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DEMOCRATS COULD END UP LOSING FLORIDA
22nd Secretary of State of Puerto Rico 22nd Secretary of State of Puerto Rico
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Why Democrats may lose in Florida The Right to Life
During my 52-year-long political career (I began at the age of 13 for those who are counting), I’ve spent nearly 30 years campaigning among Puerto Rican voters in Florida and have seen and supported “The Right to Life” is a phrase used in the national discourse only in the context of the beginning of life when discussing women’s right to choose or the end of life and euthanasia. However, at least once candidates like Rep. Darren Soto and Rep. a person is born, he or she has an enduring right Stephanie Murphy who excelled in part because of survival throughout life. In designing several they paid close attention to the needs and important federal programs since as far back as aspirations of Puerto Rican voters, and candidates the nineteenth century, the Federal government like Bill Nelson, who was defeated because they has sought to help Americans prolong their lives. didn’t.During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln
Most pollsters in Florida choose not to ask saw the need to create a system, now known as Puerto Rican voters their opinion on Puerto Rico’s most important issue, Puerto Rico’s political status. Very few strategists pay real attention to these results –essentially since about 7881% support Puerto Rico’s admission as a state. Some Republican congressmen have paid more attention to that polling, choosing to co-sponsor HR1522, the Puerto Rico Admission Act, filed by Rep. Darren Soto, Rep. Jenniffer González and Rep. Stephanie Murphy. Among the 19 the Department of Veteran Affairs, to provide those who fought in America’s wars with medical services that would help them live and receive medical services. Few nations provide those who have served the level of health services as America. During the Depression, as part of the New Deal, the federal government saw the need to help Americans who could not afford basic health services, and began to provide some assistance. In the 1960s, President Lyndon Johnson spearheaded efforts to create Medicare for the Republican co-sponsors, six Florida Republican elderly and the disabled and Medicaid for the congressmen, Mario Díaz Balart from District 25, medically indigent.
Gus Bilirakis from District 12, Carlos Gimenez Unfortunately, federally subsidized medical from District 26, Bill Posey from District 8, Maria assistance has not been made available to all
Salazar from District 27, and Michael Waltz Americans in a non-discriminatory fashion. from District 6, have demonstrated that they As for veterans, VA facilities are doled out, not know how to read the polls and have stepped strictly on the basis of need, but as a result of forward, joining 10 Democratic congressmen patronage or political influence. Partisan politics from the state, including Senate candidate Rep. and seniority in Congress is factored in when it is Val Demings and gubernatorial candidate Rep. determined where a new VA hospital or clinic will
Charlie Crist.be located. In that case, a state-like jurisdiction that In the case of Bill Nelson, who was defeated in his reelection bid in 2018 by only 10,033 votes, he did not emphasize his pro-Puerto Rico record and his genuine support for statehood, versus Rick Scott’s last-minute, convoluted and weak stance on Puerto Rico statehood. His Hispanic strategists, who personally opposed Puerto Rico statehood, did not want Nelson’s personal support for it to be known. Had Nelson spent some money emphasizing his clear contrast should have two voting senators and two voting representatives but doesn’t, ends up getting the short end of the stick. Regarding Medicare, that same state-like jurisdiction lacking voting representation in the national legislature as well as in the Electoral College that elects that jurisdiction’s president and vice president, Congress has built in mechanisms to extend Medicare services almost equally, but almost. When I turned 65 last month, I qualified for the Medicare coverage that I’d been paying with Scott on that issue, he certainly would have premiums for 47 years. However, if I didn’t ask mobilized more than 10,033 votes among the particularly for “Part B”, one of the most important 80% pro-statehood majority within the hundreds benefits, I wouldn’t get it. Anywhere else in the of thousands of Puerto Rico voters in Florida. In nation I would get that benefit automatically. That a post-election analysis by David Shor, it became discriminatory rule---“opt in” if in Puerto Rico, “opt known that Nelson did 10.6% worse among out” if anywhere else--- was devised for Medicare Puerto Ricans than other Hispanics as that to be less expensive for the federal government in year’s Democratic gubernatorial nominee, surely Puerto Rico, only in Puerto Rico. because his pro-statehood credentials were Concerning Medicaid, the program to provide not known. In that sense, Nelson’s strategists, Hispanic or not, had him ignore the issue that could have mobilized enough pro-statehood Puerto Rican voters to place him over the top and kept him, and not Rick Scott, in the Senate. At this time, Florida’s Senate and Governor’s races are, at best, too close to call, according to the polls. Both Charlie Crist and Val Demings need every vote they can get. At least tens of thousands of Republican Puerto Rico voters are uncomfortable with Marco Rubio’s and Ron DeSantis’ lack of active support for Puerto Rico’s admission as a state. If asked, many of those voters will tell you they are statehooders first and Republican second. Both Crist and Demings have a golden opportunity, which predecessors like Bill Nelson ignored, to dramatize their strong support for Puerto Rico versus Rubio and DeSantis weak or non-existent support. Multiple Republicans in the House have actively
Thousands of Republican co-sponsored Puerto Rico statehood legislation, which all of Puerto Rico’s Republican leaders
Puerto Rico voters are strongly support. Marco Rubio has chosen to uncomfortable with Marco step back from the issue. He has not earned for the midterms any pro-statehood votes. In
Rubio’s and Ron DeSantis’ lack of active support for Puerto the meantime, he’s running against a strong statehooder, HR1522 co-sponsor Val Demings. If Val Demings strategists, Hispanic or
Rico’s admission as a state. otherwise, have not planned to attract hundreds of thousands of pro-statehood Puerto Rican votes
Kenneth Davison McClintock, for the taking early enough in the last 8 weeks former Lt. Governor of the campaign, Demings may end up like Bill Nelson, losing by a slim 10,033 votes, instead of winning a Senate seat that she’s certainly earned. Likewise, many Republicans among Florida’s Puerto Rican electorate are uncomfortable with Ron DeSantis and would look favorably at Charlie Crist if his strategists would remind them that he’s always voted for measures favored by Puerto Rico’s one-woman congressional delegation, Rep. Jenniffer González, and its governor, Pedro services to all the medically indigent throughout Pierluisi, and has strongly supported HR1522, the America, the cost in Puerto Rico is statutorily Puerto Rico Admissions Act. capped at less than $400 million and the federal If Val Demings and Charlie Crist don’t question share is limited to 55% of the total cost, requiring the strategists that would prefer to ignore Puerto America’s poorest jurisdiction to cover 45% of the Rico’s political status issue as Bill Nelson ignored cost. In a state with demographics similar to the it in 2018, I’m afraid, as someone who has nation’s most populated territory, the total cost to campaigned in Florida for 30 years, Democrats may lose the two most important races in Florida in November. They still have a chance, but the clock is ticking.
the federal treasury would be over $4 billion, and the federal share would be 83%. While those benefits are automatic in a state, Puerto Rico’s non-voting representative Jenniffer As Congress struggles to legislate and keep America González, Governor Pedro Pierluisi, and their predecessors for generations, have to devote a lot of time and lobbying efforts to plead with fiscally stable past Friday, Congress and every President from LBJ on to seek the equality that would guarantee residents of February 18, Puerto Ricans on Puerto Rico the “right to life” that is automatic on the mainland as well as their the mainland. There are many reasons why an absolute representatives in Congress should make sure in the next majority of Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico want statehood. According to multiple polls, over 75% of Puerto Ricans in Florida, over 60% of Puerto few days to include language Ricans in New York and probably an absolute majority of the two thirds of America’s Puerto that will protect the Right to Ricans who have chosen to live in the states Life in Puerto Rico, providing and not in discriminated Puerto Rico, also want statehood for the territory. However, because of equal benefits under Medicare and Medicaid to its citizens in the discrimination in extending federally financed health services to the island, it is also a life or death issue, a denial of the Right to Life. our territory. As Congress struggles to legislate and keep America fiscally stable past Friday, February 18, Puerto Ricans on the mainland as well as their representatives in Congress should make sure in the next few days to include language that will protect the Right to Life in Puerto Rico, providing equal benefits under Medicare and Medicaid to its citizens in our territory. That should be our urgent agenda for the next week, seeking the full extension of The Right to Life in Puerto Rico through equality and statehood.
Ruby Bridges, desegregation trailblazer, writes kids book
The book is aimed at readers as young as 4-year-olds
Jay Reeves – The Associated Press
Ruby Bridges was a 6-year-old firstgrader when she walked past jeering crowds of white people to become one of the first Black students at racially segregated schools in New Orleans more than six decades ago. Now, with teaching about race in America more complicated than it’s ever been, she’s authored a picture book about her experience for the youngest of readers. Bridges, along with three other Black students at a different school, were the first to integrate what had been all-white schools in New Orleans in 1960. “I Am Ruby Bridges,” featuring illustrations by
Nikkolas Smith, goes on sale last week. Published by Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., it’s aimed at readers as young as 4. Complete with a glossary that includes the words “Supreme Court” and “law,” the book is an uplifting story about opportunities and kids being able to make a difference, Bridges said in an interview with The Associated Press. “It’s a true reflection of what happened through my own eyes,” she said. But books by or about
Bridges have been challenged by conservatives in several school districts amid complaints over race-related teaching. Bridges said she hopes the new book winds up in elementary school libraries. “I’ve been very, very fortunate because of the way I tell my story that my babies come in all shapes and colors, and my books are bestsellers, and maybe banned in schools,” she said. “But I think parents really want to get past our racial differences. They’re going to seek out those books.” Bridges was born in 1954, the same year the
U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation of public schools was unconstitutional. Southern school districts, including New Orleans, continued resisting integration for years. But on Nov. 14, 1960, Bridges — carrying a plaid book satchel and wearing a white sweater — was escorted by four federal marshals past a taunting white crowd into segregated William Frantz Elementary School. The scene was made famous in the Norman Rockwell painting “The Problem We All Live With,” which hung in the White House near the Oval Office during the tenure of former President Barack Obama. The book’s theme plays off the author’s name: “Ruby” is a precious stone, and “Bridges” are meant to bring people together. Told with a touch of humor from the vantage point of a first-grader, the book captures the wonder of Bridges’ experience — rather than just the scariness of that raucous first day at the school. “It really looks like Mardi Gras to me, but they aren’t throwing any beads. What’s Mardi Gras without beads?” Bridges writes. The only parade that day was out of the school. White parents immediately began withdrawing their children, so Bridges spent the entire year by herself with white teacher Barbara Henry, who is still alive and a “very best friend,” Bridges said. Henry’s acceptance and kindness during a fraught time taught her an important lesson, she said. “That shaped me into a person that is not prejudiced at all. And I feel like that little girl is still inside of me, and that’s it’s my calling to make sure
U.S. Deputy Marshals escort 6-year-old Ruby Bridges from William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, in this file photo from November 14, 1960. >AP Photo/File
In fact,
The book is an uplifting story about opportunities and kids being able to make a difference. kids understand that you can’t look at someone and judge them,” Bridges said. Elsewhere in New Orleans on the same day Bridges went to school, Gail Etienne, Leona Tate and Tessie Prevost entered the previously allwhite McDonogh No. 19 elementary school. Last year, New Orleans held a weekend of events to remember Bridges and other women. Bridges, a Mississippi native, still lives in metro New Orleans and has authored or co-authored five books. Two years she published “This Is Your Time,” which is intended for older children than her new book.
I’ve been very, very fortunate because of the way I tell my story that my babies come in all shapes and colors… I think parents really want to get past our racial differences. Ruby Bridges, civil rights activist
Director Darren Aronofsky, left, and Brendan Fraser pose for photographers at the photo call for the film ‘The Whale’ during the 79th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy. >Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP Brendan Fraser celebrated for comeback role in ‘The Whale’
Lindsay Bahr – The Associated Press
VENICE, Italy (AP) – Brendan Fraser is having a moment at the Venice International Film Festival.
The once ubiquitous movie star of “The Mummy” franchise and “George of the Jungle” had, in the last decade, backed away from the spotlight. But Fraser is charting what could be a major comeback starting with his transformative role in Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale,” which had its world premiere Sunday night at the festival.
As the credits rolled in the Sala Grande Theater, the audience gave the film a long standing ovation while Fraser, on the balcony alongside his director and co-stars, wiped tears away.
Fraser plays Charlie, a reclusive English teacher with a kind soul who weighs 600 pounds (270 kilograms). While the film already has pundits predicting Oscar nominations, Fraser is trying not to think about whether awards are in his future.
“I’m just trying to stay in today,” Fraser said before the premiere.
Aronofsky has been trying to make “The Whale” for about 10 years. He vividly remembers reading The New York Times review of Samuel D. Hunter’s play, going out to see it, and knowing he had to meet the writer.
One line in particular stuck out to him: “People are incapable of not caring.” That’s why, he said, he had to make the film.
But casting presented a challenge.
“To a lot of Sam Hunter’s pain, it took me 10 years to make this movie and that’s because it took me 10 years to cast,” Aronofsky said. “Casting Charlie was a huge challenge. I considered everyone. Every single movie star on the planet. But none of it really clicked. ... It didn’t move me. It didn’t feel right.”
Then, a few years ago, he saw a trailer for “a low-budget Brazilian movie” with Fraser and “a lightbulb went off,” he said. Fraser, who also has a role alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Martin Scorsese’s next film, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” said he doesn’t “know an actor in my peer group worth his weight in salt who wouldn’t want to work with Darren.” Plus: “By far and away I think Charlie is the most heroic man I have ever played,” Fraser added. “His superpower is to see the good in others and bring that out of them.” Prosthetics were used to transform Fraser into Charlie, who rarely leaves his couch.
“I needed to learn to absolutely move in a new way. I developed muscles I did not know that I had. I even felt a sense of vertigo at the end of the day when all the appliances were removed, as you would feel stepping off of a boat in Venice,” Fraser said. “It gave me an appreciation for those with bodies similar. ... I learned that you need to be an incredibly strong person, physically, mentally, to inhabit that body.” Beyond his physicality, Charlie is also a character with profound empathy and love for everyone around him, including his estranged daughter, Ellie, played by “Stranger Things” star Sadie Sink.
In fact, Hunter, who also wrote the screenplay, said his play is personal. He started it 12 years ago when he was teaching a mandatory expository writing Beyond his physicality, Charlie is also a character with profound empathy and love for everyone around him, including his estranged daughter. course at Rutgers University that no one wanted to take and everyone resented. He also pulled from his own background, setting the play in his hometown of Moscow, Idaho, and weaving in his history of being depressed, self-medicating with food and going to a fundamentalist religious high school as a gay teenager. “I was afraid to write it,” he said. “I thought the only way I can do it is if I write it from a profoundly place of love and empathy. ... I wanted (Charlie) to be a lighthouse in the middle of a dark, dark sea.” Aronofsky and cinematographer Matthew Libatique, whose friendship stretches back to their days at the American Film Institute in 1990, spent quite a bit of time talking about “how to turn theater into cinema” and “how to make that engaging and exciting.” In the rough cut, Aronofsky said he was relieved to find that it didn’t feel claustrophobic. Fraser added that the film is “a piece of cinema. Proper cinema.”
Brendan Fraser, actor
Broadway theater renamed in honor of James Earl Jones
Mark Kennedy – The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — The newly restored Cort Theatre on Broadway has been renamed after James Earl Jones, becoming the second theater on the Great White Way named after a Black artist.
The ceremony included Norm Lewis singing “Go the Distance,” Brian Stokes Mitchell singing “Make Them Hear You” and words from Mayor Eric Adams, Samuel L. Jackson and LaTanya Richardson Jackson. The 91-year-old Jones did not attend.
The honor adds to the many that the iconic actor Jones has amassed, including two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Tony Awards, a Grammy, the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors. He also was given an honorary Oscar and a special Tony for lifetime achievement.
“It means everything. You can’t think of an artist that has served America more,” director Kenny Leon told The Associated Press ahead of the ceremony. “It’s like it seems like a small act, but it’s a huge action. It’s something we can look up and see that’s tangible.”
The renaming comes after a wide Broadway coalition of theater owners, producers, union leaders, creators and casting directors hammered out a series of reforms and commitments in 2021 for the theater industry to ensure equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
One requirement of the so-called New Deal for Broadway was that the Shubert, Nederlander and Jujamcyn theater chains have at least one of their theaters named after a Black artist. Artists like LaChanze, Audra McDonald, Wendell Pierce, Billy Porter and Leon backed the proposals.
“I couldn’t think of anybody more deserving of this honor,” said Leon. “When I think about it, I think about young kids. I think about Black kids, white and Asian kids, all kinds of kids, standing up outside of that theater and looking up and saying, ‘That’s it: The James Earl Jones Theatre. That represents the good in all of us.’” Leon was joined at the ceremony by Suzan-Lori Parks, NaTasha Yvette Williams, Danielle Brooks, Corey Hawkins, Phylicia Rashad and Woody King, Jr. Jujamcyn already has the August Wilson Theatre and the Nederlander Organization will soon rename the Brooks
In fact, Atkinson Theatre after Lena Horne, marking the first time a Black woman will have a Broadway theater named in her honor. The honor adds to the The three-tier Cort Theatre — at many that the iconic 138 W. 48th St. — opened in 1912 actor Jones has and was built by and named for amassed, including John Cort, general manager of the two Emmys, a Golden Northwestern Theatrical Association. Globe, two Tony Thomas Lamb was the architect. Awards, a Grammy, It has undergone a $47 million and the National restoration and expansion that Medal of Arts, among includes the building of a 35-foot others. wide and 100-foot deep adjacent space to the theater that allows for bars and lounges on every level, new bathrooms for men and women, and elevators, all in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The James Earl Jones Theatre has a wider stage and a trap room underneath — making musicals now an option — and a new upstairs rehearsal
The Cort Theatre on Broadway in New York will be renamed after Jones on Monday, becoming the second theater on the Great White Way named after a Black artist. >Photo by Charles Sykes/ Invision/AP, File
Kenny Leon, film director
space that matches the stage’s footprint. There is also an upgraded wardrobe room and offices for theater staff and roomy dressing rooms.
Inside the theater, the architect has brought back the Marie Antoinette color palette in the seating, ornamental plaster, drapery, lighting and carpet. Original cove lighting have been replaced with long life lamps and the original Tiffany glass illuminated proscenium has been restored.
New wider seats actually mean the interior lost four seats from its just-over-1,000 seats — but it promises to offer a more comfortable experience. A new rigging system has been added, as well as a refashioned orchestra pit and ventilation systems.
