Litigation

Progressives and Charlie Crist, floating along in Florida

By Carter Wood

The oh-so-civil Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is headlining this year's "Progressive Voices Cruise," touring the Eastern Caribbean on board a Holland American Lines cruise ship. Nothing says progressive like drinks at the Grand Turks and Caicos.

We find it telling that a trial lawyer is featured among the peripatetic progressives, to wit, Mike Papantonio:

Mike Papantonio is a senior partner of Levin, Papantonio, Thomas, Mitchell, Echsner, Rafferty & Proctor, P.A., one of the largest plaintiff's law firms in America , having handled thousands of cases throughout the nation including Asbestos, Breast Implants, Pharmaceutical Drug Litigation, Factory Farming, Securities Fraud, the Florida Tobacco Litigation, and other mass tort cases. "Pap" has received numerous multi-million dollar verdicts on behalf of victims of corporate malfeasance.

Well, since economic redistribution is the hallmark of the current progressivism ...

Former Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) is among the speakers. Should be a civil presentation.

Meanwhile, Kennedy's political ally, former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, has thrown his lot in with Florida's preeminent personal injury lawyers. From Morgan and Morgan via its website, forthepeople.com, "Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist joins Morgan and Morgan":

Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has joined Morgan & Morgan. While serving in office, Crist was often referred to as "the People's Governor." His dedication and commitment to the people of Florida will remain the same as he works with the firm's mass tort and class action department, fighting "for the people." Crist said, "It's truly a privilege for me to have this opportunity to work all over our beautiful state. John Morgan has set up an incredible firm of very gifted people and it's truly an honor and a privilege to have this day come."

Although Tim Carney gets the best headline out it, "Charlie Crist couldn't catch Rubio, so now he's chasing ambulances," but for the best summary of how Crist's decision reflects his core principles, we recommend Florida writer Neal B. Freeman's piece in National Review Online, "Charlie Crist, Attorney at Law."

Bet the former governor winds up speaking at this year's winter convention of the American Association for Justice, which takes place next month at the Loews Miami Beach. Enjoy the ballet!

Full post as published by Point of Law on January 16, 2011 (boomark / email).