Diversion of funds to Florida.

[bvar22]

The recent publicity about the illegality of diverting appropriated funds reminded me of another incident. Last year, $8.5 Million was diverted from the $87Billion that was appropriated for the Occupation of Iraq. The $8.5 Million was diverted to Jeb bush in Florida who used it to suppress the protests at the WTO meeting.

I've been pissed since I learned about this funding for the Florida Police State. I know very little about legalities involved, but this seems like the same thing to me.

Can anybody supply clarification on this issue.

[seabeyond]

1. kicking up cause i have been thinking about this too

and am curious

let it be known kerry voted again the 87b bill adn some of the money went to florida to stop free speech.

get the pictures out too

[JanMichael]

2. IIRC it was later increased to almost 21 Million Dollars for "Security"

Which was primarily used on retired union protestors.

PS~ I can only find the $8.5 million figure but I'm almost certain that it was revised upward.

[imax2268]

3. Here's something I found on that...

Common Dreams article

[bvar22]

4. Thanks. The reference seems to make this legal

<snip from article referenced in post 3>

"...Passed in the House last week and the Senate Monday, the FTAA money is a single line within the massive Iraq bill.

<end>

Since this was specifically mentioned in the appropriation, the funds for the suppression of dissent in Florida appear to be legal. I'm still pissed. Maybe the publicity around the secret funding for the Invasion of Iraq can piggy back this into the public awareness.