On January 14th, a group of about 25 local residents rallied at the Republic Bank building on the corner of 4th and Central in Saint Petersburg to present a petition to Representative C.W. Bill Young titled "Support President-elect Obama's Economic Recovery Plan." Rep. Young, whose office was on the 14th floor, is the Republican Congressman from Florida's 10th district, which includes Saint Petersburg.

The event was sponsored by the political action group MoveOn.org, and with 392 signatures, the petition included many personal testaments of economic hardship. It was a movement to show broad support for president-elect Obama's economic plans which include investments for green jobs, health care and clean energy. According to the MoveOn.org Political Action press release, the rally will "urge their Representative, Bill Young, to pass Obama's plan quickly without weakening its policies."

"We expect Bill Young to look out for his constituents," said Joe Illingworth, local MoveOn.org member and host of the St. Pete event, one of over 200 such events held across the country. "We hope that Rep. Young won't let partisan politics stop this package from moving quickly through Congress so that ordinary Americans can get what they need to survive the crisis."

Held on a cool Wednesday morning, the event included local issues such as Progress Energy's recently enacted rate hike of 25%, announced in July 2008 and taking effect in this month's power bills. Many of the protesters carried extension cords to represent a desire to "unplug" the rate hike. Universal health care and the Iraq war were also discussed, with participants waving American flags, anti war banners and Obama-Biden signs at traffic on Central. Many cars honked in support.

Lorraine McCann, a MoveOn.org member, has been active with the group for the past 2 years. "I protested Vietnam," McCann said, "I started with MoveOn because of the war in Iraq." A woman protesting named Karen discussed the need for alternative energy sources. "We are in 'sunny' Florida... why isn't every new home built with a solar panel on the roof?"

The main topic of discussion was the struggling economy. Several speakers outlined the effects of the current financial crisis, where Florida has been hit with the largest over-the-month decrease in employment in the United States. There were 58,600 lost jobs in November 2008 according to figures from the US Department of Labor Statistics.

Jessica Tennyson, a homeless woman, talked about life in the streets, and her attempts to find a job. "In Saint Pete, life sucks," said Tennyson, who was celebrating her 23rd birthday at the rally. "In the last six months, the homeless population increased by 25 percent. I have applied to 125 jobs, but nothing." To help her celebrate, the group sang "Happy Birthday," and gave donations.

At 12:30 the first group of 10 participants, lead by Illingworth, moved to Rep. Young's office on the 14th floor to officially present the petition. The group was met by Yvonne Grey, a secretary for Young, who accepted the petition on his behalf. Ilingworth also requested a meeting with Young, and was told bu Grey the request would be processed.

In the lobby afterward, Illingworth felt the short ceremony went well."It was a typical response" and "we will pursue a personal meeting." A second group of protesters attempted to go to the 14th floor, but were turned away by security. Karen, one of the group not allowed to Rep Young's office, loudly voiced her disappointment. "They won't let us up... It was not very nice."

For further information about the petition and the other related events around the country go to www.MoveOn.org/2009/agenda/results.

Spotlights lights glow brightly, casting everything in a sharp yellow hue. The ceiling was low and the resulting heat stifled the dry stiff air. Air conditioning was limited, offering little comfort from the heat of the Florida afternoon.

People are milling around, walking slowly along crowded aisles with a non responsive haze in their eyes. Careful movements punctuated by frozen stares directed at displays strategically located along four paths which crossed the long building. Some people were in small groups also moving at a deliberately leisurely pace.

Occasionally a individual looks up and scans a vignette, studying an item on a crowded table, such as a ceramic pots, a plate or vase - many glazed in colorful hues perfectly placed on tables crowded throughout the building. Intermixed with the ceramics were artificial floral arrangements, sparkling glassware, picture frames and items puzzling in their shape and texture. They were all placed in immaculate positions and groupings on every flat surface available.

The walls, painted a soft cream color, were also decorated with a variety of colorful pictures, all perfectly leveled. Many of the pictures were hand painted, mostly incorporating floral themes. They were framed in ornately carved frames of dark woods painted dark cherry with touches of gold. In addition there were several mirrors and metal sculptures of a tropical theme. They were festively shaped and painted to look like birds and ships, using vibrant greens and deep blues, like you would expect in a tropical paradise.

A few people were rushing about, shuttling between the groups, many who have stopped at an interesting point in the aisle. The hurried people had intent looks on their faces, and a few were smiling. Most of them gazed intently at a fixed point in space as they quickly passed.

Pieces of various sizes, some small enough to fit in the palm of your hand to large enough to sit on the floor, many in bright colors such as fire engine red and deep ocean blue, stood out from a sea of dark earth tones, mostly tans and browns. Colors that evoked the sense of a desert mountain bathed in the glow as the sun slowly sets. There were many pieces in a dark brown, appearing nearly black like a cup of strong coffee. They usually were set with a brightly accented item, which would stand out in vibrant contrast.

Amongst the carefully decorated smaller items were several large pieces, the focus of the vignettes, tastefully placed at inviting angles. The pieces were designed to grab attention from approaching passersbys. A variety of colors and textures were represented, some with the smooth of leather, firm to the touch and the reminding the curious of the hide from which it was made. Other items constructed of fabric, soft and fuzzy, as you would expect of a small animal.

Designed for comfort, and accented with contrasting pillows, the pieces, some as large as eight feet in length offered the curious a place to sit and periodically nod slowly. A smartly dressed person would rush to assist the seated engaging them with curious expressions.

Occasionally a burst of air from a strategically placed ceiling fans tore through the stillness, offering brief relief from the choking warmth.