Tampa Taxi Shots

(I wrote this in 2009 on the original Tampa Taxi Shots. I still stand by in now after the Paris attacks) At today's press briefing, when asked about President Obama’s plan to reverse a Bush policy related to abortion, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs dodged the question with a joke: “As a part of my overall career advancement, I've found it useful to get out of the way of the principal, who might be making news on certain subjects later on in the afternoon.” But the word is already out that Obama is expected to sign another executive order today, to end the Mexico City Policy (also known as the “global gag rule”). The policy bans federal funds from going to international health groups that provide, or talk to women about, abortions. Passed by George W. Bush in 2001 on his first day in office, it’s one more policy that Obama, with the stroke of a pen, can undo. Dr. Ana Langer, president of the global health organization, EngenderHealth, said that the global gag rule has bloc...

Enter one Tony "The Italian" cab driver.  A former man of mirth, a former believer in myths.  If he looks unhappy, there's a reason.  He's a hit and run victim who's taxi is stalled on a pavement called yesterday. He gave up looking for the tag number to the vehicle called livelihood.  Game over.  Point, set match. His reality is as real now as the puke he cleaned up this morning or the cab beater who took off running without pay like the many other hopes and dreams once associated with a thriving industry, now just cracks in the sand caused by a relentless Florida sun beating on you without mercy until all resolve is gone. Tony feels what  many of us do.  Its almost like hope is gone. How long can you keep chasing the $2.25 a mile dream of a better day.  Will this economy ever get better?  Will it be in time?  In 15 days a new President takes office.  He is inheriting a mess.  Wish him well. I hope he does not ...