January 26, 2006

In Florida, You Can Get Your Gun, Bait, and Voter’s Registration in One Easy Stop

January 26, 2006January 26, 2006 Trish

Those wacky Florida legislators, with their favorite lobby the National Rifle Association, are at it again. The same folks who proposed “Bring Your Gun to Work Day” and passed “Shoot First” legislation that allows anyone in Florida who feels threatened to blast away, have really capped it this time. So to speak.

Rep. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, tried to broaden the bill to include beauty shops and day care centers.

Now they want to force gun and bait shops to perform voter registration. Hmmm…I wonder what kind of voters they’ll sign up? St. Petersburg Times:

Some shop owners say the mandatory requirement would be a burden while some Democrats accused Republicans of trolling for votes.

Rep. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, tried to broaden the bill to include beauty shops and day care centers. But [bill sponsor Rep. Greg] Evers rejected the move.

Greg and his NRA pals must have stayed up all night cooking up this one. The idea is that since places like Wal-mart sell hunting and fishing licenses, they are quasi-government institutions. Therefore they must offer more government services, like voter registration and filing your homestead exemption. Actually, you can’t file your homestead exemption but you can renew your license tag. Well, no, you can’t renew your license tag but you can pay your property taxes. Sorry, no, you can’t pay your property taxes but you can register to vote. I knew it was something.

Supporters say this is just one more way to spread democracy. Sun Sentinel:

Pollsters say hunters and anglers are more likely to support Republican candidates. And the measure would take effect just months before Florida voters elect the state’s next governor.

Pure coincidence, no doubt. And if you’re worried about how gun shop owners will be prevented from influencing potential voters about what party to register for or what amendment to support, don’t. These smart guys have already thought of that and it sounds like a surefire (no pun) plan.

The proposal would prohibit businesses from helping a customer fill out an application or collecting completed ones, but it does not call for the state to monitor the process.

Just trust us.

Pensito Review: Off the Wires

January 26, 2006January 31, 2006 Buck Banks

Mexican Serial Murderer Captured
MEXICO CITY – A suspect arrested while fleeing from a home where an elderly woman was slain is probably the serial murderer known as the “Mataviejitas,” or “Little Old Lady Killer,” police said. That nickname ought to serve him well on Cellblock C.

Lawyer: Saddam Wants to Sue Bush, Blair
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Saddam Hussein’s chief lawyer said Thursday that the deposed Iraqi president wants President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair tried on allegations of committing war crimes. Doesn’t everybody?

Mexico Says Drug Smugglers in Border Tiff
MEXICO CITY – The men dressed in military garb who crossed the border and confronted Texas law officers this week were drug smugglers, not Mexican soldiers, officials said Wednesday, illustrating Mexico’s thorny problem with criminals who masquerade as security forces. Said a Mexican police commander:”Badges? We do need those stinking badges!”

U.S. Envoy Says India Nuke Deal Could Die
NEW DELHI – The U.S. ambassador to India said Wednesday that a nuclear deal between India and the United States could “die” if New Delhi supports Iran during a U.N. atomic watchdog agency meeting. Customer service call centers is one thing, but a nuclear deal — is there nothing we won’t outsource to India?

Putin Downplays British Spying Scandal
MOSCOW – President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that the discovery of an alleged spy ring run by British diplomats also accused of funneling funds to non-governmental organizations proved the government was right to impose new restrictions on NGOs. He also vowed to remove all fake electronic rocks from Gorky Park.

Santorum Loses It, Compares Supporting Him with Military Service

January 26, 2006 Jon Ponder

“And yet we have brave men and women who are willing to step forward because they know what’s at stake. They’re willing to sacrifice their lives for this great country. What I’m asking all of you tonight is not to put on a uniform. Put on a bumper sticker. Is it that much to ask? Is it that much to ask to step up and serve your country?”

Day: January 26, 2006

In Florida, You Can Get Your Gun, Bait, and Voter’s Registration in One Easy Stop

Pensito Review: Off the Wires

Santorum Loses It, Compares Supporting Him with Military Service

— Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA), addressing supporters last week

Poetic Justice

Verbatim

“The man is afraid of the voice of the people and that the people understand and know what he’s doing. He’s trying to stifle the ability of journalists to let the people of America know what’s really going on with their government.”

— “Kamala Harris called President Donald Trump’s ban of CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House ‘absolutely abhorrent,’” The Wrap reports.

“Not one of them is trained in technical skills. Not one research PhD, as opposed to China, where half the cabinet is science and technology PhDs. We’re led by grifters and fools.”

— Columbia professor Jeffrey Sachs, on X, on President Trump’s 35-person cabinet.

“Mr. President, some of your immigration enforcement efforts have gone too far… The same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today.”

— Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), breaking with President Trump in a direct-to-camera video.

Numerati

1,000

10%

“The unprecedented spate of mid-decade redistricting for the U.S. House has changed the congressional districts for one-tenth of Americans and significantly altered the makeup of at least one-fifth of districts, according to a new study,” the Associated Press reports.

71%

A new Fox News Poll finds 71% of voters think the Trump administration lacks a clear strategy for ending the Iran War, including 95% of Democrats, 83% of independents, and 43% of Republicans. Sixty percent say U.S. military action against Iran was the wrong decision, while just 37% say it was right.

$9.5 billion

“The Trump administration last year spent $9.5 billion on paid administrative leave for federal workers as part of its plan to shrink the government and save taxpayers money, according to a new estimate by a congressional watchdog,” CNN reports.

470

Reuters has documented at least 470 targets of retribution under Trump’s leadership – from federal employees and prosecutors to universities and media outlets. The list illuminates the sweeping effort by the president and his administration to punish dissent and reshape the government.