Well, this is exactly part of the dilemma that the GOP now faces. Are they going to move away from the rightwing nuts and embrace real conservative values, including environmental conservation — like Crist? Or are they going to continue down the neo-rightwing path of Gingrich, Delay, Rove, Cheney as hyper-advertised by FoxNews — like Palin and Rep. Broun?

It would seem a no-brainer. But you need only read some of the contibutions on here to learn that there are plenty of neo-nitwits out there who make it a point of great pride in not using their brains. And they are still in charge of the [R] party. And I dounbt they will let go.

The question then becomes where do all the thoughtful [R]s go?…a new party?…take their party back from the brainless rightwing zombies? It should be a real show in the next few years.

If Palin is the so called future of Republicans, then "read my lips" Democrats will be in power for so long.

What ever Gov. Christ has in mind by doing this, I don't think he has the Florida citizens in mind. Maybe, but I am sure that there is some political gain for the GOP.

CNN you are blocking my comments, all i wanted to say is Palin is too dumb to be anything outside Alaska where even convicted fellonies get elected, period.

Can someone make Palin dissapear, please, please, please. I'm tired of seeing her, just lay low and do your things, if you are good and smart people will see you. You can not force it, you have to be smart then it comes naturally.

I SMELL A PEAT BOG . ——-((( YES THAT ONE DID)))——–

One question. Did Governor Crist get married?

Ladies and gentlemen, met the next R President of the United States.

Praise that which is good, condemn that which is bad. I don't see a conflict in the reaction of the environmentalists mentione.

@ Mario,

You're exactly correct. It is hypocritical for republicans not to be called on this. But that's the problem with the two parties, they really aren't two parties, they are one. They agree on the bailouts for the banks, and it is odd to see Bush now resisting the Auto bailout…maybe because he just saw $700B go up in a puff of smoke that didn't help anyone but the fat cats.

Now Obama wants to bailout the auto fat-cats. The auto makers are suffering because they are mostly pension companies now…the bulk of their expenses are to payout pensions. THey could care less about listening to car buyers…that's why Japan and Korea are winning!!

Obviously Paul Broun is not a student of History (not even the high school level!)
Hitler was a Fascist and opposed the Marxists. Neither group was a good thing but gee Broun, get it right! This kind of general ignorance is worrying.

Another Governor with his lips on the corporate butt.

Thanks Charlie—-

After the State of Florida–created a sweetheart deal w/ U.S. sugar acquiring the land in the first place, and the clear profit on the purchase all gratis the Florida taxpayer–it's clear the GOP is the same in Florida as it always has been.

Rather than force this failed company–to eat it's losses and get a good price for the land the corrupt idiots manage–let's offer them the current fair market value–again all gratis the Florida taxpayer.

Thanks Charlie–but if you expect any educated (and even moderatley well read) Floridian to be stuck with a new Governor–now giving us another shot in the shorts–you are sadly unaware of the growing expectation of open government and accountability–didn't you see the national election results?

this everglades action is republican big sugar money over truth.

florida scientist fired by republicans for simply doing his job and collecting everglades pollution data:

http://www.peer.org/news/news_id.php?row_id=830

Theres oil in the everglades,lets drill now.

It would be nice to do some test on the effect of man's encroachment into the everglades on wildlife.

I suggest that Sarah Palin, Tony Perkins, Pat Robertson and the religious right gather in the everglades and see if the aligators still have a good appetite. We could kill two birds (so to speak) with one stone. Do some good by getting rid of this group and at the same time being able to see the effects (hopefully none) of man's encroachment on wildlife.

Sarah, you are already in Florida so just come on over. After all it's lunchtime.

ah, the hubris…no money, and continuing to spend. It's impossible to tell a democrat from a republican these days.

well, we're so deep in the hole, let's just keep spending. after all, if you're drunk already, why not have a few more??? Keep the party going!! Wooo Hooo!!! Spend, Spend, Spend!! Then the we can all be told we have to bailout the states!!!

Yay!!!
Take my money government, please sir, take some more, sir…

Selling out America to corporate interests, totally awesome!

"Critics of the deal note that this purchase comes at a time that the state of Florida faces a budget shortfall, its already-precarious economic situation worsened by the nation’s financial crisis, which may limit its ability to raise the money to pay for the deal. If U.S. Sugar is not able to effectively re-focus its core business, the loss of the sugar industry could affect thousands of Florida workers. And the logistical challenge of restoring the Everglades remains a daunting one.

But the Everglades purchase has drawn praise from environmentalists – the same environmentalists who criticized Crist’s decision to support lifting the federal moratorium on drilling for oil off of the Florida coast. Scientists have called the land some of the most valuable in the Everglades, which they estimate has shrunk by half over the past hundred years."

Well, well. When it comes to business, anything happens huh? I see how it is. When you are bogus, criticize but when you are nice, praise? Who knew the GOP were so good at this…

Campaign photo op in the Everglades! Haha! That worked out so well for you, McCain!

Speaking of the GOP, I'm so glad I'm nowhere NEAR Miami today! From Crist to Arnold to Palin, the air must smell pretty foul there today.

Where was a school of alligators when you really needed one?

It is important for us to keep this poor planet alive. Conservatives are in denial about this, and they have developed a contemptuous rhetoric to ridicule "tree-huggers." We must ignore what Conservatives say for two reasons. First, they are usually wrong. Second, they usually don't mean what they say. Rhetoric, for them, is just a way to increase their own power or wealth.

It is good for Florida to attempt repair of the ecological damage done to that peninsula.

1/20/13: you want to put the 'less fortunate' in a swamp? i dont think any 'messiah' would be pleased with your UN-fotunate mindset. you could use a good dose of 'hope' with a lot of 'change' thrown in.

Sounds like a"sweet"deal.

a republican who cares about the environment? if mccain had won, the governor would be installing oil rigs. political pandering at best. good for florida,tho.

As a Floridian, I applaud you Charlie! Even though you've got that "R" after your name, you have a heart. Environmental issues transcend partisan politics, and you demonstrate that.

Kinda like when you expanded early voting hours here in Florida…you make me proud to be a Floridian!!

As a Florida democrat who did not vote for Crist but liked him prior to the Florida primary fiasco and before he endorsed drilling on the Florida coast, I am glad to see he is returning to the moderate form that at one point made him one of the nation's best governors. Good job Crist.

1/20/13,

I don't think God (or other deity) had much say in the deal that was done.

And I see you are excited about 1/20/13 like me — the day that Obama is inaugurated for his second term. That's a great show of unity. I love it!

Thankyou Rockford for pointing that out… (Janet/ AZ)

I think this is risky step but for improvement and stability for Florida residents. I commend Crist for making these hard decisions.

Sounds like Crist is moving to the center if not left. I mean, doesn't this go agianst the core principles of the republican party…government intervention in private markets? I don't consider myself a democrat, but for the life of me I can't figure out republicans. When I engage them all I get is nonsense like the comment from "1/20/13″ above.

1/20/13 November 12th, 2008 11:45 am ET
Has this been cleared through the Messiah????He may want to give some of that land away to thel ess fortunate
______________________________________________
So, does this mean we are going to have to put up with pointless sniping from little jerks for the next EIGHT years.

The GOP is broken and I hope it never gets fixed. How does a major political party get taken over? Ask all those right wingers of the republican party. It clearly isn't the party of Abe Lincoln anymore.

Congress Paul Broun sounds like "sour grapes." If his opinions about the President Elect are so dear to his heart–why didn't this inept individual run for President. Mother always told me that the "empty barrel" makes the most noise. Someone needs to put a political muzzle on this guy……I'm sure that 65 million voters saw it the same was–right Senator?

Free the vertically handicapped, evolutionary challenged, albino, lesbian, hairlipped, communist alligators!

They have rights, too, ya know!

Good Job, being pragmatic and sensible like the President Elect Obama!

It's ok for the GOP to financially support companies, keeping them from bankruptcy status so that jobs remain in Florida…..yet you wont hear them refer to this as socialism. When the DEMS what to keep people in thier homes and prevent state-wide layoffs in the car manufacturing industry…well it's SOCIALISM!!!…hmmmmmm

Wonderful….and about bloody time!!!

I see Obama as a dictator who has a thirst for world power that cannot be quenched.

His socialism in America is just the beginning, but it will be the end for many.

This man is consumed by his own ego and his own history-making election. But just making history is not enough. He'll be known eventually for other less benign achievements.

florida is the worst environmental nightmare in the country where the republicans have fired scientists for doing their job and simply gathering data that shows sugar and cattle interests are polluting the everglades.

enough of this sara palin nonsense cnn! her 15 minutes are over. why are you perpetuating this scheming, backstabbing, lying, two-faced, ignorant nobody in the media? if you want her so bad then keep her in cnn land so we can be rid of her in alaska.

My my my how republicans are spending, spending, spending – a bail out here a bail out there; all for business men who it seems should not have been in business or don't deserve to be in business if they can't compete fairly. This all started with farm subsidies and now ever failed business man is seeking welfare from "republican" politicians.

What a great deal. The government (just about) putting a private company out of business as well as hard working sugarcane farmers. I'm so proud. The farmer gets screwed again. Another industry down the tubes. No big deal; we'll just import more sugar. We import everything else.

Janet, Arizona

Did you read the article?

Yea… yea… more political fodder from Crist. Those employees will need to keep their jobs just to pay for the insurance increases our "State Legislature" refuses to address. Our FLOOD insurance went up over $10k, alone! They'll also need these jobs to pay for the property taxes that haven't come down in relation to the rapidly falling values.
Why can't we do something to attract more people here, like the incentives the surrounding states have? Many are leaving… and not coming back. I would too, if I could afford the loss on my house.
Many more won't even consider moving here!
Lots of sun… lots of government!

1/20/13:

Get over yourself and your "messiah" comments. It's blasphemous.

ah yes 1/20/13 already looking ahead to our second term congrats to us dems then its michelles turn for eight years. thanks bushies for 16 years of dem greatness.

just scrap the gop and start over, oh sorry thats already happening.

Somebody should take Paul Broun out to the Everglades and leave him there!

Yup this is a Bush.
We got one named Mitch here in Indiana.

civilian force helping the military when it comes to national security: "We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well funded [as the military]," Obama said in the speech that was largely a call to national service.
umm, can someone please answer me as to the last american politican who uttered words like this ??? please help me out

its to late, the party is dead.

Good show Charlie, saving jobs in the face of losing them across the nation…that's leadership.

180,000 acres of the Florida Everglades. Wow. I lived in Southern Florida for 10 years, and the Everglades is a special place, filled with wildlife. So now it will be sugar instead? Doesn't anybody care about the environment any more?

At this point I think anything that keeps jobs for people is a good thing.
If it's good for the evironment as well… even better…

Nice Job Crist

Look for the oil drilling rigs to appear!

Has this been cleared through the Messiah????He may want to give some of that land away to thel ess fortunate

Good show FLA. though I don't know details, it sounds as if just keeping jobs for the employees is a good thing.