Florida Gov. Jeb Bush didn't just pass a law, he has followed through with one of the most successful public-relations campaigns in state history.
The result? A 24% reduction in all crime, and currently, Florida is experiencing the lowest crime rate in 34 years.
For instance:
1. Television and radio are inundated with commercials, warning of the consequences of using a gun in the commission of a crime.
The latest features remorseful felons who have been convicted under the law, telling viewers and listeners that Florida means business. It is very powerful.
2. The governor hired action star Chuck Norris as the law's official spokesperson, which gave the campaign credibility from Day One.
3. Gov. Bush also has enlisted the services of sports figures and law enforcement officials, who appear in TV and radio commercials as well.
4. There are freeway billboards, storefront posters, bumper stickers on police vehicles, and educational material is distributed in classrooms.
Everywhere you turn, you are reminded that this is the law in the state of Florida.

In summary, I believe that Gov. Bush's perfectly executed game plan has made Florida's "10-20-Life" law a success.

To potential cynics, keep in mind that this law, along with most of the governor's other successful programs, were put into place long before George W. Bush occupied 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Finally, for those that may not be familiar with Florida's "10-20-Life" law, here's how it works:
1. A felon using a gun to commit a crime will spend a minimum 10 years in prison; 2. If the gun is fired, the mandatory penalty is 20 years; 3. If a person is shot, the mandatory sentence is 25-years-to-life. No exceptions!

Peace!
Catmando97



-- Modified on 9/21/2005 12:30:38 AM

intimidate all those felons over 70 years old.

Bush credits his much-publicized 10-20-Life law for a decrease in gun crime. The 1999 law, a centerpiece of Bush's first year in office, sets mandatory prison terms for gun-toting criminals. But according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the firearm crime rate was on the decline before 10-20-Life -- and actually increased in 2001.

Please see the related article from 6/24/2005 in the St. Petersburg Times on crime and gun violence in Florida. Link below:

You say he implemented this without raising taxes?  How?  I'll tell you.  It's from Federal (i.e. Chinese & Japanese) dollars.  Made available to him, why?  Because of his brother in the White House has given him a credit card.  

Now that I'm informed about this, I'll say it's a good campaign.  The Jeb does know how to use the press and advertising effectively.  Did you even notice that I complimented Jeb in my post?  Did you not think I was enthusiastic enough?  It's what his press staff wants you to think.

I'd say other states would even copy his program, but they won't, because for them that would entail raising taxes.  They don't get to borrow Chinese money and hide the expense on the Federal credit card bill in Washington.  

Zin,
I think you'll find in a message further down this board that I said that you were "fair-minded" and "thoughtful" in your posts. And yes, you have complimented Florida Gov. Jeb Bush for his many achievements.

As for "10-20-Life", it was well-publicized and paying dividends before President Bush ever occupied the White House. In the first year under the new law, gun crimes dropped from 211.1 per 100,000 in 1998 to 172.4 in 1999!

Has President Bush thrown a few bones our way since 2001? Probably, but I honestly don't know. I also have no knowledge of special funds being funnelled into Florida via President Bush or the Chinese.

That said, I am willing to listen to anything you have to say on the subject, and will keep an open mind on documentation that you can produce.

Peace!
Catmando97

-- Modified on 9/22/2005 10:36:11 PM

However, I think Jeb would have had the funding as a pilot project before his brother got elected.  

The point is, he put the budget into a surplus somehow.  Given that he has very deeply rooted connections, there is more than one way for him to have done this.  

And the Congress was motivated during that year to send Florida some money, as the Bush name was then being marketed for President.

However, I think Jeb would have had the funding as a pilot project before his brother got elected.  

The point is, he put the budget into a surplus somehow.  Given that he has very deeply rooted connections, there is more than one way for him to have done this.  

And the Congress was motivated during that year to send Florida some money, as the Bush name was then being marketed for President.

I doubt that Florida spent anywhere near as much on this campaign as the antigun nuts have spent trying to keep guns out of the hands of law abiding citizens. This campaign at least, is showing dividends.

Florida also is the home to common sense gun laws. If you recall when hurrican Andrew devestated Homestead, there was next to no looting. The citizens promptly armed themselves and only a moron would have attempted to loot one of their well patrolled neighborhoods. I bet many of the good citizens of New Orleans who mananged to survive Katrina wish they had a double barrelled shotgun in the closet.

Florida is the home of common-sense gun laws, and I believe they have contributed to the state's declining crime rate.
The latest is the "No Duty To Retreat" law which allows you to meet force with force anywhere.  
Florida also allows concealed weapons with a permit, as does Georgia. And I believe the two states have a reciprocal agreement -- I can carry a concealed weapon in your state as you can here.
Gov. Jeb Bush has put criminals on notice that the good people of Florida are not going to be victims.
Your example of the Homestead neighborhood militias after Hurricane Andrew was a great example of our fight-back attitude!

Peace!
Catmando97