Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Marc YachtJanuary 13, 2015

A Vermont protest during the inauguration of Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin received little media attention. The Vermont Worker’s Center sit-in resulted in 29 protester arrests. They took issue with Shumlin shelving his campaign promise to pursue single-payer health care for Vermont. The VW Center advocates health care as a right. Although the Affordable Care Act […]

Marc YachtJanuary 6, 2015

In August a federal judge struck down Florida’s same sex marriage ban. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle noted in his ruling that his is now one of 19 federal courts that have struck down state laws that bar gay and lesbian couples from marrying. Gay marriage opponents continue to raise barriers to same-sex couples desiring […]

Marc YachtDecember 31, 2014

In spite of massive conservative efforts to derail the Affordable Care Act, the train continues to lumber down the track. The Washington Post writes that at least 7.1 million people thus far have enrolled in 2015 health plans. Somewhat short of projected enrollment with many states such as Florida instituting effective sign-up obstacles, the plan […]

Marc YachtDecember 23, 2014

Have I made resolutions? Several years ago, noting a long history of failed efforts, I decided to give greater thought to my promises. The objectives: to make me a better husband and father, a healthier specimen, less angry and saner. I have had no success with “reducing anger” from a previous resolution and, frankly, I […]

Marc YachtDecember 15, 2014

America’s international status reached its peak after World War II. Critics and supporters must concede that America’s intervention reversed Axis successes saving Europe, Africa, and Asia. Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor provided the political support President Roosevelt needed to enter the war. Unfortunately, many decisions made after WWII were tied to American corporate interests that […]

Marc YachtDecember 7, 2014

In stock market parlance, “the Ghost walks” points to a security that has long been dead having new life. Watching demonstrations across the country reminds me that an apathetic public can come to life. Has America found its MOJO? The Middle East wars, the lack of jobs, a broken health care system and the widening […]

Marc YachtNovember 25, 2014

As an old movie buff, I seek out good science fiction. There are a number of movies that capture the current atmosphere in America and that mood is dark. Quickly coming to mind are “Roller Ball,” “Escape from New York,” “V for Vendetta,” and the very recent series, “The Hunger Games.” There are other movies […]

Marc YachtOctober 14, 2014

Republicans and Democrats shook hands and cheered when both houses unanimously agreed that the flag is red, white and blue. Further congratulations were in order with bipartisan agreement that the strips were red and white and the stars represented the nation’s 50 states. A conservative Senator from Arizona stated, “This could be the beginning of […]

Marc YachtOctober 6, 2014

The recent U.S. Ebola cases alarm some Americans, but their concerns are unwarranted. Such dangerous infectious diseases can be controlled as long as our federal and local public health agencies have adequate resources. Americans should remember SARS, West Nile Virus and Swine Flu. All were dangerous outbreaks. But for the most part, U.S. public health […]

Marc YachtSeptember 22, 2014

Refugees escaping dangerous countries are traditionally welcomed to U.S. shores. Jewish refugees came through Ellis Island circa 1910 to escape Russia. Cuban refugees poured into Florida in 1959. They left family and possessions to escape Castro’s communism. The U.S. welcomed the “Lost Boys of Somalia” and other victims of rape and torture in the 90s. […]

Tag: Marc Yacht

Marc Yacht: Vermont protesters right to back single-payer health care

Marc Yacht: Gay marriage 'Taint nobody's business' except the couple's

Marc Yacht: A happy new year for the Affordable Care Act

Marc Yacht: Thoughtful resolutions I’ll keep (or not)

Marc Yacht: Admit torture wrongs and move on

Marc Yacht: Protests show that America seems to be finding its MOJO again

Marc Yacht: Ferguson trouble represents a much larger problem

Marc Yacht: Bipartisanship, wise reforms, corporate restraint — the impossible dream

Marc Yacht: U.S. safe from Ebola if public health workers have proper resources

Marc Yacht: Pasco County should be helping refugee children, not hindering them