New District Maps

Impressions from three Campaign Rallies

Over the last two weeks, I’ve been able to attend local campaign rallies for Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich. The events were all a little different, given the characteristics of the candidates and the campaigns.

On January 12, Mitt Romney held an event at the Palm Beach County Civic Center. The rally had been delayed an hour by a scheduling issue, announced the day prior, which may have accounted for the long line of people waiting to get in when we arrived about a half hour early. Once inside the dark, windowless room it looked like a large crowd, but that was deceiving as the room was relatively small and half was roped off for a press area. There was a raised platform in the middle of the space so the crowd could completely surround it. A large press contingent was present with the front of the center crowded with video trucks and a large area of tables for reporters to file stories from their laptops. At this point, Governor Romney was considerably ahead in the polls and press accomodation was a feature of his events. Many of the local Republican establishment were present, including former Congressman Clay Shaw. Many in the crowd we spoke with were still undecided, but leaning to the Governor as the candidate with the best choice to defeat the President. The crowd was in the 500 range, including an overflow room.

Governor Romney’s speech was quite well received and mostly positive, in a Reaganesque “morning in America” sort of way. He contrasted Obama “managing the decline” of America versus his seeing our best days ahead of us. Although I didn’t feel that he really “fired up” the crowd, he did generate lots of applause and came across more sincere and genuine than he sometimes does on television. Sprinkled throughout his address were references to the founding documents, particularly the Declaration, which seems to be a theme in all the campaigns now. When he was done, he worked the crowd for 10 or 15 minutes and seemed to enjoy the interaction. I came away thinking that although he was not my first choice in the primary, I could support this man if he wins the nomination. Event synopsis: professional, conventional, low-key.

On Sunday, 7/22, Senator Rick Santorum paid a visit to Wings Plus in Coral Springs. A portable enclosed stage had been set up at the end of the parking lot and a lot of local politicians were in evidence. Michael Warns and his band livened things for the crowd of about 300 who filled the parking lot along with a handful of media. The candidate arrived without fanfare.

The Senator gave an inspiring 40 minute speech, filled with policy positions, strong statements about preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and a clear contrast from his opponents who he painted as having supported both health care mandates and the bank bailouts. He made a good case that he has been consistent in his conservative positions, even when it was not popular. He offered the proposition that is compelling: that he would be better positioned than either Romney or Gingrich to win the swing states like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. As he has done throughout the campaign, Sentator Santorum has been calm and steady – almost subtle in his appeal compared to the drama coming out of the other campaigns. At the end of the day this may win if the others burn out, but his style is not garnering the same level of media attention as the others. The crowd of mostly Santorum supporters was receptive and supportive. Event synopsis: focused, clear, low budget.

Finally, on Wednesday 7/25, Newt Gingrich also paid a visit to Wings Plus. The location was the same, but the enclosed stage had been replaced by a low platform and a large arch of red, white and blue balloons. The event was originally announced for 10:30 AM, but postponed to 11:30 with little notice. The candidate did not actually arrive until 12:45 as the crowd added to their sunburns in the hot parking lot. The entrance was fitting for a candidate who has admitted to the adjective “grandiose”. First the sound system cranked up with some impressive flourishes that seemed reminiscent of the Roman Empire. Then the large bus with a three foot high face of Newt pulled up behind the platform accompanied by a police motorcycle escort with lights flashing. Finally, after giving us a few minutes to absorb the scene, the candidate and wife Callista emerged from the cavernous vehicle to the cheers of the enthusiastic crowd of 1200 or so. The crowd differed a little from the Santorum and Romney events as it seemed more diverse and with a wider spread of ages. There was even a short presentation by representatives of high school and college Yourg Republican groups.

Newt Gingrich is very good on the stump. His speech was full of red meat and stark contrasts between him and Barack Obama (”paychecks or foodstamps”). He easily deflected and ridiculed a heckler in the crowd (who turned out to be former Lake Worth Commissioner Cara Jennings). Of the three, Newt made the most direct appeal for support in the primary, and laid out how he would conduct the general election if he were the nominee. If the President were to turn him down on his offer of a series of 3 hour “Lincoln – Douglas” debates for example, he claims he will follow Lincoln’s example and follow Obama around the country, appearing in the same places 4 hours delayed. Hope he has the money for a 747 like Air Force One. As we were walking back to the car – a gentleman talking to his wife said – he sure gives a good speech and is a good talker but can you trust him? That is the rub. Event synopsis: Grandiose, disorderly, compelling.

Some pictures from the events:

Gun Case Resolved for Tea Party Patriots Leader Mark Meckler

Mark Meckler and about 15 other concerned citizens across the US, ignited the tea party movement in 2009.  He, with Jenny Beth Martin and others, founded the Tea Party Patriots.  The Tea Party Patriots has grown to over 3500 affiliated tea party groups across the country.

Many of our SF912 members may have met Mark last September when he and Dawn Wildman visited all three of our chapters of our sister organization, the Palm Beach County Tea Party.  This article describes an awful situation that arose recently and is an indicator as to just how messed up our country has become!

Just before Christmas, you may have read that Mark was arrested in LaGuardia airport on a firearms charge.  The liberal media portrayed this as a major arrest and that Mark was facing 15 years in prison due to a firearms charge.  This situation has been resolved positively Mark can finally explain what happened.   Since our major media outlets will not cover this positive outcome, I want to share Mark’s statement with you.  It is lengthy but well worth the read!

From Mark Meckler:

On December 15, 2011 at approximately 5:15 a.m., I was at LaGuardia International airport preparing to check in for a flight out of the city.  During a routine check-in, I requested a firearms declaration form from the ticket agent.  It was my intent to declare and check my unloaded firearm.

I purchased this firearm legally, and I have a valid concealed carry permit for it issued in California.  The unloaded gun was locked inside a TSA-approved travel case, and the case was locked inside my checked luggage.  I carry the firearm for my personal safety, having received numerous threats due to my role in the Tea Party Patriots.  I have checked this firearm at airports dozens of times before, all across the country.

As I traveled through LaGuardia that morning, I passed TSA signs telling me I had the right to check this unloaded firearm in my luggage, and that I am required by law to declare the firearm to the ticketing agent.  This is exactly what I did.

The ticketing agent provided me with the declaration form, and I signed it and returned it to her.  She advised me that she would need to call Port Authority police to inspect.  This is not unusual when traveling with a firearm.  Procedures vary from airport to airport, from airline to airline, and even from day to day, and as a law-abiding citizen, I have always been happy to cooperate.

Unfortunately, that day, I didn’t realize that I was about to cross paths with New York City’s anti-Second Amendment stance.  Upon showing my case and the weapon to the officer who arrived on the scene, and after a few brief questions, she advised me that she was placing me under arrest for violating New York City’s firearms laws.

To say that I was stunned would be an understatement.  I am from a law enforcement family.  My mother is a retired correctional officer, and I have spent my life around folks from the law enforcement community.  I have always considered myself a law-abiding citizen.  I have never been arrested before.  I have never been in police custody.  I can never say those things again.  On December 15^th, 2011, I was arrested, handcuffed at the ticket counter, and taken to a waiting squad car for transport to the Port Authority Police station at LaGuardia.

I was subsequently transferred, in handcuffs, to the Queens Central booking facility in New York City.  I was charged with felony possession of a firearm with intent to do harm.  I spent the day in Queens…in jail.

It was a nightmare that I can scarcely describe to you.  Until you have felt the handcuffs on your wrists, and until you have heard that cell door close behind you, it is impossible to understand what it means to actually lose your liberty.  And since that day, my liberty has been at stake, and because of that threat, based upon the advice of counsel, I’ve been unable to publicly speak about this case.  Today the silence ends.

I am pleased to announce that the criminal case against me has been dropped.  Although I was originally charged with a violent felony, the case against me was resolved with a plea to “disorderly conduct. ” Disorderly Conduct is not a felony or a misdemeanor, or even a crime.    The facts underlying my plea are that I declared a legally purchased, properly licensed and unloaded firearm at an airport counter.  Apparently, much to my surprise, in New York City, it is considered “disorderly conduct” to exercise your constitutionally guaranteed, Second Amendment rights.

Strangely, now that the case against me is over,  the authorities refuse to return my firearm.  There is no law that allows them to confiscate a weapon in this manner.  They simply say “no” when you ask for your weapon back.  This is apparently their “policy.”  This is apparently done regularly in New York.  This is government robbery.  Not only is New York City anti-Second Amendment rights, but they are depriving citizens of their legally owned property.  My lawyer has advised me that I can attempt to pursue the return of my firearm, but that to do so would cost me more than the firearm is worth.  I am not alone in facing this tyranny.  It has happened to hundreds of people in the New York metro area.  My lawyer, Brian Stapleton, has handled over 400 of these cases himself, so he is an expert on the subject.

While the end of this case is the end of a horrible nightmare for my family and I, it is not the end of this fight.  It is just the beginning.  Since the original incident, I have received more emails, phone calls, texts and tweets of support than you can possibly imagine.  To those people, I want to say heart-felt thanks on behalf of my entire family.  We have come to know that we are not alone in this particular fight.  Apparently, this happens to hundreds of people per year in New York City.  And New York City is not alone in its attack on our rights.  This sort of Constitutional abuse, Second Amendment and otherwise, is taking place all over the nation.  And we as citizens must stand against it.  We must protect our rights, or we will lose them.

Many of you know me as someone who is willing to stand and fight for self-governance in this country.   I’m no politician, and I’m not from a powerful or connected family.   I’m an average American citizen.  And I stand shoulder to shoulder with millions of other Americans who, despite enormous obstacles, and despite the politicians and ruling elite who oppose us, intend to return this country to the bounds of the United States Constitution.

The politicians and ruling elite will try, but we must not let them label us Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal.  We cannot let them make us fight against each other.  Too much is at stake.  We the People are losing our sovereignty to the government.   We the People, must stand and fight for our inalienable rights.

I’m not alone in this fight.  There are so many laws, that no one can possibly know or understand them.  We are all affected.  From the inner city to the farm, from the heartland of America to the coasts, people are under pressure from a government that no longer serves them.   From my home in California, to the farmland of Kansas… from the small towns of South Carolina to the metropolis of New York, every year the legislatures pass thousands of laws and regulations that do not serve the people.

The legislators don’t read the bills they pass, and even if they did, they couldn’t understand them.  Our criminal justice system is terribly broken, and no longer serves the people and the communities it was intended to serve.  Our regulatory system is broken; small businesses and the communities that rely on them crushed under the weight of unnecessary regulation.

We are, step by step, destroying the heart of America.  And we are doing so because we are not governing ourselves according to the Constitution.  It’s up to us…the People.

It’s time to stand for self-governance.  It is time to stand for the plain meaning of the Constitution.  Every word of the Constitution is important, and we must fight for them all.  We must fight for every inch of this country, from the inner city to the smallest rural town.  We are, all of us, first and foremost, American citizens.  We’ve always governed ourselves…and we always intend to.  And we’ve always been willing to stand when freedom is at stake.   It is time to stand…time for all of us, every race, every religion, every gender, every American to stand up and fight for liberty and take responsibility for governing ourselves.

No one should ever have to go through what my family has been through, simply for exercising a fundamental right, specifically enumerated in the United States Constitution.  I am committed to making sure no one does.  And I’m willing to work with anyone…anyone, who agrees that it’s time for the people to govern themselves once again.

Will we as citizens fight for our inalienable right to govern ourselves, or will we quietly allow ourselves to be “governed” into submission by a ruling elite, disconnected from our citizens and our communities?  Only history will tell, but I intend to fight.

Mark Meckler

PPP Event provides new GOP Primary Candidate insights

The joint Presidential Preference Profile Event between South Florida 912 and Palm Beach County Tea Party was held at the First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach.  We’d like to give special thanks to the First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach for allowing us to use these beautiful facilities, and for making the arrangements.  Thanks especially to Jimmy Scroggins, Senior Pastor and Linda Thornton, Senior Pastor Assistant and all who were involved.  And thanks to Joy Stone, member of the congregation, and a member of both South Florida 912 and Palm Beach County Tea Party for making the initial contacts for us.

The event was intended to inform the grassroots activist members of both groups about the candidates in the upcoming January 31st Florida GOP Presidential Preference Primary, and to provide them with additional information to motivate them to join the campaigns for the final 3 weeks prior to the primary.

Pam Wohlschlegel, Chairman and County Coordinator for Palm Beach County Tea Party and Florida Chair for Tea Party Patriots. introduced David DiCrescenzo, Publisher/Editor in Chief of The Patriots Press and long-time South Florida 912 member, who led us in a heart-felt, moving invocation. Then Jason Shields, another long-time South Florida 912 member and leader, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Pam asked for a show of hands on how many undecideds were in the audience. Over 60% percent raised their hands. She spoke about the hard work ahead and how both PBCTP and South Florida 912 plan to work together to achieve success in 2012. Cooperation, Collaboration and Communication were to be the hallmarks of 2012!

Pam turned the podium over to Shannon Armstrong, Founder of South Florida 912. Shannon asked the attendees how many went to the first 9/12 March on DC in 2009.  Several in the audience had.  She asked us to consider how much intensity we felt then and in the 2010 election campaign and did we feel that now?  If not – we have to look within ourselves and regain that intensity as we head towards this most important election in 2012.  She then introduced the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Brian Mudd, Program Director 1290 WJNO & 1230 WBZT Financial Analyst & Co-host for The Morning Rush.

Brian also spoke motivationally – encouraging all of us to listen to the candidates’ positions and to pick our candidate, but to all get behind the eventual winner to ensure a win in 2012.  He asked Fred Scheibl, long-time member of South Florida 912 and co-founder of Palm Beach County Tea Party, to explain what the evening was about.  Fred gave the ground rules. 

Each of the candidate representatives were to have 5 minutes to discuss their candidates values on:  

•  Leadership – what makes a good leader, who they admire
•  Character – which attributes of character are most important, which guide their lives
•  Worldview – what is America’s role in the next 20 years, what are our top three economic problems, top three foreign policy challenges?
•  Quality of Solutions – What is the major advantages of your tax plan, your doctrine on foreign interventions, your approach to the size of government
•  Governing style – How will you get things done?  How will you “change Washington?”  How will you differ from Barack Obama?  From George Bush?

The next portion of the agenda was to discuss Policy Positions and each surrogate could pick from any of the following areas and speak for another 5 minutes:  Tax Reform, Spending and Deficit, Size of Government, 10th Amendment, Health Care, Regulations, Trade/China, UN/NATO/EU, Arab Spring, Role of the Military.

Finally – the reps would get 3 minutes each to wrap up and solicit volunteers, after which Brian would moderate 10 minutes of questions.

Fred explained that the PPP Voters’ Guide was a combination of responses provided by each of the campaigns coupled with the research done by several Palm Beach County Tea Party and South Florida 912 members.  The complete guide is 44 pages long, but the 4 page summary is also available online.  Thanks to all of the members who participated – in particular Alex Berry, Richard Bock, Joe Burge, Barry Carson, Mary Farrell, Laura Henning, Gary Summers and Kim Winker.

Brian then introduced the candidate surrogates:

  For Newt Gingrich: Tami Donnally, PBC Co-Chairman
  For Ron Paul: Francisco Rodriguez, PBC Co-Coordinator
  For Rick Perry: Craig Briscoe, Southwest FL Regional Director
  For Mitt Romney: Fran Hancock, PBC Co-Chairman
  For Rick Santorum: Starla Brown, Southeast FL Regional Coordinator

Each of the surrogates were volunteer activists with extensive experience.  All should be congratulated on the amount of work they put into preparing for the Event and in their outstanding detailed and eloquent descriptions of their candidates Worldview and Policies.  Thanks to all of you!  Well done!

Ed Fulop – South Florida 912 Project organizer and long-time member served as our time-keeper.  The representatives had clearly timed their presentations and most finished well-within their allotted timeframes!

Mid-way through the presentations, Brian pointed out the quality, depth and caliber of the positions of any and all of the GOP candidates when contrasted with the current administration.  We should be proud to support any of these folks!

After the Q&As, Fred gave the current results of the member Surveys from both the South Florida 912 and Palm Beach County Tea Party websites.  When tallied together,  the tied overall winners were Congressman Paul and Senator Santorum.  The survey remains on the websites and you are welcome to continue to take and/or modify your ratings of the candidates.

Finally, Jason Shields announced the 50:50 winner and the meeting concluded.  Many stayed to talk with the various candidates representatives.

Thanks to all who participated.  Please feel free to distribute the links to the complete Voters’ Guide and to hand-out/print-out the short version to all whom you think may benefit from it.  We want informed voters at the upcoming Primary and hope these tools will assist you in your decisions.

Pictures from Iris:

Update on the hospital visit and 912 in action

Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year, fellow Patriots

As we all transition from the December winter holidays into January’s new year, I just wanted to say “THANK YOU” to everyone who donated presents this year to so many children through our Palms West Hospital “Holiday Toy Story” gift drive. To each of you who donated toys, games, stuffed animals and other children’s gifts… ***THANK YOU***.

Our 10th annual Christmas and Hanukkah toy drive was only made possible by your generosity.

On December 24th, Christmas Eve, my wife Shannon and I led our children down the hallways of the pediatric ward at Palms West Hospital to begin handing out your donations.

It is powerful to see the impact that a few people can really make, to bring SMILES and JOY to the faces of the toddlers, children and teenagers of our community spending their Hanukkah or Christmas in a HOSPITAL BED. Some of the biggest tears I saw came from the parents, standing bedside beside their children…

In only 48 minutes, our gift bags were emptied. The enthusiasm is infectious, as kids in adjacent rooms begin to wonder what all the commotion and laughter in the hallways is from. Let me tell you: In less than an hour, your holiday spirit touched a lot of kids and parents. I just wanted to share a couple stories…

- Byron, aged 5. Sitting upright in his pajamas besides his mother. Byron’s scalp was bald, an effect from his leukemia treatments. He was so ill, he was the only child that seemed unable to smile. But when asked if he would like to choose a toy or gift – he chose a game of “Cup Pong” because he could play a ball game without having to move much!

- Elijah, aged 2. HUGE brown eyes, just the sweetest looking little boy! Scooped up in his mother’s arms, Elijah smiled to the sight of a stuffed animal he picked out. His mother asked us if we could think of him in our prayers this Christmas – he is in need of a liver transplant and needs a donor.

- Ethan, aged 3. Wanted to go home this Christmas, because he’s tired of his brother pulling him “too fast” in his little red wagon around the hallways LOL!

- Whyllie, aged 13. Suffering from complications of sickle cell. When he saw the soccer ball, he lit right up – as weakly as he was – telling us that he grew up playing soccer in Jamaica, and he LOVED soccer.

- Sincere, aged 10. The nurse told us Sincere is “my favorite”. He has been a regular in Palms West from the time he was born – he knows them all by name. She said when the nurses kiss him, he gets bashful. Sincere has had a kidney disease since birth, and feels great chronic pain. He pointed at a floppy-eared stuffed dog, and just SQUEEZED him with the sweetest, most heartfelt hug you can imagine.

- Brandon, aged 12 months old. Little Brandon was diagnosed a couple months ago with cancer… he had a “Happy Birthday” balloon attached to his crib walls . We were out of “infant” toys and animals when we got to him. We asked Mom, “ Is there anything you think he would like?” My son thought he would like a football – when he placed it beside the baby, he shrieked with glee when the football wobbled. SO funny! So sweet… we can’t cure his cancer, but shoot – for a minute, that little guy laughed – and that made his mother smile.

- Dylan, aged 3 – he told us he likes to be called “Superman!” He had a little cast on his arm. When we came in the room with toys, his breath drew in – “WHAAH!!” We just laughed – so adorable.

As we left the hospital, after scrubbing our hands and arms with sanitizer after washing up, we got an unexpected surprise… “Superman” Dylan was LEAVING THE HOSPITAL. Mom beamed that her baby got to go home for Christmas. He told my kids, with a tear in his eye, “I’m going HOME! I’m going to see SANTA!!”

I can’t describe what that feels like.

THANK YOU, everyone, for making this year’s holiday a Christmas & Hanukkah that a few local kids will NEVER forget. (NOR their parents.)

Happy New Year…
Douglas and Shannon Armstrong

End of year celebration with South Florida 912

A core group of long-term South Florida 912 members along with some newcomers met at The Original Pancake House on Tuesday night for a year-end celebration.  As usual – thanks so much to Mickey Polulack for setting up his sound system and to the Original Pancake House for the space and prompt service.

Shannon Armstrong – co-founder, kicked off the meeting.  Doug Armstrong, co-founder, led us in the invocation and Alexa and Hunter Armstrong led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Shannon spoke about our Value of the Month – Moderation, and what it meant to her personally.  We have covered all twelve of the Values of South Florida 912, and next year, will discuss the nine Principles.  Shannon talked about the importance of having volunteer to help the group, especially with all we have ahead of us in 2012.  If you would like to volunteer in any capacity from helping with events and meetings, helping with research or writing posts for the website, or posting on facebook, please don’t hesistate to send an email to info@southflorida912.org. 

Fred Scheibl spoke about our upcoming event, co-hosted with Palm Beach County Tea Party – the Presidential Preference Primary Portfolio Event event on January 10th – moderated by Brian Mudd of WJNO.  He also suggested that everyone take the Survey, which may help those undecided on their candidate for the January 31st GOP Primary.  Only 4 of the attendees had committed to a candidate so far.  Iris Scheibl spoke about the upcoming Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners meeting.  Many in our group had worked hard to ensure we had an Independent Inspector General, yet at last month’s meeting, the Commission prevented Ms. Steckler from hiring to cover two new contracts.  The item, 5D1 is on the agenda for next Tuesday’s meeting.  We may need members to come speak on the 20th and will post a call to action, should it be necessary.

Virginia Brooks, of the PBC Christian Coalition, spoke about a gambling issue that will also be on Tuesday’s County Commission agenda.  She has a Call to Action on her website  and is asking for folks to write and call their Commissioners.  Carol Hurst piped in that gambling did no good to the communities around Atlantic City.

Linda Wummer told us of her experience, during her Thanksgiving dinner celebrations at Indiantown Marina, of reading a patriotic creed and getting an outstanding reception.  This was in line with what Shannon had spoken of earlier – that we should all be talking to people, starting conversations in the supermarket or when around others with innocuous statements such as ‘food prices have sure gone up lately’… and then lead into – why is that?

Mike Lamayer, running for FL Senate District 25 spoke briefly.  Hunter handed out candy canes and assisted in the 50:50, the winner of which kindly donated the $50 back to the group.

Many folks hung around quite awhile after the meeting, enjoying each others’ company and conversation.

Wishing all of our members a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All.

Moderation, the last Value

Moderation:
1. the quality of being moderate; restraint; avoidance of extremes or excesses; temperance.
2. the act of moderating.

in moderation, without excess; moderately; temperately: to drink in moderation.

In this journey throughout the year of reviewing the 12 values that our group is based on, we are hoping to better ourselves in the process as well as to find quality people to represent us that also adhere to the values of South Florida 912.

Moderation, as the last of the Values, is a really tough one. To live temperately is a very hard task for most; to spend moderately or eat moderately or even drink moderately, may be a very difficult task. I personally have been working this year on spending moderately: Learning to save, pay off debts and recover from many past bad financial decisions. It has been one journey of epic proportions to say the least,and may possibly be fodder for a book some day. However my family and I took this challenge on at the beginning of the year and as the end of the year approaches, we still have so much farther to go.  But we are living moderation every day in order to make the changes needed.

We need moderation by our Congress and Tallahassee and our County Commission.  They need moderation in spending of our money; and at times they need to be able to choose to not spend it at all.

Moderation in behavior, for example, how a person dresses or how a person acts, represents them and their family at all times. I talk to my children about this all the time:  when they leave the house, even if  electronically (e.g. Facebook etc…) they represent our family.  It is a quality that is important when trying to find someone to represent us in the political realm as well.

Moderation in the use of electronics and watching TV is important too. We must during this Christmas season be careful to use moderation with our purchases and to be sure to spend quality time with our families, such as playing games, playing catch, going on hikes or sitting by a campfire or just talking. We can get consumed without moderation by the electronics, the spending, the drinking, the socializing and not be focused on what is truly important:  our family, our friends, and our relationship with God. Once these are focused and in line, then we can then be sure to help out and volunteer in our community as well as monitor the news and participate as much as we can.

We need representatives who use moderation in their personal and physical behaviours,  however not necessarily, in their politics.  We seek a true conservative to lead us in 2012. It is true that our choices for 2012 may not be what we had originally hoped for, however we need to seek the best candidate that is a true conservative and lives by the values of our group.

Merry Christmas and be safe and well.

God Bless You,

The Armstrong Family

Jam-packed agenda focused on 2012 with Susan Bucher

South Florida 912 had its November meeting at the Lantana Branch of the PBC Library last night.  Since this was a different night of the week than we usually meet and it overlapped with a Christian Coalition’s meeting, we joined forces.  Also present were quite a few folks from the Palm Beach County Tea Party.

Shannon Armstrong, co-founder, kicked off the meeting and then introduced Doug Armstrong, co-founder to lead us in the prayer, followed by Virginia Brooks of the Christian Coalition for the Pledge of Allegiance.  Shannon then spoke about the Charity of the Month and how she also needed volunteers to prepare bags, and donate a few food items for serving the needy on Thanksgiving day.

Following a brief introduction about getting active in the 2012 cycle, Shannon turned the meeting over to Doug who gave us a heartfelt talk on Courage – our Value of the Month.  He described his grandparents’ journey to the US from Canada, against a backdrop of them holding an American Flag received when they finally became American citizens in their 50s.  As Doug described other ways in which all of us have to overcome fears and demonstrate Courage, he segued into the Courage it will take for us to turn things around in 2012.

Iris Scheibl described the Election Cycle theme of the meeting and showed a short video about True the Vote and the importance of involvement in the actual election process – from validating registrations to poll-working and poll-watching.  Shannon then introduced Susan Bucher, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections (SOE), our key-note speaker.

Mrs. Bucher talked about the importance of true and honest elections.  She described actions she’s taken in improving the process since taking over from her predecessor.  Besides significant cost-cutting for efficient use of tax-payer dollars, her primary goal is to ensure that the Elections results are the story, and not the inadequacies or delays caused by the SOE!  She spoke about the importance of the roles of poll-worker and poll-watcher and how poll-watchers in the latest Lake Park election earlier in the week did a great job.  Poll-workers are human, and the poll-watcher can go a long way in observing and preventing problems.  She encouraged folks to get active in either role.  The Supervisor also mentioned that as long as poll-watchers were properly vetted and had been registered with her – new this year – they can be moved from precinct to precinct as needed – a big improvement over prior years.  She talked about changes that have gone into effect recently – a shorter early voting schedule, rigorous voter registration rules *, and changes in the length of absentee ballot requests.  Also mentioned was that young people are strongly encouraged to become poll-workers and she is doing out-reach in that regard.  She fielded questions from the audience.  Among them were:  What about duplicate registrations and votes, eg by snowbirds, across states? – (FL Secretary of State in Tallahassee would have to do reciprocal efforts with other states); when are absentee ballots counted? – (results tallied first); when can address changes be made?  (can actually made at the precinct when about to vote – although this is strongly discouraged – please correct your address via the SOE prior to coming to vote). 

(Ed. Note: * Mrs. Bucher also said that if a group wants to have a voter registration drive – inform the SOE and they will provide someone to actually handle the voter registrations.  That way one can’t run afoul of the new voter registration law changes.)

Next up was Mark Hoch, Political Director of the Republican Party of Palm Beach County.  Mark talked about how each candidate, ballot issue, and party can have a poll watcher.  People can sign up by contacting him and the Party or via their candidates.  The candidates generally relegate the poll-watcher training to him and he will be conducting sessions prior to each of the elections.

Tara Ford described a plan that she has, working in conjunction with the GOP, to cover early voting locations with volunteers outside of the buildings, manning tents with information and ensuring that solicitation rules are followed.

So – certainly amongst all of these options – there is a way for you to do your part to ensure Honest Elections in 2012!

Announcements and candidates followed the speakers:

Bette Anne Starkey announced an awesome opportunity to see Anita MonCrief and Brandon Darby next Tuesday, 11/15.  Bring your friends of any political persuasion – this is not to be missed if you haven’t heard them before: 

Tami Donnally, County Chair for Team Cain announced a Rally for Cain on Wednesday, 11/16.  If you haven’t had a chance to hear any of the presidential candidates in person – now is the time to do start!

Laura Hanley, Candidate for County Commission District 1 spoke about the Veterans’ Day Parade Friday morning, and then about what she will focus on as a Commissioner.  Her twin daughters then recited a poem that they wrote in support of their mother.  Laura also then kindly volunteered to donate the remaining food item for the Thanksgiving meal, mashed potatoes.

Mike Lamayer, Candidate for Fl Senate District 25 – spoke about votes that his opponent had made recently.

Albert Key – Candidate for County Commission District 1 described a plan he was pursuing for easing foreclosures by having distressed homeowners work with their banks.

Thanks to the set-up and clean-up team for arranging the room, and always to Mickey Polulack for the sound-system!  Also to Alexa Armstrong who announced and collected the 50:50 tickets.  And to the 50:50 winner, David Donnally – who donated his winnings back to South Florida 912.

Check back at the website and in your emails for our December meeting plans!  But get involved and get active.  We get the government we deserve.

Some Pictures of the event:

Commissioner Paulette Burdick featured at our October SF912 meeting

It was Philly Cheesesteak night at Big Al’s Steaks in Legacy Place for our meeting – or at least it seemed that way looking at what most everyone was having for dinner!  Thanks to Adam Costilo for hosting us and for the 912 discount.

Shannon Armstrong, South Florida 912 co-founder, kicked off the meeting, describing some of the group’s history and telling us about upcoming charity activities for November.  She introduced David DiCrescenzo as our MC for the night, who started us off with the prayer, and Matthew Kenney leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

David introduced Marianne Polulack, who had written a post on the website about our Value of the Month – Hard Work.  Marianne eloquently spoke about hard work in all facets of our lives and reminded us that it’ll also be hard work to achieve all that we want to in 2012.  Next, Iris Scheibl introduced County Commissioner District 2, Paulette Burdick.

The Commissioner spoke about the recently passed budget and the difficult budget year ahead of us for 2013.  By taking one-time funds from the ‘Roads’ budget to close the budget gap, we have set ourselves up for an even bigger hole.  Ms. Burdick also described the challenges of having been on the School Board and contrasted it with the County Commission.  She fielded questions from the audience about the water issues, the highway/road budget, fire rescue salaries and the upcoming Charter Review.

After a short break, David introduced Al Costilo (Big Al )  who paid tribute to Joey Vento – recently deceased owner of Geno’s Subs in Philadelphia.  Joey had achieved notariety when he’d posted a sign asking that all food orders be placed in English.  He became a public figure after that.  Al had met him personally when starting up his Big Al’s Steaks stores.  He played a few short videos as well.  Fred Scheibl spoke about the upcoming Fire/Rescue contract negotiations and encouraged others to join in observing the talks.

David  then told us a little bit about what it was like being a reporter at CPAC and Presidency 5.  He got to go behind the scenes and also observe audience response and it was clear that he’d had an amazing experience.  David then introduced Tami Donnally who also had attended CPAC and P5.  She told us why she was supporting Herman Cain and that she was the PBC leader for Cain.  There is a kick-off next Tuesday (posted on the website’s calendar).   Carl Domino attended briefly but was unable to stay until the announcement section of the meeting.  He was going to let us know about the Mitt Romney PBC Kick-off  this Friday.  Please get involved and support/volunteer for your favorite candidate.  The Presidential Primary on January 31 will be here before you know it!

Mike Lamayer, candidate for FL Senate District 25 then spoke about his campaign and issues that are key for him.  Iris Scheibl described two upcoming events – Cut Spending Now Rally next week  and the panel on both sides of dealing with  Illegal Immigration in Florida by the Republican Club of the Palm Beaches on October 27th.  Jason Shields held the 50:50. 

Thanks to the volunteers who greeted everyone, got there early to help set-up and clean-up afterwards.

Our next meeting will be a kick-off for the upcoming Election Year – watch for more details soon!

Herman Cain – What’s all the fuss about?

At 37%, Herman Cain collected more votes at the Florida Straw Poll than both Mitt Romney and Rick Perry combined. How did this happen?

Most delegates came to the P5 convention with a pretty good idea of who they were going to support, and like the national polls would indicate, Rick Perry and Mitt Romney were the overwhelming favorites. In my case, I had pretty much decided to join the Perry campaign after the convention and was seeking a confirmation of that decision.

On Thursday, all the candidates appeared at Ralph Reed’s Faith and Freedom gathering. Perry did OK, giving a variation of his stump speech (”First, don’t spend all the money..”). Most of the others were predictable and although Cain was inspiring, he didn’t really register with me. That evening, at the Fox/Google debate, most candidates held their ground, but Perry faltered badly in two ways. First, he insulted many people on the in-state tuition for illegal aliens issue by saying that if you opposed it you “didn’t have a heart”. Second, a seemingly rehearsed attack on Mitt Romney over flip-flops dissolved into a puddle of incoherence. Not good. Herman Cain again did very well but did not register as I was still working out how to overlook Perry’s problems and rationalize my support for him.

On Friday, at the CPAC conference, Perry had ample opportunity to better explain his tuition stance but declined to do so. He could have explained that unlike the federal Dream Act, in Texas it involves no amnesty and simply applies the in-state rules to “residents”. Furthermore, it was passed with an overwhelming majority in the legislature and many other states provide the same kind of program. (I was still rationalising my support). Once again, Herman Cain was impressive.

On Saturday morning, we attended the Rick Perry breakfast. This would be the fourth time to see him and another chance at redemption. The breakfast was impressive – a full fancy buffet, and there was seating for over 1000. By my count, about 500 were in attendance and many of the seats were empty. After a while, the candidate entered from the corner of the large room and was immediately mobbed by press and eager supporters as he slowly made his way toward the center of the room. It had been announced that he would “greet everyone personally” and many of us waited for him to make his way to our side of the room. After 45 minutes of this he had not crossed the center line of the room and those on our side were visibly annoyed that they were sitting on their hands waiting for the guy. Finally, he makes for the stage and delivers 8 minutes of warmed over remarks (”First don’t spend all the money”). Four chances, four flops. Finally we have crossed the line and start thinking about which other candidate to support, but we will give him one more chance in his afternoon speech before the straw poll.

Not. By the afternoon, Rick Perry was on his way to Michigan and left a “surrogate” to speak for him. Scratch Rick Perry from further consideration.

That left (for me) Herman Cain, Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum. Mitt Romney stopped being a choice long ago for many reasons too long to go into here. The others are clearly not in the same league. So we listened to the speeches with an open mind. Cain, Santorum and Gingrich had stayed to deliver their closing remarks, others had surrogates, Bachmann and Romney did not participate. Many around us were having second thoughts about Perry as well, particularly those with a “tea party” orientation. The more mainstream Republicans were comfortably in the Romney camp.

When Herman Cain made his remarks, the room came alive. This is what we were waiting for since Thursday. In my notes I wrote: Broad coverage of the issues, executive style, ARTICULATED VISION, powers of persuasion, and projection of leadership. He pressed all the right (conservative) buttons, but did it in a way that was clear, concise, motivating and persuasive. You could see this guy standing next to Barack Obama and wiping the stage with him. The excitement was palpable.

At that point I decided to vote for Herman Cain. Taking to heart Andrew Brietbart’s advice to not let the media define who is “electable”, I voted my heart. He may not win the nomination or even the Florida primary as there is a rough ride ahead, but now, today, this is a man who can be President.

Watch the video from the Saturday event and decide for yourself:

Part 1

Part 2

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