Gay Marriage Legal: Anthony Verdugo Must Be Going Nuts! By Geniusofdespair

With the supreme court decision today (5 to 4) that gay marriage is legal, there is no reason for Anthony Verdugo's group: The Christian Family Coalition.  All they did was fight gay marriage. There is nothing to be fought anymore. However Verdugo's group is holding a moot forum on June 29th:

Palm Beach Marriage Protection Conference 

  Swing vote Anthony Kennedy wrote for the majority:

No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.

Loser Judge Antonin Scalia said in dissent:

The decision shows the court is a "threat to American democracy." The ruling "says that my ruler and the ruler of 320 million Americans coast-to-coast is a majority of the nine lawyers on the Supreme Court."

I don't quite get that logic.

Chief Justice Roberts wrote:

The majority’s decision is an act of will, not legal judgment. The right it announces has no basis in the Constitution or this Court’s precedent. The majority expressly disclaims judicial “caution” and omits even a pretense of humility, openly relying on its desire to remake society according to its own “new insight” into the “nature of injustice.” Ante, at 11, 23. As a result, the Court invalidates the marriage laws of more than half the States and orders the transformation of a social institution that has formed the basis of human society for millennia, for the Kalahari Bushmen and the Han Chinese, the Carthaginians and the Aztecs. Just who do we think we are?

Woof on that one! What a rebuke on the liberal supremes. They are probably saying: Those damn 3 women.

What Does Anthony Verdugo's Christian Family Coalition Have to Say About Gay Marriage. By Geniusofdespair

Video of Marco Rubio Speaking to the Christian Family Coalition (most sane politicians boycott this group)

The gay-hate group, Christian Family Coalition, has this to say about the lifting of the gay marriage ban in Florida (What? you thought he would not have something to say):

Statement from the Christian Family Coalition Florida
Miami, FL (January 7, 2015) – The Christian Family Coalition Florida issued the following statement on Judge Hinkle and Judge Zabel's decisions to overturn Florida's constitutional respect for Marriage as the union of one man, one woman.

Today is a shameful day in Florida history as not one, but two, corrupt judges have presided over the death of democracy in our State by overthrowing Florida's constitutional respect for Marriage as the union of one man, one woman. In 2008, over 8 million voters cast their ballots, more than all the voters who voted in last year's Florida gubernatorial elections, for and against the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment constitutionally defining and protecting Marriage in a legitimate and historic election. Of those 8 million votes cast, an overwhelming majority, 62%, voted "yes" for the Marriage amendment. However, on July 25 and August 21, 2014, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Sarah Zabel and U.S. District Judge Robert Lewis Hinkle, respectively, ruled Florida's constitutional respect for marriage unconstitutional and threw out the results of the election.

The Christian Family Coalition Florida is deeply disappointed by these illegal rulings, as well as refusals by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States to stay the decision while appeals pend. Although the constitutionally protected rights of Florida voters have been violated, CFC Florida will pro-actively protect pastors, churches, ministries and even Christian-run businesses protect themselves from the intrusion of homosexual so-called "marriage” advocates trying to impose themselves on believers through the force of law.

News Flash for Christian Family Coalition Members. By Geniusofdespair

Are those boobs real? Let me look up that skirt.

Guard wanted for restroom ID.

Unless you post a guard at the door of restrooms unzipping pants and looking up skirts (also checking operation records), the odds are, you have already peed next to a transgender person dozens of times. If you are so worried about the prospect (that has already happened to you unknowingly) don't use public restrooms. Restroom Horror Stories...I'm scared. Verdugo would want them to wear a big "T" on their shirt.

The subject of housing discrimination for transgender people was voted on in committee yesterday at the Miami Dade County Commission and where you pee was the main concern of the audience of mostly Christian Family Coalition members (Anthony Verdugo's anti-gay group).

I guess I had better start peeking at the parts of others in the restroom so I can raise holy hell if I see the wrong one. I am going to start printing cards, not transgender, so I can get ahead of the game.

Mr. Mayor: You Can't Write A Letter Like This On Behalf of ALL OF US. Geniusofdespair

First of all I do not want to wish this militant anti-gay group anything good and I am sure the thousands of gay residents living in Miami Dade County don't want to welcome anyone to the Christian Family Coalition Dinner. And I am sure County Commissioners Dennis Moss, Jean Monestime and State Rep. Illeana Ros Lehtinen wish this letter was never written on their behalf.

 All Carlos Gimenez had to do was write "residents" without the number: 2.5 million.  It insults all of us who do not ascribe to the beliefs of this group. The Christian Family Coalition is Anti-Gay and hurls insults at anyone that disagrees with them - Like Dennis Moss and Illeana.

Here is a statement released by the group:

"The United States Senate voted 68-29 in favor of a so-called "hate crimes" provision part of the extremist homosexual agenda to silence Christians and people of faith and use the government to marginalize anyone whose faith is at odds with homosexuality! This legislation clearly violates the principle of equal justice under the law and infringes on the free speech rights of ALL Americans!

The passage of this bill enshrines hate, bigotry, intolerance and discrimination into federal law.

Dangerous homosexual extremists who try to manipulate public opinion by playing the so-called victims who need special legal protections are truly the VICTIMIZERS who promote HATE, BIGOTRY, INTOLERANCE and DISCRIMINATION against anyone who dares to speak up against their agenda and shares an opinion different from theirs." (their caps, not mine)

Readers: This law they are describing is to stop people from beating up on people just because they are homosexuals. The US Senate, that can't agree on much of anything, passed this law by a wide margin because it was the right thing to do.

Rubio and David Rivera: Watch the Damn Videos! By Geniusofdespair

This is a very interesting video, when Rubio was running for Senator. Listen to what he says, staunchly anti-abortion.  If there is ever any question that Rubio and Rivera are good friends - you have to watch this. Rivera says he was there for the birth of Rubio's 4 children. Remember the two owned a house together in Tallahassee.

Then listen to Charlie Crist at the same affair: He says nothing offensive trying to avoid what this group wanted to hear (their charge): something anti gay and anti abortion.  Actually he says nothing at all. He says TRUST about 100 times. Two good videos. I get despondent when you don't bother to watch the videos I make. I have hundreds and they take a lot of time to make.



On another note, Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) is trailing former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist by 10 points in his 2014 bid for reelection, according to a Quinnipiac University poll.

Ordinance for Equal Rights for Transgender Individuals Put Off Till August 26th. By Geniusofdespair

The Miami Dade County Health and Social Committee has postponed a public hearing and vote on the "transsexual" ordinance until Monday August 26th. Anthony Verdugo said it was because he showed up with 250 supporters. He is head of the Christian Family Coalition. I wrote about them this week.

I previously said this group would have a cow about this and they did! So predictable.

Our Tip Led to This El Nuevo Herald Story On The Christian Family Coalition. By Geniusofdespair

Nice photo of the good Pastor

 THIS IS A TRANSLATION I DID ONLINE. IT IS NOT ACCURATE BUT ACCURATE ENOUGH TO GET A SNAPSHOT OF MELISSA SANCHEZ'S ARTICLE THAT WAS WRITTEN IN SPANISH.

SANCHEZ'S RECENT REPORT FLESHES OUT OUR STORY QUESTIONING THE LOCATION OF THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY COALITION OFFICES, WRITTEN DECEMBER 17, 2012.

Translation (Why wasn't this in the Miami Herald):

A pastor of Hialeah used a municipal office in that city to collect almost $50,000 for his work as Adviser to political campaigns at the county level and State from 2010.

On each occasion, candidates who hired the Rev. Julio Epifanio Perez services also received political backing from the Christian family Coalition, a conservative group formed by Perez and two other people.

"This shows how the religious flag is being used to make policy, and in this case, the apparent sale of 'political support' of the Organization," said Raúl Martínez, a Democrat and former Mayor of Hialeah. "I hope that the city respond immediately and remove them from the municipal building."

Perez refused to comment for this article.

Pastor had said on Friday that he would respond in writing, for which El Nuevo Herald sent him a list of questions by e-mail.

However, Perez said on Monday that did not understand the reason for the questions and questioned the criticisms against his "unblemished reputation, won in more than five decades in defense of human rights, social justice and fighting poverty and disadvantage social which has stuck to the lack of resources in our community".

Perez does not have the permission of the city of Hialeah to carry out political activities at the Blanche Morton Community Center, located at 300 First Avenue East, according to the city attorney, William Grodnick.

"If he is registering that Office to his political business, done without the authorization of the city", said Grodnick, who said that the city will take appropriate actions after conducting its own investigation.

Since 2010, the city of Hialeah has rented the Office.

State records indicate that Perez has integrated a variety of organizations, including the Christian Fellowship of prayer and Ministerial support (with Christ), Inc., and make A a child happy, Inc., as well as the business private and Shirley Cleaning Services, Inc.

Perez, 77, is married to a woman with the same last name Verdugo and all three are homeowners in Southwest Miami Dade.

Verdugo is president of the Christian Family Coalition, a renowned local political organization that was founded in order to "ensure that our religious freedoms are protected from governmental intrusion," according to its website. The group organizes regular events for political candidates and issues guidelines for conservative voters before each election.

According to the municipal contract, New Hope Community Center can only use the space to provide social services to low-income families. Pay rent $ 4861.96 annually.

But both the Christian Family Coalition as two political consulting firms belonging to Perez also use that address. Last year, the blog Eye on Miami questioned the use of the office by the Christian Family Coalition.

In 2010, Perez searched the office in the community center as the new company headquarters Winning Campaigns, Inc. That year, the company claimed at least $ 33.254 for advisory work, advertising and making phone calls to voters over 10 county and state candidates, including state representatives, Miguel Diaz de la Portilla and Carlos Lopez Cantera and County Commissioner Javier Souto.

"I do not know who Julio Perez, but it is possible that he was in any campaign," said Souto, who paid $ 2,500 to the company of Perez in 2010. "In political campaigns are bought ads in newspapers, on television and on the radio. If we have given some money to the campaign, I do not know. "

Last year, Perez created a new company, Campaign Victories, Inc., in the same office of the municipal building. The company received at least $ 14.950 for its policy advisory services, advertising and other campaign work for three judicial candidates, a candidate for the Miami-Dade Commission and a candidate for state representation.

One of these candidates was the lawyer John "Johnny" Rodriguez, who unsuccessfully aspired to a judicial office. According to his campaign reports, Rodriguez paid $ 1,000 to Campaign Victories.

On Monday, Rodriguez acknowledged having received the political support of Christian Family Coalition but could not remember Perez hired to perform campaign work.

Then Said Jesus, Forgive Them For They Not Know What They Do. By Geniusofdespair

Gimme a break. The Christian Family Coalition wrote this press release. Scott Galvin, an openly gay Councilman took offense to giving public funds to  Pastor Jack for staging an event. Pastor Jack teachings are anti-gay. Galvin was not against the vigil, only the public funds for it. Galvin said:

"The City Council of North Miami voted last week to underwrite a Prayer Vigil for Pastor Jack.  I voted against because of his anti-gay teachings.  This Press Conference is to refute my point of view."  By the way, the title goes out to the sponsors of the press conference. Government funding of religious anything -- in my view -- is wrong. Who cares if it is a tolerant religion or not, we shouldn't be expending public funds on religious events period.

Happy Easter. By Geniusofdespair

The best book I ever read about Jesus was "Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time: The Historical Jesus and the Heart of Contemporary Faith" by Marcus Borg (I have seen him speak as well. And the book did change my perception of Jesus and organized religion. Borg was a member of the Jesus Scholars at the Jesus Seminar (a group of 150 Critical scholars, founded in 1985).  I was given the book by then Cannon Fred Masterman. It is a far cry form the OTHER Christian groups I have been reporting on. Borg and Masterman were all about compassion.

This is a review on Amazon of the Borg book by Peter A. Kindle:

Reconstructing the pre-Easter life of Jesus with historical criticism, Borg explains that Jesus was a spirit person (chapter two), a social prophet and movement founder (chapter three), and a teacher of wisdom (chapter four). In these chapters he does not heed the consensus opinion of the Jesus Seminar, but provides his personal conclusions with sensitivity to their implications for the Church and Christian life.

The concluding chapters (five and six) deal with the metaphorical use of language in Christology and the macro-stories of Scripture as imaginal material for contemporary living of the meaning of Scripture.

I recommend this book for anyone who feels the water leaking in. There is more to the experience of God than conformity to denominational patterns and the exaltation of obedience. Let Borg point the way for you, too.

Marcus Borg and Rev. Frederick J. Masterman of the Episcopal Church

Borg says of his own book:

"Believing in Jesus does not mean believing doctrines about him," Borg writes. "Rather, it means to give one's heart, one's self at its deepest level, to . . . the living Lord."

And the review, I assume press release:

Drawing on his own journey from a naive, unquestioning belief in Christ through collegiate skepticism to a mature and contemporary Christian faith, Borg illustrates how an understanding of the historical Jesus can actually lead to a more authentic Christian life—one not rooted in creeds or dogma, but in a life of spiritual challenge, compassion, and community.

In straightforward, accessible prose, Borg looks at the major findings of modern Jesus scholarship from the perspective of faith, bringing alive the many levels of Jesus' character: spirit person, teacher of alternative wisdom, social prophet, and movement founder. He also reexamines the major stories of the Old Testament vital to an authentic understanding of Jesus, showing how an enriched understanding of these stories can uncover new truths and new pathways to faith."

For questioning believers, doubters, and reluctant unbelievers alike, Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time frees our understanding of Jesus' life and message from popular misconceptions and outlines the way to a sound and contemporary faith: "For ultimately, Jesus is not simply a figure of the past, but a figure of the present. Meeting that Jesus—the living one who comes to us even now—will be like meeting Jesus again for the first time."

An audio by Cannon Masterman, who gave me the Borg book, speaking on Easter.  This is relevant to the gay struggle of today, he touches on civil rights in his sermon.

Another review of Borg's book:

The Christian Family Coalition's Attack on Congresswoman Ilena Ros-Lehtinen. By Geniusofdespair

You have to hit on this press release to read it. It really should be read by every friggin' politican in Miami Dade County who goes to this group for an endorsement. You should be ashamed, Democrats and Republicans alike. This press release is a travesty.

Yeah, I really don't have much use for Congresswoman Ilena Ros-Lehtinen but I would never call her corrupt like the Christian Family Coaltion did in this press release. Corrupt is a very harsh word. I never called Natacha Seijas corrupt, I don't even think I ever called David Rivera corrupt. Hell, this is a blog and if I am not using that word I'm damn sure that a group that calls itself 'Christian' should NOT be calling a Congresswoman corrupt. Lets look at the meaning: Having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for money.

Why is the Christian Family Coalition calling the Congresswoman corrupt? Because of a vote Ileana Ros-Lehtinen cast that they didn't like. If I used the same barometer, every single politician whoever served anywhere in Miami Dade County would be corrupt, including Katy Sorenson. Katy cast a few votes I didn't like.  I am just not that extreme.
 
There are always going to be some votes I won't like that is life. Granted the Christian Family Coalition are pretty much a two trick pony, their issues are Anti-gay and Anti-choice and their mouth piece is Anthony Verdugo (If he disappeared so would the group). I do recognize that with only 2 issues, the group would put great importance on a vote they didn't like. But there is a way to phrase displeasure that is not hateful and vengeful.  Especially if you want to act like a real Christian.

I,  of course, am following a lot more issues. Some votes I get madder at than others. I just put the politician on my shit list. But I still don't call them corrupt.

Frankly, I am shocked that any politician or judge would want to be endorsed by a group that releases threatening, nasty press releases against fellow politicians and sitting judges. Be strong public figures: stand firm and boycott this group when they reach out to you. You owe it to U.S. Congresswoman Ilena Ros-Lehtinen and to County Commissioner Dennis Moss. I wrote about the CFC's nasty press release on Dennis Moss on Saturday.   Also, do it for the judges. In a Press Release from the CFC dated 9/22/2010 (in response to the 3rd DCA opinion upholding Judge Lederman in the Gil adoption case) Anthony Verdugo said:

"Corrupt Appeals Judges VIOLATE Oath of Office, Irrationally Attack Law Protectng Children! Florida Voters: Lawless Judges Must Be Impeached!"

Whoa! I implore every reader to send an email or call their county commissioner, their city officials and their State officials: Tell them "Don't go for a Christian Family Coalition endorsement." If a politician comes to your door, ask them if they have the CFC endorsement or if they have gone to a Christian Family Coalition meeting to speak. If they have, say thank you and close the door.

There is a way to behave and even I behave better than this...hard to believe. Read the damn press release! and hit on the link.

To see an older list from 2010 who supported/was supported by the CFC, hit read more:

The Christian Family Coalition Gives the Real Reason David Rivera Lost the Election. By Geniusofdespair

Christian Family Coalition Website

According to The Christian Family Coalition, it wasn't the phony mailers against Joe Garcia (paid for suspiciously with cash), or the scandal around self-described "Republican Bad Girl" who is now hiding out from authorities wanting to question her, and it wasn't all the investigations being conducted against Rivera by various agencies that lost him the election. No, none of this made him lose the election. According to the CFC it was because he spoke at a meeting in May - with little fanfare - to a Republican group, that happens to support Gay issues: The Log Cabin Republicans.

With faulty logic intact, the CFC said of Rivera:

"Being seen with an anti-conservative extremist hate group like Log Cabin "Republicans", at the center of so much controversy for so many years, is unwise and imprudent. David Rivera disappointed many constituents by letting himself be used by this discredited group.

He felt his constituents' disappointment on Election Day."

So, now Republican groups are HATE groups too? The Log Cabin Republicans Mission Statement: "We stand for the proposition that all of us are created equal - worthy of the same rights to freedom, liberty, and equality." Does that sound like an "anti-conservative extremist hate group?"

Tolerance for All. Guest Blog by C.J. Ortuño, SAVE Dade

 This thoughtful guest post by CJ Ortuño of SAVE Dade is in response to my blog post "Would You Want To Be Endorsed By This Guy?" from earlier today (you might want to read it first so you know the issue):

As I sit on Lincoln Road next to a live art installation of a peace mural, I'm reminded of what Miami is today juxtaposed that to the recent comments and actions of the so-called Christian Family Coalition and I'm reminded of what Miami once was.

We are a united inclusive Miami. We are a people that celebrate diversity and acceptance. This is who we have become as a result of the work of freedom fighters, activists, and change agents who have helped in wiping away the crud and tarnish we call bigotry and prejudice.  This city, this state, this country and its people are already on a track of progress and anyone standing in the way is simply holding on to an ugly part of our past that once was attributed to servitude, bondage, and exclusion. They are part of the flat earth society and are using the teachings of Christ for ill will and mischievous ends. To pay any homage or gratitude to groups like the CFC is no worse than holding the key to the locks of slavery themselves.

Like all relics that fear the loss of their cause, their reality,  their "truth".... they will lash out with irrational behavior not realizing that they themselves are hammering the last nail in their proverbial coffin.

After reading the Eye On Miami Blog, my wife, my 4 year old daughter, and I walked over and participated in the live mural and signed our names in peace for a Miami we now all know and love - free of hate and discrimination - one that believes in safeguarding American values for everyone.

Would you want to be endorsed by this guy? By Geniusofdespair

I DID NOT WRITE THE FOLLOWING, ONLY THE WORDS IN CAPS ARE MINE.  THIS IS QUOTED FROM A PRESS RELEASE FROM THAT WACKY GUY VERDUGO OF THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY COALITION. (I LIKE CJ AND I LIKE DENNIS MOSS... HIS POSITIONS I LIKE MOST OF THE TIME. IN THIS CASE I AGREE WITH DENNIS MOSS):

"Homosexualist "leader" loses credibility

trying to cover up hate and discrimination!

His "Official Statement" undermines his credibility" 

(IS HOMOSEXUALIST EVEN A WORD?)

"The "head" of local homosexualist group "SAVE Dade", exposed his brazen bigotry and intolerance of Christians by trying to cover up hate and discrimination against the residents of Miami-Dade County, alerts today the Christian Family Coalition, Florida's premiere human rights and social justice organization. (WHAT?...BRAZEN BIGOTRY?)

C.J. Ortuno, who bills himself as being "anti-discrimination," issued an "official statement" released on the March 6th, 2013 Miami Herald blog calling County Com. Dennis Moss "a leader who wants to ensure every Miami-Dade resident is treated with the same rights and respect." Does C.J. really believe that? Why is he covering up the facts? The facts speak quite differently.

On Tuesday, December 4th, as CFC successfully got the Miami-Dade County Commssion to restore legislative invocations, or prayers, at all County Commission meetings, Moss lost all control and defamed his own community along with CFC members and supporters by disrespectfully calling prayer ordinance supporters "racist, anti-immigrant and h---phobic", whatever that last slur means."

VERDUGO CLEARLY KNOWS WHAT THE QUOTE MEANS. DENNIS MOSS GAVE EXAMPLES FROM PAST ENCOUNTERS WITH THE CFC, AND THE HISTORY OF THE CC/CFC, EXPLAINING FULLY HIS REASONING.

 LYNDA BELL, JOHN DUBOIS, A GOOD BUT MISGUIDED JUDGE, AMONG OTHERS LIKE MIGUEL DIAZ DE LA PORTILLA AND ERIK FRESEN, WERE ENDORSED BY THIS VERDUGO GROUP.

HOLY CRAP! THERE IS MORE TO THIS PRESS RELEASE:

"Homosexualist "leader" C.J. Ortuno sadly lost all credibility by brazenly trying to cover up for Com. Moss' blatant act of hate, defamation, and discrimination at last December 4th's Commission meeting. It is deeply troubling and offensive that Mr. Ortuno would deliberately ignore the facts and dishonestly attempted to justify the unjustifiable.

Given the opportunity to do the right thing, Mr. Ortuno turned his back on his own community and betrayed the very values of equality and respect he so angrily demands for himself. Certainly, he does not speak for most of the members and supporters of the group he leads, who may not agree with CFC, but that certainly do not condone disrespect, defamation, or discrimination of any kind, against anyone."

OMG, HERE IS WHAT CJ OF "SAVE DADE" SAID THAT IS SO OFFENSIVE TO VERDUGO (SEEMS LIKE A VOICE OF REASON):

SAVE Dade expresses deep concern over the recent actions taken at the Miami-Dade Commission meeting by the Christian Family Coaliftion. It is truly unfortunate and highly offensive that Mr. Verdugo continues to target Commissioner Moss for his leadership on ensuring every Miami-Dade resident is treated with the same rights and respect. We also commend Chairwoman Rebecca Sosa for her efforts to maintain decorum and ensure that respect is shown by all when addressing the Commission. We look forward to the work ahead as SAVE Dade continues the fight to safeguard the values and rights of every resident of Miami-Dade County.

POLITICIANS WHY DO YOU GIVE VERDUGO CREDIBILITY? DO NOT GO THERE FOR ENDORSEMENTS. RENOUNCE YOUR CFC ENDORSEMENT IF YOU HAVE ONE. I LOVE CHRISTIANS. I AM A CHRISTIAN. THIS IS NOT CHRISTIAN SPEAK. CFC JUST HAPPENS TO HAVE THE WORD "CHRISTIAN" IN ITS NAME.

CJ Ortuño's Response today to this blog post. 

YOU CAN LISTEN TO DENNIS MOSS  - THIS VIDEO  IS FROM THEIR WEBSITE - AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF. I URGE YOU TO WATCH IT.  I SAY "GOOD SPEECH DENNIS MOSS":

Do Not Go To This Event. By Geniusofdespair

The Christian Family Coalition, according to Miami New Times:

The Christian Family Coalition may have a feel-good name, but make no mistake the group's founder and executive director Anthony Verdugo is something of the less successful, second coming of Anita Bryant. In 1977, Dade County passed an ordinance protecting homosexuals from discrimination at the workplace and in housing. Bryant lead a successful, high-profile campaign to have the ordinance repealed. Twenty years later, Miami-Dade once again passed a similar bill protecting homosexuals from discrimination. Verdugo helped lead a similar effort to have the new ordinance repealed by a referendum, but it was voted down by 56 percent of voters in 2002. In other words, his most extreme views haven't flown with Miami-Dade voters for at least the past decade.

That hasn't stopped Verdugo and his group from working to opposed gay rights at every turn. The group called Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen "an arrogant, anti-Family, homosexualist extremist" for her support of gay rights.

You may ask "why do these politicians go to an event hosted by Verdugo's group?" It is a good question. Don't go Oscar Braynon.

Is Miami Dade County Paying the Rent for The Christian Family Coalition? By Geniusofdespair

Eye on Miami Investigative Report on: The Christian Family Coalition Office

This is a followup to my last report, you should probably read it first. I have since gotten a few public records requests filled. First let's look at the State of Florida's registered address for the Christian Family Coalition:

In 3 sections the suite number is given as 104 so we have to assume it is accurate that they are in room 104.

The building the Christian Family Coalition is in is owned by the City of Hialeah. The County pays to rent a block of  rooms from the City of Hialeah in this same building, known as the Blanche Morton Center. They both agree room 104 is included in that block of rooms. On those  facts the City of Hialeah and the County are in agreement. They are also in agreement that Christian Family Coalition is paying neither the City or the County for the office space in this building. Then the story veers off. I got a floor plan from the City of Hialeah and a floor plan from Miami Dade County.

City of Hialeah Floor Plan

The Hialeah floor plan shows all the numbers in sequence and as you can see, THERE IS ONLY ONE ROOM 104 and it is controlled by Miami Dade County. The County does not dispute that they control this room 104.

Miami Dade County Floor Plan

Note on the County floor plan submitted to me, there are 2 Rooms 104. Very odd as the numbering in the Hialeah map makes sense and this second room 104 number does not.  If the County is right that there are are two rooms numbered 104, than they are off the hook. So it is in their best interest to have two rooms labeled 104.  The Christian Family Coalition could be sharing space with New Hope Community Center.

You have to realize that a lot of time elapsed between my requests and the actual documents sent to me. A lot of changes at the building could have been made in the interim (putting wrong paper numbers on 2 office doors) to protect someone from the County who is collecting mail for CFC and/or letting them use the office for free.

The county sent me this photo of the outer door of office 101 (Hialeah) or 104 (County).  Note there is a paper number identifying the number as 104. I have an arrow on a graphic to the right of the door as this same graphic is in my photo below.

Here is a photo I got from mapquest of the same office. Note there is no office number. The same paper graphic is pasted on the window.  Were the numbers 104 put on the door to office 101 recently to coverup that the CFC is using the other 104 controlled by the county?

Carmen Hernandez acting City Manager for Hialeah wrote on December 12th:

"Please see attached a current site plan for the Blanche Morton center and an account ledger for the New Hope Community Center.  They are currently renting room 101 not 104.  They have been a tenant since 2009 and have been paying rent since then ($385.87 a month, $405.16 since May 1st)."  

You would think after 3 years, they would know their room number. December 3rd Carmen Hernandez also wrote:

"Room 104 at Blanche Morton is occupied by Christian Family Coalition which is under the direction of Mr. Julio Perez."

 The county also supplied me with two interior photos of the two rooms labelled  104:

Note the 104 (that Hialeah said is room 101) is identified with a paper sign. I figure it could have just been stuck on a couple of days ago by whomever wanted to hide the fact that CFC is using the County room in its corporate papers.

December 14th I wrote to Assistant Director of Communications, Suzie Trutie:

"Apparently your floor plan that you previously sent, doesn't match up with Hialeah's floor plan attached.  They show only ONE room 104.  Note in your photos the numbers are made of paper, pasted on a door. Hialeah is showing only one room as 104, not 2 as your floor plan does.

 Also look at the two photos one from map quest of the same door as your photo….One has a number, the other does not. I am giving you an opportunity to make sure it is not the county trying to COVER it up.  It looks like that is what is going on.  Two 104's? That is the question you have ask yourself. "

December 14th Suzie Trutie responded:

"All of the information we submitted to you, including the floor plan, is based on two Miami-Dade County employees visiting the site on December 6 and other County staff researching and reviewing our agreement with the City of Hialeah. The County stands by its statements and documents." As I’ve mentioned previously, Miami-Dade County leases space from the City of Hialeah, who is the owner of the facility. Only the City of Hialeah can explain their facility operations and policies."

For once Hialeah is making more sense than the County.  Why, in a small building would two office numbers be the same.  That is insane.

Here is Miami Dade County's written response to my public records request:

More on the Christian Family Coalition Headquarters. Is Miami Dade County Paying Their Rent? By Geniusofdespar

This just keeps getting better...

Last Friday I wrote about the Christian Family Coalition renting an office at a Hialeah City owned building at 300 E. 1st Avenue. I called up the Clerk in Hialeah and asked what the CFC was paying for rent. She said that the County Department of Human Services pays the amount of $10,406.88 for a block of 6 rooms in the City owned Blanche Morton Center. That is about $1,734 for each of the 6 rooms per year. The Christian Family Coalition is a tenant in one of those 6 rooms: Room 104. I called the County Department of Human Services. They do NOT collect any rent for any of the 6 rooms. They said Community Action and Human Services is in charge of the rooms and they suggested I call Nelson Lurie who is in charge of that program. I called Mr. Lurie at his Community Action and Human Services Department. A Social Worker said she does know that the Christian Family Coalition is in the building, she said they were down the hall. She gave me a room number of 104 for them (she walked down the hall to look while I was on the phone). She did not know that the CFC's room was part of the Community Action and Human Services Department block of rooms. She seemed surprised because she said all their rooms were shared, i.e. no one was assigned to them.

So has Miami Dade County been paying the rent of the Christian Family Coalition for the past year and a half? Is the County getting reimbursed? Where are the cancelled checks? Now I have to see them.

I also asked the Clerk in Hialeah for information on the minutes and a data base for the Hialeah Faith-based Advisory Board. The Clerk gave me the name of Rev. Ilse Hernandez who does not speak ANY English. Also once a member of Hialeah's Faith Based Advisory Board is Rev. Julio E. Perez. Perez also is a a partner of Verdugo in CFC (he also registered the corporation) and is co-owner of Verdugo's home. Stay tuned, I am sure this story isn't over.

Anthony Verdugo's Christian Family Coalition Headquarters. By Geniusofdespair

I wonder if he even pays rent. Who has Guidestar?

Why you should NOT vote for John DuBois Tomorrow. By Geniusofdespair

The endorsement of the hate group The Christian Family Coalition is pretty bad. Nice name but bad group. In fact, you should NOT vote for John DuBois for Vice Mayor of Palmetto Bay. He even held a fundraiser for CFC at his home.  That is even worse.

Savvy candidates have avoided any endorsement by Anthony Verdugo's legendary group (Founder and Executive Director of Christian Family Coalition). Here is a good example of what bothers me and countless others about them...the Christian Family Coalition issued the following statement:

Gimleteye: Extremist Christian Family Coalition stands up for Congressman Allen West

More sex without birth control feels good and is good for America, because without it (and curbing "abortion on demand") America will be overwhelmed by its enemies, seems to be the subliminal message of the Christian Family Coalition. We've written extensively about the organization that rests on the shoulders of a couple of people but claims to represent multitudes with its extremist, anti-gay, anti-choice hatefulness.

On Monday, September 24th, the self-described as "Florida's premiere human rights and social justice organization", held a "2012 Palm Beach Pastor's Appreciation Breakfast" featuring U.S. Congressman, Allen West.

West is the congressman who claimed that 70 or 80 Democrats in Congress were communists. For real. That was April 2012. This November West faces reelection against Democratic candidate Patrick Murphy.



At the recent fund raiser, CFC crowed: "There is no doubt that the Congressman's stirring and powerful message brought a standing ovation and everyone in the room to tears, it was truly inspirational".

Verdugo in 2011 called the 2011 the most successful Florida legislative session in history, claiming 100 percent of the Christian Family Coalition agenda passed in Tallahassee.

The CFC website noted, "Allen West , U.S. Congressional candidate, District 22, talked about the importance of Family, Faith & Education... He also shared with everyone how abortion on demand is actually causing a decrease in our popluation, a country needs a birth rate of 2.1 to sustain itself the United States is currently at a birth rate of only 1.8!"

The 'Dark Side' of the Internet: Victoria Secrets for example. By Geniusofdespair

Good news for Censorship! This company is the 'book burner' of the web-age, protecting you from what they say is the "DARK SIDE" of the internet. They block for you what they consider objectionable, like the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue and other pornography like pictures from a Victoria's Secret catalog. The hell with free will, let someone else make your choices for you. I found the link to this AFO company at the bottom of the Christian Family Coalition email blast to their database. The CFC was asking me to vote for some lame-brain candidate they endorsed but this website was so much more interesting.

Heaven forbid that some DARK internet site should come between me and GOD. I have a feeling our blog would get blocked really quickly by AFO.