In my 50+ years of life on this earth, I have never participated in a Governor’s swearing in.  I have never been “one of them” who had tickets and sat in the Friends and Family section of someone who will now make decisions for my State and my state of well being!  Today was a big day for Governor Rick Scott and his wife Ann.  And it was a big day for those of us who had never activated our citizenship as we did these past 18 months. 

I know this email will offend some and will send some over the top with comments about Rick being a fraud, a thief, a liar, a con man, etc etc etc.  I love this one they use too:  “He bought the Governor’s seat and we want it back!” 

I’m sorry you feel that way.  I must let you know that the tea party members across this state did their homework on Rick Scott.  They found the truth behind the lies that still show up in newspapers in every article they write about him and even today with a heckler at the event.   The truth is:  this was a witch hunt by DC on the healthcare industry and Rick’s organizations were a target by them.  Very similar to the tactics they use today such as the takeover of GM or the demonization of all CEOs and insurance companies.

The other one they like to use is the fact that Rick Scott spent his own money on his campaign to “buy the seat.”   How does that differ from special interests such as Unions and law firms buying a candidate to get them elected?  I would rather a person buy their own way than have someone else buy it and then be “beholding” to those who paid for your seat?

Anyway – the campaign is over and I hope the media soon will realize that and stop playing the same old news about Rick – yada yada yada.

As for today – it was a glorious day in Tally.  The sky was a crisp blue with a stroke of a beautiful white cloud here and there.  The trees stood tall and leaned into the Capitol steps – oaks, pines and palms showed off the glorious landscape of Florida.  The sun was on our backs as a slight breeze blew across the front of our black coats.  As we sat on the grounds of Florida’s Capitol, I looked at the picture that was painted and was in awe at how beautiful Florida really is.  I have lived here most of my life yet today Florida was more beautiful than ever and the sun shined through the limbs of the mighty oaks with great splendor as if we were in the apple of God’s eye.  The flyover with the cool planes just topped it off too!

The GOP was not behind Rick and were not pleased that he won.  Everyone knows that.  They had a plan and it did not happen as they anticipated.   I do believe they will be happy with Rick once he “gets to work” and starts making great changes in Florida’s business environment and other areas he has noted in his 7-7-7 Plan.

I am proud of all the tea party members who helped get Rick elected.  You were responsible for giving him a chance to turn our state around.  His entire focus in his speech today was on creating jobs and getting the government out of the way of entrepreneurship.  He was speaking my language and I love him for that  -- which is why I was a supporter of him.

Rick is an outsider – just like the tea party members are.  He is new to the game of politics.  He will trip and fall on the traps laid by political adversaries, bureaucrats and control freaks.  He will, however, learn from every trip he makes and he will pick himself up and move forward.  I know Rick and what I know about him is this:

·         He is a principled man who loves his God

·         He is a family man who adores his wife and daughters

·         His family adores him back!

·         He grew up in the projects and made his way to the Governor’s mansion – he lived the American dream

·         He will work his rear off and no one will be able to keep up with him.

·         Business as usual in Florida government ceased today at 12:00 noon

·         The regulators better be looking for new careers or be ready to make some changes so businesses can flourish again in Florida

·         He will be up at the crack of dawn and waiting for his staff and cabinet to show up for early morning meetings and he will be there when others will be listening for the 5:00 bell to ring.

·         He will do what he has promised he will do – he is a man of his word

I’m going out on a limb here and putting words to paper about the man I knew before he was Governor.  Rick Scott was a fighter for the people and wants everyone to have access to great medical care.  He fought with the tea party against Obamacare and now will fight to keep Government healthcare from the door of Floridian households. 

Tonight the Governor’s Ball is underway and the last of a full day of festivities will end.  Don’t think for a minute that Rick Scott will sleep in tomorrow morning.  Nope – he’ll beat a path to the door and the sun and Rick will be rushing to make the first shadow on the steps of the Capitol.  Why?

Because Florida must get back to work and Rick will lead the way!  He knows how important it is get people back to work and he will implement his plan as soon as everyone gets out of the way.

Note to Rick:  Congrats Rick – I mean “Governor Scott!”  We’re counting on you and holding you accountable to your promises.  Party and dance tonight and then, let’s get to work tomorrow!

NOTE:  If you were unable to hear Rick’s Inauguration Speech, you can read it here:  http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/gubernatorial/rick-scotts-inaugural-speech/1143492

In closing, his speech gave me great hope for Florida's wonderful business owners.  His message was loud and clear:  He understands your pain and the pain of those unemployed.  He will be doing all he can to make Florida a business friendly state and he needs your help and support to make it happen.  In other words, “Let’s get to work.  We have a State to save!