1. Son of Florida Republican activist Michael Spinelli graduates from US Naval Academy. 2. Son of Spinelli applies to U of Florida medical school, and is rejected. 3. In final hours of Florida legislature, a health care bill is amended to require that the U of Florida medical school must admit two graduates each year who have a degree from the Naval or Military academies. 4. Gov. Jeb Bush signs the bill. 5. No one can figure out how the wording got into the bill; no legislator admits doing it. And Spinelli denies having anything to do with it. 6. A dean at the medical school says the whole thing is 'outrageous.'
I am told that if you could see the Florida legislature in operation, you'd wonder how they get anything done.
John, this kind of thing happens in all 50 states, Republican & Democrat alike. Here in Massachusetts, we have a former Democrat state representative being sued for misuse of a client's (he's an attorney, which all politicians seem to be) money to the tune of over sixty thousand dollars. However, he's buddies with the Speaker of the House, so when he came up for a judicial appointment he was passed unanimously with no debate and no voice vote. The only way, IMO, to curb such abuses is to install strict term limits for all elected offices. Bruce
I wonder if Spinelli's kid is named "Chad." I also wonder what this has to do with MIGS? Oh, it doesn't. Sorry. Rich Douglas
I understand that special interest legislation like this is pretty common. But why was it even necessary? Isn't this kind of thing usually handled by a few discreet phone calls? Legislators call a university and some strings are pulled. Most universities keep open a certain number of places for "special admissions", don't they? There are probably a number of students with connections or political clout in every incoming class at 'flagship' universities, I would guess.
Now that you mention it, Bill, I think I will try. Before Jesse Helms leaves office he should be able to pull a few strings at Duke, get me admitted to their Ph.D. program at 1/10 the tuition fee, and no dissertation. Got to go, I've got a phone call to make. Russell NC Native
Not quite the same... this involves the brother of the President who campaigned on "changing the tone in Washington".
It's the exact same thing...politics. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. It's been happening for hundreds of years, probably will for hundreds more. Bruce
Yes, Jeb signed it, but the news accounts say that it was part of a 318 page bill related to health care issues in Fla. The reports also indicate that Jeb believes that insertion to be unconstitutional. UF has indicated it has no official position on the matter. Also, in an interesting twist, the supposed "beneficiary" this legislative legerdemain is going to med school in another state. Russell, you better get your call in to Sen. Helms quick, and open up that checkbook. Maybe you could cover your bases and contact Sen. Thurmond there in S. Carolina, before he assumes room temperature. Craig
