While the citizens of Florida are under siege from “Hurricane Matthew,” Republican Governor Rick Scott is making a play to help Republicans win in his state. He is refusing to extend the date for voter registration, although much of his state has suffered devastation including huge power outages.
Rick Scott is another TEA Party darling who has always remained on my ‘list of deplorables.’ He has consistently ignored the needs and wishes of his constituents as he attempts to further his own ambitions. Not allowing American to vote is un-Constitutional; a violation of the first amendment. This is the only weapon the American people have to protect themselves from a government who demonstrates a complete lack of concern for those they were elected to represent.
A lower voter turnout generally benefits Republicans. Scott is attempting to insure that fewer Hispanics will vote on November 8th. Donald Trump is losing in his state. Marco Rubio is leading Democrat Patrick Murphy by five-and-a-half points in his reelection bid. However, Rubio’s support among Hispanics is in question. He fails to support a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented men, women and children; an issue which looms large in the Hispanic community.
Florida’s registration deadline is Tuesday, October 11th. The storm has taken away two days which were available for Florida’s citizens to access their ability to vote. As you might imagine, voter’s rights groups are outraged.
“Judged against the actions of his peers, Governor Scott’s decision is out of line with what good governmental administration should provide,” said Anita Earls, the executive director of the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, which works on voter rights issues.
“This storm has no partisan intentions and severely affects all voters, and potential voters, in very large counties in our state. The Governor shut down coastal communities for two business days, rightfully warning people this storm was life threatening. It is only fair that he uses his same powerful voice and power to extend voter registration for the same amount of days,” argued Pamela Goodman, president of the Florida’s League of Women Voters.
The Republican cannot win elections playing on level ground. They have no position on the issues important to the American people, unless it is to oppose them. They have used lies, misdirection, and fear tactics for nearly two decades. The uninformed have been brainwashed, and believe Republican candidates.
Scott is a classic example of a serious mistake by voters. Texas gave us Ted Cruz; Arkansas gave us Tom Cotton; Utah forced Steve King upon the nation; Florida gave themselves Rick Scott.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Photo Courtesy of DonkeyHotey
Follow me on twitter; @jamesturnagenov
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