Friday Cat Blogging

If this video doesn't prove that cats are pound for pound the toughest mammals on the planet then I don't know what does.

Detroit resident Maxx learned the hard way not to kick snow into a stray cat's face.

Maxx ended up in the hospital and says she ended up getting an infection that manifested into cellulitis, causing her face to swell. (See the photo she submitted.)

Maxx was trying to defend a dog from the fierce feline. Maxx was forced to make a hasty retreat when the kitty decided it would be a good time to restage the face hugger scene from Alien.

The Kills - 10th Anniversary Show in NYC

The Kills celebrating their tenth anniversary with drummers and backup singers. Alison Mosshart looks like a lioness with her pink hair.

Rick Scott Making Voting Like the DMV

Patricia Mazzei and Steve Bousquet report 3 hour long lines for people waiting to vote in Miami-Dade county. The League of Women Voters of Florida have asked for more early voting hours. Unsurprisingly, Republican officials have scoffed at the idea.

Adam Putnam

“There’s no unusual circumstances,” Putnam said. “There’s no weather-related events. There’s nothing out there in the state of Florida right now that would create the basis for an emergency order for the governor to produce.”

Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll

“We still have days to vote. It’s not the end yet, and we certainly have election day as well, that people can turn out and vote,” she said.

State Senator Don Gaetz

“Aren’t these the same people who were running around the state saying the changes to early voting amounted to voter suppression?” Gaetz said. “So now we’re seeing a historically high level of turnout, and they’re complaining.”

The turnout has nothing to do with the new voting laws approved by Republicans and everything to do with people interesting in the presidential race. Gaetz logics is like why do people that complain about the food in a Turkish prison keep eating. It might be because these people don't feel like starving to death. People don't like standing in long lines, but feel that it is their civic duty to vote.

Republicans love to cite the long lines at the DMV as proof that government doesn't work. The Florida Republican establishment is doing everything in there power to make voting as pleasurable as a DMV visit.

Another tidbit of information: Florida Republicans know they are trying to restrict voting. Why else would they say that 2012 has the same amount of early voting hours as 2008. There were actually 120 early voting hours in 2008. Gov. Rick Scott will only allow the legal limit of 96 hours. Former Gov. Charlie Crist was still a Republican when he extended voting hours in 2008. Crist deserves majors kudos for allowing Floridians the opportunity to vote.

1,000 Friends of Florida Changes Amendment 4 Position

Good news for Florida Hometown Democracy: 1,000 Friends of Florida have changed their official position on Amendment 4 from against to neutral. 1,000 Friends of Florida still believes Amendment is problematic. The organization is also unsatisfied with how growth management is handled in Florida.

The not-for-profit 1,000 Friends of Florida "still believes that there are flaws with Amendment 4," board member Nathaniel Reed said. "However, we also recognize that the on-the-ground results of the existing growth management system are far from perfect and need major improvement. In the face of this dilemma, we understand how the debate over Amendment 4 may serve as a catalyst for change."

1,000 Friends of Florida is concerned that voters will not approve projects that are good for local communities. That is the risk with democracy. The exchange of giving people the power is that the people will sometimes make the wrong decisions. Richard Nixon was elected president twice and the republic still survived.

The official ballot summary.

Establishes that before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, the proposed plan or amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body and notice. Provides definitions.

This does not mean every new street light or stop sign must be voted on. Major development plans will be voted on by referendum. Wayne Garcia of Florida Hometown Democracy explained these referendums will be set during regular elections. No special elections will be made. I think that is mostly true. However, what happens when a zoning referendum comes up in an off election year. There will be cost incurred.

I say the price of horrible taxpaid zoning plans would be worse. The Hillsborough County Commission got rid of impact fees for parts of the county. Instead of developers paying for the cost of new roads that expense belongs to the taxpayer. The Commission passed this because developers pump campaign contributions into Commission races. Developers are against Amendment 4 because it would end this sweetheart deal.