MORE BLUE SKIES...

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY OPENS A DEMOCRATIC HEADQUARTERS, LOCAL MEDIA RESPONDS "MEH"

Do y'all think that it would be news worthy to interview the Democratic candidate opposing birth-certificate-obsessed Congressman Bill Posey? Nah, not here in good ole Red Indian River County, hunnies.

But Miss Shannon Roberts was there to meet, greet and collect the necessary signatures to get her on the ballot and guess what SHE'S A ROCKET SCIENTIST!!!!

No, not really. We were just takin' a tip out of the Congressman Posey alarmist playbook.

But she did work for NASA and has some real qualifications like a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, with a minor in International Relations from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; a Master of Public Administration Degree from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and a Doctor of Public Administration Degree with a focus on government and business effectiveness from the University of Southern California.

So there.

It is Miss Vero's pleasure to introduce to y'all - Miss Shannon Roberts! Who will, if anyone who has a brain votes, be our next United States Congresswoman.

Now if y'all think we're being a little unfair to our Republican Realtor incumbent, Mr. Posey, we'll just provide y'all with the information to make an informed decision all by your selves:

Miss Shannon Roberts for District 15

Mr Bill Posey currently representin' District 15

And quite frankly kids, we're just about as tired of him as he is of his cushy leather seat.


Oh yeah, we're done trash talkin', so let Miss Vero tell y'all about the coolest thing at the Democratic headquarters party last Sunday - THE BAND! They were the cutest bunch of kids we've evah seen in town, rocking with songs we actually knew the words to! Adorable! If there's one thing that Miss Vero loves, it's children that are useful. We can't stand spoiled little whiners "But I can't get a job, I'm only twelve!" excuses, excuses.

Anyhoo, they call themselves "Urban Warfare". They have a facebook page (doesn't everybody) that is in severe need of updating, hopefully our little blurb will prompt them to get up to speed. We hear that they'll be playing at the 2010 Hibiscus festival with another teen band called "Mercury", so we'll look forward to seeing lead singer Scott Tavlin and his crew. Y'all can click on the link for the very detailed info.



Our Democratic Mayor, Mr. Kevin Sawnick was in attendance and at this point we pretty much see him every where we go, so yes, he's out and about doin' his mayorly job. We don't think y'all need to see another picture of Mayor Sawnick from Miss Vero, so we decided to post a picture of some one who just looks like a politician.

Who is this gorgeous couple? It's Miss Vero's friends, Mr. Jorge Colon and his beautiful wife Mayra! Both talent attorneys here in Vero and we are honored to be of their acquaintance. A big MWAH! to our mutual friend, who made the introduction of Miss Vero to the Colons. Why are we so enamored? Well, in spite of the fact that every one would love to see Mr. Colon run for public office, he is busy with his work at Harvest Food Outreach, which deserves a post all it's own...



MWAH!

missvero@live.com

THE GREEN PARTY TAKES OVER VERO

Well at least at the new GreenHouse Cafe. The crowd was estimated at over 500 folks and with an open bar and free fabulous food, y'all know Miss Vero was in attendance! One of the more interesting things on the American menu was the mashed potato pizza, a savory combination with onion and rosemary. We did manage to get a copy of the new menu and prices and we think y'all will be pleasantly pleased. Appetizers from $3.95 -Deep Fried Pickles! to $11.95 for Lobster Mac and Cheese. Entrees start out at $12.95 for old Fashioned Chicken Pot Pie to $28.95 for a 16oz. Angus Rib eye. Looks good kids, plenty of open space, wonderful staff, full bar ( y'all know we like that) and beautiful courtyard. Oh, and gracious hosts and owners who obviously know how to throw a party. Congratulations Olske Forbes and partners, on a wonderful addition to downtown!


Miss Bea Gardner had the best quip of the evening when she observed that it would be nice to get this many people out to vote in local elections. Local politicians on the scene included the ever present County Commissioner and Mrs. Peter O'Bryan (who we now believe can give Miss Vero a run for the money in party attendance) and Mayor Kevin Sawnick. Y'all know Kevin Sawnick, right?






He's the mayor of Vero Beach. Perhaps we should call Mr. Sabe Abell and remind him of that fact. Here's his phone number - 772-978-4700 office, or 772-231-2258 at home. Miss Vero wants everyone to read "The Political Junkie" and then call Sabe Abell. Call Now, he would love to hear from y'all, call and tell him that Mr. Kevin Sawnick is the mayor because apparently he didn't get the memo and it's always good to help our elected officials, especially when they forget who they work for. Oh wait, who does he work for?

MR CHARLIE WILSON HAS BEEN SERVED WITH A FRIVOLOUS LAWSUIT

Newly elected City Councilman Wilson has been served with a time and money wasting, court cloggin', somebody got a burr in their britches, lawsuit. Why? Because good Ole Charlie Wilson has the potential to uncover some dirty deeds at City Hall and a few folks are just not havin' that. Notice how the City of Vero Beach (covb.org) has NOT updated their website with a new picture of the city council? Apparently the photos they took on swearin' in day were for posterity. Mr. Tom White and Mr. Sabe Abell need to stop their childish behavior now! This is about a transfer of power all right and not the power plant. And just so y'all know, Mr. Ken Daige has informed Miss Vero that he is in no way a part of this suit. Let's face it folks, the status quo has got to go!


POLITICS, POLITICS AND MORE POLITICS! THE STAN MAYFIELD MEMORIAL HIGHWAY AND CHINESE DRYWALL DILEMMA

The big guns were out and about Wednesday when State Road 60 was dedicated and renamed "The Stan Mayfield Memorial Highway". Y'all couldn't swing a cat and not hit a major Florida politician. Noticeably absent, Mr. Gary Wheeler, the lone dissenting vote on the proposal to rename the highway. Funniest faux pas? When big ole Bob Solari sat in Mrs. Mayfield's front row reserved seat. Musta been the glare of that mouth metal, blinded his sight for a minute. Are those braces or a jaw wirin' to lose weight? Just wonderin'. These are the thoughts that pass through our gin soaked brain, should we say them out loud? Let's face it hunnies, y'all wouldn't be here if we didn't.

In all seriousness, Mrs Mayfield was very dignified and lovely and it was heart wrenching to learn that it was her late husbands birthday that day. We can't tell y'all how much we actually do appreciate that road, every time we are driving to the turnpike, over to Tampa and especially comin' in to town late at night from one of our many road trips. Learning that the project came in five years ahead of schedule and the genuine emotions displayed at that ceremony melted Miss Vero's heart and we have cottoned to this issue, so let's give credit where credit is due and appreciate Mr. Mayfield for a job well done.

Did y'all see the video on Veronews.com and read the article of our Congressman, Mr. Bill Posey touring homes in Vero with Chinese Drywall?

"Rep. Posey said that not much has been done on the various government levels since complaints started pouring in regarding the material..."There's so much unknown," the congressman said....Rep. Posey said that President Barack Obama would be traveling to China soon and is expected to discuss the drywall issue with officials there.... What might come out of that discussion remains to be..."It leaves us with a lot of balls up in the air," the congressman said."

Let's just say if Miss Vero lived in a house with Chinese Drywall and Mr. Posey came a callin' and had so little to say about how to remedy this situation... Hunnies, y'all know we would have lured him into a closet with the promise of an Obama Kenyan birth certificate and kept him captive until he could come up with a decent answer. Pussyfootin' around award to you Mr. Posey, now get to work on a real issue and give these folks some peace of mind.


Who can turn a restaurant review into a political rant and make you laugh along the way? Only Miss Vero kids. Remember keep your arms inside the vehicle at all times and enjoy the ride!

MWAH!
missvero@ live.com

MISS VERO'S BACK IN TOWN!

Well hunnies we are back! And just in time for the humidity festival y'all are havin'! Seriously, could it get any hotter? It is just miserable and we are swelterin' somethin' fierce. As we wandered around Corey's drugstore, trying to remember what in the heck we came for, we noticed the terrazzo floor under our feet and remembered our ole Grandmammies house with her terrazzo floors, jalousie windows and NO DANG AIR CONDITIONING! How did we ever manage kids? Somehow growin up in Florida was cooler then, don't ask us how.

We dragged ourselves out this past weekend to catch up on what y'all have been up to and we started out at Downtown Friday. Sure it was fun, but the heat and lack of martinis made us move toward another Downtown establishment with AC that has us so spoiled. We did manage to say hello to Commissioner and Mrs. Peter O'Bryan. As y'all know by now, Miss Vero just loves to see our elected officials, mingling with the constituents and out and about in town. We don't give a flying rat what y'all's net worth is, just get to know the folks y'all represent. In fact, why doesn't the city council set up a booth for everyone to visit with on these occasions? I'm sure a lot of folks would be happy to give a nice "howdy and here's how we think you're doin" to the politicians they elected.






Commissioner and Mrs. Peter O'Bryan







It was just too hot, so we ambled over to Cafe Mojo, where an even hotter jazz improv was happening at the open mic night. There's Billy Collins on the right, pretending to jump in and perform. He's quite a character. Billy and Caroline have really put together impressive crowds on Friday nights. They've created the perfect coffee house scene.



Of course the crowd at Undertow was just as hot and rockin and the beauty of that little downtown area is that y'all can buy art, have dinner, drinks and music, just by walkin' around the block!

Did we mention it was hot? This could be the reason - Jesse and Dolf Kahle were hanging out. Honestly, could those boys be any cuter? We don't what their Mama put in their milk, but it sure did work! Miss Vero needs to get these two on a calendar, perhaps we can convince Vero Polo to let us head the committee for fund raising next year and choose some calendar photos, there's an assignment we wouldn't mind at all!



Y'all would think that by midnight it would of cooled down just a bit, but no hunnies, it got hotter still! The kids started dancin' on the bar and the drinks were flowin', just a typical Friday night at the "Epicenter of Cool" - Undertow!





Now Saturday night we decided to check out the wine tasting and dinner party at Culinary Capers. That's right, something a little different. Miss Vero and gal pals found a little summer special that we'd wished we'd known about sooner. Along with Great Spirits, Culinary Capers puts on a little monthly special that is both affordable and delicious. For $32 each we had a four course meal paired with wines that were available for purchase - and they even had a case discount! Y'all know we loved that. The entrees were lamb chops and onion crusted grouper and we must say, our dinner was fabulous. We always love it when we are surprised by something in Vero that we should have known about. We checked out their website and it looks like they'll be having an Oktoberfest, but nothing scheduled for September. Perhaps with a few requests, we might persuade Curt, and his team at Culinary Capers, to let us come back.
Here's the links:
http://www.culinarycaperscatering.com/Wine-Dinners.html

http://www.greatspiritsflorida.com/



Now as much fun as we had at dinner, when we all piled into our luxury limo, we gasped when we realized it was only 9:45 and we had no plan for what was next. What was happening? What was still open? And most importantly, who would appreciate the fabulous ensembles we had painstakingly put together for our evening out? As always the answer is...DRAG QUEENS!

Yes, we would find Drag Queens and kids we are certain that by now y'all know (thanks to little ole Miss Vero) that this town is full of 'em! Our good pal, Fran Love was happy to see us walk into the Clubhouse Bar and Grill, just in time for the regular Saturday night Drag Show!

Isn't it amazing? the same mirrored disco ball above the taxpayers luncheon crowd, where Congressman Bill Posey spoke, does it's disco duty on Drag night! Texas holdem, sports bar, trivia, political luncheons and Drag Queens, all under one roof! Yee Haaa! All we can say is - THANKS FRAN!


Miss Alexi Leigh gives a girl a piece of her mind.




Y'all can check out all the goings on at the Clubhouse on their myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/theclubhousebarandgrill

Don't forget on Tuesday night there's another show over at Cosmic Charlie's. Y'all know that "tavern" that 's being affected by the road construction, just south of McKee, in the plaza where y'all get a driver's license? Yeah, that place. Seems we read a little blurb somewhere about that. Funny, no mention of the "Cosmic Buns" party on Tuesday and certainly no mention of Kelli Randall, one of the most fabulous Drag Queens to ever appear in Vero. Hmmm. Now that's odd, that someone would go to all the trouble of writing something and not mentioning that, don't y'all think?




Speaking of directing traffic to a social networking site, a certain someone is sure obsessed about getting "fans" and countin' comments. Sure hope that certain someone didn't choose a tragic topic just to collect the coveted comment numbers. tsk, tsk.



Let's just say that Miss Vero enjoys social networking in a different way. If y'all want to be our "fan" go right ahead, we sure do love that, but we 'd prefer that y'all just let us know where the party is . Do y'all know about some fun that we're missing? "Fan" us, "friend" us, email us, just make sure we get the invite!

Well it sure is good to be back and doing what we do best, partyin' and poking at folks that need it. Lookin forward to hearin' from y'all soon, till then...


MWAH!
missvero@live.com

TEABAGGERS!

These teabaggers! They're everywhere! or so it was yesterday, when they all came together for a local and -so we are told - grassroots demonstration. Well, before y'all think that was some kind of popular miracle, that ordinary folks all came together in one big ole popular protest, y'all might want to take a look at this interesting article:

http://gawker.com/5206967/the-history-and-point-of-teabagging

Miss Vero was very fortunate this week to get a visit from our old friend "The Tallahassee Tipster", who was also kind enough to attend the local goins on and put together a little article for the Beach House.

Hi there, Miss Vero!

Glad I was able to pay a visit to the place they were smart enough to name after you. I'd heard there was a rally brewing, literally, in your little burg. Sure enough, politics and tea raised a crowd. Or rather, the GOP rallied the troops under the star-spangled banner "Stop government spending!" That'll get you a cheer. I mean, who's for spending by the government? Oh, all those pikers on Social Security. Them.

Still, the patriots rallied, and I took lunch hour to drift among the righteous. Here's my take of-

The Indian River Tea Party, April 15, 2009

Indian River County, Florida, is composed of two majorities – retirees and republicans. Both were in heavy attendance today at what turned out to be more a patriotic rally than political statement. It began with “God Bless America,” the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem. This followed by a salute to veterans. Can you say Apple Pie?

“Capitalism – Yes! Socialism – No!”

Yeah, baby!

The event – attended by about 600 people – was "not related to any particular political party." The only speakers, however, were GOP, the keynote speaker was Bill Posey [ask Stephen Colbert about him]. A real “Boston Tea Party” should have been about that ole taxation without representation, but Posey’s well-guarded presence was welcomed by most. That one sign “Term limits – Change You Can Believe In!” was not visible while he spoke.

Speeches were long on "Take control of the government!" and short on specifics until the end.

Some sign makers, however, hadn't gotten the memo about "non-partisan."

“Pelosi is a Disgrace!”

“It’s all Barney’s Fault!”

"Impeach Obama!"

Local builder Toby Hill said his wife made him do it. Paul Tanner [resident of Pointe West and President of Sonshine Audio-Video of Arkansas] said they were new to the political rallying experience. [Both, however, are not new to politics and campaigns.] They spoke of their families [Tanner has 4 kids, he was proud to note] and their ties with the community, then elicited cheers about stopping government waste and deficit spending. “As debt increases,” said Tanner, “ we work harder and longer to feed a government who spends without restraint!” He rallied the crowd with a chant of “No more!” I missed the "Down with Social Security! or "Ban Medicare!" hoopla.

Wandering through the crowd, desperately dodging tea-bags, several religious groups were handing out literature – I liked the million-dollar “bill” which asked "the million dollar question," will you go to heaven or hell when you die? The criteria -- have you ever told a lie? Have you ever looked with lust? Wow, no Catholics here! They didn't mention tea-bagging. Is that a sin?? My guess is yes, but I'm no expert. Likely few at the rally would know. Send them to gawker, Miss V.

One woman was doing a crowd estimate. She put her numbers at 3 to 4,000. She may have been new to the task.

The Democrats' signs? “Health care and Education ARE Economic Issues!” and “Tea Party? Wake up and smell the Coffee!”

John Moore, a local tax attorney, made fun of the people who showed up in the Target parking lot after Hurricane Wilma [which he said "only grazed Indian River County"] looking for free ice and MREs. The masses jeered. Just more socialists on the government take!

Posey’s speech condemned the administration, and not much else. The crowd started to drift away while he gave statistics, so the organizers took the microphone back. The final rallying cry was to find “the next Jefferson,” and a plea went out for people to run for office, people like the wonderful Mr. Posey. In the end, the bags were steeping mostly republican tea.

Some of our favorite signs? "Now Deal with the Pirates in DC!!" That was seen at several rallies. "Throw Them ALL Out!" As a matter of fact, lots of the signs seemed to have been repeated all over the country. I guess the many [Many!] conservative lobbyist groups got the marketing sent out early. Not exactly grass roots, but hey, it looked good if you didn't compare rallies.

Well, back to our little Capitol, where your taxes are spent with abandon -- by the people YOU elected!

--
Your friend and a proud member of the Cocktail Party,
Tallahassee Tipster!




A very sincere Thank You, for a fabulous guest post!

MWAH!
missvero@live.com

JUST ANOTHER DAY...

Leave Russ Lemmon alone!

He's a human, and you people, yes, you commenters are trying to throw around your college educations and make him look stupid, well he's not! He's not! He's my opinion columnist from my local paper that I love and you people are so used to bashing him that you did not even recognize the fact that he finally got it right! He used a video from Comedy Central and he spliced into his and it was funny! He's Funny! Russ Lemmon is funny and you people didn't get it! You don't deserve him! Leave him alone, leave Russ Lemmon alone!

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/apr/08/russ-lemmon-posey-unexpectedly-veers-statesmanship/?feedback=1#comments

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Crocker_(Internet_celebrity)

Goodness knows who that boy is, but we wish he'd just get the heck out of yard this morning, before we've even had a chance to mix up our noon bloody marys.

Yes, we heard Congressman Posey speak yesterday. We saw several local politicians attending and appreciated the few that stayed around to speak with folks. We noticed some, like Miss Carole Jean Jordan and Commissioner Solari and Sheriff Deryl Loar leavin early, but we're sure they had important business to attend to, now that they're in office, right?

And yes everyone expects some sort of political comment from Miss Vero, but no, we are not going to say a word.

Why? Well, since y'all asked...

Miss Vero is just dog tired of it all, maybe it's just us. We are as tired of the Democrats printin monopoly money and handin it out willy-nilly, just as we were tired of the Republicans printin out the same pretend money for their no-bid contract profiteering war. And then we are tired of each side pointin fingers at the other.

We often wonder, why is it that the same people who say "God Bless America!" are the first one's to exclude many Americans from that blessing.

And why is it that God should bless America and not the whole world? If y'all believe in that mumbo-jumbo-bible-hocus-pocus and read it, like y'all say y'all do, did y'all happen to skip that part where God created the world, the whole world and not just a well defined portion in North America?

"Because I believe we live in the GREATEST COUNTRY ON EARTH!" Yes, that always gets the applause, doesn't it? And every politician makes sure to make that statement. Is it because they believe it? Or, is the sound of applause really the pay off?

When we hear a politician, any politician, we always wonder if they are truly tryin to help us, or if it is just the popularity contest they seek and then we remember somethin about power that our Daddy used to say - "Anybody that wants to carry a gun and tell other folks want to do, shouldn't be allowed to".

We're sure if we lived in Sweden (and it seemed that Mr. Posey has some sort of fascination with Sweden, cause he mentioned it many times), we would think that Sweden is the Greatest Country on Earth.

And yes we get it, we're bloggin well within our first amendment rights, so the irony is not lost on us.

But as we said, we are weary.

We've been trying to get everyone in Vero to get along. Miss Vero does not know just how many times we can ask y'all to calm down, pour a cocktail and try to not be so hateful to one another. And for goodness sakes, if y'all don't have a sense of humor, we'll lend you ours! Because when we are divided we are conquered. Red, Blue, Black, White, Christian and Atheist, Muslim, Jews, Gay and Straight, 32963 and the PJ, Blessed Americans and everyone else, how can we all coexist?

We suppose what this planet really needs is a good ole Alien Attack! That sure would put everything in perspective right quick, now wouldn't it?

And maybe put that NASA funding on the top of the list....

Oh, and a little TANG in our martini wouldn't hurt either!

MWAH!

missvero@live.com

A LETTER TO OUR NEW CONGRESSMAN

Dear Congressman Posey,

Congratulations on being a new congressman and representing the 15th district in which Miss Vero is a constituent! Good for you, getting a new job when it is so hard for folks to find one these days. And from what we hear, it'll be even harder when our beloved space program is forced to shed about 38,000 industry and related jobs in our district come 2010 (next year!).

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/space/orl-asecshuttle11031109mar11,0,295591.story

It seems that our Democratic Senator, Mr. Bill Nelson, could use a little help in securing some funding for Florida and our district. May we suggest that y'all try to work with Mr. Nelson on this issue and stop wasting your time (and ours) by "pandering to the right wing" fringe of your party by introducing this new silly and somewhat divisive bill H. R. 1503? By the way, "pandering to the right wing" are not our words, but those of Karen Thurman, chair of the Florida Democratic Party:

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_politics/2009/03/posey-future-presidential-candidates-should-show-their-birth-certificates-wont-say-whether-he-believ.html

Mr. Obama is our president, whether y'all voted for him our not. The matter of his nationality is a matter that's been closed.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2008/12/08/supreme_court_declines_to_hear.html

Just like Jackson Browne once wrote - "...while the future's there for anyone to change, still you it seems, it would easier sometimes to change the past."

Wouldn't it be a better idea to focus on what we can change and work with one another to address some of the current issues that we facing in our community?

Mr. Posey, we are most sincere when we wish you all the best in our nation's capital. We know Washington is a big place with many people trying to influence you. Please, just try to remember your little ole constituents down here in Indian River County.

Respectfully,

Miss Vero and friends.

missvero@live.com

GREETINGS FROM GREEN ACRES!

Before we get to LDouglas' wonderful post today, Miss Vero would like to say a big hello to a friend that we ran into last evening, who has been a faithful reader in spite of the fact that she doesn't agree with Miss Vero at all! We like to call her "Belle" because she is one of the most lovely, true, conservative, Southern Belles that we know. Our friendship with "Belle" reminds us that, even though we might not see the world the same, somehow the Beach House brings us all together, where a cocktail and a kind word goes a long way. So Miss Belle, knowin that y'all are a big fan of Max Newport , perhaps you'll see fit to join us in the comment cocktail lounge!

Also, we must tell y'all that the Fabulous City of Fellsmere has a new website, where the motto is "cultivate. nurture. grow...":
http://www.cityoffellsmere.org
It is very user friendly (we love the calendar!) and informative, perhaps we can see this type of site for Vero, Sebastian and the county. A job well done by Mr. Harvey Wasserman and the great folks at http://eclipseme.com


And now, back to LDouglas in Green Acres, who's post we would like to add to by providin y'all with, our new congressman, Mr. Bill Posey's web site:
http://posey.house.gov/
Remember kids, your elected officials are just waiting to hear from y'all, so don't disappoint!




Spring is in the air

It's that time of year again, can you feel it? Spring is in the air. It's time once again for planting spring flowers and something else-- planting your opinion-- in the garden of Florida government. The regular Florida legislative session is starting on March 3rd. The full session is only 60 calendar days (including weekends) so it's going to go by fast. As usual, there’s good and bad news. The bad news is there are hundreds of bills that may (or may not) come up for a vote and our budget woes continue, but the good news is that it's never been easier to have a say about them.

I know some people ask "why bother?" because they feel like their opinion is different from the mainstream or it won't matter. But it does. They say for every letter or phone call received, a politician (or editor) knows there are many others who feel the same. So there is some power and influence behind one letter (or phone call).

Of course, not everything is cut and dry. The recent stimulus plan is a good example of that. I've read the majority of people writing and calling were against it (phone calls are influential too). However, it still passed. But the part that shows the effectiveness of opinions through letters and calls to me is that the birth control provisions were removed while a lot of the environmental provisions held up. There were many religious groups speaking out against including birth control measures and many environmental groups speaking up for the environmental measures- and they both had an impact.

While I sometimes find the process confusing and hard to keep up with, I'm hoping to be able to keep up and keep you informed of when an important bill is coming up for a vote. If you have an issue you care about, there is probably a group with a lobbyist for it willing to send you e-mail alerts. Do a search on Google. The things most important to me as you may know are the "Love Triangle"- food, environment, and health. For Florida's environmental issues, I'll be using the alerts and updates from Dave Cullen, the lobbyist for the Sierra Club, as well as the alerts from the Audubon Society.

I like to use the form letters from those organizations for ease. They're not as effective as an independent letter but they do help. Most of them let you edit it or add your own thoughts. But when it's something really important to me, I also write a separate letter and send it via e-mail. I do my best to keep it short and polite as I know they're busy and they deserve to be treated with respect. If it's real close to a vote, sometimes I'll also hand write a couple sentences and fax it. (I also follow up with a phone call, at times.)

And if there's an editorial I agree with about an issue, I'll e-mail that. I received the fastest reply ever from Governor Crist after sending one of those.

If you ask me, there is no more important time than now to make sure you speak up for those things important to you. We're facing hard times and politicians don't always tend to do what's right during hard times.

Here's a link to the Florida Senate web page listing all the House Bills for the 2009 Regular Session:
http://www.flsenate.gov/session/

Note that page is just for House Bills, odd numbered 1-99, and you have to look to the right to jump to House Bills numbered 101 up, etc.
To get the Senate Bills, you have to use the box, ”select chamber", located above to view them.

Remember the old adage, "You reap what you sow"? Experience in politics tells us that's not always true but it shouldn't stop us from choosing which seeds we believe most in. When all is said and done there's always the possibility we may reap something different. But like gardeners we can have faith in those small seeds and cling to the hope that this year, we'll end up with a good harvest.

Some tips from the Sierra Club on how to write an effective letter if you need a refresher: http://www.sierraclub.org/takeaction/toolkit/letters.asp

TTFN, LDouglas







MWAH!
missvero@live.com

DO Y'ALL KNOW THIS MAN?

Swinging through the crowd at last years 4th of July parade! Click on the picture to get a better look.

It's your new Congressman kids and he'll be in town today to meet y'all. Not that the TCPalm is one bit helpful in giving us this information. Yesterday they posted this article that Congressman Bill Posey will be in Brevard County (Yes! Brevard County!) and that's where Indian River constituents should meet him:
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/feb/16/us-rep-posey-hosts-open-house-constituents/

But last week (Yes! last week!), they also posted that he would be at the Indian River County Commission building at 4pm to visit with constituents:
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/feb/12/posey-will-meet-public-feb-17-indian-river-county/

If it wasn't 2 am, as we write this, Miss Vero would call his office and confirm, but at least be thankful that we are paying attention in the first place. Now y'all need to get on down there and introduce yourselves, especially if y'all have recently lost a job or have some other concern that perhaps your nice Congressman will be more than happy to help y'all with. Here's a little info to get y'all acquainted:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Posey

Miss Vero has spent many hours in the offices of our nice Florida Congressmen and women over the years and we can tell y'all that once you go up to Washington or Tallahassee and plop yourself on their nice fluffy couches and settees and introduce yourself properly, hunnies they take notice! Heck, Miss Vero has made herself known to these folks for so long, we remember when Claude Pepper was a teenager!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Pepper

These people work for y'all and don't ever pass up a chance to remind them.


AND SPEAKING OF JOBS...

Today is the 17th right? Aren't the nurses at IRMC reaching another deadline today? What's the word on the strike? Let us know Beach House readers!




MWAH!

missvero@live.com