DAVID SWANSON spoke at Books and Books
                                                                         
The Coral Gables Area Democratic Club co-hosted author and activist David Swanson, in an event which attracted over one hundred people at Books and Books on October 14, 2009.  Swanson spoke of the need to make dramatic changes to rein in the expansion of executive power which occurred during the Bush-Cheney presidency. He also warned of consequences should the supreme court rule  that corporations have a right to freedom of speech under the constitution. Granting  corporations this right would in effect over- turn much of the campaign finance laws enacted during the last decade. Introducing Swanson was Nicole Sandler, local radio and Air America talk show radio host. 
 
For more information visit his website:  http://davidswanson.org  

 

Gaines of Healthcare for all Florida to speak in Washington D.C. 

Peggy Gaines' grassroots organization Healthcare for All Florida along with The National Academies of Practice and other organizations conducted a Congressional Briefing and Press Conference Friday, March 27.   Under the theme of "We can Change Health Care: Working Until it is Done", the hearing featured patients, providers and clergy speaking about this issue.

The two local patients described their stories of health care problems.  Louis Garcia, a successful restaurant owner spoke of how the combination of cancer, diabetes and a heart condition has caused his premiums to escalate to $2,500 monthly.  Maria Perez spoke on behalf of her son who suffers from Type 1 diabetes that has left him so ravaged that he became legally blind, can not qualify for private insurance or qualify for public programs.

Congressman John Conyers, who attended the session, called the stories "compelling."  A letter was read from Florida Congressman Robert Wexler in support of National Academies of Practice and their call for health care access for all.   

Peggy is hopeful that by presenting these heart-wrenching stories, her organization will be able to convince at least one committee member of the need for universal health care.  "Congress and their staff receive the best care in country" said Peggy.          

Peggy can be reached at gainespeggy@yahoo.com

         Improve Florida Elections

Coral Gables Democrat Club member Cristina Albright  and Miami Dade Democrat Club member  Charlotte Klieman are concerned that Florida elections could once again be subject to improprieties.

 Specifically, they would like to see that the Florida Legislature pass legislation that audits be conducted before official certification of the ballot.  At present, audits are conducted after the election results have been certified.  In the event that there is a flaw in the electronic voting machine, an audit conducted after the vote is certified would be much more difficult, if not impossible to correct.

Florida would not be alone in calling for random audits.  Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New Mexico, Washington and West Virginia have already addressed this issue.

Albright and Klieman have drafted a petition which they would like to see presented to the Florida legislators so that appropriate action could be passed during the 2010 session.  To discuss the changes they have proposed, contact Charlotte Klieman at charbbk@bellsouth.net or Cristina Albright at cristinaalbright@hotmail.com. 

 FairDistrictsFlorida.org is an organization that is proposing that new standards be made and incorporated as a constitutional amendment to the Florida constitution.  The amendment will  prohibit drawing up districts to favor the incumbent; will require that districts do not deny racial nor language minorities; and require that districts are compact, equal in population as feasible and contiguous.