What's Wrong With Orlando Politics

With Recession Looming, Bush Tells America To ‘Go Shopping More’

2006-12-20T18:04:00.000-05:00

The US teetering toward a recession in 2007. Bush’s solution? “Go shopping more.”

I Heard You Twice The First Time

2006-12-12T11:17:00.000-05:00

"The city is responsible for this man pouring gasoline on himself,"

2006-12-10T16:17:00.000-05:00

Well its the holiday season. The city of Orlando, eagerly trying to distance itself from its image as the angriest and cruelest city in America, staged a homeless press event.

Someone needs to tell the city and its fake elitist promoters that compassion and sensitivity is not a media event.

This city is so hypocritical.

The Shame of A City?

2006-12-10T16:12:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, corruption, theft, lies and dishonesty are not a discerning criteria for the folks in New Orleans. How in Gods name can a sleazy dirt bag like William Jefferson be re-elected?

Oh yeah, I forgot...they're accusing Mr. Jefferson because he's black

Florida #2 in total foreclosures: CNN

2006-11-28T01:54:00.000-05:00

one foreclosure for every 640 households

Body of FAMU student found in Killearn home

2006-11-24T14:19:00.000-05:00

Nefertiti Nicole Williams found dead. developing

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T16:20:00.000-05:00

"treated like a piece of trash to be thrown around."

2006-11-23T12:15:00.000-05:00

OK, enough. Yeah, I know Siplin blundered regarding the campaign worker/state employee bullshit. But, for Gods Sake, is this how you treat a man that is complying with all of the rules,
working within the system to please uncle boss man?

developing

We Need to Ask Ourselves a Question

2006-11-18T11:02:00.000-05:00

I recently attended a meeting, where the president of the Pine Hills Community Council (PHCC) talked about his proposal of "The Village of Pine Hills." Now mind you "The Village of Pine Hills" will only have an advisory board, it will have no real power! Which will leave the Pine Hills Community right where it has always been, powerless and at the whims of the county, plus the City of Orlando. continued here

Homer Hartage says Goodbye to Pine Hills

2006-11-18T10:53:00.000-05:00

Pointing to the accomplishments of his eight years of service to Orange County District 6, outgoing Orange County Commissioner Homer Hartage said goodbye to Pine Hills and District 6 this week.

The twice-elected commissioner, who unsuccessfully ran in the Democratic Primary in a bid for Congress, gracefully and eloquently thanked those in attendance at the Robinswood Community Improvement Association annual meeting. continued

K-12 Enrollment Down in Florida for the First Time

2006-11-17T22:09:00.000-05:00

There has been some rumblings recently about the dearth of expected school increases here in the Sunshine State. Apparently, the state has been attempting to keep this fact in the closet (almost Mark Foley-like!), but after some badgering by some dilligent reporters at the Associated Press, the real figures are coming in.

"A loss would be historic in a state that has added 34,845 to 65,187 more students in kindergarten through 12th grade annually for the most recent three academic years. A slight gain would still be a dramatic slide.

Either way, the shrinking student enrollment in a state that officially counted 2,641,598 students in mid-October means a $204 million loss to school districts this year, The Associated Press reported Thursday. The implications for the economy may be far greater.

To put it another way, the state fell short of its projections for new students by 48,375.

Why Black Republicans didn't Win this Year

2006-11-15T00:05:00.000-05:00

GOP Furious

2006-11-09T22:45:00.000-05:00

"The White House said keeping the majority was a priority, but they failed to do the one thing that could have made a difference," ...

Florida A National Laughing Stock - Again

2006-11-09T21:14:00.000-05:00

Voting machines in Sarasota County, part of Katherine Harris' congressional district, appear to have malfunctioned on Election Day, sending as many as 18,382 votes into never-never land.

Bush's Fake Bipartisanship!

2006-11-09T19:04:00.000-05:00

At 1:22 pm, the White House sent John Bolton's controversial nomination to serve as US Ambassador to the United Nations back up to the Senate.

Howard Dean: We Won't Impeach Bush

2006-11-09T19:02:00.000-05:00

Appearing on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" tonight, Democratic Party chief Howard Dean told host Jon Stewart, "I know half your audience wants us to impeach the president"-- this drew wide cheers -- "but it's not going to happen."

America Takes Out the Trash

2006-11-09T18:51:00.000-05:00

Disenchanted with the Iraq war and the party’s ethical lapses, voters punished President Bush and the Republicans, turning the House of Representatives over to the Democrats. And with Senate control resting on a pair of too-close-to-call races Wednesday morning, Bush could spend his last two years fighting off the ambitious agenda of a Democratic-controlled Congress.

Republicans Grasping for Straws

2006-11-05T17:48:00.000-05:00

Republicans Grasping for Straws

by Jonathan Singer

During the 2004 presidential election, one of the most common complaints about John Kerry was that he would taylor his message to the day's news, shifting from the economy to healthcare to Iraq at the bat of an eye, rather than sticking with a clear unwavering message. While this knock was somewhat overstated -- Kerry did have fundamental positions on issues even if he was not able to articulate them perfectly -- there was a lot of truth to those sentiments. And as a result, at least some voters were left with the impression that John Kerry did not stand for anything.

This year, Republicans are again trying to portray the Democrats as devoid of issues. However, it has been the Republicans, who in the past have shown great adeptness as sticking to the message of terrorism, taxes and moral values, who have had great difficulty staying on message this election cycle.

Unable to run on a record of achievement over the past two years (largely because little in terms of memorable legislation has been enacted under their watch despite controlling both chambers of Congress and the White House), Republicans needed to offer voters clear ideas and a real sense of direction to voters. Yet Republicans have been unable to provide a resounding message, partly as a result of their numerous scandals, partly as a result of the disastrous results of their policies (particularly in Iraq) and partly as a result of the fact that voters are simply getting tired of hearing the same nostrums from Republican politicians.

Over the past few days, Republicans, led by President Bush, have tried to sell Americans on the notion that the country would not only be less safe under the Democrats but that a Democratic Congress would actually sell out the country to the terrorists. Today, following not unequivocally bad news from unemployment numbers, Republicans are talking about the strength of the economy. Other days they are going to the gay marriage well. But these disparate messages seem to only underscore the notion that Republicans just don't have anything to say and, even worse, that they don't have any answers to the problems that afflict the country.

At the same time, Democratic candidates and party leaders continue to preach the overarching message of change, which is resonating more and more with voters every day. The Democratic platform is extremely popular, Democrats are favored over Republicans on every major issue and President Bush's numbers keep on falling.

So as a result of the effectiveness of the Democratic message and the unpopular and meandering Republican message, the Democratic Party is in a great position to score major victories up and down the ballot, from Senate and Governor races to state legislative and county commission contests. So let's keep up the good work. Momentum is on the Democrats' side and we need only remind the already motivated Democratic voters -- and the ever more Democratic-leaning Independent voters -- to go to the polls on Tuesday.

Orlando Sentinel Readership Plummets

2006-10-30T17:06:00.000-05:00

Big Metros Show Severe Declines in Latest Circulation Report

By Jennifer Saba

Published: October 30, 2006 7:40 AM ET
NEW YORK - The Audit Bureau of Circulations FAS-FAX report for the six-month period ending September 2006 released this morning confirmed yet again that major metros are struggling to show growth. The losses are steep while the gains are meager.

Congresswoman buried husband's child abuse allegation

2006-10-19T14:54:00.000-04:00

Congresswoman Heather Wilson (R-NM) removed a routine working file alleging that her husband had engaged in inappropriate contact with a minor.

Black Floridians may sleepwalk to the polls

2006-10-19T00:38:00.000-04:00

No debate. Very little political advertising. No Black media involvement. There is little wonder that political activity is reported to be very slow in Black communities statewide. more

GOP candidate Charlie Crist 'outed'

2006-10-13T00:54:00.000-04:00

Florida is leading the nation in foreclosure activity

2006-10-10T17:01:00.000-04:00

State's foreclosure rate four times the national average.

Christian TV Needs an Extreme Makeover

2006-10-07T13:16:00.000-04:00

'Living While Black' Hazardous, Experts Say

2006-10-07T13:09:00.000-04:00

Penn State University researchers found that being Black in America is enough to make you sick, two new studies suggest.

Their report comes on the heels of an American Public Health Association study published last Thursday that found that people who experience racial discrimination report greater difficulty in achieving their goals and greater personal discomfort.

searching old women with blue hair isn’t such a bad idea

2006-10-07T13:07:00.000-04:00

Condoleeza Rice is a liar!

2006-10-07T13:03:00.000-04:00

Yes girlfriend you lied to me. So from now on, I am going to paint you with the same broad brush that I usually reserve for frat boy and his minions......more

president’s approval rating has fallen to a new all-time low

2006-10-07T12:41:00.000-04:00

"FFF meaning The Fag From Florida.".....

Since Daniel Webster first brought a Page to Washington DC this program has been instrumental in introducing government to youngsters. What we have seen since 1995 is that the whole group of boys in the program have been running and hiding from what the whole Page crew referred to as "FFF meaning The Fag From Florida."

Foley was chasing pretty hard

Rep. Mike Ferguson's (R-NJ) 'night on the town'

2006-10-05T21:43:00.000-04:00

Republican House member Mike Ferguson looked out of place at the Rhino Bar and Pumphouse, a Georgetown saloon popular with college kids.

"He shouldn't have even been at the bar," 21-year-old Georgetown University junior Michelle...

Now that you could be labeled an enemy combatant…

2006-10-05T20:52:00.000-04:00

Last week’s passage of the Military Commissions Act is ominous for those in the U.S. As Bruce Ackerman noted recently in The Los Angeles Times, the legislation “authorizes the president to seize American citizens as enemy combatants, even if they have never left the United States. And once thrown into military prison, they cannot expect a trial by their peers or any protections of the Bill of Rights.” The vague criteria for being labeled an enemy combatant (taking part in “hostilities against the United States”) don’t help either. Would that include anti-war protestors? People who criticize Bush? Unclear.

In 2002, former Attorney General John Ashcroft called for the indefinite detainment of U.S. citizens he considered to be “enemy combatants,” and while widely criticized at the time, Congress went ahead and fulfilled Ashcroft’s nefarious vision last week. Ashcroft had also called for stateside internment camps, and accordingly, in January 2006 the U.S. government awarded a Halliburton subsidiary $385 million to build detention centers to be used for, “an unexpected influx of immigrants or to house people after a natural disaster or for new programs that require additional detention space.” New programs that require additional detention space.

Republican Torture Laws Will Live in History

2006-10-03T10:54:00.000-04:00

The recent terror detainee laws passed by the Republican Congress will define the Bush era for centuries to come.

Black Owned Media Boycotts Davis Ad Agency

2006-09-30T23:45:00.000-04:00

The powerful Florida Black Owned Media Coalition (FBOMC) has announced a boycott of Andrews Plus, Inc., a firm hired by the Florida Democrat Party and the Jim Davis for Governor campaign to reach Black voters.

Heh, heh..looks like trouble in paradise for the Jim Davis democrats. The Florida Democratic Party has for too long kicked the mule of the black vote--the black owned media. Years of neglect, stinginess, and complete disregard have finally caught up with them. Looks like eight more years of the GOP in the Governors Mansion to me.

Can you believe that the Good Old Boy Democrats have spent more than $27 million in Florida elections since 2002 but have only spent $23,000.00 with Black-owned magazines, newspapers, radio and television stations? What's up with that?

....read more here

"The damage that has already been done to our country in the last six years is incalculable,"

2006-09-29T19:08:00.000-04:00

"There are a lot of people, not just Democrats, who know we have to change direction in our country," Senator Hillary Clinton said. "I have so many Republicans coming to my events" who "say things like 'I didn't sign up for all this,' and the 'this' would be a long list depending upon their particular concerns.

Black Folks and Ernest Page

2006-09-24T10:28:00.000-04:00

For some reason, lower-income African Americans in and around Orlando believe that Ernest Page has been wrongfully convicted, and was wrongfully targeted by the usual suspects: white folks.

But, what sticks out in my mind are the following items:

The Soulful Noel: more here

Financial Records: more here

Family Scandals: more here

I can hardly blame white folks for these types of problems. I think the brother did his self in. His arrogance and ego got him into a lot of trouble and it is tragic, but not the end of the world for black Orlando.

The brother may be a good brother, however, his scandals, and distractions don't serve Orlando or the folks in his district very well. Pezrhaps, it is time for Orlando to move on.

Florida - Now #1 in Foreclosures

2006-09-16T19:40:00.000-04:00

Florida had more than 16,533 properties in foreclosure in August. Leading all states and 50 percent higher than in July and 62 percent higher than in August 2005."

Eatonville and Mayor Anthony Grant Bust a Move

2006-09-15T18:22:00.000-04:00

The Town of Eastonville has requested $10 million for a Zora Neal HUrstn Museum from the Orange County Tourist Development Council.

The didn't say no, however they did say...

Eatonville and Mayor Grant Make a Move

2006-09-15T18:14:00.000-04:00

The Town of Eastonville has requested $10 million for a Zora Neal HUrstn Museum from the Orange County Tourist Development Council.

The didn't say no, however they did say...

Queen Corinne Couldn't Help Tiffany Moore

2006-09-06T01:16:00.000-04:00

Congresswoman Corinne Brown failed yesterday. Big Time. Her little errand girl, Tiffany Moore licked her boots, promised to be a good little Corinne wannabe and got her support, Problem is that it wasn't enough.

to be continued..........

The No-Money-Down-Disaster

2006-08-30T18:58:00.000-04:00

"The following figures are from Washington Mutual's annual report: At the end of 2003, 1% of WaMu's option ARMS were in negative amortization ... At the end of 2004, the percentage jumped to 21%.

***WHAT IS NEGATIVE AMORTIZATION?
The result of a mortgage repayment plan in which the borrower makes payments that amount to less than the interest due. Unpaid interest is then added to the outstanding loan balance, causing the outstanding loan balance to increase instead of decrease.

At the end of 2005, the percentage jumped again to 47%. By value of the loans, the percentage was 55%.

In January-March 2005, WaMu booked $25 million of negative amortization as earnings; in the same period for 2006 the number was $203 million."

Some more numbers:

-- 32.6% of new mortgages and home-equity loans in 2005 were interest only, up from 0.6% in 2000

-- 43% of first-time home buyers in 2005 put no money down

-- 15.2% of 2005 buyers owe at least 10% more than their home is worth

-- 10% of all home owners with mortgages have no equity in their homes

-- $2.7 trillion dollars in loans will adjust to higher rates in 2006 and 2007.

Trouble Ahead for the Economy

2006-08-30T18:51:00.000-04:00

Orlando consumers are becoming increasingly pessimistic about the economy as they worry about low paying jobs, the weakening housing market, and high oil prices.

Early reports of August retail sales show that shoppers of all stripes are already cutting back, from low income shoppers to the more affluent.

P.F. Chang CEO Rick Federico says he hasn't seen anything like this for over 15 years. "There have been other ups and downs, but none where the industry is seeing discounts fall across the segment for a prolonged period of time," says Federico.

The National Mood Remains Bleak for Republicans

2006-08-26T17:37:00.000-04:00

A Democratic wave is building and the party is poised to take control of the House of Representatives in the fall.

ProgrammerTestifies: U.S. Elections Rigged

2006-08-25T22:40:00.000-04:00

A former programmer for NASA and Exxon has finally come forward to testify before the US Judiciary that he was enlisted by Republicans to create a program which could guarantee Bush’s presidential election victory.

Are there computer programs that can be used to secretly fix elections?

Yes.

How do you know that to be the case?

Because in October of 2000, I wrote a prototype for Congressman Tom Feeney [R-FL]...

It would rig an election?

It would flip the vote, 51-49. Whoever you wanted it to go to and whichever race you wanted to win.

Geraldine, Corinne, and Tiffany

2006-08-25T22:28:00.000-04:00

Things are starting to heat up in the hood. Corinne Brown, Tiffany Moore and Geraldine Thompson were out this week singing the old, sorry, tired vote fa me cause i'm black song and getting the ghetto preachers to back their empty old, tired promises about helping the community and praying to Jesus.

When is this nonsense going to stop? Black folks in Orlando despise these fakes but treat them as if they were some sacrosanct disciples of vitue and fairness.

Corinne Brown Votes Against Humanitarian Aid for Darfur

2006-08-20T01:18:00.000-04:00

Corrine Brown has received a “C” for not actively supporting Darfur-related legislation and failing to consistently champion the cause. Co-sponsoring one or two resolutions or providing a few favorable votes is not enough. Elected officials must continually support efforts to end the genocide in Darfur.

She voted against Humanitarian Aid...

Cancellations of New-home Sales Are up Sharply

2006-08-12T12:56:00.000-04:00

"Something is seriously going on here," said David Seiders, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders.

The number of foreclosures is ballooning as strapped homeowners can no longer make their mortgage payments or quickly unload properties in a cooling housing market.

Among those most at risk: owners who used creative financing to stretch their budgets in the 2000-2005 housing boom. Buyers who took out a five-year adjustable-rate mortgage in 2000 are seeing their house payments rise for the first time.

Nationally, foreclosures were up 72 percent in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year, according to RealtyTrac, a California firm that monitors the market.

The pace of foreclosures in South Florida seems to be accelerating. Almost a third of Florida's 29,636 foreclosures were in South Florida in the first quarter of 2006.

House Broke

2006-08-10T02:25:00.000-04:00

Millions of Americans bought into the real estate boom with adjustable mortgages and home equity loans. Now rising interest rates are forcing them into agonizing financial choices.

Across the country, millions of homeowners are finding themselves in a similar situation. Real estate purchases that once seemed like such moneymakers have become financial burdens instead.

U.S. homeowners now owe about $9 trillion in mortgage debt. Of that, about $425 billion in adjustable-rate mortgages-initially pegged at historically low rates, but designed to shift with market trends after periods ranging from one to 10 years—will reset sometime this year, according to Freddie Mac, a government-sponsored housing financing company.

Another $600 billion in home equity lines of credit (or HELOCs) and second-lien mortgage loans, which became popular when rates were low as a means of paying off credit card debt or financing home improvements, are also being readjusted.

Those with fixed-rate mortgages payable over 15 or 30-year periods may be seeing little change, but those who banked on rates remaining near the 4.6 percent lows of 2003, are getting some unpleasant shocks when their mortgage bills arrive in the mail. As their payments rise, many are struggling to keep up. Foreclosures and delinquency rates are rising. And with the markets cooling in many regions—existing home sales across the country have slipped for three months straight and new home sales nationwide have declining as well—there are growing fears of a looming crisis.

continued

100 Murdered in Metro Orlando This Year

2006-08-09T16:05:00.000-04:00

While the city of Orlando sets a new record for murders in a single year, all of Central Florida is also looking at an unprecedented level of violence.

Tuesday's murders in Parramore and Pine Hills push the number of murders in all cities and unincorporated areas of Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties to at least 100, the most by far of any year this decade.

FDLE records show authorities investigated 90 killings all of last year. In 2004, there were 84. The lowest death toll in recent history was 56 in 2001.

Orlando has taken the biggest hit with 37 murders, breaking the previous record of 36 for an entire year.

But the city is not alone. Here are some numbers from the rest of Central Florida:

Unincorporated Orange County: 40
Apopka: 1
Maitland: 2
Orlando: 37
Winter Garden: 2
Winter Park: 1

Unincorporated Seminole County: 8
Sanford: 4

Unincorporated Osceola County: 2
Kissimmee: 3

Wars and Rumors of Wars

2006-08-06T12:57:00.000-04:00

Ethiopia attacking Ogaden rebels
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi says his government has been conducting “military sweeps” against rebels in Ethiopia’s Somali region.

Tehran Sends Archterrorist Mughniyeh to Rescue Hizballah
Israel’s war leaders face the formidable Mughniyeh, Tehran’s secret weapon for rescuing Hizballah from collapse.

EU mulls action against Eritrea
The European Commission is considering action against Eritrea in protest at food aid being sold, and the proceeds used for government work programmes.

$100 Oil Sure Bet

2006-08-05T10:57:00.000-04:00

`Commodity investors looking for $100 oil will see it,'' said Philip K. Verleger, an economist who founded PK Verleger LLC, a Newport Beach, California-based energy consulting firm. Only a U.S. recession can stop the advance to $100 a barrel before the end of next year, said Verleger, also a visiting fellow at the Institute for International Economics in Washington.

"There will be no soft landing; it will be as hard a landing as it gets."

2006-08-04T10:34:00.001-04:00

Dismal GDP Report: U.S. Is on Its Way to a Recession by Year End

# Residential housing investment was falling in Q2 at an annualized rate of 6.3% (and I expect it will fall at an even faster rate in H2, close to 10% negative growth for the next few quarters).
# Real private consumption (that is 70% of aggregate demand) was growing only 2.5% in Q2, with durable goods consumption actually falling 0.5% led by lower purchases of cars and of goods related to housing: as housing slumps consumers are buying less furniture, home appliances, etc.. Expect even worse consumption growth in H2, as a further slumping housing sector, higher oil prices and high interest rates are seriously shaking saving-less, debt-ridden consumers whose real wages are falling.
# Even non-residential investment is melting down: the headline growth rate of 2.7% growth hides an actual fall in real investment of equipment and software of 1%. Firms may be full of profits and cash now but they do not see any good real investment opportunity as other components of demand are slowing sharply; thus, there is an unprecedented share buybacks bonanza, the largest in U.S. history, a signal of no god real investment options out there for corporate America.
# Real government consumption growth was a dismal 0.6%.
# Also, the fact that now net exports are not anymore a drag on growth is also bad news, not good news: as the economy sharply slows down imports of consumption and investment goods are slowing down. Thus, the news from net exports is also lousy as it signals the coming recession: net exports improve when an economy slows down and worsen when the economy grows fast.
# The increase in inventories - that marginally boosted GDP growth - is another signal of weakness. Inventories are going up not because firms are boosting production in face in rising demand; they are going up because demand and sales are falling relative to output. Indeed, actual final sales of domestic product grew only 2.1% in Q2, even less than the GDP growth of 2.5%.

"There will be no soft landing; it will be as hard a landing as it gets."

2006-08-04T10:34:00.000-04:00

# Residential housing investment was falling in Q2 at an annualized rate of 6.3% (and I expect it will fall at an even faster rate in H2, close to 10% negative growth for the next few quarters).
# Real private consumption (that is 70% of aggregate demand) was growing only 2.5% in Q2, with durable goods consumption actually falling 0.5% led by lower purchases of cars and of goods related to housing: as housing slumps consumers are buying less furniture, home appliances, etc.. Expect even worse consumption growth in H2, as a further slumping housing sector, higher oil prices and high interest rates are seriously shaking saving-less, debt-ridden consumers whose real wages are falling.
# Even non-residential investment is melting down: the headline growth rate of 2.7% growth hides an actual fall in real investment of equipment and software of 1%. Firms may be full of profits and cash now but they do not see any good real investment opportunity as other components of demand are slowing sharply; thus, there is an unprecedented share buybacks bonanza, the largest in U.S. history, a signal of no god real investment options out there for corporate America.
# Real government consumption growth was a dismal 0.6%.
# Also, the fact that now net exports are not anymore a drag on growth is also bad news, not good news: as the economy sharply slows down imports of consumption and investment goods are slowing down. Thus, the news from net exports is also lousy as it signals the coming recession: net exports improve when an economy slows down and worsen when the economy grows fast.
# The increase in inventories - that marginally boosted GDP growth - is another signal of weakness. Inventories are going up not because firms are boosting production in face in rising demand; they are going up because demand and sales are falling relative to output. Indeed, actual final sales of domestic product grew only 2.1% in Q2, even less than the GDP growth of 2.5%.

Vanity Fair: 9/11 tapes indicate Pentagon cover-up

2006-08-02T15:53:00.000-04:00

9/11 Live: The NORAD Tapes
How did the U.S. Air Force respond on 9/11? Could it have shot down United 93, as conspiracy theorists claim? Obtaining 30 hours of never-before-released tapes from the control room of NORAD's Northeast headquarters, the author reconstructs the chaotic military history of that day—and the Pentagon's apparent attempt to cover it up. VF.com exclusive: Hear excerpts from the September 11 NORAD tapes. Click PLAY after each transcript to listen

William Jefferson -- Awaits his Ass-whuppin

2006-08-01T00:16:00.000-04:00

What was up with that $90,000 in the freezer?

Tiffany Moore Tells Black Press No

2006-08-01T00:13:00.000-04:00

Tiffany Moore says she will not spend, nor has she budgeted any of her campaign dollars for any black newspapers serving the majority black district.

Florida GOP Disses Harris

2006-08-01T00:04:00.001-04:00

"The polls tell us that no matter how you run this race, you will not be successful in beating Bill Nelson, continued

Florida GOP Disses Harris

2006-08-01T00:04:00.000-04:00

"The polls tell us that no matter how you run this race, you will not be successful in beating Bill Nelson, continued

African Americans Spend More on Wireless

2006-07-20T12:04:00.000-04:00

...with more than US$760 billion in spending power, black consumers today represent a critical and growing target market...

Old Negro (NAACP) Organization Still Not Getting Results

2006-07-20T11:49:00.000-04:00

Now they want African-Americans to boycott businesses that don’t respond to the NAACP tactics of brow-beating businesses into buying NAACP dinner tables at NAACP annual conferences or buying slick advertisement brochures at NAACP national events.

A Shortage of Migrant Farm Workers

2006-07-18T14:54:00.000-04:00

Crops may rot in the field...more

Is Chief McCoy A Serious Law and Order Official?

2006-07-18T12:09:00.000-04:00

OPD Police Chief McCoy recently said in response to Gov. Bush, "Any serious law-and-order official knows how easily guns can turn a domestic dispute into a homicide; how countries with strong rules regulating guns have fewer murders than those that don't."

Chief Mike McCoy, apparently survived the Daisy Lynum ho-hum. Now, he takes on Jeb Bush. I'd rather see him whip some ass on Mercy Drive. Maybe use his connections with Sheriff Beary and devise a tactical plan that adresses the general lawlessness of Orange County, Fl. Man-up. Step to the plate and put street lights on Silver Star so that the god-fearing, right wing immigrant hater feels safe when they're passing thru Pine Hills to get to their homes in their god-fearing, NRA-supporter sub-divisions.

How about that Chief McCoy?

When a Missile Falls beside Your Baby

2006-07-18T01:49:00.000-04:00

"I do not believe it, the rocket that fell from the sky near my sons and daughter, it is a miracle it did not blow up," said Husseini Abu Salem 46, the grandfather of Mohammed.

All Hell is Breaking Loose

2006-07-16T10:52:00.000-04:00

Israel strikes militant stronghold in Beirut

Massacre of Haiti innocents

Religious divide hits Iraqi army

Who is Stealing Bruce Antone's Campaign Signs?

2006-07-10T20:24:00.000-04:00

Anyone having information regarding Bruce Antones missing campaign posters is advised to knock it off. And that means you Mable. Oh yeah, that goes for Corinne too.

"...a taxpayer-subsidized sanctuary for crime,"

2006-07-10T20:15:00.000-04:00

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas F. Hogan rejected Democratic Rep. William Jefferson's request to return material seized in a May 20-21 search of Jefferson's office.

Hogan dismissed arguments that the raid violated the Constitution's protections against intimidation of elected officials.

Setting aside the seizure "would have the effect of converting every congressional office into a taxpayer-subsidized sanctuary for crime," the judge said.

All I can say is Thank you Jesus!!

Virtually everyone who wasn't in prison and who had a job above minimum wage could now buy into the American Dream

2006-07-08T00:54:00.000-04:00

The collapse of the housing bubble won't just take out an isolated 10% of households; it will take them out first and then move down the economic chain in domino-like fashion. Sure, it will be the maid and her mechanic husband who lose their home first, but then the carpenter and the mortgage broker will lose their jobs, and some of them will lose their homes, too. As the capital gains and transfer tax revenues dry up, then the municpalities which have been counting on that revenue to make payroll will have to slash heretofore sacrosanct government positions

Lynum Comment: Much Ado About Nothing

2006-07-07T22:29:00.000-04:00

We can all agree that the hubbub and fuss over Daisy Lynum referring to a white police officer as a "white boy" is much ado about nothing.

It's not a derogatory term and has been used to describe white guys before.

Play That Funky Music White Boy comes to mind. I think the term 'white boy' has a historical hint of endearment to it.

The term itself is not used to berate, but is actually used to describe a certain type of white boy. You know, one with hutzpah.

Anyway, the summer is dragging on and the Orlando murder rate is soaring. Foreclosure notices are flowing around the county, and Kevin Beary is still under investigation.

The fuss over Lynum's comment is just another distraction from whats really going around here. The parent company of the Orlando Sentinel is dumping properties, the company is experiencing an internal convulsion and the Sentinel(s) says nothing.

Tomorrow, maybe we can make an issue of the wealthier white neighborhoods having better bus stops than less wealthy white ones.

A 'Loud Pop' Is Coming

2006-07-05T21:49:00.000-04:00

A significant decline in Orlando real estate prices is coming. Foreclosures are up, there are actually 1,316 pre-foreclosures in the works in Orlando alone.

Where Houses Are Selling And Where They Are Not

A Few Extraordinary Orlando Negroes

2006-07-04T01:52:00.000-04:00

The usual impotence of the Negro political machine here in Orlando, really showed its ass recently. Cow-towing, bowing, yessuh-bossin’, we be good nigrahs suh-in, all over local media recently.

Oops!! I’m sorry did I say something wrong here? Did I let the secret slip out:
Black politicians here in Orlando are spineless, scared of their shadow wimps who are afraid to speak to the injustice befalling the minority population here in OrlandoTown.

Awful schools, minimal code enforcement, high pedestrian fatalities, no night street lamps, rocketing murder rates, and on and on and on within Black OrlandoTown.

But, like Steppin Fetchit, shuffling his feet to the Extraordinary Orlando Negro beat, the political negro club ran frantically into the arms of Orlando Mainstream Media, de-crying their blackness, denying the double standard, and apologized that their constituents existed.

No one mentioned that car-jackings, home invasions, high rents and the predatory rent to own shops, paycheck advancers, and others sucking the life blood out of their communities. No one mentioned that the City of Orlando is full of shit and that the execution of public policy in its “urban neighborhoods” is evidence of the City’s moral and civic incompetence.

Juan Lynum is a victim. Shameeka Jones is a victim. That little black child trying to dodge SUV’s on Silver Star Rd. is a victim. They’re all victims.

Victims of the Extraordinary Orlando Negroes.

The usual ghetto-church backed, NAACP supported, Urban League banquet goers who refuse to speak up and represent the communities that they are supposed to represent. The boot lickers, who are not bothered by black drop-out rates, or the pitiful wages earned by the people in Black OrlandoTown. They’re more concerned with appearances
And only sometimes raising up from their hunched positions and murmuring something about the collective discontent.

I think Juan Lynum is a hero here. So is Shameeka, and that little black child dodging SUV’s on Silver Star Rd.

If only because they keep it real, and remind us all that we have a long way to go. Extraordinary or not the Orlando Negroes need to thank Juan and Shameeka, if only only because someone needs to.

Why Juan Lynum is My Future Hero

2006-06-24T03:55:00.000-04:00

I am not sure if I will vote for him. I am not even sure if I like his mom. Hell, I'm not really sure if I like him. But, I respect the man for his professionalism, his decorum and his GENUINE commitment to the people in Orange County, Fl.

This young and absolutely up and coming future role model will one day, be a force to be reckoned with.

He is the hope of the emerging urban class here in Greater Orlando. He is what others will aspire to be.

Yeah, he's getting his ass kicked right now. But, he'll survive. He'll evolve. And, the haters and the jealous had better prepare for his arrival. Remember, you heard it here first: Juan Lynum is my future hero.

WHY "DRIVING WHILE BLACK" MATTERS

2006-06-23T00:20:00.000-04:00

WHY "DRIVING WHILE BLACK" MATTERS:
Whites who have done nothing wrong generally have little need to fear constitutional violations by the police, this is decidedly untrue for blacks. Blacks attract undesirable police attention whether they do anything to bring it on themselves or not.

When one hears the most common justification offered for the disproportionate numbers of traffic stops of African-Americans, it usually takes the form of rationality, not racism.

The cost of "driving while black" is imposed almost exclusively on the innocent.

continued

Daisy Lynum Loves Her Son As Much As John Tanner Loves His Daughter

2006-06-21T23:24:00.000-04:00

Everyone knows that public officials love their children too. Up the road, in Flagler County there’s a big mess regarding the daughter of State Attorney John Tanners’ daughter and the abuse she suffered at the hands of the Flagler County Sheriffs Office. Flagler County deputies said Lisa Tanner -- the daughter of State Attorney John Tanner -- refused to take a shower and was combative after her arrest on charges of disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest without violence, and she was treated accordingly.

The anger and outrage that Mr. Tanner feels for the treatment of his daughter is muffled by the fact that he is a States Attorney, and cannot comment in the same way Daisy Lynum did regarding her only child Juan Lynum. OPD whining that Ms. Lynum is a public official and should not comment regarding the racial profiling of her son is unacceptable. Flagler County law enforcement officials have publicly reminded Mr. Tanner that instead of investigating the Sheriffs office, he should spend time “disciplining his daughter”. Well then, there you have it.

I hope you love your children too.

Foreclosures may jump as ARMs reset

2006-06-21T12:23:00.000-04:00

ARMs are a ticking time bomb.

Corinne Brown Sells Her Soul

2006-06-18T12:18:00.000-04:00

Corinne Brown voted to end the Internet as we know it. In essence, to quote BC Editor Bruce Dixon, "there are absolutely no economic development cases which can be made with a straight face for turning the free Internet into a corporate toll road, or for allowing cable and phone companies to deny premium broadband service to all but the wealthiest customers.."

Let Her Know What you Think: Why did you vote in support of HR.5252 COPE?

It's always about race

2006-06-17T14:14:00.000-04:00

McKinney publicly played the race card. Let us not forget that her attorney said, she was "just a victim of being in Congress while black."

Even the Congressional Black Caucus members uses the “Race Card”

"It didn't take long for some Congressional Black Caucus Members to eat each other

Desperate Republicans chase the black vote

The next time someone asks, "why are you always so race concious?", just tell 'em
Its Always About Race

The World Cup and Post Colonial Identity

2006-06-17T14:07:00.000-04:00

I supported Trinidad, but I told myself that it was because more

Tribune Corp. (Orlando Sentinel Parent) Reduced to Junk

2006-06-16T11:52:00.000-04:00

Moody's Investor Services cut Tribune Co.'s ratings to speculative grade, or junk.

"The next step is up to Tribune management," said Atorino, the analyst. "I think management has a real challenge ahead of it — they have to hope the Chandler family doesn't pick up allies publicly or privately along the way. That could change things in a hurry."

Fritz Seide Develops into an Emerging Political Force

2006-06-14T23:50:00.000-04:00

A key player in the race for Florida House District 39 is Haitian-born, Fritz Seide. Making his second run for the House seat being vacated by Bruce Antone, Mr. Seide is quickly becoming a major force in Orange County politics.

In 2004, his little known candidacy garnered 10% of the District 39 vote. In 2006, Fritz Seide predicts he will do much better.

“I am of this community”, Seide exclaims. “I know the struggle the people in Pine Hills, Washington Shores go through. I’ve been through them myself. I know the struggle of raising a family in these times, in this area”.

The two major players in the District 39 race are Fritz Seide and Geraldine Thompson.

To be continued

Orlando Sentinel and Tribune Family Falling Apart

2006-06-14T21:48:00.000-04:00

Tribune Company, through its subsidiaries, operates as a media and entertainment company in the United States. Its second-largest shareholder compained that its media strategy is "a failure"

Charlie Crist: Is he conservative or liberal opportunist?

2006-06-07T19:37:00.000-04:00

Looks like Charlie has some detractors.

In 1995, Charlie cast the deciding vote that killed a bill requiring a
24 hour waiting period and counseling for an abortion. How can he say he's pro life?

The Spam. Charlie claims to be tough on Spammers, but not a month after the anti-Spam law passed, Charlie was caught Spamming Floridians for political contributions.

Leading Florida GOP Consultant Facing Fines of $950K

2006-06-06T22:44:00.000-04:00

Republican campaign consultant could be hit with hefty fines on charges of violating state election laws while opposing a 2004 slot machine amendment.

Orlando Sentinel Parent Company Settles Circulation Scam

2006-06-06T13:54:00.000-04:00

I'm sure The Orlando Sentinel didn't make a big deal about this.

Tribune misstated its accounts receivable and accounts payable, as well as its circulation revenues and expenses as they related to more

I Do Have an Exit Strategy

2006-06-06T13:34:00.000-04:00

Juan Lynum: Young, Gifted and Black

2006-06-03T18:39:00.000-04:00

I've got a good feeling about Juan Lynum. Correction, I've got a great feeling about this guy. Yes, I know he's from a political family (son of Daisy Lynum, Orlando City Commissioner)but there is just something about the guy. As soon as he opens his mouth you know he's destined to be one of the great ones. His sincerity is genuine and he is THE FUTURE.
At a time when politicians of every stripe epitiomize corruptness and disillusionment, along comes a fresh face that offers hope and vision.

- Some of his ideas:
Unified voice and focused economic development initiatives amongst Black elected officials
More county business for vendors that value and implement workforce diversity programs
We must prepare our children for high paying high-technology jobs
Promote expansion of enterprise zones in Pine Hills
Promoting valuable community resources
Commuter Rail that services West Orlando and Orange County
Educating community on Growth and Urban Planning

Juan Lynum: You've Got A Great Future

2006-06-02T09:54:00.000-04:00

Juan Lynum, is running for Orange County Commissioner, District 6. He's young, intelligent and connnected. He is also among the best qualified to lead in the future.

Congressional offices belong to the people of the United States

2006-06-02T06:42:00.000-04:00

Dr. Andy Michaud responds to Rep. Feeney’s protest of the FBI raid on Congress

Winter Park, FL – Congressional candidate, Dr. Andy Michaud (Democrat), disagrees with Rep. Thomas Feeney’s protest of the FBI raid on Congressional offices. Although the U.S. Constitution clearly separates powers of government to protect the people from dictatorship, it doesn’t prevent law enforcement officers from doing their duty to investigate criminals.

The Capital, White House, Treasury Building and the U.S. Supreme Court Building all belong to the people of the United States. Who does Mr. Feeney think he is, the United Nations? He would be the first to scream, “Bloody Murder”, if an Ambassador from France were under investigation for bribery and it was his/her office unable to be searched.

The Executive Branch took proper steps in its investigation of the Congressman Williams, found probable cause, went to the Judiciary Branch and presented the case for a search warrant, then executed the warrant and seized evidence important to their case. I salute the FBI and their team of investigators for protecting America’s democracy. My family appreciates the efforts of the FBI, thank you.

Was the 2004 Election Stolen?

2006-06-02T06:38:00.000-04:00

Couldn't resist this piece:

Republicans prevented more than 350,000 voters in Ohio from casting ballots or having their votes counted -- enough to have put John Kerry in the White House.

Insuring a home in Florida is getting hard

2006-05-28T19:35:00.000-04:00

"Three more home insurance companies -- including USAA, Florida's fifth largest insurer -- asked state officials for approval to charge their customers higher prices."

"The three insurers are the latest in a long line of insurance companies that have requested premium boosts in Florida after the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. Universal is seeking an average increase of 17.1 percent for single-family home policyholders, and 36.5 percent for condo policyholders, according to its rate filing with state regulators. USAA insures more than 184,400 people in Florida, said Jonathon Kees, an Office of Insurance Regulation spokesman. Of those, 10,674 homes are in Palm Beach County and 9,510 are in Broward County."

Enron: The Jeb Bush Connection

2006-05-28T14:37:00.000-04:00

Enron founder Ken Lay and his family rank among President Bush's biggest financial backers of his political career. The family donated about $140,000 to Bush's political campaigns in Texas and for the White House. more here

"I wish the next governor luck".

2006-05-28T00:10:00.000-04:00

Senate Republicans who voted against the governor's top priority of school vouchers, said they saw payback in his choice of cuts.

Some Truths About Al Gore

2006-05-27T19:51:00.000-04:00

The act that most proves Gore’s contempt for representative politics was his total acquiescence in the face of the contested 2000 presidential election result in Florida. The image of Gore presiding over the certification of Bush’s victory was a moving, if tragic, scene.

Hilton Hotels: Shame, Shame, Shame

2006-05-25T19:57:00.000-04:00

UNITE HERE Locals 362 & 737, the Service Employees International Union Local 8 (SEIU), and the Central Florida Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) will hold a press conference and a rally to announce the formation of the association Central Floridians for Tax Justice (CFTJ.) The rally will be held at 5PM on May 30, 2006 in front of the Orange County Administration Building (201 South Rosalind Street). Democratic Florida State Congressional candidate Scott Randolph and Orange County Commissioner District 2 Candidate Lawrence Kolin are expected to attend.

As its first action, CFTJ will pledge its support to Orange County Property Appraiser Bill Donegan in his current lawsuit against Hilton Hotels Corporation. The lawsuit alleges Hilton violated the Greenbelt Law, and unfairly received an agricultural tax exemption.

“Central Floridians for Tax Justice stands behind Bill Donegan in his attempt to get Hilton to pay its fair share of taxes in Orange County,” said Greg Myers, who is a UNITE HERE Local 362 member and is a homeowner in the Williamsburg subdivision near the proposed hotel. “The members of our respective organizations are outraged that a billion-dollar corporation like Hilton would try to nickel and dime the good citizens of Orange County, and we’re here today to urge Hilton to do what’s right by our community.”

More than $1 million in property taxes and attorneys’ fees are in play in the litigation between Mr. Donegan and Hilton, which includes three lawsuits filed by the Hilton Hotels Corporation against Mr. Donegan in addition to Mr. Donegan’s original lawsuit, which was filed in 2002. (All four lawsuits have since been consolidated into Mr. Donegan’s original lawsuit.) On March 22, 2006, Hilton announced its intention to build a 1400-room hotel adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center.

Orange County homeowner Valerie Friedman is another resident in support of Donegan’s efforts in his lawsuit. “I believe it is the height of hypocrisy for a big corporation like Hilton to expect to get this tax break when it’s clear they plan to build a hotel on this property,” said Ms. Friedman. “All the while the other Orange County taxpayers are expected to pick up the difference for our schools, roads, police, fire and EMS. It’s just ridiculous.”

“Hilton’s website proudly boasts of its “legacy of lending support to the communities where we do business,” said Orange County homeowner Bruce Metcalf. “It is high time that Hilton re-evaluates its relationship with the tax-paying voters of Orange County before the first shovel hits the ground.”

William Jefferson is a known low-life

2006-05-25T16:46:00.000-04:00

Who in their right mind would defend and protect that lying-ass William Jefferson?
He is a disgrace and anyone that would defend his actions under the platitudes of of the separation of powers argument needs to really consider what is going on here.

What about his crime? Where is the outrage? Is he special because he is black?

Someone please shake me, and tell me how is it possible that a crook that gets caught has a right to complain about howhe is caught.

First of all the Congressional Black Caucus member Willima Jefferson is known for unscrupulous activities:

Congressman used National Guard troops to rescue his personal belongings while Katrina victims waited on rooftops

Louisville man pleads guilty to bribing Rep. William J. Jefferson (D-La.) with more than $400,000 in payments

The man used his contacts and position to benefit himself and his family.

http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/congtravel/member_report.php?member=7142

He is a pro-big oil. He is also affectionately known as “the Congressman from Chevron,”

This is incredible. The man belongs behind bars.

Crotty Walks

2006-05-24T19:15:00.000-04:00

"I remain confident that their report will show that there was no legal or ethical breach on my part."

Can Florida Elect a Democratic Governor in '06?

2006-05-23T23:29:00.000-04:00

On the economy, national security, energy policy, and Iraq, most Florida voters trust Democrats over Republicans; on energy policy, they do so by a two-to-one margin. The exception is immigration, where 43% trust the Republicans more, 38% trust the Democrats more.

The nation's most accurate polling firm, Rasmussen Reports, hints at the possibility of
a Democrat as Governor, come November.

"race-hustling poverty pimps."

2006-05-21T17:45:00.000-04:00

Congressional Black Caucus member, William_Jefferson, who is also the Congressmen representing the 2nd District of Louisiana, also known as New Orleans was caught on videotape accepting $100,000 (also known as $100 'Grand) in $100 bills from an FBI informant.

I would hope that this event further dilute's the 'holier-than-thou' attitude of the Congressional Black Caucus. The old claim, that they seek to "positively influence the course of events pertinent to African-Americans and others .....," and "achieving greater equity for persons of African descent in the design and content of domestic and international programs and services." has definitely taken an ass whuppin' lately. But didn't JC Watts, the retired black Congressman from Oklahoma state that they were, "race-hustling poverty pimps."

Sounds good when you have your hand out, begging for support from the Black Church, while ignoring the black community.

William Jefferson is a disgrace.

...pro-life, pro-gun, pro-business and pro-family...

2006-05-21T15:56:00.000-04:00

Chain Gang Charlie for Governor? Haven't we had enough of these crazies?

Floridians get the government they deserve, every time.

Isn’t it about time America holds Mexico accountable?

2006-05-16T12:45:00.000-04:00

Catering To Mexico On Immigration....

Democratic candidate for Congress, ‘Dr. Andy’ Michaud, responds to President Bush

2006-05-15T14:25:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dr. Andy Michaud

May 15, 2006 (407) 679-7100

National Guard deployment to the Mexican border would be better than using them in Iraq.

Democratic candidate for Congress, ‘Dr. Andy’ Michaud, responds to President Bush’s plans to post the National Guard along the border.

WINTER PARK – I do not support President Bush’s plan to use the over-worked National Guard to secure our national border with Mexico. However, it would be better than using them in the never ending quagmire in Iraq.

It seems as if the Republican leaders in Washington are determine to pound their chests and declare America’s military might, but not fully fund a permanent Army and Navy. They’re trying to do everything on a temporary basis in order to avoid the true costs of lives, family separation and costs to the American taxpayer. This is unfortunately evident by how often the National Guard is re-deployed and how the current administration is neglecting our veterans.

We don’t have an immigration problem; we have a greedy corporate problem complicated by an impoverished Mexico problem. It’s time for President Bush and the Republican leadership in Congress to address the realities of the Mexico problem by penalizing the employers of illegal immigrants, stopping the transfer of monies sent to Mexico by illegal immigrants and forcing the Mexican government to secure THEIR border with the United States.

Research Firm: US Heading into Recession

2006-05-15T11:47:00.000-04:00

The ominous slide in the US dollar and a slump in equity and bond prices late last week sent tremors through the global financial system, evoking memories of the 1987 crash.

The people we elect to represent us are too often open to bribery

2006-05-12T23:34:00.000-04:00

AMERICA has a problem.