope my Party will not favor Thurman over Walker, in financial support.
James Walker is most likely going to have to make it on his own. I’d bet he is too damn independent minded for Mama Thurman. She can at least tell her son what to do. I doubt that’s the case with Walker. Could be a good reason for people to vote for Walker and not Bubba Thurman. We need more politicians who aren’t controlled by their party.
AMEN TO WHAT RIVER RAT HAS SAID!
Walker vs. Baxley and Townley (if he runs) vs. Kelly will be the best races in town!
They'll both be barn burners.
Baxley better spend more time worrying about James Walker than writing letters of support for Tom Gallagher!
I sure hope some of our personal- freedom-infringing politicians don't enact legislation on this issue!!!
“Mexico Just Says No to Funky Baby Names”
Oh baby! You can make it, carry it around for nine months and bring it onto the planet whenever, wherever and with whomever you’d like (theoretically, at least), but when it comes to naming it, one Mexican state says you’d better say adios to your favorite funky baby names.
Authorities in the state of Chihuahua are enforcing a new set of rules — extremely specific rules at that — on what the baby-makers can call their kiddos, KVIA reports.
It seems the state was displeased with a rash of tots running around with odd, creative and foreign names, so it decided to issue a reminder of what’s considered appropriate and what isn’t.
Among the names deemed “improper” by the state are Lluvia, which means rain, Azul, which means blue and Kevin, which means … well, who knows.
The rules dictate that if parents must name their child a foreign-sounding name, then it has to be followed by a Spanish middle name, like Maria.
And there’s more.
Parents who dare to be different by tricking up the spelling of a name better think twice — only “common spellings” are going to fly.
But bewildered baby-namers should know: the government insists it's not out to steal their moniker-making thunder, rather they’re just trying to prevent the kids from a lifetime of ridicule and legal troubles.
You know it's an election year. Please don't give any of our politicians ideas about topics for legislative action. I can just see legislation requiring all new babies have at least an English sounding middle name. Don't laugh, we have some numb skulls running who would do that!
Check out the website Macky Thurman (Larry Cretuls’ opponent). Most of the website is incomplete. It is a disaster! Thurman claims to be a family oriented candidate and not a single picture of his family. What a fraud!!!
Also, I guess he is embarrassed to be a Democrat. He doesn’t even have his party affiliation, as required by law, included in the disclaimer tag at the bottom of his website.
www.mackythurman.com
I saw some of Thurman's campaign literature. He's got the family picture - with Mama Thurman smack dab in the middle.
yep, and thurman accuses cretul of being part of the political power machine in tallahassee. guess he doesn’t consider the fact his mama is chair of the florida democratic party as relevant. she is likely also the chair of all of his political thinking. macky, better be cautious about casting those political influence stones at others. he may get a few thrown right back at himself.
A friend sent this to me and I wanted to share. Have a nice evening!
__________________________________
People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, there may be jealousy;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
You see in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
-- Mother Theresa
Thank you for bringing us back down to earth.
Great thoughts from "inspirational". I know two very fine local gentlemen who seem to live their lives by these thoughts: Parnell Townley and Larry Cretul.
Not too many political types out there who can follow what Mother Theresa writes.
The All America PAC blog has posted a grassroots-style video on YouTube today with footage recorded this past July 4th. It features interviews with everyday Americans discussing the effect high gas prices have had on their lives and declaring their own energy independence.
With rising gas prices and growing Middle East instability, a national policy that moves us toward greater energy independence only makes sense. Unfortunately, much of Washington today produces only nonsense.
So, what do we do? This video suggests the beginning of an answer to that question.
Copy and paste: www.youtube.com/watch?v=okY2hPl4Hpc
After you view the video on the All America PAC blog or on YouTube, please take a moment to comment. Or better yet, record your own video response. Talk about how high energy costs are hurting you, your family, and your livelihood. Tell us what you are doing to cut back on energy use and consumption.
Ryan Alexander
All America PAC
ryan@allamericapac.com
Yes, the Republicans have lost their way.
Do you think the Crist campaign may have had something to do with the ethics investigation?
Lost Our Way appears to take on Gallagher for all the evils of the world. Has he looked at Crist?
Best bet for Florida of the bunch running appears to be Rod Smith.
--pwf
Smith as governor would be the best thing that could happen for north central Florida. With all the political power right now centered in Dade and Broward, a shift northward might make a big difference in the funding issues we've faced.
As soon as we can see Rod in a televised debate, the rest of the state will find out why Rod is THE Democrat to beat Charlie Crist.
You just gotta love that Nancy Argenziano. She ripped Dennis Baxley a new one in today’s Star-Blunder. She helped make a good case for me to vote for young James Walker. If Crist wins, Baxley is political dead meat. If Smith or Davis wins, he is also dead meat. So why not give a new guy a chance to establish some political allies in Tallahassee? That’s what I’m going to do because Baxley’s boy Gallagher doesn’t have a chance.
See that Crist is getting the backing of the gun folks. What will Baxley think about that? His bud Gallagher isn't being supported by one of Baxley's favorite groups.
Macky Thurman,
I feel that Larry Cretul has done a very good job for us. What do you think you can do better than what he is doing?
Don
(OTOW)
As a public school teacher I see the problems facing schools with FCAT, Students that range in age from 12 to 16 in the same class and grade level. Education is headed for disaster if we do not change the system and Retain teachers. 50% of the teachers in FL. leave teaching in the first 5 years because of low salaries or better offers in other states. We are 47th in the nation in graduation rates and 2nd worst in preschool in the nation. Are money spent per student is lower then the national average by $1500 dollars that is 40th in the nation. We can do better then that my kids are in public schools and I want them to have better then that.
Property insurance bill this year is forcing businesses to close and working families to subsidize the houses on the coast. For example my house that I live in I bought for $85,000 my previous insurance covered the house for $100,000 dollars. This year they cancelled my policy and the same coverage through the same carrier is now $800 dollars more a year. That is almost one of my paychecks. This is not the way to represent the people and you can see the examples all the way acroos the state they are forcing people out of their houses. Mr. Cretul voted for this bill and we can do better then this for our families.
We need to realize that healthcare in the state of Florida is out of control and understand that their are other oppurtunities for affordable perscription drugs out their and make healthcare available to all people. The state funded health care program for kids, called Kid care had 337,559 children enrolled their were 116,687 on the waiting list however instead of providing the necesaary funding for the program the legislature decided to cut funding by 1 million dollars and pass the expenditure on to the tax payers of Florida when they have a 5 billion dollar surplus in the budget. When people have health care it is cheaper to the people of Florida because insurance companies negotiate prices with hospitals and doctors.
Under the current leadership the tax burden on families has risen from 10% to 14% we need to give are children the same oppurtunities that we had when we were children right now they are not getting those chances that is why we need a change and true leadership in Tallahassee.
Their were alot of programs that were designated to come to marion county that were vetoed because of politics. Such as 1 million dollare to the horse industry, money for the substance abuse program at the centers. These are the things that get away from the people of distict 22 when their is a lack of leadership and the representatives do not tell the govenor that these are important programs to the area. This is why we need a change.
if you have any more questions please contact me or visit my web site @ mackythurman.com
Thank You,
Macky Thurman
Mr. Thurman,
Where do you teach and what subjects?
Dunnellon Middle School 6th and 8th Grade Science for 2 years and a Year at FT. McCoy School 6th Grade Science. I earned my degree in Marine Biology and a minor in Biology. I worked out at Progress energy The Mariculture Center As a hatchery technician Before I went into teaching.
Zogby polls have Charlie Crist leading Tom Gallagher by 20 points in the Republican primary (38 percent undecided), and Jim Davis leading Rod Smith by 5 points (58 percent undecided).
Past voting history indicates that the undecideds generally break in roughly the same percentage as the decideds, except in runaway races where the undecideds break disproportionally in favor of the winner. Anyone aware of any major statewide race in the last 25 years, where the undecideds broke 3 to 1 in favor a candidate down better than 2 to 1 a month before the election?
What say you Mr. Baxley? Are you riding the wrong horse?
Mr. Thurman,
Your post is a little confusing. Are you teaching in any of the Marion County Schools now?
Mr. Thurman isn't going to respond because he is positioning himself as a teacher and is no longer one. Tells you something about his "integrity".
I have found more lies on this blog and the only way I found it was because someone onto the lies on this site had to TOTALLY walk me through posting here. First of all David Alvarez has NEVER been bankrupt OR worked for a bankrupt company. Some DINGDONG apparently pulled up Microdine (co he was CEO at) and it showed bla bla bankruptsy but if you click on it you find THAT COMPANY BOUGHT BANKRUPT COMPANIES!!!! Also, Sue Mosely said TO ME over the tabloid talk show host Bobby Dee that Judy Zanetti could varify that David Alverez was to "be her campaign manager" and that was a TOTAL LIE Sue told me PUBLICLY on the radio station!! Unlike most people I CHECKED Sue Mosley's lie out and Mrs Zanetti knew nothing of any such deal David Alvarez had made with Mosley. I have known Sue for years and found her gig to go like this.....when she is caught in a lie she throws her arms up, starts crying like Tammy Faye and makes herself to be a "victim" to distract people from her voting record. She even went on the Bobby Dee show and said how parents should go to athletic functions WITH THEIR CHILD vs depending on the school system to film it. Well, her daughter cheered with my daughter and I never saw her come WITH her daughter to anything in high school. So,her daughter pulled every stunt she could think of to get mom's attention to include wearing her pajamas to Forest High School AFTER her mom was a School Bd member!!! Her child finally moved out as a high school senior. I LOVE THAT CHILD!!!! I truly believe that child LOVES ME TOO because she KNOWS I would go to bat for her as I already have before. At her grandmother's funeral (Sue's mother) it was ME that comforted that lovely child at her Grandma's funeral and NOT her mother.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Removed duplicate posting.
The fact is that I Decided not to return to teaching so I could concentrate on the election full time, I was teaching and decided the best way to solve the problems was to stand up and do something about it. When you are at school dealing with students and families that can not afford health insurance, clothes, medications, or have to send their kids to school because they can not afford to stay home with their sick child. This is why I am running because these are the families that are forgot about. These are parents who want their children to have good healthcare, Quality schools and affordable health insurance. I can serve the families and citizens of Florida better as a State Representative. That is what I plan on doing in the house. The reason I feel so strongly about this is because I do beleive integrity is one of the key responsibilities as a Teacher, a marine Biologist, and a father.
Every time I talk about being a teacher it is in the past. and I also I am coaching my son's football team, Which I am very proud of I will answer any questions you have on my email or you can give me a call.
Thank You,
Macky Thurman
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