Are there any Florida Democrats on this site except for moi? I'm really beginning to wonder after the decided lack of any response to all my cyberoutcries (new word there) on this issue in the last few weeks. But, forward, unafraid! Below is a link to a petition that Senator Nelson (D-FL) is urging all registered Florida Democrats to sign. Who knows if it will do any good or have any hope of penetrating Howard Dean's thick head, no matter how many signatures we get, but all we can do is try. Let's hit the DNC by land, sea and air: shock and awe, babies, shock and awe! Basically, to coin a phrase, let them know that we are "mad as hell, and we're not going to take any more!" ALSO, after you sign the petition, please send an e-mail to each and every Florida Democrat you know and urge them to do the same. While you are at it, then write to Senator Nelson and thank him for all his tireless work to re-enfranchise us and make our votes count. But at a minimum, sign this petition! Thanks, all.

http://www.nelsonforsenate.com/takeaction/primary/?sc=1043

FYI Hangingchad, I gave you (Florida Dems.) a huge plug on a college blog last night. It's not a FL college, but maybe it will open some eyes and rouse a few.

Florida Dems Back Down On Primary

http://www.miamiherald.com/campaign08/story/238252.html

Thanks, TNblue. I think cyberdiscussion of this topic can only help bring needed attention to the issue, which is why I'm talking about it myself until I'm blue in the face. My main mantra has kind of shifted from focusing on my outrage about the DNC stripping away our delegates to imploring my fellow Florida Democrats to go to the polls on 1/29/08 no matter WHAT happens, because--and perhaps no one outside of Florida cares about this, but anyhooo--there is a Republican amendment on there to the state constitution that is absolutely devastating and horrible in so many and varied ways and it MUST be defeated. The only way to defeat it is for Democrats to turn out en masse and vote it down. Beyond that, I also want to send a message that we are going to vote no matter what the DNC does, and our collective voice will be heard.

I'm still intent on doing whatever I can do as one registered Democrat to get the 210 delegates restored, but I have become more and more panic stricken, basically, vis-a-vis this whole thing leading to a low Democratic turnout, which would be disasterous because of that constitutional amendment being on the primary ballot.

ap215, I read that article about FL Dems looking for comprimise and it doesn't seem to ring true with everything else I'm reading and hearing. But if there is a compromise in the form of holding a mail-in ballot or a caucus or something, I fervently hope the FL Dems, including Senator Nelson, will make it a priority to communicate that it is still important to turn out on 1/29/08, as even if the primary is "non-binding" in terms of the presidential nominee, again, I'm back to that state constitutional amendment. It MUST be defeated, it is a huge deal. The repugs must be stopped!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

...Frankly, between us chickens, if Gore isn't in the race, I'm not that passionate about my presidential primary vote counting...it's just the principle of the thing. But if Gore were in the race? I'd be chained to DNC headquarters right now, chanting "No justice, no peace!" As it is, I wanted Edwards but since he signed the four-state pledge I'm kinda off him anyway. I'll vote in the general for whomever the Democratic nominee is, but I really don't CARE with a capital CARE like I would if Gore were in the race. I mostly hope it will NOT be Hillary because I think she is not electable and that it will NOT be Obama because I think he is all flash and ambition and no substance and vision. I'm for Edwards, still. If not him, then Biden (no shot) or Kucinich (zero shot). Last night, I was up late which I never am, as I have to be up at 6:00 a.m. But for some reason, I was wide awake and watching Jay Leno, when who appeared but Al Gore!!!!!

I almost had a heart attack because Jay introduced him by saying something like "Al Gore has something he wants to say". Well, I said out loud to the TV, "Don't toy with me, Jay!"

But alas, it was not the "something" I was hoping for.

Keep your fingers crossed and work for what you believe in.

The stars are lining up for Al Gore in more ways than one. ;) Don't think Al does not hear us because he has not announced yet. The door is still open because he has heard us. He will select the best time to walk through that door.

I hope Florida Democrats turn out and defeat the State Constitutional Amendment that you rightly oppose. I think they will. And they can vote for Democratic presidential primary candidates too as a demonstration of their views on January 29th. And then later, either through a mail-in vote or a caucus, Florida Democrats can select their delegates to the 2008 convention.

As a practical matter that's how my state has done it for years. Selecting the actual delegates in a caucus does not seem to dampen turnout in a 'beauty-contest' primary.

Update: Well, I have to give the DNC credit for one thing. They did write back to me regarding my concern/angst/horror/outrage/you-name-it over this whole thing. At least they took the time to draft a letter which they probably are sending to all FL Democrats who write in about this issue. I don't mind if it is a form letter, I just do appreciate that they wrote back because I feel it would add insult to injury if they ignored FL Democrats' epistles, on top of taking our delegates away. At least this makes alienated FL Dems feel like, okay, at least they care enough to give us the time of day. Here is what their letter to me said:

"Edna,

Thank you for contacting us with your concerns. On August 25th the
DNC*s Rules and Bylaws Committee, nearly unanimously, found
Florida*s 2008 Delegate selection plan in Non-Compliance because of
its January 29, 2008 primary date - a date that violates DNC rules that
the Florida Democratic Party voted to implement last year after a very
transparent, thoughtful and deliberative process.

The Florida Democratic Party now has 30 days to present a plan that is
in compliance. We hope the state Party will continue to work with the
DNC to devise a plan that complies with the rules. There are several
possible options Party-run events that the State Party could use that in
addition to solving the problem of non-compliance with the rules also
serve as a Party-building tool for the Florida Democratic Party. .

This was not an arbitrary decision made by the DNC, but one that was
considered by the entire Rules and Bylaws Committee. We feel it is
important to enforce the rules that were voted on by the full DNC to
ensure that the nominating process is more fair, more representative and
more effective as a proving ground for our own candidates. Our ultimate
goal is to put forth the strongest presidential nominee. The Party must
enforce its calendar at this time to prevent other states from
leapfrogging ahead.

We urge you to reach out to State Party leaders and Democratic elected
officials in Florida to continue discussions with the DNC to bring this
matter to a successful resolution that complies with the rules.

Cheryl,
Constituency Services"

I still say the DNC was flat wrong and stupendously bone-headed to take away our delegates. But at least they are responding to upset members of the party. I appreciate that. It's something. I would appreciate my 210 delegates more, but at least they are showing FL Dems who take the time to write in that, hey, we hear you, we are responding to you, and this is our stand on the situation. It may be a stand that I think is daft and misguided, but they expressed it in a reasonable way and they took the time and energy to say SOMETHING to anyone who contacted them. I think that is important and might save them a few Democrats who were about ready to turn away from the party. I would never desert the Democratic party (or I can't/don't want to imagine a scenario extreme enough in which I would do so, anyway). But I'm not in a good place about it (the DNC) right now. So it is much appreciated that they took the time to respond. It is a step in the right direction.

Aaaaand, so I wrote back to tell 'em so:

"Dear DNC:

Well, I do have to give you (the DNC) credit and appreciation for responding to me as a concerned Democrat. I still say the decision to revoke our (Florida Democrats') 210 delegates was wrong and so damaging to our party, but the fact that you took the time to respond to me and, hopefully, other Florida Democrats who have written to you to express their deep concern over the issue, at least shows us that our party does care. You have not totally written us off. I, for one, would never desert the Democratic party, but that said, I am extremely hurt and upset over this issue and it does help to know that at least the party cares enough to respond. I think that is a step in the right direction and might prevent more than a few upset Florida Dems from turning totally away from the party (like I said, I would never do that--I don't even think I COULD do that, I'm too much of a "yellow dog Democrat").

ANYWAY, a deep thank you for the reasonable and thoughtful response. I still passionately disagree with the reasoning of the DNC, but I appreciate that you give a hoot about your Florida base enough to take the time to have a dialog with us. I hope that a resolution can be found that will result in 210 delegates from the diverse, vibrant, still-hurting-like-you-wouldn't-believe-from-2000, swing state of Florida having their say at the national convention to select our party's nominee (which I hope will somehow be Al Gore...keep hope alive, he could still get in the race!...but I digress!). I also hope that, no matter what happens, all my fellow Florida Democrats will turn out en masse to the primary polls on 1/29/07 because there is another crucial item on that ballot (a horrible Republican amendment to the FL constitution) that MUST be defeated, and a huge Democratic turnout would ensure that (I hope). Beyond that, we need to send a message that we will vote, vote, vote no matter what anyone or any entity does. But I sure hope a resolution can be found that gives us our delegates back and makes all those who feel so disenfranchised right now feel good about the party again. What is at stake for our state, nation and world is too important. Democrats need to unite, TURN OUT TO VOTE, and get things heading back in a healthy, ethical, good direction again. On that, I think we all agree. Peace."

There is good news on the horrible Repug property tax amendment: a heroic judge has ordered it stricken from the ballot for misleading language! YES!

Here are two articles about the Judge's decision:

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8RS43J00.htm

http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/9970026.html

Everything about that amendment is horrible and deceptive: typical, classic Repug stuff!!! It was being sold to the voters as a "tax cut", when really it was a short-term, feel-good tax cut for some homeowners, but a long-term, UNLIMITED tax INCREASE for all homeowners, as the current very sane, sensible and fair "Save Our Homes cap", which says that property taxes cannot be raised on any homeowner more than a maximum of 3% per year, would be PHASED COMPLETELY OUT! You could only keep it as long as you stay in your current home. If the Repugs were really wanting to "cut taxes", ask yourselves why they would not leave the Save Our Homes cap in place, while they added their "super exemption". No, this was all about a short-term, feel-good measure that will allow for unlimited tax increases in future while, in the short-term, DEVASTATING cities and counties as the budgets must be slashed, slashed, slashed, which is already happening now, both in anticipation of possible passage of this amendment and also due to the Repug legislature already passing a law that requires a tax cut for certain homeowners. Anyway, I could go on and on, but just trust me that the whole thing is classic Repug doublespeak, rob from the poor and middle-class and give to the rich, and/or pass some irresponsible feel-good thing that doesn't give any real relief to the little guy yet manages to devastate government budgets.

I was SO thrilled when I heard this was off the ballot, but then doesn't Governor Crist pop onto the tube last night and say "Well, this is just a temporary blip", meaning they are going to either rework the ballot language or appeal the judge's ruling or both. But anyway, no matter what happens, at least the idea is now out there in the media for the voters to hear that the amendment is MISLEADING! Or at least, the language used on the ballot is misleading. So maybe that will spur people to really research this thing and realize that it is typical, typical, typical Repug bait and switch.

God, I detest everything Repug!

God bless that judge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am a Florida Democrat, I just don't support the Nelson initiative.

I think election primaries (for a political party) should be scheduled by the national committee and not the states. The states will always tend towards their own self-interest, something I hope the national group stays above.

I think Dean is doing an "ok" job. I am however amazed ta how fast a hero from a prior campaign now has a "thick head". Amazing to me how fast and hard we turn on our own and I don't mean you in particular, its not personal, I mean Americans.

Well, if you had meant me in particular, you'd have been flat wrong. I have not "turned" on anyone. I have ALWAYS thought Dean was a weenie and I've said as much consistently over the years on this and another Gore forum. I really tried to like him, for several reasons: he's a Vermonter (big thing in my book), he's a "mavarick" (another thing I usually admire, a free thinker, someone "outside the box"), and Gore endorsed him (HUGE thing in my book). However, I have always been troubled by his stands on certain issues and, in the end, now that he has made this, imho, DISASTEROUS decision to enforce that rule via disenfranchising millions of innocent registered voters in Florida and Michigan, thereby doing the exact polar opposite of "party building" (ooops), I detest him with a fiery passion I thought I only reserved for repugs. But no, Dean has managed to earn it. I have remained consistent and I do NOT fit into your portrayal of fickle Americans, AT ALL.

I hope Senator Nelson's suit, as well as that of Victor DiMaio, nails Dean and the DNC to the wall and forces them to restore delegates and power to the voters. The primary system needs fixing, the voters do NOT need or deserve punishing.

Honestly, I can't believe that some people do not get this. But, then, I can't believe that some people voted for Reagan. Twice. Or shrub. Twice. I guess I just don't get a lot of things.

:angry: