That is the title of the editorial in my local paper today. The issue is the refusal of the GOP controlled Florida House, Senate and Governor to deal with exploding Real Estate taxes and insurance rates. As much as 80% of Floridians are is real trouble because of local property taxes and skyrocketing insurance rates. This is not a small problem that impacts the ability of Florida residents to buy a new car or move into a bigger home. These are problems that impact their ability to live. The problem is so significant that our Governor was forced to call the legislature into Special Session.
Bottom line is that Florida does not have a tax structure at the State level that produces the revenue needed. Their solution is to cut the state budget which makes the problem for the local government and the high real estate tax rates WORSE. The issue is that the spending at the local level is to build roads, schools, water, sewer, police and fire infrastructure. With the ever increasing number of both permanent residents and winter visitors the need for that spending can not be reduced and in fact must be increased. The GOP controlled legislature and the GOP Governor refuse to levy the taxes at the state level to provide relief to what is a crises for as much as 80% of Floridians. Only the wealthy can afford the higher local taxes and increased insurance rates. Thus the editorial question—WHO DO LEGISLATOR’S WORK FOR? Clearly they are not working for the 80%. They protect the huge wealth of the 20% who continue living in nothing less then their gated mansions with their huge yachts and top of the line cars.
We see the same thing at the national level in America. As much as 75% of Americans want the policies changed on things such as Iraq, Trade, Immigration, Social Security and Medicare solutions, Health Care and Education for our children. NOT ONE of these issues is being addresses the way the VAST MAJORITY want. Thus the same question of Washington - WHO DO CONGRESS and the PRESIDENT WORK FOR? It is clear not for about ¾ of the people in America. The Federal Government, like the government in Florida do the bidding of minority and protect the wealthy.
George W. Bush goes all over the world telling everyone how a democracy is the Right of every country. I would like him and any one of his supporters to explain then WHY are we not following what the vast majority WANT in the world’s largest and oldest democracy?