JEB America's Next Bush
S.V. Date, Author
Tarcher/Penguin c2007
Smashed Froginvites all to join the discussion here every Thursday as we educate the public to finally close the book on JEB.
Loyalty enforcement is the best way to describe the J.E.B. management style.
Those who cross him can expect to be punished.
The Bush clan teethed on revenge.
Valerie Plame is the perfect example of revenge-GW-style. Question him about the war in Iraq, Joseph Wilson? Well, payback's hell, buddy and I'm starting with your wife's career.
But we are not here to ponder George. He'll be history soon enough. John Ellis Bush is the subject of discussion today. As so well stated by JEB America's Next Bush author, S.V. Date,
"In Florida, Jeb has been, if anything, an even bigger believer in the big stick."
Let's count the ways.
In the week preceeding his 2002 election as Governor of Florida, Jeb spoke of finding ways to "whack the trial lawyers", a group that historically backed Democrats and Jeb's opponent, Bill McBride.
Jeb fired whistle-blowers who embarrassed him by pointing out flaws in his policies. Robert Metty, an overseer of the Jeb's beloved school voucher system, made a huge mistake by pointing out flaws in the program and cut his own throat by speaking to the press about the same.
Metty was transferred to a "do nothing" job and later "downsized."
The Florida Catholic Conference didn't think too much of Jeb's school voucher program. After coming out in support of tough regulations that kept abuses in the voucher program in check, Jeb's loyal staff tried to the group's Tallahassee lobbyists fired.
Alex Villalobos, Florida state Senator is a personal favorite of mine as he stood up to Jeb against repeal of the class-size amendment that voters passed in 2002. Villalobos-also the Republican majority leader-knew Miami stood to lose big bucks if the amendment were repealed. Jeb, who hates teacher unions more than whistle-blowers, knew the amendment would force him to increase spending for public schools.
Villalobos was the first to speak on the Senate floor against the repeal. That morning, the Senate thumbed down Jeb's repeal 19-21.
Jeb needed 24 votes to put the issue back before the voters.
A few weeks later, Jeb vetoed $926,000 for spinal cord research at the University of Miami, a top project of Villalobos. Jeb denied retribution, indicating, "There is nothing punitive about what we do."
"Incomprehensible," stated Villalobos.
Jeb had taken out his anger on medical research for the paralyzed.
Villalobos found himself back in Jeb's sights in the ex-governor's final legislative session. Jeb fought to protect his legacy of school vouchers through protection of the Florida constitution.
Villalobos was instrumental in killing Jeb's dream by once again, voting the wishes of his constituents.
Senate President Tom Lee asked for Villalobos' resignation as majority leader shortly after the state Senate adjourned because he could no longer count on Villalobos to work as "a team player" to pass the Republican agenda.
A few weeks later, Villalobos found himself running for reelection by a well-funded candidate...endorsed by Jeb Bush.
Michael Schiavo felt the full wrath of Jeb, who did everything in his power to keep Terri Schiavo hooked to a feeding tube while in a vegetative state. He tried to take Terri into custody and attempted to override a judge's order. Jeb was one unhappy camper when he lost this battle.
So, he used his office to investigate Terri's collapse fifteen years previous to her death.
Schiavo was essentially accused of murder by a sitting governor.
Don't cross Jeb Bush.