...to promote the long-term value of high-quality kindergarten, Roy Miller, the affable president of advocacy group known as The Children's Campaign in Florida is trying to turn the video of a violent 30-minute beating of an ostracized Lakeland cheerleader into a lobbying opportunity. The video, taken by one of the attackers, briefly popped up on YouTube, which led to the involvement of the local sheriff and the video's removal. It also led to national coverage. "This horrific evidence makes it clear: we must do more for our children" Miller writes in a letter to supporters this week, urging them to write their state representatives. It goes on:

Should Florida make a $2-million subsidy to honor golfers while cutting infant mortality prevention? Can’t Florida close a $63.5-million recreational fishing tax loophole instead of eliminating child protection workers? Does Florida choose a $41-million tax exemption for advertising inserts over quality pre-k and before and after school programs? Now with the eyes of America on Florida, do we truly believe that a $72-million tax exemption for boats and planes is more important than prevention, intervention and rehabilitative services to Florida’s troubled girls?