Monday, November 14, 2011

November 12, 2011 – When YSL Speaks, Everybody Listens! Today's guest: Dr. Harinath Sheela


Thanks....
To our listeners, guests, crew and sponsors who make the Yo Soy Latino show possible a warm and heartfelt thank you.

Yo Soy Latino Radio has been bringing great radio to your neighbors, friends, family, and to you (our listeners) for the past two years. We have done so with help and advertisers like you. But like everyone else in this tough economy we’ve had to tighten our belts and made choices to keep quality programming alive.

If we are to keep the doors open, the lights on and maintain great quality programming like this on the air in Central Florida given these tough economic times, WE NEED YOUR HELP! Your generous contribution today to the Yo Soy Latino Radio Show will fuel its commitment to bringing Central Florida’s focus on public media.

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You can talk with the host on air by calling the station’s guestline at 407-774-0810 every Saturday from 12-1 p.m.


Cool Trivia...
November 12, 2011
1900 – World’s Fair in Paris opens (50 million visitors)
1910 –1st Movie stunt: man jumps into Hudson River from a burning balloon
1912 – Robert Scott’s diary and dead body found in Antarctica
1925 – US and Italy sign peace accord about war debts
1927 – First underwater tunnel, Holland Tunnel connecting NY to NJ opens
1933 – 1st known photo of Loch Ness monster (or whatever) is taken
1938 – Hermann Goering announces he wants Madagascar as a Jewish homeland
1942 – In World War II, battle of Guadalcanal began
1946 – 1st “autobank” (banking by car) forms in Chicago
1965 – Ferdinand Marcos elected president of Philippines
1970 – Scientists perform 1st artificial synthesis of a live cell
1974 – South Africa suspended from UN General Assembly over racial policies
1979 – Pres Carter announces immediate halt to all imports of Iranian oil
1980 – NYC Mayor Ed Koch admits to trying marijuana
2001 – In New York City, American Airlines Flight 587, an Airbus A300 on its way to the Dominican Republic, crashes minutes after takeoff from John F. Kennedy International Airport, killing all 260 on board and five on the ground
2003 – In Nasiriya, Iraq, at least 23 people, among them the first Italian casualties of the 2003 Iraq war are killed in a suicide bomb attack on an Italian police base

Sponsored by:
NAI Realvest
Need Commercial Property Contact Paul Partyka
Office location at 2200 Lucien Way, Maitland FL 32751
Telephone: 407-875-9989, Website: www.realvest.com


Movies...
Top 10 Box Office
November 12, 2011
1. Puss in Boots
2. Tower Heist
3. A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas
4. Paranormal Activity 3
5. In Time
6. Footloose
7. Real Steel
8. The Rum Diary
9. The Ides of March
10. Moneyball
Opening This Week:
Immortals
J. Edgar
Jack and Jill
11-11-11
The Conquest (La conquete)
The Greening of Whitney Brown
Into the Abyss: A Tale of Death, A Tale of Life
London Boulevard
Melancholia

Movie Review
J. Edgar— Rating: 2.5 STARS
Though the casting, costumes and period were flawless, the storyline was a bit empty. The movie bears a strong resemblance to “The Conformist.” J. Edgar by Eastwood and Black remains an oppressive small scale look at a seemingly hard to make out unpleasant man who not only founded the FBI and remained its director until his death in 1972, nearly 40 years.

Hoover had a controversial reputation as an egomaniacal, paranoid, cross-dressing, closeted homosexual. Yet, as you may know, he was exceptional at digging up dirt on others while keeping his own hidden insisting that he was protecting America from Communists and radicals.

There are a few pop in like Bobby Kennedy, Charles Lindbergh, and Richard Nixon, but overall the film is primarily constructed around just four characters. Hammer shines as a supporting player and does his best to give the unrequited “love story” with some emotional depth. The actresses do pale in their roles. However, DiCaprio does an exceptional job in giving a powerhouse performance given he is mostly buried in prosthetics (under old-age makeup). Unfortunately, the movie couldn’t delivery the goods on the big screen so for me it was a bit overrated.

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Father Natures
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Breaking News...
World and Local News
November 12, 2011
Gunshots reported a Few Blocks from White House
Washington (CNN) – Shots were reported fired Friday night between the White House and the Washington Monument, setting a flurry of law enforcement activity, a U.S. Park Police spokesman said. An AK-47-style rifle was recovered, a Secret Service official says.

Mexican Minister who Fought Drug Cartels Killed in Crash
Mexico City (CNN) – Mexican president (Felipe Calderon) pledges transparent investigation into the helicopter crash Friday that killed Mexican Interior Minister Jose Francisco Blake Mora along with seven other cabinet members. Ironically, Black Mora’s last tweet was about a prior minister’s plane crash death three years ago. Black Mora oversaw security efforts against drug cartels in Mexico.

White House turns over e-mails related to Solyndra Loan
(CNN) – White House official: E-mails fall within “legitimate areas of oversight for the committee.” White House officials (WH Counsel Kathy Ruemmler) calls subpoena “overbroad and overreaching.” House panel is probing $535M in federal load guarantees to Solyndra, now bankrupt. Ruemmler accused the committee of releasing “these documents in a way that presented a misleading and inaccurate account to the public.”

Deputies: Body Confirmed to be Missing Mom
Poinciana, FL (ClickOrlando) – The body of a woman found Thursday in Poinciana is that of Nicole Fields, said Osceola County Sheriff’s deputies. Field went missing on Nov. 4. Detectives believe Fields died Thursday before her body was found. She had suffered multiple stab wounds, said medical examiners. Her ex-boyfriend, Steven Louis, was arrested last week in the Florida Keys when he crashed his car while trying to elude deputies, authorities said.

In Central Florida, Across Nation, Pawnshops go Gangbusters in Tough Times
(OrlandoSentinel) – Clara Spence said she was new to perusing pawnshops as she checked out a display of electronics and guns at Diamond Pawn on Orange Blossom Trail. “We figured we could find some good deals,” said the bank employee from Orlando. “One man’s loss is somebody else’s gain.” Pawnshops in Central Florida and across the nation are booming, spurred on by the struggling economy, high gold prices and reality television show. And as the industry grows to $6.1 billion in annual national revenue this year, it is going mainstream, with billboards, customer parties, and even Groupon deals. During the past four years, the number of pawnshops registered in Florida has jumped 22% to 1,442.

Dyer: Love Orlando, Love Downtown
(OrlandoSentinel) -- Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer took to the concrete floor of the Amway Center on Monday to declare his love for the city he runs and to encourage residents to join him. "That relationship between people and their places is actually one of the most powerful forces around," Dyer said during his annual State of Downtown address that drew nearly 500 people to the $480 million building that opened last year. Dyer, who said love of city actually translates into good business, made his entrance to the song "All You Need is Love" by the Beatles. The event was held on what usually is the parquet floor of the Orlando Magic, but the wood boards were taken up. The NBA season is in danger of cancellation because of a battle between players and owners over money. Dyer also officially announced a $200 million development for downtown that would be linked to the SunRail commuter train scheduled to start running in 2014. SunRail, Dyer predicted, "will give Central Florida's residents a needed alternative to their automobiles, create tens of thousands of jobs and transform our community."

State Job Creation Accounting is Even Worse than Reported
(OrlandoSentinel) -- Turns out that the record-keeping by the state of how it spent job-creation funds — and what the state got for its money — is even worse than we’re already reported. Business columnist Beth Kassab — the soon-to-be local columnist, replacing Mike Thomas — has been looking at the spreadsheet released by the Department of Economic Opportunity that purports to show what the state paid out over the last 16 years to businesses and how many jobs those payments created. She’s found a lot of discrepancies.

“For the Max Planck Florida Institute in Jupiter, the database listed zero dollars paid. In fact, the state has released $84.09 million to the institute, according to revised figures provided by the agency in response to a Sentinel request. It also listed zero dollars for the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc. in Pinellas County, when $13 million has already been paid.“ Amounts listed for the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute in Orlando as well as the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies in Port St. Lucie and SRI International St. Petersburg also were incorrect. “The database also listed the number of jobs created at the biotech institutes, which are being paid out of the state’s Innovation Incentive Fund, as “n/a” even though seven companies paid out of that fund plus Scripps Florida, which struck a deal with the state before the fund was created, have a combined 1,100 employees.”


Cigars...
Fire Up with Jose’s top suggestions!
November 12, 2011
Rocky Patel The Edge
Oliva Serie “O’”
Rocky Patel Xtreme Sumatra Robusto
Signature Litto Gomes Toro
“Amilcar Perez Castro Robusto
Avo Heritage – Churchill
Tatuaje El Triunfador #3
La Aurora 107
Arturo Fuente Between the Lines
Punch UpperCut – Toro
Illusione 888
Tatuaje Ambos Mundos Sumatra – Toro

Sponsored by:
Ol’ Times Smoke Shop
Casselberry’s best kept secret, located at 860 E HWY 436
Telephone: 407-699-6163, Website: www.oltimescigars.com


Today’s Highlights...
When YSL Speaks, Everybody Listens! Today’s guest Dr. Harinath Sheela
by Haydee Ayala
November 12, 2011
Orlando, FL – YSL host Jose Miranda began the hour with a short monologue which started with the accusations of sexual harassment against Herman Cain “allegedly” by five women who came forward after he announced his candidacy for the presidency. To the loud boos of a crowd unfairly placed on a gay soldier (who unlike many in the bunch is serving in the Army in Iraq) because he braved to ask the Republican candidates if they would re-institute the recently repealed “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

Plus, the thunderous ovation of a GOP audience who felt that someone without health insurance should be left to die, all this from a party that safeguards LIFE, as noticeably seen by their budget cuts on abortions in an effort to bring women into the dark ages. Miranda in his inimitable style asked, “Tell me, is this what the Republican Party has become?

During the past three years, we have heard talks about our national concerns: the energy crisis, reorganizing the government, immigration, the economy, cut backs of state and federal budgets starting with employees, women’s rights, redistricting, the military and lastly, the harsh reality of joblessness. It appears that throughout those years the thrusts of speeches, talks, and press conferences have remained increasingly narrow. Focusing more on what the isolated world of Washington thinks is important to the vast majority of “We the People."

Clearly, there has been an erosion of spirit as one reflects on what the government thinks is important and less about our nation's hopes, our dreams, and our vision for a future that includes all of its citizens. Why have we not been able to get together as a nation to resolve our serious economic problems and do what its citizens need...job creation? Why have they not listened to the voices of many Americans (young and old alike)? Today many citizens find themselves unemployed and those who are gainfully employed are working minimum wages, many two and three jobs because their livelihood depends on those wages.

Their wages then becomes a pledge of their slavery, because it draws on one having to work endlessly sacrificing family given a stagnant economy in order to obtain a decent wage for ones’ labor, all this because our politicians squabble over the president’s job bill. Politicians are quick to remind us “there are jobs out there if you’re willing to work.” However, people are willing to work. But the real question remains, are those jobs in line with a person’s education, training and experience regardless of age, race, religious practices, creed; AND more important will those employers even consider someone who might be over 45 and whom they deemed overqualified?

After a break, well several unscheduled ones, Miranda picks up the pace to cover trivia, breaking news (which included Mayor Dyer and his love for Orlando more specifically Downtown), wines, cigars followed by movies. This week’s selection was on J. Edgar. Even though the rating was exceptionally low just at 2.5, Ayala did point out several strong attributes of the movie. Check out the movies section for a more descriptive summary.

With little time remaining, Miranda introduces Dr. Harinath Sheela to discuss what seems to be an ongoing explosion of the deadly Hepatitis C virus, a growing concern not only for the heterosexual community but the gay community as well. From what causes it, to its symptoms and treatments. Unfortunately, our conversation with Dr. Sheela was shorten but in closing his advice to our listeners was:

• Do not share drug needles;
• Wear gloves if you have to touch another person’s blood;
• Use a condom during sex;
• Do not borrow another person’s toothbrush, razor, or anything else that could have blood on it;
• Make sure any tattoos or body piercing you get are done with sterile tools; and,
• Do not donate blood or blood products if you have hepatitis c.

Well that concludes another hour of Yo Soy Latino. Keep it here next week to find out what other surprises Miranda and Ayala have in store for you.


Fashion...
Give Your Tresses that Expensive Holiday Hair for Less
November 12, 2011
Have you ever wondered what makes hair look expensive? Well, here are a few traits that scream "money, money, money" AND they can be scored for a lot less.

High Shine
Expensive looking hair is well-conditioned and never, ever frizzy. To keep strands extra-shiny, one should consider deep-conditioning treatments biweekly. This can achieved at a salon for about $60 or at home simply by using a daily leave-in conditioner, slathering on then sleep in.

Natural-Looking Color
This does not necessarily mean the hue you were born with but rather a shade that looks exceptional on you. For example, it should always be at least three shades of your real hue. Then, if you want to really lighten, get highlights at a salon. Also, using a product like L'Oréal Color Spa Moisture Actif Color Gel, for about $7.49, will help tone down the effects of the orange color that seems to surface after lightening. Plus, it lasts for 2-3 weeks and it’s a gentle non-ammonia gel.

Simple, Chic Accessories
One thing is certain you'd never find a scrunchie on a socialite's strands. So, if you're going to wear your hair up or back, invest in a hair accessory that is leather, suede, or laden with jewels. Materials that will give the look a “Wow!” factor and still scream this cost some cash. However, if you favor scarves use them instead. Remember, the less-expensive alternatives are always a good substitute -- like a leather headband, a cotton printed scarf, or a crocodile pony wrap.

A Classic Cut
A rich look is not overly trendy as women with expensive strands are unlikely to copy a sitcom star's much-coveted cut. Rather, moneyed locks are usually close to one length -- but with a twist, like bangs or long layers. Also, since split ends would be a travesty, six-week trims are a must. To offset the cost, visit your regular stylist every 12 weeks, then pop by a chain salon for a tiny trim in between.


Sports Box...
November 12, 2011
Baseball
Wilson Ramos Rescued after Kidnapping
Caracas, Venezuela (ESPN) -- Venezuelan police rescued Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos on Friday, two days after he was kidnapped, officials announced. Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami said on state television that Ramos was "safe and sound" and that he was rescued by police. He said the circumstances weren't immediately clear. Information Minister Andres Izarra initially reported the rescue via Twitter, saying Ramos was "found alive by security forces in mountainous zone." Izarra said it was "a rescue operation by air," which was authorized earlier in the day by President Hugo Chavez. "Ramos free!" said one message on Izarra's account. State television reported that three men were arrested in the kidnapping. Ramos' mother celebrated, exclaiming on television: "Thanks to God!" "Thanks to my country, to my neighbors and to my family, who were supporting us," she said. Shortly afterward, she spoke with her son by phone and said jubilantly: "He's fine.” Major League Baseball officials said it was the first kidnapping of a major leaguer that they could recall.

Basketball
Sources: Players Unlikely to Accept Deal
(ESPN) – Once NBA players digest all the details of the owners’ new contract proposal – including a clause that opens a way for more player demotions to the D-League – it’s hard to imagine even those desperate to play would be willing to ratify it, sources told ESPN The Magazine’s Ric Bucher. The D-League clause, which previously had not been disclosed, is one of several elements in the owners’ proposal to the locked-out players that prompted one agent to describe the proposal as “draconian.”

Football
Andre Johnson to Miss 6th Game in Row
Houston, TX (ESPN). – Texans star receiver Andre Johnson will miss his sixth straight game as he continues a longer-than-expected recovery from a right hamstring injury. Johnson ran on a separate field Friday as the Texans (6-3) prepared for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay (4-4). Coach Gary Kubiak has been saying for two weeks that Johnson is "very close" to returning, but not quite fully healed. After Sunday, Houston has its bye before playing at Jacksonville on Nov. 27. Kubiak is optimistic Johnson will be ready by then. “We should come out of the bye knowing that he’s ready to go, and be a part of our team as we go into those last six weeks," Kubiak said. "He's doing really good but the smart thing to do is give him this extra time to rest and continue to have some guys step up and take his place." Johnson said Friday that holding him out for one more game was "probably the best decision." He sat out practice all this week, and planned to put himself through a hard workout again Monday.


Wines...
Top Choices for Under $25
November 12, 2011
Cupcake Prosecco NV
Broadbent Vinho Verde
Ironstone Obsession Symphony 2009
Apothic Red Wine 2009
Yellow Tail Reserve Shiraz 2008
Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling 2010
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Clos du Bois Chardonnay 2009
Rancho Zabaco Dancing Bull Zinfandel 2009
Smoking Loon Syrah 2009


Special Interest...
Helping Others
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has recently been through 2 winter storms leaving the reservation without power or water. They are in dire need of monetary contributions of any size to assist with the incurring expenses. Your donations and contributions will help in keeping their Tribal members alive, fed and warm.

For more information go to the link below: https://secure.piryx.com/donate/0oFFsK8c/Cheyenn-River-Sioux-Tribe/

Also, keep in mind that it’s been a tough year for many Americans and the world at large and your local American Red Cross was not immune. Give generously to this non-government humanitarian emergency assistance and disaster relief program so that they can continue to perform their acts of kindness; for more information go to www.redcross.org.


Recipe...
Minestrone with Endive and Pepperoni
November 12, 2011
This minestrone soup incorporates mostly frozen vegetables it is remarkably savory and aromatic. However, you can use fresh carrots, potatoes, celery and onions (not frozen) in the mix to give this soup the best flavor. Although pepperoni isn’t traditionally part of minestrone soup, you’ll find it’s a great shortcut in adding one spicy, complex flavor.

Servings: 6, Time: 30 MINS

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped fresh or frozen (thawed) bell peppers, any color
5 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2/3 cup whole-wheat elbow noodles or other small pasta
1 pound frozen mixed soup (or stew) vegetables (including potatoes, carrots, celery, onion), thawed, chopped
1 cup frozen baby lima beans, thawed
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with garlic and onion
1/2 cup diced pepperoni
3 cups lightly packed coarsely chopped curly endive or chard, tough stems removed
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Directions:
Heat oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat then add bell peppers and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add broth, oregano and thyme; bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook for 3 minutes less than the package directions.

Add mixed soup (or stew) vegetables and lima beans. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; boil until the vegetables are almost tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, pepperoni and endive (or chard); return to a boil. Adjust the heat and simmer until the endive (or chard) is just tender, about 5 minutes; and, season with pepper and garnish with Parmesan, if desired.

Per Serving: 213 calories | Fat: 7g (2g sat, 3g mono) | 14 mg cholesterol | 28 g carbohydrates | 9g protein | 5g fiber | 721mg sodium | 352mg potassium
Source: eatingwell.com.

Sponsored by:
Digestive and Liver Center of Florida, PA
Srinivas Seela, M.D., Harinath Sheela, M.D., Seela Ramesh, M.D.
100 N. Dean Road, Suite 101, Orlando FL 32825
125 W. Pineview Street, Suite 1001, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 and
3000 N. Orange Avenue, Suite C, Orlando FL 32804
Telephone: 407-384-7388, Fax: 407-384-7391, Web: www.dlcfl.com


Health...
Does Nail Biting Cause Any Long-Term Nail Damage?
November 12, 2011
Although unsanitary, nail biting isn't likely to cause long-term nail damage. Nails are formed at the nail bed — where the U-shaped cuticles begin. As long as the nail bed remains intact, nail biting isn't likely to interfere with fingernail growth. In fact, some research suggests that nail biting might even promote faster nail growth.

• Nail biting isn't without risks, however. For example, nail biting can:
• Contribute to skin infections
• Aggravate existing conditions of the nail bed
• Increase the risk of colds and other infections by encouraging the spread of germs from the nails and fingers to the lips and mouth

In addition, compulsive nail biting is sometimes a sign of an underlying mental health condition, such as anxiety or an impulse control disorder.

If you're concerned about nail biting, consult your doctor or a mental health provider. To stop you from nail biting, he or she might suggest:

• Avoiding factors that trigger nail biting, such as boredom
• Finding healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety
• Keeping your nails neatly trimmed or manicured
• Occupying your hands or mouth with alternate activities, such as playing a musical instrument or chewing gum

In some cases, behavior therapy to stop nail biting might be warranted.
Source: Mayoclinic.com by Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

Sponsored by:
Urology Health Solutions, Inc.
Richard R. Lotenfoe, M.D.
Celebration Health Medical Plaza, located at 410 Celebration Place, Ste 203
Telephone: 407-566-1105, Toll Free: 866.URO.DOCS


Politics...
Despite Court Setbacks, Scott, Lawmakers, Pledge
Aggressive Conservative 2012 Agenda

November 12, 2011
Gov. Rick Scott and top Republican lawmakers say a series of unfavorable court rulings on legislation they pushed last spring will not deter them from again pursuing a strong conservative agenda in 2012. With contentious issues such as state employee health insurance changes, prayer in schools, higher education reform and the drawing of new political districts on tap for the legislative session that begins in January, more legal battles are likely.

For Democrats — badly outnumbered in the Florida Legislature — the court system has become their most effective weapon against the GOP’s efforts to push conservative reforms. Courts have nullified three bills passed by the Legislature last spring and signed by Scott, striking down moves to privatize prisons in South Florida, drug test welfare recipients and prevent doctors from asking their patients about guns.

Two other laws are under court review: An elections overhaul criticized for limiting voter registration and early voting and a pension measure forcing state workers to contribute 3 percent of their salaries to a retirement fund. A hearing has not been scheduled on a lawsuit filed in September by teachers over a law linking their pay to student performance and ending tenure for new instructors. In a media briefing last week, Scott called the court decisions nullifying parts of his 2011 legislative agenda “disappointing” but added that they will not change his approach heading into a new legislative session.

“I’m going to continue the things that I believe are in the best interest of Floridians,” Scott said during the annual Associated Press legislative preview event. In addition to the judicial decisions on legislation, the Florida Supreme Court also ruled against Scott’s executive order freezing rule-making at all state agencies when he took office. Scott did not hide his dissatisfaction with the court actions, contending that judges are overstepping their authority. “I thought there were three branches of government,” the governor said. “I thought the legislative branch was supposed to pass the laws and the governor would either sign them or not. I didn’t anticipate the judiciary would be making policy decisions.”

The ongoing power struggle between the courts and the legislative and executive branches boiled over in the 2011 session, when House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, took aim at the judiciary by pushing measures that would have given Scott and lawmakers more influence over the state court system. Cannon wanted to expand the Supreme Court, which would have given Scott three new appointments on the state’s highest bench. And he would have allowed Scott to appoint the chief justice.

He also proposed requiring all appellate judges to win a 60 percent retention vote if they wanted to remain on the bench — increasing the standard from the current majority vote. Most of Cannon’s court proposals fell by the wayside, although lawmakers have asked voters next year to consider a constitutional amendment that will require all Supreme Court appointees to win a confirmation vote in the Senate. The amendment also gives the Legislature more power over rule-making at the Supreme Court and expands the House’s role in the investigation of judicial misconduct.

Cannon called the proposed amendment “a good set” of reforms, adding that he did not plan to pursue more “constitutional type” judicial overhauls in the upcoming session. However, he could still pursue statutory changes to the panels that nominate judges for the governor to appoint. Democrats say Scott and Republican lawmakers should not have been surprised that the bills they passed ran into legal trouble, noting they were repeatedly warned that issues like drug testing of welfare recipients had been ruled an unconstitutional violation of privacy by several courts before Florida passed its law.

“When you don’t care whether it’s constitutional or not then you’re going to get a lot of cases getting challenged,” said House Democratic leader Ron Saunders. The state is appealing the court decisions, leading Senate Democratic leader Nan Rich to question why Florida is spending “hard-earned tax money” during a time of large budget deficits to defend laws that have been ruled unconstitutional. “We have a pattern here and I just find it interesting because we have a lot of lawyers in the Legislature” who should know better, she said.

Republican lawmakers defended programs such as prison privatization and pension reform as money savers. Cannon and Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, called the ruling against prison privatization a bad decision. Haridopolos said privatizing 29 prisons in South Florida would have saved the state at least $22 million annually. “I want to spend that money in schools or in health care,” he said. The drug testing law was also about spending state money wisely, Scott said. “Welfare money is supposed to go for the benefit of children, not for a parent using drugs,” he said.

Protecting individual rights is more important than saving money, said Derek Newton with the Florida chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. Newton predicted another active year for the ACLU in Florida in 2012. “This Legislature and governor have proven that constitutionality and legality are not factors they consider,” Newton said. “If they proceed down this path of violating people’s rights, I’m sure we’ll be busy.” H-T Capital Bureau reporter Lloyd Dunkelberger contributed to this report.

Source: HT Politics by Victor Hull

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