Flablog
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/flablog.htm
Dark mutterings from the Sunshine State
2004-08-29T21:11:24Zen-USLast entry at this URL
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/last-entry-at-this-url.htm
Well, the move to a new host was easier than I thought.<br /><br />The new, improved Flablog will be at<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.flablog.net/">www.flablog.net</a></span><br /></div><br />Change your bookmarks, alter your routine, catch up with the new plan, Stan.<br /><br />Yes, a few of the functions don't work yet, but we're getting there. Note the cool archive function down in the lower left near the RSS square. Cool huh. Of course, the vast majority of the old links don't work.<br /><br />We're still ironing out the bugs. But it should be a cooler site for going through all this.<br /><br />Mark Lane2004-08-29T21:03:24Z The new, improved Flablog will be at
Change your bookmarks, alter your routine, catch up with the new plan, Stan.
Yes, a few of the functions don't work yet, but we're getting there. Note the cool archive function down in the lower left near the RSS square. Cool huh. Of course, the vast majority of the old links don't work.
We're still ironing out the bugs. But it should be a cooler site for going through all this.
]]>www.flablog.net
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/wwwflablognet.htm
<a href="http://www.flablog.net/">www.flablog.net</a> -- www.flablog.com is taken, I can't imagine why -- has been registered and will be the blog's new home soon.<br />Mark Lane2004-08-29T12:35:32Zwww.flablog.net -- www.flablog.com is taken, I can't imagine why -- has been registered and will be the blog's new home soon. ]]>Another Senate recommendation
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/another-senate-recommendation_29.htm
+ <a href="http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/082904/opi_16488017.shtml">The <em>Times-Union</em>, which has Florida's most right-wing daily editorial page, comes out for McCollum and Castor</a>.<br /><br />+ The <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-edped291082904aug29,1,7422821.story?coll=orl-opinion-headlines"><span style="font-style:italic;">Orlando Sentinel</span> is for Martinez</a>. (They had earlier recommended <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-edped153081504aug15,1,1590104.story?coll=orl-opinion-utility">Betty Castor for the Dems</a>.)<br /><br />Meanwhile, the <span style="font-style:italic;">Miami Herald - St. Pete Times</span> <a href="http://www.sptimes.com/2004/08/29/Decision2004/Republican_Senate_rac.shtml">poll says the Republican race is a toss-up and Castor is way out front</a> for the Dems. It also finds two out of three Floridians support stem-cell research.<br /><br />The Recommendation Round-Up:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Castor:</span> Daytona Beach News-Journal, St. Pete Times, Fla. Times-Union, Lakeland Ledger, Tampa Tribune, Stuart News, Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post, Orlando Sentinel, Gainesville Sun and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Deutsch:</span> Sun-Sentinel.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Penelas</span>: Nope, nobody, zip.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Byrd:</span> Not nobody nowhere.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Martinez:</span> St. Pete Times, Fla. Times-Union, Stuart News,Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post, St. Pete Times, Lakeland Ledger, Orlando Sentinel and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">McCollum:</span> Daytona Beach News-Journal, Tampa Tribune and the Gainesville Sun.<br /><br />Mark Lane2004-08-29T12:33:18ZThe Times-Union, which has Florida's most right-wing daily editorial page, comes out for McCollum and Castor.
Castor: Daytona Beach News-Journal, St. Pete Times, Fla. Times-Union, Lakeland Ledger, Tampa Tribune, Stuart News, Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post, Orlando Sentinel, Gainesville Sun and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Deutsch: Sun-Sentinel.
Penelas: Nope, nobody, zip.
Byrd: Not nobody nowhere.
Martinez: St. Pete Times, Fla. Times-Union, Stuart News,Miami Herald, Palm Beach Post, St. Pete Times, Lakeland Ledger, Orlando Sentinel and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
McCollum: Daytona Beach News-Journal, Tampa Tribune and the Gainesville Sun.
]]>Sold out by the righties
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/sold-out-by-righties.htm
I hate to say this about a House impeachment manager, but I feel sorry for Bill McCollum. He spends a career quietly doing the bidding the of the Christian right and voting along with the Republican leadership. He racks up <a href="http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_rating_detail.php?sig_id=001656W">a 93 percent scorecard rating with the Christian Coalition</a> and <a href="http://www.nrlc.org/Federal/Scorecard/pagescore/FL.PDF">a 100 percent voting record with National Right to Life</a> in his last year in the House. But it isn't good enough.<br /><br />Because backs a modest loosening of stem-cell research restrictions and voted for hate-crime bills (on the theory that attacking people because of race, religion or sexual orientation is, you know, a bad thing) the Christian Rights totally turns on him. This is not a turn-the-other-cheek crowd.<br /><br />For his minor deviations from conservative dogma, the groups he served for years attack him as "anti-family" and part of "the gay agenda." And this happens after the Bushes already had dissed him by recruiting and supporting Mel Martinez to run against him.<br /><br />I'd feel kind of sold out by my party if I were him.<br /><br />No surprise then that <a href="http://www.sptimes.com/2004/08/28/State/Bitterness_boils_over.shtml">the final TV debate among the GOP Senate candidates got harsh</a>.<br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">During the debate, McCollum dramatically pulled a new Martinez flier out of his suit coat pocket, saying it "accuses me of catering to the radical homosexual lobby."<br /><br />"That is just despicable," he told Martinez. "It's nasty. It's not true. It's absolutely incorrect."<br /><br />McCollum demanded that Martinez condemn the flier and apologize, but Martinez did neither. Instead, President Bush's former housing secretary said: "Words were used that were not mine, and were not of my choosing. Those words were spoken by others."</span></blockquote><br />That's right, Mel, deniablity. You have learned Mr. Rove's lessons well.<br /><br />Mark Lane2004-08-28T18:00:32Za 93 percent scorecard rating with the Christian Coalition and a 100 percent voting record with National Right to Life in his last year in the House. But it isn't good enough.
Because backs a modest loosening of stem-cell research restrictions and voted for hate-crime bills (on the theory that attacking people because of race, religion or sexual orientation is, you know, a bad thing) the Christian Rights totally turns on him. This is not a turn-the-other-cheek crowd.
For his minor deviations from conservative dogma, the groups he served for years attack him as "anti-family" and part of "the gay agenda." And this happens after the Bushes already had dissed him by recruiting and supporting Mel Martinez to run against him.
I'd feel kind of sold out by my party if I were him.
During the debate, McCollum dramatically pulled a new Martinez flier out of his suit coat pocket, saying it "accuses me of catering to the radical homosexual lobby."
"That is just despicable," he told Martinez. "It's nasty. It's not true. It's absolutely incorrect."
McCollum demanded that Martinez condemn the flier and apologize, but Martinez did neither. Instead, President Bush's former housing secretary said: "Words were used that were not mine, and were not of my choosing. Those words were spoken by others."
That's right, Mel, deniablity. You have learned Mr. Rove's lessons well.
]]>GITN - 'Gators in the News!
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/gitn-gators-in-news.htm
<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/South/08/27/gator.attack.ap/index.html">Florida is the kid of place where even walking the dog can be an adventure</a>.<br />Mark Lane2004-08-27T18:09:38ZFlorida is the kid of place where even walking the dog can be an adventure. ]]>Minimum wage, maximum support
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/minimum-wage-maximum-support.htm
It's early to ask about state constitutional amendments, but one poll shows <a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/sfl-fwage27aug27,0,3145976.story?coll=sfla-news-florida">72 percent of Florida voters back increasing the minimum wage</a>. Support is 86 percent among South Florida voter and 92 percent among black voters.<br />Mark Lane2004-08-27T18:01:14Z72 percent of Florida voters back increasing the minimum wage. Support is 86 percent among South Florida voter and 92 percent among black voters. ]]>Dueling polls
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/dueling-polls.htm
<em>Tallahassee Democrat</em> is disgusted with both Deutsch and Martinez and decries campaigns of <a href="http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/democrat/news/opinion/9506300.htm">Fear and smear</a>.<br /><br />But it seems to work. Martinez has taken the lead <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/elections/orl-asecsenatepoll27082704aug27,0,184137.story?coll=orl-home-headlines">according to a Mason-Dixon poll</a>. (R.R.) For Johnnie Byrd, it's not such a beautiful day in the state of Florida. He's losing a race for third place to newcomer Doug Gallagher.<br /><br />But <a href="http://www.flinsider.com/Senate%20Poll.htm">the Insider Advantage poll says McCollum is narrowly ahead</a>. (And Byrd is losing the race for third place a little more narrowly.) This is posted at <a href="http://www.sayfiereview.com/">Sayfie's</a> new <a href="http://www.flinsider.com/">Florida Insider page</a> which looks bookmarkable despite the Republican Party propaganda. (Two things I enjoy about Sayfie: the days when virtually every link is headlined "MUST READ" in red, and the way all labor officials, no matter how lowly, are identified as "union bosses," as they were characters from <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047296/"><span style="font-style: italic;">On the Waterfront</span></a>.)<br />Mark Lane2004-08-27T14:06:58ZTallahassee Democrat is disgusted with both Deutsch and Martinez and decries campaigns of Fear and smear.
But it seems to work. Martinez has taken the lead according to a Mason-Dixon poll. (R.R.) For Johnnie Byrd, it's not such a beautiful day in the state of Florida. He's losing a race for third place to newcomer Doug Gallagher.
But the Insider Advantage poll says McCollum is narrowly ahead. (And Byrd is losing the race for third place a little more narrowly.) This is posted at Sayfie's new Florida Insider page which looks bookmarkable despite the Republican Party propaganda. (Two things I enjoy about Sayfie: the days when virtually every link is headlined "MUST READ" in red, and the way all labor officials, no matter how lowly, are identified as "union bosses," as they were characters from On the Waterfront.) ]]>Redesign
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/redesign.htm
Yes, <span style="font-style: italic;">Flablog</span> looks different. It's been redesigned and still needs a few tweaks and changes, but it's mostly there. Pretty soon it will move to a new host, too, because we just need more space. Not to worry, though; Flabloggers will get plenty of notice.<br /><br />The new look was done by Youth Korps Design, which is mostly my son, Nathan. Most of his work is on web sites and graphics for ultra-underground rock bands that you really don't want to know about.<br /><br />So bear with me while we take care of the details.<br /><br />Mark Lane2004-08-27T02:31:56ZFlablog looks different. It's been redesigned and still needs a few tweaks and changes, but it's mostly there. Pretty soon it will move to a new host, too, because we just need more space. Not to worry, though; Flabloggers will get plenty of notice.
The new look was done by Youth Korps Design, which is mostly my son, Nathan. Most of his work is on web sites and graphics for ultra-underground rock bands that you really don't want to know about.
So bear with me while we take care of the details.
]]>Senate campaign heats up
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/senate-campaign-heats-up.htm
Anyone who doubts that the Martinez campaign is a remote-controlled Karl Rove job, should look at this: <a href="http://www.sptimes.com/2004/08/26/Opinion/Gross_intolerance.shtml">An "independent" right-wing group smears Martinez's main opponent.</a> Sounds kind of familiar.<br /><br />Sexual McCarthyism is nasty stuff indeed. <a href="http://www.sptimes.com/2004/08/26/State/Mack_accuses_Martinez.shtml">Connie Mack calls it "political hate speech."</a> (<em>Palm Beach Post</em> version <a href="http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/news/epaper/2004/08/26/a6a_gopsen_0826.html">here</a>.)<br /><br />And Gallagher takes out out <a href="http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/state/9497073.htm">ads attacking Martinez for his attacks on McCollum</a>. (R.R.) Which seems kind of odd when you think about it.<br /><br />Meanwhile, <em>The Daytona Beach News-Journal</em> <a href="http://www.news-journalonline.com/03OpinionIndex.htm">recommends McCollum and Castor</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orl-locsenatepoll26082604aug26,1,7322848.story?coll=orl-news-headlines">The latest poll</a> has Castor so far ahead that Deutsch would need to win all the undecideds to make it a tie. (R.R.) Caster: 45 percent; Deutsch: 31; Penelas: 9. Margin-o-error: 4.5 percent.<br />Mark Lane2004-08-26T12:24:17ZAn "independent" right-wing group smears Martinez's main opponent. Sounds kind of familiar.
The latest poll has Castor so far ahead that Deutsch would need to win all the undecideds to make it a tie. (R.R.) Caster: 45 percent; Deutsch: 31; Penelas: 9. Margin-o-error: 4.5 percent. ]]>Florida elections -- We bad
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/florida-elections-we-bad.htm
<em>Slate</em> write Ann Louise Bardach asks <a href="http://slate.msn.com/id/2105524/">Why is Florida's voting system so corrupt?</a> It's a rhetorical question. She doesn't know why. Instead she explains the problems, and there are many. A nice overview of stuff Flabloggers doubtless already know.<br /><br /><blockquote><em>About the only thing that could restore confidence in Florida electoral procedures would be Hood's immediate resignation; her successor should then be chosen by a bipartisan commission. And as Gov. Bush cannot possibly be an impartial observer in his brother's quest for another term, he should recuse himself from every aspect involving the vote count in Florida. He also needs to flex his power with his famously compliant Legislature to repeal the new laws eliminating manual recounts and witnessed absentee ballots. In addition, all felons who have repaid their debt to society, following completion of their sentences, should have their voting rights restored.<br /><br />If these changes are not made, Florida cannot conduct a credible election come November.<br /></em><br /></blockquote>Mark Lane2004-08-24T22:45:13ZSlate write Ann Louise Bardach asks Why is Florida's voting system so corrupt? It's a rhetorical question. She doesn't know why. Instead she explains the problems, and there are many. A nice overview of stuff Flabloggers doubtless already know.
About the only thing that could restore confidence in Florida electoral procedures would be Hood's immediate resignation; her successor should then be chosen by a bipartisan commission. And as Gov. Bush cannot possibly be an impartial observer in his brother's quest for another term, he should recuse himself from every aspect involving the vote count in Florida. He also needs to flex his power with his famously compliant Legislature to repeal the new laws eliminating manual recounts and witnessed absentee ballots. In addition, all felons who have repaid their debt to society, following completion of their sentences, should have their voting rights restored.
If these changes are not made, Florida cannot conduct a credible election come November.
]]>Another poll
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/another-poll.htm
Gallup Poll says Florida voters are -- you guessed it -- <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/polls/tables/live/2004-08-23-florida-poll.htm">evenly divided in the presidential race </a>. Bush, 48; Kerry, 46; Nader doubles his support to gain 2 percent.<br /><br /><small>(Via <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/">Daily Kos</a>.)</small><br /><br />TBO.com <a href="http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/files/specials/interactives/election_ratings/poll_figures.html?SITE=FLTAMELN&SECTION=POLITICS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT#bushkerrynader">lists the old polls</a>.<br />Mark Lane2004-08-24T19:15:05Zevenly divided in the presidential race . Bush, 48; Kerry, 46; Nader doubles his support to gain 2 percent.
TBO.com lists the old polls. ]]>Betty hits back
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/betty-hits-back.htm
No more Ms. Nice Guy: <a href="http:/www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/9478048.htm%3FERIGHTS%3D8940243180364863037miami%3A%3Aquinn_the_eskimo@earthlink.net%26KRD_RM%3D5mtopqsttmlrlppulllllllllu%7CQuinn%7CY">Castor goes negative</a>. Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/sfl-fsenate24aug24,0,2791913.story?coll=sfla-news-florida">Dems fret about collateral damage</a> inflicted by Deutsch's combative campaign style.<br />Mark Lane2004-08-24T14:12:51ZCastor goes negative. Meanwhile, Dems fret about collateral damage inflicted by Deutsch's combative campaign style. ]]>Slate's take on Florida
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/slates-take-on-florida.htm
I almost overlooked <a href="http://slate.msn.com/id/2105268/"><em>Slate</em>'s overview last week of the presidential race in Florida</a>. Seth Stevenson sees the trends breaking ever so slightly in Kerry's favor.<br /><br />Bonus: <a href="http://home.earthlink.net/%7Emarkrlane/2004/06/quote-machine.htm">Find the Susan McManus Quote</a>. (TM) Surprise! -- she opposes the conventional wisdom and sees Gore voters switching to Bush, and once again, is upbeat on the GOP's prospects.<br />Mark Lane2004-08-23T14:00:39ZSlate's overview last week of the presidential race in Florida. Seth Stevenson sees the trends breaking ever so slightly in Kerry's favor.
Bonus: Find the Susan McManus Quote. (TM) Surprise! -- she opposes the conventional wisdom and sees Gore voters switching to Bush, and once again, is upbeat on the GOP's prospects. ]]>Orange Co. voter intimidation (cont.)
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/orange-co-voter-intimidation-cont.htm
Bob Herbert again <a href="http%3A//www.nytimes.com/2004/08/23/opinion/23herbert.html%3Fth">sees Orange County voter intimidation as part of a Florida GOP pattern and recalls the felons list fiasco</a>.<br />Mark Lane2004-08-23T12:50:16Zsees Orange County voter intimidation as part of a Florida GOP pattern and recalls the felons list fiasco. ]]>Another Senate recommendation
http://home.earthlink.net/~markrlane/2004/08/another-senate-recommendation.htm
+ Lakeland Ledger recommends <a href="http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040822/NEWS/408220369/1036/EDIT">Betty Castor</a> for the Dems and <a href="http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040822/NEWS/408220370/1036/EDIT">Mel Martinez </a>for the Reps.<br /><br />So far, among the major dailies:<br />+ Castor has six recommendations; Deutsch, one.<br />+ Martinez, six; McCollum one.<br /><br />Mark Lane2004-08-22T13:28:22ZBetty Castor for the Dems and Mel Martinez for the Reps.
So far, among the major dailies: + Castor has six recommendations; Deutsch, one. + Martinez, six; McCollum one.