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Pinellas County DEC Newsletter
1/15/2012 |
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Martin Luther King and the dream that came true
By Eugene Robinson
He would be an elder statesman now, a lion in winter, an American hero perhaps impatient with the fuss being made over his birthday. At 83, he'd likely still have his wits and his voice. Surely, if he were able, he would continue to preach, to pray — and to dream.
For the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., dreaming was not optional. It was a requirement of citizenship to envision a fairer, more prosperous nation no longer shackled by racism and poverty. It was a duty to imagine a world no longer ravaged by senseless wars. His most famous speech was less an invitation to share his epic dream than a commandment.
(To read the entire article, click here.)
Weekly Address: Helping American Businesses Succeed
WASHINGTON, DC— In his weekly address, President Obama told the American people about companies that are “insourcing” – choosing to bring jobs back and make additional investments in the United States. To help with this, the President invited business leaders who are insourcing jobs to a White House forum this week to see how others can follow their example. The President is committed to assisting businesses bring jobs back to this country, and will soon announce tax proposals that reward companies that invest in America and eliminate tax breaks for companies that move jobs overseas. He has also put forward a proposal to streamline government to make it easier for businesses large and small to get support in selling their products at home and around the world. The President will continue taking action every day to grow the economy and help more Americans find jobs.
(To watch the President's address, click here.)
Register to Vote (please forward to all you friends)
Complete the Florida Voter Registration Application Form by clicking the link below:
Online Voter Registration Form: This form can be used for new registrations as well as registration changes.
If you don't vote - don't complain!
Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections
Phone (727) 464-6788 * Fax (727) 464-6239 * 13001 Starkey Rd., Largo, FL 33773
General Email: election@votepinellas.com * Mail Ballot Request: absentee@votepinellas.com
Under Florida law, F.S. 668.6076, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.
Meeting Reminder The Pinellas County Democratic Party
will hold its monthly meeting Thursday, January 26th – 7:00PM St. Petersburg, Marriott Hotel - 12600 Roosevelt Blvd. N.
Special Guest Speakers Rep. Scott Randolph
and
Susannah Randolph
Right now, the Republican-controlled legislature is involved in the once-in-a decade process of redistricting -- the process that determines how our voice is heard in our democracy.
Last year, Florida voters sent a clear message by overwhelmingly passing Constitutional amendments 5 and 6, requiring that these districts be drawn fairly and accurately represent the voice of every Floridian. But the Republicans in Tallahassee are ignoring this message, manipulating the process to protect themselves and the extreme special interests they serve by continuing the partisanship which has led our state in the wrong direction.
We can't sit by and watch the Republicans gerrymander their way to victory in Florida for another decade -- not when the people have spoken so loud and so clear. We need all hands on deck to protect our voice and protect our vote.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW AND THEN CLICK HERE TO TELL YOUR STATE SENATOR TO VOTE NO ON THE REPUBLICAN MAPS.
As Governor Rick Scott gears up for his second legislative session, the Florida Democratic Party is issuing a report card on Rick Scott's first year in office and the results are a resounding F.
Look for Rep. Brandes, Ahern, Frishe and the rest of the Pinellas Republican delegation to run far away from Governor Scott - even though they voted with him over 95% of the time.
(To read the entire article, click here.)
Wendy Sears Grassi speaks out against Florida's anti-choice legislation: WMNF News
(To watch Wendy Sears Grassi's address, click here. Grassi is the director of public affairs for planned parenthood.)
Editorial
Republicans Versus Reproductive Rights In Iowa, the Republican presidential contenders tried to outdo one another in attacking reproductive rights as they sought the support of caucusgoers from the religious right. In New Hampshire, where voters are less socially conservative, the candidates have focused more on economic issues. But the message from Iowa was crystal clear: Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, Jon Huntsman Jr., Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry all stand ready to restrict a woman's right to make her own childbearing decisions and deny essential health care to millions of women. (To read the entire editorial, click here.)
Bill to protect Online Travel Cheats is back
By Rep. Rick Kriseman
Amid a debate in the Florida Legislature last year over a bill that would have given amnesty to online travel companies for past due taxes and protected these corporate giants from paying these taxes in the future, I sent my colleagues in the Legislature internal memos from Expedia and other travel companies. These compelling documents provided direct evidence that these large corporations have long been advised by their attorneys and accountants that they owe back taxes to the State of Florida.
Thankfully, the bill to protect these tax avoiders failed to become law. Meanwhile, I have repeatedly encouraged state revenue authorities to fulfill their obligations to Florida citizens and to collect past-due taxes owed to the state by online travel firms.
This week, legislation similar to last year's proposal was refiled for the 2012 session. House Bill 1393, if approved, would prevent Florida from collecting at least $500 million owed by the online travel industry along with millions of dollars in potential future payments that could be used for important Florida priorities like education, health care for working families, and strategies for creating more jobs for Floridians.
(To read the entire article, click here.)
Close loophole, collect online sales tax
By MARTIN MERZER
"Revenue" is not a four-letter word, though it has been turned into one by the forces that pretend to lead this state. So, with that in mind, here's your civics test for the day:
Let's say a way existed to close much of Florida's $2 billion budget gap, mitigating another round of deep cuts to heath-care programs, prisons, state offices that serve citizens, infrastructure maintenance, what's left of environmental protection programs, and pretty much everything else.
Let's stipulate that this approach would not require new taxes or even a tax increase. And that it would close a loophole that benefits only out-of-state businesses. And that it would level the playing field for Florida businesses, likely creating more jobs.
Now, you would expect a business-owned-and-operated Legislature and an allegedly jobs-centric Gov. Rick "Fifth Amendment" Scott to embrace this approach like a corporate executive embraces stock options and the right not to incriminate himself. Correct?
Sure, in a sane state not controlled by ideologically driven nitwits. But this is Florida at the beginning of 2012.
(To read the entire article, click here.)
Please consider a donation to help us elect Democrats. If paying by check, please make the check payable to "Pinellas County DEC" and mail it to 2250 1st Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL 33713-8817
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| http://www.pinellasdemocrats.com |
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Upcoming Meetings & Events |
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 MLK Parade Voter Registration and Volunteer Recruitment - Monday, January 16, 2012, 10:00 AM
Largo/Mid-Pinellas Democratic Club Meeting - Monday, January 16, 2012, 7:00 PM, Balla’s Steak House, 776 Missouri Ave. N., Largo 33771
Hispanic Caucus Meeting - Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 6:00 PM, 300 S. Duncan Avenue--Clearwater
Gulfport Democratic Club Meeting - Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 6:30 PM
Pinellas Stonewall Democrats - Thursday, January 19, 2012, 6:30 PM, DEC HDQ--2250 First Avenue N., St.Pete
Democratic Women's Club of Upper Pinellas - Monday, January 23, 2012, 11:30 AM, Golden Corral--10050 Ulmerton Rd, Largo
Hispanic Caucus Voter Registration Training - Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 7:00 PM, 300 Duncan Avenue--Clearwater, FL
On Top Of The World Democratic Club Meeting - Thursday, January 26, 2012, 2:00 PM, Main Clubhouse World Parkway
DEC Monthly Meeting - Thursday, January 26, 2012, 7:00 PM, St. Pete Marriott Hotel, 12600 Roosevelt Blvd. N., St. Pete
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| Items listed here do not necessarily imply endorsement by the Pinellas County DEC. |
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