Category Archives: campaigns

Garden City, New York, USA. April 1, 2023. Florida Governor RON DESANTIS speaks during event when the Nassau County GOP hosts the Gov. DeSantis program on The Florida Blueprint at the Cradle of Aviation, on Long Island. (© 2023 Ann Parry, fromlongisland.com) Feature photo of blog post

Florida is where FOLK go to die from guns, Ron DeSantis

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
April 5, 2023                      fLI OPINION

Nassau County GOP hosts Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis 

On April Fools Day, the Nassau County Republican Committee hosted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. 

DeSantis pitched his Florida Blueprint – politics to the right of Trump – to Long Island.

Scottish Festival at Old Westbury Gardens

Garden City, N.Y. USA. April 1, 2023. Trump supporters protest outside the Cradle of Aviation Museum before the event the Nassau County GOP hosts at CAM for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Before the event started, a few dozen protestors were waving colorful pro-Trump flags at cars passing near CAM’s entrance on Charles Lindberg Blvd.

For though the Long Island event was nominally a stop on the governor’s book tour, it was more importantly an unofficial campaign stop for his undeclared presidential candidacy.

So the Nassau County GOP clearly was no longer acting all in for Trump.

“Gov Ron DeSantis; Trump flags

Garden City, N.Y., USA. April 1, 2023. At entrance to Cradle of Aviation Museum grounds, Trump supporters hold flags by large ‘Chinese Americans… for Trump’ banner during protest before start of event the Nassau County GOP hosts for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Tickets were free, and the first 300 attendees received a free copy of DeSantis’ new book ‘The Courage to be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival.’ 

VIDEO  – As Ron DeSantis speaks, protestor shouts “Trump” repeatedly:


Early in the event, Nassau County Republican chairman JOSEPH CAIRO introduced several GOP leaders sitting in the VIP section.

“Gov Ron DeSantis; Trump flags

At right, former Rep. PETE KING (R-Seaford) waves to audience when The Nassau County GOP hosts the Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis event. Other GOP notables include, at front far left, former U.S. Sen. AL D’AMATO (R-NY), and, left of King & wearing red tie, Rep. ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO (R-Island Park.) (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Prominent Republicans politicians who stood up included Rep. PETE KING (R-Seaford), who attended with his wife Rosemary Weidl; former Sen. AL D’AMATO (R-NY)), who sat with his ex-wife Katuria D’Amato and their two children; and Rep. ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO (R-Island Park).

Cairo then introduced each speaker, including Nassau County Executive BRUCE BLAKEMAN, former Rep. LEE ZELDIN (R-N.Y.), and, finally, FLA Gov. RON DESANTIS.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman:

“Gov Ron DeSantis; Trump flags

Garden City, N.Y., USA. April 1, 2023. At left Nassau County Executive BRUCE BLAKEMAN speaks energetically at podium, as Nassau County Republican chairman JOSEPH CAIRO looks on, during event when Nassau County GOP hosts the Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis event. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

former Rep. Lee Zeldin:

“Gov Ron DeSantis; Trump flags

Garden City, N.Y., USA. April 1, 2023. Former Rep. LEE ZELDIN(R-Shirley), the 2022 Republican candidate for N.Y. governor, speaks during event when Nassau County GOP hosts the Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis event. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

– Gov. DeSantis Event –

“Gov Ron DeSantis; Trump flags

Garden City, N.Y., USA. April 1, 2023. Woman in audience holds ‘The Courage to Be Free,’ a book by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Nassau County GOP hosted the Gov. DeSantis program on The Florida Blueprint. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Gov. Ron DeSantis:

“Gov Ron DeSantis; Trump flags

Garden City, N.Y., USA. April 1, 2023. Florida Governor RON DESANTISspeaks during event when the Nassau County GOP hosts the Gov. DeSantis event. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

While speaking at the podium, Gov. DeSantis commented about the U.S. Navy F11A Tiger jet suspended overhead and how he had served in the Navy.

While earning his law degree from Harvard University, DeSantis joined the U.S. Navy in 2004, and from then to 2010 was a naval officer in the Judge Advocate General Corps. JAGS are attorneys with knowledge of civilian and military law. 

NAVY jet above former NAVY JAG DeSantis:

“Gov Ron DeSantis; Trump flags

Garden City, N.Y., USA. April 1, 2023. A Grumman F-11A Tiger jet is suspended in the Cradle of Aviation Museum atrium, where Nassau County GOP hosts the Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis event. Nose of jet was over stage. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

DeSantis made many comparisons between Florida and New York, and between Florida and the U.S. government.

An aside: DeSantis said so much he meant as unflattering about New York that I wondered how it struck his hosts. 

NO STATE INCOME TAX – The governor said how Florida, unlike New York, has no state income tax, and how his state has the warmer weather, though no mention was made of his state’s growing hurricane season. And he stressed in how [once COVID increased workers’ opportunity to work from home] the biggest increase in U.S. migration to Florida has come from New York recently. 

“Gov Ron DeSantis; Trump flags

Garden City, N.Y., USA. April 1, 2023. The Nassau County GOP hosts the Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis program on The Florida Blueprint at the Cradle of Aviation. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

CULTURE WARS – Abortion, Education, COVID 19, LGBTQ Rights, Gun Safety….

But it was Opposite Day when Gov. DeSantis presented ways his Trumpian conservative brand of anti-woke CULTURE WARS supposedly is making Florida free. For example:

‘Don’t Say Gay’ law

The governor portrayed his authoritarian approach to what Florida’s schools aren’t allowed to say and do as somehow increasing freedom. 

Florida is where folk go to die from guns   cdc.gov states map 

DeSantis continued to claim Florida has lax gun safety regulations because largely unfettered gun rights are constitutionally guaranteed by the Second Amendment. 

And those regulations are getting even laxer.

On April 3rd, at a non-public event two days after he spoke on Long Island, DeSantis signed legislation allowing residents to carry a concealed loaded weapon without a permit anywhere in the state. 

“Gov Ron DeSantis; Trump flags

Garden City, N.Y., USA. April 1, 2023. At left, ALEX KRAEMER, from NEWSMAX, interviews young man holding ‘The Courage to Be Free,’ a book by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Trump supporter is at far right. The Nassau County GOP hosted the Gov. DeSantis event. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Second Amendment, ratified in 1791:
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.”

DeSantis’ approach to gun safety makes solid sense, as long as one ignores a few things:

1) The first half of the amendment, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State,” states the reason for giving the rights is in order to maintain a well regulated Militia. How is that related to a person owning assault rifles, carrying concealed weapons without permits…?

2) In 1791 “Arms” referred to handguns or long guns that could hold one shot at a time.

3) Florida’s rate of deaths due to gunfire is about 3X that of New York, which has significantly stronger gun safety regulation. cdc.gov states map 

with faint praise:

Though Ron DeSantis isn’t quite as big a danger to America as insurrectionist Donald Trump is, the United States of America needs far better than either.

Thankfully, they won’t be our only candidates, Republican or otherwise, for president in 2024.


FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post) Garden City, N.Y., USA. April 1, 2023. Florida Governor RON DESANTIS speaks during event when the Nassau County GOP hosts his program on The Florida Blueprint, at the Cradle of Aviation on Long Island. (© 2023 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com) 


Gov. Ron DeSantis event on Long Island: my PHOTO GALLERY

Everytown for Gun Safety

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

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Mineola, New York, U.S. October 30, 2022. New York Governor KATHY HOCHUL (Democrat) is on stage at Nassau County rally held outdoors at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island. © 2022 Ann Parry, annparry.com (blog post feature photo)

Nassau County Rally with Governor Hochul

From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (ann-parry.com)
November 4, 2022

Labor unions rally for Hochul Delgado

• voting in NY:  voteearlyny.org •  find your poll site

Updated Jan. 2022: Election results added near end of post

‘When labor votes, the state wins’Gov. Hochul, 10/30/2022, Mineola, N.Y.

The New York governor’s race has become unexpectedly close.

Two days after early voting started in New York, and nine days before Election Day 2022, Democratic candidates and supporters – largely from labor unions – gathered for a Nassau County Rally with Governor Hochul. 

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. At Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul, young women hold a Hochul Delgado sign and wear a shirt with message “Voting is just like driving: To go backward choose ‘R.’ To go forward choose ‘D.'” (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

The Sunday, October 30th event was held outdoors during a sunny autumn afternoon at the Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site in Mineola, Long Island. 

After many candidates, labor union leaders, and democratic leaders on stage spoke, it was time for Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado to speak and then introduce Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

VIDEO: Lt. Gov. Delgado speaks and then introduces Gov. Hochul: 

During Lt. Gov. Delgado’s impassioned speech about WHY it’s so important to vote, and to vote for democratic candidates, particularly for Gov Hochul, the enthusiastic audience frequently punctuated his points by clapping and calling out “That’s right… “Say it again!”… “Preach!”….

The following transcript of Lt. Gov. Delgado’s speech is from the above video that starts shortly after he begins speaking at the podium.

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. ANTONIO DELGADO, Lieutenant Governor of New York State, is on stage at Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Transcript of Lt. Gov. Antonio’s Speech (from video above):

[…Referring to some Republican candidates] “….only in it for the game. It’s all a joke. And they play with people’s lives. Like it’s a game. And it’s not.

“We have to step up as people and demand more. We just have to. We have to set the bar.
Integrity, decency, honesty.
Are you principled?
Do you care?
Do you know how to love people?
These things have to matter.
To our democracy to matter.
Education has to matter.
And labor has to matter.

“Any political leader worth their salt that can’t get behind collective bargaining and organized labor needs to not be in public service.
The story of upward mobility, the story, the American Dream.
This whole idea is based on working folk coming together and fighting for more.
To raise their families up across generations.
And you want to call yourself a leader, destroy that?
Come on now. Seriously.
We know we can do better. And guess what folks, we can and we will.

“I got to know Governor Hochul very well.
We talk about the stakes. A lot.
We don’t, we don’t spend time foolin’ around and being political about… oh about this, how..
What are we going to do?
What are the solutions?
How’re we going to govern, to the people?
Those were our conversations.

“She cares. She’s a worker.
From the ground up, not top down.
Not imposing her will, but engaging with the will of the people.
And she leads from the heart, from the heart.
Honest. Upfront. Accessible. Accountable.
The kind of things you want in a leader.
Not gonna lie to your face. Or fear monger. Or peddling hate.
You have that chance right now.

“So whatever people are saying out there.
All the head scratching, all the twitt-r feeds, and all the chaos and the noise.
Forget about it. Put it to the side.
The only thing we should be doing right now is action, not thinking.
Act.
Show up.
And vote and support an absolutely amazing governor who is dedicated to the people.
Who will fight for the people.
Who comes from the people.
Our governor – Kathy Hochul.”

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Woman pushing stroller with baby boy in it waits on line to sign into Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. Event was held outdoors at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. At front right, activist LAUREN CORCORAN-DOOLIN waits on line to sign into Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Men wearing orange ‘Carpenters RISE’ shirts and ‘Hochul Delgado’ stickers approach entrance to Nassau County Rally with Governor Hochul. Event was at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Today I voted early at the Freeport Recreation Center. 

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. L-R, N.Y. Chair of the NYS Democratic Committee JAY JACOBS, Lt. Gov. ANTONIO DELGADO, NYS Comptroller THOMAS DINAPOLI, candidate for Congress NY-03 ROBERT ZIMMERMAN, (at podium) Pres. of Local 338 JOHN DURSO, and Gov. KATHY HOCHUL are on stage at Nassau County Rally with Governor Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

  • my Photo Gallery – Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul (Plus, click each photo here to see larger one.)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. At center, NYS Assembly Deputy Majority Leader MICHAELLE SOLAGES waves to audience at Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. At podium is Chair of the NYS Democratic Committee JAY JACOBS; right of him is Gov. KATHY HOCUL; left of him is Lt. Gov. ANTONIO DELGADO. At far right is NYS Assembly candidate AMANDA FIELD (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. ROBERT ZIMMERMAN, the Democratic candidate for New York’s redrawn 3rd Congressional District, participates in Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. YURI JIMENEZ, a member of Local 338, holds her daughter GISELLE, 2 1/2 years old, at Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. Event was held outdoors at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. Audience members are wearing MOMS DEMAND ACTION shirts and holding HOCHUL DELGADO signs at Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. At center NYS Senator JOHN BROOKS and two Hasidic Jewish men talk before start of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul on Long Island.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022.. At left, Democratic Deputy Zone Leader of 21st Assembly District RANDY KOVAR signs into Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. Sign for ‘ROBERT ZIMMERMAN Democrat for Congress’ NY District 3 is at front. Event was at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Union members hold large 32BJ SEIU sign at Nassau County Rally with Gov.Hochul. 32BJ is a merger of two NYC unions of building service workers and an affiliate of SIEU, the Service Employees International Union.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Young daughters of Local 338 union members help at food tent during Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. Event was held outdoors at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. At right, NYS Senator JOHN BROOKS and, at left, NYSUT retiree MEL STERN talk before start of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. Activists with BEND The ARC sign attend Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul on Long Island. Bend the Arc is a national group of progressive American Jews.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. At center in light suit, Senator KEVIN THOMAS (NY-06) poses with women wearing PSC CUNY shirts at end of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. PSC CUNY, the Professional Staff Congress, represents faculty and staff at the City University of New York and CUNY Research Foundation.(© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. At left, Assemblywoman TAYLOR DARLING, (Democrat) 18th Assembly District of New York, is with a constituent at end of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct., 30, 2022. Woman holds Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW sign, and she and man wear ‘Hochul Delgado’ stickers at Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul . Event was held outdoors at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. LAURA CURRAN, former Nassau County Executive, attends Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

‘Nassau County Labor Union Rally with Gov. Hochul’

“Nassau

Mineola, N.Y., U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. A woman waving and a man, both wearing 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers shirts, leave after end of Nassau County Rally with Gov. Hochul. (© 2022 Ann Parry/AnnParry.com)

Today I voted early at the Freeport Recreation Center. 


UPDATE: Jan. 8, 2022 ELECTION RESULTS for above candidates. Winners are listed first, and each link goes to official’s gov’t page.

Governor / Lt. Gov: Kathy HochulAntonio Delgado (D) • Lee ZeldinAlison Esposito (R) 

NYS Comptroller: Thomas DiNapoli (D) • Paul Rodriguez (R)

U.S. House District 3:  George Santos (R) • Robert Zimmerman (D)

NY Senate District 5:  Steven Rhoads (R) • John Brooks (D)

NY Senate District 6: Kevin Thomas (D) • James Coll (R)

NYS Assembly District 15: Jake Blumencranz (R) • Amanda Field (D)

NYS Assembly District 18: Taylor Darling (D) • LaMont Johnson (R)

NYS Assembly District 22: Michaelle Solages (D) • Cara Castronuova (R)


FEATURE PHOTO (at top of post) Mineola, NY, U.S. Oct. 30, 2022. New York Governor KATHY HOCHUL is on stage at Nassau County rally held at Local 338, RSDSU UFCW workers union site on Long Island. 


Rally with Gov. Hochul: my PHOTO GALLERY

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