UPDATE ON UU's SEVEN50 PRESENTATION

from Richard Silvestri

John Debus, Erika Alvarez and I attended Jan Booher's presentation at the UU Church in Stuart on the 21st.  I cannot speak for the other two, but I was very happy listening to Jan Booher and I can envision calling upon her in the future.  Her "call to action" beginning with "EGAD" and includes the paragraph following mirrors what I have been saying all along.  (Read her forwarded comment herein.) 

As she went through her presentation of the highlights, background, reasons for Seven50 it just makes more and more sense to me.  Jan originally got into this through an action group regarding Climate Change in Boca Raton.  The opposition to this plan I feel is based on the Koch Bros need to thwart local movements that result in lower oil consumption.  Sustainability does just that and the rationale is based on Global Warming Justice started by Al Gore and which banner has been picked up by 350.org and numerous other groups like Bold Nebraska, Credo, the former Pope, The National Council of Churches and not least some of our own folks right here in SLC.  If the Koch Bros. can get sustainability denounced in enough local areas, the cumulative effect is felt at the Federal level and results in a victory for them nationwide.  It results in a defeat for future generations in this county, SE Florida, and the Earth.  Forgive me if this seems obvious, but I want to put it on the examining table so we all a clear view in the light of day.

I have gone to Seven50.org and read the home page and most of the drop-down windows there.  I have listened to Jan explain it.  All the information dove-tails nicely and simply makes sense.  I have visited the AC4PR website which has been changed.  Since Seven50 clearly had $3Million in Federal funds we can understand why the website is so professional-considerable money was put into it!  Likewise AC4PR's website is professional because someone put money into it!  We know where the money came from for the former.  Need I ask where the money comes from for the latter?  Originally AC4PR listed some of the things they were against and some other items.  They are against "Common Core" and Smart Meters, for instance.  They also referenced Glenn Beck, even stating "Glenn said...." at one point.  I use the past tense here because the website was changed and now is devoted entirely to Seven50 bashing.  And it is still an expensive, professionally done website-and the change was rather sudden, too.  So there is big money involved here.

The AC4PR presentation to the SLC BOCC October 15th meeting was not the same as the "introductory" presentation at the Palm City library on Sept 28th.  Why?  The latter was a pep-rally and frankly was an insult to my intelligence.  I am sure it would have insulted the Commissioners.  They knew better than to make the same presentation on the 15th.  That presentation-while slanted-was professional and relatively tame.

The reason I wanted to attend the Common Core Debate last night was because of AC4PR's objections to it.  There were a lot of faces there from AC4PR and a few "Seven50 buster" buttons were worn.  It is very interesting that the Republican Party of MC, IRC and SLC played a very prominent and active role at the AC4PR on Sept 28th yet AC4PR continually states their "coalition" is non-partisan.  I tried to be objective last night and even Rep. Lee, John Debus and I discussed it, it was the Repbulican Parties of MC and SLC that sponsored the debate.  John and I don't think it fair that two of the three panelists are obviously opposed-and formerly stated so-to Common Core while only one was for it in a room of mostly Republicans and many of those far-right Republicans.  However, I must credit the Republicans for holding the debate and it was open to anyone.  It behooves our own Democratic Parties to hold forums like this on issues especially those that are being pulled left or right as with Seven50 and Common Core.  John is considering having a forum on Common Core open to anyone.  The Progressive Alliance does not align with any party or candidate.  Nonetheless I think Democrats need to pay more attention to issues that divide-and all issues, regardless-and become proactive as the Republicans are-at least locally.

Regarding Seven50:  That should-be-neutral issue has been vilified by the right-wing fringers.  As Jan Booher states, quoting Greg Wilson regarding "going to the source", years ago at Miami Fire-Rescue we had the Anti-Defamation League present to us regarding rumors.  We were advised something we should all do when told something that seems a bit skewed.  And that is to ask the sender where he/she got the information and to ask that source to do likewise right on back to the prime source.  If that were done all the time, rumors would die.  Most of the negatives about Seven50 are rumors and misconceptions that well-meaning people spread.  It is just human nature but when we are talking about a future for our kids that doesn't look too good if we continue "business as usual", it can be devastating.  Seven50 will make its formal presentation to the SLC BOCC on November 7th.  Mark your calendar.  We need to stand up for TRUTH!

Richard C. Silvestri