Lions, Tigers and Bears invade Seminole County’s Republican Lincoln Day Dinner.

Lions, Tigers and Bears invade Seminole County’s Republican Lincoln Day Dinner.

By Jack Pagano

Lake Mary, FL- The roar of lions, tigers, and bears was heard loud and clear at the Seminole County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner in Lake Mary, Florida. Hundreds of diehard GOP attended the dinner to hear from republican Senator Rick Scott, republican Congressman Corey Mills representing Florida’s red 7th district, and republican Byron Donalds from Florida’s red 19th district. All three Republicans lashed out at the current administration and Democrats far and wide. Senator Rick Scott led the charge when he lamented about the economy, the border, and crime. He was on the attack like a “king of the jungle” lion searching for victory. He’s up for reelection and knows it’s all about showcasing the failures of the Democrats. Scott said, “Elections matter.  There’s three things that people care about.  They want a job; a good education and they want to be safe.” He added Florida sheriffs uphold the law and that keeps New York gang members from invading the Sunshine State.

Not to be outdone, freshman congressman Mills took the Scott baton and became a tiger whipping up the GOP crowd. He made no excuses as to why he’s a street fighter for Florida, his 7th district, and the Constitution. No sleeping tiger here. His roar for change and solutions was noticed. He said, “This is no longer a Republican or democrat fight, this is no longer a conservative or socialist fight, this is a fight of good versus evil, America versus anti-America…”

The former Army combat veteran from Iraq and Afghanistan continued his unrelenting bombardment of the current administration. Mills is unwavering in his quest to impeach the current Secretary of Defense, Army General retired Loyd Austin. Mills loves the military and just can’t come to terms with the DOD’s current DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) plans for the fighting force. A “woke” force he says needs new leadership and a new direction.

Donalds followed Mills with hashing the current border bill that was released just minutes before his podium talk. He said it’s a very bad bill and he would tear it down like a bear looking for its next meal. He said, “weak republicans may give away the farm if they move forward with the bill. I’m pissed…”

His displeasure with the current state of affairs in DC including the current Senate Republicans prompted him to beat down the daily risk-adverse rhetoric. He says, “The American people want us to lead.” He continued with a General Colin Powell tone, “We are a party of our work, we are a party of merit, we are a party of the rule of law, we are a party of the constitution, and we are a party that does not reward people who do nothing… Those ‘crazies’ on the other side of the aisle are going to destroy America…”

Lincoln Day Dinner.  Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott speaks to a GOP crowd in Lake Mary, Florida. 4 Feb 2024 (photo by Jack Pagano)

The Lincoln dinner is a big Seminole County GOP fundraiser. With the 2024 election season in high gear, it’s all about funding the GOP in Florida and across the nation. According to Bruce Cherry, Chair of the Republican County Executive Committee, the event is filled with inspiration, political insight, and the power of uniting.  A formula he hopes will get big republican wins in November. Congressman Mills said, “We must be a unit of action and not just talk.”

Lincoln Day Dinner.  Republican Congressman Corey Mills from Florida’s 7^th district motivates the GOP crowd in Lake Mary, Florida. 4 Feb 2024 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Scott mentioned it’s a must that we get this right sooner rather than later. “If we don’t figure this out, everything we live for, everything our families taught us will go away.   Crime is rampant, debt is up to 34 trillion dollars, highest inflation since the 1970s, highest credit card interest ever, two wars going, southern border has no border, everything in DC is make-believe…”  Scott hopes this delusional way forward ends with the Republicans taking over the Senate, House, and the Presidency.  A tall order for any movement.  Will they be sleeping lions, tigers, and bears?

Lincoln Day Dinner.  Congressman Byron Donalds from Florida’s 17^th district provides the latest about the border bill to a GOP crowd in Lake Mary, Florida. 4 Feb 2024 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Jack Pagano is a retired Army field grade officer with many decades of Information Operations experience and is currently working remotely in the USA as COO/Strategist for one of Afghanistan’s biggest Radio/TV networks.  His current mission is getting out Afghan journalists he trained, and mentored who are stuck, stranded under the Sharia-driven Taliban.