Author Archives: Michael Froomkin

Early Voting Starts Tomorrow (10/27)

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Michael Froomkin

About a million people have already voted absentee in Florida, and the number is sure to grow. But if you are worried about your signature not being recognized then starting tomorrow you can vote early at any of a host of locations.

There are fewer days for early voting than there were four years ago. In 2008 there were 120 hours of early voting spread over 14 days. This year there are only eight (longer) days of early voting, adding up to 96 hours. Plus, the ballot is much longer, so wait time may be an issue. (Plan ahead! See my 2012 Voting Guide.)

How nice therefore to find this handy dandy tool online: Miami-Dade County – Elections – Early Voting Wait Times which promises some information about how long you may need to wait at the local early voting location.

Note that they do warn that “The wait times listed below are approximate and may vary based on time of arrival.” Plus, I see that even though voting doesn’t begin until tomorrow there’s already a five minute wait time listed for the North Dade Regional Library. Everywhere else currently shows zero.

Posted in 2012 Election, Miami | Comments Off on Early Voting Starts Tomorrow (10/27)

Unfriendly

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Michael Froomkin

I’ve been hearing about this billboard, which is apparently very visible on I-95.

The billboard is paid for by APSuperPAc.org, the crazy people who also endorse Alan West. I suspect, though, that fear-mongering like this works, at least some. More about Obama’s Jewish support in Florida from the Palm Beach Post.

Personally, I think “kick the ball down the field and hope that ultimately, somehow, something will happen and resolve” the Middle East Romney will be bad for Israel. Anything that emboldens Bibi to be worse than he already is cannot end well. There likely will be another war. And many many casualties on both sides.

Sometimes a true friend is the one who keeps you from doing something rash.

Posted in 2012 Election | 8 Comments

The Fourth Amendment at Sea

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Michael Froomkin

Via PogoWasRight a link to Coast Guard Boardings and Your Fourth Amendment Rights, Part 1. According to the author, the 4th Amendment has no traction at sea: the Coast Guard can board US flag ships at will, whether on the seas, on rivers, or in port, without the least suspicion.

Sorry, but when it comes to Coast Guard boardings, you don’t have any rights.

I’m surprised how many boaters don’t know this. The US Coast Guard can board your boat any time they want, and look anywhere they want, without probable cause or a warrant. They can do this on the open sea, or while you’re asleep aboard in your marina at midnight. They can look through your bedsheets, in your lockers, in your bilges, in your jewelry box, or in your pockets. They can do it carrying just their sidearms, or they can do it carrying assault rifles. They can be polite about it or they can be rude, but mostly they’re polite.

The article does not say, but I presume this even applies to houseboats?

Posted in Civil Liberties, Law: Constitutional Law | 1 Comment

Florida Files 11 Ethics Charges Against Rep. David Rivera

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Michael Froomkin

The state of Florida “has filed 11 separate ethics counts against U.S. Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami — all stemming from actions he took while he was a member of the state Legislature.”

Given that Rivera left the state legislature about two years ago, and many of the facts were reported in newspapers a long time ago, you might wonder what exactly took Florida so long to file the charges.

Meanwhile, you now have eleven more reasons to vote for Joe Garcia to replace David Rivera in Congress.

(Wow – Wikipedia has a whole section on Rivera’s peccadillos. Lots there besides the subject of this ethics complaint.)

Posted in Politics: The Party of Sleaze | Comments Off on Florida Files 11 Ethics Charges Against Rep. David Rivera

You May Be Looking For…

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Michael Froomkin

Downballot Recommendations November 2012 and my analysis of the proposed Amendments to the Florida Constitution, plus extra information on why you should vote to retain our excellent State Supreme Court Justices. Or maybe Why I Do Not Have A Treadmill (Sears Can’t Deliver). (This post will stay on the front page until the election.)

Posted in Discourse.net | 2 Comments

We Can Do This

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Michael Froomkin

Hurricane Sandy doesn’t look like it’s gunning for us, but we may get some weather from the side of it, and the U is being cautious:

The University of Miami administration continues to monitor the progress of Hurricane Sandy. At this time, all classes, events, and clinical activities are operating on regular schedules. It is anticipated that operations will continue on normal schedules on Thursday and Friday.

While South Florida is outside the three-day forecast cone, coastal areas are under a tropical storm watch. Local weather conditions will start to deteriorate Thursday afternoon, with a prolonged period of 25 to 35 mile per hour winds and higher occasional gusts. Depending on the proximity of rain bands, the area could receive one to three inches of rain through Friday night, when conditions are expected to begin improving.

Due to the weather we will experience, members of the University community are urged to allow extra time for their commute to campus and to exercise extra caution on the roads. Additionally, any loose items kept outside need to be secured.

Check for updates at www.miami.edu/prepare or 1-800-227-0354.

Emergency Information Hotline is 1-800-227-0354

Posted in Miami | Comments Off on We Can Do This