Broward's News Beat- Fighting Fake News One Story At A Time: July 2007

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Sex in Public Places: How Big a Problem?

When Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle linked the purchase of new toilets for beach parks to gay sex in public places, he uncorked a torrent of protest. But just how prevalent is public sex?

No one keeps detailed statistics on sex in public restrooms and parks. South Florida law enforcement agencies say they receive occasional complaints and make a few arrests, but they don't spend much time cracking down on it. Since 2005, Fort Lauderdale has reported two arrests for sexual activity in a public restroom.

Read More...

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U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez in Lauderdale

U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez in Lauderdale
Broward County Sheriff's Office deputies listen as U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez speaks during the Convention of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Monday, at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. READ MORE....

Gov. Crist Visits Broward

Crist appeared before a crowd of about 750 at a town meeting at the Kings Point Town Meeting with Wexler and state Sen. Jeremy Ring, D-Parkland.

The governor pledged to fight for lower insurance rates and alternative energy and promoted a Jan. 29 referendum on super-sizing homestead property-tax exemptions.

"We're going to celebrate what we have, and I know that Washington and other states don't have it, and that's a spirit of bipartisanship coming from this governor," Ring said.

"I'm saying this about a Republican governor, I know that, but what we have is a gentleman who has broken down all political barriers as they have been defined in America," said Wexler, who praised Crist for backing a ballot paper trail and being supportive of Israel.

Wexler and Crist, friends since their days together in the Florida Senate in the 1990s, traveled to Israel together on a trade mission earlier this summer. When it was over, Crist stood at the edge of the stage at the Kings Point clubhouse shaking hands and chatting with members of the largely Democratic audience.

Klein Votes in Favor of Comprehensive Bill to Make America Safer

Rep. Ron Klein (FL-22) joined an enormous bipartisan majority late Friday afternoon and voted in favor of legislation that will strengthen the safety of American families by enacting the recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission. The Conference Report on H.R. 1, Implementing the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, was passed by a vote of 371-40.

"Today Congress passed the 9-11 Conference Report, a bill which finally implements the recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission," said Klein. "This bill will make our families safer by improving screening cargo coming into U.S. ports, bolstering the safety of our airports and air travel, and by strengthening our ability to fight terrorism abroad and here at home. Though Congress should have passed this bill over three years ago when the 9/11 Commission made initially made its recommendations, what's important now is that its been adopted and will in short order be implemented. I urge President Bush to swiftly sign this legislation into law."

The bill has strong provisions to better protect America from terrorism - ranging from ensuring that first responders have the equipment they need, to strengthening efforts to prevent WMDs from falling into terrorist hands. The measure will also require 100% scanning of U.S.-bound seaborne containers before they leave foreign ports within five years, and also requires 100% screening of cargo on passenger aircraft within three years.

"We have two major ports in South Florida - Port Everglades and the Port of Palm Beach - and it is vital that our ports have every resource they need to sufficiently screen every single piece of cargo that comes into our state," said Klein. "We, who live and work in South Florida, depend on this level of security."

The measure comes on the heels of the new National Intelligence Estimate, which states that Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network has been able to restore key capabilities for launching another attack on U.S. soil.

"Given that the recent National Intelligence Estimate released earlier this month found that al-Qaeda has the capabilities it needs to launch an attack on U.S. soil, combined with the fact that our military is stretched dangerously thin, implementing this bill is a critical step toward thwarting future terrorists attacks."

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Florida Poll: GOP Favor "None Of The Above" By 34%

A new Mason-Dixon Florida poll shows Senator Hillary Clinton with a double-digit lead over Senator Barack Obama. On the other side, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Senator Fred Thompson are in a statistical dead heat in the GOP contest for Florida's electoral votes.With the GOP voting "NONE OF THE ABOVE" by 34%

Don't forget to vote in our poll "should we have a straw poll at the October Conference"

"What Would Jeb Do?"

Special Session Set for September For Florida Legislature

The 4th session of the year will occur in an increasingly tense political atmosphere -- with House Speaker Marco Rubio dissing Gov. Charlie Crist in print on two separate occasions.

Rubio called: Crist is too liberal.

The op-ed pieces in the Miami Herald and the Florida Baptist aimed at attacking Charlie Crist.

In the Florida Baptist Witness, Rubio took on Crist over his willingness to "allow pro-gambling bills to become law." A new law that took effect this month allows card rooms at pari-mutuel facilities to stay open longer and have higher betting limits.

Rubio opened the Baptist piece with his own version of the popular Christian initialism, WWJD. But in this case, Rubio evokes, "What Would Jeb Do?"

Don't forget to vote in our poll "should we have a straw poll at the October Conference"

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Human Rights Campaign to Co-sponsor Town Hall Dialogue on Transgender Issues


On Friday, August 3, 7-8:30 PM, HRC and the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida will hold a town hall meeting discussing transgender issues. Speakers to include the former Largo city manager Susan Stanton, and Blue, transgendered youth activist. The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida is located on 1717 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, 33311.

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Karen Thurman Does Q&A With Florida Netroots

Q. Do you have any regrets in how you handled the situation regarding your lobbying for Miami-Dade County port security?

A. I regret that it ended up in the newspaper! No, but seriously, I understand why the way it was presented in the Miami Herald and St. Pete Times created some concern. Unfortunately, they didn't get the story right. To be clear, I don't work for a Republican and I don't report to a Republican.

Since before I became Chair, and I have had my own lobbying and consulting firm. Recently, I teamed up with Eric Gould, who served as my former legal counsel from when I was on the House Ways and Means Committee and later worked in the Clinton Administration. In addition to working with me, Eric, a good Democrat, is a partner at Tew Cardenas, a firm that, yes, is part-owned by former Republican Party Chair Al Cardenas but employs Republicans, Democrats and non-partisan folks. Eric asked me to help them lobby on behalf of Miami-Dade County because of our new Democratic majority in Congress. After careful consideration, I decided, because the issue is one that I feel is very important, that it would not conflict with my duties as Party Chair. And it hasn't. In fact, it's opened more doors for Party fundraising than I ever imagined.

Now, I am not and have never been opposed to fully disclosing my outside income as Chair, and I'm certainly not the first chair to have other interests. However, our Party bylaws don't address the issue. But now we are in the process of discussing how to best to go forward. One option is to amend the bylaws with a procedure for disclosure, since that really seemed to be the issue for people that had concerns.

I assure you, I still spend most of my waking hours working for and worrying about the Party. If you don't believe me, just ask my husband!

And finally, if people really are concerned about anything I've done as Party Chair, I encourage you to write to me or call me with your concerns before you go to the papers or secretly videotape my conversations (it's happened!). We're all in this together, and the more we attack our own, especially when the facts aren't clear, the more we cede the upper hand to Republicans. Their Party, for good reason, is getting fired at from all sides. If we want to take back Florida, we should be getting out of the way, instead of taking bullets for them. We have got to stick together and trust one another or we'll never win. (I'm not talking blind, Bush Republican-type trust, but you get what I mean.)

To Read All The Questions and Answers from the Karen Thruman Q&A CLICK HERE

A Tip Of The Hat To Jennifer Of The Florida Netroots Blog For Facilitating this Event

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Pfc. Juan S. Restrepo

NEWS RELEASES from the United States Department of Defense

No. 932-07 IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 26, 2007

Media Contact: (703) 697-5131/697-5132

Public/Industry(703) 428-0711

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Juan S. Restrepo, 20, of Pembroke Pines, Fla., died July 22 in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire.He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Vicenza, Italy.

For more information related to this release, media may contact the Southern European Task Force public affairs office at 011-39-0444-71-7011 or 011-39-0444-71-8020.

My deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Family and Friends of this Fallen Hero. We thank you for your sacrifice, we are a grateful nation. May your pain be tempered in the knowledge that Juan is a True American Hero and he will Never be Forgotten.

Stand down, PFC Juan S. Restrepo, your mission is now complete, may you rest in eternal peace.

DNC v. Florida Democratic Party

The DNC could force Florida Democrats to cast aside the results of the Jan. 29 primary and stage their own election, says one party insider.

In an e-mail to other activists, DNC member Jon Ausman of Tallahassee quoted an interview party chairman Howard Dean gave to a South Carolina television station. "Florida's going to have a different kind of electoral procedure than they think they will,'' Dean said. "We want to preserve South Carolina's uniqueness.''

The new state law that bumped up Florida's primary from mid-March to Jan. 29 violated the calendar set by the Democratic national party, which allows only four smaller states to vote that early.

In order for Florida Democrats to send delegates to the national convention, The DNC could make them hold a separate election after Feb. 5. "This could happen,'' Ausman warned.

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Sgt. 1st Class Michael S. Curry

An Army paratrooper who grew up in Hollywood and Dania Beach was one of four soldiers killed recently in Afghanistan when a roadside bomb exploded, the paratrooper's family said.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael S. Curry, 37, had spent the last 20 years of his life in the Army, and for most of that time he had been assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade at Caserma Ederle, in Vicenza, Italy. It's also where he met his wife and had two sons, one of whom turned 12 today. The other is 9.

"He was a wonderful husband, father and son," said Curry's sister, Niki Martin, 35. "He was so wonderful, like something that is too good to be true."

But it was true, relatives said Tuesday, as they mourned and discussed plans for a local memorial service. Curry will be buried in Italy next week, relatives said.

Sex, Lies, And Video Tape- And Mayor Naugle

Though Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle has offended gays, minorities, the poor and environmentalists for years, his latest comments about the gay community have sparked a much larger public outcry.

The embarrassment that is Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle called a press conference yesterday in advance of the planned "Flush Naugle" rally. He said he was going to issue an apology.

Instead, he fanned the flames further, so to speak! Hear his insulting "apology" here

"Right click to download to hard drive to listen below"

The Jim DeFede Show Podcast

	7-25 Naugle press conference Jim Naugle held a press conference yesterday, ostensibly to apologize. Hear what constitutes an apology to the Ft. Lauderdale Mayor. To download the podcast, right-click "Listen" and select "Save As" from the menu.
	7-24 Big Naugle protest today Jim gets the details on today's anti-Naugle protest from Anthony Niedwicke of United Ft. Lauderdale. To download the podcast, right-click "Listen" and select "Save As" from the menu.

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Special Session Set for September

House and Senate leaders told lawmakers Tuesday that a special session on Florida's sagging state budget will begin Sept. 18 and could run through the first week of October.

So far, only the budget is on the agenda, according to House Speaker Marco Rubio and Senate President Ken Pruitt, who sent a joint memo to legislators. A formal proclamation setting the session is expected later.

"The task of reducing the budget will be difficult, but achievable," said Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie.

Rubio said cuts are coming. Because of the state's stalled housing market, tax receipts have declined and lawmakers may need to slash as much as $1 billion from a $71 billion budget that went into effect July. 1.

"We will be mindful of the need to sserve citizens while making necessary reductions in state spending," Rubio said.

Will he also be funding Kid Care?

How About PIP insurance?

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Rally- At City Hall - Tues. July 24th

Join local, state and national leaders and at the UNITE Fort Lauderdale

Rally on Tuesday July 24th at 4pm at the Fort Lauderdale City Hall 100 N. Andrews Ave.

The Rally is a community response to the recent bigoted comments by Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle. Naugle has drawn national condemnation and ridicule for attempting to justify the purchase of a a $250,000 robotic toilet by stirring anti-gay sentiment.

By last week, Equality Florida members and supporters had sent more than 500 emails to City Hall chastising the Mayor for his most recent in a long succession of anti-gay bigoted statements. Click here to send a message of your own to the Mayor.

The rally is sponsored by the newly formed grassroots organization called UNITE Fort Lauderdale. Born out of the town hall Equality Florida helped organize earlier this month, UNITE Fort Lauderdale is a diverse coalition aimed at restoring Fort Lauderdale's image as an open and inclusive community.

The rally begins at 4pm, speakers begin at 5pm.

Rally Participants include:

Howard Simon- Florida Executive Director of the ACLU
Lori Parrish- Broward County Property Appraiser
Matt Foreman- Executive director of The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Stacey Ritter- Broward County Commissioner
Andrew L. Rosenkranz- Florida Regional Director from the Anti-Defamation League
Ken Keechl- Broward County Commissioner
Nadine Smith- Executive Director Equality Florida
Mitch Ceasar- Chairman of the Broward County Democratic Party
Dean Trantalis- Former Vice Mayor of Fort Lauderdale
Dr. Hal McSwain- Pastor of First Congregational Church of Fort Lauderdale
Durrell Watkins- Senior Pastor of the Sunshine Cathedral
Mike D Payne- Representative of the International Longshoremen's Union
Stephan Lampasso- Representative of HRC
Rabbi Greg Kanter- Jewish Light

The rally will have a DJ, as well as live entertainment. Café Piazza located across from City Hall will be available for food and drinks at a special rate for the rally.

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Rep. Bob Allen's Ship Has Sailed

Rep. Bob Allen R- Any Men's Room- has vowed to fight the charge of soliciting a male police officer for blow-job, and he's still a candidate for a state Senate seat. But not so fast Bobby boy from the editorial page editor of , Florida Today. Read more here.

Rep Bob Allen, R-any men's toliet after arrest

Think it's another quiet hurricane season?

Just wait a few weeks

By Maya Bell

Amid the storm that has swept through the National Hurricane Center this month over the future of its deposed director, there has been one thing missing: an honest-to-goodness hurricane.

But Floridians shouldn't expect that to last.

With only two minor tropical storms so far, the 2007 hurricane season has been quiet since it officially began June 1. But the slow start is typical, even for the above-average season that is still expected.

"Just because things are quiet on July 20 doesn't mean the active season won't come true," Jack Beven, a senior hurricane specialist, said Friday. "There have been plenty of active seasons where we didn't have any activity before August.

"Just look at 2004."

That was the year when one tropical storm — Bonnie — and four hurricanes — Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne — smacked the Sunshine State in a six-week span that started Aug. 12. Yet the first named storm didn't pop up until Aug. 1.

On Friday, Beven was keeping an eye on a tropical wave near Puerto Rico, though conditions weren't favorable for its development. But he and other forecasters don't expect those conditions — principally, high wind shear — to endure.

Wind shear, winds that blow in different directions at different altitudes and rip hurricanes apart or inhibit their formation, typically is high in June and July. It begins dropping in August, kicking off the three peak months of hurricane season.

That's a major reason 90 percent of all hurricanes form in August, September and October, according to Chris Landsea, the science and operations officer at the hurricane center. It's also among the reasons tepid activity in June and July is no indication what the rest of the season may hold, he said.

In May, Landsea and other members of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's seasonal-outlook team predicted that 13 to 17 named storms will form in the Atlantic basin this year. Of those, they estimate, seven to 10 are likely to grow into hurricanes, with three to five ballooning into major tempests of at least Category 3 strength.

But even if they're wrong—like last year, when unexpected El Nino conditions tamped down hurricane activity — it takes just one storm to make for a terrible season. Case in point: The 1992 hurricane season was below average but nevertheless spawned Hurricane Andrew, which leveled much of south Miami-Dade County.

For now, though, Beven and other meteorologists are happy to be talking about what storms might be lurking on the horizon, rather than the one that has swirled at the hurricane center most of this month.

On Thursday, two weeks after half of the center's staff called for the immediate ouster of their new boss, Bill Proenza, a NOAA assessment team recommended he permanently lose his post. Employees said Proenza's "disruptive" conduct was undermining the center's credibility and the public's faith in its forecasts.

On paid leave since July 9, the veteran National Weather Service administrator had replaced the retiring Max Mayfield in January. Mayfield's longtime deputy, Ed Rappaport, is now acting director.

"We're all happy to have this episode behind us — hopefully," said Ben Nelson, the state meteorologist. "Now everybody can concentrate on the peak of season."

By Maya Bell

Maya Bell can be reached at mbell@orlandosentinel.com or at 305-810-5003.

Click The Screen Below For Hurricane Prepardness

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Except for Gov. Crist The Best Democratic Governor Since Chiles

What turns young voters off

Talking Medicare isn't a good way to appeal to young voters. Seemingly irrelevant issues, along with intense cynicism and hypernegative campaigns, are all cited as reasons younger voters are turned off by politics.

Communication: The old approaches — television, mailers, recorded telephone messages — aren't the way younger people get their information. "Everything moves fast. Everything is Internet-based," Krishnaiyer said. Republican activist Michael De Gruccio, 27, said smart candidates have professional-looking Web sites, blogs, podcasts and MySpace and Facebook sites.

Negativity: State Rep. Martin Kiar, D-Davie, elected last fall at age 29, thinks negative campaigns alienate younger voters. "From the gubernatorial down to everything else, it was so nasty. It was all negative all the way. Many young people didn't want to come out."

Flush Naugle Continues............


		Fort Lauderdale is the hub and largest city in Broward County. The image of Fort Lauderdale greatly impacts not only the residents and businesses of the city of Fort Lauderdale, but of the entire County and South Florida Region. The first value listed in Fort Lauderdale's Vision Statement: "Respect for the dignity of our citizens and co-workers and for the diversity of all groups." This vision statement was adopted by the City Commission but has sadly been ignored by Mayor Naugle. UNITE Fort Lauderdale is a diverse coalition of Citizens aimed at restoring the city's image as an open and inclusive community. The citizens of South Florida have come together to say loud and clear, "Mayor Naugle does not speak for me." The Mayor has demeaned decent tax paying citizens and groups once too often. The Mayor's recent comments have shown exactly how out of touch he is with the entire city. He continues to embarrass Fort Lauderdale with his inflammatory rhetoric. His comments could cost the city millions in lost tourist revenue. The Mayor's comments impact the reputation of the entire region of South Florida, not just Fort Lauderdale. His shameful comments have the very real potential to have a real negative impact on the economy of Greater Fort Lauderdale by discouraging tourism, as well as the desire for Businesses and Home Buyers to invest in the city and region. The Mayor's embarrassing and extreme comments demonstrate an on-going lack of respect for our city and ALL Citizens. Instead of discussing and solving important issues in and with our community, he dismisses with ignorant and flippant comments. The Mayor has diminished the dignity of the office he holds in trust of the people. We are ASKING the Mayor to resign and restore the dignity to the office of the Mayor. Whether he resigns or not, we as a community are here to say "NO MORE" and to reclaim the respect and dignity of our Citizens and the reputation of Fort Lauderdale. We will start gathering at 4:00 PM, on Tuesday, July 24th on the steps of City Hall, Speeches will begin at 5:00 PM. We encourage ALL Citizens to come to the rally on their way home from work to and be COUNTED. FOR MORE INFO VISIT FLUSHNAUGLE.ORG

The Final Naugle Poll Numbers

GOP No Show At National Council of La Raza

The National Council of La Raza, which calls itself the nation's largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization, hopes to increase Hispanic political power by persuading more people to vote.

That tops the agenda at the group's annual conference Saturday through Tuesday at the Miami Beach Convention Center, where Democratic presidential candidates Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama are expected to be big draws.

The Republican presidential contenders are expected to be no-shows at the second major gathering of Hispanic leaders in Florida this year. None of the Republican candidates -- but all of the leading Democrats -- addressed the National Association of Latino and Elected Officials in Orlando last month.

Former Hollywood police officers get 14, 9 years in FBI sting

Former Hollywood Police Detective Kevin Companion and ex-Officer Stephen Harrison were sentenced today in federal court to 14 years and 9 years respectively, after pleading guilty to trafficking drugs in an FBI sting.

Read The Story

Pledge to Protect Florida's Future

just signed the Five Point Pledge to Protect Florida's Future and urge the Florida Legislature to take responsible action on climate change.

Will you stand with me? You can sign the pledge and forward it to your friends at:

http://www.fladems.com/fivepoints

Floridians Still "Storming Mad"

Citing a new poll showing Floridians unhappy with the results of January's property insurance overhaul, House Minority Leader Dan Gelber called Thursday for Gov. Charlie Crist to assemble a group of legislators to come up with new rate-cutting ideas.
"The purpose of the group should be to determine why Floridians are not witnessing the rate reductions many were expecting as a result of the reforms adopted during the special session," Gelber, D-Miami Beach, wrote Crist in a letter. "Additionally, I think they should be promoting more ideas for the Legislature to consider."
A new Quinnipiac University poll shows that 72 percent of Floridians feel Crist's insurance reform plan has failed to deliver much-promised lower rates. In fact, 31 percent of respondents said they have seen bills go up, while only 4 percent say their homeowners bills have declined.
Gelber said the January special session was the first "right" step, but that more are needed.
"Floridians are still, rightfully, storming mad," Gelber concluded to Crist, adding, "we need to do much more."

Judge Williams To Cheif Judge Grossman

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Broward judge quits diversity board

Broward judge quits diversity board, complaining of 'carrying the white man's water'

The Broward County judge who presides as chairman of the court's fledgling diversity board has resigned from his post, incensed by what he calls the acting chief judge's interference in the board's work.

In a fiery two-page memo dated Tuesday and addressed to acting chief judge Mel Grossman, Circuit Judge Elijah Williams said: "Prior to accepting this appointment, I made it clear to Chief Judge [Dale] Ross that I would not be 'carrying the white man's water'... He agreed not to control, hinder or influence me in any manner."

By day's end Wednesday, Grossman had a memo delivered to Williams asking that he reconsider his resignation.

Ross, who is recovering from double hip-replacement surgery, created the four-member board last spring as a string of controversies and judicial insensitivities plagued the courthouse.

Ross chose Williams, the first black judge appointed to the Broward bench in more than 20 years, to be chairman.

The announcement Wednesday of Williams' resignation came one day after Broward judges elected a new chief judge, who vowed to restore dignity to the troubled courthouse, and one day after Ross' appointed adviser to the diversity board publicized his recommendations to bolster it with a fifth member and establish a judicial ombudsman to field, review and investigate complaints before taking them to the diversity board.

Florida Voters Support "Super Homestead Exemption"

Florida voters support 57 - 17 percent a proposal to be voted on in January that would create a "Super Homestead Exemption," although most voters say they know little or nothing about the proposal. The plan needs a 60 percent majority to become law. Complaints from local governments that passage of the super exemption would require cuts in services are either "not valid concerns" or "not a reason to vote against the proposal," a total of 68 percent of voters say.
"We might want to begin calling him 'Teflon Charlie' because Gov. Crist remains enormously popular. Yet voters are not happy with insurance reform he championed and think he and lawmakers didn't go far enough in their initial tax cut," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
Crist's 73 percent job approval, including 72 - 10 percent among Democrats, is equal to his rating in March, the highest since he took office in January. But voters aren't seeing the savings in their property insurance rates he promised when signing the reform plan into law earlier this year.

Florida voters love Gov. Charlie Crist as much as ever, giving him a 73 - 11 percent job approval, but 72 percent say his insurance reform plan hasn't delivered lower rates, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. This is Gov. Crist's fourth approval score at 69 percent or higher.
Property tax cuts passed by the State Legislature and signed by Gov. Crist were not large enough, 47 percent of voters tell the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll. Another 8 percent say tax cuts were too large, while 29 percent say they are about right.

"We might want to begin calling him 'Teflon Charlie' because Gov. Crist remains enormously popular. Yet voters are not happy with insurance reform he championed and think he and lawmakers didn't go far enough in their initial tax cut," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
Crist's 73 percent job approval, including 72 - 10 percent among Democrats, is equal to his rating in March, the highest since he took office in January. But voters aren't seeing the savings in their property insurance rates he promised when signing the reform plan into law earlier this year.

Florida voters approve 47 - 26 percent of the job Democratic U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is doing, but give Republican Sen. Mel Martinez a slightly negative 36 - 38 percent approval rating, his lowest ever.

Read the Qunnipac poll

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Letter To Mayor Naugle

Dear Mayor Naugle,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's law. I
have learned a great deal from you and try to share that knowledge with as
many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements
of God's Laws and how to follow them:

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and
female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine
claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not to Canadians. Can you
clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in
Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for
her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in
her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem
is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a
pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors.
They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2
clearly states that he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated
to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that, even though eating shellfish is an
abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than
homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there "degrees" of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I
have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does
my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair
around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27.
How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes
me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two
different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of
two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to
curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the
trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them (Lev. 24:10-16)?
Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with
people who sleep with their in-laws (Lev.20:14)? I know you have studied
these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such
matters, so I am confident you can help.

Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Ron Mills
**************************************
This was the Mayor's Response:
MAYORJAMES@aol.com Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:33:15 EDT
Subject: Re: A Few Questions
To: ron@ronmills.us
CC: SAli@fortlauderdale.gov
Thank you for your email. I am sorry that I can't help you and recommend that you contact your spiritual advisor.

Jim

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Visit : FLUSH NAUGLE

Impeachment On The Table: By Dems And Republicans

Bill Moyers

Open Letter To Mayor Jim Naugle

Last week Mayor Naugel, in a televised interview, after his flap with the 250,000.00 toilet. Commented the he loves homosexuals, but it is his religion that homosexuals are committing a sin. So I have a few questions for the Mayor

Dear Mayor Naugel,
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's law. I
have learned a great deal from you and try to share that knowledge with as
many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements
of God's Laws and how to follow them:

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and
female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine
claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not to Canadians. Can you
clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in
Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for
her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in
her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem
is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a
pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors.
They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2
clearly states that he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated
to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that, even though eating shellfish is an
abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than
homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there "degrees" of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I
have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does
my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair
around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27.
How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes
me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two
different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of
two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to
curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the
trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them (Lev. 24:10-16)?
Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with
people who sleep with their in-laws (Lev.20:14)? I know you have studied
these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such
matters, so I am confident you can help.

Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

also posted at http://BrowardForChange.com

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Action Alert

Counter Filibuster

Broward Federal Courthouse

Tuesday, 17 Jul 2007, 5:00 - 6:00 PM

The Republicans in the Senate are planning to filibuster a timeline to end the war and block progress any progress towards bringing our troops home. It's outrageous—while they're playing political games in Washington, our troops are dying. We've got to make sure they understand that the American people won't stand for this. Thanks for helping to make that message loud and clear. We'll gather along with other MoveOn members in cities across the country with signs and candles to read Iraq veterans' and military families' stories. This will be an exciting and powerful event.

Message from host: Parking is available behind City Hall and is free after 6pm. Our event will last one hour from 5-6pm to attract the rush our traffic. Bring candles if you can. Also, please remember it is OK to gather in a public place to protest but we cannot sit or leave our things on the Federal Courthouse property. See you there!

Address:
299 E. Broward Blvd (Map)
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

To RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/2ytn2y

House Democrats, Applaud Gov. Crist on Green House Gases

House Democrats, led by Democratic Leader Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach), Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Joyce Cusack (D-Deland) and State Reps. Mary Brandenburg (D-West Palm Beach), Rick Kriseman (D-St. Petersburg), Scott Randolph (D-Orlando), Debbie Boyd (D-Newberry) and Richard Machek (D-Delray Beach) applauded Governor Crist for hosting the first annual Global Climate Change Summit and signing a series of Executive Orders that set tough standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. House Democrats are eager and ready to begin work immediately on a package of reforms for the 2008 legislative session that will improve Florida's standing among those states with aggressive climate change and energy reform agendas. House Democrats offered the following comments regarding the Summit and the Executive Orders:

Democratic Leader Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach): "It's about time we got serious about climate change and I applaud Governor Crist for leading the way. The House Democratic Caucus believes in promoting environmental responsibility, so we stand ready to support Governor Crist and his initiatives that will help move Florida to the forefront of states committed to reducing greenhouse gases. Many of these initiatives will need legislation to put the force of state law behind them, and we are ready to support those efforts in every way."

State Representative Scott Randolph (D-Orlando): "I applaud Governor Crist for initiating the Global Climate Change Summit and bringing together a diverse group of leaders to educate Floridians on how we can make Florida an Energy Smart State. The costs of most forms of energy, including gasoline, are increasing so fast right now many Florida families are unable to keep up. Investing in alternative forms of energy is not only the smart thing to do, but also good economic policy. House Democrats are eager to begin work on a legislative package that will codify into state law many of the good reforms adopted by Governor Crist today. We will challenge our colleagues in the Legislature to put these reforms on the Governor's desk next year and make these policies permanent in Florida."

State Representative Rick Kriseman (D-St. Petersburg): "As the Sunshine State, Florida should be at the forefront of reducing energy costs by exploring alternative energy technology. The increases in fuel and energy prices over the past year have not only affected Florida's residents and businesses at the pumps; they also translate into higher electricity rates and increased costs for other goods and services. I am proud of the work of Governor Crist in the area of energy reforms and his commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is refreshing to see we have a Governor committed to making our environment cleaner and healthier. I look forward to working with Governor Crist and my colleagues in the Legislature to continue on this great path."

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Governor Crist Signs Executive Orders to Reduce Greenhouse Gases

Dear Friends,

Today I issued three Executive Orders that put into place a new direction for Florida's energy future. I also signed partnership agreements with Germany and the United Kingdom outlining an agreement that focuses on climate policies and mutual economic benefits. We are providing the moral leadership needed to preserve our state's beautiful natural environment. State government is leading by example by taking immediate action to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. However, our actions do not stop when this Florida Summit on Global Climate Change concludes. In fact, this is where we take action.

The three Executive Orders signed today represent my commitment to addressing global climate change. We will reduce Florida's greenhouse gases. We will increase our energy efficiency. And we will pursue more renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, and alternative energy, such as ethanol and hydrogen.

The first Executive Order is titled, "Leadership by Example: Immediate Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Florida State Government." We will first measure greenhouse gas emissions created by state government. Then, we will then work to reduce emissions – 10 percent by 2012, 25 percent by 2017, and 40 percent by 2025.

State buildings constructed in the future will be energy efficient and have solar panels whenever possible. Leased office space will be in energy-efficient buildings. When we purchase state vehicles, they will be fuel efficient and use ethanol and biodiesel fuels when available. When we rent cars, they will be energy-efficient, too.

The second Executive Order is titled, "Immediate Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions within Florida." We will adopt maximum emission levels of greenhouse gases for electric utilities and require a reduction of emissions. By 2017, we will scale back to 2000 levels, and then to 1990 levels by 2025 and by 80 percent of 1990 levels by 2050.

We will follow California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's lead and adopt the California motor vehicle emission standards – pending approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of the 22-percent reduction by 2012 and 30-percent reduction by 2016. Appliances sold in Florida will be 15 percent more energy-efficient.

I will ask the Public Service Commission to embrace renewable energy. By 2020, 20 percent of Florida's energy should come from renewable sources, with a focus on solar and wind energy.

The third Executive Order is titled, "Florida Governor's Action Team on Energy and Climate Change." The steps we take today do not stop here. I will appoint diverse stakeholders to an Action Team who will develop further recommendations and an action plan by during the next few months. They will consider recommendations for proposed legislation for the 2008 Legislative Session and beyond.

Germany and the United Kingdom are recognized as worldwide leaders in actively addressing global climate change. Florida will join these great nations in calling for a post-Kyoto Protocol that protects the planet's climate systems by reducing emissions of greenhouse gasses beyond 2012. The State of Florida will exchange delegations with Germany and with the United Kingdom to create a forum for sharing public policy experience and exchanging science and technology, placing a particular emphasis on the sharing of ideas and policies related to energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. The individual partnership agreements will increase climate-friendly trade between the State of Florida and the United Kingdom and the State of Florida and the Federal Republic of Germany.

Global climate change is one of the most important issues we face this century, and we must make every effort to do what is right. We have a responsibility to be good stewards of Florida's natural resources and beautiful surroundings. Our state's future depends on it.

May God continue to bless the great state of Florida,

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Greer And Rubio Stand Behind Rep. Allen

Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer released the following statement today regarding Representative Bob Allen's announcement that he will not resign from the Florida House of Representatives:

"While this is an extremely serious matter, the House of Representatives and the judiciary system have established a process to deal with situations of this nature. We are confident in the leadership of Speaker Rubio and we have no doubt that this matter will be addressed in a timely and appropriate manner."

And House Speaker Marco Rubio released this statement:

"The charge against Rep. Allen is serious. Because it is a misdemeanor, not a felony, the House rules don't provide for a specific response in the event that he is found to be guilty. Rep. Allen has advised that he intends to defend himself vigorously. That is his right and the House will respect that right. We will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate steps if necessary."

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