Closing 2010 in FL

Well my friends.... it's time to say sionarah to 2010.   None too soon?  Yeah, me too. 

The mid term elections were not at all kind to Florida.  We have a new Governor who comes to us as the largest fraud indictment and prosecution in the history of Medicare.  His proposals are already despair invitation.  We gained Marc Rubio for a state Senator.  My district has to weather whatever nastiness new Rep. Alan West manages to make happen... every one of these mentions will not just ignore our direst needs for environmental protection and assisting the poor... they have proclaimed their vows to work against any kind of resolution to these blights'.  Corporate America won the state of Florida in the mid term elections of 2010 and as far as I can tell, it's the largest hit global climate change re: issues local, took.  Consider the healthy new infusion the mega big banks just took with a renewed 'rocket docket' for foreclosures in Tallahassee... with a proven corrupted Governor coming to take up a four year run...fresh from the uproar of trying to pay off his employed election staffers with bogus gift cards.  Geeze.  

We've just endured the hottest (by temperature) year on record in the 130 years since these records began being kept with accuracy.  

While Haiti, our neighbor!, started out the year with a nation destroying earthquake, the rest of the year witnessed unprecedented humanitarian disasters throughout Asia.  

The worlds' gravest 'hot zone' traveled from the LA Cali coast deep into the heart of Russia.  Fires there were due to its hottest summer on record and massive drought. The crop failures and human hardship and death that resulted are, unfortunately, a sign of things to come if we don’t clean up our act fast.

Heart broken, I have to acknowledge that the Climate Change AND the Clean Energy bills have both been overwhelmed into a death FIRSTLY because of the inaction and weakness of Obama's leadership on this front and the partnership of Republican obstructionism.  Fuckers, both.   It's shameful that intelligent people are sucked up by corporate Earth.  But the evidence is compelling our awareness to grasp that this President is a corporate hack.  The Rethugs even opposed their own strategies for combating climate change.... I mean the American political reality has gone mad!

We witnessed an event of unprecedented environmental disaster man made with the Gulf / BP Oil Spill.  Six months of highest attention via the media, the resulting calamities to man and his nature while the lame, lack of cause, lack of action White House further screwed the pooch as it drew out.... resulting in the destruction of bathos in the Gulf of Mexico.  There is no diminishing this.  It's dire.  And equally ignored.  While the Obama White House has filed suit again BP, FINALLY, the damage is done and it will, if it follows past experience, hang fire til perdition boils up.   This President has failed as an environmental leader... probably the most vital leadership we really do require at this time. 

Climate Science Finds a Ton More Evidence that We’re Screwing Ourselves (or, more accurately, our children and grandchildren), Even Worse than Previously Thought

From the finding that global warming can be blamed for a 40% decline in the ocean’s phytoplankton to the finding that future temperatures could exceed human livability to the finding that sea levels could rise 3 times faster than the IPCC has estimated to the possible creation of astounding, decades-long droughts to the fact that soils are emitting more CO2 as the world warms to the possibility that we are causing the largest mass extinction in the fossil record and currently have put about 1/5 of all animal species at risk of extinction to the fact that we could increase temperatures 13-18°F over most of the U.S. and 27°F in the Arctic in the next 50 years, the top climate science stories of the year are not uplifting.   Lovely, eh?

(from Planetsave:)

And here’s one stimulated by Joe Mohr’s answer to my question “what are the top environmental stories of the year so far” in the middle of the year. Joe said:

Same as it is every year; the creation of cheap useless crap. Our economy (based on chrematistics) creates phony needs for useless junk. We then deal with the environmental outfall of producing, transporting, consuming, and wasting said junk. The whole process is a toxic mess that poisons our air, water, and soil. Until we can really discern between needs and wants with our own critical minds, this environmental, economic, and social disaster will perpetuate.

I would add onto this our irresponsible addiction to and daily dependence on automobiles, coal, and a meat-based diet. These are the drivers of the environmental problems that damage our health, quality of life, and future livability on our planet.

China wins the award for considering and implementing the solutions to global warming, pollution and green technology.  They are ahead of every other major industrial nation in working towards manifesting solutions.

I found the video of Gary singing Suicide is Painless, because I can't find anyone who did not have a difficult year.  My pic for most difficult .... Mother Earth.  

This year has watched Corporate America take a foothold, once again, and seems to have a strong ally in the White House.   Corporate Earth is doing it's collective best to destroy our home.  And we allow it by voting for asshatts or not voting at all.  We allow by not getting up and out and making a demonstration against the wrongness of corporate profiteering over the sanctity of our HOME!  So, I picked Gary and his song to drive home an awareness that we a committing species extinction!  Why do so many think that

Suicide Is Painless?  

Let's do better next year? 

Early voters....

It's Monday the 18th in the Sunshine State.   What rats is gettin' killed?

It's all rah rah sis boom bah for Marco Rubio ... in polling.  Will that hold?  Is the Tea bagger er, Party serving the feast or are Democrats going to rise to the occasion?  I can't help but think that Independents and many Dems are going to reach out for Gov. Crist in the Senate seat run.  All I can truly say is, that gosh it's not that wimp Harry Reid vs the crazy batshit woman Angle in Nevada!  They say she might actually win!  OMG!  Voting Americans really want this kind of lunacy in their government?  Gee! 

[As early voting gets underway Monday, these and other probing questions were put to two of Florida's best political minds: Republican Brett Doster, who led George W. Bush's successful re-election campaign in Florida in 2004, and Democrat Steve Schale, who was at the helm of President Barack Obama's victory here in 2008.]  Miami Herald

Our local economy is off anywhere between 25 to 40% ... how can this bode well for any incumbents?  You have to wonder.   Still, [Customers who used to ring up a $45 tab now stop at one pizza and a two liter soda, said owner Robert Behzadi. The single father of two now works seven days a week.

Behzadi says he doesn't always vote -- but will pick Republicans this time because when the GOP were in charge ``the economy was good.'']   Yes, well, mr. republicans make the economy good... on the backs of Democratic policies and legislature.  And what did that Republican economy get you?  Near fiscal collapse... the rhetoric has found it's bullseye.  And Obama's middle of the road stand with Rethugs is boomeranging. 

I'm feeling extraordinarily hornswaggled.  By my Democrat leadership.  And so is a significant number of us.  Big assed phoney baloney money in middle classed Boca Raton are voting for the like of batshit crazy Alan West, who openly advocates armed rebellion over voting!   Tells you where the mentality of public is.  Faux News central.  It's an OMfG story up and down the block!  

So take a peek at this:

In Boynton Beach, city manager Kurt Bressner has noticed an uptick in domestic violence calls and shut offs for not paying utility bills. Delinquencies on utlity bills has roughly quadrupled the past two years to about $1.8 million -- both a reflection of non-payment and vacant properties. 

I can go further, down the street from me a huge power cable is strung across the road through the evening and in the morning.... I'm encouraged to notice a sense of community where neighbors are extending some help to one another~!

Cesar DaCosta, 54, struggled in English to explain his disagreement with Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio over legislation that would grant citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants who are in college or the military.
``The Republicans say no to everything,'' said DaCosta, a Democrat, after loading six-packs of Malta soft drinks into his trunk. ``The students who come here at five years old or seven years old, the kids, are not the problem.''
Also loading groceries was Nelson Alvarez, a 37-year-old computer technician who said he is leaning toward Rubio because ``he's more on the level than some of those tea party guys.'' Alvarez, a Republican, voted for Obama for president.
``It's one of those things you wish you could do over,'' he said. ``I don't think he's to blame for everything, but the things on his agenda have never come up.''  - Miami Herald
In a nutshell... friends and neighbors... this is it all over the country. 

 

As this plays out you have to notice, only the larger races or the more crazy folks running races are being covered.  I don't even see any state wide news on Alan Grayson.  What's up with that?  Is he leading or loosing?  [``It's the battle over who is less likable,'' said Sutton, a Republican. ``It's a turnoff when you have to wade through all the mud.''

Sutton was especially indignant about an ad aired by Democratic congressman Alan Grayson that selectively used remarks by Republican Daniel Webster to suggest that he thinks women should be subservient to men. With the GOP to take over Congress, Grayson is among the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents.
``That should amount to political suicide to throw stuff around like that,'' Sutton said.]  Evidently Mr. Sutton has the genius mark of Republican double standards in check.  Geesh.  This needs no smartassed commentary from me.... let alone the fact that Alan Grayson is using drama to  expose the actual attitude and ethic of his opponent.  Mr. Sutton obviously likes his women subservient?  Mr. Sutton is more interested in Article 4 on the ballot, which intends to stop run away over development and allow the community a say in plans for any development.  Not much assured for profit there ... is there?   Corporate voting.... not so much for me.  How about you?

Whats' extraordinarily crazy is that Republicans who were led to make a choice for Obama in the last big election feel just as cheated as the Democrats and are going to vote the 'party line' even though they are scared that Rick Scott is probably dishonest.  How do label that one in the dumb or dumber category?  I'm confused.  

 

The overall problem in the state of Florida, President Obama has let the people down and the vote in 2010 will reflect it.  They will pick stupid over substantial solutions because the fear card is trumping the intelligence card.  And those who crossed the isle to vote Democratic are the most upset and urging others to vote a straight Republican ticket

and this being Florida

they are pretty much doing it.  The truth is

it ain't over til the fat lady sings.  

I'll post when I know.... lol.

 

 

 

Paradise Plundered, again and again.

The Rightwingnuts made their annual pilgrimage this week to Washington DC for the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).  Among the hucksters and Rethug liars to present at the podium was Marco Rubio... you know? the Miami - Dade County lobbyist past speaker of the FL House?  Charlie Crist might not be such a poor Senatorial candidate to consider, I'm thinking (and most of this blog will state my reasons for this twist of thought).  Such fine lobbyist creds have endowed Rubio with nearly carte blanche from the corporate interests (whomever they reveal themselves to be) ala newly released laws by SCOTUS.  For me, a dedicated liberal and Democrat (in that order btw), the bloggers over at Eye On Miami  keep giving me actionable reasons to support the current Gov., Mr. Crist.  Mr. Rubio is running a campaign ala Vote Cuban! Samba.

But here is the reasoning spelled out and intimately connective to past blogs here be monsters:

Michelle Spence-Jones, down in District 5 - Liberty City, re-ran for the office she was removed from by Gov. Crist, in the event of her corruption charges.  Not to beat this dead horse too long, suffice to say her appeal has been turned down even as her seat on the City Commission has been  duped by one Rev. Richard Dunn... who, btw, promises to make a "good fight", beginning with a demand to be made chairman of the $100 million Community Redevelopment Agency (a holder of funds earmarked for economic development in Overtown and so much more! Like the Miami-Dade Empowerment Trust.)  The REID REPORT calls this the "D5 Hustle!"  No shit, same office, same workers, same ole same ole.   But in this case, the Community Redevelopment Agency is bedrock for the traditional corruption plaguing District 5 since the Overtown riots.  And if you keep current with "Eye on Miami" blog or the Miami Herald you are aware of the relentless motion that continues on the City Commission, in this 'tradition' [as I have been told... it's about an urban polyculture anchor of politico's simply keeping a predetermined sorority / fraternity in place]  a time honored American political tradition, to be sure.   Less than 12% of the community votes and the votes were for Spence-Jones.  As they say, Miami is zoned for serial corruption and it is no wonder that D5 exists in apathy clinging to iconoclasm.

Until someone new, bright and shinning comes along to upset the same ole same ole.   The truth shimmers still on inner city / urban / metro elections (sans mayorial)  as unattractive to the 18-40 year old demographic, but Michelle Spense-Jones is doing little worrying about her eventual outcomes... not written in the cards but solid in unspoken rules of play to pay politics (that are hanging on by the thinnest of threads and the age of those who uphold it) goes about the waiting game until she is returned to her seat at the City Commission ousting Rev.  Dunn.  Can I have an Amen?   Shit.  

My care and attention to the Spence-Jones outcome is relative to my care for the services of a special group of people who are genuinely devoted to building something lasting, evolving and tourism based in the heart of Liberty City.  Working everyday to further the creativity and initiatives of "Osun's Village".  Nathaniel Styles and Harlan Woodard are supporting indigenous and African / Caribbean diaspora influenced artisans - industry to engage a new tourism inside of District 5.  This is a new community effort to bring the flow of green directly into Liberty City and revive local business.  All the work they have so far accomplished shows, yet they require the support of political integrity and ethics.  Since Michelle Spence-Jones has been charged with stealing funds intended to support Osun's Village projects, the disposition of her ongoing status in relationship to governing of Liberty City is of concern.   You need to DO RIGHT when you take the up the responsibility of community.  Period.  [The photo on the left from left to right includes Chief Nathaniel B. Styles, Jr. Olosun, Dillard University President Dr. Marvalene Hughes, Gov. Charlie Crist and Harlan E. Woodard.]

Moving forward: I am a member of the Democratic Party of the State of Florida and volunteer in assisting the goals and challenges of it.  Of late I have given time and some small effort to raising awareness and working towards electing Rep. Kendrick Meek to the vacated Senate seat now being chewed on by Rubio and Crist.  The more research and digging I do, the more I realize just how damn short on substance and due diligence my Party seems to be in the state.  Rep. Meek has successfully petitioned for and is running for this Senate seat.   He has the tacit support of the FL Dems.  But here's the thing: I'm pulling my support for him, and this is why;

Two months prior to her retirement at election time in 2003, Rep. Carrie Meek stepped aside in the election to allow her son to take her place.  Damn smart politics.  Kendrick Meek is no slouch, he has experience and ideally, an integrity that his mother carried into her service to the state and nation.  Carrie Meek is a genuine Florida Woman Hall of Fame-er.  First African American woman elected to the Congress from the state.  I remember Carrie Meek in the 1970's.  She has accomplished a great deal.  So, when she came to her get off place in the road, she played smart politics... a family tradition was created when son Kendrick stepped into her seat, extremely easily.  Still, Ms. Meek cut a smart piece of lobbyist pie for her retirement plan with the City Commission of Miami.  On the face of it, it does not demonstrate 'play for pay' political rigging or stomping.  But the legacy of women on the Miami City Commission includes Ms. Meek and play to pay politics are implicated with both Meeks'. I refer to the tangled web over the Miami - Dade Empowerment Trust and all of the fall out surrounding it.  A hugely corrupt operation that includes both Meek's involvement without having to even consider no due diligence.  Due diligence is banned in the District 5 zone.  The now Kendrick Meek is asking for our support in a Senatorial run?

Nope, no can do.  And frankly, if another Democrat candidate runs against him in a re-election bid upcoming for the seat he does hold, I will take a strong look at supporting that.  The circular corruption and fiscal irresponsibility (so well documented by the Miami Herald in Poverty Peddlers) in District 5 Dade County needs to be addressed with integrity.  And the 18-45 demographic of voters needs to be engaged. 
Here is something about the Miami Herald series, well worth the time to read.

About the series

Poverty Peddlers is the continuation of a Miami Herald series published in June that revealed sweeping problems at a celebrated biopharmaceutical park proposed in Liberty City.
The newspaper found that developer Dennis Stackhouse diverted more than $500,000 from the project through double billing and questionable expenses while paying a host of political insiders to rally support for the plan.
The nonprofit agency that sponsored the project - The Miami-Dade Empowerment Trust - was supposed to monitor the developer's spending, but no reports were produced nor were any audits conducted, the newspaper found.
After the series was published, Miami-Dade County leaders killed the deal and broke all ties with the trust, while local prosecutors began a criminal investigation. After three months, prosecutors charged Stackhouse last week with improperly bundling campaign contributions. The investigation into the project's finances continues, prosecutors say.
While the newspaper was investigating the biotech deal, it was examining dozens of other projects sponsored by the Empowerment Trust - the subject of the current series that begins today.
To report the stories, reporters reviewed more than 300 resolution files from the agency, culling through thousands of pages of memos, correspondence, receipts and contracts to track the trust's efforts in combating poverty.
The reporters also examined dozens of lawsuits and bankruptcy cases, property records, nonprofit tax filings from the Internal Revenue Service and thousands of documents from other county agencies, including the Office of Community and Economic Development.
To verify job numbers the trust filed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, reporters sifted through hundreds of pages from 15 progress reports the trust submitted to HUD this year and compared them to the agency's own internal files.
The comparison showed that the trust created eight of the 310 jobs it claimed in reports to HUD.
Reporters also interviewed scores of small-business owners scattered throughout the county and visited dozens more.
To measure the effectiveness of the empowerment zone program, the newspaper analyzed 16 years of demographic data from the U.S. Census and Claritas, a private research firm.
Because the empowerment zone program uses geographic areas created by the U.S. Census Bureau - called Census tracts - to identify neighborhoods, the newspaper relied on data from Claritas, the only source for current tract-level data available.
Although Claritas does not rely on the one-in-six sample used by the U.S. Census to report economic statistics, it is cited by many academic, corporate and government papers as a reliable source of economic and demographic data.
In fact, the U.S. Government Accountability Office cites Claritas economic data in a September 2006 report to Congress regarding the status of empowerment zones nationwide.
As part of its analysis, the newspaper examined various economic indicators from the 1990 and 2000 censuses, including family poverty data, workforce and employment statistics and median household income.