Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Sancho
Sancho's Journal
Sancho's Journal
March 16, 2021
It's worth reading the whole article...
This is Carl Hiaasen's last column
https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2021/03/15/this-is-carl-hiaasens-last-column-column/?Reubin Askew was governor, and a harmless fellow named Gerald Ford was president only because the paranoid criminal who preceded him had been forced to resign, and the criminal presidents criminal vice president had also quit after getting busted for taking bribes.
Nobody becomes a journalist because they yearn for mass adoration. Donald Trump didnt turn the public against the mainstream media; the news business has never been popular. Were tasked with delivering information that some readers dont want to hear, and will claim not to believe.
The internet has made it easier to wage war on the truth. Yet, as shown by the Capitol uprising of selfie-snapping Trump rioters, social media also serves to lure the dumb, deluded and dangerous into the open. Seeing them all offers important, if unsettling, clarity.
As you read these words, some scrofulous tunnel rat in public office is busy selling your best interests down the road. It might be happening at your town council, zoning board, water district, or county commission but it is happening.
Nobody becomes a journalist because they yearn for mass adoration. Donald Trump didnt turn the public against the mainstream media; the news business has never been popular. Were tasked with delivering information that some readers dont want to hear, and will claim not to believe.
The internet has made it easier to wage war on the truth. Yet, as shown by the Capitol uprising of selfie-snapping Trump rioters, social media also serves to lure the dumb, deluded and dangerous into the open. Seeing them all offers important, if unsettling, clarity.
As you read these words, some scrofulous tunnel rat in public office is busy selling your best interests down the road. It might be happening at your town council, zoning board, water district, or county commission but it is happening.
It's worth reading the whole article...
March 16, 2021
Confusion and distrust:
Nikki Fried renews attach on Ron DeSantis' vaccine distribution
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/412059-confusion-distrust?
The states sole elected Democrat began the week attacking Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on cable news, another indication that national media is eyeing the Florida landscape heading into 2022.
Nikki Fried, the states Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, vented vexation over the Governors vaccine distribution efforts in an MSNBC interview. Coronavirus response has offered perhaps the most glaring example of political difference between the Governor and her, with Fried offering sharp critiques that DeSantis rarely honors with a direct response.
Fried, who has rehearsed claims of pay to play distribution and corruption in previous interviews, scaffolded off those claims on Monday, as DeSantis expanded vaccine distribution to those 60-64 years of age.
The Commissioner had previously criticized a vaccination pod in tony Ocean Reef, where resident and former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner donated $250,000 to the Governors Friends of Ron DeSantis political committee, with other locals donating also. Clearly, the bet is that issue still has legs.
Nikki Fried, the states Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, vented vexation over the Governors vaccine distribution efforts in an MSNBC interview. Coronavirus response has offered perhaps the most glaring example of political difference between the Governor and her, with Fried offering sharp critiques that DeSantis rarely honors with a direct response.
Fried, who has rehearsed claims of pay to play distribution and corruption in previous interviews, scaffolded off those claims on Monday, as DeSantis expanded vaccine distribution to those 60-64 years of age.
The Commissioner had previously criticized a vaccination pod in tony Ocean Reef, where resident and former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner donated $250,000 to the Governors Friends of Ron DeSantis political committee, with other locals donating also. Clearly, the bet is that issue still has legs.
March 13, 2021
On FB without a source - tour guide on Jan 5th. Accurate?
Gohmert TX
Jordan OH
Gaetz FL
Boebert CO
Green GA
Gosar AZ
Biggs AZ
March 9, 2021
More at link...
Florida blocked public access to COVID data. Now there's even more it wants to keep secret from taxp
https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article249701743.html?For a whole year, as Floridians suffered and died by the tens of thousands from COVID-19, Floridas government routinely kept the public from seeing detailed information about the course and intensity of the pandemic, often until the trend line had changed to better match the governors sunnier version.
That disgraceful behavior by a state known for its broad public-records laws is detailed in a story and accompanying timeline published by the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times last week. That important reporting shows that Floridas government spent a year stonewalling, obfuscating and evading requests for information about such vital matters as the number of COVID deaths recorded by medial examiners offices, details about contact tracing to see where transmission was occurring and which eldercare facilities had seen outbreaks among staff and residents.
Mounting such a pervasive and sustained attack on the states public-records law in the midst of a tragedy that has killed 31,000 people and infected more than 1.9 million in the state should outrage and offend every Florida taxpayer.
In some ways, this is no surprise. Under former Gov. Rick Scott, now Floridas junior senator, the state became increasingly hostile to open- government principles. But current Gov. Ron DeSantis has expanded on Scotts antagonism, chipping away at the publics right to know what its government is doing just when Floridians most needed to rely on their leaders on life-or-death issues. That is inexcusable.
That disgraceful behavior by a state known for its broad public-records laws is detailed in a story and accompanying timeline published by the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times last week. That important reporting shows that Floridas government spent a year stonewalling, obfuscating and evading requests for information about such vital matters as the number of COVID deaths recorded by medial examiners offices, details about contact tracing to see where transmission was occurring and which eldercare facilities had seen outbreaks among staff and residents.
Mounting such a pervasive and sustained attack on the states public-records law in the midst of a tragedy that has killed 31,000 people and infected more than 1.9 million in the state should outrage and offend every Florida taxpayer.
In some ways, this is no surprise. Under former Gov. Rick Scott, now Floridas junior senator, the state became increasingly hostile to open- government principles. But current Gov. Ron DeSantis has expanded on Scotts antagonism, chipping away at the publics right to know what its government is doing just when Floridians most needed to rely on their leaders on life-or-death issues. That is inexcusable.
More at link...
March 4, 2021
This decision by CVS is NOT what DeSatan "ordered". CVS is providing vaccine (they say) to teachers in violation of the state "rules" and following the Biden direction.
CVS offering virus vaccine to Florida teachers UNDER 50
https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2021/03/04/cvs-offering-virus-vaccine-to-florida-teachers-under-50/?fbclid=IwAR1ixJo7FNYiWVxqWKMk81mjtIlNOMZoUKm7ro-p2c5Jb3ESUebl4AMH4q0MIAMI The CVS Pharmacy chain is vaccinating Florida teachers under age 50, circumventing state orders that continue to limit coronavirus inoculations to those over that age.
The chain also began vaccinating day care and preschool teachers Wednesday, even though Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has not yet opened the vaccination program to them. CVS is giving inoculations in two dozen cities across the state.
CVS said it is following Biden administration guidelines released this week, which are broader for educators than Floridas. For teachers, Florida limits the vaccine to classroom teachers 50 and older who work in kindergarten through 12th grade. The federal guidelines allow day care workers, preschool teachers and educators in elementary, middle and high schools to be vaccinated with no age limit.
The Florida Education Association, the state teachers union, said it was still trying to confirm younger teachers are getting shots.
Tracey Burger, a 49-year-old Miami high school English teacher, said Wednesday that she was disappointed when DeSantis announced last week that she would not make the cut. Burger has barely left her house since schools closed a year ago when the pandemic began.
The chain also began vaccinating day care and preschool teachers Wednesday, even though Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has not yet opened the vaccination program to them. CVS is giving inoculations in two dozen cities across the state.
CVS said it is following Biden administration guidelines released this week, which are broader for educators than Floridas. For teachers, Florida limits the vaccine to classroom teachers 50 and older who work in kindergarten through 12th grade. The federal guidelines allow day care workers, preschool teachers and educators in elementary, middle and high schools to be vaccinated with no age limit.
The Florida Education Association, the state teachers union, said it was still trying to confirm younger teachers are getting shots.
Tracey Burger, a 49-year-old Miami high school English teacher, said Wednesday that she was disappointed when DeSantis announced last week that she would not make the cut. Burger has barely left her house since schools closed a year ago when the pandemic began.
This decision by CVS is NOT what DeSatan "ordered". CVS is providing vaccine (they say) to teachers in violation of the state "rules" and following the Biden direction.
March 4, 2021
More at link..DeSatan was doling out vaccine for donations. Where would he get an idea to do that??
Wealthy Florida Keys enclave where former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner lives received COVID-19 vaccine
https://thesouthern.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/wealthy-florida-keys-enclave-where-former-illinois-gov-bruce-rauner-lives-received-covid-19-vaccines/article_eb571ad4-af08-5770-befe-378beace8157.htmlMIAMI As Floridas eldest residents struggled to sign up to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, nearly all those ages 65 years and older in a wealthy gated enclave in the Florida Keys had been vaccinated by mid-January, according to an emailed newsletter obtained by the Miami Herald.
The management of Ocean Reef Club, located in north Key Largo, also acknowledged in the Jan. 22 message to residents that the rest of the state was grappling to get its hands on the vaccine.
Over the course of the last two weeks, the Medical Center has vaccinated over 1,200 homeowners who qualify under the State of Floridas Governors current Order for those individuals who are 65 years of age or older, the message reads.
We are fortunate to have received enough vaccines to ensure both the first and second for those vaccinated. At this time, however, the majority of the State has not received an allocation of first doses of vaccines for this week and beyond, and the timing of any subsequent deliveries remains unclear.
Neither Ocean Reefs media relations representative nor officials from its medical center immediately returned phone and emailed messages to answer questions about how it received so many vaccines before much of the rest of the state.
The management of Ocean Reef Club, located in north Key Largo, also acknowledged in the Jan. 22 message to residents that the rest of the state was grappling to get its hands on the vaccine.
Over the course of the last two weeks, the Medical Center has vaccinated over 1,200 homeowners who qualify under the State of Floridas Governors current Order for those individuals who are 65 years of age or older, the message reads.
We are fortunate to have received enough vaccines to ensure both the first and second for those vaccinated. At this time, however, the majority of the State has not received an allocation of first doses of vaccines for this week and beyond, and the timing of any subsequent deliveries remains unclear.
Neither Ocean Reefs media relations representative nor officials from its medical center immediately returned phone and emailed messages to answer questions about how it received so many vaccines before much of the rest of the state.
More at link..DeSatan was doling out vaccine for donations. Where would he get an idea to do that??
February 24, 2021
One thing that we do know...the parts of the state that voted red or gave donations to the GOP seem to be getting more vaccine than blue counties.
Who gets vaccinated next? Florida's the only state that doesn't tell you.
https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2021/02/23/who-gets-vaccinated-next-floridas-the-only-state-that-doesnt-tell-you/?Florida is the only state that hasnt told its residents who will get shots next, when more doses are available, according to an analysis of state rollouts by the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit focused on national health issues. Instead, Gov. Ron DeSantis has been laser-focused on vaccinating seniors, telling other groups to wait their turn.
Most states are providing information, said Jen Kates, Kaisers vice president. Maybe they havent put it out for all phases, but at least for the next phase coming up. All but one state, and thats Florida. No clear statement on whos next in line
DeSantis said at a Miami area news conference Tuesday that sworn law enforcement officers and classroom teachers will get access to vaccines next, when the Federal Emergency Management Agency opens new vaccination sites in Florida on March 3. But the statement, like many made by DeSantis through the pandemic, was non-specific and his staff rarely responds to follow-up questions seeking more details.
The lack of clear messaging has left millions of essential workers confused about when they might have access to vaccines. Neither they nor other groups recommended as key for vaccination by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention like those younger than 65 who are medically vulnerable have been told when their time will come.
Most states are providing information, said Jen Kates, Kaisers vice president. Maybe they havent put it out for all phases, but at least for the next phase coming up. All but one state, and thats Florida. No clear statement on whos next in line
DeSantis said at a Miami area news conference Tuesday that sworn law enforcement officers and classroom teachers will get access to vaccines next, when the Federal Emergency Management Agency opens new vaccination sites in Florida on March 3. But the statement, like many made by DeSantis through the pandemic, was non-specific and his staff rarely responds to follow-up questions seeking more details.
The lack of clear messaging has left millions of essential workers confused about when they might have access to vaccines. Neither they nor other groups recommended as key for vaccination by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention like those younger than 65 who are medically vulnerable have been told when their time will come.
One thing that we do know...the parts of the state that voted red or gave donations to the GOP seem to be getting more vaccine than blue counties.
February 23, 2021
Interesting article about recruiting this brother and sister.
Local man charged in Capitol insurrection ordered to remain in jail without bail
https://www.tampabay.com/news/nation-world/2021/02/22/local-men-charged-in-capitol-insurrection-ordered-to-remain-in-jail-without-bail/TAMPA Graydon Young, an Army and Navy reserve veteran from Sarasota County, stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 with thousands of others because he was working toward a righteous cause, his attorney said in federal court Monday.
Young, a brother, husband and a small business owner, only later realized he had been duped by an organization he didnt fully understand, defense attorney Robert Foley argued in a federal probable cause hearing in Tampa. Young was arrested Feb. 15 and is among nine people accused as co-conspirators as members of the far-right, anti-government militia group the Oath Keepers. All nine face charges for conspiring to obstruct the U.S. Congress certification of the 2020 presidential election results by storming the Capitol building on Jan. 6.
Youngs actions that day were simply inconceivable, federal Magistrate Judge Thomas Wilson ruled. Young, 54, of Englewood, will be held in Pinellas County jail without bail until he can be tried on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, depredation against federal government property and unlawful entry, disorderly or violent conduct and destruction of records in a federal investigation, Wilson said.
According to the court documents, Young and his sister are alleged to have donned paramilitary gear and joined a military-style stack formation that marched up the center steps of the east side of the Capitol, breached the door at the top and then stormed inside. Young had planned for that moment since he joined the group in December, court records said, and even arranged for himself and three others to train with a Florida company that conducts training on firearms and combat, leading up to the insurrection.
Young, a brother, husband and a small business owner, only later realized he had been duped by an organization he didnt fully understand, defense attorney Robert Foley argued in a federal probable cause hearing in Tampa. Young was arrested Feb. 15 and is among nine people accused as co-conspirators as members of the far-right, anti-government militia group the Oath Keepers. All nine face charges for conspiring to obstruct the U.S. Congress certification of the 2020 presidential election results by storming the Capitol building on Jan. 6.
Youngs actions that day were simply inconceivable, federal Magistrate Judge Thomas Wilson ruled. Young, 54, of Englewood, will be held in Pinellas County jail without bail until he can be tried on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, depredation against federal government property and unlawful entry, disorderly or violent conduct and destruction of records in a federal investigation, Wilson said.
According to the court documents, Young and his sister are alleged to have donned paramilitary gear and joined a military-style stack formation that marched up the center steps of the east side of the Capitol, breached the door at the top and then stormed inside. Young had planned for that moment since he joined the group in December, court records said, and even arranged for himself and three others to train with a Florida company that conducts training on firearms and combat, leading up to the insurrection.
Interesting article about recruiting this brother and sister.
February 17, 2021
DeSatan is a liar...
No indication Biden administration is planning to shut down the Florida border PolitiFact
https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2021/02/15/no-indication-biden-administration-is-planning-to-shut-down-the-florida-border-politifact/?Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sent out a fundraising plea attacking the Biden administration for considering domestic travel restrictions in an effort to curb the spread of a highly contagious COVID-19 variant.
President Joe Biden is trying to shut FLs border, DeSantis texted potential donors. In an accompanying email, DeSantis said: Joe Biden is considering treating Florida like East Berlin and shutting down our border over coronavirus concerns.
Is that so? We found no indication of anything so dramatic.
Desantis imposed travel restrictions on travelers from some states earlier in the pandemic. On March 23, 2020, he required travelers from coronavirus hot spots like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to self-quarantine for 14 days. Later that month, he ordered the Florida Highway Patrol to set up checkpoints on a highway connecting Florida and Louisiana.
President Joe Biden is trying to shut FLs border, DeSantis texted potential donors. In an accompanying email, DeSantis said: Joe Biden is considering treating Florida like East Berlin and shutting down our border over coronavirus concerns.
Is that so? We found no indication of anything so dramatic.
Desantis imposed travel restrictions on travelers from some states earlier in the pandemic. On March 23, 2020, he required travelers from coronavirus hot spots like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to self-quarantine for 14 days. Later that month, he ordered the Florida Highway Patrol to set up checkpoints on a highway connecting Florida and Louisiana.
DeSatan is a liar...
February 11, 2021
More at the link...
https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2021/02/11/five-biden-promises-that-would-be-good-for-florida-editorial/
Five Biden promises that would be good for Florida Editorial
President Joe Biden made many promises on the campaign trail, from reducing high maternal mortality rates to creating 1 million auto industry jobs. He has already fulfilled his pledges to rescind the transgender military ban, rejoin the World Health Organization and reverse family separation policies that split parents from their children at the U.S. border, according to the fact-checkers at PolitiFact who are tracking 100 of the presidents top priorities.
Some of Bidens broader promises have wide support. The devil, of course, is in the details, but who wouldnt want to get COVID-19 under control or end pay discrimination? Some of the others are commendable, but not entirely within Bidens immediate control. He wants, for instance, to nominate the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court, but he cant do that unless a spot on the court becomes available.
Put Social Security on a path to long-run solvency
Allow import of prescription drugs from other countries
Repeal laws barring Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices
Create national center to reduce veteran suicide
Restore Cuba engagement
Some of Bidens broader promises have wide support. The devil, of course, is in the details, but who wouldnt want to get COVID-19 under control or end pay discrimination? Some of the others are commendable, but not entirely within Bidens immediate control. He wants, for instance, to nominate the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court, but he cant do that unless a spot on the court becomes available.
Put Social Security on a path to long-run solvency
Allow import of prescription drugs from other countries
Repeal laws barring Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices
Create national center to reduce veteran suicide
Restore Cuba engagement
More at the link...
https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2021/02/11/five-biden-promises-that-would-be-good-for-florida-editorial/
Profile Information
Member since: Tue Aug 17, 2004, 07:11 AMNumber of posts: 9,093