Florida State Rep. Hillary Cassel has become the second Florida House Democrat to jump to the GOP since the 2024 elections.
In a statement made on Friday, Dec. 27, the Rep. for Broward County’s House District 101 said she had switched to the GOP Supermajority, citing support for a “better, more prosperous Florida” among Republicans as well as skepticism over the Democratic Party’s support for Israel.
“As a mother, I want to help build a world where our children are judged on their character and their actions not their labels,” Cassel wrote. “As a proud Jewish woman, I have been increasingly troubled by the Democratic Party’s failure to unequivocally support Israel and its willingness to tolerate extreme progressive voices that justify or condone acts of terrorism.”
She admitted that she “won’t always agree on every detail with every Republican,” but noted she would “always have input, collaboration, and respect” within the GOP.
Cassel is Florida’s second House Rep. to defect to the GOP after Tampa Rep. Susan Valdes switched earlier in December.
Cassel’s switch attracted criticism from liberals on social media.
You’re a liar. You were always going to do this. You knew you wouldn’t get elected otherwise. Pathetic. Don’t act like this was a brave choice. You’re a coward.
Florida State Sen. Randy Fine (R-Melbourne Beach) has introduced a bill aimed at banning the display of political and ideological flags in government buildings. It’s increasingly common for political flags to be flown on government buildings, such as Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ flags – and never any representing right-wing beliefs.
The legislation, SB 100, seeks to prohibit flags representing political candidates, movements, or organizations deemed ideological in government buildings including schools.
SENATOR RANDY FINE FILES BILL BANNING FICTIONAL “PALESTINIAN,” “BLACK LIVES MATTER,” RADICAL “TRANSGENDER,” AND OTHER POLITICAL FLAGS IN GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tallahassee, FL (December 16, 2024) – Today, Senator Randy Fine (R-Melbourne Beach) filed SB…
“The first flag that should be flown in a government building is the American flag,” Fine stated in a press release on Monday. “Flags that promote Muslim terror or the mutilation of children have no place in taxpayer-funded buildings – whether that government building is our state capital or a public school classroom.”
Tallahassee, FL (December 16, 2024) – Today, Senator Randy Fine (R-Melbourne Beach) filed SB 100 to ban the flying of political flags in government buildings. Among others, SB 100 would ban the use of fictional country flags like “Palestine,” pro-violence “Black Lives Matter” flags, woke and pro-grooming ideological flags, and the flags of any political candidates in government buildings. Fine previously sponsored the same legislation in the Florida House during the 2024 Legislative Session.
“The first flag that should be flown in a government building is the American flag,” said Fine. “Flags that promote Muslim terror or the mutilation of children have no place in taxpayer-funded buildings – whether that government building is our state capital or a public school classroom.”
Political flags flown in government buildings have been the source of controversy, even becoming the subject of a lawsuit against the Palm Beach School District for an ideological flag flown at Emerald Cove Middle School in Wellington, Florida.
“Supporters of Muslim terror, child mutilators, and groomers have no right to taxpayer sponsorship of their repugnant messages. As I prepare to leave the Senate, I look forward to ensuring the only official place in a government building that you will find their flags is in a garbage can.”
If passed, the legislation would permit only official government flags in taxpayer-funded spaces. This includes the U.S. flag, Florida’s state flag, and flags representing other recognized jurisdictions, while flags for ideologies such as Pride or Black Lives Matter would be excluded.
Fine introduced similar legislation earlier this year while he sat in Florida’s House of Representatives, although his efforts died in the State Affairs Committee.
BREAKING: A bill has been filed in Florida to ban the display of Pride, BLM, and other “political” flags on government property in the state. pic.twitter.com/Al00JeMlR6
Early voting figures for Miami-Dade County reveal the GOP is leading in the presidential election by almost 12,000 votes.
Donald Trump has just surpassed 36,000 votes in the county, compared to 24,228 for Kamala Harris. Interestingly, third-party candidates have received 15,954 ballots among early voters – more than the difference between the Republican and the Democrat. Overall, the figure marks a 15.2% swing for the GOP.
You may be wondering why this is significant. After all, Miami-Dade is located within Florida, which has become something of a guaranteed state for the Republicans under Trump. It also helps that it’s also Trump’s home state, and is governed by the popular Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
But here’s the thing; Miami-Dade has a predominantly Latino population, and it heavily leans Democratic – In fact, it has voted Democrat in every election since 1992.
The Hispanic vote is crucial for both candidates, but losing it hurts more for Harris given the historic preference for Democrats among the Latino electorate. If similar swings are seen among Latino voters in swing states with large Spanish-speaking populations such as Arizona and Nevada, Harris is almost certain to lose the election.
Republicans, therefore, are getting giddy.
Of course, it’s worth remembering that every vote matters in an extremely tight election.
Kamala Harris suffered yet another gaffe during a briefing over Hurricane Milton.
Milton devastated much of Florida earlier this week with several reported dead and scores more injured. It marked the second major hurricane to hit the eastern seaboard in recent weeks after Hurricane Helene in September.
The Biden-Harris administration livestreamed the federal government’s response to Milton amid growing pressure from conservatives. Unfortunately for the Vice President, this led to a rather embarrassing moment captured on camera.
Harris appeared to be discussing with an aide, before covering her hands and uttering, “It’s a live broadcast,” to a person off-camera.
Despite being distracted, the Democratic presidential nominee asked a question of National Weather Service Director Ken Graham shortly after the awkward moment – thought many speculated it was a question she was being fed.
“You mentioned words matter, and I know there is a lot of media following this briefing. So, there have been… we’ve gone from a [Category] 5 to a [Category] 4, and the language that a lot of folks have been using is ‘downgrade,’ but it sounds like you’re cautioning us that that may communicate a sense that the danger is lessened, when in fact it’s not. Can you talk a little bit about that?” she asked.
Kamala barks “it’s a live broadcast” at staffers and covers her mouth to try to hide it but she forgot to mute her mic
In a resounding victory for traditional values and parental rights, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has given Florida the green light to enforce its ban on so-called “gender-affirming care” for minors. This decision overturns a lower court’s misguided attempt to block the law, proving once again that conservative principles are winning the day in the Sunshine State.
The 2-1 ruling, handed down by a panel of judges in Atlanta, allows Florida to prohibit transgender minors from receiving puberty blockers and hormonal treatments, even with parental consent. This common-sense measure protects vulnerable children from making life-altering decisions they may later regret. It’s a much-needed safeguard against the radical left’s agenda to push gender ideology on our youth.
Trump-Appointed Judges Lead the Charge
Kudos to Judges Britt Grant and Robert Luck, both appointed by former President Donald Trump, for forming the majority in this crucial decision. Their ruling demonstrates the importance of having conservative judges on the bench who respect the will of the people and the legislative process.
“The district court likely misapplied the presumption that the legislature acted in good faith when it concluded that the prohibition and regulation provisions, and the implementing rules, were based on invidious discrimination against transgender minors and adults,” the court stated in its ruling.
This statement exposes the liberal bias of the lower court judge who had initially blocked the law. It’s refreshing to see the appeals court set the record straight and recognize that Florida’s lawmakers had legitimate concerns in mind when passing this legislation.
DeSantis Vindicated
Governor Ron DeSantis, a staunch defender of traditional values, had predicted this outcome. His unwavering commitment to protecting Florida’s children from the transgender agenda has been vindicated. DeSantis’ leadership on this issue serves as a blueprint for other conservative states looking to push back against the radical left’s attempts to indoctrinate our youth.
“This will be reversed, there’s no question this will be reversed,” DeSantis had confidently stated, referring to the lower court’s decision. Once again, he’s been proven right.
While liberals cry foul and claim discrimination, the fact remains that this law is about protecting children and preserving parents’ rights to make medical decisions for their families without undue influence from activist groups. It’s a victory for common sense and traditional family values.
As Florida leads the charge in this crucial battle, it’s clear that the tide is turning against the radical gender ideology that has been pushed on our society. With 26 states now adopting similar laws, it’s evident that Americans are waking up to the dangers of allowing minors to make irreversible medical decisions.
This ruling is a wake-up call for those who thought they could use the courts to override the will of the people. It’s time for other states to follow Florida’s lead and stand up for our children’s future. The fight to protect our values and our families continues, and today, we can celebrate a significant victory in that ongoing struggle.
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