Wining and dining under the First Amendment
Lawyers for two companies accused in a corruption probe at Sweetwater schools are arguing they should not have to give back construction contract proceeds because the meals, trips and tickets...
By: Ricky Young
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Wining and dining under the First Amendment - Video
Declaring that Florida's open government laws have been "under attack in recent years," the First Amendment Foundation asked the two candidates for governor to answer three questions pledging to reverse recent trends and operate with more transparent practices if they are elected.
Gov. Rick Scott and challenger Charlie Crist were asked if they would agree to conduct all public business on public computer networks and devices, release a detailed schedule of appointments and travel, and pledge that he and staff will not use private email accounts when conducting business.
Crist, a Democrat, responded that he would. Scott, a Republican, did not respond.
The First Amendment Foundation is a non-profit open government watchdog that receives its support from voluntary contributions and many of the state's news organizations.
The governor's failure to respond comes against a backdrop of increasing questions about his commitment to Florida's open government laws.
During his term, Scott has blocked data about his private air travels from public flight tracking records. He has released only superficial details about his daily schedules. He has used, and allows his staff to use, private email accounts when corresponding on public business, creating additional barriers to public access. And his staff has been encouraged to use private cell phone accounts when sending text messages about politically sensitive issues.
In each case, the governor has said he has followed the law but his actions have drawn lawsuits.
He is is being sued by Tallahassee attorney Steven R. Andrews, a Republican, for allowing his staff to alter calendar entries, for withholding documents from public records requests and for failing to say who opened his private gmail accountand the gmail accounts of his staff. He faces another lawsuit, from attorney general candidate George Sheldon, a Democrat, alleging that his financial disclosure forms fail to reflect more than $200 million of his wealth because it excludes assets his wife owns but which Scott remains as the beneficiary.
Here are the responses from Crist:
Q: As governor, will you release a weekly calendar in advance that details your appointments, public meetings, and travel schedule?
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Open government group: Scott won't commit to reversing practices in second term
Here's the the latest in our ongoing series of some of the crazy things the anti-gay marriage equality opponents are saying and doing around the world.
I Totally Don't Understand What The First Amendment Says
Joe.My.God Points out that Bryan Fischer is mixing up his lies about the First Amendment. Speaking about the Houston pastor subpoenas, he said:
But as Joe so cleverly points out:
What a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive.
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Matthew Shepard's Death is a Hate Crime Myth
ADF attorney Erik Stanley says the whole Matthew Shepard thing was a myth cooked up by gay activists to advance their agenda:
Unfortunately,some on our side are taking the bait, lending these charges credence, including Andrew Sullivan, who should know better.
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See more here:
Seriously? What Marriage Equality Opponents Are Saying - October 30th
Hillary Clinton campaigns for Gov. Dayton, Sen. Franken in Minnesota
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton campaigns in Minnesota at St. Paul at Macalester College. The former first lady discusses all the good things that ...
By: CBSNews.com Web Extras
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Hillary Clinton campaigns for Gov. Dayton, Sen. Franken in Minnesota - Video
Hillary Clinton #39;s Secret Service illegally asks dreamers for their immigration status!
Hillary Clinton #39;s Secret Service illegally asks dreamers for their immigration status!
By: United We Dream
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Hillary Clinton's Secret Service illegally asks dreamers for their immigration status! - Video