If Gov. Rick Scott Only Had A Heart

This time four years ago Rick Scott was a stranger to Floridians. Then he spent $73 million on his first political campaign and rode an angry voter wave to the Governor's Mansion. For Florida, this has been a hostile takeover by the former CEO of the nation's largest hospital chain. In three years Scott has done more harm than any modern governor, from voting rights to privacy rights, public schools to higher education, environmental protection to health care. One more legislative session and a $100 million re-election campaign will not undo the damage.
This is the tin man as governor, a chief executive who shows no heartfelt connection to the state, appreciation for its values or compassion for its residents. Duke Energy is charging its electric customers billions for nuclear plants that were botched or never built. Homeowners are being pushed out of the state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and into private insurers with higher premiums and no track records. Federal flood insurance rates are soaring so high that many property owners cannot afford the premiums but also cannot sell their homes. The governor sides with the electric utilities and property insurers. He criticizes the president rather than fellow Republicans in Congress for failing to fix the flood insurance fiasco they helped create.
In Scott's Florida, it is harder for citizens to vote and for the jobless to collect unemployment. It is easier for renters to be evicted and for borrowers to be charged high interest rates on short-term loans. It is harder for patients to win claims against doctors who hurt them and for consumers to get fair treatment from car dealers who deceive them. It is easier for businesses to avoid paying taxes, building roads and repairing environmental damage.
Florida's modern political era began in 1954 with the election of Gov. LeRoy Collins, who skillfully steered the state through the early years of desegregation and is widely regarded as the state's greatest governor. Other governors from both political parties had an instinctive feel for Florida and a passion to help its people. In the 1970s, there was Reubin Askew. In the 1980s, Bob Graham. In the 1990s, Lawton Chiles. In the 2000s, Jeb Bush. There were some mediocre and average governors along the way, but even the least of them demonstrated a deep affection for this state and its residents.
Scott, who moved to Naples just seven years before running for governor, treats Florida like another faceless corporate acquisition to be dismantled and repackaged. Collins created the community college system; Scott ordered the colleges to create a gimmick, a handful of bachelor's degrees that can be purchased for $10,000. Askew established the water management districts and reformed the appointment process for judges; Scott gutted the former and injected more politics into the latter. Gov. Bob Martinez pushed ambitious efforts to manage growth and preserve environmentally sensitive land; Scott decimated both.
The state's refusal to accept billions in federal money illustrates how this governor ignores the needs of everyday residents. He fought the federal Affordable Care Act all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and lost. He stood by as the Legislature turned down $51 billion in federal money to help cover 1 million uninsured residents, and now he refuses to reaffirm even his tepid support for taking the money. Tens of thousands of Floridians are signing up for health coverage in the federal marketplace in spite of a governor who refuses to help them.
Scott's decision to reject $2.4 billion in federal money for high-speed rail between Tampa and Orlando was just as callous. At a time when the region was desperate for more jobs, Scott dismissed federal guarantees and let the money go to other states. He called high-speed rail financially risky but then approved far riskier projects to please powerful state legislators. He embraced the expensive SunRail project in Central Florida and the creation of Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, a boondoggle that diminished the University of South Florida and will cost taxpayers dearly for generations.
This governor shows little respect for individual rights. He advocated drug testing for state employees and welfare recipients; the courts ruled against him. He pursued a purge of voter rolls that threatened to disenfranchise minority voters; the county elections supervisors revolted. He signed into law restrictions on early voting; the public outcry forced changes.
Scott sides with developers seeking an easier time building their projects, utilities winning routine approval of higher electric rates and health insurers that now need no state approval to raise rates. For homeowners, there is less protection from leaking septic tanks. For motorists stuck in traffic, the governor's solution is more toll roads.
The state spends less per public school student than when Scott took office. Parents and teachers have lost faith in a school accountability system in chaos. College students hear the governor's disdain for a liberal arts education as he demands results on the cheap. Meanwhile, Scott eagerly promises hundreds of millions in tax breaks to businesses pledging to create jobs in future years. His administration approved nearly 350 job creation deals in his first three years in office, but only four jobs have been created for every 100 promised.
The son of a truck driver and a store clerk, Scott grew up poor, lived in public housing for a time and worked his way through law school. He moved to Florida as the former head of a hospital company that paid a record fine for Medicare fraud, and he got himself elected to the state's highest office. Yet the governor who overcame so much adversity himself shows remarkably little empathy for Floridians and their everyday challenges as they seek a brighter future for themselves and their children. Scott's soulless approach to governing is turning the Sunshine State into a cold-hearted place, where the warm promise of a fresh start and a fair shake are fading fast.

LeRoy Collins, 1955-1961
The native Floridian and former legislator was Florida's greatest governor. The Democrat steered the state into desegregation with a moderate voice, created the community college system, and argued for fair legislative districts and a new Constitution.
Farris Bryant, 1961-1965
The native Floridian and former House speaker led efforts to let the state borrow money for college construction and land purchases. The Democrat was tarnished by controversy over refinancing turnpike bonds and sent Florida backward on racial tolerance.
Haydon Burns, 1965-1967
The Democrat was a former Jacksonville mayor/commissioner. Served two undistinguished years as governor before losing a bid for re-election.
Claude Kirk, 1967-1971
The Florida insurance and investment executive became the state's first Republican governor since Reconstruction. Known for his colorful personality and strong environmental record in a turbulent time of war protests and a teacher strike. Often fought with Democrats controlling Legislature and lost bid for re-election.
Reubin Askew, 1971-1979
Ranked just behind Collins among great governors, the Democrat and former legislator oversaw tax reform, the creation of water management districts and open-government reforms. Completed school desegregation, helped defeat efforts to allow casinos and worked to reform tarnished judiciary by pushing for merit retention of judges.
Bob Graham, 1979-1987
The native Floridian and former legislator led efforts to protect the Everglades, beaches and wetlands. Pushed to elevate higher education and dealt with influx of Cuban refugees. The Democrat served three terms in the U.S. Senate.
Bob Martinez, 1987-1991
The native Floridian and former Tampa mayor pushed environmental efforts to clean up Tampa Bay and other waters and buy sensitive lands. Implemented progressive growth management. The Republican reversed position on a tax on services and forced its repeal. Lost bid for re-election.
Lawton Chiles, 1991-1998
The native Floridian and former U.S. senator championed campaign finance reform and children's initiatives. Guided state through Hurricane Andrew recovery. The Democrat sued tobacco companies and won billions in a settlement.
Jeb Bush, 1999-2007
Active in Miami politics, the son of a former president overhauled public education with high-stakes testing and school letter grades. The Republican pushed school vouchers and record tax cuts. Ably led the state through eight hurricanes.
Charlie Crist, 2007-2011
The former legislator and Cabinet member pushed tax cuts and Everglades restoration efforts. The Republican vetoed bills ending teacher tenure and restricting abortion rights, and championed easier restoration of rights for felons. Signed law gutting growth management. Unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate as an independent and now running for governor as a Democrat.

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/the-tin-man-if-the-governor-only-had-a-heart/2167877

Rick Scott Stands Alone

Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s (R) re-election bid will be challenging. Between his poor record, weak poll numbers, and credible challenger, the Republican is going to need some help to get another four years in Tallahassee.

 

 But if he’s hoping on getting that help from his lieutenant governor, Scott should prepare a back-up plan.

In March, an ugly scandal unfolded and Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll (R) was forced to abruptly resign from office. Though Carroll has not yet faced criminal charges, her company is accused of helping oversee a fraudulent veterans’ charity and using gambling at Internet cafes to launder money.

The governor wasn’t connected to the scandal, but it nevertheless left Scott looking for a new #2 in his administration, who can also serve as his running mate during the 2014 campaign. How’s the search going? Not well (thanks to my colleague Tricia McKinney for the heads-up).

Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger on Monday formally declined Gov. Rick Scott’s offer to be considered as a possible lieutenant governor, becoming the second person on Scott’s four-person short list to turn him down.

Eslinger sent an email to his staff saying he was “flattered and honored” to be considered but that he will keep the job that he was first elected to in 1990. Last week, St. Johns County Superintendent of Schools Joseph Joyner also rejected Scott’s offer.

Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll

In case this wasn’t obvious, the Tampa Bay Times report added that the withdrawals from two of Scott’s top contenders “create the perception that no one wants to be the governor’s running mate in 2014.”

Yes, actually it does. Indeed, the Miami New Times added, “It seems almost too obvious to state that a key requirement of being lieutenant governor is actually wanting to be lieutenant governor, but that’s apparently something Gov. Rick Scott didn’t take into account during his long, dragged-out search to replace disgraced ex-Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll…. It’s not exactly good news when the two lowest-profile candidates on the list announce they have no interest in the job.”

The governor apparently had a short-list of four, which is now down to two – a state senator and a county commissioner, both of whom are from the Tampa area.

If they also decline, I’d just note that Florida has a 7% unemployment rate, so presumably the Republican governor will find someone who’s available  and willing to stand alongside Rick Scott for the next five years.

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/rick-scott-stands-alone 


It is time to give Rick Scott a pink slip.

Investigators Turn Up More Conflict of Interest at Florida AG Bondi’s Office

In New York we see elites attacking the Attorney General for doing his job. In Florida, however, there’s a different dynamic going on.


June Clarkson and Theresa Edwards,



I’ve written about June Clarkson and Theresa Edwards, the two foreclosure fraud investigators at the state Attorney General’s office fired for being too competent in their investigations. This appeared to be a US Attorney-like scandal at the state level, but I wasn’t hopeful that much would come of it. Boy, was I wrong. The news media in Florida picked up on this and wouldn’t let go. Set against a backdrop of a foreclosure crisis, firing the people closest to getting at the corruption and fraud resonated sharply against the Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and her staff. Bondi, after making nods toward defending the decision, then initiated an outside investigation into the firing. And that still wasn’t enough to satiate the press. This is a devastating article from the Orlando Sentinel a couple days ago:



Attorney General Pam Bondi


Eight months after she took office as a first-time elected official, Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing a management crisis replete with allegations of old-fashioned political interference in cases and a revolving door between lawyers and the companies they investigate.
An outside investigator is looking into the circumstances surrounding the May firings of foreclosure fraud investigators June Clarkson and Theresa Edwards. This week, another investigator abruptly resigned after giving the media a 16-page memo noting that two other high-profile lawyers in the attorney general’s office had taken jobs with companies under investigation, and accusing top management of interfering in an investigation of a prominent Tampa car dealership [...]
The latest blast came from Andrew Spark, who resigned from Bondi’s Tampa economic crimes office and said in a 16-page, memo that he was speaking out because the public deserved “fair and honest government, independent of personal connections and powerful interests.”



Bill McCollum

 He complained that two top lawyers, former assistant attorney general Joe Jacquot and former Economic Crimes Division Director Mary Leontakianakos, had both taken jobs with foreclosure companies under state investigation, Jacksonville-based Lender Processing Services and the Law Offices of Marshall C. Watson in Fort Lauderdale. Both had worked for Bondi’s predecessor, Bill McCollum, who lost a primary bid for governor last fall.
Jacquot said Friday he had avoided any involvement in the investigation into LPS months before taking a job with the company, and is legally banned from representing the company before his old office. Leontakianakos, a 25-year veteran of four administrations, was hired this summer by the Watson law firm two months after it reached a $2 million settlement with the AG’s office. She said Friday she cleared the job with the state Ethics Commission and made certain the investigation into the Watson firm was closed before she interviewed for the job.

So not only were Clarkson and Edwards fired for, among other things, pursuing investigations against LPS, but other lawyers at the AGs office were JOINING LPS after they settled with the state.
Some of Bondi’s other troubles concern an adverse judicial ruling that really undercuts her consumer protection responsibilities. And that’s just garden-variety ideology trumping the law. But even in that case, Bondi’s office declined to appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court, apparently preferring to tie their own hands.
The pressure is on Pam Bondi. I didn’t think that, in this environment, she would go the way of Alberto Gonzales. But with an independent investigation sure to produce more revelations, it’s certainly possible.

UPDATE: The Sentinel article made it sound like Bondi’s office settled with LPS, but their only settlement as it relates to foreclosure fraud was a $2 million deal with the Law Offices of Marshall C. Watson, a foreclosure mill law firm.

By: David Dayen Monday August 15, 2011 6:55 am

http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/08/15/investigators-turn-up-more-conflict-of-interest-at-florida-ag-bondis-office/

Rick Scott Was Warned That Columbia/HCA Practices Could Be illegal

He knew: Scott was warned that Columbia/HCA practices could be illegal **UPDATE: Team Sink responds

 

Rick Scott says he would have put a stop to the record Medicare (plus TRICARE and Medicaid) fraud committed by his company, Columbia/HCA, had he been aware of it. Well, about that not being aware…
From the Times/Herald Sunday:

Rick Scott has said he would have immediately stopped his former hospital company from committing Medicare fraud — if only “somebody told me something was wrong.”
But he was cautioned year after year that the financial incentives Columbia/HCA offered doctors could run afoul of a federal antikickback law that seeks to limit conflicts of interest in Medicare and Medicaid.
They were contained in the company’s annual public reports to stockholders that Scott, now the Republican candidate for Florida governor, signed as Columbia/HCA’s president and chief executive officer.

The reports said the company believed it was complying with the spirit of the law. But as far back as 1994 — three years before the FBI began scrutinizing the company — Columbia/HCA acknowledged that it might not be following the letter of complex health care rules.

“Certain of the Company’s current arrangements with physicians … risk scrutiny” from investigators and “may be subject to enforcement action,” the 1994 report said — a precaution echoed over the years in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Scott today says he doesn’t remember the reports he signed, but that the warning language sounded like “boilerplate, written by SEC lawyers just to cover all bases.” Indeed, the precautions mirrored those issued by some other health care companies.

Sort of like Scott doesn’t remember whether he wrote a six-figure check to cover the discrepancy between what’s in his campaign account, and what the Scott-Carroll campaign just spent buying TV ads …
Read the entire SPT/Herald article here. Meanwhile, Michael Bender, now with the Palm Beach Post, digs into Scott’s new company, Solantic.

UPDATE: The Alex Sink campaign issued this lengthy response to the Times/Herald story Sunday:

Tampa, FL – The Times/Herald reported today that during his tenure as hospital CEO , disgraced executive Rick Scott was repeatedly warned of possible illegal practices at his hospitals — and even signed yearly reports acknowledging kickback schemes.  While Scott claims he would have stopped the massive, systemic fraud if he had known about it, these new documents taken with the Department of Justice case show Scott was keenly aware and deeply involved.  This breaking news is just the latest example of how much Rick Scott is hiding from the people of Florida.
“Year after year Rick Scott signed documents acknowledging the misdeeds of his company, removing any last shred of credibility  he had in his weak attempts to defend the illegal misconduct he oversaw at his hospitals,” said Kyra Jennings, spokesperson for Alex Sink for Governor.  “Floridians deserve better than a Governor who chooses to ignore warnings that he might be breaking the law, turned a blind eye to illegal kickbacks, and used legal maneuvering to avoid being questioned by the FBI.  This latest information about Rick Scott’s connections to the historic, systemic, fraud happening at his company for years shows once again just how much he is hiding his record from the people of Florida.”

According to the Times/Herald, Scott signed repeated SEC filings in which he was warned that physician referrals his hospitals compensated doctors for might be breaking the law, and that this was part of Scott’s “business strategy.”  Even though Scott signed the forms, he says he does not remember signing them or being warned that he might be breaking the law.  The breaking story also reports that Rick Scott was scheduled to be questioned by the Department of Justice.

“Floridians can just add this to the laundry list of critical information about his record and past that Rick Scott is hiding from Floridians,” Jennings continued.  “From refusing to release the deposition with his new health care company he gave just six days before running for governor, to avoiding making his tax returns public, to ducking debates, Rick Scott is trying to keep Floridians from learning one basic truth: Rick Scott is clearly disqualified to be Florida’s next Governor.”

SCOTT’S LIES DON’T MATCH REALITY:

Rick Scott Lie #1:
“Rick Scott has said he would have immediately stopped his former hospital company from committing Medicare fraud — if only ‘somebody told me something was wrong.’”
Rick Scott Reality:

“But he was cautioned year after year that the financial incentives Columbia/HCA offered doctors could run afoul of a federal anti-kickback law that seeks to limit conflicts of interest in Medicare and Medicaid.  The warnings were contained in the company’s annual public reports to stockholders that Scott, now the Republican candidate for Florida governor, signed (emphasis added) as Columbia/HCA’s president and chief executive officer…Scott today says he doesn’t remember the reports he signed.”

Rick Scott Lie #2:

“Scott says he didn’t do anything wrong and wanted to fight the charges long before the hospital board settled the case without trial. ‘I believed we were doing the right things,’ he said, though Scott has acknowledged he was focused more on buying hospitals and performance than compliance.”

Rick Scott Reality:
“Federal investigators also said Scott knew about the doctor payments, court records show. In its lawsuit, the Justice Department said Scott personally told doctors that their payments from the company would increase with the number of patient referrals. Scott and other executives paid as much as $5,000 to doctors to cover their investments with Columbia — loans never repaid by doctors, the suit says.”
Rick Scott Lie #3:

“Scott has said that he was never interviewed by the FBI, nor was he criminally charged.”

Rick Scott Reality:

“Yet Scott was scheduled to be interviewed by investigators, according to media reports at the time. During a July 27, 2000, deposition in a civil lawsuit involving an unrelated contract dispute, Scott refused to answer questions by invoking his right to Fifth Amendment protection from self-incrimination 75 times – a maneuver that can only be legally applied when the witness suspects he is the target of criminal investigation. (emphasis added)”

Rick Scott Lie #4:
“In June, [Scott] told a Herald/Times reporter that he never met with Jerre Frazier, a company attorney, who said he warned Scott of potential ‘compliance issues.’ ‘I don’t believe that ever happened,’ Scott said. ‘If somebody told me something was wrong, I would have done everything to fix it.’”

Rick Scott Reality:
“Frazier insists the meeting took place, albeit toward the end of Scott’s reign at HCA.”

Top 10 Reasons Not To Live In Florida If You Have Children

 

Governor Rick Scott





 Number 1 Governor Rick Scott is a crook and has not upheld his oath of office. He is the ultimate person in charge of DCF and has been made aware of the situation and has refused to investigate.

Number 2 David Wilkins has not upheld his oath of office and does not protect our children, he is not looking for changes he is looking for more money.



DCF Secretary David Wilkins





Left Robin Jensen Right Brena Slater





Number 3  is a tie to the two wonderful ladies in the picture. Robin K Jensen and Brena Slater. They claim to have the best interest of children in mind but seem to enjoy using their position of power to rip families apart.



Number 4  Judge James S Parker, a Judge and has not upheld his oath, his conflict of interest, and abuse of power is legendary.



Pam Bondi



Number 5  Pam Bondi covers up for Department Children and Families, protecting the best interest of the state not the families.










Chief Kevin Vespia






Number 6  Chief Kevin Vespia for not protecting the citizens of North Port Fl from illegal search and seizure. He swore to defend the Florida and State Constitution and last time I check both had amendments protecting citizens.

Number 7  Department Children and Families take children that do not need to be removed, place them in abusive foster care or leave children in homes where abuse is rampant. (don't believe me? Google FL DCF horror stories, be prepared to be heart broken)









Dr Sohail Punjwani

 Number 8  Sohail Punjwani,University of Karachi’s Dow Medical College, Pakistan

Crimes against children, over medicated and using drugs not approved for children in foster care and DCF in Florida, leading to the death of several children and  driving under the influence and cocaine possession. Still employed by DCF.

Number 9 Over the past six years, 41 percent of all children who died of abuse or neglect in Florida had been the subject of at least one prior contact with child protection authorities, the state Department of Health reports. The average for all other states: about 12 percent.



Carl Littlefield

 Number 10 Carl Littlefield abruptly resigned before he could testify in front of a Senate panel about a Tampa-area group home that allowed residents to have sex. He then received a new appointment "It's a newly created job for Littlefield" with  Tampa office of the Department of Children and Families. Scott appointed him to work for children.







Influential Florida Blogger Calls On Governor Rick Scott To Reopen Honor Killing Case



Tricky Ricky

 Florida's most influential and powerful blog, The Shark Tank, has taken up the call for justice in the cover-up of the honor killing of Fatima Abdullah. Javier Manjarres is calling upon Governor Rick Scott to call for a special investigation in the murder of Muslim woman in Florida.

Tampa Police and the Medical Examiners office ruled Fatima Abdallah's honor killing a "suicide," saying she beat her own head against a coffee table until she died. Tampa Rescue called the TPD explanation illogical and said that she looked as if someone beat her to death. There was a history of systematic abuse by her family. Fatima was quoted as telling a neighbor that her brother did "unspeakable things to her."
We continue to search for one decent human being with integrity in a position to investigate -- to do the right thing. We contacted Doug Culbertson of the FDLE, Medical Examiners Commission. He passed the buck.  A well-placed source in the medical examiner's department  told me that a number of people had expressed grave concern at Laura Hair's decision to classify the death of Fatima Abdallah as a suicide, and thanked us profusely for holding a rally and for demanding


Mark Ober State Attorney




We called on Mark Ober, State Attorney,  Karen Stanley, Chief Assistant State Attorney, Bob Buckhorn, Mayor of Tampa, Santiago Corrada,  Tampa Mayor Chief of Staff, but they hid under their desks.
We rallied and protested.
We asked Dr. Vernard Adams, Chief Medical Examiner in the Hillsborough County Medical Examiners office (the office that called Fatima's death an accidental suicide) to re-examine the overwhelming evidence of murder. We asked the Medical Examiners commission to investigate, but Glenn Hopkins of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Medical Examiner's Commission refused to reopen or rexamine the manner of death. They, too, silently sanctioned the sharia (whatever happened to first do no harm?). Over 4,000 concerned citizens sent emails urging the Tampa Police Department and State Attorney Mark Ober to reopen this case. These officials have ignored the public outcry because it is politically expedient and sharia compliant to cover up the potential Islamic cultural involvement.
Hundreds asked Pam Bondi to get involved.
We rallied and protested.


Pam Bondi

 A Tampa Police CSI tech admits that there was a “fear of Muslim reprisal” in the woman’s death. Tampa Police Crime Scene Technician Shelby Garman requested that her name be removed from the Tampa Police Department GO report because of “fear of Muslim reprisal.”  Click here to read the private investigator’s report.
We need an an outside investigation of local officials. In order to get that ball rolling, please contact Governor Rick Scott's  Office. The Governor has the power to appoint what is known as a special prosecutor to investigate criminal allegations outside a state attorney's normal circuit when there are concerns about possible conflicts of interest. The Governor can also direct the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to perform special investigations and investigations on public officials and agencies. Please write, and cc me at PamelaGeller@gmail.com.

The Honorable Rick Scott
Executive Office of the Governor
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001
Citizen Services Hotline: (850) 488-4441
Executive Office of the Governor Switchboard: (850) 488-7146
Fax:  (850) 487-0801
Website:  http://www.flgov.com/
Email: http://www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott/email-the-governor/

We welcome and applaud Javier Manjarres' involvement and call for justice:

Sharia Honor Killing Case Swept Under the Rug by Javier Manjarres and Pamela Geller, Shark Tank

 If Florida law enforcement agencies are reluctant to investigate and aggressively pursue charges in the context of honor killings for fear of reprisal, it means that we are effectively being governed by the vile precepts of Sharia that these command honor killings.  Our communities should stand united, break through the silent complicity of family members that too often attends these killings, and pursue justice.
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s attention was also solicited on this case, and her office issued the following reply-

We understand that you are requesting an investigation of “the Tampa Police Department and Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s office.”  If you are requesting an outside investigation of local officials, you may wish to contact the Governor’s Office.  The Governor has the power to appoint what is known as a special prosecutor to investigate criminal allegations outside a state attorney’s normal circuit when there are concerns about possible conflicts of interest.  The Governor may also direct the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to perform special investigations and investigations on public officials and agencies. 
 Upon reviewing the crime scene investitgation images, it was obvious the injuries Abdallah sustained to her face and head, not to mention the broken rib(s) that was not a ‘suicide-by-coffee-table’, but a murder case that needs to be reopened. Also in reviewing the notes and documents regading the case, it was also troubling to learn that the of the 5 family members present, it took all of them 2 1/2 hours before they called 911, and then gave conflicting stories as to what happened to Fatima.

With all of the evidence in the case pointing towards murder and not towards an accident or suicide, pressure must be brought on Florida authorities to revisit the determination that he 48 year-old Abballahs’ death was an “accidental suicide” and to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.  As it presently stands, this case can only be reopened by Governor Rick Scott via a special prosecutor.  We strongly urge Governor Scott to review this case and order an investigation into the highly questionable conclusions that have been reached thus far by the various branches of Florida law enforcement.

Read the whole thing here.

• More Corruption and Fear in Fatima Abdallah Honor Killing Cover
• Florida Medical Examiners Commission ... - Atlas Shrugs
• Fatima Abdallah Honor Killing Cover-up: Complaint ... - Atlas Shrugs
• Honor Killing? Initial Investigation of Death of Fatima Abdallah ...
• Rifqa Bary Link to Fatima Abdallah Honor Killing ... - Atlas Shrugs
• “Justice for Fatima” Protest June 10th, Tampa Florida – Stand ...
• Another US Honor Killing? Muslim Woman's Death Ruled Accident ...

http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2011/10/influential-florida-blogger-cals-on-governor-rick-scott-to-reopen-honor-killing-case.html

Carl Littlefield Gets Newly Created DCF Gig After Resigning

            MARCH 31, 2011 

Gov. Rick Scott's office has found a soft landing for Carl Littlefield, their former head of the Agency of Persons with Disabilities. Littlefield abruptly resigned before he could testify in front of a Senate panel about a Tampa-area group home that allowed residents to have sex.
Sen. Ronda Storms raised questions about Littlefield's appointment, making it clear that Scott would have to battle to get him confirmed in the Senate. Instead, Littlefield resigned his $140,000 job at APD and received a $78,000-per-year gig at the Tampa office of the Department of Children and Families.
It's a newly created job for Littlefield in a year when lawmakers expect to slash thousands of state jobs from the payroll and cut benefits for the workers who remain. As director of community affairs, Littlefield will work on special projects and report to DCF Secretary David Wilkins. (Story here.)
Littlefield sent several emails to Scott's chief of staff and deputy chief of staff after he left APD. The first came six days after he resigned.

Littlefield said he couldn't remember whether he heard back from the governor's office and wouldn't elaborate how he got the DCF job. "I filled out an application," he said.
Here's his e-mails to Mike Prendergast and Jenn Ungru:
Feb. 28: Just want to check for any progress on a new assignment. My wife is a little concerned about a lapse in health insurance coverage.  After a week off I have determined that I am not quite ready for retirement. Please advise at your earliest convenience.  Thanks for your help.
March 7: I know things are about to get super busy as the legislative session beings so I felt like I should check back in to see if any progress is being made on my employment. As you know, tomorrow begins week three and I am more than ready to get ack to work. I am not confident that my new Blackberry is working correctly so please confirm that you received this message. Thanks


http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/carl-littlefield-gets-newly-created-dcf-gig-after-resigning