Letter From the Chair - January 30, 2023

Good morning, Democrats and Activists!

Seriously, it’s the damn GUNS!!! Take away the tax-free status of the NRA. They are nothing more than a lobbying group for the weapons industry!

Next – What is DeSantis real agenda? Looking at his past performance as a Congressman, He was a founding member of the “Freedom Caucus.” (he loves this word - I think he has it confused with Fascist) He voted against raising the debt ceiling and was not above holding the country hostage to force Spending cuts to Social Security and Medicare.
(Is he the one that made “Entitlements” a bad word? Look up the meaning of this word. “The fact of having a right to something” Oxford Dictionary.) We paid in; we have a right!

He voted to slash Social Security and Medicare and tried to repeal the ACA. Of course, he was all about cutting taxes for corporations, high earners, and heirs. Now he makes up fake issues like “Parental Rights Bills” (they have always had rights, just too damn lazy to ask questions), poking his nose into transgender folks' health issues and demonizing Drag Queens. (I am unaware of anyone who was ever forced to attend a drag show.) This vicious language has caused violence and death. He is coming after all of us who disagree with him. Ahem, Fascist! His latest outright Racist move has been the attack on the AP course African American Studies. He threw out his dog whistle and went for the bullhorn!

WAKE UP FLORIDUH!

“the best way to neutralize DeSantis as a political force might be to spend less time on cultural conflict and more time making the clear case that, if given the chance, he would slash what’s left of the social safety net and use the proceeds to help the rich stay rich” Jamelle Bouie – New York Times ( in Saturday’s Citizen)

Kudos to the Government Watchdog team, who have been showing up at zoning and planning meetings to question the need for more big development in the Keys.

No Local Govt. Meetings This Week

I think since we got folks riled up about development from Marathon to Key Largo and talking back to elected officials at meetings, they needed a week off to figure out what just happened. Thanks to all who attended these meetings and spoke out!!! You made a difference. Don’t stop, because it ain’t over!!!
There is a great article in the Keys Weekly about it. https://keysweekly.com/42/traffic-concerns-swirl-around-key-largo-7-eleven-development/

Activist Group Meetings

Wednesday, February 1

• Key West Drinking Liberally will meet at 5:30 in the backroom at Sally O’Brien’s, 1900 Flagler Ave. Key West. There is plenty to talk about!

Keys DEMS Meetings in February

Monday, February 13

• The Lower Keys DEMS will meet at 5:30 pm in the back room of VFW Post 3911, 2200 N Roosevelt Blvd. Our Guest Speaker will be City Commissioner Sam Kaufman. Come early, get your spot, some food, and a beverage.

Wednesday, February 15

• The Upper Keys DEMS will meet at 5:30 pm in the sidebar area of Denny’s, 97630 Overseas Hwy, in the median. Our Guest Speaker will be Monroe County School Board Member Sue Woltanski. Come, get a spot, some food, and a beverage.

Thursday, February 23

• The Middle Keys DEMS will meet at 5:30 pm in the back dining area of Triton Seafood, 11399 Overseas Hwy, Marathon. Looks like tasty food, so come early. Speaker TBA

I discovered a new activist group on Saturday night when I attended the Annual Meeting of LAST STAND. (Please check out their website - https://www.keyslaststand.org/)

Friends of the Lower Keys is a group concerned with environmental and quality of life issues for Keys Residents. Check out their website - https://www.friendsofthelowerkeys.org/

So many people trying to save the planet and make the world a better place for all. None of us can just sit by and hope it will work out. Get off your butts and volunteer with us or one of these groups. None of us are getting paid. I do this to channel my rage at the insanity. Join us! You will meet the most interesting people!

Finally, the Keys Dems have a Fundraiser on February 15 in a beautiful old town garden. We have Debbie Mucarsel-Powell coming to tell us what she has been up to. Great apps courtesy of Roostica, wines to taste and maybe take home, and a live auction! Seating is limited, so get your tickets here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/redwineandbluekw

I look forward to seeing all of you soon!

The Key West/Tourist Season Crud is circulating. Be safe, be well, and get your rest!!!

Bert Sise/Chair
KeysDems