Larry Cretul Meets Protesters

Progress Florida organized protesters to show up at Larry Cretal's house.

Cretul left his home and as of 4:30 p.m., was outside talking with the group, according to an aide in his office.

"Florida is next to last in the nation for education spending," the petition reads. "In this time of economic uncertainty, it is paramount that our public education system be adequately funded and equipped to provide Marion County children with the education they deserve and need for the 21st century economy."

I agree that Florida's lack of spending is disgraceful. However, I would be pissed if protesters show up at my door. I voiced my displeasure at Progress Florida's publicity stunts. I don't even think they do protests very well. Many voters will look at protesters coming to a lawmaker's house as intrusive. This helps the GOP and does nothing to change policy. The 60s is over. Change comes from hard work. Not silly gags.

Progress Florida tagline is "progressive solutions for Florida." What solution was achieved by having a fake Bush and McCain hold a sign.

Progress Florida is a poor man's MoveOn that will affect no policy change.

University of Florida professors mobilized students to call and write lawmakers. That is more constructive and productive way to affect change.

University of Florida students and faculty rallied Tuesday to mobilize the campus against state budget cuts and their effect on academic programs.

The event was billed as a "teach-in" but served mainly as a call to action. Surrounded by signs listing the phone numbers of UF officials and state lawmakers, speakers asked students to make calls, send letters and sign petitions stating their opposition to cuts.

"If we don't continue after we leave here, it doesn't mean much," said Deeb Kitchen, co-president of UF's graduate student union.

Several hundred students ambled through the UF's Plaza of the Americas for the event, dozens of whom called lawmakers at a table where their office numbers were listed. Kitchen called the office of House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, while on stage, holding up the phone while the crowd chanted "No more cuts!"

Organizing and lobbying lawmakers to support a paticular position is good. Showing up at person's house is a good way to piss people off. If I was a conservative political advisor, I would demonize the Progress Florida protesters and send out talking points to conservative talk radio shows. I would talk to the media about how Cretul felt his privacy was invaded and worried about his family's safety. See where I am going with this. There is no reason to give the Right a free bullseye. Progress Florida does exactly that.

Clowns dress up in costumes. So does Progress Florida.

Photo at Flickr

Update: the protesters showed up at Cretul's office. Not home. I made a mistake in my post.