tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18776526722873870092024-03-08T01:22:55.973-08:00Black & Blue: Musings of a Black DemocratBlack & Blue is a guest-driven blog to inform, empower, engage and inspire readers, especially members and friends of the Duval County Democratic Black Caucus.A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-44010593452403011672016-07-21T08:16:00.001-07:002016-07-21T08:16:27.440-07:00The Republican Party Is Pushing Trump Toward a War With Black Lives Matter<a href="http://blackpoliticsontheweb.com/2016/07/20/the-republican-party-is-pushing-trump-toward-a-war-with-black-lives-matter/#sthash.X9AWkn3m.cmfs">The Republican Party Is Pushing Trump Toward a War With Black Lives Matter</a><br /><br />
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You must ask yourself, why can't people accept the fact that to say " black lives matter" is not to say other lives don't? The GOP wants to pick a fight with Black America that doesn't need to be fought.<br /><br />
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Vote Smart VOTE BLUE!A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-86053783609675597932015-06-28T09:50:00.001-07:002015-06-28T09:50:22.498-07:00God Bless America<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DFirGbOv6B8" width="459"></iframe><br /><br />
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A wonderful tribute back in1995 at the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial Service and again in the wake of the Charleston, SC murders. May our country forever be in God's grace! And may our people continuously seek to be more just, humane, fair, understanding, loving and forgiving....A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-39039125370540208792015-06-05T08:26:00.001-07:002015-06-05T08:28:44.476-07:00A fair alternative to Medicaid<a href="http://tbo.com/list/news-opinion-editorials/a-fair-alternative-to-medicaid-20150605/">A fair alternative to Medicaid</a><br />
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Florida citizens must reassess their allegiance to the Republican Party. The GOP state legislators are clearly not on the side of the working poor, children and women. Nor are they supporters of our tax dollars sent to Washington coming back into our state to either help grow jobs or at a minimum, save jobs. They must be voted out of office.<br />
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Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!<br />
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<br />A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-47513833210649486262015-03-13T08:12:00.000-07:002015-03-13T08:12:20.224-07:00Dems are Leading in Vote Tallies <a href="http://www.duvalelections.org/Election-Information/2015-Duval-First-Election-Voter-Turnout.aspx">Duval County Supervisor of Elections > Election Information > 2015 Duval First Election Voter Turnout</a><br />
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Democrat must keep the momentum going during Early Voting. We have a slight lead over Republicans, but need to increase that advantage if we want to win in the races for Mayor, Sheriff and Supervisor of Elections AND take control of City Council.<br />
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But we must turnout the vote as if we're in a Presidential election! Please help get your family and friends to the Polls for Early Voting through March 22. Then, work hard to get everyone else to the Polls on Election Day on March 24.<br />
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And remember, the last day to request a Vote By Mail (VBM) ballot is March 18 at 5 pm. Call the Supervisor of Elections Office at 904-630-1414.<br />
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Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-29701053812024532902015-03-07T08:31:00.004-08:002015-03-07T08:31:54.100-08:00Democrats Know How to Grow State Revenues, the Economy, Jobs, Personal Wealth, the Minimum Wage!
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<b><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">This
Billionaire Governor Taxed the Rich and Increased the Minimum Wage -- Now, His
State's Economy Is One of the Best in the Country<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Posted: 02/24/2015 4:58 pm
EST Updated: 02/24/2015 4:59 pm EST</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The next time your right-wing family member or former high
school classmate posts a status update or tweet about how taxing the rich or
increasing workers' wages kills jobs and makes businesses leave the state, I
want you to send them this article.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When he took office in January of
2011, Minnesota governor Mark Dayton inherited a</span><a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2011/06/tim-pawlenty-minnesota-budget-shutdown" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">$6.2 billion budget deficit</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and a</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://ycharts.com/indicators/minnesota_unemployment_rate" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">7 percent unemployment rate</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">from his
predecessor, Tim Pawlenty, the soon-forgotten Republican candidate for the
presidency who called himself Minnesota's first true fiscally-conservative
governor in modern history. Pawlenty prided himself on never raising state
taxes -- the most he ever did to generate new revenue was increase the tax on
cigarettes by 75 cents a pack. Between 2003 and late 2010, when Pawlenty was at
the head of Minnesota's state government,<a href="http://www.mprnews.org/story/2010/12/22/gov-tim-pawlentys-record" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">he managed to add only 6,200 more
jobs</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During his first four years in
office, Gov. Dayton</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2013/04/dayton-tax-rich-would-send-minnesota-back-near-top-us-rankings" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">raised the state income tax</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">from 7.85 to 9.85
percent on individuals earning over $150,000, and on couples earning over
$250,000 when filing jointly -- a tax increase of</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/24/opinion/sunday/right-vs-left-in-the-midwest.html?pagewanted=all" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">$2.1 billion</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. He's also agreed to raise Minnesota's minimum wage to</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2014/08/minnesotas-new-minimum-wage-explained" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">$9.50 an hour by 2018</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, and passed a state law</span><a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/02/mark-dayton-minnesota-governor-profile-scott-walker" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">guaranteeing equal pay for women</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Republicans like state
representative Mark Uglem</span><a href="https://www.minnpost.com/glean/2015/02/despite-tax-increase-more-top-earners-filed-minnesota" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">warned against Gov. Dayton's tax increases</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, saying, "The
job creators, the big corporations, the small corporations, they will leave.
It's all dollars and sense to them." The conservative friend or family
member you shared this article with would probably say the same if their
governor tried something like this. But like Uglem, they would be proven wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Between 2011 and 2015, Gov. Dayton
added</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/pressreleasedetail.jsp?id=102-144855" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">172,000 new jobs</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to Minnesota's economy -- that's
165,800 more jobs in Dayton's first term than Pawlenty added in both of his
terms combined. Even though Minnesota's top income tax rate is the</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2013/04/dayton-tax-rich-would-send-minnesota-back-near-top-us-rankings" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">4th-highest in the country</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, it has the</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">5th-lowest unemployment rate in the country</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">at 3.6 percent. According to 2012-2013 U.S. census figures,
Minnesotans had a median income that was</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="https://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/data/incpovhlth/2013/statemhi2_13.xls" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">$10,000 larger than the U.S. average</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, and their median income is still</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/02/mark-dayton-minnesota-governor-profile-scott-walker" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">$8,000 more</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">than the U.S. average today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By late 2013, Minnesota's private
sector job growth</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.startribune.com/business/232840591.html" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">exceeded pre-recession
levels</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, and the state's economy was the</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.mprnews.org/story/2013/06/17/economy/minnesota-growing-economy" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">5th fastest-growing</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">in the United States. Forbes even
ranked Minnesota the</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.forbes.com/places/mn/" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">9th-best state for
business</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Scott Walker's "Open For
Business" Wisconsin came in at a</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.forbes.com/best-states-for-business/list/" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">distant #32</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">on the same list). Despite the fearmongering over businesses
fleeing from Dayton's tax cuts,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/02/02/tax-plan-top-earners" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">6,230 more Minnesotans</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">filed in the top
income tax bracket in 2013, just one year after Dayton's tax increases went
through. As of January 2015, Minnesota has a</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/01/23/gov-dayton-sheds-light-on-education-funding-increases-in-budget/" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">$1 billion budget surplus</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, and Gov. Dayton has pledged to
reinvest more than one third of that money into public schools. And according
to Gallup, Minnesota's economic confidence is</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/181514/economic-confidence-index-highest-minn-lowest.aspx" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">higher than any other state</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gov. Dayton didn't accomplish all of
these reforms by shrewdly manipulating people --</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/02/mark-dayton-minnesota-governor-profile-scott-walker" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">this article</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">describes Dayton's astonishing lack
of charisma and articulateness. He isn't a class warrior driven by a desire to
get back at the 1 percent -- Dayton is a billionaire</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.forbes.com/profile/dayton/" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">heir to the Target fortune</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. It wasn't just a majority in the
legislature that forced him to do it -- Dayton</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://money.cnn.com/2011/07/20/news/economy/minnesota_government_shutdown/" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">had to work with</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a Republican-controlled legislature
for his first two years in office. And unlike</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/03/12/3395011/scott-walker-threatens-special-session-to-restore-voter-suppression-law-if-it-is-struck-by-courts/" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">his Republican neighbor to the east</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Gov. Dayton didn't assert his will
over an unwilling populace by creating obstacles between the people and the
vote -- Dayton actually created an</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/12/opinion/where-voting-is-now-easier.html?_r=0" target="_hplink"><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">online voter registration system</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, making it easier than ever for
people to register to vote.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The reason Gov. Dayton was able to radically transform
Minnesota's economy into one of the best in the nation is simple arithmetic.
Raising taxes on those who can afford to pay more will turn a deficit into a
surplus. Raising the minimum wage will increase the median income. And in a
state where education is a budget priority and economic growth is one of the
highest in the nation, it only makes sense that more businesses would stay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's official -- trickle-down economics is bunk. Minnesota has
proven it once and for all. If you believe otherwise, you are wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Follow Carl Gibson on Twitter:</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/uncutCG" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #0088c3; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.twitter.com/uncutCG</span></b></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-86471345956218356172015-03-04T08:49:00.003-08:002015-03-04T08:49:26.221-08:00Justices to wade into Florida’s redistricting fight | Post On Politics<a href="http://postonpolitics.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/03/04/justices-to-wade-into-floridas-redistricting-fight/">Justices to wade into Florida’s redistricting fight | Post On Politics</a><br />
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It looks like Florida's highly controversial <a href="http://postonpolitics.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2015/03/04/justices-to-wade-into-floridas-redistricting-fight/">redistricting plan is still in question</a>.<br />
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According to <em>Post on Politics</em>, challenges from "...The Florida League of Women Voters, Common Cause and several Democratic voters..." asking our State Supreme court to review the original and revised plans. The challenge seems to flow from the fact that the original plan was thrown out by a Leon County Circuit Judge who found the first plan had dawn district lines for US Congresspersons Daniel Webster (R) and Corrine Brown (D) "...to help Republicans maintain overwhelming control...".<br />
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It ain't over till it's over.<br />
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Vote Smart VOTE BLUE!A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-659570344011932802015-02-20T09:15:00.005-08:002015-02-20T09:15:50.099-08:00From Ferguson To Silicon Valley: A Black Pioneer Gives Back<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/oracle/2015/02/19/from-ferguson-to-silicon-valley-a-black-pioneer-gives-back/">From Ferguson To Silicon Valley: A Black Pioneer Gives Back</a><br />
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Rod L. Clay, Sr. has a history of excellence and commitment to passing it along. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog_this.pyra?u=http://www.forbes.com/sites/oracle/2015/02/19/from-ferguson-to-silicon-valley-a-black-pioneer-gives-back/&n=From+Ferguson+To+Silicon+Valley:+A+Black+Pioneer+Gives+Back">Read about his journey</a> of excellence and example.<br />
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This early pioneer and trailblazer in computer science knows the challenges of discrimination, but also knows the power of self-esteem and value can trump most anything. His is a story we must tell "early and often" so that other young African American men and women who have a passion for the sciences will not loose that interest, but rather, feed and nurture it!<br />
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And finally, once these future scientists have "made it" they, like Mr. Clay will give back to the Black community so that others can follow suit.<br />
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Thank you Rod L. Clay, Sr.!A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-37039596657945448862015-01-23T09:21:00.001-08:002015-01-23T09:21:21.141-08:00Check out - Happening Today: YouTube Creators Interview President Obama Live from the White House | The White House<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/01/22/happening-today-youtube-creators-interview-president-obama-live-white-house?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=email428-graphic&utm_campaign=sotu">Happening Today: YouTube Creators Interview President Obama Live from the White House | The White House</a><br /><br />
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The above link will get you to the <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/">www.Whitehouse.gov</a> website's blog. Bookmark it for easy access in the future. Stay connected and informed!<br /><br />
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VOTE SMART Vote Blue!A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-75688618306397341002014-12-30T21:42:00.003-08:002014-12-30T21:42:48.776-08:00What's Up With the GOP?As 2014 comes to an end, I must spend a minute reflecting upon the GOP and their endless efforts to discredit, misrepresent and otherwise obstruct the work of President Obama and his commitment to move the ball forward for the American people.<br />
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It should be clear to anyone that our economic situation is steadily improving and has made steady progress over the President's tenure in the White House. We have had record growth in private sector jobs. At last look, President Obama has had better job growth than any of the eight years under his predecessor, George W. Bush. Domestic oil production is at it's highest level ever. We now produce more oil in America than we import. Unemployment is well under 6%. Down form 9-10%. The equities market has TRIPPLED under Obama. Corporate profits are at record levels. Gas at the pump has dropped below $2.00 a gallon in some places in the country. <br />
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TARP funds and auto industry bailout funds have all been repaid PLUS interest! Great strides have been made on credit card reform, immigration reforms, Wall Street Reforms, Pell Grant increases, equal pay for women, climate change advances and Common Core education standards are welcomed n many states. Same sex marriages, increased minimum wages and Medicaid expansion are commonplace in many states. And 10 million plus Americans have enrolled in Affordable Health Care plans across the country. <br />
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In spite of on-going challenges globally, Obama is championing a new relationship with Cuba. He has limited deportation of 5 million more undocumented individuals who are parents of Dreamers and others. He succeeded in getting all chemical weapons are out of Syria - so much for the rap of "inaction" once the Syrian government "crossed the line in the sand". Talks are still viable with Iran. And we're containing and degrading ISIS in Iraq. No wonder a noted and respected economist called him the most consequential President in the recent past. And, according to a recent article, Obama has once again been named one of the top 10 most admired individuals in the world...he's been number one, 7 years in a row! <br />
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Yet just tonight, O'Reilly of FOXNews suggested Obama has failed to improve the economy. O'Reilly and other GOP mouthpieces have posited that the President "doesn't lead". The constantly blame President Obama for nearly everything negative that happens. Whether it's the expanding racial divide, or the killing of unarmed Black men by law enforcement officers or the murder of cops on the street. But they don't credit him for any of the "good news" that has occurred on his watch. But that's how the GOP is. They are committed to a campaign of smear when it comes o the President and his service tour country. That's sad.<br />
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However, the real sad news is, that for all the "good news" out there, the GOP increased their numbers in both chambers of Congress in the last national election. Go figure! Come on America. We can and must do better.<br />
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The best news however, is that history will not be written by the GOP. And as such, President Obama will go down as a very consequential President who tried and succeeded to do bring 'change' to America.<br />
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Vote Smart - VOTE BLUEA Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-68226997934901648752014-11-29T06:46:00.001-08:002014-11-29T06:46:31.790-08:00But Still We Rise.....As November 2014 comes to a close, I am calmly feeling excited about the future. In spite of a dismal outcome for Democrats in the past election, and all the aftermath of the Grand Jury decision in Ferguson, MO; I still feel hopeful. Our Party can still rise!<br /><br />
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The only direction we came move is either up or forward - both are positive options as I see it. As individuals and a political Party, we have much to build upon. Possibilities and opportunities for all people - as imperfect as it may play out at times - remains a core value. Groups as well as individuals matter to Democrats. A woman must maintain the "right to chose". Energy independence and corporation profits are not mutually exclusive outcomes. Diplomacy over military mite remains the preferred option - but not the only option - to global conflict. Expanding and protecting the "right to vote" is a basic principle of the Party. And forgiveness is a sustaining human value not just a Christian or religious ideal. Finally, fairness, truth and equity must continue to be definitive characteristics of our Party's policies, processes a practices.<br /><br />
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We must take the time needed to revisit these core values and once again let them marinate our souls and then drive our collective behavior, guide our conversations and shape our public policies.A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-2399057876474861532014-11-02T08:08:00.001-08:002014-11-02T08:08:13.594-08:00Women of Color: A Growing Force in the American Electorate | Black Politics on the Web<a href="http://blackpoliticsontheweb.com/2014/10/30/women-color-growing-force-american-electorate/">Women of Color: A Growing Force in the American Electorate | Black Politics on the Web</a><br /><br />
Women of color have long been committed to responsible civic engagement, post-high school degree attainment, economic advancement and sustaining family values. It's fitting they are a significant political voice for the future. We're in good hands!A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-27669764101636689812014-10-17T12:09:00.000-07:002014-10-17T12:09:03.072-07:00Record number of black candidates seeking office across the country <a href="http://blackpoliticsontheweb.com/2014/10/16/record-number-black-candidates-seeking-office-across-country/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BlackPoliticsontheWeb+%28Headlines+from+BlackPoliticsontheWeb.com%29">Record number of black candidates seeking office across the country | Black Politics on the Web</a><br />
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It's exciting to see <a href="http://blackpoliticsontheweb.com/2014/10/16/record-number-black-candidates-seeking-office-across-country/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BlackPoliticsontheWeb+%28Headlines+from+BlackPoliticsontheWeb.com%29">over 100 African Americans running for public service offices</a> across our country. <br />
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This is the best way for us to reverse some of the many negative trends affecting our community from voter suppression to limits on government and private sector spending with qualified , minority-owned businesses. Recent controversial comments from a Black, female commentator on a FOX News show suggesting Blacks under Obama are "worthless and uneducated" and disgruntled Blacks over the unfortunate shooting of Michael Brown in Missouri calling for Blacks to vote Republic to make a point, are each very challenging to this author and potentially damaging to Black progress.<br />
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The best option to exercise self- determination is for African Americans to register to vote, educate ourselves on issues affecting us and publicize our preferences. Additionally we must also field Black candidates for office. And ultimately, we must support all of candidates that adopt our platforms and preferences. In some instances, the preferred candidate may be an Independent or even in some rare instances, a moderate Republican. But if we do our due-diligence in reviewing candidates against our community needs lists, we will back the right candidates every time. <br />
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And finally, if or voter turnout is always at least 80%, our candidates of choice can and will win!<br />
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Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!<br />
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<br />A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-27688244289402603922014-09-15T11:34:00.000-07:002014-09-15T11:43:48.330-07:00Koch Brothers' dollars to Scott | September 14, 2014 | Jeremy Wallace | HT Politics<a href="http://politics.heraldtribune.com/2014/09/14/koch-brothers-dollars-scott/">Koch Brothers' dollars to Scott / September 14, 2014 | Jeremy Wallace | HT Politics</a><br />
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Big money in politics seems to be here to stay. Both Political Parties do well overall. Although the <a href="http://politics.heraldtribune.com/2014/09/14/koch-brothers-dollars-scott/">Koch brothers are in a league of their own</a> when it comes to funding individual races.<br />
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But Democrats who don't always keep pace, dollar to dollar, have relied on voter turnout to push them over the top in districts not gerrymandered to the advantage of Republicans.<br />
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Democratic voters must not let an imbalance of funding support dissuade us from going to the polls in record numbers this Fall. If we do that, we can win and win where it counts - the US Senate races. We have a real shot at holding all our seats and picking up formerly solid red seats. We can't let FOX News personalities and misleading accounts and other conservative talking heads convince us Democrats are behind and a Republican wave is immanent. If we do, they'll win!<br />
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The only thing that counts in an elections are the number of votes cast. Let's make sure we turnout, big, this Fall. It is not the norm during the mid-term elections and especially the 6th year of governing by the same Party to have a winning election cycle. Well, let' blow that historical fact out of the water.<br />
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Commit yourself to helping get out the Democratic voters in November. Make sure they vote the entire ballot, not just the top of the ticket. In many municipalities there are district attorneys, public defenders, state representatives and senators, City Council seats, school board positions, various commissioners and judgeships on the ballot. ALL of these races are important. We must support Democrats up and down the ticket everywhere! And, if a race has no Democrat running, evaluate the candidates and vote for the candidate that best aligns with our values. In some cases it's an Independent candidate. In other cases you may have to do what was done in MS - where allowed, vote for a specific Republican candidate to keep a bad Republican candidate out of office. <br />
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It's your call.<br />
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Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-27545408979215087302014-09-15T11:00:00.002-07:002014-09-15T11:00:50.537-07:00Florida Gov. Rick Scott appointing fewer black judges than predecessors | Tampa Bay Times<a href="http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/florida-gov-rick-scott-seldom-appoints-black-judges/2197473">Florida Gov. Rick Scott appointing fewer black judges than predecessors | Tampa Bay Times</a><br />
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Rick Scott is <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/florida-gov-rick-scott-seldom-appoints-black-judges/2197473">not serious about appointing Blacks to judgeships</a>. His appointments to date are fewer than the two immediate past governors - both of whom were Republican. The appointments Scott has made have not been to the more prestigious trail court levels, but rather hearing job-related injury cases, small claims and traffic cases.<br />
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Does he question the ability of Black attorneys to handle more challenging trail court cases? Huuumm!<br />
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we must get Scott out of office. The next governor will have the opportunity to replace 4 of the 9 State Supreme Court justices. We can't allow Scot to stack the High Court with ultra-conservative jurists who will control the judiciary for decades to come!<br />
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Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE! <br />
<br />A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-61129826914732130642014-09-15T10:39:00.001-07:002014-09-15T10:40:26.056-07:00Abortion debate shows women key to Florida governor election <a href="http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20140913/NEWS/140919662?p=1&tc=pg">Abortion debate shows women key to Florida governor election | News-JournalOnline.com</a><br />
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The abortion debate may prove to be a <a href="http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20140913/NEWS/140919662?p=1&tc=pg">critical factor in turnout</a> for this Fall's election for Governor in Florida.<br />
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As was the case in 2008 and again 2012, women in Florida, along with Blacks and other voters of color, were central in the election and reelection of President Obama. The race for Governor may turn on these same constituent groups. The respectable edge among women voters currently enjoyed by Charlie Crist, added to a larger than normal turnout in the African American community can return Crist tot he Governor's seat.<br />
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The question is will these dependable constituent groups turn out, and turnout in huge numbers?<br />
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A number of leaders in women's groups are betting the abortion issue will energize and otherwise modestly excited female base.<br />
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Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-5269571211411945692014-08-28T16:47:00.000-07:002014-08-28T16:48:46.531-07:00White on White Crime Is HIgh Too!I was reading a report on murders in America on a Facebook posting which included a chart for 2011 which noted the race of victims of murder as well as the perpetrator. Interestingly enough, the numbers for whites and blacks were remarkably similar.<br />
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Of 3100+ murders of whites - 2700+ of the perpetrators were white. For blacks, the numbers were 2600+ murders and 2400+ perpetrators - HUUUUMMMMM, interesting I said.<br />
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I guess a pathology of or penchant for killing one's own race is not restricted to black folks alone.<br />
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What is also interesting is that when you accept the fact that whites score higher on standardized tests; graduate from high school and college at higher rates; own more homes, are elected or appointed to political positions more often; earn more money; have healthier retirement funds; have higher IQs, etc. etc., etc., it makes me wonder what's the root cause of such behavior in that community. Not that I'm clear on the rationale in the black community, but still. I'm just saying!!!!.<br />
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At ay rate, the Duval County Democratic Black Caucus is working hard to find more ways to engage our black youth in positive behaviors, including a greater commitment to civic engagement in general and voting in particular.A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-62170155849744744712014-08-28T16:28:00.001-07:002014-08-28T16:28:48.875-07:00Los Angeles schools decriminalize discipline<a href="http://blackpoliticsontheweb.com/2014/08/20/los-angeles-schools-decriminalize-discipline/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BlackPoliticsontheWeb+%28Headlines+from+BlackPoliticsontheWeb.com%29">Los Angeles schools decriminalize discipline | Black Politics on the Web</a><br />
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Punishment is not going away....just a more human and reasonable approach to how to handle discipline in our school sis coming back in to fashion. And, it should help reduce the number of Black youth who stop out of education de to brushes with the criminal justice system over what some call minor instances and occurrences.<br />
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Restorative justice programs and processes will hopefully assist young Black adults in atoning for their actions as well as give them a greater sense that fairness is a reality for them as well as their classmates.<br />
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Let's all pray this approach can pay off big time for our Black youth.<br />
<br />A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-61262270576154087642014-08-28T16:20:00.001-07:002014-08-28T17:07:23.373-07:00Christensen Set to be U.S. First Black Female Governor <a href="http://www.blackpressusa.com/2014/08/christensen-set-to-be-u-s-first-black-female-governor/#sthash.dEwRjB8l.mMa519Kb.dpbs">Christensen Set to be U.S. First Black Female Governor | BlackPressUSA</a><br />
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It's about time! However, I wish this governorship was in one of the 50 states of the United State versus the US Virgin Islands. But, I'll take it and I'm excited about it nonetheless.<br />
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We should all wish Delegate Donna Christensen all the best and make ourselves and our organizations available to assist her in all the ways we can.<br />
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The Duval County Democratic Black Caucus is always ready to help political leaders succeed.<br />
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Congratulations Ms. Christensen!<br />
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<br />A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-41949373441012326032014-08-28T16:10:00.001-07:002014-08-28T16:12:46.213-07:00Politics Counts: How Black Turnout Could Impact November<br />
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Although US Congressional Districts are seemingly safe for many Republicans; US Senate races may hold opportunities for Democratic victories if African American turnout ticks up in November. Check out the link below and <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2014/08/25/politics-counts-how-black-turnout-could-impact-november/">here</a> for details.<br />
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At bottom, Blacks and others voters of color must commit to high voter turnouts EVERY Election. <br />
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In my home town of Jacksonville FL., African American votes comprise over half the registered Democrats. An 80% turnout gives any Democratic candidate a potential to secure 103,200 votes. Even 50% would mean a starting point of 52,000 votes. Because we're the largest city in the state, such a turnout would bode well for select statewide and national races as well.<br />
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Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!<br />
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<a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2014/08/25/politics-counts-how-black-turnout-could-impact-november/">Politics Counts: How Black Turnout Could Impact November - Washington Wire - WSJ</a>A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-61181665404088596762014-08-13T16:43:00.000-07:002014-08-13T16:43:02.980-07:00The Right Decision Was Reached, Again!
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<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">August 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Fifth Circuit
Upholds University of Texas Admissions Policy</span></strong></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on July 15 upheld, for a second time, the
University of Texas’ consideration of race as one of many factors in
admissions. In a 2-1 ruling, the federal appeals court rejected the case of
Abigail Fisher, a White student not accepted to the University of Texas in
2008 who claimed she was refused entrance due to the university’s affirmative
action policy.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
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“We are persuaded that to deny UT Austin its limited use of race in its
search for holistic diversity would hobble the richness of the educational
experience,” </span></span><a href="http://action.civilrights.org/site/R?i=b4u5BTNocuLCk-aXGsD6nw"><span style="color: #003366; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">wrote
Judge Patrick E. Higginbotham</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">. The case was </span><a href="http://action.civilrights.org/site/R?i=k73R2dB1zt6hXmB3QgBs8A"><span style="color: #003366; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">heard by
the U.S. Supreme Court</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> last year in </span><em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fisher
v. University of Texas at Austin</span></span></em><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">, but was sent back on remand to
the appeals court to apply “strict scrutiny” in assessing the University of
Texas’ admissions policies.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">
In a statement applauding the decision, </span></span><a href="http://action.civilrights.org/site/R?i=bYagDJx98k9l2KabR-Xang"><span style="color: #003366; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">University
of Texas President Bill Powers</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> said that the university remains
“committed to assembling a student body at The University of Texas at Austin
that brings with it the educational benefits of diversity while respecting
the rights of all students. This ruling ensures that our campus, our state
and the entire nation will benefit from the exchange of ideas and thoughts
that happens when students who are diverse in all regards come together in
the classroom, at campus events and in all aspects of campus life.”</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, who represented UT Austin’s
Black Student Alliance in the case, similarly praised the ruling. “This
decision should stand as a declaration of the ongoing importance and legality
of affirmative action efforts that holistically evaluate applicants for
admission in higher education,” </span></span><a href="http://action.civilrights.org/site/R?i=leIUQhmodSsSUMqkOX52SA"><span style="color: #003366; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">said
Sherrilyn Ifill</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">, president and director-counsel.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">
Mee Moua, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing
Justice | AAJC, </span></span><a href="http://action.civilrights.org/site/R?i=Gcy4yRgYK8wDmhP_Jv4BoQ"><span style="color: #003366; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">said
that</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> “Like all of the unique factors in students’ backgrounds, race
matters – including for Asian Americans, who are a broadly diverse group
ourselves.” That sentiment – that race still matters – was echoed by Thomas
Saenz, president and general counsel at the Mexican American Legal Defense
and Educational Fund, </span><a href="http://action.civilrights.org/site/R?i=FbRaM_Gs67PuWtYIjYfmpQ"><span style="color: #003366; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">who said</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">
“We can only hope that the hardcore ‘colorblindness’ brigade will now allow
universities to go about the critical business of training a leading
workforce for our increasingly diverse and interconnected society.”</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">
On July 29, Fisher's attorneys filed an appeal asking the full Fifth Circuit
to rehear the case.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">********</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">As I understand it, in the original school actions, 47 students whose profiles were not as strong as Ms. Fisher's were admitted.....42 white students and 5 students of color - 3 African Americans and 2 Latinos. Who's she upset about getting in over her? Right...5 minority students but not the 42 whites. What? <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Equal Opportunity News</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<a href="http://action.civilrights.org/site/R?i=ZgdehdvmIt2UwBqCSk426w"><span style="color: #003366; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">U.T.
Austin’s affirmative action program is a careful effort to ensure diversity</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">
– Washington Post</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><a href="http://action.civilrights.org/site/R?i=QejF3_2QI0aDkiGYo8cafg"><span style="color: #003366; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Diversity
in Admissions</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> – Inside Higher Ed</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span></span><a href="http://action.civilrights.org/site/R?i=O6-IYHva_wN9KsVNawiMaA"><br /><span style="color: #003366; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">
A basic flaw in the argument against affirmative action</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> – Washington
Post<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><img border="0" height="1" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://action.civilrights.org/site/PixelServer?j=kD3hULTbqaviLTFajNpyZA" width="1" /></span>A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-30315721055861925272014-08-07T11:54:00.000-07:002014-08-07T12:25:11.860-07:00We Can Win This Thing!August 26 is Primary Election Day in Duval County and around the State of Florida. Although historically, there's a lower voter turnout in non-Presidential election years, these off-year elections are the best opportunity to gain ground. Why? Because given the low number of voters who turnout, the political Party that has even a modest increase in turnout can run-away with multiple election successes. <br />
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In Duval County alone, African Americans represent roughly 130,000 of the 232,000 registered Democrats. If 80% of the registered Black Democrats turnout and vote Party, many if not most of the Democrats running can win and win big. In primary races with two or more Democrats running, Black or otherwise, whichever candidate is favored by Black voters can succeed in winning the primary.<br />
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Even those Democratic candidates for statewide races can receive a huge boost if Black Democrats in Duval County turnout in huge numbers. For example, if Duval County Blacks favored, Perry Thurston, the African American candidate for State Attorney General or Thad Hamilton, the Black candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture, our votes would be a huge help to push them over the top in their respective primary races. Additionally, if there are races with no Democrats running, but there is a good Independent candidate or other minor Party candidate who is right on the issues that are important to African Americans, then, we can help them win as well...candidates like Paula Moser-Bartlett running against Ander Crenshaw in US Congressional District 4.. <br />
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At bottom, Duval County Democrats in general and Black Democrats in particular must realize our political power in numbers and turnout in great numbers on August 26 and help Democrats and other right-thinking candidates win all across our County and the State!<br />
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Then, we can repeat our turnout success again in November!<br />
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Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-49674074116972329252014-07-27T05:53:00.001-07:002014-07-27T06:03:17.793-07:00Strategic Voting Can Be Smart A Vote: How Blacks Changed the GOP Game<a href="http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2014/jul/23/black-new-black-how-blacks-changed-gop-game/">Black is the New Black: How Blacks Changed the GOP Game | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS</a><br />
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Mississippi Black Democrats showed that a strategic approach to voting can be a winning approach. After a limited number of Black Democrats voted in the recent primary election for US Senate, a huge <a href="http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2014/jul/23/black-new-black-how-blacks-changed-gop-game/">'get-out-the-vote' effort</a> in the runoff election proved to be strategic genius! It could be a victory that keeps the US Senate a "friendly" chamber for President Obama.<br />
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In a state where Democrats are hard-pressed to win statewide races, a more, strategic voting strategy by Democrats during primaries and runoff elections could prove to be a backdoor to leveraged political clout in MS and other states with open primaries. It's also true that in MS, Democrat and Republican politicians, business leaders and community leaders often work collaboratively behind the scenes. If past work-product of bi-partisan efforts has been good for MS and her citizens, what would happen if this cooperation where transparent and supported by all parties concerned? Could it be even better for MS? I wonder......<br />
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When in doubt...Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-31568857694266166462014-07-27T04:52:00.001-07:002014-07-27T04:52:40.573-07:00Obama Signs New Job-Training Law<br /><br />
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After President Obama took multiple executive actions earlier this year to move the ball forward on several fronts for working class Americans - equal pay for women, anti discrimination of gays and lesbians in the workplace and a minimum wage increase for federal workers, Congress has "caught the fever". By a rare, bi-partisan vote, Congress passed a<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/23/us/obama-signs-new-job-training-law.html?_r=1"> job-training bill</a> to help Americans recover from the recession and have a brighter future. Imagine what could be accomplished if more brave and responsible Republicans would support jobs-related legislation from this Administration? Wow!! Now, if only the House would bring up the President's jobs and infrastructure bill!<br /><br />
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Vote Smart - VOTE BLUE!A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-69485752520417399262014-07-15T12:01:00.000-07:002014-07-15T12:03:00.399-07:00Smoking Gun Emails Released in Texas Gerrymandering Trial<a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/07/14/1313946/-Smoking-Gun-Emails-Released-in-Texas-Gerrymandering-Trial?detail=email">Smoking Gun Emails Released in Texas Gerrymandering Trial</a><br />
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Looks like these e-mails point out how once again the Republican's so-called "interest" in minority voters, in this case Hispanics, is simply one of how best to limit or mitigate Hispanic voting influence overall and actually work against them all the while suggesting they - the GOP - wants them (Hispanics) to feel welcome in the GOP - NOT.<br />
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The e-mails seem to make clear the GOP's primary interest was to isolate and group Hispanics with the lowest voter turnout histories into districts that give them the majority of voters. This way they could say we gave you your own districts; but also be able to laugh about the fact that the district voters would rarely vote en masse. How cynical!<br />
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And just think, these are the types of actions that would have required US government pre-approval review under the section of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that was gutted by the Supreme Court.<br />
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Voting rights are under heavy assault by many of the GOP lead State Houses around the country. We must vote in solidarity to change the make-up of State Houses AND the federal representatives as well. There are 8 toss-up states for the Senate - 6 of the seats are currently held by Democrats. We must help fund their races and the get out the vote in those states to win them back and take the two that are held by Republicans. Check out <a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/">WWW.REALCLEARPOLITICS.COM</a> . No candidate in any toss-up state is more than 2 points behind the leader - so we can win these states folks!<br />
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Vote smart - VOTE BLUE!A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1877652672287387009.post-62455343918795854322014-07-06T18:45:00.000-07:002014-07-06T18:49:24.691-07:00The Big Picture: This Month's Jobs Numbers | The White House<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/07/06/big-picture-months-jobs-numbers?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=email349-text1&utm_campaign=economy">The Big Picture: This Month's Jobs Numbers | The White House</a><br />
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The US economy is complex. However, the news is good and improving all the time, albeit slower than we might want. But nonetheless, it is clear things are moving in the right direction with little to no help from the Republicans in Congress. <br />
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Private sector jobs are up. Domestic oil production is up. The auto industry is roaring forward. All bailout funds to banks have ben repaid plus interest. Billions of stimulus dollars have gone to the states for their "shovel-ready" projects and other identified priorities. And the DOW, S & P and Nasdaq markets are all at record highs. How is that not good news?<br />
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Things may not be ideal, but they're a heck of a lot more stable than 6 years ago!<br />
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Vote smart - VOTE BLUE!A Friend to Duval County Democratic Black Caucushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16687205610022192644noreply@blogger.com0