Is Walmart Out To Destroy Local Progressive Communities

One has to wonder is Walmart just a conspiracy to destroy local progressive communities while walmart is closing hundreds of stores this month they are building in Oakland Park, in a space that is not suited for them with little parking and is going to destroy the whole traffic flow of the area, never mind the many mom and pop business they will destroy and the jobs they will take to pay very little so bad they employees will have to use food stamps and medicaid all on the taxpayer dimes and after they destroy the community they will close the store leaving the tax payers holding the bag, is this really just a conspiracy to destroy progressive communities is my question?

Commissioners Ban Fracking in Broward County

County Commissioners unanimously banned any type of hydraulic and acid fracturing, known as "fracking", to extract oil and gas from the ground in Broward County.  The vote comes as the Florida Legislature contemplates a series of bills that would stop local governments from regulating the practice. "This is about protecting our water supply and environment," said Commissioner Beam Furr, who brought the ordinance to the Commission for a vote.  "We're discussing a ban on fracking today and at the same time state lawmakers are discussing taking away our authority to do so.  We must ban this now." Fracking involves the pumping of huge amounts of water, sand and chemicals into the ground using extreme pressure to recover oil and gas deposits.  Oil and gas companies are not currently required by federal or state law to disclose formulas used in fracking.  "This is Tallahassee once again trying to take away the authority of local elected officials who represent the people who live in Broward County.  This is a critical issue for us.  If necessary, I'm in favor of pursuing appropriate legal remedies to enforce this ordinance," said Broward County Mayor Marty Kiar.  Dozens of people attended a public hearing to tell Commissioners they opposed fracking and spoke in favor of the ordinance to ban the controversial practice. An application to drill an exploratory oil well in the Florida Everglades, just west of the city of Miramar is currently under review by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.  Public and private water utilities across Broward County rely entirely upon groundwater sources, including the Biscayne and Floridan Aquifers for drinking water supplies.  The Floridan Aquifer alone is the source of drinking water for ten million residents. Many of the chemicals used during the fracking process have resulted in thousands of documented cases of water contamination and adverse effects on human health and the environment in the United States.

Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Historic Stranahan House Museum Present “Native Reel Cinema Fest”

Wes Studi is “Ronnie BoDean” in Steven Paul Judd’s film

Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Historic Stranahan
House Museum Present “Native Reel Cinema Fest”

 The Seminole Tribe of Florida, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Seminole Paradise, and the Historic Stranahan House Museum present South Florida’s first “Native Reel Cinema Fest” during the Annual Seminole Tribal Fair and Pow Wow on Friday, February 5 at 5:30 pm and Saturday, February 6 at 5:00 pm at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The free screening of Steven Paul Judd’s film “Ronnie BoDean,” starring Wes Studi, will be presented in conjunction with an interactive session with the director. This event will help provide the platform of showcasing Native American talent through film.

“Native Reel Cinema Fest” will spotlight on native short films by Kiowa/Choctaw director and writer Steven Paul Judd. Wes Studi stars as the eponymous Ronnie BoDean, a larger-than-life outlaw who must shake off an epic hangover and use his considerable street knowledge to take on his greatest challenge yet – babysitting. Judd’s film presents the first Native American “anti- hero” allowing for a new opportunity to explore the culture’s representation in films. The film was financed by a successful Kickstarter campaign.

Judd is known primarily as a filmmaker; yet he’s also a prolific visual artist whose mashups of Native experiences and disposable American pop culture are sly and often downright funny. His creations include paintings, prints, poster art, photography and t-shirt designs.

The evening will include the presentation of the film accompanied by two of Spencer Battiest’s music videos also directed by Judd – “Love of My Life” and “The Storm”.  Battiest is an American Indian singer-songwriter, musician, producer, and actor from Hollywood, Florida. In 2013, Spencer became the first American Indian artist to sign with Hard Rock Records. His music release song "The Storm" garnered his first music video win as a musician. The music video was filmed entirely on the Seminole Reservation in Florida highlighting historical tribal land, ancestry and culture. The song was written as a tribute to the Seminole tribe of Florida, and homage to his parents, grandparents and tribal leaders. Battiest will join Judd during the Q&A session.

The event is coordinated by Seminole Tribal Members and film co-producers,Everett Osceola and Oliver Wareham, with the support of April Kirk. Osceola serves as the Cultural Ambassador for the Seminole Tribe and is an educator sharing the importance of the Seminole culture as instilled by his family. Wareham serves as an Official Commissioner for Seminole Gaming and is a photographer and storyteller sharing the beauty of the Seminole culture through images and the spoken word. Kirk is the Executive Director of the Historic Stranahan House Museum and a painter. The team envisions bringing a larger multi-day Native American Film Festival to South Florida in the future - which will become the only one of its kind on the southeastern coast.

The portrayal of Native Americans in film has been fed by stereotypes, however, a growing number of pictures have portrayed indigenous peoples of the Americas in a more historically accurate light. In recent years, the growth of Native Americans in all avenues of the film industry has been substantial. There are only a few Native American film festivals in America, all of which take place in the mid and west coast of the country, with the exception of the Native American Film and Video Festival. The “Native Reel Cinema Fest” goal is to focus on films that can provide an in depth look into Native cinema in America.

The Seminole Tribe and the Stranahans have a long and mutually respectful relationship. Collaborative efforts between the two strive to bring an awareness and appreciation of Seminole Culture and how it has positively impacted the lives of areas first settlers. Programs work to preserve, interpret, and promote the two histories to residents and visitors alike.

Last year the Seminole Tribe and Stranahan House partnered under the leadership of Osceola and Kirk to bring “Seminole Cinema Night” to the Historic Stranahan House Museum. This was the first-ever local screening of the 1958 film, “The Exiles” produced by director Kent MacKenzie. The documentary, which was lost for nearly 50 years and restored in 2008, follows three Indian Americans who have left their reservations to live in downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row. The film reveals the complex social issues faced by these young teens and highlights many challenges that still exist today.

"They say pictures are worth a thousand words,” said Everett Osceola. “Native Reel Cinema Fest gives you the opportunity to experience our journey through our words and images.”

Native Reel Cinema Fest

Friday, February 5th at 5:30 pm and Saturday, February 6th at 5:00 pm

Film Screening, Music Videos, and Q&A

Tickets: Free and Open to the Public

Location: Paradise Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino One Seminole Way, Hollywood, Florida 33314

For information, please contact:

Everett Osceola, Seminole Tribe of Florida Cultural Ambassador

954.393.7757 | EverettOsceola@semtribe.com

April Kirk, Historic Stranahan House Museum Executive Director

954.524.4736 | 954.691.6138 | director@stranahanhouse.org

For interviews, please contact Everett Osceola at EverettOsceola@semtribe.com or 954.393.7757.

Seminole Tribe of Florida:

Known as the “Unconquered” Seminole Tribe of Florida, because the Tribe never signed a peace treaty with the U.S. Government, the Seminoles are one of the most admired and successful Indian Tribes in North America.  The Tribe’s seven casinos, including the Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., are among the most financially profitable casinos in the world. The Tribe also owns Hard Rock International, with a total of 212 venues in 69 countries, including 162 cafes, 23 hotels and 11 casinos. More than 4,000 members of the Seminole Tribe live on and off reservations in many parts of Florida. Today’s Seminoles are often entrepreneurs and college graduates, including many who work in tribal economic enterprises or in tribal government.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino:

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, located minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach, features a AAA Four Diamond resort with 469 luxury rooms and suites, award- winning restaurants, high-energy nightlife, a lagoon-style pool and Beach Club, a Hard Rock-inspired spa, and premium meeting and convention space. As South Florida’s premier entertainment destination, Seminole Hard Rock hosts top-name acts at its 5,500–seat Hard Rock Live concert arena and offers more than 100 table games, 2,000 of the most popular slots and a stand-alone poker room. Fine dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, the resort’s signature steakhouse, and Kuro, a luxe and socially vibrant restaurant offering new- style Japanese cuisine. The resort also features contemporary and casual eateries, including Blue Plate, the hotel’s 24-hour, diner-inspired restaurant; Constant Grind, a gourmet coffee and pastry shop; and the ever-famous Hard Rock Cafe - Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 162 globally recognized rock ‘n’ roll restaurants.

Historic Stranahan House Museum:

Stranahan House is the oldest and most historic surviving structure in Broward County. Originally the Trading Post of the New River Settlement, the wood frame structure has served as a community center, boarding house, restaurant, and home of the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Founding Family, the Stranahans. Today the building stands as a museum preserving the history of the Stranahans, the Seminoles, and the first settlers of Fort Lauderdale. The mission of the museum is to tell the story of the birth of our community through the lives of two extraordinary people and the homestead they created and to serve as an enduring legacy for historic preservation.

Three Time Loser Michael E. Carn Appointed to Vacant City Commission Position

 Three Time Loser Michael E. Carn Appointed to
Vacant City Commission Position

Carn, who ran unsuccessfully for the commission in 2009 and 2011 and for state Senate in 2008, will be sworn in at the commission's Dec. 16 meeting.  Very Surprising the commission would appoint someone the voters resoundingly rejected not once but three times, Twice in the very same seat they appointed too. Has the Oakland Park Commission just usurped the Voters wishes 

The commission never discussed the other candidates, who were each given three minutes to speak. Guevrekian, who started the commission discussion, moved to appoint Carn to the position.

Mayor Tim Lonergan seconded the motion after neither Vice Mayor John Adornato nor Commissioner Jed Shank chose to do so, but Carn still received a 4-0 vote.

Broward State Attorney Mike Satz has an opponent for the Democratic nomination

Broward State Attorney Mike Satz has an opponent for the Democratic nomination. Last week, Teresa Elizabeth Williams kicked off her long-rumored campaign to be Broward’s top prosecutor. Satz has been Broward State Attorney since 1976.

In September, Williams spoke to BrowardBeat.com about the race.

“I have lived in South Florida a long time. I know Mike Satz is an institution…it won’t be easy,” said Williams.

PARIS ATTACKS OVERSHADOW SECOND DAY OF GOP EVENT

Speaking to Florida Republicans in the wake of a series of deadly terrorist attacks in Paris, GOP candidates for the White House largely stuck to foreign policy on the second day of the state party's "Sunshine Summit" event.

It was a striking change from first day of the gathering when most of the high-profile contenders for the Republican presidential nomination used standard stump speeches and emphasized their ties to Florida. Instead, the candidates who spoke Saturday included some whose poll numbers have been lower, and they focused on the fallout from the assaults on Paris.

Those attacks overnight -- or late in the first day of the summit --- left 129 people dead, according to media reports. The Islamic State militant group, which is also known as ISIS, has claimed responsibility.

That put the spotlight  on issues of terrorism and how the United States should handle the Islamic State's growth in Iraq and Syria. Many of the candidates either spoke extensively about the attacks or scrapped their standard speeches to focus entirely on the events in Paris and whether the United States should expand its current air campaign against ISIS.

Several also used the events to try to distinguish themselves from other contenders on the issue of national security experience.

Carly Fiorina, a businesswoman who had surged to the top tier of GOP candidates but has lately seen her numbers fade, laid at least part of the blame for the attacks on President Barack Obama.

"Mostly, I am outraged because the murder, the mayhem, the danger, the tragedy that we see unfolding in Paris, in the Middle East, around the world and, too often, in our own homeland, are the direct consequences of this administration's policies," Fiorina told a cheering crowd of party activists and officials at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort. "You cannot lead from behind."

Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania said the attacks highlighted the need for someone who has dealt with foreign policy over a long timeframe, particularly in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.

He suggested that he and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina fit that bill, along with perhaps Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a former congressman. But Santorum also cast doubt on the relevance of Kasich's experience.

"I think if you're interested in national security, you're looking at frankly two people who have had national security experience in the post-9/11 world," Santorum said. "That would actually be Sen. Graham and myself. Congressman Kasich was long gone, and I think if you look at some of the policies he's advocating, I don't think he clearly understands the threat that radical Islam is. He wasn't in Congress and wasn't dealing with it."

For his part, Kasich called for NATO to invoke the mutual defense clause of the organization's founding treaty.

Kasich called for no-fly zones to be enforced over Syria, where the government of Bashar al-Assad has sought to hold onto power by brutally crushing a rebellion in a war blamed for killing tens of thousands of people, leaving millions homeless and providing a breeding ground for radical groups like ISIS.

"Last night, it was not just one isolated, small group and not just an attack that we have seen of just a lone wolf," Kasich said. "Ladies and gentlemen, we need to understand that these attacks really represent an attack on Western civilization."

But not everyone agreed. Former Virginia Gov. James Gilmore, who pointed to his experience as the state's chief executive during the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon, said a no-fly zone would be dangerous now that Russia has begun a military intervention in Syria.

"And frankly, we should have had a no-fly zone, which was imposed and put the burden on the Russians to try to intervene and to overturn that, which they probably would not have tried to do," Gilmore said. "But by delaying so long, and really leaving a lot of our allies out there swinging, now the Russians have intervened and put us in a position where we could end up in a war with Russia."

Some candidates also used the attacks to highlight divides on how Obama and social conservatives view the conflict between the West and groups like ISIS. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal was among those calling for blunt declarations about the involvement of Muslims in terrorist groups.

"We need a president who will say this: Islam has a problem. That problem is radical Islam," Jindal said. "We need a president who will say this to the Muslim clerics and leaders: It's not enough to condemn generic acts of violence. They must make it clear, they must go after these individuals by name, and say that they are not martyrs. If you kill in the name of Islam, you are not a martyr. You are not going to enjoy a reward in the afterlife, but rather, you are going straight to hell where you belong."

Many of the candidates also criticized Obama's willingness to accept thousands of Syrian refugees in response to the suffering. They said the nation wouldn't be able to adequately screen potential refugees to make sure that terrorists don't blend in with other Syrians.

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky called for regional powers to absorb some of those flowing out of Syria.

"I would like to see Saudi Arabia take them. I'd also like to see Iran take them," Paul said. "The two arsonists in that region throwing gasoline on the fire --- Saudi Arabia, Iran --- they're not taking any refugees. I think the refugees need to go to some of the local countries."

At least one candidate seemed to use the dangers of the world to remind Republican voters about the risks of nominating a flamboyant outsider like real-estate tycoon Donald Trump. Without naming Trump, who has vaulted to the top of the polls, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he understands the anger that many GOP voters feel.

"And then you take that anger and you want to use your vote as a chance to send a message about that anger," Christie said. "These times are too dire for that luxury, and the threats we are facing are too great for that act of vanity."







By BRANDON LARRABEE
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

RPOF Sunshine Summit In Orlando

Sunshine Summit Details

What: This two-day event will bring presidential candidates along with Florida's elected officials together to address voters, grassroots leaders, and GOP supporters from across the state.

When: November 13th & 14th.

Presidential Candidate Agenda 

Friday, November 13, 2015: 

11:30 am U.S. Senator Marco Rubio Remarks 

12:30 pm U.S. Senator Ted Cruz Remarks 

1:00 pm U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham Remarks 

2:00 pm Governor Mike Huckabee Remarks 

4:00 pm Governor Jeb Bush Remarks 

5:30 pm Donald Trump Remarks 

Saturday, November 14, 2015: 

11:00 am Senator Rick Santorum Remarks 

1:00 pm Governor Bobby Jindal Remarks 

1:30 pm Senator Rand Paul Remarks 

2:00 pm Governor Chris Christie Remarks 

2:30 pm Governor John Kasich Remarks 

4:00 pm Carly Fiorina Remarks 

Where: Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida 

Fresh off the fourth set of debates, most of the Republican presidential candidates will converge on Florida during the next two days for the Sunshine State Summit. The cattle call, at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort in Orlando, will serve as a sort of kickoff to the race for Florida's share of delegates in the GOP primary --- not to mention the state's trove of 29 electoral votes in the 2016 general election.

In all, 14 of the 15 declared candidates who are still in the race and have been on at least one of the eight debate stages this year --- there have been two debates each night --- will be at the event. (Only former New York Gov. George Pataki, who's been having trouble getting traction in the polls, won't be speaking.)

That means Florida's two favorite sons --- former Gov. Jeb Bush and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio --- will join bombastic tycoon Donald Trump, neurosurgeon Ben Carson and 10 more candidates in vying for attention.

The March 15 primary in Florida, which will award all of the state's delegates to the leading candidate, could end up playing a major role in who gets the nomination. Florida has the third-largest number of delegates to the Republican National Convention, behind California, which won't vote until June, and Texas, which votes March 1 and will allocate its delegates proportionally.

Unlike the old Presidency events hosted by the Republican Party of Florida, the straw poll at the end of the event has been jettisoned. A 2012 straw poll was best known for beginning a boomlet for pizza magnate Herman Cain, who ended up dropping out of the race a few months later. But the chance to schmooze with a large group of party activists in a key state has still proved too much for the campaigns to pass up.

The summit comes little more than a month after a Quinnipiac University poll found Trump and Carson leading the field in Florida despite Bush and Rubio's perceived home-field advantage. In that survey, Trump was supported by 28 percent of registered Republicans, compared to 16 percent for Carson, 14 percent for Rubio and 12 percent for Bush. No other candidate got out of single digits.

Rubio, who will be the first Republican candidate to speak Friday morning, is looking to build momentum after being seen as one of the winners at this week's televised debate. Bush is also trying to show strength; some reviewers said he was better during the last debate showdown between the candidates, but his performances have generally been panned. He will speak Friday afternoon.

Also speaking on the first day of the summit: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Trump and Carson. The cast for Saturday includes former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore, outgoing Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Ohio Gov. John Kasich and businesswoman Carly Fiorina.

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