The Florida Whig Party Blog

Annual FWP Leadership Conference

2010-05-04T14:46:00.002-04:00

Friday, May 14, 2010 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Annual FWP Leadership ConferenceOcala, Florida

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Principles over Party, Personality, and Profits

2010-05-04T14:44:00.002-04:00

If you believe in

Principles over Party, Personality, and Profits

join the Florida Whig Party

ABC News Tampa - Fox News New York

Dr. Douglas Shear & Chairman Truesdell share a laugh before the Vice Chairman DeGeneste's meeting. Chairman Truesdell explains unity of Principles over Party, Personality, and Profit for We the People. Vice Chairman Henry DeGeneste talks about the Declaration of Principles, the Decade of Cooperation, and the organizational structure of the Florida Whig Party.

Clayton Schock, Jason Rogoski, John Annarumma, Mrs. Konstantino, Dr. Douglas Shearer, Steve Bacon, Mr. Kostantino, Vice Chairman Henry DeGeneste

John Annarumma, Clayton Schock, Jason Rogoski, Steve Gerritzen, Alex Snitker discussing the Fair Tax.

John Annarumma (Whig), Henry Degeneste (Whig), Dr. Douglas Shearer (Whig), Steve Bacon (Whig), Steve Gerritzen (Whig), Clayton Schock (Whig), Alex Snitker (Libertarian), Don Browning (Republican)

Opponents John Annarumma (Whig) and Don Browning (Republican) agree that Incumbent Clifford Bundy Stearns (Republican) of the 6th Congressional District needs to retire after 22 years in Congress; 24 is simply too long. Alaska resident pledges to Chairman Truesdell to join the Florida Whig Party and begin building a group of Whigs in his home state.

Endorsement for the United States Senate

2010-05-04T14:43:00.002-04:00

Endorsement for the United States Senate

Alex Snitker, Libertarian

Alex Snitker, Chairman Truesdell, and Dr. Douglas Shear at the April 26th meeting in Ocala.

Wikipedia & Modern Whigs

2010-05-03T21:48:00.001-04:00

Fellow Florida Whigs

If you go to Wikipedia and look up Florida Whig you will find that the information is inaccurate. There is nothing we can do to fix this other than take legal action against the responsible parties; which will be discussed at the next meeting of the board of directors. A known subject who edits the Wikipedia site for the Modern Whigs is the same individual who continues to alter the Wikipedia site for the Florida Whig Party. All communications to Wikipedia have been unsuccessful in locking the page. If you would like to assist the FWP in fixing the problem with Wikipedia, call or email Party Headquarters.

The "hacker" on the Wikipedia site states the following: Businessman Craig Porter, however, did qualify for the ballot as a Florida Whig. Porter described himself to Neil Cavuto on Fox News that he was a conservative candidate and then endorsed Republican Senate Candidate Marco Rubio for office. Craig Porter did not endorse Marco Rubio. See the video below.

The Florida Whig Party encourages all Florida Whigs to contact Wikipedia and complain about the known individual who enjoys posting on the Florida Whig Party site of Wikipedia and that of the Modern Whigs. Since the Modern Whigs have been without a Chair since December of 2009, they are a political club that is rudderless; however, accountability and liability remains in full force.

Although we have ignored the modern children who play dirty politics, there comes a time when bad little boys need to be spanked. That time has come. You would think that "Whigs" could get along, but the intolerant modern liberal side has a serious problem with the tolerant classical liberal.

Florida Whigs must always remember to value Principles over Party, Personality, and Profits and pitty the pinheads.

Good or Bad

2010-04-28T07:29:00.000-04:00

Firearms in Vehicles - Click HERE

The Florida Whig Party wants to hear from you. Click on the link above and read the article. Discuss the pros and cons of gun owner rights versus property owner rights from a constitutional, legislative, and practical view. Take both sides and engage your Whig Coalitions.

Ponder, evaluate, and just plain think about it. This should not be an easy task for anyone as this provides each of us with an example of how difficult it was for our founding American Whigs to balance competing constitutional rights.

Use the contact form to tell us what you think. Reply once, twice, or more as you run the gamut of pros and cons. As we receive your comments, those that are thoughtful and unemotional will be added to this page without attribution in order to keep the free flow of an open discussion ongoing for a couple of weeks.

St Pete Times Editorial

2010-04-25T18:14:00.000-04:00

FLORIDA GOP

CRACKS WHIP ON

FREE THINKERS

The following appeared online and in the paper edition of the St. Peterburg Times today. The Florida Whig Party encourages everyone to copy and paste the following St. Pete Times link [Click HERE] and send the editorial to everyone on your email list. Once again, this is why the Florida Whig Party believes in Principles over Party and Personality.

So much for the party of personal freedom. The Republican Party of Florida last week reminded all its officials — from lowly precinct chairmen to elected legislators — that they would be stripped of their party standing if they voiced support or gave money to any non-Republican candidate. The real message: Don't support Gov. Charlie Crist's bid for U.S. Senate if he drops out of the Republican primary to run with no party affiliation.

Many say this is just payback politics. Former party chairman Jim Greer tried to evoke the same loyalty oath last year on Crist's behalf in an attempt to scuttle U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio's campaign.

But such lockstep mentality is as offensive now as it was then. Republican activists don't sign conscription papers; they have merely voiced allegiance to a party's principles. The Republican Party's tactics are heavy- handed and hypocritical from a party now ripe with scandal and under federal investigation.

There is a little something called free speech, and Floridians should be free to support any candidate they want regardless of their party affiliation. Thank goodness America still has a private voting booth so Republicans will be able to vote their conscience without fear of reprisal.

We commend the St. Pete Times for taking on the Rubio credit card scandal, the fact that Crist has been a part-time Governor, and hope we one day will be able to sit down with the St. Pete Times political reporters and editorial board for a frank and open discussion.

Percentage Based Budgeting

2010-04-22T07:55:00.000-04:00

[For the PDF version click HERE, for audio see the bottom of this page.]

Sustainable Social Security is a mathematical calculation. There are no secret formulas or magic tricks. Congress and the President refuse to deal with the math. Politics is overwhelmingly emotional because most people make most of their decisions based upon irrational emotions rather than unemotional rational thought.

Benjamin Franklin was known for the decision making “T”. Franklin would draw a “T” on a piece of paper and on top of the “T” he would write pro on the left side, con on the right side, and then set about listing all of the pros and cons of whatever it was that needed a decision. Generally speaking, the side with the most attributes was the one Franklin would go with. Unfortunately, special interests and a self-serving desire for re-election, far too often replace the unemotional and rational decision making process needed in Congress and the White House.

Here are the facts regarding the probability of survival at age 65; our traditional age of retirement in the United States.

Based upon these percentages, the hard cold facts regarding the sustainability of Social Security can be ascertained.

The problem as to how much for how long is simple to solve through mathematics and the acceptance that there must be a sliding distribution scale based upon population, mortality, current revenue, inflation, and assets under management.

To accomplish this, Congress must be mandated to budget based upon percentages. If this is done, the problem of inadequate funding for Social Security would be immediately eliminated.

How?

It is utterly simple in theory and reality. Successful people and organizations function on budgets. Budgets are either based upon dollars or percentages. Those that budget based upon percentages are more likely to succeed than those who budget based upon dollars. From a personal finance perspective, this is known as envelope budgeting. For example, if a person begins working at age eighteen with a goal to save fifteen percent of their gross income each year for retirement, he will have much more than a person who budgets for a fixed dollar about, say $2,000 without taking into consideration inflation. As time passes, the one who saved fifteen percent will have much more income during retirement due to increasing wages, compounding, and the time-value of money.

The recent recession was heavily influenced by Congressional pressure on lending institutions to lend money to those who should never have been given money, to buy homes larger than they should have purchased, under terms and conditions that generally appealed to the emotionally based short-sighted among us, and which violated the reasonable and historical percentages for housing to income ratios. As these borrowers began to miss payments, a domino sequence of events began that resulted in what we all witnessed. Coupled with traditional banking, mortgage brokerage, and investment banking greed, fraud, and market manipulation, many in the nation experienced a massive loss of wealth through no fault of their own and will be affected in some cases for the rest of their lives. As this took place, tax revenues decreased; however, federal, state, and local expenditures were generally maintained at pre-recession levels as debt was merely piled upon existing debt.

Funding beyond current revenue is fine as long as there is an adequate trust fund to pick up the slack; however, to incur debt inhibits growth and financial security. The unemotional mathematical among us understands that the day of reckoning must take place and the balance sheets must balance. And so, by budgeting based upon percentages, we will eliminate political hijinks we witness on a daily basis under the current process of pork filled legislation.

Percentage based budgeting based upon the prior fiscal year revenue is all we need to do to fix the budget problems in the nation. Here is how it works:

1. Primary Allocation:

a. Congress must budget based upon percentages.

b. Broad categories must be established such as national defense, social welfare, infrastructure, national debt, trust fund funding, etc…

c. Each broad category should be represented by a Cabinet Secretary; Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Social Security, etc…

d. Cabinet Secretaries shall be appointed by the President with confirmation by the Senate.

e. Debate then begins as to what percentage each broad category should receive.

2. Secondary Allocation:

a. Upon approval by the House, Senate, and President of the Primary Allocation, each Cabinet Secretary shall then remit to Congress their budget which shall be based solely upon percentages for not more than twenty categories; this number should be subject to debate but restrained due to rational span-of-control competencies.

b. Congress shall then discuss, debate, and vote on the Secondary Allocation and upon approval with the President, the national budget allocation is established for the future fiscal year based upon the receipts for the prior fiscal year.

3. Executive Branch Administration:

a. Each Cabinet Secretary shall then be responsible for the execution of their segment of the budget as approved by the Congress and President.

b. The degree of Presidential involvement in day-to-day operations and expenditures by Cabinet Secretaries shall be at the prerogative of the President.

4. Congressional Oversight:

a. The House of Representatives shall establish committees as the Speaker of the House deems appropriate for oversight purposes regarding matters of domestic expenditures; excluding Homeland Defense and the Military.

b. The Senate shall establish committees as the Senate Majority Leader deems appropriate for oversight purposes regarding matters of Homeland Security, the Military, and Foreign Aid and Assistance.

c. Both the House and Senate may alter expenditures established by a Cabinet Secretary.

i. Those matters of financial oversight that originate in the House regarding expenditure alteration shall require a super majority of two-thirds with a simple majority in the Senate for concurrence.

1. Because a super majority is required by the House for approval, a Presidential veto shall be prohibited.

2. A super majority shall not be required by the Senate in order to restrain the power of an imperial presidency.

ii. Those matters of financial oversight that originate in the Senate regarding expenditure alteration shall require a super majority of two-thirds with a simple majority in the House for concurrence.

1. Because a super majority is required by the Senate for approval, a Presidential veto shall be prohibited.

2. A super majority shall not be required by the House in order to restrain the power of an imperial presidency.

Now back to Social Security.

When the Secretary of Social Security has a Primary and Secondary Allocation, their job shall be to execute the wishes of Congress and the People within the confines set forth. If there is not enough money to pay the same amount in benefits in the current fiscal year than was paid in the prior fiscal year then the Secretary will be required to reduce the amount each Social Security recipient receives on a rational and reasonable basis, reduce cost-of-living adjustments, and/or delay the starting date for future recipients. It’s just that simple; nothing more or less.

If prior Secretaries failed to adequately fund Trust Funds and/or the investment returns failed to meet expectations, then responsibility for fault will be easily attributable to Presidential Administrations and Congress.

Paying down national, state, and local debt, balancing budgets, and providing for future needs with adequate trust funds will never take place if we continue to use a dollar based budget that is based upon projected revenues rather than prior year known revenues.

You cannot spend it if you do not have it. If We the People demand a fundamental change in the way government agencies are funded, budgeted, and supervised, we can return the nation to the financial powerhouse that is required to maintain world order and stability for all.

Think About It.

Glass-Steagall & Ocala's CBS

2010-04-20T17:50:00.001-04:00

Glass-Steagall & Ocala's CBS

Friends of CBS

Wasteful Resolutions - A CBS Example

Audio: Florida Senate Bill 844 - More Federal Authority Over State Issues

Federalism vs State's Rights

2010-04-17T14:48:00.002-04:00

Each Florida Whig must understand the fundamentals upon which the nation was founded. Our American Whigs, known now as the Founding Fathers, built the nation upon principles rather than political party politics. Because the Democrat and Republican Parties have placed a priority on incumbent water boys since the Civil War, our nation has become a federalist nation rather than a nation of shared power between the federal and state governments that is controlled by We the People. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are concepts that are as valid today as they were in 1776 and let nobody get away with saying otherwise. The biggest cause to the loss of these rights was the passage of the 17th Amendment. The single most destructive change to individual and State's Rights was the passage of the 17th Amendment to the Constitution in 1916 by Wilson's Progressives, who were also able to pass the 16th Amendment (The Income Tax Amendment) in the same year.

The following video is a discussion about why United States Senators were appointed by state legislatures rather than through direct election as a check and balance to ensure states had representation in Washington.

Former U.S. Senator Zell Miller of Georgia on the 17th Amendment - Article One, Two, and Three.

A focus by TEA party movements to place on the ballot of all states the repeal of the 17th Amendment would be the single most effective effort to control the growth of the federal government. The Florida Whig Party encourages all who truly believe in the principles upon which the nation was founded to join forces to repeal the 17th Amendment for the sole purpose of restoring the balance between the people, states, and federal government. Click HERE. The repeal of the 17th Amendment will do more to take politics out of the U.S. Senate and restore principles to the group that should be second only to the Supreme Court in governing based upon the rule of law and only the law.

Click HERE for one of the best written articles regarding the 17th Amendment.

Your World with Neil Cavuto 4/16/2010

2010-04-16T20:18:00.003-04:00

Craig Porter, Florida Whig

Appeared on FOXNews Today

Video Link

Neil Cavuto's "Your World" - Friday, April 16, 2010

Craig Porter, Florida Whig FOX News Channel Today @ 4:30

2010-04-16T13:35:00.000-04:00

Craig Porter, Florida Whig

FOXNews Channel Today @ 4:30

Friday, April 16, 2010 at "approximately" 4:30 pm.

Florida Whig Candidate Craig Porter made history on Tuesday being the first Whig to qualify for federal office since the 1850s. Tune into the FOX News Channel today when Eric Bolling is the guest host on Your World with Neil Cavuto, interviews Mr. Porter from the FOX studios in Miami (WSVN).

Mr. Bolling is a Co-Host on the FOXBusiness Channel Happy Hour show. Approximately 1.5 to 2 million people from across the nation will have the opportunity to meet Craig Porter and learn about the revival of the Florida Whig Party, Classical Liberalism, and Principles over Party.

Thank you FOX and Mr. Bolling for the opportunity you've given to Mr. Porter, the Florida Whig Candidate for Congress in District 25.

Craig Porter, Florida Whig

2010-04-14T17:00:00.003-04:00

Craig Porter, Florida Whig

Congratulations Craig Porter for being the first Whig to qualify for federal office since the 1800s. Mr. Porter is a contractor, lifetime resident of Miami is 49, married, and the father of three children. With over 25 years of business management and ownership experience, community involvement, and a man who has the core values of “We the People” where principles come before a political party, the Florida Whig Party Executive Board welcomes the leadership and fortitude that Craig Porter brings to the Florida Whig Party, the State of Florida, and the 25th Congressional District. Well done Mr. Porter. [PRESS RELEASE]

Craig Porter as the first Whig qualified for federal office since the 1800s.

Central Florida Florida Whig Open Meeting

2010-04-09T13:07:00.000-04:00

Candidate Events

Central Florida Florida Whig Open Meeting

Monday, April 26, 2010
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Meet candidates John Annarumma, Steven Gerritzen, Dr. Douglas Shearer, and others seeking federal and local office. Also attending and speaking will be United States Senate Candidate Alex Snitker (Libertarian)

Marion County Public Library, Main Facility
2720 East Silver Springs Boulevard
Ocala, Florida 34470

Hosted by Henry DeGeneste
Vice Chairman of the Florida Whig Party.

Henry DeGeneste is a Managing Partner of Security Directors Advisory Group, Vice President of Risk Management at iJET, and Vice Chairman of the Florida Whig Party.

Mr. DeGeneste served as Vice President of Global Security at Prudential Financial for fifteen years. In that capacity he was the senior executive responsible for developing and managing the strategy and policies that addressed security for the firm and its subsidiary companies. He was a member of the firm's Crisis Management Committee. Prior to joining Prudential Financial, Mr. DeGeneste had a distinguished twenty three year career at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey where he rose through the ranks and retired as the Director of Public Safety and Superintendent of Police.

Mr. DeGeneste has also served as an adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is a frequent guest lecturer at major colleges and universities as an expert on crisis and emergency management. He also has acted as a consultant to Scotland Yard, Interpol, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He has had numerous articles published in professional journals and has authored a textbook entitled, Policing Transportation Facilities, Charles Thomas, Publisher, 1994.

Mr. DeGeneste received his Bachelors in Business Management from Adelphi University. He is a David Rockefeller Fellow and a Leadership New Jersey Fellow. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Executive Institute IX and of the Rutgers University Criminal Institute. Throughout his career Mr. DeGeneste has held leadership positions in many national and international organizations, a small sample includes: Commissioner on the National Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), Chairman of the New York City chapter of the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), life member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and a founding member of the Bankers and Brokers Security Roundtable.

In 2006 Mr. DeGeneste was selected by James Tedisco, Minority Leader of the New York State Assembly, to become a founding member of the UACT (Unified Against the Challenges of Terrorism) Task Force; an independent entity comprised of experts in the legal, medical and law enforcement fields. The task force serves as a mechanism to review the existing policies and programs that have been implemented at the state level and offers recommendations to improve security in New York.

In 2008, Mr. DeGeneste served as the Chairman of the Truesdell for Sheriff Campaign and subsequently changed his life-long status as a registered Independent voter to the Florida Whig Party and accepted the position of Vice Chairman.

FWP Front Page Update April 09, 2010

2010-04-09T13:04:00.002-04:00

Ocala Star Banner Article - Steve Gerritzen

Ocala Star Banner Article - John Annarumma

Ocala Star Banner Article - The Florida Whig Party

Slush Funds & Credit Cards

Wednesday, April 7, 2010 VAT Audio

THE FWP PLATFORM

Fiscal Responsibility - Government - The U.S. Constitution

States Rights - Safety & Security - Taxation

Energy Independence - Education - Health Care

Immigration - Exploration - Abortion

Join the Florida Whig Party as a Delegate

Central Florida (Ocala) Meeting - April 26 - 6:30 pm

Audio Invitation - Whig Party Open Meeting - April 26

Dr. Douglas Shearer (FWP)

Files for Marion County Commission District Two

Is This Man Alone or A Start?

2010-04-04T13:00:00.000-04:00

Is This Man Alone or A Start?

For many of you who are under 45, you will need to watch this video a few times and take notes. The rapid fire use of historical figures, events, and facts should be verified for you to understand that which you or your parents did not live through. When you are done, stop and think unemotionally about what this man is saying. Listening to anyone talk about the need to rid our nation of hypocrites is easy for a Classical Liberal Whig; not so easy for the Progressive Moderns.

To know more about Shirley Chisholm, a woman who did, CLICK HERE.

"I want history to remember me not just as the first black woman to be elected to Congress, not as the first black woman to have made a bid for the presidency of the United States, but as a black woman who lived in the 20th century and dared to be herself." Shirley Chisholm

The following is from a Shirley Chisholm campaign brochure from 1972:

I AM RUNNING FOR THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT TO REPRESENT ALL AMERICANS.’

UNBOSSED AND UNBOUGHT

Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm has announced her candidacy for the presidency. She has come to the decision to run without consulting any political bosses.

Her support comes from the millions of Americans who shun the political clubhouses but believe that our political system can survive.

No special interest groups will contribute to her campaign. So the success of her candidacy depends upon people like you.

The unbossed and the unbought.

A DYNAMIC FORCE FOR RESPONSIBLE CHANGE

In the field of contenders for the office of president of the United States there is one candidate that stands out as different. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm is that candidate.

The real difference that makes her stand out is not that she is a woman, and a Black Woman at that, but that this dynamic woman is a catalyst that can bring together the responsive women, the struggling minorities, the poor and the young who see in her a new hope for our system.

Combining a brilliant intellect with a profound compassion, Mrs. Chisholm has blazed trails where others now follow.

THE CHISHOLM TRAIL

She brought the fight for women's rights to Washington and was a sponsor of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Co-sponsored legislation to establish a nationwide system of day care centers and supports a minimum annual income of $6,500 for a family of 4.

Supports withdrawal of all American military influence from southeast Asia.

Co-sponsored legislation to repeal the draft and establish a volunteer army.

Has voted against all money bills for the military and will continue to do so until priorities are reversed.

She has voted against MIRV and ABM.

She is against aid to undemocratic nations such as Greece and Spain.

Recognizing the profound danger in such measures, Mrs. Chisholm has vigorously opposed infringements of liberties represented by a No Knock Law, preventive detention, wiretapping and domestic spying.

Her active concern for veterans has led her to push for jobs and benefits in this area.

Co-sponsored legislation to give fuller tax benefits to the unmarried.

She is a leader in Consumer Protection.

She has fought for badly needed Congressional reform, i.e., chairmanships based on ability, not age, and a mandatory retirement age (65).

To crush the illegal drug traffic, Shirley Chisholm advocated ending foreign aid to nations who will not make an effort to stop the drug flow.

A WINNER FROM THE START

That a second-term congresswoman should be so outspoken is remarkable.

That she should be able to effect the changes she has is incredible.

But Shirley Chisholm is an incredible American.

She has opened the door to the system and with skill and courage has proven that our system is responsive to change.

A coalition has formed behind Shirley Chisholm.

Groups that alone could hardly be heard but together will make a mighty roar.

From the underdog in a three way race for the 12th congressional district, Shirley Chisholm has risen to a greatly respected national figure in three years.

When given an assignment to sit on the House Agriculture Committee Congresswoman Chisholm rebelled. There is very little agriculture in Brooklyn.

With the kind of courage that has come to be characteristic of her, Shirley Chisholm took on the awesome House Rules Committee...and won.

She now sits on the House Education and Labor Committee, an assignment that allows her to combine her interests and experience with the critical needs of her constituents.

What she has won above all her other victories, is the profound admiration of millions of Americans.

Millions of dedicated, hard-working people who know that changes can be made.

Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm for President

A dynamic force for responsible change.

Acta non Verba

Barack Was Not The First

Remember Shirley Chisholm's Positions

Surprised Aren't You

Think About It

Hugo Chavez & Nuke Power

2010-04-03T12:59:00.001-04:00

Russia has reportedly agreed to help Hugo Chavez in the development of nuclear power. The Executive Board of the Florida Whig Party requests all Delegates and registered Whig voters to use the contact form to provide us with your ideas and opinions regarding this matter. Based upon your response, a resolution will be crafted and sent to the Delegates for review with debate during an online conference. A formal vote will then take place on the resolution. The issue of Chavez having nuclear power provided from the Russians is a serious matter as is nuclear proliferation across the Americas.

Click HERE to express your ideas, views, opinons, questions, and/or proposed resolution regarding nuclear power in the Americas.

Monday, April 5, 2010 Update:

Delegates have responded that Chavez should not have nuclear power and that the issue ranks as one that should be given high priority by the Obama Administration. Several Delegates have suggested that a naval blockade, akin to that which Kennedy authorized in October 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis may be necessary. Generally speaking, the idea of Chavez with nuclear power is seen as a major destablizing event with several bringing up the Monroe Doctrine of 1823.

Continue submitting your comments and ideas as we formulate a unified FWP resolution.

Posted at the suggestion of a FWP Delegate with the phrase: "Never forget October of '62".

Principles Above Party - Special Edition

2010-04-01T13:02:00.000-04:00

Tony Perkins, head of the Family Research Council and an influential social conservative, has urged his membership to stop giving money to the Republican National Committee and place principles above party.

"I've hinted at this before, but now I am saying it: Don't give money to the RNC," Perkins will tell FRC members in the group's next e-mail newsletter. "If you want to put money into the political process, and I encourage you to do so, give directly to candidates who you know reflect your values."

Perkins' move comes as a blow to the RNC just days after it was disclosed that the Republican National Committee paid $2,000 at a lesbian bondage club near Los Angeles to entertain contributors. This is just the latest in a long series of financial issues involving the RNC and the Republican Party of Florida. Like former Florida Republican Chairman Jim Greer (who is now under criminal investigation) RNC Chairman Michael Steele is under internal investigation by RNC committee members and has been asked to resign.

"This latest incident is another indication to me the RNC is completely tone-deaf to the values and concerns of a large number of people they are seeking financial support from," Perkins writes. In addition, Mark DeMoss, a prominent Christian conservative public relations expert and large RNC donor, has announced that he had stopped giving to the RNC completely.

Word from Washington is that upon learning of the recent RNC troubles, White House and Congressional DNC Leaders were heard singing "It beginning to look a lot like Christmas" in the Oval Office.

Floridians you have a choice other than

Democrat or Republican, it's

The Florida Whig Party.

Mass Layoffs

2010-04-01T12:57:00.000-04:00

February 2010 Summary

Employers took 1,570 mass layoff actions in February that resulted in the separation of 155,718 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month.

Each action involved at least 50 persons from a single employer.

376 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, seasonally adjusted, resulting in 43,100 initial claims.

Remember the Bailouts for Investment Bankers, International Bankers, National Bankers, Local Bankers, Mortgage Brokers (where's Lee Farkas?), Vehicle Manufacturers, and now Federalization of Health Care, when you vote in 2010.

The manufacturing sector accounted for 24 percent of all mass layoff events and 30 percent of initial claims filed in February 2010.

Generally speaking, unemployment rates were higher in January than a year earlier in 363 of the 372 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Florida & California's Wild Fire of Unemployment
Will the voters toss the incumbents out of office?

Director of the White House Economic Council, Lawrence Summers (seen above), former President of Harvard University who resigned when the faculty gave him a vote of no-confidence, has given his full attention to the economy. This is the same Lawrence Summers, who while working at the World Bank, suggested dumping toxic waste from industrial nations in Africa because: "I've always thought that under-populated countries in Africa are vastly underpolluted." Great choice President Obama; by the way, aren't you part Black and if so, how did you let this guy on your staff?

With black unemployment far beyond the national average, we have to ask everyone of every race, sex, and national origin...are you better off today than you were four years ago?

Do you actually expect people like Clifford Bundy Stearns and his long-time friend, Barney Frank, to do anything constructive to fix the problem after decades of incumbent payola and connections?

Do they all have to die in office from old age before there's new blood?

Pray for True Change in 2010.

The Great Seal of the Florida Whig Party

2010-03-31T01:26:00.001-04:00

The Great Seal of the Florida Whig Party has been designed, adopted, revealed, and begins official use by the Party today. In addition, a classical liberal Whig logo will be resurrected and replace the Moderns owl in the near future.

The Florida Whig Party predates the Moderns (Modern Whig party, a loose political movement rather than a formal political party as is the case with the TEA party; with exception). The Florida Whig Party began operation as a political party with voter registration and ballot access in 2006 and unofficially and voluntarily associated with the Moderns from 2008 through October 2009. During this time the Florida Whig Party began using the owl as a base logo as the first administration of the Florida Whig Party had not adopted a logo or seal.

The Florida Whig Party Code of Conduct prohibits quasi-party membership and our belief in Acta non Verba (Deeds not words) differs from the debate club approach of the Moderns. In October of 2009, following the resignation of the first administration of the Moderns, the Executive Board of the Florida Whig Party severed formal ties but continued working with the second administration of the Moderns (which lasted from October through December 2009) in hope of clarity of purpose, principle, and leadership. The third administration of the Moderns remains vacant since mid-December 2009 as of this date. We believe the Moderns are best suited for those seeking a specific alternative to the Democrat Party. By politely stepping away from the Moderns, this action is being taken not out of spite or disgust, but rather to remain true to the pure historical and current relevance of what it means to be a Whig and devotee of Classical Liberalism.

The owl logo associated with the Moderns has been replaced with the Great Seal of the Florida Whig Party. Over the course of the next few months you will notice the change; however, do not expect everything to change overnight. Also, a new mascot that reflects the classical liberalism from the 1600s, 1700s, and 1800s has been adopted and will be revealed shortly.

We have seen many TEA parties across the nation become Republicanized and have been highly critical and outspoken of this development. Those who claim to be real TEA party activists yet despise anyone or organization that may “take away votes” from the Republican Party candidate is a hypocrite; with Sarah Palin at the top of the list. The Florida Whig Party has no tolerance or room for hypocrites. We find the Republican TEAs is no different than Community Organizers with ACORN who despise the Republican Party and work solely and overtly for Democrat Party candidates while claiming to be non-political. Republican TEAs and Democrat ACORNS are both hypocrites. Unfortunately the same is true of the left-of-center Moderns who claim to be a political party while allowing members from top-to-bottom to be registered with other political parties; primarily Democrat. Simultaneously confusing and hypocritical isn’t it.

The Florida Whig Party believes in Classical Liberal Centralism that is focused on the principles of the Whig written United States Constitution. We are in harmony with the principles of the Founding Whigs of the nation in the 1700s, their English fathers of the 1600s, and their son’s of the 1800s who disposed of King Andrew’s federalized system of spoils.

Symbology Within The Seal

Acta non Verba is Latin for Deeds not Words, Our traditional Whig roots of Classical Liberalism are those that our Founding Whigs codified as a Declaration of Independence and Constitution. We call upon all believers to return home, where we work rather than play at the preservation good, the defeat of evil, and prosper through growth as nature intended.

The Log Cabin & Hard Cider represents the victory of 1840 Whig President Harrison and Vice President Tyler, which ended the federal power grab by President (King Andrew) Jackson; a power grab we witness today by President (King Barack) Obama and former President (King George) Bush.

The thirteen stars represent the founding thirteen colonies that began our nation.

The thirteen rays of sun represent the thirteen stripes on the American flag.

The fifty stars represent the fifty states of the nation.

The sailing ship represents the explorers who found the new world and those who continue to explore and reach beyond the world that we know today.

In addition, the sailing ship represents the USS Constitution which was commissioned by President George Washington in 1797 and is the oldest commissioned naval ship afloat in the world. Our bedrock faith in the Constitution of the United States is best embodied in the image of this great vessel.

Lastly, the sailing ship also represents the Clipper design of sailing ship of the 1830s; considered the golden age of sailing and the time of the birth of the Whigs as a formal political party.

The fore rig of the sailing ship is un-sailed and appears to be a cross. This represents the morals, mores, and mutual tolerance of the Founding Whigs and their belief in God and religious freedom.

The three masts represent the trilogy of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government.

The rising sun represents our belief that the best days of our nation have yet to occur and our nation is always heading towards a sun rise.

The rising sun also represents the Rising Sun Tavern, built circa 1760 by Charles Washington, brother of President Washington; a favorite stopover for those traveling to Philadelphia for the Continental Congress.

The Bennington 76 on the horizon represents the Bennington Flag that is associated with Millard Fillmore, a Whig and the 13th President of the United States, whose family ties to Vermont’s Green Mountain Boys (a revolutionary war militia that was instrumental in victory) are well established and confirms our belief in the 2nd Amendment and the Right to Bear Arms.

1833 – 2006 represents the date of the original founding of the Whig Party and the re-founding of the Whig Party by Florida’s Jeremy McShurley.

The Eagle and Shield is a replication of a common illustration used by Whigs of the 1800s. The arrows represent the need for a strong national defense and the olive branches represent the need for peace and peaceful resolution of conflict.

The log cabin is a symbol from the Whigs of the 1800s and represents the importance of a stable home as the key to a successful nation.

The smoke from the chimney represents the warmth that family provides one-another during sickness and health, while rich or poor, regardless of race, sex, or national origin.

The smoke also represents fire and energy, both of which are needed to maintain and grow the nation.

The owl next to the chimney represents the location of the last meeting of the Whigs of the 1800s.

The open window on the cabin represents the capitalist philosophy of Adam Smith and the need for open free trade and reasonable laws, rules, and regulations regarding commerce.

The triangular roof-line represents the importance of basics and fundamentals as taught in Luke 6: 46-49 in the story of the Wise and Foolish Builders.

The cider barrel represents the down-home simplicity embodied by the cider makers as was evoked by presidential Whig candidate, William Henry Harrison, who promoted and preferred the common man, a log cabin, and hard cider to the excesses of the Democratic White House of Martin Van Buren and Andrew Jackson.

The dates on the cider barrel represent the beginning of the four Whig Presidencies of the United States.

The path from shore to door represents the trail our ancestors took to reach our great land.

The grass represents the critical importance of agriculture.

The Scottish Sheep Dog represents the heritage and valor of the 1600s Wiggamore, unselfish loyalty to the nation, and dependability of service to others.

The family faces the sun at the water’s edge with the hopes and dreams that the sun always rises and dreams shall never fade.

Three children are present as anything less will result in a decrease in the native population.

Lastly, the family is holding hands to represent a famous quote from an Illinois Whig State Legislator and later President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, who said: “A house divided against itself, cannot stand.”

Therein lies the symbology of the Great Seal of the Florida Whig Party.

The sun always rises, the best days of America are yet to occur, and the Whigs have returned to restore “We the People” to our Government, Constitution, and Independence, where we place Principles before Party.

Dr. Douglas Shearer

2010-03-24T12:56:00.000-04:00

Douglas Shearer, a local volunteer and community activist has filed to run for Marion County Commissioner District Two. Dr. Shearer, a long time Republican, switched his political party registration to the Florida Whig Party and is running as a Whig.

Doug is a member of The Shady Greenway Conservation Alliance and President of Citizens Against Urban Sprawl, Inc. Dr. Shearer has worked diligently to maintain the highest quality of life for the citizens of Marion County. Doug was an instrumental leader in the fight to stop a 1-cent sales tax for roads in 2006, as the deep recession that grips Marion County was about to begin. He has also fought vigorously to slow the use of septic tanks and to protect the critical pristine water supply that Marion enjoys; something many other counties do not have and one which many from far away would like to tap into. From years past to the present, Marion residents have enjoyed and continue to enjoy the unique land, water, forests, agriculture, conservation areas, and bovine and horse industries that are economically intertwined, mutually dependent, and strategic due to Marion’s geographical location in the state. Dr. Shearer is a current and active member of the Marion County Planning Commission and has attended countless County Commission and board meetings during the past three decades.

Doug is married to Michelle, his wife of 28 years, moved to Marion County immediately after being married, and have been residents ever since. They attend and are members of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church.

Dr. Shearer, a local veterinarian and owner of Live Oak Animal Clinic, has hosted and opened the doors of his practice to many community meetings and informational presentations since he began operations. In 2007, Doug and Michelle began and completed a beautiful and substantial expansion of the clinic during one of the worst economic periods in Marion County history, where unemployment has peaked to over 15% and under-employment is far higher. Dr. Shearer’s reputation as a compassionate veterinarian, humanitarian, environmentalist, and successful business owner is well established and respected throughout a county that is larger in acreage than the State of Rhode Island.

Dr. Douglas Shearer will provide a vision, voice, and moderate manner that best represents the composite resident of Marion County on the County Commission.

Dr. Shearer's Campaign Website will be up and running in the near future.

Dr. Shearer is ready to take the government bull by the horns. Welcome Dr. Shearer to the Florida Whig Party and good luck in your campaign for County Commission.

Monday, March 15th 2010

2010-03-15T12:17:00.002-04:00

THE FWP PLATFORM

Fiscal Responsibility - Government - The U.S. Constitution

States Rights - Safety & Security - Taxation

Energy Independence - Education - Health Care

Immigration - Exploration - Abortion

PANHANDLE WHIGS

Organizing, Building, & Taking Responsibility

Make way for liberty.

The Democrats won't. Republicans can't. We will. Place Principles Above Party, Join the FWP.

Read my lipstick, no new taxes.

Wanna pay for my healthcare?

"Together we can change the world and restore traditional values and the Constitution."

"We must work together to solve the problems we have inherited."

For information about the Panhandle Whig Coalition, contact Professor Wendell Griffith at WGriffith@FloridaWhig.Com. The FWP welcomes the 27 new members in the Panhandle to our small but growing group. Click here to request a telephone conference with Jason Rogoski, Director of Communications and District 4 Director. No More Hypocrites.

Jim McCormick - District 19

2010-03-13T09:34:00.001-05:00

Jim McCormick, Independent, Congressional District 19

The Florida Whig Party has taken a preliminary vote to endorse Jim McCormick for the 19th Congressional District; the final vote will take place on Monday. The special election will take place on April 6, 2010. At this time we ask all voters in the 19th Congressional to read the following from Jim McCormick's website. Simply put, if you are tired of the same old thing in Washington, Jim McCormick offers common sense and independence. The Florida Whig Party can absolutely work with a man like this. Because this is a special election, the FWP encourages those who are able and willing to donate and volunteer from across the state and nation, to do so now so Mr. McCormick can mount an adequate GOTV (Get Out The Vote) Campaign and win this one for the regular man and woman who is fed up with the duopoly that has nearly destroyed this nation.

District Map

Jim McCormick, Business Owner & Candidate

National Debt & Unfunded Liabilities

You hear a lot about Healthcare, TARP, the Stimulus Bill, Cap & Trade but almost nothing about our ever increasing National Debt. It took us decades to get to 5 billion but only a few years to double it. We are now looking to double our 12 TRILLION dollar National Debt in only 10 years… This has to be stopped and the brakes applied. I’ve long contended that we can no longer snip pieces of the budget away and maintain fiscal responsibility. With a Federal Budget deficit of over 1 TRILLION dollars it takes an axe to cut spending and get it under control. We need to cut hard at our budget to get it back to a reasonable number that we, as Americans, can afford. We need to use the power of the word NO and stop letting the federal government spend our children’s future into massive liability.

In “Change we can Trust”, where are the promises of “going line by line in the budget” and eliminating unnecessary spending? Where is the promise of removing lobbyists and special interest groups? In the vast arena of politics we hear about “fiscal responsibility” but how can we honestly believe it when our federal budget deficit is growing and Congress spends billions of our hard earned dollars on frivolous “bridges to nowhere?”

Regardless of your stance in Healthcare, Cap & Trade, Stimulus, Pork/Ear Marks, or the current wars, we simply cannot afford it. China has purchased a massive amount of our debt so that we can avoid inflation. The interest on those loans is staggering and increasing much like the mortgage on your home. The thought that communist China now owns a vast amount of our debt is a truly frightening thing. At some point they will stop financing our folly. At some point they will say NO and we will be forced to deal with our frivolous spending. Instead of waiting for China or other countries to tell us what we already know, why don’t we start now! We are not so deep in the hole that we cannot help each other out. We need to make serious, hard, choices and stop the belief that “somehow it will all work itself out”.

Congress has kicked this can down the road year after year. We cannot afford to wait any longer lest we burden our children and grandchildren with our current failures.

It’s time for an axe.

Illegal Immigration

America has long been considered the “melting pot” for the world’s immigrants. Our country is great because of our diverse number of cultures, religions and immigrants. Many of these people come to our country legally and submit themselves to the many requirements our country request, while others come across illegally. Is it the fault of the people coming here, seeking a better place to live or is it our massively flawed immigration system?

No one is saying this is a simple situation. No one is saying this can be fixed easily. However, among many problems with the system, one of the key issues is the problem of enforcement. This problem isn’t even being properly debated and while Congress attempts to be politically correct, they allow anyone to enter the country, including criminals and terrorists. America’s security is essential to our survival, so changes to our immigration system is mandatory. This issue leads to our country’s security. If we cannot keep out simple folks trying to get across our border, how can we keep out terrorists and Al Qaeda? This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed, sooner than later.

Here in District 19 we have so many businesses founded by legal immigrants that worked hard to get their citizenship and continue to work hard for their businesses. These folks are our neighbors, friends and fellow U.S. Citizens. We should realize how important they are to our community and how proud they are to have gone through the system properly and the benefits they obtained from it.

How many inquiries, Congressional hearings and court appearances would we have if we determined Al Qaeda came across the Mexican Border or worse yet, the Florida border…?

Energy Independence

There’s a poker term called “All In”. It means you are betting all your chips on your current hand. I believe that our government is going “All In” on Cap & Trade/Climate Change and it’s a bluff we simply can’t afford. We’re betting our economy and the prosperity of this country on a bet that we need to reduce carbon emissions. While I believe everyone wants to help do something for the environment, I don’t know how many want to cripple our economy to do it.

Barack Obama said that, “under his version of Cap & Trade, electricity bills would necessarily skyrocket.” I think it’s fairly safe to say that no one here in Florida wants to see their FPL bills double for the same amount of electricity. If it did double, could you afford your bill? If so, would that leave any money for your children and/or grandchildren? FPL and all other power companies would love and currently support Cap & Trade. They can pass on any penalties to the consumer, all the while adding to their ever increasing bottom line.

This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t harvest renewable sources of energy. We need to be independent of the Middle East, a section of the world that would gladly see our demise and has said as much. Even though recently discovered oil sources in the Gulf of Mexico may provide a hundred years of our nation’s consumption of oil, why not slowly build up our renewable sources? We would certainly mandate that all precautions be taken in any offshore drilling.

FAU has one of the country’s top sought programs called Subsea Engineering. This program teaches our students all about engineering ways to drill for oil in multiple locations, all from one platform. Let’s put our graduates to work here in our own Gulf of Mexico.

How about tax breaks for businesses and (further) tax breaks and special loans for individuals that purchase renewable systems? I looked into putting solar panels on my home but not only was it expensive, but you had to put all the money up front yourself and it would only generate about 1/3 the cost of the monthly electric bill. Many folks can’t afford putting up $45,000 in the hopes that they can get some money back for a system that won’t generate even half of what they use. We need to consider alternatives.

I contend that crippling our economy to “go green” is no more intelligent than assuming oil will last forever. This nation has some of the smartest minds in the world and I refuse to believe this is the only way to bring us to a renewable energy policy. We can offer tax breaks to businesses, individuals all the while promoting the technological advancement of these “green” technologies.

Economy/Jobs

South Florida is one of the hardest hit parts of Florida, let alone the United States regarding the economy. Prior years showed more people moving into our state than out of it but times have changed. Now we’re sadly looking at some of our neighbor’s houses in foreclosure while the banks get bailed out.

I have two condominiums threatened with foreclosure. I invested my money; all the while the government told me, like everyone else, that everything was “fundamentally sound”. I can personally say that the government has no business putting their hands in the private sector. Beginning with the CRA, government has tried to tell us that they know better how the private sector should work and that people who didn’t deserve loans should get them. Now I own property where many of my neighbors have declared bankruptcy, in one development over half are in foreclosure. Now I’m forced to assume the burden that so many others have shirked and I simply cannot afford it. It’s time that the government got out of housing and stopped telling the private sector how to do its job.

No one can name a single government program that has ever come in on budget, let alone under it. Now, why are we allowing the politicians to pass massive bills such as Healthcare or Cap & Trade and think that they will honestly come in on budget and that they will somehow generate jobs, not cost them?

Many in Washington tell us that “small business is the backbone of America” and that “small business is the job creator.” As a small business owner here in South Florida for almost 15 years, I can tell you the government has no interest in actually assisting these job creators. If they were serious they would have specified that those TARP and Stimulus Funds free up credit for those backbone businesses. We can still help small business by reducing government interference and taxes, as well as listening to them. Forcing them to do things like paid sick days and forced insurance only put them into unwinnable situations. Government has no business in telling our small businesses how they should be run.

Some folks feel that taxing the rich for everything is somehow the solution to the problem. The rich got there by taking risks and investing in ventures. They don’t have an unlimited amount of money, nor is it right to keep adding taxes on them simply because they are rich. Taxing them stifles investment and forces them into a scramble to white knuckle their cash. As it is, the rich already pay most of the tax burden. Here is where a flat tax would certainly make the most sense, as it could never be disputed that everyone pays their fair share.

Second Amendment & Ft. Hood

The second amendment to our Constitution gives us the right to bear arms. I am a member of the NRA and believe in the responsible use of firearms. I believe that even if we outlawed guns, only outlaws would have guns. Criminals will always be able to obtain firearms but they’re much less likely to break into a home that they know has firearms. I also believe that if you are caught using a gun to willingly commit any crime, you should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, particularly if that crime involves loss of life; No breaks.

The terrorist that committed that heinous act at Fort Hood, Texas called himself a “soldier of Allah” as he cried “God is great”, all the while taking the lives of our heroic men and women of the armed services. We must be ever vigilant, lest the light of freedom be extinguished while we sleep.

I believe in the advancement of “smart technology” to keep criminals from taking a gun from the legal owner, including our men and women in law enforcement, and using it on them or anyone else. America is the land of opportunity and invention; let’s make that technology come to fruition and make it cost effective enough for the average citizen.

ISRAEL

Israel is, and will continue to be, the democratic beacon of hope in a region that still believes in beheadings, vengeance killings, no women’s rights and no tolerance for others. Hamas and Hezbollah need to be called out to be the Iran sponsored terrorist organizations that they truly are. Although I believe that eventual peace can be obtained, it cannot be obtained through the attrition of Israel. It’s simple; Israel should not give up an inch of land. Israel has been very accommodating in giving up land for the prospect of peace. However, in each instance Israel has given up land only to find themselves in another future battle over the same issue.

America needs to stop interfering in Israel’s business. She’s a sovereign country and can make her own decisions. Although we don’t have the right to tell Israel what to do, we can certainly recommend but only as much as we would to any of our allies. We should stand ever ready to defend her, not stand idly by as Barack Obama has indicated. I believe he promised the Jews in our district, as he did the nation, that he would defend and support Israel. After his speech in Egypt, and his stance on the settlements, how would you say that’s working out?

The United States must help stop the anti-Semitic and cowardly attacks on Israel through mediating peaceful talks between both Israel and Palestine, all the while assisting in any defense Israel requests. How would we stand by Britain if they were being shelled from France or Germany? I think we know that answer.

The Palestinians must reject Hamas so long as it remains a cowardly terrorist organization, for peace will be short lived so long as groups like Hamas continue to progress their agenda of hate.

Healthcare

Our district is unique to many U.S. districts in that we have a high amount of folks over 65. We need to send someone to Washington that really understands this and won’t abandon them to help pull the party line.

Family Considerations

1) My father is an Osteopath (General Practice) and drives to his office in Miami every day. He could have moved to Boca Raton when our family moved but he didn’t like the idea of leaving his patients, many of whom were elderly. He has seen firsthand the fraud and waste in Medicare and Medicaid, including having checks stolen and cashed from his office mailbox. The government never even looked into the fraud because it was under $2500. This is the same administration that feels they can wave a magic wand and somehow make the fraud disappear and count it as “savings”.

2) My family is very close. My parents live two minutes by car from me in the home where I grew up. Every year we put up an enormous Christmas display and occasionally it’s even in the newspaper. Both my parents have Medicare and would like to retire but if this healthcare bill passes my father’s business will receive even less than it already does and retirement will be all that more unlikely. You can believe that I will always consider them when talking about healthcare and taking away 500 BILLION from Medicare is not a start but a recipe for disaster.

Portability & Purchasing across state lines

1) We absolutely need the ability of purchasing health insurance across state lines. This would significantly contribute to any lacks in healthcare and would give businesses the ability of purchasing lower cost insurance. This wouldn’t cost anything to the American people but could be a huge savings for businesses.

2) Along with this folks need the ability to take their insurance with them if they move. Right now insurance is locked into states so you could lose your insurance just by moving. This is another solution that wouldn’t cost us anything.

Insurance for Illegal immigrants

1) While no one would be so cold as to deny healing to someone in an emergency situation, we must not allow those that are here illegally to get the benefit of healthcare while we pay for it. If we do not address this, anyone from any country could come here and obtain healthcare services. This would strain our already fragile system to collapse.

Good enough for the Goose…

1) If Congress passes any healthcare system, they need to be prepared to use the same system for themselves and their staff. Right now Congress enjoys one of the best healthcare systems available, we pay for it and they want to tell us what’s best for our healthcare. Perhaps they would be more careful about passing this kind of law if they were subject to it themselves.

Frivolous Lawsuit (Tort) Reform

1) We cannot revamp our healthcare system without taking a long and serious look into reforming the problem of frivolous lawsuits. No one is saying that you shouldn’t be able to sue negligent physicians or establishments, but there should be stricter guidelines on legal actions that are considered frivolous. Insurance companies are often too ready to settle out of court for lawsuits they know are frivolous but because they know the costs to defend themselves are higher than the settlement costs, they often choose to settle out of court. In Texas, Tort Reform has reduced malpractice insurance premiums by as much as 50%! We must call on Congress to make stricter guidelines on these types of suits and establish hefty penalties for those that bring about a clearly frivolous suit.

2) Defensive medicine is when the doctor performs a test, procedure or referral because he’s afraid that if he didn’t do the test he may be sued for it. Physicians go to school, obtain a degree, perform residency and now we have lawyers and bureaucrats sitting back in offices telling the doctor what he or she should have done. Many times doctors are audited (after being paid) and the insurance company “reevaluates” the claim, having someone determine if all the charges were needed. Did they sit with the patient? Did they obtain a degree after medical school? Often it’s all an effort to save money for the insurance company. The doctor loses the money and the patient ultimately loses through higher fees or perhaps the doctor discontinues acceptance of that insurance company.

Social Security

As most of our District 19 folks are dependent on some form of Social Security, we need to impress the importance of fixing the Social Security deficit. Currently we are adding to a massive, 14 TRILLION dollar deficit for Social Security alone! This is one of the issues that ties back to Congress spending all our money. I will make it my priority to garner whatever support necessary to get Congress fiscally responsible.

Congress has kicked this can down the road along with other Unfunded Liabilities in the hopes that they don’t have to deal with it. Well unfortunately we cannot ignore this massive debt any longer and must deal with it in the here and now. We must fix this before our seniors are denied benefits; they deserve better.

Afghanistan & Extreme Islam

With Al-Qaida using Afghanistan as a stronghold, we were forced to invade the country to root out and eliminate the extremists. Since that time we have lost focus of the goal and been drawn into territory politics. Unlike Iraq, the Afghanistan government is heavily corrupt and unlikely to be a real ally. Many folks would say that we don’t need to be there but if we leave now, we will allow Al-Qaida and the Taliban to regain control of the country. At this point they are on the run hiding in countries like Pakistan and training in countries like Sudan and Yemen, while receiving funding and arms from Iran.

If we allow these other countries to harbor terrorists, they are no better than the terrorists themselves. We have a number of peaceful options at our disposal to pressure these countries to either hunt down the terrorists themselves or allow us to do so. Military options are, and should be, the options of last resort. Too often our politicians forget that any military option means ordering our dedicated men and women of the armed forces into harm’s way. Let’s always consider every option before committing our military but if we do commit them then we should go forward with a clear and concise plan. We should also never shackle our troops with rules of engagement that are politically motivated.

With regards to Islamist Extremists, we need to understand that these people are a splinter group of humanity with no regards, whatsoever, for their fellow human beings. Their views are so narrow minded and radically charged that they will not consider any views of human existence other than their own. They celebrate and cherish death while we choose life. We absolutely must understand that they will sacrifice anyone and anything to accomplish their radical goals. They do not care if others try to understand their way, only that their way will be the only way.

We cannot allow any organization, radical or otherwise, the chance to murder more of our citizens. We must secure our borders and use technology to our advantage, all the while maintaining a firm grip on our civil liberties. It was said on television that we must understand that we will be giving up certain civil liberties while flying on planes. To that I say absolutely not. Our liberties are not for the taking and giving at someone’s pleasure. They are ours from our creator and expressly outlined through the Constitution.

A real "citizen" campaign with children compared to the slick professional campaigns of the Democrat and Republican candidates. A regular man in Congress, go figure... Jim McCormick, a breath of fresh air in a city filled sky high with the stench of lies, greed, and special deals.

McCormick radio interview.

Texting While Driving

2010-03-12T08:44:00.001-05:00

A House committee unanimously approved a proposed bill that would ban sending or reading text messages while operating a car or truck. A companion bill has been filed in the Senate. Part-time Governor Charles Joseph Crist said he favors passage. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have banned texting while driving, and federal Department of Transportation is pressuring other states to join the movement.

The legislation is poorly thought-out,

should never be passed, and will simply add to

legislative clutter.

Click HERE for the rest of the issue; a two page PDF from the Florida Whig Party that outlines in detail the problem and solution.

A non-moving violation? Are you kidding? Sadly, they are not. Just like health care, instead of a simple solution, the Florida Legislature is a monkey-see, monkey-do group that follows their brothers and sisters in Congress by turning to legislative complexity rather than simple modification to an existing law. The only way to fix a broken government is to vote every incumbent out of office in 2010; if you don't, you are the problem.

$270,000

2010-03-07T20:57:00.000-05:00

From the Los Angeles Times: Like many other state employees, prison nurse Nellie Larot was hit last year with furloughs that cut her salary: It dropped $10,000, to $92,000. But she more than made up for it by working extra shifts, raking in $177,512 in overtime, according to state records. Her total $270,000 in earnings last year eclipsed the $225,000 paid to Matthew Cate, head of the entire state prison system. Click HERE for more.

Comment: Keep electing Democrats and Republicans and keep this poor nurse working. This means getting rid of long-time incumbents in Congress and in Tallahassee; click HERE.

Ronald Reagan Speaks Out Against Socialized Medicine

2010-02-27T19:20:00.002-05:00

Once you view the video, nothing need be said, he said it all many years ago.
As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, the Democrats will vote for it, the Republicans will cave for a modified version, and this year our nation will take a few more steps towards socialism. State's Rights and Individual Rights now ride in the back of the bus, not by choice, but by order of the federal government.

This will not change until you change your voter registration, voting habits, and establish the Whig Party as America's political party of We the People where Principles are Above Party.

To Join Now, Click Here

Nearly one in four workers is employed by companies that have contracts with the federal government; the socialist creep is everywhere. Why doesn't the majority of the voters get it? Two words come to mind:

SELFISH and HYPOCRITE

Rubio's GOP Credit Card Records

2010-02-27T19:17:00.001-05:00

The following is a press release from the Rubio Campaign. The issue of credit card use is one item that appears to have been explained; however, the source of the release of the information shows how dirty the smoke-filled politics have been in the Florida GOP, and how one person continues to be in the middle of the mess: Charlie Crist, Florida's part-time Governor and full-time U.S. Senate Candidate.

Charlie Crist and his campaign are incredibly desperate and may well have hit rock bottom.

This week, two polls show Charlie Crist is losing by 18 points in the primary, while two staffers have deserted his campaign. Jeb Bush called his support for the stimulus “unforgivable.” In response, Crist has reacted by going on national television to announce his intentions to smear Marco in the upcoming election. Meanwhile, multiple media sources reported this week on Governor Crist possibly running for the Senate not as a Republican but as an Independent.

As a result, earlier this week, the Crist campaign leaked copies of Marco’s American Express card statements from his time as a Florida GOP leader to at least one Florida-based media outlet. Given that no one had access to these records other than Marco and the previous, Crist-selected state party administration, copies of these internal documents could only have been obtained for them through the efforts of former Chairman Jim Greer and his team.

The fact that the sitting Governor of Florida, who was elected as a Republican, would go on to leak private internal RPOF documents is outrageous and appalling, especially in light of the scandals and destruction left behind by his handpicked choice for Chairman.

When Marco first entered this race, he was warned that there was nothing Charlie Crist would not do to save his political career. Now we all see how true that is. The Crist campaign is leveling every made-up charge and sleazy innuendo it can come up with.

I am sure that before the day is done, Charlie Crist and his campaign will respond to this story with expressions of shock and outrage. Perhaps he will go on to profess his supposed longstanding adherence to transparency. We think this would be a wonderful opportunity for him to prove that.

He should apologize for the irresponsible spending of his hand-picked state party leaders, former Chairman Jim Greer and Executive Director Delmar Johnson, and demand a full accounting of their spending.

He should also call for an audit on the work performed for the party by consultants linked directly to him, as well as examinations into any direct or indirect contributions the party has provided, in possible violation of party rules, to his Senate campaign.

On a day when Floridians are focused on finding a job, working hard to keep the one they have, or concerned about what may come of today’s Obama Health Care Summit in Washington, it’s sad that Charlie Crist has resorted to this type of campaign. It’s especially sad when you consider the major challenges our nation faces.

Have you had enough of these desperate smears against Marco?

From the Associated Press (Attached to the Rubio Press Release)

Rubio: Crist Leaked AmEX Statements; Charges Legit By Brendan Farrington Wednesday, 2/24/10

Senate candidate and former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio released a torrid letter Wednesday accusing Gov. Charlie Crist's campaign of leaking Rubio's state Republican Party American Express statements showing nearly $110,000 in charges over 25 months.

Rubio also justifies the charges as legitimate travel to promote the Republican Party of Florida, help Republican candidates and participate in county party fundraisers around the state.

"It is clear these internal documents were taken from the RPOF by former Chairman Jim Greer, or someone working for him, and were leaked to the media by the Crist Campaign," Rubio wrote to newly elected Chairman John Thrasher.

Greer resigned from the party under pressure after reports of lavish spending on jet planes and extravagant meals and entertaining. Greer's executive director, Delmar Johnson, was given a secret contract that pumped his compensation up to $408,000.

"As a point of reference, during this time period, the charges on my card amounted to approximately 3 percent of the Party's total American Express expenditures. In fact, I had fewer expenses in two years than my opponent's hand-picked RPOF Executive Director spent in just one month," Rubio wrote.

The Miami Herald and the St. Petersburg Times, which obtained the records, listed several personal items found on the statements, including grocery bills and wine bought from a store near his Miami home. Rubio said he personally paid American Express $16,052.50 for nonparty expenses.

"To the greatest extent possible, I made sure the Party never paid for any personal charges," Rubio told Thrasher.

Sharon Day, the state party's national committeewoman, defended Rubio and said she was angry someone would try to use the credit card statements against him.

"I'm not upset with Marco Rubio at all," she said. "If you can raise $12 million on $110,000, we all should be that good."

Day said Greer told her and other party leaders in a private meeting that if he went down, he would take others down with him. Greer didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.

"It's very convenient that the only one that gets released (is Rubio's)," she said. "This is silly. They want to talk about $110,000 in 25 months when Delmar spent $130,000 in one month."

Reached at home, Thrasher, who replaced Greer last Saturday, said he had no idea who had access to the statements.

"It's unfortunate they were leaked. They're internal documents of the party," Thrasher said. "We're taking steps to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Rubio pointed out only top party officials had access to the statements and noted Greer was picked by Crist to run the party. Crist, who says he never carried a party charge card, has previously said the statements should be released.

"These actions are an appalling act of political desperation. The idea that the former chairman of the RPOF, or those working for the Governor, would selectively leak internal RPOF documents is disturbing. But sadly it is not surprising because these are the very men who put the party in the mess it is in today," Rubio said. "The Florida GOP under Jeb Bush was never run with this sort of arrogance, mismanagement, lack of integrity and lack of leadership."

The Crist campaign didn't immediately return a phone call and e-mails seeking comment.

Rubio said 89 percent of his expenses were for travel, lodging, and meals related to official party work.

"During this time I crisscrossed the state countless times for Lincoln/Reagan dinners, GOP fundraisers, and other party business. In all, more than half of my expenses were transportation costs: 40 percent for commercial airline travel and 14 percent for car rentals, tolls, parking and fuel," Rubio said.

In Rubio's press release it states: "Have you had enough of these desperate smears...? Yes we have and it's one of the reasons why Democrats and Republicans are changing their voter registration to the Florida Whig Party, where Principles Before Party and We the People are priority one.

$10,000 Per Month

2010-02-23T14:25:00.000-05:00

As of April 2009, the University of South Florida employed 599 people whose monthly salary was $10,000 or more.

The mean average annual wage for this group is $194,258.82, and the median average annual wage is $156,782.00.

The highest monthly salary for this group of 599 employees was $110,429.17. That’s correct the highest monthly salary was $110,429.17.

If you think these numbers are outrageous, remember that these are only the wages for 599 employees. Not included are perks and benefits.

The taxpayers of the State of Florida pay for the retirement of state employees (of which the University System is a participant). As of July 1, 2009 the Florida Legislature set the contribution rate for regular-class employees at 9.85%; which is the classification we will use for this example.

For illustration purposes, we will simplify the retirement formula.

Each employee is credited 1.6% per year, multiplied by the number of years worked under the Florida State Retirement System. For 30 years of employment this amounts to a 48% retirement; which is then based upon the average for the annual salary for the highest five years.

This means that the mean average pension for the highest paid 599 employees at the University of South Florida could be $93,244.23 in 2010 dollars; as much as the annual salary of a City of Tampa Police Lieutenant with nearly 30 years of service.

While actuarial mathematicians will disagree slightly as to the amount of money necessary to guarantee the sum necessary to fund the retirement of the 599 University of South Florida employees whose monthly salary is $10,000 or more, for broad mortality illustration purposes with the conditions set forth thus far, it will take approximately $2 million in a trust fund to generate $93,000 annually for the life expectancy of a fairly young public service employee.

This means that the taxpayers of the State of Florida must have a minimum of $1.24 billion dollars set aside for these 599 employees alone in the State Retirement System.

The Florida State Retirement system currently provides retirement, disability, or death benefits to approximately 300,000 people plus 33,000 Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) participants. As of June 30, 2009, there are 668,416 non-retired employee members of the Florida State Retirement System, and the trust fund has a valuation of $115.2 billion; an amount equal to the net asset level of 2004.

From 2004 through 2009, total annual funding for the State Retirement System has increased from less than $2 billion to nearly $3.4 billion; however, the account balance for the state's retirement funds dropped to $96.8 billion in 2009, from $124.8 billion in 2008. After all additions and deductions, the retirement trust funds decreased in value by $27,963,638,504 ($27.9 billion). With a decrease of 4.42% in value in 2008 and a 19.03% decrease in 2009, the funds must annually gain approximately 24% in 2010 and 2011 to return to the 2007 end of year funding levels. Without taking into consideration contributions, if all funding and hiring was frozen, normal rates-of-return for moderate investment risk means that a return to year-end 2007 funding could easily take until 2017 or beyond.

According to the actuarial calculations of those retained by the Florida State Retirement System, the unfunded liability of the system is increasing due to an increase in the number of retirees, higher salaries, and annual cost-of-living increases. Not mentioned, but very obvious, is the significant investment loss as a result of risky real estate purchases that the plan trustees (Governor, Attorney General, and Chief Financial Officer) have been criticized for by a few media outlets. One boondoggle housing investment alone in New York City lost the taxpayers of the State of Florida over half a billion dollars. And while speaking of New York, it would be worth everyone’s while to see the amount of political contributions part-time Governor and full-time United States Senate Candidate Charlie Crist has received from New York, their occupations, investment holdings, and who their employers are. Where there’s smoke there’s fire folks.

Although the Florida State Retirement System Pension Plan won a Public Pension Standards Award for Funding and Administration in 2009, the fact remains that the taxpayers are paying a fortune to an elite group of state employees and that the overall cost to the taxpayers is astounding. It is also important to remember that the University of South Florida is only one of many employers covered under the Florida State Retirement System with elite salaries.

When one State University employs 599 people whose mean average annual wage is $194,000, does $115 billion sound like it is sufficient to pay all of the current and future obligations for the remaining 667,817 employees and 333,000 current retirees?

Now consider that the average annual salary for an employee covered under the Florida State Retirement System in 2009 was $41,572, the per capita income in Florida was $27,151, and the median household income was $48,637, the word “elite” takes on a rather elite meaning.

The attention spent on the fiscal issues in Washington consumes a tremendous amount of the mainstream media’s time. The same is true for many who are upset with taxes, government growth, and deficits. Unfortunately, many national spending and funding issues are difficult to change without a massive and fundamental shift in the electorate; which may be occurring at this time. But if more attention was focused on local and state issues by candidates who sought office with the goal of eliminating waste rather than providing more in order to curry voter favor and lobbyist funding, the collective We the People, would be far better off.

Just think about what we started off with again. 599 people working for one state employer whose monthly salary is a minimum of $10,000.00 and whose mean average annual salary is $194,258.82 for a total annual salary is nearly $117 million.

Utterly Amazing Isn’t It

Source: Wall Street Journal (February 22, 2010)

School reformers generally agree that the most important education resource is the teacher. But one of the biggest obstacles to putting a good instructor in every classroom is a tenure system that forces principals to hire and retain teachers based on seniority instead of performance.

California grants tenure to teachers after merely two years in the classroom. New York, like most other states, makes teachers wait a grand total of three years before giving them a job for life. In most cases tenure is granted automatically unless administrators object, which is rare.

What was Albert Einstein paid and could we afford him today?

Elite Public Service - A Path to Millionaire Status

The Courage to Just Say No

2010-02-18T14:48:00.002-05:00

Will the TEA party movement supporters give a pass to the Republicans who voted to accept, spend, and build the Sun Rail?

Will TEA party movement supporters give a pass to incumbent Republican Senator John McCain or will they stand behind J.D. Hayworth?

Will "We the People" have Courage to say no to all incumbents?

Or will most collapse under the pressure of being anti-the-other-party?

And have selective memory.

Mavrick: an independent thinker who refuses to conform to the accepted views on a subject.

Courage: the ability to face danger, difficulty, uncertainty, or pain without being overcome by fear or being deflected from a chosen course of action

A Mavrick without Courage: A Blow-hard, somebody who boasts but is considered ineffectual.

Mavricks with Courage are Truly Rare

A Crisis in Courage to Do What's Constitutionally Correct

Needed Today More Than Ever

When you swoon over the political flavor of the day, such as Sarah Palin, ask her and all of those in the following states to explain what they did to fix their state pension plans while in office.

The Pew center said on Wednesday that Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey and Oklahoma had, in essence, failed its new test because they made no meaningful progress on keeping their retiree benefit plans sound. The worst case was Illinois, with a $54 billion gap between the cost of the benefits it had promised to pay retirees over the next 30 years and the amount it had set aside.

Courage to tell the incumbents from Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, and Oklahoma to go home. Note that New Jersey had couage to toss their big-money, well-connected incumbent out; will the rest of the nation?

The Courage to Just Say No

Half A Million

2010-02-17T08:23:00.003-05:00

California is going broke and will be asking the federal government (which means we in Florida will be on the hook for a part of the tab) to bail them out. The Florida Whig Party continues to pound away that Democrats and Republicans have been in control of almost all offices in all branches of government in all states for 150 years, and they have given We the People some amazing public employee pay scales. The base salary in 2008 for Gregory Bewernick was $171,320.97, Douglas McMonigle was $151,313.29, Stephen Moore was $174,092.53, and Teresita Domineck was $151,338.40. These four Los Angeles Unified School District school teachers (yes school teachers, not administrators) make nearly half a million dollars in base pay. And by the way, from 2001 through 2007, the administration grew by 20% while the number of actual teachers decreased by 6%. Now get ready for this one (you might want to sit down) because 2,400 of the 3,500 working in administration make more than $100,000 in base salary.

God Bless American Public Service

State and local governments employ some 20 million people nationwide. Employee compensation costs represent the largest set of expenditures in every state budget. Analyzing the fiscal dynamics of the civil service system reveals some of the most significant constraints and opportunities legislators confront in balancing state budgets.

Total state expenditures exceeded $2.2 trillion last year, of which wages and benefits amounted to $1.1 trillion. Consequently, budgeting decisions related to at least 50 percent of all state budgets are driven by the wage provisions of civil service contracts and funding obligations for state workers’ health care and pension plans.

Labor costs also constitute a sizable proportion of private-sector business costs. But the average wages and benefits provided to public sector employees far exceed the rates paid by private employers. For example, the average hourly wage of public employees last year—$39.66—was 45 percent more than the average hourly wage of $27.42 paid in the private sector.

Register Today As A Florida Whig

Is low pay, over worked, and poor benefits always the case? Where will the nation draw the line? How will the nation pay? Are we all socialists? Have we turned into a nation of "get it while the getting is good" and if so, what's next? Have we lost the vision of President Kennedy when he said to ask not what the nation can do for you but rather what you can do for your nation? And have too many among us added a "but" that must includes a heafty paycheck?

In a perfect world there would always be the right ratio of student to teacher; however, when teachers and administrators are making nearly or as much as the Governor and a Supreme Court Justice, you have to ask...

Now consider the teacher if a poor Florida County, whose starting salary is less than $30,000. How do you think this person will vote when it comes time to elect another Democrat or Republican to office? Will they continue voting the same people in office who have bailed out, what seems like, everyone in banking, Wall Street, and the many state pensions that are, or nearing, collapse? At what point does the rank-and-file American (government employee and private sector employee) begin to realize that we are going broke and cannot continue draining the coffers? If education is the future for our children, what future are we giving them when they will inherit a mountain of debt that they too cannot pay?

We must have standards and measurable performance in the classroom; however, the FCAT is not working in many ways. Teaching to pass a test does not prepare children to be successful critical thinkers in an ever competitive global market that sees more informatin and change in a decade than the world saw in the previous thousand years.

While not every parent is a role model...

Most still strive for the live the American Dream, but in the end...

It takes balance.

If you agree that our cities, counties, state, and nation are out of balance, click HERE and start doing something about it.

"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." Inaugural Address by President John F. Kennedy on January 21, 1961; true then and true today.

$170,000 - VICTORY!

2010-02-16T16:50:00.002-05:00

The Florida Whig Party placed this item online last week. Today we are pleased to announce the resignation of Renee Gilmore effective Sunday. Gilmore did not attend the Board of Directors meeting when the resignation was presented.

Gilmore got in hot water with highly inappropriate and expensive entertainment for staff and guests; similar to what Congressman Clifford Stearns offers political supporters at the Republican Congressional Club in Washington, D.C.

Gilmore faces the risk of needing to repay as much as $81,000 in questionable expenses; however, the rest of the story lies with the Board of Directors. How does a BOD for an agency like Workforce allow the expenditures to go on and on without an audit showing where the money is going? Channel 8 News in Tampa has done a tremendous job exposing the waste, now it's time for phase two.

One of those on the Board of Directors is the Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Hillsborough Community College. Craig R. Johnson has an annual salary of almost $120,000 (plus perks and benefits). You have to admit that it is always interesting when one government employee sits on the board of directors of another entity that is funded with tax dollars and where the CEO is paid more than the Chief of Police or Mayor of Tampa. Another person on the BOD is Wayne Tye, an assistant Superintendent at the Hillsborough County School Board, who makes nearly $130,000 (plus perks and benefits). Next there's County Commissioner Mark Sharpe, whose annual salary is almost $92,000 (plus perks and benefits).

Think about the per hour cost to the taxpayers when Gilmore, Johnson, Tye, and Sharpe got together. At nearly $250.00 per hour (plus perks and benefits), we have to ask the question: Are you getting a reasonable return on your tax dollars?

Of Course Not

Under Gilmore's leadership, Workforce personnel were limited to $10 per meal while on business, but for executives, there was no limit; and oh brother did they wine and dine to a level that it might make lavish spending Cliff Stearns actually blush.

A sample of the dinner enjoyed by the many unemployed in Florida?

We think not and find it disgusting that our taxes are being spent for government executives to enjoy the high-life while so many suffer.

If Florida does not get a handle on executive compensation quickly, every Democrat and Republican elected to office will be given the boot. Click HERE for another story of a highly paid individual who is under investigation. If you've had enough, drop the two party registration for the Florida Whig Party.

Renée Gilmore is President and CEO of Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance, a Hillsborough County based organization delivering workforce solutions to Tampa Bay area businesses and job candidates. Ms. Gilmore is paid $170,000 a year and found a way to also spend over $130,000 on food that she billed to the agency! Oh, and about that missing $25,000 or so, will anyone really care about such a small sum? We do.

Dear Auditor General of the State of Florida.

Who's Auditing the Government?

The Government.

THINK ABOUT IT

A raw bar featuring oyster on the half shell, jumbo shrimp, crab. That was just some of the food the Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance purchased with $85,000 for its business awards banquets in the past two years. Click HERE.

Julie Sanon, Carol Brinkley, and Tom Stewart

Julie Sanon, Senior Vice President and Innovation Officer, Carol Brinkley, Vice President of WorkForce Services and Consumer Affairs, Tom Stewart, MHA, FACHE, Vice President of Operations are three other employees whose compensation and expense accounts should be looked at as well.

Time for FDLE?

What Are You Waiting For?

2010-02-16T16:49:00.000-05:00

Attorney General Bill McCollum, it's time to resign as you have breached your fiduciary duties and responsibilities to the residents of the State of Florida. Click HERE. How dare you "defer" to GOP Party Bosses for direction and guidance in prosecution of your Party Chairman and his henchmen who stole money from “your” Party. Again, Bill McCollum should resign and allow someone without a political agenda to restore integrity to the office of Attorney General. Politics and prosecution have no business being in the same room, or in McCollum’s case, back pocket. We wonder if Bill McCollum graduated from the Andrew Jackson School of Political Spoils rather than the Honest Abe School of Fiduciary Studies?

We smell a Watergate brewing if McCollum doesn't get a handle on the Republican Expensegate.

Charlie's Bill McCollum and Richard's John Mitchell
Two pea in a pod?

Congressman Cliff Stearns

2010-02-16T16:42:00.003-05:00

Clifford Bundy Stearns is a Member of Congress from Florida (6th Congressional District). Congressman Stearns was born in Washington, D.C. on April 16, 1941;, attended Hearst Elementary School in Washington, D.C. from 1946-1952, then graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C. in 1959. Congressman Stearns has a B.S. degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and then went briefly to the University of California, Los Angeles, Calif., 1965. Stearns served in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967. For 21 years, Stearns has had a strangle hold on his seat in Congress. He was first sworn into office on January 3, 1989. With over $2.5 million in his campaign bank account, over 66% of this money comes from special interests and less than 20% from residents in the Congressional District. Real Estate, Telecom Companies, Telephone Utilities, Pharmaceutical and Health Care Companies, and Law Firms are the big five industries that line the campaign pockets of Cliff Stearns. While unemployment soared in the Sixth Congressional District, Stearns was in Washington, D.C. with his friends raising millions in his where his only opponent is Florida Whig Candidate John Annarumma. On September 30, 2009 you could have paid $1,000 as an individual or $2,000 as a political action committee to attend a Wizards vs. Celtics basketball game at the Verizon Center in Washington. On July 23, 2009 and June 11, 2009 you could have paid $500 as an individual or $1,000 as a political action committee to have breakfast with Stearns at the Capitol Hill Club or have Coffee with Cliff at “the” Club on April 29 or 23, 2009 for the same entrance fee (did they serve Star Bucks?). And of course there was that Florida favorite “Sunshine Breakfast with Cliff on September 23, 2008 for $1,000 per person at the infamous Capitol Hill Club. Again, while millions of people were looking for work, Clifford was having a thousand dollar breakfast.

When asked if Stearns should leave Congress and retire, a crowd began chanting...

The Capitol Hill Club has a rich heritage and truly represents everything that is wrong with Washington, D.C. The concept of a national social club for Republicans only, began as the dream of the late New Jersey Congressman, James C. Auchincloss, in 1950 as a way to have open and frank conversations in private and away from prying eyes and ears of the media. An original group of 100 from 22 states formed the nucleus of what has become the nation’s premier insider’s political club. In 1951 the Republicans purchased the Madison Building from the Library of Congress for a very reasonable sum and immediately opened for business. Eleven years later, the Club moved to more spacious headquarters, and in 1972 built its present home, just one block from the U.S. Capitol; which allows Republicans a place to gather and discuss outside the presence of the media and sunshine. Club members of the Capitol Hill Club include the nation’s most influential people: Presidents and Vice Presidents, GOP Members of Congress, Governors, state party leaders and influential Republicans everywhere who are willing to pay the price of admission. The clubhouse has 5 levels and is chalk full of portraits of distinguished Republicans of past and present. The Eisenhower Lounge is frequently used for receptions, parties, and important events. The Presidential Dining room on the second floor is often the site of fund raising events where exotic cuisine is prepared by renowned chefs. Former Florida Republican Party Chairman Greer, who was forced out of office due to accusations within the Florida GOP of financial misappropriation, has reportedly frequented this Republican Conclave on several occasions. The “Club” is for members and invited guest only and offers a “superb venue” for “Representative and their guests to dine and discuss the day’s political agenda.” In other words, here’s the place to take the checks and cut the deals. When the day is done and drinks are needed, the Auchincloss Grill is the place to be. With sofas and nooks for private and “personal” conversations or to slumber and lay around with staff when a filibuster is ongoing, the Grill is “the” private spot on the Hill. The room features a secure wireless internet for surfing the web and making wire bank transfers. The third and fourth levels have a variety of private meeting rooms. As many as 400 card-carrying guests can be accommodated for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. At $2,000 per political action committee, the “Club” offers the quickest and most private way to raise $800,000 at a crack. The Bolton Room is often the perfect setting for the “private” fundraiser.

The current menu for Congressman Stearns and his guest at the Capitol Hill Club includes Jumbo Lump Crabmeat & Shrimp Martini, Spicy Cocktail Sauce, Smoked Salmon Tart, Cucumbers, Capers, Red Onion, Dill Lemon Vinaigrette in Phyllo Shell, Roasted Asparagus Crisp, Asparagus Wrapped in Proscuitte & Phyllo with Baby Arugula & Shaved Parmesan, Pan Seared Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Citrus Sauce, Stuffed Portabella Mushroom, Pine Nuts, Asiago Cheese, Roasted Red Peppers on Field Greens, New Zealand Mussels Casino, Herbed Pancetta Stuffing & Garlic Butter, Grilled Eggplant Ratatouille, Bermuda Onion & Tomato Soup, Lobster Bisque, Roasted Corn Soup Garnished with a Petite Crab Cake, Aged Certified Black Angus Beef, Double Cut Grilled Pork Chop, Pearl Onions, Braised Red Cabbage, Baby Apples, Port Glaze, Grilled American Double Lamb Chops and Currant Sauce, Ratatouille, Saffron Couscous, Grilled Beef Tenderloin On Sautéed Exotic Mushrooms & Baby Spinach, Roasted Garlic Oven Dried Tomatoes, Herbed Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Certified Black Angus Sirloin Steak, Roast Fingerling Potatoes, Baby Vegetables, Sautéed Spinach, On the Bone Cowboy Cut Ribeye Steak. Thyme Potato Cake, Grilled Portabella Mushroom, Topped with Crisped Shallots, Pistachio Crusted Breast of Chicken, Caramelized Artichokes, Asparagus, Roasted Potatoes, Sun Dried Tomato Basil Sauce, Grilled Sea Bass, Cannellini Bean Ragout, Corn, Sweet Onion, Tomato, Fresh Herb, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes On Ratatouille, with Parmesan Polenta, Warm Arugula, Caperberry Lemon Sauce, Pan Roasted Grouper, Savoy Cabbage, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Fingerling Potatoes, Fennel Mustard Sauce, Seared Duck Breast Over Gnocchi, Baby Green Beans, Carrots, Butternut Squash, & Fennel Balsamic Port Sauce, Lobster Ravioli & Sautéed Shrimp Red, Green, & Yellow Peppers, Tomato, & Basil, Saffron Cream Sauce, or Steamed 1 ½ Lb. Maine Lobster.

Not exactly the menu at Denny’s is it?

With all this now in the open, we have to wonder what the TEA party movement members in the 6th Congressional District think about a Republican Good-Old-Boys who has his "Friends of Stearns" attending the various TEA party events with trusted Republican Executive Committee Party members while back "home" in D.C. he dines on lobster and crab cakes? Various TEA party movement coalitions got all ginned up over the cost of the recent TEA party convention in Nashville, but all the while, Clifford is just one another D.C. insider and only one example (and oh do we have the dirt on the others) of flashy spending by the Grand Old Party ancient guard.

Disgusting Isn't It

While Clifford Bundy Stearns was hob nobbing with his rich and powerful handlers, lobbyists, and deal-makers, John Annarumma (Deputy Sheriff & U.S. Army National Guard) has and continues defending the nation like millions of other true Americans who answer the call.

John Annarumma, a real patriot and Whig candidate for Congress.

Time to elect some of these fellas to Congress. We can't wait for mortality to thin the herd in Congress. The Florida Whig Party is for those who believe in Principles above Party and We the People Above Self Interest. In 2010 We the People have the opportunity tell the nation that our Congressional Districts are occupied by working men and women, not ELITE POWER BROKERS and WE ARE NOT FOR SALE.

And speaking of FOR SALE, watch what Stearns does if there is no Republican to challenge him in the primary. At the last possible moment (90 days before the general election) Stearns will abuse his Congressional franking privilege. The franking privilege gives lawmakers millions in tax dollars to create a favorable public image by mailing material that is not suppose to be political but informational to the voters; but alas, when you look at a Stearns mailer its blatant political posturing. Experts across the political spectrum have labeled the frank as an unfair electioneering tool. In past election cycles, Congressional incumbents such as Clifford have spent as much on franking alone as challengers have spent on their entire campaigns; and in 2010 this will happen again. Already there have been meetings to outline form and format of the pre-election frank by Stearns, depending upon who is in the race. The Florida Whig Party calls upon Clifford Bundy Stearns to support and abide before passage with H.R. 2687, introduced by Representative Ray LaHood during the 110th Congress, which would effectively prohibit Representatives from mass mailing newsletters, questionnaires, or congratulatory notices. The prohibition would not cover certain other types of mass mailings made by Members, including federal documents (such as the Congressional Record) or voter registration information. The proposed legislation would apply only to Representatives; it would not affect mass mailings made by Senators. We won’t hold our breath as Stearns is the poster boy for questionable franking material.

Again, for all Whigs, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, third party registered voters, and all Tea party movement members who are fed up with the abuse by the good-old-boy incumbents, pay careful attention to issues such as abusive franking and simply toss the insiders like Stearns out of office.

It's Time For Whigs In Congress

The Florida Whig Party congratulates the Utah Tea Party Movement

2010-02-13T16:29:00.001-05:00

The Tea Party Movement, which has fueled the downward spiral of Gov. Charlie Crist's Senate campaign in Florida, is now targeting Republican Sen. Bob Bennett in Utah. Bennett, who is seeking a fourth term this year, is facing a long list of potential primary challengers, including businesswoman Cherilyn Eagar, millionaire entrepreneur Tim Bridgewater, businessman James Williams and Mike Lee, a former assistant U.S. attorney. But Tea Party activists are seeking to torpedo Bennett's re-election campaign because he supported the $700 billion financial bailout plan and has "missed a lot of the basic blocking and tackling," a political operative with close ties to Tea Party activists told Fox News. "He's just become too inside the beltway." Click HERE.

Comment: The Florida Whig Party congratulates the Utah Tea Party Movement for staying true to the original intent of their cause. Bennett has been in the Senate for 18 years, enough already. By the way, we could use some help for John Annarumma’s campaign to get rid of another long-time political insider, Clifford Stearns, who embodies the definition of cannon fodder.

Florida Voters Now Have A Viable Third Party Option.

2010-02-11T17:46:00.001-05:00

Florida Voters Now Have A Viable Third Party Option.

With 5 Congressional Candidates, The Florida Whig Party may change the playing field in the 2010 mid-term elections.

Ocala, Florida (Friday February 11, 2010) – The Florida Whig Party, who over the last 5 months has announced five congressional candidates, two of which may turn out to be the voters only option in two major Congressional Districts.

In Florida’s 6th Congressional District. One time 3rd district candidate John Annarumma (W) announced on February 10, 2010 that he would instead be running in the 6th district against the un-challenged Republican incumbent Cliff Stearns.

In Florida’s 25th Congressional District. Florida Whig Party candidate Craig Porter (W) was left as the only candidate after the un-challenged Republican Incumbent Mario Diaz-Balart announced today that he would not be seeking his currently held seat in the 25th but instead would run in the 21st district to fill a seat that his brother held for the past 18 years.

Also running in Florida. Clayton Schock in Florida’s 20th Congressional District against Democrat incumbent Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, Stephen Bacon in Florida’s 7th Congressional District against Republican incumbent John Mica, and Steven Gerritzen in Florida’s 8th Congressional District who is running against Democrat incumbent Alan Grayson.

It was recently reported by Richard Winger of Ballot Access News, “there have been virtually no minor party candidates for U.S. House in Florida in the last ten years. No minor party has yet had as many as five candidates for U.S. House in any election year. The Libertarians had two in 2004, and the Reform Party had two in 2000. The Green Party has not had any in the last ten years. The most the Constitution Party ever had in any one year was one (one in 2002 and one in 2004). The Socialist Workers Party has not had any.”

About the Florida Whig Party:

Established in 1833, the Whigs are one of America's oldest mainstream political parties. They were the original party of Abraham Lincoln and four other U.S. Presidents.

Revived by Jeremy McShurley in late 2006, the Florida Whig party has quickly attracted thousands of members. They represent moderate voters from all walks of life that cherry-pick between traditional Democratic and Republican ideals in what has been called the Florida Whig Philosophy. This Ocala, FL-based Whig Party values common sense, rational solutions ahead of ideology and partisan bickering.
This includes general principles of fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and educational/scientific advancement.

Florida is the first state in the nation to achieve revived ballot access for Whig candidates since the mid 1800’s.

Contact:
Jason M. Rogoski
Florida Whig Party Director of Communications
352-293-4139
Hernando@FloridaWhig.com
###

The Republicanization of the TEA Party should end.

2010-02-10T10:47:00.001-05:00

$315,000

2010-02-08T07:04:00.001-05:00

$315,000.00

Did you know that the City Manager of Ft. Lauderdale, George Gretsas had a total compensation package of $315,000 in 2008?

As a point of reference the Mayor of San Francisco was paid $215,000, Boston’s Mayor was paid $175,000, and the Mayor of Chicago was paid $216,000.

A public service employee should be paid appropriately for his or her services; but the key word is appropriatedly. What one person considers appropriate within their peer group is not appropriate within another peer group. The largest peer group is We the People of the United States of America. This large group is preoccupied with the normal routines and activities of daily activity. While we cannot focus our attention on every wrong that exists, we can focus on a few and demand change. Calling out those who let this type of compensation take place is the best place to start.

The Florida Whig Party calls upon the Florida Legislature to pass legislation that requires every state agency, county, and city to report the base salary, overtime, bonus, and cost of all benefits for all employees. This information must be made available upon request for a nominal fee (within the laws governing public records requests) and online without cost and with the ability to be downloaded into a spreadsheet format for individual resident and voter analysis.

The time has come for We the People to know who is being paid and how much through an easy to use online program.

The FWP believes if total compensation was fully disclosed, future elections will result in many incumbents being voted out of office when an empowered electorate is fully informed.

Think About It

This Should Be MAJOR Issue

Bailouts, Clinton, Bush, & Obama, Republicanization, the Tea Party, and Gutless Hypocrites: The Gang’s All Here.

2010-02-07T11:44:00.000-05:00

The Mexican Bailout

Let’s start today with the Mexican Bailouts and draw a few similarities from the past with the present.

Once upon a time, Mexico experienced an economic meltdown, and the United States and the International Money Fund came to the rescue. During the 70s and 80s, Mexico, along with most of South America, suffered from the OPEC Oil Embargo, inflation, political corruption, currency devaluation, inadequate domestic activity, an imbalance in international trade, and increasingly violent narcotics terrorism. The 70s and 80s seems like yesterday, for others they have no recollection as they were not born and have not studied recent history (or much history at all because of the FCAT). Others should remember, but they were smoking pot and snorting cocaine while in college at Columbia and Harvard while Hail to the Chief played for Bill Clinton.

You see boys and girls, Bill Clinton and those faceless bankers at the International Money Fund, bailed out Mexico in 1995 without Congressional approval or oversight. Now as we continue, keep in mind the Bush-Obama response in 2008-09 to the financial crisis here in the United States. Critics at the time (1994-95) said that the plan would benefit only large and rich investors in Mexico and would do little for Average Jose or Juanita. Many tens of billions of U.S. dollars were loaned to Mexico in the form of bailouts. Clinton and his supporters argued that Mexico would set a course of fiscal responsibility by lowering its deficit, controlling its money supply, privatizing many state-run companies, aggressive suppression of internal rebellion and narco-terrorists, and removing their central bank from political interference. At the time, those who talked about the moral hazard of bailouts were shut down by ANBCNNBS and TimeWeek, as chronic complainers. Rather than focus on market-orientated alternatives, international bailouts were said to offer the greater benefit and solution; however, evidence that fundamental change was necessary, going back to 1982, when Mexico announced that it could not service its foreign debt, was ignored. ANBCNNBS and TimeWeek reported then, failed to in 95, and went AWOL in 2008-09, when it came to the fact that the bailouts and fiscal irresponsibility of the 80s were the leading causes of the lost decade for Latin America. Fast forward to 2009 and we have a replay of dependency and the need to suckle from the IMF fiscal tit again as Mexico tapped a new line of credit ($50 billion) to bolster its finances. The IMF relaxed its loan conditions for emerging nations that need short-term assistance; however, if you call a problem that has existed since the 70s a short-term problem, then by this definition, a 30 mortgage is a short-term investment.

The New York Times stated the following on January 18, 1997:

“Mexico's early repayment of loans made by the United States in 1994 puts the finishing touch on a public-policy success. President Clinton's decision to bail out Mexico, over Congress's opposition, was politically unpopular. But with support from the Republican leaders Newt Gingrich and Bob Dole, Mr. Clinton tapped an obscure Treasury fund to lend Mexico more than $13 billion.” The Times went on to opine: “The United States intervened in Mexico because Mexico's economic collapse would have slashed demand for American exports and driven illegal workers across the border. Such dangers will not be easily replicated elsewhere. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin and his deputy, Lawrence Summers, understood that United States intervention could help Mexico, thereby encouraging other developing countries undergoing market reforms. Powerful politicians criticized the bailout. To everyone's benefit, Mr. Clinton did not retreat.”

Kool-Aid Then & Now

Now let’s stop and review a few items for those from Chicago and the Tea Party members who drink the DNC and GOP Kool-Aid, who can’t follow the bread crumbs on the yellow brick road.

First, Clinton was supported by many Republicans in leadership positions in his bailout of Mexico; no different than Bush and Obama in their bailouts of their banking friends on Wall Street.

Second, the fact that Mexico repaid the loans three years early was touted as evidence that the problems were fixed, when the reality is that the problems were merely postponed and are greater today than ever.

Third, the $50 billion bailout in 1995 was front page news then, but in 2009, ANBCNNBS and TimeWeek may have mentioned the IMF bailout in passing, but then, by today’s standard, $50 billion is chump change compared to the trillions the U.S. is in hock for and thus barely worth the effort of a raised eyebrow let alone the precious time of a talking head.

Fourth, foreign government welfare is nothing more than money being pulled from the private sector to support and reward economic mismanagement and political corruption.

Fifth, the same players, such as Lawrence Summers, keep turning up and promoting the same fiscal irresponsibility with Obama as he did with Clinton. Old ANBCNNBS and TimeWeek are oh so willing to lay down and be walked on for fear that Lawrence would get his shoes dirty. And by the way, with a little digging into the dirt, where where did Larry's money come from?

Sixth, because all investments involve risk, the rewards for taking risk are a potential higher return; however, taxpayer subsidization of bad risk by a cocky Wall Street financier will curtail the entrepreneurial appetite of Average John and Jane as well as Jose and Juanita, resulting in the undermining of confidence necessary for a free market system to thrive.

Seventh, investment police will be created to force those who buck the socialist trend in favor of a free-market approach to comply or face legislative hurdles, administrative roadblocks, fines, and if necessary, jail. The overall increase of the criminalization of non-violent “administrative and bureaucratic” crimes will increase and result in an increasing burden on the criminal justice system; resulting in less time for true criminals and overall jail overcrowding.

Eighth, the growth of power of the Imperial Presidency through assumption of increasing expectation falls squarely at the feet of both Democrats and Republicans in Congress. To say that nearly every single Member of Congress has not completely abandoned their constitutional duties and violated their oath of office is to rewrite the history books; and yet, isn’t that done on a daily basis in the name of political correctness. Many of the powers and duties executed by the person occupying the Office of President of the United States are simply illegal and unconstitutional.

Ninth, rewarding any nation with financial support for irresponsible policies punishes every single taxpayer in the United States and erodes our sovereignty. The direct or indirect role of the United States as the institutionalized lender of last-resort is literally bleeding the nation to death.

February 6, 2010 - Nashville

And so, all of this leads to Nashville, Tennessee and the site of the first Tea Party Convention and the speech by former Governor Sarah Palin.

The Florida Whig Party has taken a “wait-and-see” approach to the Tea Party Movement from day one. The FWP Platform of less government, state’s rights, support of the Fair Tax, individual responsibility, mutual tolerance, strong national defense, open enrollment to health insurance, energy independence, and staunch opposition to bailouts for national and international businesses, federalization of health care, unfunded federal mandates, and criminalization of activities deemed politically incorrect should ring true to Tea Baggers and result in a flood of new members to the Florida Whig Party. But yet, the elephant in the room remains the Republican Party and the desire to duke it out with the Democrat Party. Tea Party activists Anthony Shreeve was quoted just before the Tea Party Convention as saying: “This movement is not about the Republican Party. It is a grassroots movement about We the People.”

Oh really?

Republicanization

While we have been in agreement in spirit with the Tea Party Movement, the time has come to make it perfectly clear that:

The Florida Whig Party

finds the Republicanization of the Tea Party Movement

disturbing and destructive.

The following appeared in the Miami Herald: “From golf-course fees to charter jets to the nation's capital, Republican Party of Florida Executive Director Delmar Johnson racked up hundreds of thousands of dollars in travel, food and expenses to his party-issued American Express card last year. He flew to Las Vegas and San Francisco, to New York and Boston. He picked up $3,000 tabs at posh restaurants such as Del Frisco's steakhouse in Orlando; he chartered jets; bought flowers for the wife of party Chairman Jim Greer; and charged greens fees at the Torrey Pines championship golf course in San Diego, according to internal RPOF accounting records and credit-card invoices obtained by the Orlando Sentinel.” Click HERE and HERE.

Is this the political party you wish to be a part of in Florida?

Do you seek to change the Republican Party by being an outside force?

Do you seek to become a part of the Republican Party structure as a quasi-independent arm of the duopolistic good-old-boy system?

Will you look internally and see the Republicans in your mist who are just as responsible as any Democrat for the problems of cronyism, payola, fraud, and the inherent evil that comes from both a monopoly and duopoly, or will you give them a pass in the name of cutting a deal to defeat the demonic Democrat?

Lastly, are you willing to risk the independence of your movement for the infiltration and Republicanization as was oh so evident from the Palin speech?

The Tea Party Movement (TPM) quasi-national convention this weekend featured Sarah Palin as the keynote speaker. Her fire and brimstone speech was pure red meat for those in attendance. She also highlighted the absolute fact that the movement’s Republicanization is complete and indisputable. Sadly, the breach of fiduciary duty to the core principles of the origianal movement is complete.

The complaints that Palin was being paid $100,000 for her appearance and that the cost of attending the event ($600) was too high and in contravention of the principles of a grass-roots movement, demonstrates how weak the practical political skills, knowledge, and organizational abilities are of the rank-and-file complaining Tea Bagger. What was never mentioned by those covering Nashville is that Palin will soon arrive in Florida for the upcoming Orange County Florida Republican Executive Committee Lincoln Day Dinner; 1+1=2 not 3.

It’s time to come clean about 1 + 1 = 2, not 3. From coast-to-coast and border-to-border, many Tea Baggers are staunch members of the Republican Party. While many are from the Ron Paul movement, a growing number are from formal Republican leadership positions and they are intentionally or unintentionally causing the Republicanization of the Tea Party Movement. For example, in Marion County Florida, there is an active Tea Party Group that meets in Ocala. At these meetings, many Republican faces, including longtime Marion County Republican Executive Committeewoman Marguerite Cavanaugh can be seen. There is little doubt that REC Committeewoman Cavanaugh is a staunch conservative on social and moral issues and so it would be natural to see her engaged in the Tea Party Movement. The problem the FWP has documented is that she is not alone. Many current and former members of Florida Republican Party Executive Committees are engaged on a semi to active basis in the Tea Party Movement. And that’s the rub that people like Glenn Beck have been dealing with. Last night on Fox News, Beck made a sincere effort (more of a plea) to Gretta Van Susteren that the Tennessee Tea Party Convention this weekend was not for disenfranchised Republicans but for Democrats, Independents, and other Parties. The tone of the interview was as clear as a bell:

The GOP has gained control over

the Tea Party because the Tea Party Members,

like a substantial percentage of voters,

have a mental blind-spot when it comes to

the two-party system.

The Florida Whig Party offers Democrats In Name Only (DINOs), Republicans In Name Only (RINOs), those who have No Party Affiliation (NPA), and the Independent with a fiscally responsible, mutually tolerant, and socially diverse home that staunchly supports the 10th Amendment a political home. What many Tea Baggers who have been Republicanized do not realized is that the Republican Party pays lip service to the 10th Amendment. While they talk a good game, their actions speak loud and clear. In 1978, more than 900 people died in Georgetown, Guyana when Jim Jones spiked the Kool-Aid and led his flock of sheep, known as the Peoples Temple, to a mass suicide. Wacko Jones knew that controlling the mix and distribution of the Kool-Aid was the key, and the professional politicians know the same rules. On Saturday, February 6, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee, we watched an audience become drunk on Republicanization because the keynote speaker and event organizers controlled the Kool-Aid.

The Difference

The Florida Whig Party Platform should warm the cackles of the true Tea Bagger and cause distain from the Republicanization infiltrator. The key difference lies with the Tenth Amendment, prioritization of claim, and mutual tolerance.

How can you claim to be a supporter of States Rights and yet advocate for the passage of an Amendment to the United States Constitution to ban abortion?

How can you claim to be a supporter of States Rights and yet vote each year for passage of a federal Department of Transportation Bill that restricts state laws regarding roadway safety, speed limits, and parameters on driving while under the influence?

How can you claim to be a proponent of free speech and yet seek the passage of an Amendment to the Constitution that bans the burning of the American Flag, while using the symbol of the flag on a coaster for your rum and Coke?

How can you claim to be for term limits and yet Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, James Walsh,, Cliff Stearns, Dana Rohrabacher, John Duncan Jr., Jim McCrery, Christopher Shays, Fred Upton, Lamar Smith, Wally Herger, Elton Gallegly, Howard Coble, Joe Barton, James Saxton, Dan Burton, Frank Wolf, Christopher Smith, Harold Rogers, Duncan Hunter, Ralph Hall, David Dreier, Thomas Petri, James Sensenbrenner Jr., Jerry Lewis, Don Young, Ralph Regula, and C.W. Bill Young (who are all Republicans) have been in office for more than 20 years?

How can you support freedom of religion while confusing acknowledgement of American history for religious prosecution or favoritism?

How can you claim to be a free-trader when you vote for those who started the bailout during the Bush Administration?

How can you claim to be a free-trader when you buy the books of a former history professor and Speaker of the House who supported the 90s Mexican Bailout while touting fiscal responsibility and moral clarity?

The Difference

The platform of the Florida Whig Party is true to the broad non-denominational principles upon which the nation was founded. What often derails political parties is their institutionalization of religious preference and inability to separate their strong Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, or Hebrew views from that of practical political organization and governance. While some detest any form of religion, faith, the idea of Devine intervention or benevolence, others have adopted the Green Movement and Mother Earth as a religious calling. Natually there's always the "traditional" righteous amoung us who are willing to kill us for our own good.

Florida Whigs are inclusivists and firm believers in peaceful mutual tolerance. We seek to harmonize through universal truths that highlight agreement and minimize differences, while acknowledging the contributions and damage that all religions have played intentionally or passively in the suffering of man at the hands of other men, mother nature, and pure fate.

The Florida Whig Party stands alone and apart from some Whig organizations outside our state because they allowed Democrats or Republicans by registration in major leadership positions. It is impossible to build a viable third party with hypocrites and it is impossible for the Tea Party Movement to remain a legitimate independent issue focused movement when it has allowed itself to become Republicanized. Hypocrites in elected office and positions of authority within a political party are eventually exposed. During the question and answer portion of Palin’s speech, the gentleman asking the questions removed all doubt as to where the Tea Party Movement is headed in both form and substance. When credibility suffers, rank-and-file members will melt away, leaving the fanatics stirring the pot and the osmosis of assimilation results in a dependent subsidiary of the duopolistic problem that is at the core of all that is wrong with the nation. All that is left standing is a hollow shell.

Gutless Hypocrites

Sarah Palin is easy to watch, has a common wit and charm, can deliver a couple of zingers in a speech, and talks about taking on the good-old-boys in Alaskan Republican politics, but she made it perfectly clear that she’s a Republican (and they cheered). This is the person who accepted the Vice Presidential nod from a man (John McCain) who should have resigned in disgrace during his involvement with Charles Keating (the Keating Gang of Five), the Lincoln Savings and Loan fiasco, his sweetheart deals for wife Cindy and father-in-law Jim Hensley, and his countless flights on private banker paid jets to luxury spas in the Bahamas back in the 80s. And as for that $45+ million net worth McCain has accumulated as a public servant through various trust funds, well, let’s just say he’s been serving someone pretty darn well and the mirror tells no lies. Sorry Sarah, while it launched you to national prominence, you picked up the stench of political wheeling and dealing; and you appear to be a quick study. Had Cody Willard of Fox Business given the same speech, the applause would have been appropriate but the reception rather cool as he is one of those who remains loyal to his convictions that the political duopoly of the Ds and Rs is at the core of many problems we face. The Tea Baggers in Nashville had a blind eye this weekend to the obvious and would be wise to read Matthew 7:3.

If the Tea Party Movement does not want to become known as gutless hypocrites and a mere notation in the history books, then they must reject the Republicanization of the movement. In Florida we encourage all true Tea Party Movement sympathizers to embrace, register, and run for office with the one political party whose platform most closely represents that which the founding fathers built this nation upon:

The Florida Whig Party.

China Attacks Google

2010-02-04T23:41:00.001-05:00

Florida Whig Party Announces Congressional Candidate For The 8th District.

2010-02-03T03:03:00.000-05:00

The Florida Whig Party today announced Steven Gerritzen would run against Alan Grayson for Florida’s 8th Congressional District.

Ocala, Florida (Wednesday February 03, 2010)-On Tuesday, February 2, 2010 the announcement was made on the Florida Whig Party website that Steven Gerritzen, candidate for Florida’s 8th Congressional District is now a member of the Florida Whig Party and is seeking to unseat Democratic incumbent Alan Grayson.

The announcement was made by party Chairman Paul Truesdell both in written and video formats.

Steven Gerritzen (W) is running against controversial Democrat incumbent Alan Grayson who first took office in 2009 and is better known for his 2009 statement on the House floor speech comparing America’s health-care system to the Holocaust and his claims that "The Republican health care plan is this: 'Don't get sick, and if you do get sick, die quickly.”

Steven Gerritzen as like the vast majority of all Americans, Steve has never worked in a glamorous position. Steve’s employment history includes busboy to pizza delivery, maintenance to construction, and driving truck to electrical manufacturing. Steven Gerritzen currently works on an assembly line where he has been for the last 7 years but cannot disclose his employer due to his contract with the Federal Government, pursuant to one or more Homeland Security laws, rules, and regulations, that prevents candidate disclosure of the name of the employer, job title, duties, or responsibilities. Additional details about Mr. Gerritzen and his positions can be found on his website at www.GerritzenforCongress.com which also became public on Tuesday the 2nd, shortly after the announcement.

About the Florida Whig Party:
Established in 1833, the Whigs are one of America's oldest mainstream political parties. They were the original party of Abraham Lincoln and four other U.S. Presidents.

Revived by Jeremy McShurley in late 2006, the Florida Whig party has quickly attracted thousands of members. They represent moderate voters from all walks of life that cherry-pick between traditional Democratic and Republican ideals in what has been called the Florida Whig Philosophy. This Ocala, FL-based Whig Party values common sense, rational solutions ahead of ideology and partisan bickering.

This includes general principles of fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and educational/scientific advancement.

Florida is the first state in the nation to achieve revived ballot access for Whig candidates. It was recently reported by Richard Winger of Ballot Access News, “there have been virtually no minor party candidates for U.S. House in Florida in the last ten years. No minor party has yet had as many as three candidates for U.S. House in any election year. The Libertarians had two in 2004, and the Reform Party had two in 2000. The Green Party has not had any in the last ten years. The most the Constitution Party ever had in any one year was one (one in 2002 and one in 2004). The Socialist Workers Party has not had any.”

Project777United.Com

2010-01-27T05:43:00.001-05:00

Project777United.Com

April 9 - 15, 2010 - Washington, DC

Website Pending - Click HERE

Have you noticed that what one man considers theft, another considers a stimulus package or bailout? What one man considers a crime, another considers a campaign contribution and the normal course of business. What a controlling generation considers normal and typical business practices the next generation considers the exploitation of their freedom through the ransacking of their national wealth. Have you noticed that those under the age of 40 are getting extremely upset with their prospective future of inheriting a $15 to $20 trillion dollar national debt? Did you notice that Scott Brown of Massachusetts won the vote of Average Joe and Jane? Did you know that when Louis XVI ascended to the throes as King of France, he did so during a massive financial crisis that resulted in the bankruptcy of the nation? Did you know that the French eventually had enough and took to the streets in revolution in which July 14, 1789 resulted in the storming of the Bastille; which was perceived to be a symbol of monarchist tyranny? The French celebrate Bastille Day in France as we celebrate July 4, 1776.

Congress and the President continue to take for granted the Tea Baggers, Town Hall Protesters, and Average Joe and Jane. In early 2009, the Florida Whig Party posted on this website, many items in support of the Tea Party Protesters (Tea Baggers) and encouraged everyone to protest peacefully and respectfully, without threats of violence or displays of vulgarity. Unfortunately, Congress needs another reminder.

The Florida Whig Party encourages everyone who is fed up with the reckless spending by all levels of government to:

(1) Descend upon Washington, D.C. on April 9, 2010.

(2) Begin silently walking around the United States Capitol, 24 hours a day; leave the trumpets home.

(3) Do not block traffic or carry signs.

(4) Do this for six (6) days.

(5) On the seventh day (7), April 15th (the income tax filing deadline) sing "We shall overcome" for 24 hours.

(6) Wear a red hat on the 7th day; red for the national debt.

(7) At 7 pm stand still, face the Capitol, hold hands and loudly sing "We Shall Over Come" for 7 minutes.

If Joshua could bring the walls down of Jericho in seven days, We the People should be able to bring Congress to their knees if seven million people gathered at one time. All the King's police and military cannot stop the power of a peaceful assembly and the freedom of speech.

The Florida Whig Party cannot adequately promote or organize an event like this and seeks the assistance of those who are financially able to coordinate and promote the peaceful assembly Project 7-7-7; 7 million at 7pm for 7 minutes. Please copy and paste this or the link to everyone on your email list. Talk with family, friends, neighbors and relatives. Print and distribute leaflets as you can financially afford. Make this a grassroots movement to bring the walls of debt in Washington down. It's just that simple and it's the right thing to do.

On the 7th Day at 7 pm for 7 minutes

April 15, 2010

Project777United.Com

President Obama, Bring Down this Debt!

COMING SOON PROJECT777UNITED.COM

Think About It

Join the Florida Whig Party where we want people who place

Principles above Party Politics.

Platform Plank Highlight - Taxation

2010-01-25T16:40:00.001-05:00

Taxation:
The current system of federal taxation is complex, unfair, and discouraging to savings, investment, and innovation.

Repealing the taxation on personal and business income must take place.

Repeal will result in pension simplification as all pension laws become moot.

Taxation shall take place at the point of purchase of all new goods and services for personal consumption. Known as the Fair Tax, a monthly payment (prebate) to all lawful United States citizens equal to the tax on purchases up to a denominator of the poverty level equal to the applicable family unit size is truly fair and efficient.

An estate tax based upon a legislatively determined denominator of the poverty level for a family of four, yet not less than five hundred (500), is critical to prevent the unbridled growth and power of family dynasties and politically motivated foundations of perpetual existence.

Discussion:
The Florida Whig Party Platform is written in a constitutional rather than legislative format; designed to stand as such for a prolonged period of time. Resolutions are designed to address issues of the day rather than making constant changes to the Platform. Parsimony of language guides the Platform as it did with Thomas Jefferson in the writing of the Declaration of Independence and those who crafted the Constitution.

Facts:
According to CNN, the Federal Reserve estimates the net worth of the United States to be approximately $50,000,000,000,000.00 (that's $50 trillion dollars). According to Forbes, the 200 wealthiest Americans have a net worth of $1,000,000,000,000.00.

The Math:
The 200 wealthiest Americans have an average net worth of $5,000,000,000.00 ($5 billion). This group owns 2% of the wealth of the entire nation. If all 200 died this year and placed their net worth in a foundation where 2% per year was allocated to promote social issues that affect the electoral outcome of various key federal races, this sum would equal $20,000,000,000 ($20 billion) each year. This amount is a bit more than the $745,000,000 ($745 million) that the Obama for President Campaign raised in 2008.

Discussion:
The issue of unlimited political contributions (see the recent decision by the United States Supreme Court), the role of foundations, the historical reasons for estate and inheritance taxes (they're different), and the influence of a small number of people who combine their resources to influence the electoral process of a significant number of poorly informed voters is worthy of nothing short of a serious discussion. The Florida Whig Party seeks voters, delegates, coalition leaders, and candidates who have the ability to think broadly and with depth about issues of significant consequence as slogans and surface muckraking accomplish little beyond over-charging and ginning up the 5 watt bulb trying to light the stadium.

These are serious times that require serious people who will engage and encourage the electorate to have serious discussions. The Florida Whig Party is for those who believe in mutual tolerance and the acceptance that it is impossible for people to always agree on everything. Those who have a "my-way-or-the-highway view of life, as well as those who drink-the-kool-aid of their political party of choice, will have a difficult time as a Florida Whig. Broad freedom within a reasonable code of conduct for government, business entities, charities, non-profits, and individuals is what makes the FWP different from other political parties.

Pollyanna's like Goldilocks who always find the porridge too hot or too cold and never just right have unreasonable expectations.

While some saw that Tony rode a pony, there are others who saw that Anthony rode a horse.

Think About It

Florida Whig Party candidate leaves party to run as Independent

2010-01-25T16:01:00.002-05:00

We wouldn't be honest if we were to say that we didn't see this coming. About 5 months back Mr. McKain surrounded himself with with members of his campaign committee that have publicly been very Anti-Whig. Several are registered Republicans and this was reflected in their work and the new message they pushed in the McKain campaign. during that time they systematically removed from all of Mr. McKain's websites and literature anything having to do with the Florida Whig Party.

This was discussed with Paul C. McKain on several occasions and he failed to lead in his own campaign and chose to instead follow.

The Florida Whig Party wishes former Whig Candidate Paul McKain and his campaign all the best in their endeavor to win the heart and mind of the Republican and Conservative voter in District 2.

The K-Street Lobbyists

2010-01-19T09:26:00.001-05:00

The K-Street Lobbyists say we cannot build the Florida Whig Party without their money. The K-Street Lobbyists say you cannot win office without their money because the voters are stupid and respond only to attack ads. The K-Street Lobbyists say they only educate Members of Congress, they don't control them. Watch the video and decide for yourself. DONATE TO THE FWP TODAY and prove the K-Street Lobbyists wrong.

President Carter on Health Insurance

2010-01-19T08:01:00.000-05:00

How much has government spending increased since 1980 when President Carter said national health insurance would save the nation more money than we could count. You must give the K-Street Lobbyists credit, they never stop until they get what they want. Follow the money.

Unlike Medicare, which is solely a federal program, Medicaid is a joint federal-state program. Each state operates its own Medicaid system, but this system must conform to federal guidelines in order for the state to receive matching funds and grants. The federal matching formula is different from state to state, depending on each state's poverty level. The wealthiest states only receive a federal match of 50% while poorer states receive a larger match.

Medicaid funding has become a major budgetary issue for many states over the last few years, with states, on average, spending 16.8% of state general funds on the program. If the federal match expenditure is also counted, the program, on average, takes up 22% of each state's budget.

The Florida Whig Party Platform on Health Care:

Individuals must take responsibility for their health care.

Health insurance should be a personal choice and available to everyone through accessible open enrollment.

The failure to provide health care or health insurance for dependent children when financially able is prima facie evidence of child abuse.

Government provided health care must be reasonable for those who are physically, emotionally, intellectually, or financially dependent.

GM Employment

2010-01-19T07:47:00.001-05:00

China - A State of Organized Crime?

2010-01-17T21:40:00.001-05:00

After reading this article, who would visit China as a tourist and give more American dollars to this rouge nation that holds far too much of our debt and is willing to murder at will, any and all political opponents? Click HERE.

The Florida Whig Party encourages everyone to know the manufacturing source of all products and purchase a Chinese alternative whenever reasonable.

Situational ethics in human rights is the ultimate hypocritical act of man; the second most is doing business with the hypocrite, here or there.

Multi-national and national businesses pulling the strings of their puppet Democrat and Republican Members of Congress for the health and welfare of the corporatocracy can never justify the actions of their friends in Beijing.

您怎敢坐那裡作為躊躇滿志的謀殺以人民共和國的名義。

Think About It

How dare you sit there as smug murders in the name of the people's republic.

Capital punishment is applied to a wide range of crimes in China, some of which are punishable by death in no other judicial system in the world. Economic crimes such as tax fraud have appeared routinely among the dockets of those receiving the death sentence, as have relatively small-scale drug offenses. Capital punishment in China can be imposed on crimes against national symbols and treasures, such as theft of cultural relics and the killing of pandas. Public corruption, property crimes such as theft, and smuggling gold, silver or other precious metals are also amongst the 68 crimes that are eligible for the death penalty in China. Capital punishment is also imposed on inchoate offenses, that is, attempted crimes which are not actually fully carried out, including repeat offenses such as attempted fraud. The recidivistic nature of the offenses, not their seriousness per se, is what is adjudicated to merit the capital sentence.

On December 29, 2009, Akmal Shaikh, 53, a British citizen of Pakistani origin, was executed following his conviction in 2007 for the smuggling of 4kg (8.8lb) of heroin into China. The Chinese criminal code specifically provides for the death penalty for smuggling heroin in quantities more than 50 grams. The execution was carried out despite appeals for clemency from the highest levels in Great Britain and the United Nations. Claims that Shaikh was mentally ill and suffering from a bipolar disorder were discounted by China.

Click on image for 2008 CNN report on the Internet Police.

One year after hosting the Olympics, 2009 is the year of censorship in China. Google is one of the few to say "ENOUGH".

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, an estimated 7,500 to 8,000 people are executed by China's government each year (Click HERE). Executions in China take place by lethal injection or firing a single shot from an AK47 to the back of the head (Click HERE).

This 1953 photo shows a government authorized execution in China.

Since President Obama has ignored the Christians who have appealed to him to defend the rights of Chinese Christians, maybe Actor Richard Gere who is the chairman of the International Campaign on Tibet, will be able to move Obama to arrange a meeting between the Dalai Lama and Chinese President Hu Jintao to discuss religious freedom. If the Buddhists can gain a few rights, maybe the Chinese Christians will as well; and fewer will be executed in the name of preserving the People’s Republic (the name People’s Republic is an utter joke to Jeffersonian republicanism). Gere has stated: “It is clear to us that no efforts will yield positive results as long as the Chinese government continues to vilify His Holiness and propagandize against the Tibetan people who remain committed to a peaceful resolution.”

Arrested and never heard from again for the crime of praying for peace.

When President Richard Nixon opened the U.S. door into China in 1972, the transcript of his secret meeting with Chairman Mao Zedong at his Peking residence was classified for 25 years. When Google announced Tuesday it wouldn’t censor its Google.cn search engine anymore — all but committing the “Don’t Be Evil” internet giant to a self-imposed China exile — it took just seconds for its blog post announcing the decision to careen around the world. Click HERE for more from Wired.Com.

Our Republicrat Members of Congress have spent so much money and increased our national debt by such an amount that We the People are being held in financial hostage by the People's Republic of China. We've lost our leverage and to regain it we must rid our nation of all incumbents in 2010. Nothing less will do.

With all his faults well known, at least Nixon didn't bow to Mao. Standing tall isn't macho, it's Presidential and required of all Presidents.

Think About It

The goal of the Florida Whig Party is to raise $210,000 in 2010 from annual Delegate Membership fees of $60 and contributions above this amount. Project 10/10/10/2010 depends upon your support. The annual Delegate Membership is only $1.15 per week, and will make a tremendous difference in the growth of the FWP as the Party that represents "We the People, Principles above the Party". Click on the DONATE ONLINE icon now; we need your support.

Guillotine or Firing Squad?

2010-01-17T10:41:00.002-05:00

The “Madoff Disease” is a mental condition that can affect smart, affluent, and the highly successful as much, if not more, than the dumb, poor, and struggling among us. Although faced with overwhelming logic to the contrary, an investment-flu-of-sorts, stuns people into becoming non-questioning believers despite warning flags galore. The flu is spread by carriers as mosquitoes spread the plague. The “Madoff Disease” is often not recognized by the infected as trinkets are used to distract an otherwise intelligent and observant person until the infection becomes full-blown. The need to belong to exclusive social groups results in greater infection among the inter-connected as confirmation bias takes precedence over common sense.

While the afore-written “Madoff Disease” appears directed at the investment community, it is actually directed toward the political component of our communities, state, and nation. The reason why Americans have not demanded a fiduciary duty from Congress commensurate with that which Congress demands through laws, rules, and regulation from rank-and-file investment advisors is that too many Americans want a chance at a piece of the patronage pie themselves, do not take the time to become informed independently, and/or vote based upon the sound bite or comedian’s joke.

The nation has changed, and apparently the only two groups that haven’t figured this out yet are the Democrats and Republicans. Their pitchmen are selling the same worn out pair of shoes while tapping to the same-old-song. Instead of throwing good money after a bad set of bookends, it’s time to jettison the duopoly for a trilogy. While we need the Ds and Rs, they comprise a two leg stool, which cannot stand without a third. The Florida Whig Party stands ready to be the critical third leg of the stool that represents We the People rather than the national and multi-national corporations, urban community action groups, unions, lobbyists, and special interests who spend billions on the wine and dining in order to get deeper into our pocketbooks, throw trillions to their family and friends, and control the rank-and-file with an ever increasingly complex and heavy yoke of debt and loss of freedom.

For those who are afraid that a third party will keep one party in office over another we have this to say: Monsieur Smith, would you prefer the guillotine or firing squad this year?

Think About It

A Bad Ethics Decision

2010-01-16T20:31:00.000-05:00

The Florida Ethics Commission considered a complaint against JAMES F. COATES, Pinellas County Sheriff. The Commission announced in a press release dated June 17, 2008 that if found no probable cause to believe that Coates misused his position by attending candidate forums in uniform, having Sheriff's vehicles at the forums and/or having deputies in uniform at the forums. Sheriff's who misuse their authority by attending political events in uniform with a posse of deputies in tow are nothing but Southern Good-Old Boys who enjoy playing Boss Hog and give law enforcement a black eye. These misfits are getting away with this behavior as a result of decisions like this one from the Florida Ethics Commission. Since the commission members are politically appointed and the Florida Sheriff's Association is one of, if not the most powerful political organization in the state, maybe it's time for the federal government to...

The Florida Whig Party calls upon every newspaper, radio, television, and Internet bloggers to take photos and write dispatches when you see a boss-hog Sheriff abuse his or her authority. Forget filing a complaint with the ethics commission, file the dispatch under "Abuse of Law Enforcement Authority." Let the people decide once you've exposed them to the problem of intimidation through the possession and display of the badge.

Think About It..

ER Doctor Wonders

2010-01-16T05:59:00.002-05:00

The following is from the website of Dr. Marion Thorpe, a candidate for the United States Senate:

"During my last night's shift in the ER, I had the pleasure of evaluating a patient with an expensive shiny gold tooth, multiple elaborate expensive tattoos, a very expensive brand of tennis shoes and a new cellular telephone equipped with her favorite R&B tune for a ringtone.. Glancing over the chart, one c...ould not help noticing her payer status: Medicaid. She smokes more than one costly pack of cigarettes every day and, somehow, still has money to buy beer. And our Congress expects me to pay for this woman's health care? Our nation's health care crisis is not a shortage of quality hospitals, doctors or nurses. It is a crisis of culture ˜ a culture in which it is perfectly acceptable to spend money on vices while refusing to take care of one's self or, heaven forbid, purchase health insurance. A culture that thinks "I can do whatever I want to because someone else will always take care of me". Life is really not that hard. Most of us reap what we sow. Don't you agree?

STARNER JONES, MD

Jackson , MS

Marion Thorpe - US Senate Candidate

Click HERE for more information about Dr. Marion Thorpe's Campaign for the United State Senate.

The letter written to Dr. Thorpe from Dr. Jones has got to make anyone question the end result of telling Americans that they are not individually responsible for their health. See the Florida Whig Party platform on health care.

Map of Florida Whig Party Congressional Candidates

2010-01-15T15:22:00.002-05:00

THE TRILOGY OF EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING, AND RETIREMENT

2010-01-15T14:48:00.001-05:00

This is a basic public policy concept that has yet to be discussed by any political party, candidate, or incumbent: “The incongruent employment, housing, and health care system of the United States.”

Fact: The majority of what is known as the PERMANENT WORKFORCE in the nation is better described as the PERMANENT TEMPORARY WORKFORCE as best and a TEMPORARY WORKFORCE at the worse.

Fact: Health care insurance that is based upon the 1930s employer / union model hurts a significant number of individuals and families who are not in the PERMANENT WORKFORCE.

Fact: Increasing the incentives and lowering the bar for homeownership results in an increasing number of individuals and families who in turn are reducing the opportunities for employment advancement and wealth accumulation.

Fact: Excessive homeownership results in the inability by many to reduce expenses during financial panics, depressions, and recessions; which will always be worse in some geographical areas than others.

Fact: The deep economic decline we are experiencing is greater than that of the recent recessions of 1970-71, 1974-76, 1980-81, 1990-93, and 2001-05.

Fact: Approximately 45% of all employees are satisfied with their employment (the lowest in 22 years), which means that more people will change employers and/or occupations when the opportunity presents.

Fact: The recent rise in the stock market has nothing to do with the economic conditions that many Americans are experiencing since corporate profits have rebounded because of reduced payrolls, salaries, benefits, inventories, research and development, and new business ventures.

Fact: Almost 80% of all TEMPORARY WORKFORCE employees have no access to any business based retirement plan and thus must rely upon their individual ability to save and invest; this obviously is not working well for most.

Fact: The national unemployment rate is 10% and the number of people who work less than 35 hours a week, but who are willing to work full-time, is approximately 15%. This means that approximately 25% of the American workforce is UNDER-EMPLOYED.

Solution: The Florida Whig Party has proposed ideas and solutions to the needs of a shifting, diverse, and mobile American workforce; these proposals have been ignored by the Democrat and Republican duopoly.

Solution: The Florida Whig Party platform provides the solution to health care with a basic and fundamental solution that has been ignored by the Democrat and Republican duopoly.

Solution: The Florida Whig Party has proposed the elimination of income taxes, supports the FAIR TAX, and proposes the elimination of all employer based pensions. Employer based pensions, with vesting schedules, results in a limited number of PERMANT WORKFORCE RETIREES and BUSINESS OWNERS reaping the lion’s share of the benefits at the cost of those who comprise the PERMANENT TEMPORARY and TEMPORARY WORKFORCE.

Solution:

The SELF-DIRECTED INDIVIDUAL MANDATORY MINIMUM RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (SIMMER) PROPOSAL of the Florida Whig Party:

1.SIMMERs will supplant all employer based pensions (private and public sector – no exceptions) with a federal law that requires all employers (including the self-employed) to withhold an actuarially calculated percentage of every employees earned income equal to a sum that will provide a minimum guaranteed retirement income at age 70 equal to 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level.

2.SIMMERs are in addition to the current Social Security program which will be phased out as the current recipients and vested benefit generations die off; in other words, if you are alive today and working, you will continue to be guaranteed your Social Security.

3.At age 70, the SIMMER amount of monthly withdrawal (as determined by Congress) must be guaranteed to provide the base income required by law.

4.Any amount accumulated in excess of the SIMMER base is available for flexible self-determined withdrawal or accumulation for future needs, or for the transfer to heirs.

5.At death, all accumulations remaining in the FLEXIBLE PORTION of the SIMMER ACCOUNT shall be distributed to the heirs of the decedent, but only to their SIMMER ACCOUNT through the decedent’s SIMMER TRANSFER ON DEATH BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION.

6.Compliance will take place through annual employer reporting of earned income and annual reporting by the financial institutions that invest and hold the SIMMER.

Solution:

The HEALTH CARE PROPOSAL of the Florida Whig Party:

1.Individuals must take responsibility for their health care.

2.Health insurance should be a personal choice and available to everyone through accessible open enrollment.

3.The failure to provide health care or health insurance for dependent children when financially able is prima facie evidence of child abuse.

4.Government provided health care must be reasonable for those who are physically, emotionally, intellectually, or financially dependent.

The Florida Whig Party is the political party for those who seek solutions to today’s problems. The solutions are not complicated, difficult to understand, or implement. Each solution is based upon the traditional “We the People of the United States of American” principles of LIFE, LIBERTY, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS while acknowledgement that we must provide a reasonable level of care for those who are physically, emotionally, or intellectually unable to independently take care of themselves.

This is the first of several publications that will appear on this website over the next few weeks.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

2010-01-13T15:26:00.001-05:00

Congressman Alan Grayson, guess what...

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The Klan & Law Enforcement

2010-01-11T07:38:00.000-05:00

The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Florida Whig Party will be collaborating on a unified position regarding the KKK and membership by law enforcement members in consultation and participation by the Board of Directors. Between now and the completion of the writing, please read the following recent articles from the Orlando Sentinel:

· Alachua County prison guard fired for being officer in KKK

· Florida Klan leader says law enforcement officers are drawn to his group

· KKK wizard: If police are in Klan, it 'makes them a better cop'

Conflicting constitutional principles can cause havoc when society does not carefully weigh the near and long-term consequences of action and inaction. What is one man’s wine is another man’s poison. Unlike the typical political party that stays away from the difficult issues, the Florida Whig Party will actively discuss and provide rational solutions; therefore we ask that you prepare yourself and others by considering and discussing the following questions:

What is the definition of a hate group, terrorist organization, religion, and political party?

When a person is a member of the KKK, are they always a member of the KKK?

There is a long and well documented history of the Klan taking credit for lynching, murder, torture, bombing, and more, that was perpetrated mostly against blacks in this country; therefore, should the Attorney General of the State of Florida prosecute those who hate and group together in the name of hate?

Because there is a documented history that some in law enforcement were members of the KKK during the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50, 60s, and then to a lesser degree in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, should there be a zero-tolerance of membership in the KKK, and if so, what other groups fall into this category?

United States Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia is the last known Member of the House or Senate to have been a member of the KKK; therefore, does his past membership disqualify him to serve in the Senate?

Pause and read this article from the New York Times, click HERE. When finished, read this article (click HERE) then this one (click HERE) then continue reading the questions listed below.

Does past membership in a subversive organization disqualify an individual for government employment? If so, for how long and if not, under what circumstances will the person be considered for employment?

If the KKK becomes a political party, does termination of employment in the public and/or private sector constitute a violation of free speech and the freedom of association, or is there a need for exceptions to these broad constitutional principles?

Should there be a uniform code of conduct for all public employees, a selected group of public employees, and/or for private sector employers and employees who do work with a government entity regarding membership or promotion of hate organizations?

Can an employer enforce rules of conduct upon employees while not working and if so, what is reasonable and unreasonable?

If the KKK declared itself to be a religous organization, will denial of employment due to religious beliefs constitute religous persecution?

If the KKK declared itself to be a religious organization, what other religious organizations also have intolerant and violent beliefs that conflict with the basic principles upon which our nation was founded?

Standard principles and practices in criminal justice demand the absolute equality in the treatment of those arrested and convicted of a crime; however, some go to rehabilitation while others go to jail for drug possession, some pay a fine for shoplifting while others go to jail, and some become a state’s witness while others do life for importing drugs into the nation. Where there are exceptions to the rules, principles, and practice standards, we are embracing discretion; therefore, is there any room for discretion in the membership of a hate group by anyone in law enforcement, and if so, where does the point of no-return exists on the slippery slope of precedent?

What is a subversive organization?

Who defines what is a subversive organization?

Does an organization that uses a name of a subversive organization automatically become a subversive organization and thus become subjected to all the enforcement powers that the government has to suppress subversive organizations?

75 Members of Congress were reportedly elected as the result of the Klan in the 1920s, could it happen again? Click HERE.

These are a few of the questions we will address and we look forward to offering the residents of Florida a common sense view and approach to a seemingly simple question that in reality is very complex and has broad ramifications if not handled properly.

Think About It

Reid's Obama Comment - Utter Hypocrite

2010-01-09T18:41:00.000-05:00

"... with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." Click HERE. If you are sick and tired of the Democrat and Republican Hypocrites, the Whigs offer a platform and open door for you and yours, regardless of who you are. More HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Throwing in the Towel

2010-01-08T16:32:00.001-05:00

Are business owners throwing in the towel when it comes to national health insurance? Political principles are one thing but making money and keeping it simple is another. You can take on city hall but can you take on the federal government?

Monday, January 11, 2010

2010-01-07T19:35:00.001-05:00

On Monday, January 11, 2010, the Chairman of the Florida Whig Party will be the guest on Talk of the Town on 99.5 in Gainesville, Florida. Click HERE to listen to the show.

Upcoming Announcement!

2010-01-07T19:32:00.003-05:00

On Thursday, January 7, 2010 the Florida Whig Party was officially notified by an individual of his intention to file for Congress as a Whig in another Central Florida District. The FWP is withholding the identity of this individual at his request; however, he will give new meaning to: "I am the working class of America." The Florida Whig Party will shortly have 6 Congressional Candidates and expects to have several additional announcements next week.

Craig Porter (W)

2010-01-07T19:27:00.003-05:00

Craig Porter (W)

25th Congressional Whig Candidate

On January 7, 2010 Craig Porter became the latest Whig Congressional Candidate. Craig is 49, married, and has two sons. A native of Miami Craig is a general contractor and owner of his business. During conversations with the Chairman of the Party, Craig clearly explained his reasons for running and switching his voter registration and status as a Candidate with No Party Affiliation to the Whigs and quoted Benjamin Fanklin: "They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security."

This is a man on a mission.

Miami, Florida

305-238-9095

Vote@CraigPorter2010.com

Stephen J. Bacon (W)

2010-01-07T15:22:00.003-05:00

Stephen J. Bacon (W)

7th Congressional Whig Candidate

Stephen was a registered Democrat and Independent Candidate for Congress until January 5, 2010. Stephen is now a registered voter with the Florida Whig Party and is seeking the Whig nomination for the 7th Congressional District.

Stephen and his wife live in DeBary.

(305) 778-7779

Vote@BaconforCongress.com

The Bacon Campaign for Congress is challenging mult-millionaire Republican Incumbent John Mica, a professional politican since 1976.

Steve Bacon is a man who does his homework.

Online Whig Webinar

2010-01-07T13:17:00.001-05:00

State of the Florida Whig Party

Monday, January 11, 2010

7:00 p.m. to 7:20 p.m. Eastern

Chairman Truesdell of the Florida Whig Party will provide a brief State of the Party address for all in attendance. Invited guest speakers include Professor Wendell Griffith and Whig Congressional Candidates John Annarumma, Paul McKain, and Clayton Schock. This online webinar will be a fast paced presentation. Due to the 20 minute time limitation, any questions should be submitted via the Florida Whig Party Website Contact Form before 5 p.m. Sunday, January 10th. Journalists are requested to identify themselves for appropriate consideration regarding questions.

Reserve your webinar seat now by clicking HERE. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

System Requirements: C-based attendees will need Windows 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, or Vista while Macintosh-based attendees will need Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or newer.

Donate to the Florida Whig Party - Click Here

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Thy Plank Sees Clearly in Congress?

2010-01-04T20:37:00.001-05:00

The S&P 500 fell 9.1% from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2009, the worst decade ever. During the Great Depression of the 1930s the stock market index fell 0.3%. The best performance was during the 1950s when the stock market index rose 487.1% and the President of the United States for eight of the ten years was Dwight Eisenhower.
Gasoline prices on December 31, 2008 averaged $1.62 nationwide but rose 63% to $2.64 per gallon by 2009. Many in Congress during the Bush Administration demanded a sweeping Congressional Investigation into excess profits by oil companies and wanted Bush and Cheney to walk the plank. With the Obama Administration the trumpet blowers of Jericho can be drown-out by the drop of a non-camel needle.

The price of a barrel of oil increased from $44.60 on January 1, 2008 to $81.37 by October 21, 2009 and finished at $79.36 by December 31, 2009. This 78% increase has put a damper on many retirees whose traditional cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security did not rise 10 cents in 2010.

Many retirees depend upon Treasury notes (directly or indirectly) for income. As of December 31, 2009 the yield on the 10-year Treasury note was 3.84%.

Public employee pension funds in the United States are now underfunded by $2 trillion; and growing daily.

Lastly, the stock market had a great day today which begs the question: How many good days does the stock market have to have before we have dug out of the worst national debt in the history of the nation? This question then begs another question: If the stock market goes gang busters again, what are the chances of another boom-and-bust economy where Average Joe takes it again on the chin?

Mathew 7:5 "You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

Think About It

Yemen - Part 1

2010-01-03T11:21:00.001-05:00

As the Obama and Brown Administrations (United States & Great Britain) prepare to go into Yemen to fight terrorism, the Florida Whig Party will begin a series of postings about Yemen.
If Afghanistan is equal to Mad Max, Yemen is going to be a double feature with Animal House and acid reflux.

The Lack of Women’s Rights

The Personal Status Law of Yemen, Law No. 20 of 1992, as amended in 1997 and 1999, is generally known as the family law statute. The law covers matters relating to marriage, divorce, custody of children and inheritance. Typical of the Middle East, numerous discriminatory provisions that severely constrain women’s lives, putting them at risk of abuse exist and are the law of the land.

The headshaking Article 40 specifies that a wife must obey her husband and cannot leave the home without his permission. If a wife disobeys her husband and goes out without his consent, he is entitled to make her return to the matrimonial home and if necessary by force.

Article 12 states that a man can have up to four wives if he is fair to them all, can support them each, and informs the first and subsequent wives that he plans to marry again. On the other hand, for a woman to marry at all, she must obtain the permission of her guardian, who would normally be her father or another male relative. If the male guardian does not consent, the woman may apply to a court for permission but this may not be granted. The guardian can file for an annulment of a marriage if the woman has married without his permission, even if this is against her wishes. (You can’t make this stuff up and unfortunately, the average American voter has no clue as to the existence of laws like these outside our borders.)

The requirement for women to obtain the permission of a guardian to marry clearly restricts women’s rights guaranteed by international law, including the rights to freely choose a spouse, to marry and to equality before the law. A woman who seeks a sexual relationship outside a marriage or has more than one sexual partner risks life-threatening consequences. Women who assert their right to marry a partner of their choice against the wishes of their families are at high risk of physical violence and restrictions on their freedom of movement, including but not limited to jail.

It is simply not unusual for a woman to be forced into marriage.

Divorce

Yemen’s Family Law is discriminatory when it comes to divorce. Under Article 59, a man may divorce his wife at will, without needing to provide a reason while women seeking divorce must petition a court and can only do so on only on extreme grounds.

Forced Child Marriage

Early marriage of boys and girls is common in Yemen, particularly in rural areas. Girls are usually married at a younger age than boys and as a result, many leave school and are exposed to pregnancy and childbirth at very early ages. Child brides are denied any sort of fundamental education, are rendered financially and socially dependent on their husbands, and lack the basic skills to escape their plight. Young girls are often forced by their families to marry men who are considerably older than them with ample reports of men in their 40s to 60s marrying 12 to 15 year olds.

Forced marriages involving school-age girls frequently result in domestic violence. Parents in poor rural areas often marry off their daughters at young ages because women in general and girls in particular are seen as a drain on resources; as farm labor their worth is less than any boy in a man’s eyes.

Article 15 of the Personal Status Law began by prohibiting the marriage of girls under the age of 15; however, Law No. 24 of 1999 removed the age restriction and legalized the marriage of girls under the age of 15 provided that the guardian consents and the marriage is consummated after the little girl reaches puberty.

NOW

Unfortuately, the website of the National Organization of Women makes no mention of these or other abusive laws, rules, and regulations against those suffering in Yemen; however, ample coverage exists for the lesbian rights movement in the United States.

Comment

If we are fighting to reduce the exportation of terrorism across the world, then a world-wide effort is needed. If we are going to Yemen to prop up another regime of mobsters, then one American Soldier’s life is a cost that unacceptable. With the average age in Yemen under 17, we are truly stepping into the Mad Max world of Animal House gone rogue.

Think About It

RECENT UPDATES - DECEMBER 31, 2009

2009-12-31T14:25:00.001-05:00

The 2009 Mexican Drug War

7,600 Mexicans lost their lives in 2009 due to Drug Dealing Terrorists.

6,500 Mexicans lost their lives in 2008 to Drug Dealing Terrorists.

2,575 Mexicans died in 2009 in Ciudad Juarez which lies just across the border from El Pasco, Texas

1,600 Mexicans died in 2008 in Ciudad Juarez.

A spreading cancer or a contained infection?

The American Dream or Diaster?

2009-12-30T12:44:00.000-05:00

Mobility versus Stability - Ownership versus Renting - All of Your Eggs in One Basket versus Diversification.

The lack of a long-range flexible housing policy that meets the needs of a mobile workforce needed to address the changing needs due to global competition is harming the long-term financial stability of the nation. Flexible multifacted income based housing near transportation and employment hubs must be discussed without the politics of the "American Dream."

Think About It

Rational Asylum

2009-12-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

There is a war going on in Mexico. It is a war like any other war where one side seeks to control the other. The drug lords are non-political business war lords who should be called terrorists, and these terrorists are at the steps of our back door.

Along with all wars come refugees. Mexican refugees include business owners, law enforcement officers, lawyers, accountants, and journalists, all seeking political asylum in the United States. Click HERE.

Congress and the President must immediately create a comprehensive Mexican refugee relief policy for those seeking political asylum. Like the War Powers Act, the asylum laws are badly outdated.

Our nation has a long history of abandoning our valuable foreign assets when times change. President Carter and CIA Director Stansfield Turner left our spies out in the cold and at the hands of many Soviet assassination teams, President Bush (41) abandoned the Kurds in Iraq, and now, enough legitimate Mexican law enforcement officers are on the run that we must not turn a blind eye. Those who are fighting the war in Mexico because too many of our residents are low-life drug users, should not be left to die at the hands of narco-terrorist assassination teams.

There is little doubt that there is an unemployment problem in the United States and that rampant immigration will exacerbate the problem; however, the number of legitimate and honest Mexican law enforcement members seeking asylum is relatively small. With a thorough background investigation, testing, and intensive training program, we can fill an immediate homeland security need with these people. Name a better group with first-hand experience to supplement the ranks of our Border Patrol to guard and protect us from narco-terrorists coming onto our soil? Since immigrants with specific language and medical skills are able to enlist in the military as a path towards citizenship why not offer a similar path for those with needed skills and experience when it comes to protecting our border? Click HERE.

This isn’t rocket science, it’s simply good business.

Think About It

Carter-Bush Doctrine. Now What?

2009-12-29T21:30:00.000-05:00

The Carter Doctrine.

The Bush Doctrine.

Now What?

Will there be an Obama Doctrine and if so, will he wait until the nation sustains a massive attack in order to rally broad support and gain ground in the public opinion polls? Would another massive attack take the collective eye off nationalization of health care, the soon-to-be $15 trillion debt, and Cap and Trade? Have you found yourself finding it difficult to keep up with the overhaul of the American political, business, environment, health, and employment systems? And what would cause everyone to be distracted?

Think About It

Power, Money, Sex & Terrorism

2009-12-29T10:19:00.000-05:00

Terrorism

Power, Money, Sex

Flight 253

Stock Market Performance, Securities & Exchange Commission Investigation

Pendlam 123

Fiction based on Reality

Reality based on Fiction

Would not be the first time

RECENT UPDATES - DECEMBER 26, 2009

2009-12-26T00:33:00.000-05:00

Never Surrender

2009-12-26T00:32:00.001-05:00

The population of the United States exceeds 306 million. It is impossible for law enforcement or private security to detect each and every individual who intends to commit a terrorist act or have someone present, trained, and ready to react. To think otherwise is utterly foolish. The actions of the passengers and flight attendants of Northwest Airline Flight 253 who promptly responded should give notice to everyone that the only person you can ever count on is yourself. Fighting is the only choice in the situation involving Flight 253. To surrender, flee, or accept a fatal fate is unacceptable. Regardless of the conclusion from the tens of millions that will be spent investigating the incident, the hard cold facts are these:

Always be prepared.

Times have changed.

NEVER SURRENDER TO A TERRORIST OR TO A VIOLENT CRIMINAL.

A New King is Born

2009-12-25T07:33:00.003-05:00

The insane spending continues as a $290 billion increase in the federal debt ceiling was passed by Congress yesterday, adding fuel to the argument that spending in Washington is out of control. After passage of this and the health care bill, our President flew off on holiday to the land of King Kamehameha.

A showdown at the ballot box in 2010 and 2012 by a nation that is re-discovering the Whigs is coming. Whig sympathizers (DINOs and RINOs) are making the switch more often each day. (Click here to download a Florida Voter Registration form and make your switch now.)

Should those who voted for increasing the federal debt walk the plank in 2010? Yes. As for President Obama’s forthcoming State of the Union address, hope is fading fast and will accelerate when pundits are finished picking it apart with a vengeance. A twist on the child rhyme about sticks and stones seems appropriate here: “While words and lies may hurt our feelings, your deeds are killing our nation.”

The Court Jester of the Senate, Senator Christopher Dodd, actually said that the failure to increase the debt would be catastrophic for the U.S. internationally while Senator Baucus threw the “scare grandma” card by claiming that Social Security payments to all recipients would stop immediately without passage. Regarding Dodd, if the average American was asked about the importance of giving millions and billions more to war lords in the Middle East, Asia, and China to curry favor versus lowering taxes, we believe lower taxes would win hands-down. We also believe Senator Dodd will find out for himself during his re-election in 2010 that his hypocritical behavior and giveaways will result in his seat being occupied by someone new in 2011. As for Senator Baucus, the day when the vast majority of retirees in the nation are walking in lockstep with AARP and drinking the CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes of propaganda Kool-Aid is steadily eroding. While there are plenty of selfish grandma’s, there is a distinct growing number who care more about the lot their grandchildren will inherit and won’t buy the bull you’re selling anymore; you saw many of the enlighted grannies and grandpa's at your town hall meetings last summer if you recall.

No matter how Dodd and Biden cook the books, the economy will remain fragile because the collective memory of the rank-and-file consumer is keenly aware that ten years of zero stock market growth, plunging real estate values, sky-high fuel prices, unemployment, and massively increasing government spending has negatively impacted nearly everyone. The belt tightening will continue in 2010 after a brief relaxation for Christmas 2009. The upcoming unemployment numbers will perplex many cradle-to-grave academic elitists who think the worse is behind us. What many of the Harvard and Yale anointed experts lack is real life experience. On a daily basis we watch the successful Rodney’s of the world lecture the Dr. Bombay’s of the world, only to see the Bombay’s continue to use formal position and power to squash substance over form for the Keynesian Holy Grail Theory of Big Brother form over substance.

The President promised a “page-by-page” review of the budget during his campaign as if he had the authority for a line-item-veto, which he does not; however, a promise made should be a promise kept. In 2010, the Florida Whig Party challenges everyone to pick the budget apart, page by page, line by line, and demand the job we were promised be done. Question everything and the motives of everyone with the power of free speech and the Internet. Leave no stone unturned and no dollar unaccounted for.

One of those on the top of the list to watch is also one of the biggest hypocrites to ever grace the floor of the Senate is Charles Schumer. Senator Charles Schumer, who is in bed with Wall Street and big banks as much if not more so than Christopher Dodd. Schumer strongly supported the bailout of the financial industry and then organized a series of highly effective political action committee airway ad attacks on Republicans for supporting the very series of bailouts he voted for. Republicans will never learn that you simply cannot trust or make a deal with the devil. Their lack of backbone and inability to fight fire with fire is the bane of their leadership. The weak-sisters of the Republican Party, such as Senator John McCain, have been shown over and over why turning the other cheek merely gets another wack without a bit of remorse. If anyone wonders why bi-partisan support for nearly anything is nonexistent, remember Senator Schumer, the ruthless and ultimate backstabber of the Senate.

All the he said, she said, he did, she did game playing that goes on in Washington (and Tallahassee for that matter) is such that We the People need a daily score card to keep track of it all. Working men and women don’t have time for all this, and so, the easy and simple choice is this: “Vote all the incumbents out.”

The size of the debt, a never ending unbalanced budget, and compounding massive unfunded liabilities are being closely watched by the international community. The day of reckoning is approaching and it will not be pretty when it does if those in power do not pull their head out of the sand. Conscience-bound voting for that which is good for Americans has long given way to lobbyist and special interest-bound voting; however, the power of the political contribution is weakening daily as the power of We the People and our freedom of speech continues to grow through independent political thought. The traditional water cooler conversation and rapid expression on the net is changing the course of history, and history is what all incumbents need to be if we want to see the history of our nation continue.

The President has signaled he intends to make “deficit and debt reduction a center piece” of his State of the Union address; it will be hard listen to without holding one’s nose in light of all the spending we’ve witnessed. With that said, the Republicans need to keep Joe Wilson at home for this time he’s likely to erupt like an Alan Grayson carnival rant.

The political war of 2010 is rapidly approaching. The skirmishes have already begun, the full fledged battles are about to start. Will November 2, 2010 be akin to July 14, 1789 or July 4, 1776? Will November 6, 2012 be another October 19, 1781? We hope so and the odds are better than they have been in many decades that the American version of the English dukes, earls, noblemen, princes, and princesses have worn their welcome out. From city to countryside dweller, a growing number of We the People have had enough. While all the Kings horses and all the Kings men may be able to keep their family clans together again, persuading us Bohemians, who make up a third of the nation, that our wellbeing depends upon you is an argument does not hold water anymore and the face of that insane logic now greets you in the mirror each morning.

Merry Christmas

The Maji (Whigs, Independents, and No Party Affiliation) are here, spreading from east to west and transforming the dream to reality that the trilogy of legislative, judicial, and executive duopolistic control is ending. With faith, anything is possible.

Donald Ray Waiting on Our Dime

2009-12-24T09:44:00.001-05:00

Donald Ray Wait - 05/27/1945

Donald is a well known panhandler in the City of Ocala. He can be found near the ChuckECheese begging for money from mothers and fathers walking their children to the store. Donald also frequents a Publix along State Road 200. From head to toe, Donald always appears filthy dirty. He holds a metal cross and looks at passersby out of the side of his eyes as he appears to have difficulty making direct eye contact. His crutch is always at hand (although he does not appear to need it) along with an ever changing bicycle with bags full of God knows what. Donald can be found panhandling at all hours of the day and night, and walking in the weekend hours amongst the closed medical buildings between the downtown hospitals and the West Marion Hospital. Donald is an aggressive panhandler having once grabbed my wife's forearm in while asking for money while our family was walking to our vehicle after grocery shopping; a bad move as Donald found out. Donald has become a character of interest for our family as we seem to have him in our neighborhood and among the establishments we frequent. He is hard to miss by sight, smell, or sound. He has provided a bit of entertainment as we have pulled over and watched him for several minutes at a time, going about his unique routines.

Donald was arrested on December 23, 2009 at 6:55 pm for panhandling and is spending a few nights at the Marion County Sheriff's Office Jail this Christmas (at taxpayer expense). A review of the court records of the Clerk of Court for Marion County Florida along with the Florida Department of Corrections shows that Mr. Wait has never been arrested before. Interesting.

With that said, our family has discussed Donald on several occasions. He is obviously walking a unique path that differs from that of the vast majority of those in the nation (oh the politically correct speech we are forced to use). Now that we know he is 64, we are surprised that he has made it this long but won't bet on a prolonged lifespan in comparison to the rest of society. And then, maybe he will live a normal life expectancy with the passage of federal health care.

The Donald's of the nation are a fact of life. They exist and are among us every day. If you attempt to talk to Donald and try to help him, he walks away, mumbling and flaring his arms, but then will approach you from behind when you least expect it in an effort to pocket a buck or two; again, a bad move.

As we’ve watched Donald (we now have a name for the one we’ve nicknamed Buster Brown), we’ve frequently discussed the cost he is having on our community. Food, shelter, medical care, and now, at least one confirmed confinement in our local jail. Has Donald ever worked and paid taxes? Has Donald ever paid for his health care? Had Donald ever stolen anything or left a back doorway to a business as tidy and free of human waste as he found it?

Tomorrow is Christmas and across the nation there will be many families like ours who will wake to the joy of Santa’s presents under the Christmas tree. We will have our coffee and hot chocolate and give thanks to God, the blessings bestowed upon us, and all that is good in the world. At the same time, there will be countless Donald’s who will wake up alone in the shadows of traditional society while walking like the rest of us in the sunshine for all to see. His needs are as obvious as his Buster Brown tattoo around his left eye and yet, there is nothing in the trillion dollar health care bill that will do a thing to help Donald; and should or can it?

The nation has problems that are as obvious as the nose on Rudolph. Rather than confront the difficult issues with practical solutions, far too often we watch the federal and state government throw millions, billions, and trillions into feel good pots that result in the greedy pocketing much more than their fair share. The time has come to simply call it the way it is and stop all the pussy footing around. We can be civil while at the same time not hamstringing ourselves with academic elitists telling us what is and is not politically correct.

And so here are my Three Christmas Wishes for Donald.

(1) A warm and comfortable bed for Christmas.

(2) A warm and healthy meal for Christmas.

(3) A judge who will order you to a long-term, no-nonsense, mental facility that will aggressively reprogram you thought processing capabilities so you can become a productive member of society. (A reasonable answer from a political party that offers real solutions to real problems.)

The collective whole of the nation must realize that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Health care is no different than buying a loaf of bread; it’s going to cost you unless you want it stale, hard, and moldy. The free lunch wagon is running out of food and those like Donald need to straighten up, fly right, or get out of town as our community with near 15% unemployment has had enough.

With that said, I will leave you with a quote from President Reagan: "Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them."

Merry Christmas Donald

Get help or get out of town; we can't afford you anymore.

Did 92 Year Old Senator Robert Byrd Read, Study, and Understand the Health Care Bill?

2009-12-24T07:19:00.002-05:00

2,074 Page Senate Bill

1,990 Page House Bill

4,064 Total Pages

Estimated reference pages of legislation and administrative code (laws, rule, and regulations) on the federal and state level:

957,000+

The actual number is much higher; however, our group, whose average age is 39, simply wore out and stopped counting.

One of the most important decisions in the history of the United States of America rests on the shoulders of every single U.S. Senator. Without room to spare, passage will depend upon each of the 60 Senators making a decision and casting a vote that will affect everyone alive today and many generations in the future.

And so, today, December 24, 2009, we have been left in the hands of 92 year old United States Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia and must trust that he has read, studied, and fully understands each and every segment of the thousands of pages of changes that are contained within the Christmas Eve legislation.

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

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