Mastermind and funder of the town hall riots is now Florida's governor.

[madfloridian]

I have been wondering all day how the hell that happened. The media failed us miserably on this except for a few brave columnists. How this man became our governor is something we have to find out before more harm is done to this state.

My first thought is that even if the media had come out hard against him, it would not have made any difference. The teaparty supporters had their minds made up and hardened, and nothing anyone said would have mattered.

Rick Scott: Multimillionaire, Mastermind of Town Hall Riots


Rick Scott, multi-millionaire lover of Medicare fraud (Photo: open.salon.com)

If you’re wondering who is primarily responsible for organizing the barbaric efforts to sabotage the Democratic town halls across the nation, wonder no longer. The man’s name is Rick Scott, and he is in charge of the Web site Conservatives For Patients Rights. He is a multimillionaire ex-hospital CEO whose company was charged with the largest case of financial fraud committed against the government in United States history.

Yes, the former CEO of the Columbia/HCA hospital system was at the helm during a span of 10 years when his company defrauded Medicare for $1.7 billion dollars. They were found guilty and that amount has been repaid – yet the conservative GOP pick Rick Scott to lead them into battle for responsible medical spending? Payday loans with no faxing and short term loans used responsibly help in a pinch, but I’m talking responsibility on an entirely different level.

Something stinks here, and the people deserve to know

According to various sources, Scott’s company was so brazen that they stamped certain documents with warnings that those documents should not be shown to Medicare auditors!
The practice that appears to have gotten Rick Scott’s company in trouble is something known as “upcoding.” Essentially, hospitals under Rick Scott’s watch were treating patients for minor ailments, then charging the Medicare exorbitant fees for much more serious (imaginary) illnesses. In addition, they reported the costs for things like employee functions, holiday parties, catering and other things unrelated to the expense of treating patients. Knowing this, would you trust Rick Scott to tell you what is or isn’t too expensive when it comes to health care? And the man’s level of honesty! He told CNN’s Rick Sanchez (see video below) that he “had no idea” about upcoding

Who funds Medicare, by the way?

It’s you! Taxpayers! If you didn’t know before, you know now. Rick Scott was at the helm of a company that stole massive amounts of money from the American people. And he is against Obamacare because he (and likely his buddies in the industry) want to maintain the status quo. Use your brain. If you know there’s going to be a Democratic town hall about healthcare in your area, organize like-minded friends and go there, if for no other reason than to fight back against the mob organized by dishonest multi-millionaires like Rick Scott.

Oh, here’s a little tidbit that you can think of what you will. Scott, a lawyer, was once a co-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball club… with George W. Bush.

The brave Hiaasen brothers, Carl and Scott, spoke out passionately against this man.

Rick Scott touts CEO experience in run for Florida governor


SCOTT MCINTYRE | Times “If (investigators) found any merit in these allegations .?.?. they would have certainly charged me, or at the very least questioned me — neither of which ever happened,” Scott said in a statement. Here, Scott addresses the Republican Party of Florida Executive Meeting at the Grand Hyatt on June 18. At right is his wife, Ann

By Scott Hiaasen and John Dorschner, Miami Herald

As he meets Republicans around Florida, Rick Scott, the new front-runner in the Florida governor's race, has been greeted with applause — and with blunt questions about his past. At a recent GOP breakfast in Tampa, Scott was confronted — not for the first time — about his role in the scandals at Columbia/HCA, the huge health care company that Scott ran for 10 years. Scott resigned in 1997 amid an FBI inquiry that ultimately led to the company paying a record $1.7 billion in criminal and civil fines for Medicare fraud. It's the paradox of Scott's upstart campaign: The novice candidate has touted his stature and experience as the get-things-done CEO of what was once the nation's largest for-profit health care company, while also trying to distance himself from Columbia/HCA's notorious legacy of fraud.

The strategy has worked so far. Thanks largely to a $16 million advertising blitz he financed himself, Scott — who moved to Florida seven years ago — now leads in the polls over fellow Republican Bill McCollum, the state attorney general and former congressman.

"As I have said repeatedly, Columbia/HCA made mistakes, and I take responsibility for what happened on my watch as CEO," Scott said in a written statement Friday. He has denied knowing frauds were taking place while he was there, and he was never charged with any crimes.

However, federal investigators found that Scott took part in business practices at Columbia/HCA that were later found to be illegal — specifically, that Scott and other executives offered financial incentives to doctors in exchange for patient referrals, in violation of federal law, according to lawsuits the Justice Department filed against the company in 2001.

Very long article. Be sure to take time to read the list of violations at the end of the article. This is Florida's new governor.

And Carl Hiaasen has some more recent words about Rick Scott.

Scott is either incompetent or a lying crook

Even by Florida’s shaky standards, Rick Scott stands out as one of the most outlandish characters ever to pop out of the woodwork.

His presence makes this year’s governor’s race a momentous I.Q. test for voters. A man who couldn’t run an honest company now wants to run state government. Duh. It’s one of those you-can’t-be-serious stories that just might come true.

Scott is brimming with oversized promises but, by his own admission, he struggles with the concept of commitment.

"I don’t know what the def – your definition or anybody’s definition of an ‘agreement’ is, or an ‘offer’ is, or ‘promise’ is," he testified in an evasive 1997 deposition.

Well, it did come true. Almost like a nightmare.

In case you missed it here is the video of two minutes of that deposition.

Your head will spin.

I am truly worried about my state right now...concerned mainly for the rights of women and the harm that will be done to education.

Crist vetoed a bill that would have harmed teachers seriously, and he vetoed a bill that would have required women to get and pay for an ultrasound before even an early stage abortion.

Scott will never do that. The Republicans in the legislature (they own it) will be free to make up any weird bills they wish, and they can be confident there will be no veto from Rick Scott.

[KingOfLostSouls]

1. Yup

millions of senior citizens put a man in charge of their state who defrauded medicare.



they sure showed the black guy, though!

[madfloridian]

3. Exactly right.

They elected a man who wants to end Medicare and Social Security....the seniors that need those programs to survive.

How did that happen? I have no clue.

[ThatsMyBarack]

63. That's why I don't want to get old.

I'd have nothing to help me out healthcare-wise.

[The Backlash Cometh]

75. I'll say it again. WE need our own media blogger for Florida news.

Sort of a cross between snopes and a newspaper of the olden times.

[onethatcares]

92. you might try getting Howard Troxler,St. Pete Times

to give it a go.

It seems he's a voice in the wilderness here.

[The Wizard]

83. Recall 2000

when Holocaust survivors voted for Nazi sympathizer Pat Buchanan.

[NYMdaveNYI]

84. Because Sink is an idiot, and....

she conceded before Palm Beach County and Broward County finished counting their votes....

The vote was 1.3% apart, but it has to be ≤.5% to trigger a recount in backwards bumfuck Florida.

Cannot WAIT to get out of here, and I have more incentive, Rick Scott will be my next Governor.

[Gaedel]

91. Very low turnout in the Dem areas of Broward County

Democrats only win state wide elections in Florida if they pile up a big number of votes in Broward. They did get the usual majority in Broward, but it wasn't the massive majority that Sink needed.

Two straight ideologues in charge of voting in Palm Beach since Teresa Le Pore got replaced. Quit looking for ideological purity and get someone in there that can make the voting system work.

[NYMdaveNYI]

97. more evidence for your conclusion:

Allen West (my next congressman) took Palm Beach and Broward by storm...

It’s too bad, I personally know Ron Klein

[Gaedel]

99. Tell Ron Klein

His campaign strategy sucked.

His ads were all oppo research and nothing about what he had done for the district.

West has been out pressing flesh and meeting the voters.

Ron Klein has been my congressman for four years and I have never seen him.

I am not happy about West, but he just flat out-campaigned Ron Klein.

[NYMdaveNYI]

100. He was an empty suit anyway.... nt

[madfloridian]

4. dupe

...

[tomm2thumbs]

14. schhwingggg! - You Are Correct - !!!

[Turborama]

18. Are DUzy awards still being given out?

If so, this one sure is a winner!

madfloridian deserves some kind of award for this thread, too. :thumbsup:

:kick: & Recommended

[lonestarnot]

2. Welp then I don't suppose you would want to be moving to AZ.

:evilgrin:

[xxqqqzme]

80. Yea, Arizona is just

controlled by private prison corporations. Better to be controlled by Insurance Corps.

[iamjoy]

5. The Media Did Come Out Against Him

As I recall, every major newspaper in the state endorsed Alex Sink. I don't necessarily think the media failed us on Rick Scott.

Scott Maxwell from the Orlando Sentinel also hammered on Scott - here's one from the primary season, a column in which he also blasted Jeff Greene. It's kind of funny, a twist on the movie Trading Places

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-08-03/news/os-scott-maxwell-is-this-a-joke-0804120100803_1_white-collar-mortimer-guy

The definitely failed us on Rubio and the rest of the Republicans, but they made no secret of what trouble Rick Scott is.

[madfloridian]

6. Yes, all of them endorsed Sink.

Yes, Scott Maxwell did a good one. But there was not enough attention given by most regular media to how many problems this man has.

[Dappleganger]

26. Pretty much every major paper in FL endorsed Sink.

All the warnings were put out but the teabagelicals still put him in office.

I for one will be counting every single job he brings to this state--he did promise 700,000 new jobs afterall.

[RockaFowler]

41. Yeah but

The TV News Media let him fly. I should know. My station let him fly and I'm so pissed about it. No-one did any investigation on TV about him. See the people here need the idiot tube to tell them anything. And well his Momma said he was a good boy, so that's all the dim bulbs in this state needed. We really do have to blame the media big time on this slimeball!!!

[Enthusiast]

51. But Sink is just too close to Skink.

:hi: :fistbump:

[catzies]

59. As a native Miamian, and a Carl Hiaasen fan, I approve your post.

Nice!

:hi:

[samplegirl]

7. I feel your pain Madfloridian

We are stuck with Kasich another criminal.

[madfloridian]

34. It's a scary feeling. I do not trust him at all.

And I think the Democrats should have played a bigger role in bringing out this stuff. Sink made some half-hearted efforts but she did not have the funds. He spent hundreds of millions of his own money attacking her daily.

[Enthusiast]

52. As if the nation wasn't fucked enough. nt

[clyrc]

8. I didn't think even Florida would do this to itself

I don't know whether to be more upset over Florida or Oklahoma this election. Both sets of voters have been monumentally stupid this year.

[madfloridian]

13. I knew they would do it. I could see it even locally.

They simply didn't care about anything but making a protest vote....against "something." Sad.

[Dappleganger]

27. This is Floriduh...

being a crook is a job prerequisite for a politician.

[AmBlue]

36. They don't call us Flori-DUH for nothing....

Truly a very dark day for our state. The only bright silver lining is redistricting won. Hopefully our legislature will regain some balance after 2012 and hopefully put some brakes on this criminal.

[Rex]

9. Well, to be fair, he is following in Jebs boots and you know how

Repukes just can't be satisfied with outrageous criminal activity...they needed someone who was a known criminal mastermind even before the election! And he holds a RECORD in white collar-criminal activity, a MUST for any up and coming GOPuker in Florida OR Texas for that matter.

Hell...Rick Perry is STILL my governor...God, how depressing.

[chervilant]

46. "Repukes" didn't do this alone

The "complicit democrats" and all of the other criminals infesting our system of government are the Corporate Megalomaniacs' personal whores. Perhaps, I should just say that the uber wealthy and the political elite are ALL whoring themselves for the almighty dollar.

These criminals (regardless of party affiliation) have succeeded in proving they can do just about anything, and the hoi polloi still focuses OUR attention on jobs (because, yes, we need to eat) and health care (because, yes, we need to be healthy). The criminal cabal doesn't think a revolution will happen here, because so many of the hoi polloi have swallowed their wealth carrot meme, or because we are perceived to be fat, lazy, stupid, and mesmerized by the magic box that beams pretty pictures into our homes (with a sweet glaze of 'Bernays' sauce).

I say, watch out, Corporate Megs! The hoi polloi can only take so much. When we have nothing left to lose, those pitchforks and plowshares are going to come in mighty handy.

Also, Mr. Obama lost my support when he elected not to prosecute Bush, Cheney, and their fellow vile criminals (complicit democrats, as well). He iced that no-support cake when he appointed Arne Duncan to dismantle public education. I will NOT support his candidacy in 2012, especially not on the vapid excuse, "I'm so much better than the other guy!"

In summation, we ARE at war--here within our own borders. We just haven't snapped to it, yet.

[Lifelong Protester]

10. Thanks for the back story. I was wondering why there was no

big deal made out of a criminal running for governor. I'm as worried about Wisconsin as you are about Florida. Although I don't know if Walker has a criminal record. Known criminal record. I don't know.

[madfloridian]

66. I don't think most people here have a clue.

Most around here think Sarah Palin would be a great president. There is no way to answer that.

[pacalo]

11. Reading from the OP on down through the thread, it seems like all these "winners"

may have been rewarded, & I'm not meaning through actual votes but by some election chicanery.

I'm beginning to see an obvious trend. Notice that the baggers weren't allowed many wins, considering how much exposure they were given -- Turdblossom doesn't approve of them.

[Historic NY]

12. Well I'm not moving there anytime soon.

[laughingliberal]

15. Horrible. A man who's damned lucky not to be in prison. nt

[Waiting For Everyman]

16. Wow, I feel sorry for FL. It is truly screwed.

The situation was already pathetic, with all the foreclosures and unemployment.

This is just sad, Madfloridian. I can only hope that this guy trips up and gets himself indicted on something really soon.

This is why we NEED (as good public policy) higher taxes on the rich - it's not only right fiscally but morally, so guys like this can't use fraud to amass a fortune and then use it to buy an election.

Tax the top NOW! A lot!

[Tsiyu]

17. And we've got a Governor in TN whose Pilot family fuel biz

"made settlements" over price-gouging in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike:

http://www.americantowns.com/tn/kingsport/news/mcwherter-hits-haslam-on-transparency-price-gouging-2028601

And Kentucky elected a Senator whose campaign staff assaulted a woman.


Great morals these Repuke freaks vote for, in the name of "Gawdliness" and tradition.....



traditional crooks......

[Turborama]

19. Miami Herald: How Rick Scott did it

Scott beat her by 1.3 percentage points by spending $73 million of his own money. 1.3% in the closest race for 134 years and he calls it a "loud and clear message"?

However, Sink won the state's largest six counties and her strongest victories came in counties with the weakest turnout. Fewer than 40 percent of voters cast ballots in Miami-Dade and Broward, the two counties with the most Democrats.

Full rundown: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/11/03/v-print/1907737/how-rick-scott-did-it.html#ixzz14ITdhO7e

[Dappleganger]

29. Thanks for posting that.

Interesting stats and I hope that Alex runs again.

[ChiciB1]

68. From Me, That Was No Mistake... Voter Fraud May Very Well Be The

only answer! I really mean it, it's just THAT BAD!

[Awsi Dooger]

20. By far the most disgusting single result of this election

I split residence in Florida and I'm numbed at the prospect of this guy taking over. If MSNBC and other networks had devoted 2% of their Christine O'Donnell obsession to exposing Rick Scott we could have avoided this disaster. I saw a GOP pundit emphasize as much last night, that we was thrilled at the O'Donnell focus because it prevented many other flawed candidates from being vetted by the media.

Nothing serious, 8 years. There's very little chance of ousting him as an incumbent in 2014.

Imagine a Rubio seeking the top of a GOP ticket in 2016 with a Rick Scott paving the way for those vital electoral votes as governor. Hardly a big long shot.

I'm convinced the CNN debate debacle tipped the election to Scott. That aide who decided to hit the send button on an otherwise meaningless text message to Sink should be dangled from the wing of a jetliner on a round the world flight.

My aunt is a perfect example of the type of voter who was influenced by that incident. She's a nice simple recently retired lady. She walks her dog in a suburban Miami neighborhood, talks to neighbors, has many reliable friends, and she votes dependably but doesn't follow the races until the final days. Last weekend she asked me who I preferred in the governor's race. When I ripped Scott and talked up Sink, my aunt said, "But she cheated on the debate." That's it, literally all she knew about either candidate. Courtesy of her realm. I gulped, and knew Sink would likely lose narrowly.

[ProgressiveEconomist]

21. I blame Crist 'Democrats' for the party's collapse. Rubio won with 62 percent of the

Hispanic vote (majority non-Cuban), while McCain-Palin got "only" 42 percent of them two years ago. Dubya got 55 percent in 2004. It didn't help that Wexler and other top-shelf "Democrats" were splitting the party and humiliating a very RARE statewide minority candidate. Much of the Hispanic vote in Florida was up for grabs, and a Hispanic-surname candidate for Senatior at the top of the ticket evidently had coattails. Many Hispanics who voted for Obama and gladly would have voted for Meek may have stayed home in disgust as droves of white Democrats abandoned their once-in-a-lifetime African-American former State Trooper candidate for Senate.

Thus Wexler's and other Crist "Democrats'" outsize concern for one doomed race at the top of the ticket may have kept true Democrats away from the polls and from voting for Sink, Grayson, etc. and spurred shaky Democrats to vote for Rubio and downticket Republicans.

IMO Crist "Democrats" sunk Sink and split the Florida Democratic Party along racial lines for the indefinite future. Nice going.

[madfloridian]

25. You know what? I will resent that term forever. It is so unfair.

And I will just say goodby to anyone who uses it from now on.

It is rude and shows a total lack of understanding of what we went through here.

[ProgressiveEconomist]

54. What's "rude" about calling Democrats who voted for Crist "Crist Democrats"?

What were "Democrats" who voted for Ronald Reagan called?

Is looking for reasons the Florida Democratic Party virtually COLLAPSED this election to be decared off-limits too, like some other topics on DU?

[Dappleganger]

30. To be fair...

it's not the fault of dems who voted for Crist. The FL democratic party has been a shame for quite some time and gave no support to candidates, and the national Dem party pulled support as well. Sink lost because the dems had a weak ticket as well as Scott riding the Teabagelical wave. I know that those dems who voted for Crist meant well but hindsight should show them it wouldn't have made any difference at all.

[ProgressiveEconomist]

57. "Made no difference". YES for the Senate race. But what aabout downticket races?

It's never a good idea to split a Democratic Party, especially along racial lines.

Nationally, white voters went for the Republicans by 12 percentage points in 2008, just as they have done in EVERY election since 1964. I don't know the statistics for Florida, but they can't be any better than national statistics.

Only when minority votes are combined with white votes do Democrats ever stand a chance. So unintentionally splitting a state party by race is never the right way to go.

[JCMach1]

31. Whoa Nelly! Until I see turnout results that show a difference in minority votes between 2002-2006

and 2010 I am not buying that argument.

There is already some evidence that your analysis is just untrue...

With less than two hours of voting to go, Democratic operatives Steve Schale and Eric Jotkoff are Tweeting that African-American turnout is "higher" than 2006 levels in Escambia and Miami-Dade counties... http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/blog/black-voter-turnout-better-2006-democrats-claim

The sad fact is the dysfunctional POS that is the Florida Democratic Party is pathetic across the board at getting minorities to vote in non-Presidential years.

[ProgressiveEconomist]

55. I gave you statistics about the Hispanic vote. And your report of high African-American

turnout only strengthens my argument about the Florida Demo9cratic Party having been split along racial lines. How many votes do you think Crist got from African-Americans? And how many angry African-Americans JUST voted for Meek and did not vote in downticket races?

No one wants to early-vote for a candidate who might drop out and nullify their vote. Disarray among Democrats well could have driven up-for-grabs Hispanics and other independents into the arms of Rubio. And many true Democrats may have been so disgusted with their split party that they just stayed home.

[BeFree]

32. I call them 'Cristies'

That abandonment of the good, liberal, progressive, anti-war Democrat, Meek, is one of the most
disturbing things I have ever seen in Democrat politics. They really did the RAT thing on Meek.

[madfloridian]

35. Just what I said above. That kind of rudeness...

means good bye from me. Skinner has posted several times that he understood the predicament we are in....yet the insults keep flying.

[AmBlue]

37. I'm with you madfloridian... they don't get it.

It was an AWFUL predicament.

[madfloridian]

38. Thank you, yes it was.

I will just fix it so I don't have to read any more posts from people who have the nerve to get ugly toward any of us.

I have had it.

[tnlefty]

86. I responded to a post that seafan made...

that it was a sticky wicket that I was just glad that I didn't have to try to decide what to do. I'm sorry that you got Rubio and Scott. I feel your pain, my state got a lot redder this past election and I just want to pull the covers over my head.

It's a fury that I'm sure I'll find something to do with. Our state party is a mess, I miss the good Dr. even though he wasn't well received by lots of folks in this state, if the PTB had any sense they'd be talking to him now, except I understand that he's busy on the transition team of the Gov. elect in Vermont, and the PTB have their heads up their asses and this is what we have now.

Hang in there. :hug:

[ChiciB1]

69. Meek Is Not, Nor Was He EVER A Liberal Or Actually A Progressive!

It has NOTHING to do with race, absolutely nothing! If you don't understand what's been going on here, then it's really useless to talk to you about it.

I won't say more, I said enough before the election. I've lived here for 26 years and the Democrats here have gotten worse than I ever believed possible.

Really, I can't do this anymore tonight. Had a really rough day, and all this simply infuriates me all over again.

[ProgressiveEconomist]

85. 'It has NOTHING to do with race'. Hmm. How did whites, Blacks, and Hispanics vote

for Senate in Florida, according to exit polls?

CNN reported that 62 percent of Hispanics voted for Rubio. What percentage of whites do you think voted for somone other than Meek? And how much of the Black vote did Meek get?

In my experience, whenever someone says, 'It has NOTHING to do with race", 99 times out of 100 looking for racial disparities will prove VERY fruitful.

[ProgressiveEconomist]

58. Another way Crist "Ds" may unintentionally have boosted Rs: Who would early-vote

for a candidate who it was bruited about might drop out, voiding your precious vote? Many true Democrats may have avoided early voting and then just never showed up at the polls. What would that do to downticket Democrats? To delay often is to deny.

[ProgressiveEconomist]

22. Double-post--self-delete

[Laelth]

23. Excellent piece, madfloridian. Thanks. k&r n/t

-Laelth

[xchrom]

24. recommend

[JCMach1]

28. I prefer to just call him the Medicare Thief!

and I am stunned that the state elected this asshat.

[madfloridian]

33. Carl Hiaasen mentions Scott's new company, Solantic.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/24/v-fullstory/1887894/scott-is-either-incompetent-or.html

‘private matter’

Yet, this year, six days before filing for the governor’s race, Scott gave another deposition in a case involving Solantic, a chain of urgent-care health centers that he started.

A doctor had accused Solantic of submitting false medical information. The lawsuit was settled by a confidential agreement, and Scott refuses to release the contents of his testimony.

"A private matter," he said.

Not when you’re running for governor it isn’t. Not when you’re promoting yourself as a business whiz and natural-born leader.

Whatever Scott said in that June deposition obviously won’t help his campaign, or he wouldn’t be hiding it. This is known as a red flag.


Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/24/v-fullstory/1887894/scott-is-either-incompetent-or.html#ixzz14KeYIa8Z

It is called Solantic Baptist Urgent Care. I can't find his name listed at the link.

http://www.solantic.com/

[RaleighNCDUer]

39. Who was FL Gov when Columbia/HCA was busted?

Whose AG office was in charge of issuing subpoenas and filing charges?

[madfloridian]

40. Jeb took over in 1998. Before that Lawton Chiles.

http://www.lawtonchiles.org/bio.html

[SteppingRazor]

44. For what it's worth, Florida did in fact sue Scott for insider trading in 1997:

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2010/10/state-once-sued-rick-scott-for-insider-trading-court-raised-questions-about-him.html


Yes, that's right. The new governor of Florida was once sued for insider trading by the very state he now runs.

[SteppingRazor]

42. Two things to add:

First, tiny typo in your story -- Scott Hiaasen is Carl's son, not his brother.


But more importantly, no story on Rick Scott's role in founding Consrvatives for Patients Rights is complete without delving into his current business interests -- namely his chain of heath clinics throughout the state, Solantic. Solantic clinics cater especially to people without insurance. Thus, the new healthcare law would deny Scott's business interests of hundreds of thousands of customers.

Scott, then, was not merely against the healthcare legislation as a healthcare executive who enjoyed the status quo. He was against it for specific self-serving reasons -- the law would affect his bottom line.

[madfloridian]

47. Yep, you are right about his brother and son.

I posted this in 2008, and I should have known.

Carl Hiaasen

"Carl is not the only Hiaasen around now. There's his brother, Rob, I believe, and a son, Scott Hiassen.

One Hiaasen would have been enough to make the College of Journalism and Communications proud. But three alumni with the surname that makes politicians sweat are tearing it up in the competitive world of print journalism.

Scott Hiaasen, JM 1993, has been covering general assignment and legal issues at The Cleveland Plain Dealer for nearly two years. He worked at The Palm Beach Post for seven years. And he did a yearlong fellowship at Yale Law School.

Rob Hiaasen, TEL 1981, who works at The Baltimore Sun, is spending a year as a fellow at Stanford University.

Then there’s what’s his name, umm, Carl Hiaasen of the Miami Herald. He’s their father and brother, respectively.

“They were alike in the sense that they were well-read and very newspaper savvy,” recalled Prof. Emerita Jean Chance, who taught Carl and Scott. “They grew up reading good newspapers like the Miami Herald and The Palm Beach Post. They had good noses for news.”

That professor is a long time friend, retired now.

[madfloridian]

48. And I am looking up stuff on Solantic.

So far I can tell it was dropped by FL officials and apparently turned over to the federal officials.

Which if the pattern of investigation is followed means nothing will happen.

And it is a way to profit from the uninsured. The man is without compassion I think.

[dmr]

77. Wasn't the idea to put Solantic clinics in every Wal-Mart?

It's been a long time since I read something to that effect, so I may be wrong.
:hi:

[madfloridian]

82. Not sure. I have found a bunch of stuff that really tells me little.

It's annoying not to find more.

[dmr]

89. Here's a list of their clinics

I am certain, though, that the plan was to use his clinics in Wal-Mart. That may have fell through, but I'll look further. If anything, it's another puzzle piece on this fraud.

I'm really sorry, MF, he shouldn't have even been in the running. He should've gone to jail, but my guess his money & connections is what saved his ass.
:hug:

Almost forgot to add the Wal-Mart link!
http://i.walmart.com/i/if/hmp/fusion/Clinic_Locations.pdf

:hi:

[BurtWorm]

43. He looks like a natural born killer.

[Inuca]

45. Among the many offensive things

that happened the other night, this is one of the worst.

[Dr.Phool]

49. Just had to remind me, didn't you?

Now where did I put that bottle of vodka.

[madfloridian]

56. Sorry about that, doc.

I have to live with it so do you. :evilgrin:

[Enthusiast]

50. How can the people of Florida be so fucking stupid?

I thought the Ohio electorate was stupid for electing Kasich but Scott is an even more 'in your face' style criminal than Kasich. Of course it can be argued that Kasich did more actual harm than Scott.

[Dr.Phool]

53. Take a look at our esteemed legislature, and you'll have an idea.

It's new and improved, with more nutz!

[indimuse]

60. Thank you!

rec!

[indimuse]

61. Thank you!

rec!

[mnhtnbb]

62. It's feeling more and more like we've gone down the rabbit hole.

[stubtoe]

64. I'm so sorry. I didn't realize it was that bad.

Too wrapped up in our own nailbiter election to pay attention.

But! Silver lining. He'll crash and burn spectacularly - before y'all impeach him.

[timtom]

65. I do not care to discuss it, thank you.

My wife is more depressed than I have seen her in years. I have nothing to say to those morons who put that despicable crook in power. Oh, wait...they had Jeb Bush for two terms. Never mind.

K & R, by the way...

Tom in West Palm Beach.

[ChiciB1]

67. Of ALL The Important Races Here, I Kinda/Sorta Felt That Sink Would

pull this one out. But upon further thinking, and this is so very cynical that it's almost hard to believe. I've come to the conclusion that there IS something going on here in this state that is much deeper.

With each passing year we've gotten more and more Repukish, and it just gets worse all the time. I truly believe that Jeb Bush and his rotten CABAL has taken over and I no longer feel that voting here is actually SAFE. I think this place is rigged to the hilt. Of course it sounds way off base, but given the state Democratic Party here, it's not that hard to understand. From what I've seen of them, there isn't a SPINE in any one of them.

True, I don't know who all of them are, but I do know what has happened in my county. The Democratic Party here is a joke to me and they have no use for me. And frankly, it's difficult to even attend any meetings they have. Add that to the fact that most Democrats of importance aren't even loyal to the Democratic Party. Might I mention Kendrick Meek, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz who actually went against their very own Democratic nominee to support the Cuban Repukes!

IMO, this state has been taken over by the BUSHIES and all their cohorts. This man, Rick Scott is an absolute DISGRACE! If one thinks of the criminals of The Idiot's Administration, it's not a far stretch to understand how that corruption permeates this state.

I CLEARLY recall way back in 2000 when THIS STATE was called for Al Gore, then watching a camera that was set up with The Idiot and his family to watch their reaction when this happened. As long as I live I WILL NEVER forget the look on not only The Idiot's face, but the family members as well. I commented on it right away with those who were with me because it seemed almost surreal. The confusion on their faces spoke volumes to me. What it said was "how the hell did this happen?" I felt at that moment that they felt that there was NO WAY that this state voted in favor of Gore. Within one half an hour, with some calls made I'm sure, all the stations were saying "oops, we made a mistake, Florida really goes to The Idiot." I KNOW what I saw on the faces, and I won't ever, ever forget it. I'm sure many others never thought a thing about it, but since that point in time, Florida has pretty much been taken over by Repukes.

Sure, there have been some races the Democrats have won, but hey that NEEDED to happen because to not LET it happen would make it all the more obvious. But I now believe that even so MANY Democrats here are not only DlC'ers, but most probably DINOS at best.

This is WHY it was so important for many Democrats to give their support to Crist. He was ONE who actually DID stand up to this MACHINE, but in the end they seem to have squashed him too. He wasn't doing Jeb's bidding, so they found another who was only too willing to step right up. And it will only get worse from here.

They are CROOKS, and I think Crist was once part of it until he wasn't willing to play nice. And I also think he KNOWS what it looks like inside that cabal. Maybe one day he will spill the beans, but then one day he won't be around to talk about it much!

Yes, that is how I view the politics here, and I know it sounds WAY OFF THE WALL. But just LOOK who is in power now, and it has all come full circle! Scott escaped prosecution by taking the 5th and in the end others fell and he is now THE GOVERNOR! If anyone thought Chicago politics was raw, well this MACHINE here is EVIL!

This is of course only my opinion, but I know others who feel the same way. How it can be stopped is way beyond my pay grade, and I don't even think I'll be around to see it happen in my lifetime.

I've pretty much had it here, but here I'm stuck!

[madfloridian]

102. I think if Sink hadn't run short of money, she could have fought back.

But his millions paid off and his ads were non-stop.

[defendandprotect]

70. How can a CEO of a company which defrauded Medicare of 1.7BILLION be permitted ....

to run for ANY political office?

[Bryn]

71. I feel for you looking at my native Florida from Arkansas

:( Do you think Rick Scott can be recalled? He doesn't deserve to be the governor of Florida. Doh! How awful!

If it is possible, please recall him ... Remove him!

[Initech]

72. One of my friends from high school - his dad ran a company that basically stole from old people.

You want to talk about some shady motherfuckers - look no further!

[Octafish]

73. BFEE Through and Through

Thanks for the heads-up on the Medicare fraud artist elect. The guy is free for stealing billions, while the only white collar crime the FBIs go after are low-level doctors and home health care companies who overprescribe lift chairs for the elderly on Uncle Sam's dime.

The guy's gotten some real love from Jebthro. His former lieutenant governor and chief of staff are part of the transition team. That means all manner of corruption from Columbia to Wall Street.

I feel so sorry for Florida. And for all of America.

The election of the crook Rick Scott is more proof of the state of Corporate McPravda. The nation's press should be ashamed that they failed to cover in any way Scott's story.

Thank you for helping enlighten We the People, madfloridian.

[The Backlash Cometh]

74. I think this guy is going to give the watchdogs in Tallahassee some serious bone and meat.

[wakemewhenitsover]

76. Thanks for posting. I distrusted this guy from the moment I saw him.

I don't know what kind of shit's going to come down on this guy's watch, but, mark my words, it's going to be heavy.
:scared:

[spanone]

78. criminal CEO of HCA is a more deserving title...and he owns it.

http://crooksandliars.com/karoli/rick-scotts-columbiahca-fraud

[1776Forever]

79. We feel your pain in Ohio - We got Kasich Mr. Fox Boy W's other brother - SAD!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zn2HltwDkvA/TI-JOFIAZDI/AAAAAAAACZA/rvPNmEZz0KE/s400/Kasich+and+Bush.jpg

[flamingdem]

81. Was the vote count clean, just wonderin' nt

[sce56]

87. No surprise here the Crooks have been in charge of that state since last century!

Can you spell BFEE, BUSH FAMILY EVIL EMPIRE!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

88. crook. K&R

why aren't people like this doing time instead of people who have been charged with possession of pot?

[jae1227]

90. I have not be able to sleep for the last 3 nights because of this

This guy is going to be a fucking disastrous.

[lark]

93. I feel your pain and anger

You know, the weird thing is that when I got up the nerve to ask several Repugnants here at work - none of them voted for Scott and they all were wondering how he won and horrified by his victory. I know there are a lot of real redneck Tea Party types, but I absolutely have a hard time believing they are the majority. Either the people are much more stupid than I previously realized or something funny went down with tallying the vote.

You're right Mad, FL is totally screwed and I am seriously depressed about the fact that I have to live here to take care of my 85 year old widowed mother.

[Gin]

94. OMG...how did he get elected? Ewwwww.....what a slimy pos.

[Gin]

95. my sister in FL...in the medical field...DID NOT VOTE

she will get this video and info on the man who is now going to be her new Gov.

[OmahaBlueDog]

96. If I were you, I'd become "MadHawaiian" or "MadCanadian"

I got out of Florida in 2006. I love to visit, but I have no regrets about getting the Hell out.

If it's any consolation, I think Scott is too far right for most Floridians, and will be a one-termer.

[bertman]

98. Our neutered media, pawns of the wealthy, fail us once again. Rec. nt

[russspeakeasy]

101. As a eldery fellow Floridian I can only say that in my area the hatred

for President Obama and any Democrat leaning person is looked
upon with "stink eyes" and craziness.
We have a large population of low information voters. They
watch fox and read the tabloids.
At a table next to us last night, two couples were harrumping
and growling about "Obama spending 2 billion dollars to
suck up to India". They don't know.....and they don't
care...They hate him and all who voted for him. Rick Scott got
elected by these people...CORRUPTION PAYS...