Charlie Crist — Democratic Mole

[SteppingRazor]

The word in state politics these days is all about the possibility of ending property taxes in favor of a huge spike in sales tax — a horrific idea that would make the poor poorer and the rich richer. Naturally, the idea was proposed by the Republicans at the state house. But while the two sides of the tax reform debate were lobbing salvos at each other, a couple stories passed under the radar.

<snip>

But enough of that. On to the reason behind the title of this blog entry. Gov. Charlie Crist has said he may sign an executive order restoring voting rights to ex-cons. Now, that tears it. When Charlie Crist spurned George W. Bush, I applauded. When he similarly took brother Jeb out to the woodshed, I stood up and cheered. When he then went on to propose funding stem cell research and scrapping paperless voting machines, I damn near fainted. And when he suggested that the GOP shouldn't be backing anti-gay marriage bans, I proposed marriage.

But now, it seems obvious that Crist isn't the greatest Republican in Florida. He's just a clever Democratic mole. Restoring voting rights to ex-cons means more votes for Dems. It's not that Democrats are more likely to commit crimes — I actually haven't seen a study that correlates crime with party registration, but I doubt there is any. But, there is a similarly painful fact involved — minorities are more likely to be in jail, and minorities are more likely to vote Democratic. Not that I think minorities are more likely to commit crimes, but the numbers speak for themselves. Jailed minorities, of course, are more the result of institutional racism and class stratification than any propensity for violence, but the fact remains that giving ex-cons the vote will help Democrats far more than it will Republicans. So, g'head, Big Slick. Restore those voting rights. Because if you do, the Dems pick up Florida in 2008.

http://blogs.southflorida.com/citylink_dansweeney/2007/02/that_does_it_charlie_crist_is.html

[Dr.Phool]

1. Crist has been a pleasant surprise so far.

And he seems to be following through on things he said he'd do during the campaign. A breath of fresh air after Jeb, for sure.

[Nimrod2005]

5. I have been happy with his performance so far....nt

[brentblack]

2. Ex-cons

I have absolutely no problem once a convict has finished all parole and probation as well as any monetary restoration. I have always thought it unfair to deny voting to anyone convicted of a felony.


Until then, they violated the rights of someone and need to pay before they are welcomed back as a voting citizen.

That said...I think it is rather cheesy to be on the side of an issue just so the Dems can win Florida. However, at least you are being honest about it - most politicians say this is a human rights issue when we all know it is because more of these ex-cons would vote Dem.

[SteppingRazor]

3. Well, if there's no human rights issue, and it's all about more votes for Dems...

why is Crist for it?


As for me, I'm just playing politics. It's a nasty business. But given the state of the modern Republican Party, I don't think there's anything cheesy about stopping them from a return trip to the White House. These jabbering greedheads have had their way long enough.

[Dr.Phool]

4. Disenfranchisement laws were passed in the south

Specifically to prevent blacks from voting. I believe only 6 states still have them.

I know in Ohio, when you're released from parole or probation, your rights to vote, serve on a jury, and hold public office are restored automatically.

The only exception is for holding public office, if you were concicted of some violation of the public trust, while in office.