by Mercedes J | Jun 1, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
Doctor
It was suggested to me by a friend who identifies himself as a Democrat that I attend the April 15th, 2010 “Tea Party” in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Modern day Tea Parties borrow the concept from the original in order to voice concerns about a growing federal government bureaucracy that’s out of control with waste, fraud and abuse. My liberal friend wanted to watch the “insanity” of the rally and write about his experience. I am happy to write a counter-article to refute his nonsensical opinions. Even President Obama says he is “amused” by the Tea Party movement. Mr. President, and my liberal friend, you may want to take us more seriously.
Liberals purport that today’s Tea Party rally is intended to reject any and all tax payment. That is not true. Of course we need funding for a national defense infrastructure, limited government regulatory agencies, and programming for those in need. At the Tea Party, I read signs and heard speeches that communicated the rejection of excessive taxation, wasteful government spending, and the intrusion of our constitutional rights. Clearly, America is in financial duress and we are bankrupting our nation. If you are in doubt of this fact, simply google “U.S. National Debt Clock.” It is forecast that the interest on the national debt will be one trillion dollars by the year 2020. That’s a 1 followed by 12 zeros just for the interest, people! If you spent $10 million a day it would take you 273 years to spend $1 trillion.
by Fat Hand | Jun 1, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
Lawyer
The first thing I noticed while walking through the crowd at Ft. Lauderdale’s Tea Party rally the afternoon of April 15, 2010, was the absence of alcohol. Living in Ft. Lauderdale one becomes accustomed to the inevitable drinking at virtually every event, even those for the older sets (Jazz Brunch, Fiddler on the Roof at the Broward Center, School Board Meetings, etc.). I guess this really was going to be a “tea party”, much to my disappointment.
The second thing I noticed is that the crowd was not as large as I expected. I had read earlier in the day that 10,000 people were expected, but shortly after 4:00 p.m. the crowd on Broward Boulevard was only several hundred. Upon returning a couple hours later after having retreated to my ivory tower, the crowd had grown to probably around 1,200. I do not know who has the job of official crowd-size predictor in Ft. Lauderdale, but that person is, to put it nicely, unreliable. Our New Years Eve block party is yearly promoted as 75,000 celebrants flocking to downtown Ft. Lauderdale, but those of us that live in the real world know it is more like 5,000-8,000 tops. I like to imagine this person’s job interview. Question: How many crowds would you say you have predicted in your life? Answer: 40 to 45 thousand.
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by Strawberry Jam | Jun 1, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
For Art’s Sake is a series of themed events brought to you by Freedom Art. Their latest endeavor, a two-day affair titled Birdwatch, brought out a flock of people to Gallery 101 in Ft. Lauderdale to admire bird-themed prints while enjoying some live music and light bites. Saturday night featured eats from local restaurant Bellini’s, Stork’s bakery, and Brew Urban Café and music from Alexander and Millionyoung, all for five bucks! Another $10 got you unlimited drinks, with all proceeds to benefit Josie Lou Ratley, the fifteen year old girl badly beaten just outside her Broward County middle school.
Works varied from minimalist black and silver feather prints (Joshua Surprenant) and Muscovy duck prints (Stuart Rochford), to a lime green bird-human image (Ryan Klaverweide). All were available for purchase and the exhibit will remain up until June 13th. Also for sale are three 4×8 wheatpaste panels (similar to wallpapering, popularly used for street poster art) created during the event.
Keep an eye out for upcoming happenings including a summer mini series. Each one intends to feature just a few local artists at a time. The next For Art’s Sake event is planned for September or October and will focus on the art of Typography.
View photos from Birdwatch on FTLC’s Facebook page and
Check out the live wheat painting photos from Saturday and lecture/silkscreen workshop photos on For Art Sake’s Facebook page here.
Gallery 101
501 North Andrews Avenue #103
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 882-1861
by Strawberry Jam | Jun 1, 2010 | Fort Lauderdale
FTL Collective is a local blog focusing on activities, events, businesses, and quirks of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale area. Though it has its coalition of permanent writers, it is an open platform inviting anyone eager to contribute ideas or articles to the collective. FTLC is not your ordinary blog in that it aims to shine a light on the character of our city from a personal perspective unlike other larger blogs or media outlets. Stick around and learn something new about your community! Come to our events and do something out of the ordinary. And, most importantly, always feel free to speak your mind and contribute to the collective.
