TheNutcracker
TheNutcracker's JournalCan we get Al Grayson to primary Bill Nelson for the U.S. Senate?
This needs to be looked into, after the leadership and running the Florida Democratic Party and all that has happened. He appoints the chair, continuing to ignore the party activists, and continues to twist a few of the voters arms in the party, that are still there.
Remember the last Chair Karen Thurman? She was caught lobbying on the side for Jeb Bush's friends! Demoralized all of us. Had the votes to remove her, and in came Nelson and had a meeting with a few of the elders, makes them feel important you know.
Bill Nelson is getting old, and the Florida dems have always been lukewarm to this DLC'er. Also, he is not an 'astronaut' as is always claimed. He flew on the shuttle, as you or I now could. That does not make us an 'astronaut'. Nor does a military career in flying.
He has done so much damage with our party, and he needs to go. We can do better!
Flashback: Money and the FDP Chair Race, Part I: Ruth’s List: Useful Organization or Cash Cow?
http://thepoliticalhurricane.com/2014/11/09/flashback-money-and-the-fdp-chair-race-part-i-ruths-list-useful-organization-or-cash-cow/#more-8132Flashback: Money and the FDP Chair Race, Part I: Ruth’s List: Useful Organization or Cash Cow?
Since I am still waiting for some statistics to be finalized regarding voter turnout (particularly from Orange Count), I am going to repost some articles from two years ago that have relevance in light of the recent failures of the Florida Democratic Party.
Lamborghini-MurcielagoTo the left is a picture of the 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago. It was the first supercar that the Italian car manufacturer built after it was purchased by Audi. Therefore, it was styled by a Belgian, while also having the handling and comfort of a German-built car. Basically, it is quite a nice car. This model has a 6.5 V12 engine which produced 640 brake horsepower, 490 lbs. per foot of torque and can go from 0-60 in 3.3 seconds. True, it might not be like the new Aventador, which is…..
Well, we could talk about Italian super sports cars all day long. Anyway, the reason we brought up the Murcielago is because Ellis Robinson, the founder of Ruth’s List, has made enough money, purely from Ruth’s List, over the last two years to buy a 2007 Murcielago.
Since the founding of Ruth’s List, which was in 2009, over $381,000 worth of donations has gone into the organization. Stating that they support progressive and Democratic women, one might assume that most of these resources are used to promote their campaigns, helping women across the state to win campaigns. But that would be far from the truth.
In the time that Ruth’s List has been around, over $224,000 has been paid out to The Buttonwood Group, which is Ellis Robinson’s company. This amount accounts for 59% of the money that goes into Ruth’s List. Therefore, for every dollar you pay to Ruth’s List, $.59 cents goes straight to Ellis Robinson.
But that isn’t all, Robinson also reimburses herself from the group. Of course, there is no problem with that whatsoever, but it is still money that is paid out of the contributions from the organization. According to the Division of Elections, Robinson has reimbursed herself a total of $32,730, which is a total of 9% of the total contributions going into Ruth’s List.
So, lets recap. Around 68% of the money that goes into Ruth’s List, which is $.68 for every dollar, goes directly to the pocket of Ellis Robinson? That seems about right.
Even though Robinson takes in a lot of money, surely she gives back to the women that are part of it, right? We have reported on one of their “training sessions” for candidates and were highly disappointed, as we have mentioned in a previous article. Not only is it centered around fundraising and selling of the NGP/VAN, the training session didn’t talk about grassroots organization whatsoever. Therefore, the training session was far from productive.
But let’s look at the NGP/VAN. During these training sessions, Robinson tries to sell the candidates this service. Yes, the NGP/VAN is a great service, but it is still a sales pitch during these “training sessions”. So, how much does Ruth’s List pay to have access to the NGP/VAN? Well, as of right now, the total has approached $14,155, which is 4% of all contributions to Ruth’s List.
Let’s recap, 59% to Robinson via her company (which was originally registered in Washington state in 1998), 9% to Robinson for reimbursement and 4% so that Ruth’s List can sell the NGP/VAN. We are at a grand total of 72% of all that Ruth’s List raises which is centered around money and selling.
So, what does Ruth’s List do for female candidates? Well, they do give checks to many of the candidates. To date, Ruth’s List has given just a little over $32,000 total to female Democratic candidates. Nice number, until you realize that it is only 8.5% of the total contributions to Ruth’s List. Mind you, it does help some candidates, but in the overall picture, it is far from any substantial help for any candidates.
But still, maybe you think that they do something else for the candidates? So far, we have shown where over 80% of the money for Ruth’s List goes. Surely the other 20% goes toward something productive for the candidates, right? Actually, not really.
One would assume that maybe Ruth’s List does direct mailers for the candidates, possibly robo-calls? Nope. No direct mail pieces or robo-calls have been done by Ruth’s List, according to the information provided by the Division of Elections site. In fact, the grand total of $0 spent on these two electioneering items is less than the amount of money that Ruth’s List spends on greeting cards, which is $88.60.
The only piece of electioneering of any substantial value seems to be the billboard that was up for visitors to the Republican National Convention that Ruth’s List proudly puts on its website, which totalled $6,500, just under 2% of the total contributions to the organizations. Even with that, the billboard is made to promote Ruth’s List and does nothing to help any specific candidate whatsoever.
So, where does the other 20% go? Well, to make sure the credit card and bank card donations start flowing in, the charges to process those is quite important. To date, bank card and credit card processing as well as bank fees equals $7,157, or 2% of all donations into Ruth’s List.
On top of that, making sure that Ms. Robinson attends events is quite important as well. While she does reimburse herself on some of the expenses, others expenses are paid for directly from Ruth’s List. For example, the organization dished out $4,600 for hotel rooms. As for meals, $1,888 was paid by Ruth’s List for meals with candidates, volunteers, interns and whatnot. What is even more interesting is that Ruth’s List is quite specific on what they spend the money on. For example, June 23rd, 2011, Ruth’s List paid for a “meal on way to Tallahassee”, for $7.61 a Panera Bread. So yep, if you donated a one-time donation or $10, over 76% of that donation went for a splash-and-dash meal in Gainesville, Florida.
The rest of the spending seems to be for other office related materials and services, such as accounting, website hosting, copies, office supplies and whatnot.
So, in the end, out of the nearly $380,000 that has come into Ruth’s List, less than 10% of that money is used to directly help the candidates.
****************************
In the 2013 & 2014 cycle she trashed two female pro choice democratic attorneys! She is UGLY!
I'm NOT surprised to read any of this!
Basically, almost every aspect, as well as every penny spent, by Ruth’s List seems to be for the benefit of making Ruth’s List more money and not for the benefit of promoting female, progressive Democratic candidates. Therefore, what is the use of it? Is it there to truly promote female candidate, or to make one person a lot of money while not having to pay for anything in return?
In addition to the expenses, the contributions are quite odd. Over the last year, many of the donors to Ruth’s List are not identified. Even donors that have given $500 are identified as “1 MEMBERS AT $500.00?, according to the Division of Election’s website. In total, $108,219 of Ruth’s List donors, or roughly 28%, are not identified.
There are two reasons we bring up Ruth’s List, as well as other organizations and people that will be discussed in the coming days. First, all of the people that we will be discussing over the course of the next few days have either directly or indirectly supported Allison Tant for the Florida Democratic Party chair position. Ruth’s List is actively supporting Mrs. Tant.
The second reason that we bring this issue up is because we personally feel that taking away the hard-earned money of those people who donate to these organizations is wrong! People donating to Ruth’s List should know that the organization is spending $1,200 on an image consultant in the United Kingdom. They should know that the bulk of their money is NOT going to support Democratic candidates, but directly to the pockets of Ellis Robinson and her company The Buttonwood Partnership. We are not only tired of seeing people being duped into thinking that they are helping a good cause (when they are in fact making just one person rich), but that it is some sort of a sin to talk bad about groups like this, who are just taking money and not giving anything in return.
Over the last year, we have exposed problems within the Florida Democratic Party. The whole reason behind this is so that we can become a better, as well as more productive party. Giving over $250,000 to one person doesn’t benefit the party. It is time that we ask the serious questions about what our money is actually being used toward. This article on Ruth’s List gives you an insight into where your hard earned donation goes. And yes, it is quite depressing.
So, a Republican, Independent, and Democrat walked into a bar......
And the bartender said 'HELLO CHARLIE'
How one city in Floida Won, beating Citizens United! A model for Every City in the U.S.A.
https://represent.us/action/tallahassee/?akid=1311.458478.BnP_No&rd=1&t=2#t=198
WE CAN TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK! HERE IS HOW, IT'S HAPPENING NOW!
KICK EVERYWHERE!
Genetically Modified Potato Wins Approval From USDA
Genetically Modified Potato Wins Approval From USDA
J.R. Simplot Co. Expects FDA Clearance for Innate Potato in Coming Weeks
By
Tennille Tracy
Updated Nov. 7, 2014 6:43 p.m. ET
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday approved a genetically modified potato, altered to resist bruising and to provide potential health benefits.
Called the Innate potato, produced by J.R. Simplot Co., it would be the first genetically modified potato in the U.S. in more than 10 years. A GMO potato developed by Monsanto Co. was taken off the market in the early 2000s after farmers and consumers showed little interest.
“This approval comes after a decade of scientific development, safety assessments and extensive field tests,” J.R. Simplot said in a statement. The Boise, Idaho, agribusiness company is a major producer of french fries.
The USDA examined whether the potato posed a threat to other plants. Its safety for human consumption is being reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration. J.R. Simplot, like other companies that develop genetically modified crops, voluntarily submitted its product to the FDA, and company spokesman Doug Cole said it expects FDA clearance in coming weeks.
Another genetically modified food under USDA and FDA review is an apple, engineered by Canada-based Okanagan Specialty Fruits to resist turning brown when cut open or sliced.
Americans have been debating labeling genetically modified foods for years. On Tuesday, voters in Oregon and Colorado defeated ballot measures that would have required labels on all genetically modified food sold in their states.
“As a general caution, we don’t think enough has been done—and we don’t know enough about this technology—to let this move forward at this time,” said Doug Gurian-Sherman, director of sustainable agriculture at the Center for Food Safety.
more at link: http://online.wsj.com/articles/usda-approves-a-genetically-modified-potato-1415398524
**************************
Another article in the Tampa Bay Times states that real potatoes have a chemical that causes cancer in animals. Simplot provides hash browns and French fries for McDonalds, etc.
Soooo we are to believe that we now must get the healthy food from McDonalds??? Unfeckingbelievable!
Democrats in Denial As Florida Democratic Party Chair Is EXPOSED! This is what happened in FLA!
&feature=youtu.be(What Florida dems knew all along about her, and why they did not want her to lead!)
Published on Nov 5, 2014
February 2013 Tarpon Springs Democratic Club Meeting:
Allison Tant-Richard newly “selected” by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz to take the reins as Chair of the Florida Democratic Party in this video comes unhinged in response to a very civil and politely presented question from John Russell, a former registered Democrat.
Mr. Russell, merely asked the newly minted chairwoman and former paid lobbyist for DBT Inc., how she was qualified to take the helm of the FDP given her background and that of her husband.
Ms. Tant-Richard in 1999-2000 was a paid lobbyist for DBT Inc. which was the company commissioned by Secretary of state Katherine Harris under the gubernatorial administration of Republican Jeb Bush to scrub the voter rolls across the state of Florida for the then upcoming 2000 Presidential election featuring Jeb’s brother George W. vs Democrat Al Gore.
History tells us that DBT Inc. was responsible for scrubbing the names of 57,000 African Americans fro the voter rolls leading to the controversial recount which ended in the “determination” made by the U.S. Supreme Court handing the decision to Jeb’s brother George W. Bush.
Interestingly Allison Tant’s husband Barry Richard who also was/is a registered Democrat just happened to be the LEAD ATTORNEY for Team Bush in the landmark election dispute decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. This was all that John Russell was asking FDP Chairwoman Tant-Richard to explain.
Facts matter to most people just not the sycophant members of the Tarpon Springs Democratic Club apparently. Cognitive dissonance is a powerful thing and that is why John Russell’s request for an explanation was so difficult for these zealots to take. This is why they not only acted to silence John but also to physically accost him as the video clearly demonstrates distorted though the images from the ensuing ruckus clearly show. Denial of truth only facilitates the further degradation of what little democracy remains in this country resulting in what can only be characterized as a “CORPORATIST NATION!”
Obama now says he'll do executive order for immigration reform, yet tax reform on table
Does this mean he's willing to wager Medicare and Soc.Sec again?????
There are things we can do. Like raising the tax cap. Telling millionaires they don't need to collect. Or telling them to pay a little more and collect less.
Why is President Clinton, a multi millionaire on Medicare? He could easily purchase a private health policy. For HE got to eat donuts and Big Macs, but the rest of us should get a 6K a year voucher???
Why would he collect Soc Sec?
But we don't hear this. We hear of turning it into a 401K savings, a laughable plan without real Wall Street reform. Healthcare for profit will not do anything for Medicare. And, the latest study says it's very sound.
So, I'm very interested in what Obama means when he says "tax reform" when it comes to working with the repub senate and Mitch McConnell??????????????????
Because it seems to be the only things these monsters talk of reforming.
Now, should Wasserman-Shultz be fired? Just asking.....Now can we rebuild the left?
It's time to get very serious for 2016.
Charlie Crist, bit in the ass by his own paper ballot/recount laws! TRIED in 2010
to get him to listen! Just crickets.
This is what happens, when too many people don't like either candidate, and the democratic party in Florida, kept their own great dem Nan Rich DOWN for Charlie Crist. What a shame.
FLA candidate Burgess has family ties to Duke Energy! He lies about ties!
&feature=youtu.bePublished on Nov 2, 2014
Danny “Duke” Burgess, “I never sought a career path in politics.” per The Tampa Tribune! Yet virtually everything he has done since circa age 17 has pointed him in that direction as a “Career Politician!
The “Leadership” Claim: Danny “Duke” Burgess neglected to tell us voters that he is the cousin of Lloyd “Pat” McCrory, CURRENT Republican Governor of the State of North Carolina.
Danny of course will never be a “leader” in the true sense of the word.
Danny is by any measure, a follower. He is no different than 90+% of all politicians today of BOTH major parties in that Danny’s major motivation is predominantly aligned with doing what is best for himself… by following the direction of his Republican Party establishment mentors as well as the dictums of his corporate benefactors.
The most notable Corporate benefactor for Danny of course is Duke Energy, related to his deep connections as noted here and elsewhere. Chevron doesn’t hurt him either. Let’s not forget his support for policies espoused by the American Legislative Exchange Council As well.
Danny’s Uncle Pat McCrory as a Student:
McCrory was active in the Student Government Association and was part of a conservative backlash to the growing "hippie" culture at Catawba in the mid-1970s.
McCrory lost an initial bid for Student Body President before retooling his message to win on a second run.[7] From Wikipedia
Does this story sound just a bit familiar? So who or what has influenced Danny “Duke” Burgess to choose a career path in politics? Ya think…
Danny “Duke” Burgess &
The Duke Energy Connection
In January 2007, McCrory retired from Duke Energy after 28 years with the company, to run full-time for governor. Danny’s Uncle “Pat!” Need I say more?
The Soldier Claim: Danny is quoted as saying that he was “inspired to join the military because of the events of September 11, 2001.” At age 14 or 15?
Yet, instead of enlisting in the Marines or the Army right out of high school… like every other person that I have ever met who made the same statement concerning his motivation for joining the military, Danny “Duke” Burgess waits better than a decade to join the U.S. Army Reserves as a Judge Advocate.
After first completing a BA in Political Science, graduating from Law School and being “hired” at a Law Firm Danny joined the Army Reserves.
Now serving as an Attorney with the rank of Captain in the Army Reserves since 2012, at a time when major combat demands were exponentially diminished, Danny “Duke” Burgess calculated that in 2012 it was “safe” for him to join the Army Reserves in order to add one more critical “piece” to his political resume.
Danny in 2012 confidently assumed that it was highly improbable that his personal safety would be placed at risk in “padding” his political resume by joining the Army Reserve in this capacity. Danny “Duke” Burgess meets all the accepted criteria to be deemed a weasel.
Watch Danny closely because once elected with the Corporate cCampaign CA$H and other assorted perquisites he will be beyond the accountability of the people that he purports to want to represent. I did say politics around here was dysfunctional did I not? John Russell, for CorporatistNation
CORRECTION: In this video I misspoke in stating that Danny was the “predecessor” of Will Weatherford who will be running for U.S. Senate in 2016.
I intended to state that Danny’Duke” Burgess was the hand picked, well connected as we see here, SUCCESSOR to outgoing Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, Will Weatherford.
It can only get more pathetic. At least you the voter will know who to blame whether you choose to or not, for the adverse decision making that comes out of Tallahasse.
More on Danny’s Uncle, "Pat" McCrory, CURRENTLY Governor of North Carolina
Governor McCrory graduated from Ragsdale High School in Jamestown, North Carolina. He attended Catawba College in Salisbury, NC where he received degrees in Political Science and Education.
In January 2009, McCrory was named a Partner with Charlotte-based McCrory & Company, a sales consulting firm.[10] In January 2010, McCrory was named a Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives for Charlotte-based law firm Moore & Van Allen PLLC.
McCrory will continue to participate as a partner with McCrory & Company.[4] Info on Governor McCrory from Wikipedia
Profile Information
Member since: Fri Feb 28, 2014, 03:55 PMNumber of posts: 2,104