Don’t misunderstand this commentary; we are not defending Frank Artilles, that is his job and that of his very capable lawyers. We agree there is no place for racism in America and certainly no place for it in our elected halls of government, but poor, boorish, and bad behavior are not illegal. They are, in fact, in most cases – providing they do not cross a threatening or physical line – protected speech. And from what we are told on a regular basis by lobbyists, reporters and those familiar with the Capitol, these behaviors are standard operating procedure for those in power and far from home.
Apparently, a constitutional protection isn’t enough for the Florida Senate – not in today’s world of cowardess for the sake of correctness. We’re sorry that Frank Artilles walked the plank, the Florida Senate and all its hypocrisy deserved a very public airing of its dirty laundry. Perhaps that will happen on another day.
