|
Therefore, many didn't bother to vote at all. Others, like myself, voted knowing that our choice would not matter because we had been stripped by the DNC of our delegates.
For the seventh time this week, here is the complete story of what happened in Florida.
If they seat our delegates, thousands of Democrats will never again trust or support our party. It's bad enough when the repugs disenfranchise millions of votes but to have our voices and our votes stolen by our own party is reprehensible.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: FLORIDA’S DELEGATES TO CONVENTION
February 27, 2008
Dear Sir:
I am beginning to see more and more letters asking that Florida’s delegates be seated at the National Democratic Convention and that their votes be counted. To clarify this matter, once and for all and, as a member of Hernando County Democratic Executive Committee and an elected Precinct Committeewoman, here are the true facts.
The rules governing the date(s) of our primary are in writing and very clearly written. It is so easy to place blame on Howard Dean, the head of our National Party, but why? Governor Dean has followed the rules to the letter and that is as it should be. When the Republican dominated State Legislature overwhelmingly voted to change/move up the primary date, our Florida State Chairwoman, Karen Thurman, was offered financial assistance by Governor Dean so that the Democrats could hold a caucus and thereby escape any penalties. This offer of assistance was turned down by our state party leader(s). Why? This would have left all our delegates intact and eligible to cast their votes at the Convention.
For many months, at many events she attended, Karen Thurman spoke of Hillary Clinton as our “next President”, a clear violation of the bylaws which state that we may not promote one candidate over another prior to the selection of our party’s nominee. At the State Convention, Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Shultz announced from the platform, “..our next President, Hillary Rodham Clinton” much to the dismay of many attendees who were supporting other candidates. Literally a hundred or more signs for Hillary went up around the room….thought the candidates had agreed not to campaign in Florida (I was turned down by Edwards campaign staff when I attempted to pay for signs for John Edwards because they said it would violate the “no campaigning” agreement). Yet here was definite campaigning for Hillary at our State Convention. Is she a woman of her word or not?
The result of all this, including the so fortunate fundraiser for Clinton held in Florida on Primary Day, was that most of our citizens knew little about the other candidates and the Clinton name recognition just about guaranteed a win for Hillary, which I personally believe, was the intent of our State Chairwoman who has consistently promoted ONLY Beltway insiders as opposed to Progressive Democrats seeking to take back our country from the corrupt administration under which we have suffered for seven long, long years. As for Michigan, I thought all candidates had agreed not to be on the ballot there, but there was Hillary…can you count this as a “win” when the only competition was Kucinich? I think not and find this a statement we should pay attention to regarding Hillary Clinton’s word and her character.
So please citizens of the could be great state of Florida, stop vilifying the guy(s) who play by the rules. We have had seven years of watching our Constitution and our laws violated over and over again by those currently in power. Do we now blame those among true Democrats who follow the rules and obey the laws? Following the Judas Goat leads to only one place, the slaughterhouse!
Respectfully,
Frances Earl
Chair-Democracy for America Tampa Bay North
|
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
