Guest Author, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorAugust 18, 2014

For the moment, the prolific images on CNN of bleeding and maimed Gazan children being used as human shields by Hamas in hospitals have ceased. So has the castigation by the White House of Israel’s use of harsh military force to stop the rockets from being shot from these humanitarian facilities. While the on-again, off-again […]

Guest AuthorAugust 18, 2014

The sham that is Amendment 2 continues to evolve. The latest iteration is the so-called Blue Ribbon Commission. While there is no doubt that the commission includes quality members, the idea of a self-appointed “commission” is just another example of the arrogance of the amendment proponents. This group has no authority whatsoever, so no one […]

Guest AuthorAugust 17, 2014

In November, Florida voters will likely approve Amendment 2 – a proposal that seeks to expand health-care options to include medical marijuana. At that point, it will be incumbent on lawmakers to implement regulatory schemes that protect rather than exploit Florida’s health-care system. Toward this goal, looking at the experience of other states can offer a […]

Guest AuthorAugust 17, 2014

Everyone in the world eats salad of some sort. We enjoy all the different ingredients in our salads depending on what we have a taste for at the time. We expect the different types of ingredients we select to bring their own flavor to the bowl. When it is mixed just right, depending on the […]

Guest AuthorAugust 14, 2014

When you vote in Florida’s 2014 primary election on August 26 (or vote early or by absentee ballot), ask why more than 2.9 million Florida voters who are registered “no party affiliation” (NPA) or are affiliated with a minor political party can’t vote. They can’t vote because Florida’s primary election is closed, meaning it is […]

Guest AuthorAugust 14, 2014

Not a word has been uttered. Not a campaign ad has been created. Not a single news story has been written. Yet, this will be one of the most important decisions the next Florida governor will make – and it only happens every 20 years. And Democrats, in particular, should be very worried. Either Republican […]

Guest AuthorAugust 14, 2014

The story in Ferguson, Missouri, is all too familiar, even callously so. A young, unarmed black man is shot by a white police officer. A frustrated community erupts in anger. While the details involving the shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown are still being investigated, one fact is troubling and clear: Another casual encounter between […]

Guest AuthorAugust 14, 2014

Gov. Rick Scott has waged an unrelenting assault on the women of Florida since he was elected in 2010. In fact, Scott has done so much harm to women that a recent survey by the Florida Planned Parenthood PAC revealed that voters concerned about his attacks can’t decide which of Scott’s actions rate as the worst. […]

Guest AuthorAugust 13, 2014

Last week, Gannett Company announced its latest contribution to journalism, the “Newsroom of the Future.” Its newspaper reporting will be driven by digital metrics, such as page views, clicks, traffic source referral patterns and social boost. The newsroom will have a content coach, community content editor, engagement editor and producer. Reporters must not only write, […]

Guest AuthorAugust 13, 2014

Sometimes our memories are shorter than they ought to be. No kidding, you say? Seriously, every year, we’re told to “get a plan,” harden our homes, and stock up on hurricane supplies. And, for eight years and counting we have been missed by major hurricanes. Little by little, Floridians begin to forget that it could […]

Steven Kurlander: Gaza and Obama’s castigation of Israel: A sign of the growing insignificance of the ‘Jewish vote’ in American politics

Barney Bishop: Amendment 2: Blue Ribbon Commission is just a kangaroo court

Karen Cyphers: Lessons for Florida from a California cannabis tourist

Anthony B. Major: Goldsboro and the lessons of diversity

Ray Hudkins: Ask me why I can’t vote in Florida’s 2014 primary election

Brian E. Crowley: Makeup of next Constitutional Revision Commission should worry Democrats

Andrew J. Skerritt: Ferguson seems a case study of race and power gone wrong

Lillian A. Tamayo: Gov. Rick Scott’s worst attack on women since taking office is … all of them

Rick Outzen: Quality journalism can’t be measured by social media clicks

Bill Newton: We shouldn’t forget the insurance lessons hurricanes taught us