CitizenSugar -- Breaking News, Together.

Gay Marriage Goes Down, But Not Without a Fight

LibertySugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:25:00 -0800

California county registrars may have stopped issuing licenses to same-sex couples, but not all Californians are ready to accept the newly approved marriage ban. The city of San Francisco filed lawsuits challenging Prop. 8's passage, and California Attorney General Jerry Brown says he will fight to defend the legality of the marriage licenses already issued to 18,000 same-sex couples.

Last night at a West Hollywood rally, 2,500 joined a protest of Prop. 8, which eventually clashed with the LAPD. Seven protesters were arrested. In San Francisco's Castro neighborhood the rainbow flag is flying at half-staff, and last night gay marriage supporters held a candle light vigil at San Francisco's City Hall. Rallies of support for gay marriage were held in other parts of the state, too.

Gay marriage bans also passed in Arizona and Florida on Tuesday, along with an Arkansas ban on adoption by anyone except a married man and woman. How long do you think the struggle for gay marriage will go on before it is completely successful? Will it ever be?

Source

Group Wants to Create a Clothing-Free Polling Site

CitizenSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0800

Talk about exposing your ideals, politics and, well, ahem, all at once. A nudist community in Florida wants to create the first clothing-optional polling site in the US.

According to reports, the Caliente Resorts, located north of Tampa, has approached election officials about the idea. There's nothing in Florida law that would prevent the unusual polling place, but the supervisor of elections says he is opposed to creating any new precincts before redistricting in 2010.

Casting your feelings about nudity aside, do you think citizens should be allowed to vote in the buff?

Source

Who's Watching Obama's 30-Minute TV Special Tonight?

LibertySugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:45:00 -0700

Update: The whole video of the presentation can be found below.

Tonight at 8 p.m. most networks in America will become Obama TV. The campaign has purchased a half-hour block of airtime on NBC, CBS, FOX, and Univision, to air Barack Obama: American Stories, during which he will make a closing argument for his candidacy. It will include a live segment from Florida, where Barack will lay out his plans for specific problems raised by voters.

While it could seal the deal by drumming up enthusiasm and turnout, the hefty price tag may make the appeal look like overkill. Perhaps the historical precedent for primetime appeals softens the feeling of extravagance.

Plus, two demographics — voters in the crucial states of Florida and Pennsylvania — will surely be tuning in at a high rate. The start of the World Series game five, between the Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays, has been postponed from 8:20 to 8:37 p.m., so Fox can carry Obama's address. The special will be shown after the game on the West Coast. If you're tuning in, share your reactions here!

To see the whole video,

Man Who Bought 2000 Voting Machine Buried in Chads

CitizenSugar — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 07:00:39 -0700

In a weirdo-political garage sale that keeps on giving, remnants from the 2000 Florida election are a hot commodity. Jim Dobyns, one Republican consultant who purchased 1,200 Votomatic III voting machines from the 2000 election debacle in Florida is starting to see his own returns. In 2005, a man who originally bought the machines from the county was reselling them from his warehouse. When Dobyns saw them all stacked to the ceiling amidst thousands of spilled chads, he bought the whole lot calling his buy the “Holy Grail of the 2000 election."

What does one do with a pile of old voting machines? Well, when the HBO movie Recount wanted to find the very same voting machines at the the center of the controversy, they called Dobyns, who leased them 26 machines for the shoot. Dobyns doesn't own all of them though — to see who else does, and how much a bag of chads is worth,

Sarah Silverman, Jewish Grandkids Schlep for Obama

LibertySugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:01:01 -0700

On Columbus Day weekend, October 11-13, Jewish grandchildren will schlep to Florida to educate their grandparents about Obama, hoping to swing the state into the blue column. In the video below, Sarah Silverman does her part to help wrap up the Jewish grandparent demographic for Obama. The effort is called "The Great Schlep" and supporters without grandparents in Florida, or those who are not Jewish, are being asked to talk to their relatives about Obama, too.

Get Flash to see this player.

Talking points to be discussed with said grandparents include:

Barack's Biography Obama's life story of achievement through education and hard work is one Jews can relate to.
Foreign Affairs Obama has expressed a willingness to talk to any nation without preconditions but with appropriate preparations. This is the kind of smart, but strong, diplomacy that led Israel to a peace treaty with its strongest enemy, Egypt.
Barack Hearts Israel and so do you! We don't need a volatile and unpredictable president like McCain in charge of America's relationship with Israel. We need a steady hand like Obama who will continue decades of US commitment to a strong and secure Israel.
Patriotism His love for the United States is similar to that of generations of Jewish immigrants, who love America for giving them an opportunity to succeed when they worked hard enough.
He's Black, Let's talk about it! Obama represents a different kind of black leadership, less interested in the confrontational tactics favored by many who came of age in the 1960s and 1970s.

What do you think about Sarah's plea? Would you schlep for Obama?

Front Page: Pakistan's President Musharraf Resigns, Grand Canyon Flood Rescues, Florida Braces for Hurricane Fay

CitizenSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:54:59 -0700

Pakistan's President Resigns:
Succumbing to pressure from impending impeachment charges, President Musharraf has announced he will resign, closing out nine years as one of the US's strong allies against terror. Musharraf said, “I have decided to resign today," saying the move put his country above "personal bravado." At the end of his hour-long speech, he punched the air and said, "long live Pakistan!"

Grand Canyon Flood Rescues:
About 170 people were airlifted to safety after a dam burst in the Grand Canyon, flooding a side canyon in an area only accessible by foot or horseback. Flashflooding warnings still persist following the evacuation order. After the rescues, most have been accounted for, but rescue sweeps continue today.

Florida Braces for Hurricane Fay:
Already having pounded the Caribbean, soon-to-be Hurricane Fay now heads for the Florida Keys. Evacuations are underway and Governor Crist said after declaring a state of emergency, "Florida is prepared. We are ready. We are vigilant." Oil prices have climbed in response to the storm's path threat to oil and gas supplies.

Source

Heartless? County Tries to Shut Down Church Shelter

LibertySugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

In a battle of church versus state, Westgate Tabernackle Church has defied Palm Beach County by setting up a 40-by-60-foot tent for homeless people on property not zoned for sleeping. Now, county code enforcement officials have issued a building code citation and a fine of up to $1,000 a day if the church does not take down the tent. The church is the only walk-in shelter in the county.

Church leader Bishop Avis Hill has disobeyed the order maintaining:

My plans are to leave this tent up until there is no longer a need for it, and that means I will leave it up until the county builds a shelter or Jesus comes. At the rate they are going, Jesus will come first.

County officials argue that the conditions are not safe, even though issues like electrical hazards and nonworking smoke detectors have been addressed recently. Bishop Hill isn't all that stubborn though; he has offered to provide food and shelter somewhere else if the county provides other land for the tent. Should the county leave the makeshift, and imperfect, homeless shelter alone until they come up with another option for those seeking shelter?

Source

Obama Gets Heckled by Crowd at Townhall in St. Petersburg

CitizenSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:00:21 -0700

Obama appeared in front of a "feisty" crowd in St. Petersburg, FL, this morning. Midway through his opening remarks, three young, African-American men stood up behind the senator with a banner that read, "What About the Black Community, Obama?" The men heckled, the crowd booed, and Obama turned to engage with them telling them to be courteous and that they'd have their time to ask a question during the Q&A.

He kept his word. One of the hecklers asked this question:

Why is it that you have not . . . one time . . . speak to the issues and even speak on behalf of the oppressed and exploited African or black community?

Though the crowd jeered, Obama said: "I want everybody to respect him . . . he has a legitimate question."

To see Obama's response,

Cancer Survival Rates Differ Based on Country's Wealth

LibertySugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:29 -0700

Wealthy countries where patients have access to diagnostic equipment have higher cancer survival rates than their poorer counterparts. Using data from over two million cancer patients worldwide (from the 1990s), the first major study to compare global cancer survival rates found that the US, Australia, Canada, France, and Japan had the highest five-year survival rate. Algeria had the worst. The UK did not report well compared to other Western European countries although its survival rate has risen this decade.

The US had the highest five-year survival rate for breast cancer (89 percent) and prostate cancer (91.9 percent), compared to the UK 69.7 percent and 51.1 percent respectively. The UK had regional disparity, evidence that access to services matters. To find out what's behind the phenomenon,

Front Page: G-8 on Energy, Climate, and Africa, Women Bishops Allowed, Free Gas For Life

CitizenSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:56:55 -0700

G-8 on Energy, Climate, and Africa:
Amid protests, the leaders of the G-8 economic powers acknowledged today that rising food and oil prices will affect world growth, but they're optimistic that the global economy will snap back. Calling on petroleum suppliers to boost production, they expressed their "strong concern" over commodity prices. Then the G-8 confirmed a goal to cut global greenhouse gases by 50 percent by 2050, with additional goals for developing countries. Divisions came during a meeting with African leaders over the situation in Zimbabwe, with the US and Britain proposing an arms embargo and the African leaders promoting a power-sharing agreement.

Women Bishops Allowed:
The governing body of the Anglican Church in Britain voted yesterday to approve the appointment of women as bishops in the church. It's a step that could risk a schism in the church while still battling the most serious threat to its unity over allowing gay clergy members. The vote in favor of women came 16 years after similar debate to approve the ordination of women as ministers within the British church.
Free Gas For Life:
The Florida Lottery has instituted an attractive second place prize in response to climbing oil prices — free gas for life. Players consider the prize more attractive than the cash grand prize. With the average price over $4 a gallon, one Floridian said we've hit a tipping point where, "gas has become more precious than cash now."

McCain and Obama Assume Their Positions on Gay Marriage

LibertySugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:00:35 -0700

With a same-sex marriage ban on the ballot in Florida, John McCain and Barack Obama have staked out their positions on what could prove to be a consequential issue again this Fall. Both candidates have weighed in on the California ballot initiative that would override the state's supreme court ruling legalizing gay marriage: Obama opposes the ban, and McCain supports it.

The candidates characterize the measure differently. McCain calls the campaign to amend California's constitution an effort "to recognize marriage as a unique institution between a man and a woman." Conversely, Obama stated that he opposed "the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution."

The San Francisco Chronicle explores the candidates' records on the issue. For that information,

FL Vandals Tag 60 Cars With Anti-Obama Messages

CitizenSugar — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 12:55:09 -0700

FL Vandals Tag 60 Cars With Anti-Obama Messages
Police on Sunday were investigating vandals' spray-painting of dozens of city vehicles, some with disparaging messages about the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. Authorities think the vandalism to about 60 vehicles, estimated at $10,000 in damage was done Saturday. The vehicles were parked across from City Hall and investigators said culprits tagged messages including "Obama smokes crack" and a racial epithet.

Big Sugar Sells Plantation to Florida

CitizenSugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:40:59 -0700

Big Sugar Sells Plantation to Florida
Earlier this week, United States Sugar agreed to sell 187,000 acres just north of Everglades National Park to the State of Florida for a whopping $1.75 billion. Under the terms of the proposed deal, the plant will go out of business in six years. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said he plans to let the chunk of land go wild, which environmentalists hope will keep the Everglades from dying of thirst. Each year, the sugar operation slurps 500,000-Olympic-size-pool’s worth of water from the Everglades, the Times reported Monday.

The Google Defense: Can Search Terms Determine Obscenity?

LibertySugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

A defendant in an obscenity trial hopes to introduce Google search data to show that community tastes go beyond apple pie and toward a more sexual appetite. Under the law, a jury or judge must decide if the alleged obscenity violates the vague benchmark of "community standards."

In the past, defendants have relied on the wide availability of sexual material in the community, to prove standards. The current defendant, pornographic website operator Clinton Raymond McCowen's, wants to go further, showing interest and consumption rather than availability. While local statistics from Pensacola, FL, show that residents search NASCAR, surfing, and Nintendo more than orgy, orgy competes with apple pie, and other wholesome American terms, reports the New York Times.

This unusual case reveals the futility of trying to carefully censor the Internet. Since 2000 the US federal government has initiated only 15 nonchild porn-related obscenity cases. Local prosecutors have similarly dropped the charges against Internet porn.

If a jury finds this porn-site operator guilty of obscenity, and then goes home and searches for porn, are they acting like a bunch of hypocrites? Should citizens be left to self-censor the Internet? Does it make you nervous to realize how much data Google keeps?

Source

Bloomberg Defends Obama to Florida Jewish Group

LibertySugar — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:00:16 -0700

New York Mayor, and Independent billionaire, Michael Bloomberg asked a group of fellow-Jewish voters to denounce false rumors that Barack Obama is a Muslim, rumors targeted at Jewish Americans.

On Friday, Bloomberg said the attacks, coming from supporters of his former Republican party, hide behind a pro-Israel facade, while actually threatening significant advances made between Muslims and Jews. He urged the audience to reject partisan tactics, preying on their fears.

Bloomberg probably makes both candidates' VP short lists; but, the popular mayor has yet to even endorse Barack Obama or John McCain. His statements to the Jewish community, in a crucial swing state like Florida, could only help Obama. Interestingly, Bloomberg made the remarks while Obama toured Florida, acting as a (perhaps unintentional) tag-team member.

Considering Barack Obama has called for a dialogue with Iran, do you think Jewish voters have concerns beyond deceptive email chains? Either way, Bloomberg is right for rejecting fearmongering, and urging the community to focus on the issues.

Obama/Bloomberg '08?

Source

Punishment vs. Human Rights — Are Prisons Going Soft?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:00:08 -0700

Though I don't know of many prisons guarded by the likes of the two pictured below, with the changes happening to crime and punishment in the US, it might not be long. With one out of every 100 Americans behind bars, and prisons turning criminals out to meet their budgets, the debate between what's a human right, and what liberties need be taken away as punishment is a tricky one. Several states have just come to some conclusions — on the side of rights.

In New York's juvenile detention centers, transgender youth are now allowed to wear whatever gendered-uniform they associate with and be called by whatever name they request, as well as receive access to special housing under a new anti-discrimination policy. The enhanced rights are drawing praise from advocacy groups. A spokesman for Governor Paterson said the policy reflects the state's intent to be "tolerant, responsive and respectful" of gender identity and gender expression issues.

Hawaii and California join New York among the small list of states that have taken steps to afford specific civil rights protection to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth in juvenile detention. This comes after a 2001 report found that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth routinely experienced discrimination, harassment and violence in New York's juvenile justice system.

Got Milk? To find out what happens if you're a vegan behind bars,

Here Comes a Book About a 9/11 Hijacker and His Stripper

LibertySugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:00:53 -0700

Novelist Andre Dubus III wanted to write a book about a stripper. Instead he ended up telling a story about sordid events leading up to September 11, 2001.

At the center of the 535-page novel — The Garden of Last Days — sits Bassam, one of the 9/11 hijackers, who spent time at a Florida strip club four days before the attack. The story follows a few other characters as well, including a stripper who takes her child to work while she dances for the would be terrorist, a drunk patron, and an elderly landlady.

In a note to book reviewers, the author explains his motivation for telling this story:

In the weeks after that brutal September morning, we began to learn something of the hijackers. We learned that many of them had trained in Florida, that they'd been seen visiting strip clubs. This was confusing. How could these young men be self-described holy warriors but also frequent strip clubs? But what lingered for me even more than this was the image of cash on a bedroom bureau in Florida, money earned by a woman who'd danced for one or more of them.

Are you intrigued by the internal struggles of a 9/11 hijacker and the stripper who danced for him? Will this appeal for even minimal empathy change the way readers think about terrorism?

Source

Democrats Want to Nationalize Hurricane Insurance

LibertySugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:37 -0700

Congressional Democrats, Florida lawmakers, and major insurance companies are teaming up to significantly nationalize hurricane insurance just in time for hurricane season.

Under the plan, taxpayers would finance a backup insurance plan that would aid insurance companies, and thus policyholders, in case of widespread disaster and a shortage of funds.

Both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton support the insurance plan, under which all Americans would help Floridians avoid $500 in hurricane premiums each year. This sounds like a savvy appeal to a crucial swing state.

While it's important to make sure the insurance system can operate during a time of crisis, for economic and humanitarian reasons, some worry that the bailout would make it easier for people to build homes and businesses in irresponsible locations.

Should there be a national solution to a regional issue?

Source

Democrats' Big Decision on Florida and Michigan Delegates

CitizenSugar — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:23:28 -0700

Democratic party officials reached a deal today to seat delegates from the disputed Florida and Michigan primaries with half a vote each. The decision happened behind closed doors and voted on publicly — announced to cheers and boos underscoring the impossibility of reaching a "correct" answer in the scenario.

In the decision Clinton (who won the Michigan and Florida contests) picked up 19 delegates in Florida and 5 delegates in Michigan, a net gain of 24 delegates over Obama.

Howard Dean, chairman of the DNC, opened the meeting today saying, “We are strong enough to struggle and disagree and to even be angry and disappointed and still come together at the end of the day and be united.”

Was this decision fair? Will the Democrats be able to come together now?

Three Things You Need to Know About Michigan and Florida

CitizenSugar — Sat, 31 May 2008 07:30:51 -0700

We're about to hear the end of the big Michigan/Florida do-the-delegates-count snafu — and they're showing the whole debate live now! I just know you're popping the popcorn and settling in to watch the whole shebang — here are three things to know while you watch the showdown.

The Role of Republicans in the Florida Trouble:

Were the Democrats sabotaged? Though Florida's Republican-controlled state legislature determined the date of the primary and Republican lawmakers did push vigorously for an early contest, it started with a Democrat. State Sen. Jeremy Ring introduced the legislation to reschedule the primary He said, "one thing you can be sure of," he said that Florida will be relevant during the primaries.” He's also said that he wasn't duped by anyone. Then the voting. Not one Democratic member of the state House voted against the measure, and hardly any opposition in the Senate.

I promised three, and I will not ask for a change of the rules after the beginning of the game — for the rest,

101-Year-Old Gets Driver's License Until 2011. Too Old?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 29 May 2008 10:00:12 -0700

Lillian Cox, 101, of Tallahassee, FL, won't have to trade in her 1984 sedan for a scooter just yet. The spunky dame has been driving since 1915 and has received the state's blessing to continue to do so for another four years. Her license just got renewed until 2011.Cox said, "they're surprised that I'd get a driver's license at 101. But I have four more years." Drivers around town might look twice. "I'm sure I look (101 years old) but they don't let me know that," she said while driving around a neighborhood.She's been invited to the Tonight Show with Jay Leno for her feat — and hopes that she won't have to drive herself. She'd prefer a limo instead.While Ms. Cox passed her driver's test, is the customary four-year extension a good idea past a certain age? Should additional testing be required for older drivers? After age 90, would a yearly review be a good idea — or should we trust people to know when to turn in the keys?Source

101-Year-Old Gets Driver's License Until 2011. Too Old?

Yes. Age can change abilities quickly. Before 18 and after 85 should be tested more.

It's an individual thing, not related to age. If this woman is good at 101, she'll be fine.

No changing of the rules for age. People need to be responsible for their own actions.

This article didn't say anything about her constantly on turn signal! Weird.

Other. I'll take this exit into the comments.

Boy Sells Bike For Clinton While She Soars in Swing States

LibertySugar — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:15:31 -0700

The news out of the Clinton campaign regarding the candidate's finances hasn't been good lately. Even though she has raised an astonishing $200 million so far, Hillary is $19.4 million in debt.

But she has found a diamond, or at least $422, in the rough of bad money news — an 11-year-old Kentucky boy sold his bike and video games and donated the proceeds to her campaign.

Hillary's young fan Dalton Hatfield shared his motivation to give with the New York Times:

I saw that her funds were running low. I just saw so much that I did not need such as like my video games, and I thought, "What can I do with them?"

Dalton agrees with Clinton's position on the war, the economy, and health care.

Despite her lack of cash, Hillary may have a new incentive to fight on. To see why,

Florida County Tells Smoking Job Applicants to Butt Out

LibertySugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 10:00:58 -0700

Sarasota County in Southwest Florida has just announced it will no longer be hiring smokers. In the interest of taxpayers, the county hopes to cultivate a less expensive and more productive work force.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, smoking employees cost an extra $3,400 a year in health care and lost productivity costs.

While it saves resources, Sarasota County doesn't have to worry about being slapped with a discrimination lawsuit — in 1995, Florida's supreme court ruled that smokers are legal victims of employment discrimination. Still, other counties in Florida take a less extreme approach, hiring smokers, while requiring them to pay more for health care, and attend smoking cessation classes.

Is it fair to exclude even super-productive smokers based on a broad statistic? Does the county have an obligation to cut costs, and thus refuse to hire smokers? Will this type of discrimination eventually lead to a smoke free America? Should employers refuse to hire individuals based on other bad habits and health problems?

Source

Girl Seeks Rape Justice on YouTube: Too Much Sharing?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 15:45:08 -0700

It's a grim addition to the court of YouTube: a Florida 16-year-old who says she's a victim in a rape case that's gone unprosecuted by the Orange County state attorney's office is airing her plea for justice on the video-sharing site.

Get Flash to see this player.

In the video, she says, "Hi, my name is Crystal . . . I need some help. I didn't want to do it this way, but it's the only way I know that's going to work, that someone out there in the world is gonna listen to me. "The prosecutor wrote in her case file since Crystal was "a mere 1 month away" from turning 16, when it would be "legal to give consent," her case would not be prosecuted. Florida law states that a 15-year-old cannot give consent to sex. To see the danger behind this use of technology,

Front Page: China Quake Toll 12,000, Florida Fires, Military Meets Goals

CitizenSugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 06:58:38 -0700

China Quake Toll 12,000: The official death toll after the 7.8 earthquake in China yesterday now stands at 11,921, according to state media. The quake is China’s biggest natural disaster in three decades. Tens of thousands of people remain buried beneath rubble today and the authorities say more than 10,000 people are still unaccounted for in the city of Minzhu, and another 2,300 are missing following the collapse of a school and two factories in the town of Shifang. One aftershock rattled today with a magnitude of 6.1. The original quake leveled up to 80 percent of structures near its epicenter. As the battle to rescue survivors rages on, the authorities have mobilized 50,000 soldiers to help with the efforts.

Florida Fires: Fires are raging along Florida's Atlantic coast as firefighters in the town of Palm Bay have spent more than 48 hours battling the state's biggest blaze, which has damaged about 70 homes and scorched about 5 1/2 square miles. A Palm Bay spokeswoman says of the scene, ''everytime I turn around another house is on fire. We don't have enough resources on our own to do a job like this." Just south of Palm Bay, another almost equally-sized blaze destroyed at least four homes in nearby Malabar. Gov. Charlie Crist has declared a state of emergency. The cause of the fires might be arson according to authorities. A witness saw someone in a car drop something into an open field, with the fire starting shortly afterward.
Military Meets Recruiting Goals: Four branches of the US Military met their recruiting goals last month. The Marine Corps bested their goal by the most, enlisting 2,233 people or 142 percent of its goal, according to the Pentagon. The Army recruited 5,681 people, meeting 101 percent of its goal, while The Navy and Air Force also met their goals with 2,905 sailors and 2,435 airmen. A Defense Department spokesman said that if the Marine Corps continued its recruiting success, it could reach its goal of growing to 202,000 people by the end of 2009, more than a year early.

The Fine Line Between Religious Expression and Oppression

LibertySugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:00:18 -0700

In Russia, Putin's government is embracing Russian Orthodoxy, while cracking down on all other Christian denominations. Labeled as "sects," churches like the Methodist Church are being outlawed.

Anti-western sentiment is one factor motivating the hostile posture toward US-based Protestant groups. Putin's distrust of groups not aligned with the states could also explain the religious intolerance. In addition to Protestants, the Catholic Church faces opposition, and foreign priests are often denied Russian visas.

Meanwhile the state government in Florida might give one religion its stamp of approval. The legislature is considering specialty plates with a Christian cross, stained glass windows, and the words "I Believe." This would be the first state license plate featuring a purely religious logo.

Do you see any similarities between these two state endorsements of religion, or is Russia a case of oppression, while Florida is a case of expression? By choosing one specific religion to promote on a plate, is Florida effectively oppressing the others? Should other messages, perhaps more controversial, be allowed? Could there be an "I Don't Believe" plate?

Source

Colorado and Florida! Your State Legislatures at Work!

CitizenSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 06:00:25 -0700

The Florida Senate just passed an amendment to impose a $60 fine on Truck Nutz the oh-so-classy novelty item that adorns vehicle trailer hitches that resemble "the dangling southern end of a northbound bull." The proposal would make displaying bull genitalia reproductions on a vehicle subject to a $60 fine, moving violations and points against a driver license.

In debate, Sen. Jim King said he had a set on one of his vehicles, describing his ride as "all pimped out." He clarified the point saying they are no more than "an expression of truckliness." He's since removed his balls at his wife's request. Perhaps more to the point, Sen. Steve Geller said of the debate, "I find it shocking we'd tell people with metallic testicles on their bumpers that this is a violation. There's got to be better things for us to spend time debating."

Not to be outdone, in the surprising things you hear in state legislatures departments, to check out what went down in Colorado,

Take Your Guns to Work — Crazy or Constitutional?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:00:06 -0700

The passing of Charlton "Cold, Dead Hands" Heston, might have me in the NRA frame of mind, but this story jumped out at me: Lawmakers in Florida passed a bill yesterday that will allow most residents to bring a gun with them to work.The bill allows workers to keep guns in their cars for self-protection, passed the Florida Senate 26-13, and heads to Republican Gov. Charlie Crist to be signed into law. Some job sites are still no-gun zones, including nuclear power plants, prisons, schools and companies whose business involves homeland security.A Republican lawmaker said of the bill, "The second thing they wrote about in that constitution was the right to bear arms. It was what was dear in their hearts." Critics say the measure takes away business owners' rights to decide what happens on their property and puts workers and managers at risk from armed and disgruntled employees.Dozens of workplace shootings occur every year. Some studies have shown that work places where guns are allowed are more likely to suffer workplace homicides than those where guns are prohibited.Does this sound like a just application of the second amendment, or a recipe for disaster?Source

Take Your Guns to Work — Crazy or Constitutional?

Crazy. Guns do not belong in the workplace. The "protection" causes problems.

Constitutional. That's the beauty. People get to make their own safety decisions.

Sadly, both.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Front Page: Airlines Grounded, FL on Slavery, North Korea

CitizenSugar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 07:02:10 -0700

The two Democratic candidates are both giving speeches on the economy this morning. Obama is speaking in New York now, Clinton to follow in North Carolina. More to come as the speeches develop.
Delta Air Lines became the second major airline in two days to announce cancellations in service. Delta grounded about 325 flights to let engineers inspect two types of planes in its fleet in what they're calling a "voluntary" safety review. The day before, American Airlines halted 200 flights for similar reasons, prompted by questions raised by the FAA and American safety officials about how a certain bundle of wires is secured to the MD-80 aircraft. Hundreds of passengers have been affected.

In Florida, the Legislature has formally apologized for the state’s “shameful” history of slavery. Florida joins five other states that have expressed public regret for the practice. The resolution passed overwhelmingly in both houses in an emotional vote. Governor Charlie Crist quoted Edmund Burke saying, “All that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing. I think we are reminded of that today because it takes courage to do the right thing, and it’s not always easy.”
North Korea expelled all but two of the South Korean managers from a joint industrial park. The park is on the border of the two countries and has been a key symbol of reconciliation. No reason was given for the expulsion, but South Korea has recently said it would link progress at the park with progress on the North's denuclearization effort. Both the US and South Korea have warned North Korea that time was running out for it to declare the full extent of its nuclear capabilities.

Can Online Voting Maintain Election Integrity?

LibertySugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:00:48 -0700

What's a few million extra ballots between friends? In Zimbabwe today, opposition leaders are accusing the government of printing 3 million extra paper ballots, enough to change the outcome of the Mar. 29 election. It's yet another harbinger of potential voting fraud to come. Though most of us probably agree voting integrity is essential to democracy, Africa is not the only place where the authenticity of an election is threatened.

For the past few months, the Democrats have been grappling with what to do about the Michigan and Florida primaries. Online voting has been proposed as a potential solution. Since paper ballots have been historically imperfect, and electronic voting machines are still proving problematic, maybe it's time to bring this whole voting thing online!

Millions of Americans go online to shop, pay bills, sell, bank, and pretty much to do anything! I think online voting could be the future, as it is cheap and efficient. Voting would probably take no more than one minute, and you could do it at home, work, wherever . . . assuming you had a computer. Which brings us to one of the potential problems. For some of the drawbacks,

Front Page: Dalai Lama Might Quit, 52 Dead in Iraq, Florida

CitizenSugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:00:13 -0700

Moments ago, the Dalai Lama said he would resign as leader of Tibet’s government-in-exile if his stepping down would help quell the violence erupting in Tibetan protests. Earlier, the Chinese government blamed the Dalai Lama for orchestrating the demonstrations. Saying that he would stand behind only nonviolent quests for greater Tibetan autonomy, the Dalai Lama criticized China pointedly indicating that though they had met three out of four conditions to be a “superpower” — the world’s largest population, military prowess, and a fast-developing economy — he said, "Fourth, moral authority, that’s lacking.”

The death toll in yesterday's bombing in Karbala has risen to 52. The bomb exploded near the shrine of Imam Hussein, a pilgrimage centre for Shia Muslims, and is thought to have been detonated by a female suicide bomber. Overshadowing Vice President Dick Cheney's visit to Iraq, the incident was the deadliest of a number of recent violent attacks in which at least 78 Iraqis have died. Officials suspect al-Qaeda insurgents were responsible for the the bombing which occurred 50 miles south of Baghdad, but no group has stepped forward.
Florida has abandoned its plans for a mail-in primary reprise. Florida's Democratic Party said yesterday it would no longer advocate for a rerun of the state's invalid primary election and leave the decision on Florida's delegates up to the national party. Thousands of voters have sent in messages expressing this preference, leading the chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party to say, "The consensus is clear: Florida doesn't want to vote again. So we won't."

Should Michigan and Florida Vote Again?

CitizenSugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:00:50 -0800

A delegation of about a dozen House Democrats from Florida and Michigan met for just under an hour last night on Capitol Hill to discuss ways of getting their delegates seated at the Democratic National Convention. At stake, the hotly contested issue of the stripping of Michigan and Florida of their delegates by the Democratic National Committee. The states were punished by the party for moving their primaries ahead of the Feb. 5 primaries. Though both candidates agreed not to campaign in the states after the ruling, Hillary Clinton won both handily. DNC Chairman Howard Dean said of the controversy, "The Democratic Nominee will be determined in accordance with party rules, and out of respect for the presidential campaigns and the states that did not violate party rules, we are not going to change the rules in the middle of the game."Now, with the delegate race as close as it is, and 300 delegates at stake between the states, not to mention the issue of voter disenfranchisement, should the states get to hold their primaries again? What do you think? Is a do-over changing the rules, or righting a wrong? Source

Should Michigan and Florida Vote Again?

Yes! The punishment was a mistake, and the voters deserve to be heard.

It's too late now. The campaign is entirely different, a do-over would be inaccurate.

No, no! Rules are rules. The states violated them, and they deserve to be punished.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Headline: Shooting at Florida Wendy's, Two Dead

CitizenSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:24:29 -0800

In West Palm Beach, Fla., this morning, a gunman opened fire in a Wendy's restaurant, killing one person and injuring at least three others before killing himself.

A female off-duty police officer was in the area during the time of the shooting, and it's not yet clear if she was injured. There is no word yet as to the motive behind the incident.

Lighten Up: Florida Marlin's Big Male Cheerleaders

CitizenSugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:00:12 -0800

Well, it was clearly time for a little equality in professional sports — and the Florida Marlins are starting with their cheerleaders. Tryouts for their generously proportioned all-men's squad are. . . well I'll let you see for yourself.

God bless 'em, they're really dancing their little hearts out. The squad will be called the Manatees. . . I'll let you craft your own "tidal wave"- style jokes in the comments.

Headline: Massive Power Outage Darkens Florida

CitizenSugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:30:02 -0800

4.4 million people across South Florida are currently without power. The black-out occurred shortly after 1 p.m. EST and forced the Turkey Point nuclear reactor offline. Washington and the Department of Homeland Security has issued a statement saying that they do not believe the outage was caused by terrorist activities.

Counties affected include Broward and Miami-Dade, and power is off at Walt Disney World as well. All told eight power plants are down, and residents are being told to stay put while rescue efforts are under way for those caught in elevators or trains.

Debate Rebate: Republicans Sneaky Strategy in Boca Raton?

CitizenSugar — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:20:28 -0800

Q: What's served in Florida, starts early, and tastes a little bland?

A: No, silly, it's not the early-bird special. It's last night's Republican Debate!

After Monday's brawl of a Democratic knock-down, I was all set for the Republicans to shock us. If not a bold statement, then maybe a little shoving match. Come on! Throw us a bone! Though, maybe to the credit of the Republicans, adult behavior, decorum, and respect for the democratic process, reigned. The debate was measured, stayed far from personal attacks, and focused on the issues, perhaps to the detriment of uncovering new info. At least on the surface. The real story of last night was way under the radar.

With help from tiff58, and divinedebris, we sleuthed out anwers to the following: Was a special someone (or two?) running for vice president? Did someone replace Mike Huckabee with John Edwards? And what was the deal with the mysterious whisper during a Mitt Romney answer? To find out,