Rhana B arrives in Tallahassee

Rhana B and her fans have made it to Tallahassee. Rhana started her walk in Sarasota.  52 days and 400 miles later, she is now at the state capitol! For Rhana, it’s about making all of our votes count. There seems to be general agreement that money has corrupted our system. Our representatives are not corrupt but the system is. She reports about the final leg of her journey on her blog:

All my fears were laid to rest. I was worried that no one would show up and I’d be walking to the capitol by myself. It was wonderful to see all the familiar faces from Venice, Sarasota, Bradenton and some of the towns I passed on my way. I won’t name names as I’m sure to forget some. But everyone who has taken part in this effort has a special place in my heart. I can honestly say I love you all. I’m bad at numbers and was too excited to count everyone but there must have been 30 people who walked part of the 5 miles and then more joined us as we approached the Capitol. See the picture. We filled the steps at the old State Capitol. Lawrence Lessig walked the whole 5 miles and I got the chance to talk with him I felt like a Bobbysoxer meeting Frank Sinatra. How often does one get to meet an idol?! I’ve already mentioned the endearing John Bonifaz. Lessig was warm and friendly. David Cobb is amazing. He is such a dynamic speaker. They were all so comfortable to be with. 

The media were there and we were all interviewed. 

Then we were off to the Unitarian Universalist Church for a pot luck lunch followed by a wonderful performance by Barbara Bates Smith and Jeff Sebens of  Go Granny D. A perfect way to end the day. 

Then it was all over, well, this part of the project was over. I have a feeling it won’t end here. Stay tuned……..

In Granny D's Footsteps, Day 9

Rhana B is walking for from Sarasota to Tallahasse, Florida.  Rhana is walking to call attention to the propositions that 1) Money is not free speech and 2) Corporations are not people.  Rhana B is keeping us up-to-date with her website, In Granny D's Footsteps. It's Day 9 on Rhana's walk and she is checking in:

I was back on the Pinellas Trail. I don’t usually get spooked but there was something about this section that made me feel quite uneasy. It was an overcast morning. There were trees and dense bushes on either side. Not a soul in sight. Perhaps it was because someone said there had been several incidents on the trail and someone had been murdered. Just as these dark thoughts crossed my day9 Dalemind. I heard my name being called. Turned around and was quite relieved to see Dale who had come to walk with me. She walked with me until I turned onto Route 19. I walked the rest of the way by myself. 

A short while later a car pulled in front of me. The young woman driving said she had to turn around to see what my sign was all about. I have a sign that says walking to tally on the front and the back. She was delighted by the idea. She even suggested I have something on my website that she could print out and give to all her friends. We talked a bit more and she drove off and I walked off. She wanted to give me a lift but I told her that would be cheating. 

A little later I gentleman on a bike stopped. He was from Kenya and was very well versed on the issues of the day. We talked for almost an hour. He too was supportive of my mission and promised to spread the word.

Through hot days and cold days, through rain and sweat, Rhana has been walking to raise awareness about the need for systematic change in how this country operates.  Go Rhana!

Arlene Sweeting on Retaining Our Democracy

At the ripe age of 81, Rhana Bazzini has decided to walk over 400 miles to talk about getting money out of politics. She is walking across the Sunshine State from Sarasota to Tallahassee, and people are energized to support her. Arlene Sweeting organized a kickoff event for Rhana. Arlene speaks eloquently on the subject of losing our democracy.

Jim Hightower Speaks Out in Sarasota

After losing her spouse of fifty-six years in June 2013, 81-year-old Rhana Bazzini decided it was time to take to the streets. Inspired by Granny D’s walk across the country for campaign finance reform, Rhana began planning a walk from Sarasota to Tallahassee. Her goal is to spread the word that Corporations are NOT People and Money is NOT Speech. Yesterday, Jim Hightower spoke at her kickoff event in Sarasota. He kept us all laughing about a very serious endeavor.

Manasta Move To Amend Launched

Manasota Move to Amend is officially launched! We are the local  Florida Move to Amend affiliate for Sarasota and Manatee Counties. We are working under the umbrella of the Peace Education and Action Center. We will be continuing and expanding on the great work done by SAFE, the Sarasota Alliance for Fair Elections.