Our Dean/DFA leader takes on K. Harris's cousin, gets good write-up.

[madfloridian]

I posted previously about the way the Republicans had totally taken over the tribute to the veterans here, using it as a political gimmick. A couple of our local Dems are fighting back, and they just got credit from the political editor. This is a good write-up.

Troutman is Katherine Harris's cousin.Which does not endear him to us. He also allowed a lobbyist to write his water bill.

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2004404260335
SNIP..."State Rep. Baxter Troutman said he started 10 months ago planning his troop salute set for Saturday at the Chain of Lakes Stadium. Gov. Jeb Bush and first lady Laura Bush are scheduled to attend...."

SNIP.."But some Democrats say Troutman, a Winter Haven Republican, is making the event a gimmick for his re-election campaign. They plan to hold a counter-troop salute Friday night at the courthouse in Bartow

SNIP...."Richard Blank was one of the local organizers for the Howard Dean for President campaign and is now organizing the other troop salute, set for 8 p.m. Friday in the parking lot just north of the new courthouse in Bartow.

"I really think it is shameful for Baxter to use this troop salute to help his campaign," Blank said.

Blank and others organizing the opposing event have asked that participants bring flashlights.

"This will be a candlelight vigil honoring all veterans from all of our wars and honoring the troops now fighting," Blank said. "These people (Republicans) have done the most to hurt veterans and now they are clawing to honor them," he said."

[madfloridian]

1. Update on our non-political rally.

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040424/NEWS/404240357/1004

SNIP...."WINTER HAVEN -- A May 1 salute to the troops here will have an impressive guest list headed by first lady Laura Bush.

The president's wife is expected to join her brother-in-law, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, and other politicians and military brass in a show of support for troops, past and present.

Dubbed "Operation Troop Salute," the event will be from 12:30-4 p.m. next Saturday at the Chain of Lakes Stadium, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd......"
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
So one of our local group, our DFA Meet-Up host, has organized our own, asking that no political stuff go on. Just a ceremony to honor the troops.

The Non-Political Rally to honor veterans.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
DATE: APRIL 30TH
PLACE: BARTOW

NORTH PARKING LOT OF NEW COURTHOUSE

TIME: 8:30 PM

BRING A FLASHLIGHT
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
This is to be held as a "non-political event" in our area, as is to be purely a tribute to veterans. It is meant to especially honor those veterans of the Iraq War.

This is an attempt by one of our local Democracy for America Meet-Up members to have an event that is just to honor the military. I deleted the phone number but will be glad to share if you are close enough.

[madfloridian]

2. More coverage on this rally! We are going to make a difference.

Here is what this article forgets. The editor forgets that over half of us here blame the Bushes for this war. We do NOT want to go to a rally with Laura Bush and Jeb Bush. We simply do not. They have promised to print a response from Richard tomorrow. I do love a good fight. They said they will print letters tomorrow if they can.

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040427/NEWS/404270323/1036/EDIT

SNIP.."Well, it's not a perfect world. Troutman had a good idea for honoring returning troops, and there's no point in complaining about it. It would have been just as good an idea if an elected Democrat had proposed it.

Richard Blank, another Democrat, is even organizing a rival troop salute, in front of the Polk County Courthouse in Bartow, at 8 p.m. Friday.

That's pointless. Supporting our troops shouldn't be a matter of partisanship, even though it's impossible to keep all political considerations out of such an event...."