Floridians are being shortchanged and are suffering a huge disservice from their so-called political "leaders" in Florida. It's stunning. No, I'm not just talking about Rick Scott. Things were bad in the legislature under Republican control long before Dr. Evil came to Florida, met his residency requirement, then inserted himself as CEO while gutting Florida for profit, bowing at the altar of big business.
Sure, Rick Scott gets most of the attention these days both locally and nationally because of his sheer gall, not to mention his death stare. But there are many, MANY others deserving of attention, not only for their unbelievably bad political policies and decisions, but for their utter stupidity.
Case in point: Florida House Speaker Will Weatherford.
Weatherford, (R-ALEC), who, on the issue of water quality and quantity in Florida, says what's the rush?
Two large water measures are floating in the Senate this year. And at least 200 water advocates from across the state rallied outside the Historic Capitol on Tuesday. But next year will probably bring a better chance for more comprehensive reforms.
House Speaker Will Weatherford told The News Service of Florida last week that he is “sensitive” to the Senate’s yet-to-be-released natural springs proposal and an equally comprehensive measure pushed by Senate budget chief Joe Negron, R-Stuart, that would redirect and improve the quality of Lake Okeechobee water.
But the House will focus this session on issues “we can control, Weatherford said.
Focusing on things "we can control." I suppose by that, Weatherford is referring to things like women's bodies and health choices, who lives or dies with or without access to health care (like Watherford's family), and for those who can afford to see a doctor, determine how their doctors can treat them? Like gerrymandering, and controlling who can and can't vote?
These are all these things he can control, but making sure that the water Floridans drink won't eventually sicken them, or worse, and anything beyond sitting back and watching pollution choke our natural resources is a bridge too far?
Yes, this Will Weatherford who just doesn't have the time and says Florida's water issues are so difficult they must wait, is the same Will Weatherford who can whip up so-called "ethincs" and campaign finance bills no one reads and without debate faster than you can say "where's my wallet?" when he has to. Used car salesmen have nothing on this guy. (My sincere apologies to used car salesmen for the comparison.)
Far be it from me to point out to Weatherford that "controlling" things that promote the well being of the state and its citizens is pretty much his job description. It's what legislators are elected to do. He didn't get where he is by telling people "Vote for me and I promise you I'll destroy your quality of life!" but he seems hell-bent on doing just that. Power combined with money is a dangerous drug and it makes some people do stupid things. For someone who claims to be deeply religious, he has a funny way of showing it. Coming from a family who lived in economic ruin, forced to live in less than adequate conditions, he now seems to be using his power to drive others into a similar situation. Well, except for the part where today's Florida families in economic ruin can get Medicaid, of course.
But wait, there's more:
“I think we’ll tackle a lot of the funding issues, this year,” Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, said. “I think there is an opportunity for us to address some of the policies issues, but water is so broad, you have water quality, you have water quantity, water infrastructure and how we move water resources.”
Weatherford has also deferred water policy issues to Rep. Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, who has said he wants to make water a priority when he becomes speaker in 2015.
"Water is so broad?" Quite the statement from someone as "deep" as Weatherford. While I'm all for someone who seems too dense for water issues deferring to someone else, how about deferring to someone who knows what they're doing, and maybe not waiting for two years to do so? Florida Republicans are clearly not up to the job, and we can't afford to wait. Are these Republicans just ignorant, divorced from reality, or do they simply not care? I suspect it's some of all three.
Money, power, ignorance, and bullying. Combine them all, and it's just another day at the office for the Republicans in Tallahassee.
I'll let Weatherford's own words about his colorful past sum it up for you:
He spent the night in jail.
He says the fight began after a belligerent drunk bumped into his 16-year-old brother, Sam.
"So I took care of it," said Weatherford.
Asked to explain further, he said: "I think I punched him in the face. Got him on the ground, and then, when I had him on the ground, I was beating on him.
"I wouldn't do that now."
No, he wouldn't do that now. He just became a lawmaker instead, and for anyone in Florida who just wants to live a decent life with things like health care, public safety, and clean water?
Well, consider yourself punched in the face.
