In this issue of FPTPs, a look at a bit of history from my hometown and alma mater, a look at the tax referendum crazy train here in Florida, and plenty more…

The Conglomerate of Drown-Government-in-the-Bathtub Florida Tax Cutters, in regards to the now-removed January 29th referendum that would’ve slashed services across the state.

— Speaker Marco Rubio: This is great news! Now I can go back to flogging a horribly regressive sales tax!

— An unusually succinct Governor Charlie Crist: “The Legislature smartly put the power to cut property taxes into the hands of the people. We will continue to work to ensure Florida ’s homeowners get the relief they need and deserve.” Period.

— Offering you the very definition of the word ‘spin,’ Senate President Ken Pruitt: “The good news is that part of the Legislature’s tax reform was upheld today; taxpayers will receive a measure of property tax relief immediately. As far as the constitutional amendment, we will explore our options after reviewing the judges ruling.”

— A clearly downtrodden Dr. David McKalip, founder of Cut Taxes Now and despondent Mayor of Crazytown: “Perhaps the legislature should do all Floridians a favor and take all the grassroots tax relief and reform proposals and place them all on the ballot so Floridians can have a true choice about what they want! Such proposals range from completely replacing all property taxes to simply limiting property taxes to 1.5% of taxable value, rolling back budgets to 2001 levels in addition to capping revenue and spending growth at local levels. The legislature could help all Floridians by acting in this responsible way. Will they allow the citizens to finally bring an end to out of control government spending or will they keep playing politics? We all know the answer.”

Proud Little Rock Central High Grads, and Everyone Else, too, Because We All Owe Something to the Little Rock Nine:

— Thank you Ernest Green, who became the first black student to graduate from Central High.

— Thank you Melba Pattillo Beals, who wrote an award-winning book about her experiences at Central High.

— Thank you Elizabeth Eckford, whose image is a part of American history.

— Thank you Gloria Ray Karlmark.

— Thank you Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine.

— Thank you Terrence Roberts.

— Thank you Jefferson Thomas: “If Little Rock taught us nothing more, it taught us that problems can make us better. Much better.”

— Thank you Minniejean Brown Trickey.

— Thank you Thelma Mothershed Wair.

Similar Posts:

• Quick Hits
• From the FPC
• From the FPC
• Charlie Crist on Morning Joe
• Tax Day Video Response