When I first proposed the St. Augustine National Historical Park and Seashore on November 13, 2006, there was no Eureka moment. There were no cheers. Instead, the retiring St. Augustine Mayor, GEORGE R. GARDNER, insulted me as a "disbarred lawyer," to the cheers of 75 members of the all-white St. Augustine Yacht Club (which won a no-bid contract to take over the Lighthouse Park Community Center, formerly a family restaurant, with great views of Anastasia State Park). I wore their scorn as a badge of honor.
The St. Augustine Record editorial by Peter Ellis came six days later, defending my honor against Hizzoner's ad hominem yappy, sappy attack on my free speech rights.
Today, nearly 50 months later, the National Park and Seashore idea is taking off, and we have only the wisdom and decency of the people of St. Augustine to thank. With bipartisan support, we can save endangered species, create good jobs, protect our environment, revive our economy and create something wonderful, for which our grandchildren (and their grandchildren) will thank us.
"If it is to be, it is up to me."
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