Rep. Matt Gaetz: Bloomberg may face criminal probe for paying felons’ fines

Your issue is not with me. Your issue is with the State of Florida. They said it was okay if someone paid a fine on the felon's behalf. Whether or not I agree with that is irrelevant.

If they owe tax, so be it. I have no issue with it. People don't lose their right to vote if they owe a tax.

 

From what I read, he's not even personally donating... just using his name (and some rich friends) to fund raise...

It is interesting to see all the various ways states handle this...

https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/felon-voting-rights.aspx

I basically feel that for serious felony crimes (murder, sex, guns etc), you should lose your right to vote while incarcerated, so I disagree with Maine and Vermont here...

I'm actually disappointed my state (Virginia) has post-prison restrictions. I hope once Governor Ralph gets over his COVID (knocking on wood for ya Gov), something can be done about that and get restorations to be automatic...

Also surprised Delaware has restrictions....

 

Well, in Florida, this does not apply to rapists and murderers. They still can't vote.

 

I'm 100% fine with that... everywhere... but that's not the vast majority of felons in Florida or the US as a whole...

 

This is a debate and opinion forum and I asked you yours.

We fine people as a PUNISHMENT which THEY should bear else what's the point? Again should we allow other people to serve the jail time on the criminals behalf? If not why not?

And Bloomberg openly said his intent is to affect the vote, why shouldn't he be charged?

 

And those other felons can meet the criteria and if necessary petition the court and get their vote back once they have proven then have satisfied the sentence and have remained a law abiding citizen.

 

I don't have a strong opinion on this, either way. I get your point, but I see the other side, too. I believe that people can change. I know it's true, because I have been in a constant state of evolving since I was a child. My opinions on the world have changed completely in the last 20 years, and I continue to develop and grow as new information comes in.

If the only barrier to full re-entry to society is an outstanding fine, and they will never be able to pay it, then I don't mind them getting a lift up, so they get a chance. This is especially true since the Florida prison system charges they for their stay, but do not pay them anything for the work they do during that stay.

Do you have the full context of his quote? The FBI is on the case, so we'll see where that goes.

 

Bloomie's working on it... thousands and thousands of likely D votes... for pennies on the dollar (to guys like Bloomie and his friends anyway)

Too bad they didn't have this path before idiots like Scott and DeSantis squeaked in...

 

You're here debating it so you have an opinion. Fine people change but do the time and pay your fines and face the consequences of your actions. Yes you may suffer as you try to get your fine paid off THAT'S THE POINT!!!! And Florida inmates can earn money through work-release and such accumulated debt for subsistence payments can be wiped after three years. Here you can read more about it.
https://www.flsheriffs.org/uploads/Subsistence Fee Final PDF.pdf

And again should you be able to get someone else to server your prison/jail time? If not why not? Because it is a PUNISHMENT against YOU and the intent is the YOU bear that punishment not someone else. That goes for a monetary fine too.

 

This is awesome. Learned more on this today. Bloomberg LP raised money along with Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc., Levi Strauss & Co. and three Florida professional sports teams, the Miami Dolphins, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat.

Ashley Moody won’t be the Florida AG long at this rate.

 

Is there anything more all-American than Ice Cream, Blue Jeans, and Sports?? All we need now is John Mellencamp and a Henry Ford descendant to join the party...



Better hustle.. I read Florida Voter Registration (which I assume includes Voter Restoration) closes on 10/5...

 

And speaking of Matt Gaetz (and God help us for that), here's a story from this nest of vipers FKA the GOP.

I really don't care who's right or wrong, since it involves 3 of the most unlikable people on the planet (actually 4, if you count Doug Collins)

https://www.yahoo.com/news/matt-gaetz-accuses-gop-kelly-165451283.html

Stories like this make me root for an earth-ending meteor so I don't have to hear any of their names again...

 

You seem angry. I was just trying to bring in some facts.

 

Again, you have no idea what a poll tax is.


Bye

 

A poll tax is a TAX that is levied against everyone, regardless of income.

Judges can't pass taxes.

 

I posted you an actual example. And BTW did you actually read the article where is cautions that you do not lose your "privilege to vote". Yes it is a privilege. Again you don't understand the difference between a fine and a tax. What state gives judges the authority to pass a tax? None, they issue fines which are not taxes. Are you just being obtuse about it or simply cannot make the intellectual difference?

 

Just point out that you are here discussing it and pointing out the facts about legal sanctions applied to someone who commits a crime. What is the purpose?

 

My guess is revenue for the state. They don't care who pays for it. They just want the cash.

Like all fines - when paying a parking ticket, nobody asks if it's your money, or if you borrowed it from a friend, or if you stole a kid's lemonade stand money.

 

OK you support vote buying.................gotcha.

 

You think the purpose of a judge fining you for breaking the law is for revenue...................really? Did it ever occur to you that it is for punishment?

 

I'm talking about the state motive. They want the money. They don't care where it comes from, and they don't care what the judge meant.

Please share - when has the state ever thought, "no, we don't want your money if it was given to you as charity?"

 

How much do you want for yours?

Oh wait. If I recall you are from Alabama??

Nevermind.. no ROI there...

 

No. He just made a statement of fact.
All he is guilty of is making a donation to an existing non profit.
But I guess Florida could try to go get everyone that donated.
Mike would probably pay the fines.

 

i ageee he made clear his intent to attempt to violate the law.

that’s a potential crime

 

Yes, you are right.

The stupidity shown here isn’t encouraging overall. How do you write up a memo perfectly explaining your criminal intent. Nothing could be pinned on him for paying felons’ fines, if he just didn’t make his intent so obvious.

I’d be suspicious of evidence fabrication, if I didn’t know better.