tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296052842024-03-14T03:19:11.610-05:00PelicanRadio.comThis is PelicanRadio.com, a web radio station in transition. See you soon!Panchi Gonzalezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208696295599340250noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29605284.post-63605544414080871422013-12-09T10:06:00.003-05:002013-12-09T10:06:55.441-05:00<div class="MsoNormal">
The Runaway</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the last three weeks I have been going through a
personal hell of sorts. I've experienced incredible amounts of pain, but today
was a day like no other.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those of you that don’t know the story, I suffer from a
pesky but non-lethal illness known as Fibromyalgia or FMS for short. Each and
everyone one of us knows someone, a friend of a friend, your sister-in-law's
sister or you've surely heard stories at the beauty salon. Oh, sorry, I didn't
realize that guys don’t go into salons, not that there's anything wrong with
that. Anyways they used to be fashionable in the Wild West if those cowboy
movies were historically accurate. Or were those Saloons? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But isn’t Fibro that illness where your bones hurt? Or is it
your joints? Oh no, it's nothing like arthritis, not that arthritis isn’t
painful as hell, just ask Isa (my wife, for those that don’t know suffers Psoriatic
Arthritis). Fibromyalgia sucks in so many special ways let me count the ways:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. It hurts like hell! How much you ask? Have you ever had
the flu? Yes? How about having the flu every day, for the rest of your life?
Yes, I know that Cubans have a knack for exaggeration, but just humor me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. To wake up every day like you only slept an hour or are
waking up hung over.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. To have your brain become no more than an burnt marshmallow
from some Boy Scout campfire. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know that you are not going to believe me when I tell you
this, but hear me out. I've never been very smart, never had the discipline or
the study habits, but the one thing that I always was, was sharp. Very nimble
with my tongue, both: a virtuoso and vicious bearer of the blade. That is all
gone now. Gone! Gone! Gone!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pills bring some relief, but they also enslave. I take pills
and they do help, but they also blunt, create a smoke screen, a cloud, they are
like quick sand. Sometimes the pain is so much that I just want to give up. I
just want to cry. I can’t think about anything else or anybody else. I become both,
the bellybutton and the whole universe, just me and the pain. But, when I take
a pill, I get a break, for a moment I open a distance, I run faster that the
pain. But it’s far from perfect I feel the dullness of the drug, slowing my
thoughts to a crawl. At least for a couple of hours I’ll be able to dream of a
miracle cure. Maybe the pain will be gone for good this time. But pain, just
like its sister, time are unforgiving and I soon start to count the time until
the next dose. How do pain-killer addicts enjoy this? I would stop right NOW,
if I could. But I can’t, if I want to function, I just can’t stop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today was both a good day and a tough day. It was a good day
because I was able to go to work and because it took the best and worst of me
to endure and have a decent day. I don’t have to tell you that I was a
wonderful co-worker today. Festooning everyone with compliments, being both,
witty and charming, which is the real reason they keep me working in accounting.
Today I managed to run ahead of the pain, at least for a little while. But it
will catch up to me, and it does! Pain is a mysterious thing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is 5:00pm and I’m out of here! But it isn't business as usual,
somebody stopped in my tracks. It’s a woman who would have been more at home in
Sub-Saharan Africa, than in Downtown Miami. It’s Friday afternoon and we're all
in a hurry, no time to look, no time to stop. There’s no one else, just me and
her. She’s dressed in rags. She sits on a wheelchair and she’s barefoot, her
feet bare, deformed and she’s looking straight at me.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I’m afraid of her, not that she can physically harm me, something worse.</span> There’s nobody else, just
me and her. I have my headphones on, I’m listening to something very important,
a podcast about how to save the environment, maybe she won’t see me, but there’s
only me, me and her. She looks at me and extends her hand. I don’t understand,
maybe she doesn’t speak English or maybe I don’t want to understand. I could take
the headphones off, but she’s in so much pain! She pleads, she tells me that
they want to charge her to stay at the Y(MCA), and she doesn’t have any money. Do
you have any money? I look at her feet. They hurt so much and she’s so hungry and
they won’t let her in. I’m trying to think about that house for the homeless
what's it called? (Camillus House) Isn’t it their job to take care of these people?
We live in Miami, the 305, the home of the World Champions, the Miami Heat, who
just last night, just walking distance from here. Surely someone around here has
the training to help this woman. I remember that I have 5 bucks in my wallet,
but what can 5 dollars do? I can’t help
her, her pain is so deep. I’ve never experienced such pain. I would surely die,
but I walk away. I can’t help you I say, I can’t help you. I’m ashamed of myself,
but my shame won’t feed you or clothe you. My shame will only be forgotten, suppressed,
as soon as I take a hot shower, and put on clean clothes. My dinner’s waiting, my
pain returns, but I take a pill. Once again I’m running away. But she can’t
run, she can’t run.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S.: I wrote this lament about a year ago. Thank God that I'm in a better place today. I just happened to be doing some "virtual" cleaning of my cloud storage and ran into it. It's very repetitive and not my best writing, but if you catch the spirit of it, you may get a different perspective, just as I did. I'm the runaway...</div>
Panchi Gonzalezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208696295599340250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29605284.post-31709410478174272432012-10-29T09:32:00.000-05:002012-10-29T09:32:03.512-05:002012 Florida Constitutional Amendments Plain Language<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I have been commenting, this ballot is quite complicated and has taken me a few hours to get through it. My friend Pete just sent me this excellent resource, which explains the Florida Constitutional Ammendments in plain language. I hope that you find it helpful.</span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Florida State Social Action Committee<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; border-left: #d4d0c8; border-right: #d4d0c8; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">2012 Florida Constitutional Amendments</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Plain Language</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Amendment 1: Health Care Services</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Wording</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to prohibit laws or rules from compelling any person or employer to purchase, obtain, or otherwise provide for health care coverage; permit a person or an employer to purchase lawful health care services directly from a health care provider; permit a health care provider to accept direct payment from a person or an employer for lawful health care services; exempt persons, employers, and health care providers from penalties and taxes for paying directly or accepting direct payment for lawful health care services; and prohibit laws or rules from abolishing the private market for health care coverage of any lawful health care service.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In plain English</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Florida will repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). It aims to prevent laws that compel a person or employer to obtain or provide health care coverage.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote Yes:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “yes” vote means you want the Florida Constitution to include a provision that prohibits the government from requiring you to purchase health insurance.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote No:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “no” vote means you support the Affordable Health Care Act and do not want the Florida Constitution to include a provision that prohibits the government from requiring you to purchase health insurance.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Amendment 2: Veterans Disabled Due to Combat Injury; Homestead Property Tax Discount</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Wording</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Proposing an amendment to Section 6 of Article VII and the creation of Section 32 of Article XII of the State Constitution to expand the availability of the property discount on the homesteads of veterans who became disabled as the result of a combat injury to include those who were not Florida residents when they entered the military and schedule the amendment to take effect January 1, 2013</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In plain English</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This amendment would allow certain disabled veterans, who were not Florida residents prior to entering military service, to qualify for a discount on their property taxes. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote Yes:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “yes” vote means you want the state to give a property tax discount to disabled veterans who moved to Florida after entering the military.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote No:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “no” vote means you do not want to extend the tax discount to disabled veterans who moved to Florida after entering the military.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Amendment 3: State Government Revenue Limitation</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Wording</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This proposed amendment to the State Constitution replaces the existing state revenue limitation based on Florida personal income growth with a new state revenue limitation based on inflation and population changes. Under the amendment, state revenues, as defined in the amendment, collected in excess of the revenue limitation must be deposited into the budget stabilization fund until the fund reaches its maximum balance.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In plain English</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This amendment would set a state revenue limit each year based on a formula that considers population growth and inflation instead of using the current method of calculating the revenue limit based on personal income. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote Yes:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “yes” vote means you want the state to change the way it calculates its revenue limit.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote No:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “no” vote means you do not want the state to change the way it calculates its revenue limit. Opponents worry that the revenue cap could result in cuts to essential government services, government payrolls, and funding for schools.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Amendment 4: Property Tax Limitations; Property Value Decline; Reduction</span></b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <b>for Non-homestead Assessment Increases; Delay of Scheduled Repeal</b></span></i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Wording</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This would amend Florida Constitution Article VII, Section 4 and Section 6. It also would amend Article XII In certain circumstances. The law requires the assessed value of homestead and specified non-homestead property to increase when the just value of the property decreases. Therefore, this amendment provides that the Legislature may, by general law, provide that the assessment of homestead and specified non-homestead property may not increase if the just value of that property is less than the just value of the property on the preceding January 1, subject to any adjustment in the assessed value due to changes, additions, reductions, or improvements to such property which are assessed as provided by general law</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In plain English</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Amends commercial and non-homestead (second homes) property taxes by mandating that governments would not be able to increase the assessed value of homestead property if the fair market value of the property decreases. It also provides an additional homestead exemption and shifts part of the tax burden from commercial owners to residential owners.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote Yes:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “yes” vote means you favor the enhanced tax breaks being proposed. Proponents include developers and builders who do not want to see property taxes increase while the fair market value of property decreases. One home residential owners could possibly face a greater tax burden.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote No:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “no” vote means you are against the enhanced tax breaks for commercial property owners and persons with multi residential homes being proposed. Opponents include municipal and county governments because it will reduce revenues needed to operate public services. Some advocates of public schools oppose it because school funding through property taxes will decline</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Amendment 5: State Courts</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Wording </span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Proposing a revision of Article V of the State Constitution relating to the judiciary, the State Constitution authorizes the Supreme Court to adopt rules for the practice and procedure in all courts. The Constitution further provides that a rule of court may be repealed by the general law enacted by a two-thirds vote of the membership of each house of the Legislature. This proposed constitutional revision eliminates the requirement [of] a two-thirds vote of each house, thereby providing that the Legislature may repeal a rule of court by a majority vote Under current law, the Governor appoints a justice of the Supreme Court from a list of nominees provided by a judicial nominating commission, and appointments by the Governor are not subject to confirmation. This revision requires Senate confirmation of a justice of the Supreme Court</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In plain English</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Gives the Legislature increased control over the judicial branch and requires that all appointments to the Florida Supreme Court be subject to Senate confirmation. It also divides the current court into a Supreme Court of Civil Appeals and a Supreme Court of Criminal Appeals, each with five appointed justices. The most senior justices would be assigned to the latter court. This measure would give lawmakers control over changes to the rules governing the court system; and direct the Judicial Qualifications Commission, which investigates judicial misconduct complaints, to make its files available to the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote Yes:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “yes” vote means you want the Senate to have confirmation power over Supreme Court appointees, and some authority over changes to the rules that govern the state’s courts. You also want to grant the House access to Judicial Qualifications Commission’s investigative files on judges. This effort would politicize Florida Supreme Court Justices and make them vulnerable to the whims of partisan politicians.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote No:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “no” vote means you do not want these proposed changes made to the state’s judiciary. The Florida Bar and judges across the state oppose the measure, believing it disrupts the balance of power by providing the Legislature with too much control over the courts (under this amendment, they only need a majority vote rather than a two-thirds vote to change the law) and creates an unusual and unnecessary two-court system. It is also argued that the measure attempts to politicize the criminal court by pushing older, liberal justices to the civil court.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Amendment 6: Prohibition on Public Funding of Abortions</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Wording</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This proposed amendment provides that public funds may not be expended for any abortion or for health-benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion. This prohibition does not apply to an expenditure required by federal law, a case in which a woman suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would place her in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, or a case of rape or incest. This proposed amendment provides that the State Constitution may not be interpreted to create broader rights to an abortion than those contained in the U.S. Constitution.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In plain English</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Prohibits public funds for any abortion or for health benefits that include any coverage of abortion. It also states that Florida’s Constitution cannot be interpreted to include broader rights to abortion than what is contained in the U.S. Constitution. This amendment would make the existing federal ban on public funding for most abortions part of the state constitution. It would narrow the scope of a state privacy law that is sometimes used in Florida to challenge abortion laws.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote Yes:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “yes” vote means you support putting the existing federal ban on the use of public funds for abortions into the state constitution; and you support eliminating the state’s privacy right with respect to a woman’s right to choose. Various pro-life groups support the measure and maintain that abortion is not a woman’s right but that it is murder. They also believe that no public funds should be used in any abortion service.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote No:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “no” vote means you are against placing the existing federal ban on using public funds for abortions into the state constitution; and you are against eliminating the state’s privacy right with respect to a woman’s right to choose. Various pro-choice groups oppose the measure and maintain that women have reproductive rights and the state government should not interfere with a woman’s personal health care decisions.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Amendment 7: Religious Freedom</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">NOTE: Amendment 7 was removed from the ballot by court order on grounds that it was unconstitutional. However, the legislature passed a law that gave the Florida Attorney General the authority to rewrite the proposal. This was done by Attorney General Pam Bondi and the measure was placed back on the ballot as Amendment 8. <b><i>This is the reason there is no Amendment 7 on the 2012 ballot.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Amendment 8: Religious Freedom</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Wording </span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution providing that no individual or entity may be denied, on the basis of religious identity or belief, government benefits, funding or other support, except as required by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and deleting the prohibition against using revenues from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In plain English</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This amendment would remove the prohibition in Florida’s Constitution that prevents religious institutions from receiving taxpayer funding. Allowing public dollars (taxpayer money) to be used for religious events.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote Yes:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “yes” vote means you want to remove from the Florida Constitution a prohibition against the state funding religious institutions and replace it with a provision that prohibits the state from denying funding to institutions based on religious affiliations. Supporters claim that faith-based groups are discriminated against because they cannot use taxpayer money and may be barred from participating in public programs in the capacity of a religious organization.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote No:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “no” vote means you want to retain the provision in the Florida Constitution that prohibits the state from funding religious institutions. Opponents worry that the measure would allow taxpayer funds to go to any religious organizations and public education money to go to any religious schools. This amendment would give religious organizations full access to government services and programs without the government oversight governmental agencies face.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Amendment 9: Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouse of Military Veteran or First Responder</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Wording </span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature to provide by general law ad valorem homestead property tax relief to the surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty or to the surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty. The amendment authorizes the Legislature to totally exempt or partially exempt such surviving spouses homestead property from ad valorem taxation.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In plain English</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This would grant a full property tax exemption to the surviving spouses of military veterans who die while on active duty and to the surviving spouses of first responders who die in the line of duty.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote Yes:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “yes” vote means you want the state to grant the full homestead exemption to the surviving spouses of a deceased veteran or first responder by reducing their property taxes.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote No:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “no” vote means you do not want the state to grant the full homestead exemption. Florida has budget troubles in that it does not raise enough revenue now to cover its budget and when revenue is lost in one area it has to be recouped in other taxable areas.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Amendment 10: Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Wording</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to provide an exemption from ad valorem taxes levied by counties, municipalities, school districts, and other local governments on tangible personal property if the assessed value of an owner’s tangible personal property is greater than $25,000 but less than $50,000.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In plain English</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This amendment would double the tangible personal property tax exemption and allow local governments to increase the exemption.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Provides an exemption from local government taxes on personal property that is valued between $25,000 and $50,000.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote Yes:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “yes” vote means you want to double the tangible personal property tax exemption and allow cities and counties to expand the exemptions beyond that. Increasing the Homestead Exemption would the financial burden of lower socio-economic citizens. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote No:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “no” vote means you do not want to double the tangible personal property tax exemption and you do not want to allow cities and counties to expand the exemptions. When revenue is lost in one area it has to be recouped in other taxable areas.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Amendment 11: Additional Homestead Exemption: Low-Income Seniors Who Maintain Long-term Residency on Property; Equal to Assessed Value</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Wording</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to authorize the Legislature, by general law and subject to conditions set forth in the general law, to allow counties and municipalities to grant an additional homestead tax exemption equal to the assessed value of homestead property if the property has a just value less than $250,000 to an owner who has maintained permanent residency on the property for not less than 25 years, who has attained age 65, and who has a low household income as defined by general law.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In plain English</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Authorizes counties and municipalities to offer additional tax exemptions on homes of low-income seniors. This amendment would give an additional property tax exemption to low-income seniors who have lived in their home for more than 25 years.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote Yes:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “yes” vote means you think cities and counties should have the authority to grant a full property tax discount to eligible seniors. Proponents argue that seniors on a fixed income need the relief offered by this additional tax exemption.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote No:</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “no” vote means you do not think that cities and counties should have the authority to grant a full property tax discount to eligible seniors. Opponents claim that Florida’s budget troubles will only get worse with less revenue, and necessary public services will be cut. They also worry that, with so many amendments on the ballot that reduce revenues, even the most essential public services will be in jeopardy.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Amendment 12: Appointment of Student Body President to Board of Governors of the State University System</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Wording</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Replaces the president of the Florida Student Association with the chair of the Council of State University Student Body Presidents as the student member of the Board of Governors of the State University System. Requires that the Board of Governors organize such Council of State University Student Body Presidents.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">In plain English</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Revises the selection process for the student member of the Board of Governors of the State University System. The student representative used to be the president of the Florida Student Association but would now be the chair of a council of state university student body presidents.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote YES?</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “yes” vote means a more democratic and inclusive process because the representative to the Board of Governors will come from a new association of student government presidents. These individuals are students who were elected by their campuses.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If You Vote NO?</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in 57pt 0pt 1in;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">A “no” vote means you believe the current system works fine and does not need to be reformed.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Panchi Gonzalezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208696295599340250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29605284.post-26202058746704614332012-10-19T11:15:00.003-05:002012-10-19T11:50:28.695-05:00The Presidential BallotI just downloaded the complete sample ballot for Miami-Dade County's General Election on November 6th, 2012 and was overwhelmed by the amount of people and items that we are being asked to decide on. Following you will find some links/info that you may find interesting:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.miamidade.gov/elections/s_ballots/11-6-12_sb.pdf">Miami-Dade County Official Sample Ballot for the General Election Tuesday, November 6th, 2012</a><a href="http://www.miamidade.gov/elections/voting_system_sample.asp"></a><br />
<br />
I couldn't believe the amount of presidential candidates on the ballot. Some may call me obsessive, and I am, but I went and visited everyone's website and read at least their main points. For the sake of abbreviation, I will only show the name of the presidential candidates in the order that they appear on the ballot:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mittromney.com/">Mitt Romney</a> Republican Party<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.barackobama.com/">Barack Obama</a> Democratic Party<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.objectivistparty.us/6443.html">Thomas Robert Stevens</a> Objectivist Party<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.garyjohnson2012.com/front">Gary Johnson</a> Libertarian Party<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodeforpresident2012.com/">Virgil H. Goode, Jr.</a> Constitutional Party<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.gp.org/index.php">Jill Stein</a> Green Party<br />
<br />
<a href="http://andrebarnett2012.com/main/?page_id=160">Andre Barnett</a> Reform Party<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.stewartalexandercares.com/">Stewart Alexander</a> Socialist Party<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pslweb.org/votepsl/2012/">Peta Lindsay</a> Party for Socialism and Liberty<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.roseanneforpresident2012.org/">Roseanne Barr</a> Peace and Freedom Party<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tomhoefling.com/">Tom Hoefling</a> America's Party<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.voterocky.org/meet_rocky">Ross C. "Rocky" Anderson</a> Justice Party<br />
<br />
From experience we all know that there is no chance for any of these other parties. I still found some of their ideas and platforms interesting, which made me wish that there were other possible alternatives. If you don't have time to visit all these websites, select two and just go to their "issues" page for a look.<br />
<br />
<br />Panchi Gonzalezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208696295599340250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29605284.post-34528450507133681902012-10-19T11:07:00.000-05:002012-10-19T11:07:00.988-05:00PelicanRadio.com goes off the air permanentlyPelicanRadio.com has shut down: As of the end of August 2012, I have decided to pull the plug on the station. It's been a nice run, but the bottom line is that there was a lack of demand and I couldn't justify continuing to put any time or money into it. It may or may not re-emerge in the future with a different format, but meanwhile I'll use the blog as my personal diary of thoughts, kept for my own amusement. Thanks to all of you who backed me up during the last 6 years. Blessings! Panchi Gonzalezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208696295599340250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29605284.post-58051571053272566822012-06-12T09:10:00.001-05:002012-06-12T09:10:49.058-05:00Hey everyone...
I've been quiet for awhile... I even brought the station down for a couple of weeks. It's a long story, but now we're back online. Enjoy!
Frank GPanchi Gonzalezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208696295599340250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29605284.post-76350523854236448502011-11-02T11:37:00.008-05:002011-11-02T12:59:41.548-05:00Scars and TattoosTattoos are quite fashionable these days. Generally, people display them proudly, although I hear that there are some who keep them hidden for special reasons. I imagine that a persons' tats reveal some of what they believe in. I also think that due to life's circumstances, some may feel like they have "outgrown" their tattoos and may decided to have them removed.<br /><br />Even though I don't have any tattoos, that I'm aware of, I do have a few scars. And while there is plastic surgery to hide scars, there are some that can't be removed by any means. I have a small one on the chin, from when I was two and rolled down the stairs. There are the fading scars from when I was about 13 and a Boy Scout, in the back of my leg from crossing through barb-wire and in my hand, from improperly using an ax (don't ask!). Then there is that nice slice of knee that I got at 15 when I jumped from a steel rack inside a freezer, that one was 20 "stitcher". The most recent scars are from complications from Gastric Bypass and the subsequent lung tube. The scars we wear are a permanent record of our physical suffering.<br /><br />But there's a different kind of scar, those that are invisible to the naked eye. These are scars that are found in the hearts and minds of the suffering. Some of these injuries can be so deep and can take a lifetime to heal. We have all been hurt at one time or another, as a matter of fact, some of us are hurting right now. Irregardless of where we are, either suffering the pain of an open wound, or the tenderness of the scars, we all need healing. Scars are emotional and spiritual proof of our suffering and it is a shame if we don't derive any wisdom from the experience.<br /><br />I know that Jesus knows a thing or two about wounds and scars and that he has a lot to teach us about suffering. Sometimes I wonder, why a merciful God can allow suffering, but then I remember that God gave us free will. The Lord is not a puppeteer that constantly intervenes in our lives. In my case, I know that many times my pride prevents me from admitting that I have been wounded. This behavior only makes the healing process longer and the scar, uglier than it has to be. I pray that if you are wounded, you can find it in you, to seek help, to start along the path to healing. May our scars make us one with those who are suffering. May we be a tenth as merciful as our mighty Creator, because of our scars. Amen!Panchi Gonzalezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208696295599340250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29605284.post-17567255295253831892011-09-12T09:04:00.004-05:002011-09-12T11:30:46.127-05:00September 11th: Psalm 46President Obama read Psalm 46 during yesterday's remembrance of those that perished in the September 11th attacks. I admit, that I was not very familiar with this particular Psalm, but it touched me for it's relevance after almost 3000 [?] years of its writing.<br /><br />Psalm 46<br /><br />God is our refuge and our strength,<br />an ever-present help in distress.<br />Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken<br />and mountains quake to the depths of the sea,<br />Though its waters rage and foam<br />and mountains totter at its surging.<br /><br />Streams of the river gladden the city of God,<br />the holy dwelling of the Most High.<br />God is in its midst; it shall not be shaken;<br />God will help it at break of day.<br />Though nations rage and kingdoms totter,<br />he utters his voice and the earth melts.<br /><br />The LORD of hosts is with us;<br />our stronghold is the God of Jacob.<br />Come and see the works of the LORD,<br />who has done fearsome deeds on earth;<br />Who stops wars to the ends of the earth,<br />breaks the bow, splinters the spear,<br />and burns the shields with fire;<br /><br />“Be still and know that I am God!<br />I am exalted among the nations,<br />exalted on the earth.”<br />The LORD of hosts is with us;<br />our stronghold is the God of Jacob.Panchi Gonzalezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208696295599340250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29605284.post-25044368136411455532011-09-10T20:19:00.001-05:002011-09-10T20:20:23.854-05:00Radio silence on September 11thPelicanRadio.com will remain silent during September 11thPanchi Gonzalezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208696295599340250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29605284.post-19880936478471826182011-09-01T07:42:00.003-05:002011-09-01T07:43:20.841-05:00Tweaking...Hey!
<br />
<br />Last night I tweaked the music rotation... hopefully improving the experience. Working on adding more music and new programming. Come and listen!
<br />
<br />Blessings!
<br />
<br />Panchi Gonzalez
<br />Panchi Gonzalezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208696295599340250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29605284.post-80050317388389506712011-08-31T10:50:00.002-05:002011-08-31T11:02:30.153-05:00Time of RenewalI want to thank you for listening to my little web radio station. In the last few weeks you may have noticed a few small changes:
<br />
<br />1) I have added more than 100 new songs and planning to add more in the coming weeks.
<br />
<br />2) I have added a streaming alternative at Live365. You can follow the link from the homepage to reach the stream.
<br />
<br />3) I'm planning to slowly start adding programming in the coming months.
<br />
<br />As I always, I appreciate your comments and feedback. And remember that the best way to support PelicanRadio is by telling your friends.
<br />
<br />God Bless,
<br />
<br />Panchi Gonzalez
<br />PelicanRadio.com
<br />"Awesome Music for your Soul"Panchi Gonzalezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208696295599340250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29605284.post-41339205604528052362011-02-23T09:33:00.003-05:002011-02-23T10:01:24.652-05:00Old dogs...Invariably birthdays make us stop and think about what we've done so far in our lives and where we're going. Being that today is my 48th birthday (or my 50 minus 2, like I like to call it) and I have been announcing it loudly for a few days already, people are wishing me a happy one since early this morning. It also helps that Facebook reminds everyone about the occasion.<br /><br />This morning, someone asked me: "Do you feel any different?" And in my best smart ass I answered, that I wasn't born until 10:50pm, so I don't know yet. The truth is that I've been thinking about this for a few weeks now and here are some thoughts about it:<br /><br />1) Man, do I hate to be called mister! But the truth is that I've become my dad. Not a bad thing, if you know my dad, but still, difficult to swallow. I see this high school kids at Steph's school and they look like babies to me.<br /><br />2) I wouldn't be 18 again for all the money in the world... and don't tell me... but if I knew then, what I know now... we wouldn't be 18, OK? 8-)<br /><br />3) While I'm still relatively young, or not that old, depending on your perspective and age... My body no longer does what I command it to do with any degree of precision. I think that I can jump over something or lift an object to find out that my brain didn't get the memo about our latest capabilities...<br /><br />4) There is something about this wisdom thing. I'm still making many mistakes on a daily basis, but there are a few things that are different:<br /><br />a. I'm no longer oblivious about my mistakes... I tend to realize my mistakes, either right when I make them or immediately after.<br /><br />b. It has become easier (if not less difficult) to admit my mistakes and ask for forgiveness. <br /><br />c. When in doubt, ask for forgiveness.<br /><br />5) It turns out that I know less now, that when I was 18. Back in 1981, I had the right answer to every question and shame on you if you didn't listen to me or allowed me to tell you what was wrong with you.<br /><br />6) I've suffered from the sin of pride since early on, now I'm fully aware of my "disease". Pride for me is about fear and insecurity. That's why my life's motto is: "Pride is a killer". <br /><br />7) Silly things bother me a lot less than they used to.<br /><br />8) I have less tolerance for injustice.<br /><br />9) I appreciate my parents and the sacrifices they made for me and my siblings so, so very much!<br /><br />10)I'm so much more merciful and forgiving of others, because God knows that I badly need the same from others.<br /><br />11) Even though I suffer from depression, I try to laugh as much as possible... <br /><br />12) I've been thinking a lot about what my legacy is going to be... and I truly don't know. I've been mostly selfish, impatient, mediocre and intolerant. I hope that people will remember how I laughed at myself and attempted to love in spite of my limitations...<br /><br />Well, that's enough about me for at least one year. Thanks for allowing me to indulge and philosophize. <br /><br />I love you all, for being in my life. Please forgive me when I have hurt you. Please put in a good word for me with the Boss! 8-)Panchi Gonzalezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208696295599340250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29605284.post-11194369134782968162010-09-24T23:14:00.005-05:002010-09-24T23:54:19.635-05:00Welcome to the new PelicanRadio.com 2.0Hello and welcome to PelicanRadio.com 2.0. Some of you may remember the previous version of PelicanRadio.com, which ran for 3 years and included programs, meditations, as well as music. At the end of the three years, I decided to shut it down because I was burnt out and also because I needed to make some financial adjustments. So you may ask, why am I restarting it? Because I've missed it! The difference is that for version 2.0 I'm going to be K.I.S.S. (Keeping it simple stupid). This new version of PelicanRadio.com is going to play Christian music in English and Spanish 24/7, period! I've also managed to save some money by using free resources like this blog to host the station, keeping a smaller number of listening slots and streaming at lower audio quality. As always, your ideas and suggestions are appreciated. I hope that my little station can be a small blessing in your life. God Bless and Enjoy! <br /><br />Panchi GonzalezPanchi Gonzalezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02208696295599340250noreply@blogger.com0