Political Perspectives with the Democratic Party of Lee County
Join host Kari Lerner, Chair of the Democratic Party of County Florida, for this weekly show on political issues in Florida and around the US. Learn how the Democratic Party is working for the people and Republicans are working for themselves.
Episodes
In this episode of Political Perspectives, hosts Karyn and Keith Edison delve into a series of controversial bills passed by the Florida state legislature. They discuss the Republican majority's use of preemption to impose state mandates on local governance, particularly criticizing the prohibition of local minimum wage increases and safety regulations for outdoor workers. Additionally, they cover an anti-union bill requiring yearl...
In this episode of Political Perspectives, hosts Karyn and Keith Edison discuss and analyze three significant bills making their way through the Florida legislature. The first bill, House Bill 395, focuses on the protection of Confederate monuments and memorials within the state. The bill prohibits any alterations, removal, or destruction of any state-owned monuments which has stirred controversy. The second bill reviewed concerns ...
In this heartfelt and compelling address, former congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell shares her personal story of struggle and success, from working a minimum wage job as an immigrant from Ecuador to serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. Drawing from her past experiences and her mother's hard work, she has become a staunch advocate for affordable healthcare, gun control, reproductive rights, accessible education among ot...
Join Karen and Keith Edison, figures from the Democratic Party of Lee County, as they discuss the latest legislative developments in Florida. They review bills that are fast-tracked regarding minors' employment and a proposal to make guns even easier to get. They discuss concerns about the GOP-controlled legislature pushing proposals that seemingly oppose the general public's opinions and shed light on the role of public involvem...
Dr. Cindy Banyai, political science instructor and volunteer with the Democratic Party of Lee County, discusses the upcoming legislative session in Florida. She outlines various bills and proposals that could have significant implications for the state, such as the total abortion ban, the threat to vote by mail, environmental management issues, rollbacks in protective lands and expansion of working capacities for minors. Dr. Banyai...
Dr. Cindy Banyai serves as a guest host for the Democratic Party of Lee County's program, Political Perspectives. In this episode, she enumerates the top five 'bonehead' moves made by the Florida GOP and contrasts them with the top five victories achieved by Florida Democrats in 2023. The episode scrutinizes Florida's political landscape, highlighting significant issues such as abortion laws, firearm policies, and political scandal...
In this episode of Political Perspectives with the Democratic Party of Lee County, the focus lies on expanding diversity and participation in the Florida Democratic Party. A change in the way State Committee Persons are elected is discussed, with the aim to reflect the demographics of the county more accurately. The inclusion of broader definition of diversity such as age, race and ethnicity is emphasized. The quota for the State C...
In the first episode with new interim County Chair, Jim Rosinus, Political Perspectives discusses several transitions in the Democratic Party of Lee County, including new content for their podcast. Rosinus emphasizes the importance of the upcoming election year, as well as the ongoing project to protect abortion rights. The Party highlights community involvement opportunities, such as running for local office and volunteering in va...
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called a special session of the legislature this week. Iran sanctions, more money for security to Jewish schools, and band-aid wind mitigation efforts to stem the insurance crisis are on the docket. This al comes as the third GOP presidential debate is happen and a downtrodden DeSantis looks to use Florida to bolster his record. Democrats se this as a waste of time, money, an solely for political postu...
September 28, 2023 was the one year anniversary of the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Lee County was the hardest hit and is still reeling from the storm. Several events were held around Southwest Florida to commemorate the day and celebrate resiliency. Chair of the Democratic Party of Florida, Nikki Fried, attended events on Fort Myers Beach and with students at Florida Gulf Coast University. Watch clips from the event and reflectio...
As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian approaches, people in Lee County are looking back at the storm and its aftermath. Chair of the Democratic Party of Lee County, Kari Lerner, discusses the event with Kathy Chumley of Pine Island ROAR. Pine Island was particularly hard hit during Hurricane Ian where people are still struggling with insurance companies and getting their lives back on track, including many people leaving the...
Filmed live from outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, Host and Chair of the Democratic Party of Lee County, Kari Lerner, reflects on 22 years after September 11th. She notes that it's patriotic to serve your country, and that includes voting and running for office. However, the Congressional Representative from Southwest Florida, Byron Donalds, is too busy serving himself. We remember the heroes of 9/11 and we keep fighting fo...
Chair Kari Lerner of the Democratic Party of Lee County reflects on the meaning of liberty and justice for all. She notes that it is built on the principles of equality and inclusion. Chair Lerner then reflects on the recent events in Fort Myers celebrating Women's Equality Day and the anniversary of the March on Washington.
Chair Kari Lerner reflects on the anniversary of the March on Washington and Women's Equality Day. Local events in Fort Myers gathered people to commemorate the days and reinvigorate the fight for equality. Much has been accomplished and there is still work to do, especially in Florida where attacking diversity and inclusion is part of far-right politics.
Chair of the Lee County Democratic Party, Kari Lerner, takes a look at the record of Congressman Byron Donalds, who is supposed to serve the county. She points out his failed Hurricane Ian response and puzzling focus on nuclear energy. Chair Lerner asks if he is using Southwest Florida as a stepping stone.
So many people across Florida are struggling to pay their insurance if their insurance company hasn't dropped them already. Republicans in the state legislature passed making it harder to sue insurance companies if they bilk you. Recent comments from State Senator Jonathan Martin highlight the callous attitude many Republican legislators have towards those caught in the insurance crush. Hear more about the insurance crisis in Flori...
Chair of the Democratic Party of Lee County, Kari Lerner, and special guest, Dr. Cindy Banyai, talk about the importance of vote by mail. They discuss how Republicans in the Florida legislature have passed laws booting voters from vote by mail as a voter suppression tactic. The importance of having a voting plan and researching candidates when the ballot is sent to your home is also emphasized.
A thriving democracy needs all sorts of people to run for office. Have you ever thought of running? Check out this video to see who should run for office in Florida and how. In Lee County, Florida? Click here to see the seats up for election in 2024.
As the 2024 election gets closer, everyone should be registering for vote by mail. It is an easy way to make sure you have flexibility in your plan to vote. Listen to this episode of Political Perspectives to hear more about why vote by mail is important and how you can sign up for yours. This is a must listen for all Florida Democrats! Lee County voters sign-up here. Everyone else can find their voter registration information here...
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