Last week, as I read a press release from Governor Scott’s office, praising his decision to sign two anti-consumer bills, I thought of all the times as a practicing attorney who represents injured consumers, I have had someone come in for a consult, only to be advised by me, that thanks to our anti-consumer, and insurance-friendly laws, there is absolutely nothing I can do with their case. I wish I could tell you this didn’t happen frequently, but it does, and now, it happens more than ever. Who is to blame? The Legislature? Governor Scott? The Florida Chamber of Commerce?
Or maybe, voters, it is just you!
That’s right, the only ones we have to blame for the current status of Florida’s laws are you and me, the voters. For over fifteen years now, especially in the mid-term elections, the Florida electorate has gone overwhelmingly Republican. And the Republican Party, for better or worse, has gone overwhelmingly in favor of big insurance, big sugar and big business in general.
Look, as a small business owner and entrepreneur, I am all for a “healthy business climate.” But a “healthy business climate” to me does not mean that the deck should be decidedly shuffled or tilted in my favor. Going too far to any extreme is a dangerous proposition for anyone, and almost anything in life. Remember the lesson your parents taught – everything in moderation is a good thing.
That is why in 2002, I left the Republican Party – the party of my entire family, and the only political party I had ever known. Why? Because, as a scholar of the constitution and its history, I believe this great country was created for all. America has always been the greatest country in the world because anyone, from any background, and any social-economic status, can obtain greatness and wealth by hard work, and playing by the rules. Tell me, can you look your children in the eye, with our current Legislature, and make that promise? I cannot, and it kills me.
The good news is there is something you can do about it. A midterm election is coming next year, and we have time to get it right Florida. You can start right now; start paying attention to Governor Scott and his actions. Is he going too far right for you? How about vetoing a bill that would give a license to kids born into this country, but are the parents of illegal immigrants. Look at the line item vetoes in his budget. Look at the fact that the Florida Chamber of Commerce is there at every bill signing to applaud him. Sound fair and balanced to you? Have you been invited to any of these bill signings? My invitation must be lost in the mail.
As for the Legislature, well, as we speak, we are going to miss out on $55 billion dollars in federal money, which would have helped to insure millions of uninsured Floridians. Why? Because Republican Speaker of the House, Will Weatherford, just has a philosophical difference in opinion about “Obamacare.” I wish I were joking, but that is sadly the reason our Legislature left without doing something to expand Medicaid for the uninsured. Does this sound fair?
Hey, if this is the status quo that you think is good for all of us, then please, vote people like Scott and Weatherford back into office. But if you, like I, think we need more balance and some folks who actually pay attention to and give a darn about the rights of everyday consumers, and citizens, and not just big business and the Chamber, then maybe it is time to vote for someone else.
We have time Florida – Let’s get 2014 right!
Michael T. Gibson is an Auto Accident Lawyer in Orlando. The law firm of Michael T. Gibson can help you obtain compensation for medical treatment, loss of wages, pain and suffering, etc. that you have incurred as a result of a car accident. Call 407-422-4529 or visit the website at www.autojusticeattorney.com.
