Home > Duluth.Talk > Archives > 2008 > June > 26 > Entry

The voice of independents

Hello, friends and neighbors. I apologize for not talking with you for a while. Home projects have kept me otherwise entertained.

We will be celebrating the Fourth of July next week, and shortly thereafter we will find ourselves in a primary contest. So, as we prepare to celebrate our independence, I direct my thoughts to the voice of Independents.

What is an independent? Not a party man. A generic term bandied about is, “socially liberal, fiscally conservative.” Most Independents that I know cringe when they hear the words “liberal” or “conservative.” We hear them on the news, on the talk shows, but when we talk to and about each other, their words used far less frequently than what we hear.

Why? Because 70% of voters are independent. There are a lot more of us than there are liberals or conservatives. We don’t tithe the Republican or Democrat parties. When we talk about an issue in which we are told we are “with us or against us,” we say, “none of the above.”

We are frustrated by the “either/or” choices presented to us. We say that there has to be a better way, and we can’t understand how our leaders can be so obtuse.

Mostly it’s because we let them be obtuse. How many candidates are running for office unopposed this year? It surprises me, given that many of the people with whom I talk express their dissatisfaction with the status quo.

I think it’s because independents don’t like the hassle of politics. Politics is a nasty game. They don’t discuss what we should do, they discuss why we can’t do it that way. Want to run? You need money. This is the paradox. A minority represents the extremes of a political viewpoint, but the majority must conform their message to this viewpoint if they want financial assistance. Show me the money.

Although there are many issues on the table, the single topic of whether you are pro life or pro choice will determine any future political or monetary support that you will receive. Every thing else, in their mind, is irrelevant.

The problem with being independent, as I see it, is the need for dependents from people who don’t want you to think independently.

Ironic, isn’t it? I’m sure that many of us will be talking about a variety of things in the days to come. Might I suggest the following?

• Don’t listen to polls. They sample a very small number of people, and use that sampling to speak for our country.

• Change the channel. If you watch Fox news, switch to NBC. Hear what’s being said.

• Don’t listen to someone because you agree with him. Listen, because you disagree. Even if they don’t share your point of view, chances are, they have water to point they didn’t consider, and vice versa.

• Don’t find the answer, find a question. The question is not whether or not we should drill in ANWR, for example. The question is, what do we do about our energy needs today and in the future?

Remember, folks, this is your election, not theirs. Don’t glaze your eyes when they spit out a sound bite. Ask questions, of yourselves and of your candidates. If you want to celebrate the Fourth of July, that’s a good way to commemorate the day.

What questions would you like to ask?

Permalink | Comments (143) | Categories: Bill Allen

Comments

Commenting is now closed for this entry.

By Puzzled

June 26, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

I would like to ask Charles Bannister how he can take credit for the immigration deportation program when he refused to give the sheriff’s dept resources to do it? rhetoric? I watched the april meeting and he did nothing to support it until the end when he appeared to reluctantly vote for it. Green got it done, not Bannister.

By Bruce Wilcox

June 27, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

Why did ALL the commissioners, including Green, work behind the Taxpayers back for a year to reward the Braves with a private stadium funded by the county? Do any of the commissioners belief in Open Government or Public Input?

Wow what a surprise, a campaign ad for Green by another no name.

By Bill Allen

June 27, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Puzzled,

I want to know why only one overworked agency (ICE) has/had the sole responsibility to enforce immigration laws. Why should Bannister take credit for enforcing a law that he should have been enforcing at the outset? Why now?

By Bruce Wilcox

June 27, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

Also why did it take ALL the commisioners to finally address the issue of the federal immigration deportation program when it has been around for years? A couple of commissioners are running around acting like they just discovered America?

Typo above, should read, “Do any of the commissioners believe in Open Government or Public Input?”

By Bruce Wilcox

June 27, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

Bill, it has be a Federal Program, (local goverment doesn’t have the power to deport) has been around far longer than Bannister, Bannister is not the Sheriff of the County, most Sheriff’s step up and do their job and request the program themselves, they don’t have to be led by the hand.

Also, how much will this waterdown feel-good “Hire No Illegal” ordinance cost the taxpayers before it is ever enforced?

By Bill Allen

June 27, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

You got me, Bruce. Remember a couple of years ago, when there was a “news wave” of gang arrests? Vatos Locos? MS 13? There was no effort to increase immigration enforcement then, but we did get to boost our gang task force.

You bring up an interesting point. Yes, they can only deport. That doesn’t mean that they are the only ones that can arrest. Clutter up the desk enough, and eventually it’ll get cleaned. Local government doesn’t have to deport them. Federal government drives the garbage scow. Local government can fill the cargo. Get it full enough, and the scow will have to set sail. So…. why now?

By One Man's View

June 27, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Having read the orginal post very carefully several times, I reach the conclusion that I don’t have a clue about what is being said.

I think the point is that independent thought is good, but then that is intermingled with comments about choices, abortion views and support, the need for dependents, watch NBC, ANWR and energy needs that are not particularly clarifying.

Parties can certainly provide focus, but the problem in this era is that we have Republican lite and Republican standard for the two parties.

By Sandy_G

June 27, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

I’d like to know when we are going to address the issue of a mass-transit system in this county that rides on rails instead of tires?

I’d like to know why Gwinnett County is not complying with State and Federal laws requiring proof of citizenship when applying for state aid such as food stamps, welfare and other benefits?

I’d like to know what our illustrious “leaders” are going to do to keep businesses and jobs in this county?

I’d like to know when the county is going to start requiring developers to put up money for infrasture BEFORE they break ground on a new subdivision?

I’d like to know when our county leaders are going to step out of the 20th century mind-set regarding transportation, development and education and try something new for a change?

By Eric Adams

June 27, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

I would like to read a Bruce Wilcox post that does not mention in anyway the Stadium.

By jester

June 27, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Good one, Eric.

By Bruce Wilcox

June 27, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Never happen Eric, it’s voters like jester and you that by ignoring these back rooms deals allow the abuse of power that our commissioners have been allowed to enjoy for so long.

Bill, the problem with calling out the posse and rounding them up is that we pay for them until the feds can can around to them, that’s why the new program is important, it will move them out quicker saving the taxpayers $$$$.

By Michael H. Smith

June 28, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

I’m an independent conservative how does that figure into your definition Bill? Add to that a progressive populist, does that break the constraints of your dictionary? If so, have you ever read about Theodore Roosevelt? Perhaps we need a new dictionary? I often disagree with the politicians in both major political parties on the major issue: Like healthcare, the economy, immigration, trade, taxes, energy, water and environment, education, the entitlement programs and foreign diplomacy.

Take Energy Independence as an example which I’ve advocated for over the last 8 “baby oil” Bush years to the point of embarrassment if not exhaustion.

I can easily see protecting ANWR for another 100 years while plundering other areas of the country for domestic oil till 100 nuclear power plants are built; half of them within ten years by removing 20 years of worthless government paper work and regulation that serves nothing more than the bureaucrats in securing a bureaucracy’s feeding at the public trough. Use of more coal and sequester the carbon produced from it by using algae that feeds on carbon dioxide, which would in turn be converted into cleaner burning bio-diesel. I can see removing tariffs on foreign sugar and foreign produced ethanol while simultaneously producing increased ethanol and bio-diesel domestically without using a single kernel of corn to the dismay of Senator Grassley by cultivating switch-grass and kudzu on the poorest of agricultural land. Mandate energy independence and the needed infrastructure to make it a reality within a decade. Remove the barriers that now exist that prohibit cars being built inside the U.S. like the Fiat Siena tetra-fuel that can use four different fuels: pure gasoline, pure ethanol, natural gas or a mixture of gasoline and ethanol, much to the chagrin of Caps and Trades and these meaningless Café Standards. Create incentives for the private sector to build the necessary multi-fuel and battery exchange infrastructure necessary to make flex/tetra-fuel and hybrid electric cars practical for everyday use until the hydrogen economy inevitably comes into to being.

But, I cannot see an explanation to give Senator Kerry as to why the last man in Iraq will have to die for next gallon of gas I’ll have put into the tank of my car. I’ll not be able to find a worthy explanation to give my grandchildren as to why my generation failed to produce leaders like Teddy Roosevelt who built the Panama Channel in about a decade, or like his cousin FDR who built who built the atomic bomb in far less time than a decade, or like John Kennedy whose vision of reaching the moon came to pass within a decade, or like Ronald Reagan who had a simply plan of victory to defeat an evil empire that he collapsed in less than ten years by announcing the strategic defense initiative, when we won.

The only pathetic answer I’ll have to offer my grandchildren will be that such Americans as these leaders who rushed to secure peace and prosperity in attempts to avoid the haste to make war were outsourced offshore to the pages of a long ago forgotten history way back when America allowed the Americans to win before we imported an estranged polyglot squabbling Congress determined to set the power of lobbyist, foreign government interests and the body of shameless party politic above the principles of serving America and the common American first.

By Roska

June 30, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Michael H Smith for president!

By Jais

June 30, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

If not him, flipper. Obama is a bag of wind. If is poked him with my car keys he would fly around the room while he deflated and fell limp on the floor.

By Eric Adams

July 1, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Bruce,

Where did I state I supported the Stadium? Where did I state I am un-aware of “back room deals”? What makes you think that I as a voter am unaware of what is going on? Once again you assume…I would like just one or two post without you tying in the stadium in some back handed comment. Your views and concerns stand on their own..very well. There is no reason to libel someone.

Please show me what specifically in my post lead you to believe that I am an unaware voter.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 2, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this

Well it seems you’re saying, “See No Evil, Hear No Evil”, for some strange reason my pointing out the back room deals and how we, the taxpayers, get shafted bothers you?

I did not assume anything, that is the impression I got from a one liner that says they don’t want to hear they’re getting shafted by the commissioners.

So I may be wrong about you being unaware voter, you just endorse what goes on in this county.

Read today’s article about the Board of Education and how they spend millions upon millions behind closed doors, what’s that Tax we pay, “The Slush Fund”?

Open Government doesn’t exsist in Gwinnett, it seems like it never will.

Libel, now that’s funny.

By Eric Adams

July 2, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Where Bruce did I state this? I was, a you always do, making an obeservation. Ironic how in my points I show apprication to your contribution but stating that your points stand well on their own, then you once again resort to low ball tatics.

What specifically lead you to that impression?

I am well aware of the back room deals, the closed meetings. You just take every chance you get to repeat it about just the Stadium.

Every chance you get you have to prove how intelligent you are….. don’t be a jerk. Dont assume you are smarter than everyone.

Your points are well thought out and expressed with skill.

Shouldn’t that be enough for you….

By Michael H. Smith

July 2, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

A couple of parting thoughts Bill.

There really is such a political species known as moderate, though admittedly they are an endangered species they do deserve an honorable mention.

If this truly was our election, we would have ballot access. Only a few States have that right. Georgia was at one time a ballot access State. When that right - ballot access - is restored to the people of Georgia then it will be our election and not their election.

Tyrants fear the voice of the people - ballot initiative and referendum - with good reason and that reason is independence.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 2, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Mr. Adams, I suggest you get over it, what was a one line insult on how and what I care to write about, you want to turn it into a full blown discussion, I am not falling for it.

My position is clear.

By Tim

July 2, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Open government like you think you want doesn’t exist in America at all. And for good reason. That reason being is that with a truly open government you will have every nutcase on the planet trying to bog down the government with their B.S. When you allow the whole county to take a vote on every little issue that comes up, you will have nothing but a mess. And Bruce, Democrats are the ones who like to keep things private. You need to check out your buddy at the helm of DeKalb CEO if you want to see private business in government. We elect people to represent us. When they don’t, we elect someone else. The government does not work the way you claim it should for VERY GOOD reason. If everyone got to say their mind on every issue, why would we need elected officials? Bruce, as a typical Democrat, you will dream up corruption in government if it is Republican run, and then completely ignore the ineptness and corruption of any Democratic government operating anywhere. Don’t forget, your Democrat buddies have a large lead on corrupt politicians who have ended up in jail. This is a Republic, not a Democracy. Elect someone to represent you, then shut up until election day comes around again. If you think you can do better, RUN!

By Bruce Wilcox

July 2, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Tim it’s about Gwinnett county, no Democrat has been in power since 1985, the same weak arguement you pull out everytime. Educate yourself Tim, read the Open Meetings Law.

I’m not a Democrat, I’m a Liberal, Southern Democrats are hardly liberal.

Now in Gwinnett, Republican since 85’, a Republican DA, a Republicam Sheriff, a State Republican Ethic’s Committee, seems like corruption is pretty safe in Gwinnett County goverment.

If you want to be a lemming, so be it, but please educate yourself and come up with an intelligent debate that addresses Gwinnett issues.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 2, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Tim since I know you refuse to educate yourself, I’ll make it easy.

Any gathering of a quorum of the members of a governing body of an agency, or any committee or subcommittee of that governing body, where any public matter, official business or policy of the agency is to be discussed, presented, formulated or at which official action is to be taken, including even the making or consideration of recommendations, is a meeting required to be open under Georgia law. However, if a quorum of a governing body gathers solely for the purpose of making inspections of physical facilities under their jurisdiction or for the purpose of meeting with other governing bodies, officers, agents, or employees of other agencies at places outside of the geographical jurisdiction of the agency and at which no final official action is to be taken, such meetings are not covered under the Open Meetings Act.

O.C.G.A. § 50-14-1(a)(2).

By Eric Adams

July 2, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Then lets have the discussion somewhere else.

How about the coffeeshop in Norcross.

If you truly feel insulted, I am sorry.

Maybe I am uneducated after all.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 2, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Sure Eric, give me a call my number is in the book.

By Jais

July 3, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

If I might interject here

both of you guys should walk out in the street and deal with it, you will find out that in this state at least, EVERYTHING is f**d up. Liberals here are just welfare white trash and the republicans are democrats wearing the name.

Lasseter, bannister are the antichrists of GA.

Lorraine green is now as corrupt as all of them. She’s even got butch conway (A complete and utter asswipe) gunning for her- probably literally, too. He himself is a pretty corrupt sumbitch.

Pirkle? Don’t even make me laugh- he’s a businessman looking to take all the yummy kickbacks construction moguls put out here.

all of our choices are as good as no choice at all. We get to choose between worse or outright decay.

This state is screwed. and if you dumb negroes have anything to do with it, Obama will be right on their heels to bring us all down like we’ve never seen before. The great depression will look like a sneeze on wall street if you elect this corrupt career politician.

America will quickly spiral downward until there is utter chaos in the streets. If this is what you trash and niggs want, so be it. We will just go ahead and announce war on your filthy kind.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 3, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Hey Jais, have a nice Fourth.

By dog

July 3, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

jais,

Which office will you be running for so you can fix all of this? You seem to have identified all of the problems and you seem to have the solutions (you must have read “Mein Kampf” recently). Please, save us from ourselves.

By Jais

July 3, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

here, I found a really great article about this sort of thing and how most whites (still the majority in this country) feel about obama, Lasseter, and just about every other asswipe in the field of politico-sciences.

http://www.heretical.com/ofarrell/gloating.html

By jester

July 4, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

You’ve done it, jais. You have proven that there is a grain of truth to the saying, “Better for everyone to think you’re an idiot, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”. So much for any credibility you had, dude. It’s gone now.

By Cindy

July 5, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

Lorraine green is now as corrupt as all of them.

I’ll bite…elaborate? Not opinions, but facts please? Facts with merit.

By jester

July 5, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Keep it up, jais. Continue to destroy your cred. I do owe you thanks for defending your country and our freedom….I have to give you that. As a result, you maintain your right to speak your mind, no matter how stupid you sound. I salute you.

That being said, I think you suffered some mental or emotional damage as a result of your deployment overseas. Seek help. The VA is there for folks just like you, who can’t let it go.

By Cindy

July 5, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Jester, That’s exactly what I think and the conclusion I’ve reached too. Perhaps PTSD. What normal human wouldn’t be affected by going to war, ya know?

Jais, thank you for defending us. And Jester is absolutely right about your freedom of speech. That’s why, above, I asked you for facts to support your opinions.

By Jais

July 5, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

LOL do you think this is dead serious, come on…it’s a blog on puissant little newspaper website. I’m actually nothing like that. Sick sense of humor syndrome i guess.

By Michael H. Smith

July 5, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

I want to live in an America that strives to live up to its ideals, that continues its journey toward a “more perfect union.” And if good patriots don’t point out its shortcomings, who will?

Glad you asked, Ms. Tucker.

When any sensible mind stands back to look at things in reality, in a purely American prospective, absent of serving any other interests than to provide for the greater good of the country, should either Mr. Obama or McCain and their respective political parties be given a pass on their declaration of impeccable patriotism?

Patriotism probably means many things to many people. Understandably, when everyone is different and experiences life differently. Mr. McCain touts his military experience. Mr. Obama touts his community service. Both certainly have their place and merit for speaking proudly. While others will never serve in the military or live a life of serving others in their community their patriotism is no less laudable when they live a lawful productive life in support of our country.

“For patriotism is something you never have to wear or declare; patriotism is a testament you can only live.”

I will always honor those who have served in the military of this country so long as they honor this country and their military service. To quip remarks, such as the one made by Mr. Obama’s Rev. Wright in retort of Dick Cheney: Saying I served he didn’t, does that make me a patriot…. Well, my answer in retort to Mr. Wright is contained in this question: Benedict Arnold also served in America’s military, did his service make him a patriot?

“For patriotism is something you never have to wear or declare; patriotism is a testament you can only live.”

I will always honor the patriotism of men and women that strive as our elected servants to see that the Progressive promise set forth long ago in the era of Populism established by President Theodore Roosevelt is fulfilled in fair play and the square deal that every American deserves and nothing more; so long, as these men and women that strive as our elected servants do honor the citizens of our country with their patriotism.

“For patriotism is something you never have to wear or declare; patriotism is a testament you can only live.”

However, what patriotism is it that demands illegal immigration should be tolerated, if not absolutely rewarded in violation of the law, in establishing Anti-American policy?

What patriotism is it that demands guest-worker programs, acceptance of unlimited numbers of immigrants to an economy that has produced 6 straight months of increased unemployment, increased debt and financial ruin sacrificing many members of its’ own citizenry?

What patriotism is it that demands every job must be filled to gratify commerce with an absolute leverage over the workers to suppress if not to deny them any possibility of a living wage?

What patriotism is it that says a man or a woman should need such a thing as a union to enjoy the simplest of dignities in being treated like a human being and not as a labor unit of commodity?

What patriotism is it that surrenders, nay encourages, in subsidy to a foreign shore the livelihoods of its’ fellow countrymen!

I’ll not belabor the issue of this unbearable inquiry any further, rather, I’ll leave for others to decide and answer Mr. President and Congress, Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama, what patriotism is all of this, if it is not a questionable one that demands questioning?

“For patriotism is something you never have to wear or declare; patriotism is a testament you can only live.”

By Cindy

July 5, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Aw silly me. I didn’t realize that accusing Green of being corrupt and calling the sheriff an asswipe was supposed to be funny. See, now I know! Hahahaha. Oh wait…it’s still not funny. FAIL.

Do your comments have any merit or not? Until you provide something containing some facts, it’s like when you half kill a bug and then toy with it out of meanness. But at least now, we’ll all know how to interpret you.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 6, 2008 5:04 AM | Link to this

Well Cindy since you have joined the bandwagon of Green’s butt-kissers, please tell me what she has done? In her own district we still have permits going out for more STRIP MALLS? Do you really think it will be any different?

Green, like all of them were in on the stadium scan, plus her own ‘hire no illegal’ program which will cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars before any business will be inspecteded and the ordinannce is already two years old.

I would like to see Green stand up and in her own words exlpain why her program has cost the county so much money and yet has not even gone to effect. I would be willing as a taxpayer to in a public forum debate this and several others issues.

Come on down to the South End of the County, let’s talk if you care.

By Cindy

July 6, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

Bruce,

How many of the forums have you been to? Where is the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on this ordinance? If it was so bad, it makes me wonder why Bannister now claiming he was the one that got it passed? That’s weird.

I wonder if you truly want to discuss this with me or if you never intended to hear what I have to say. Sometimes it’s ok for us to change our minds. Sometimes I have to change what I think and what I stand for, when I learn new stuff. Or sometimes when I realize that something is ok or better than the alternative, ya know?

I’m already down in the south end of the county (Snellville is about as far South Gwinnett as it gets…I’m about 1 mile from the Gwinnett/Rockdale line) and have talked to you since I first saw you online. So what do you mean by Come on down to the South End of the County, let’s talk if you care.”?

By Michael H. Smith

July 6, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

I haven’t been to any forums as of late Cindy, though, I cannot allow this occasion to pass without voicing from recollection one particular town-hall meeting several years back when Charles Bannister - then a state representative while speaking against creating six commission districts - spoke out in favor of raising the pay of county commissioners. I do believe Mr. Bob Griggs might recall the events of that night, seeing as how Mr. Bannister called him down for interrupting him while he had the floor.

Strange how Mr. Bannister now condemns the very commissioner pay raises he called for and supported back then, before he ran for the Chairmanship. Is that a flip-flop?

Even more Hillerious (sic) is his touting of a refusal to take a pay raise. When albeit, he deferred to the county administrator Mr. Connell so much of the responsibilities of his office. Mr. Connell, who in fact, did receive a raise in pay along with added perks.

Well, Mr. Bannister, for doing half the job do you really think you deserve more than half the pay?

I really hate to now have to confess the truth but - despite our political differences - comparatively speaking Wayne Hill did twice the work at half the pay he was worth.

Citing a few issues of established fact:

When campaigning for the Chairmanship Mr. Bannister spoke about the declining neighborhoods in the older sections of the county, once elected what actions did Mr. Bannister take, other than to let a newly elected district commissioner shoulder that responsibility and take on the task of addressing those quality of life issues?

When in the midst of drought as now we remain, what was Mr. Bannister’s course of action, a deferral to Rep. John Linder ‘s water initiatives, though, he had none of his own to bring to the table?

While county residents have screamed for years *about the impact illegal immigration was having upon the county were was Mr. Bannister, lost in a fog only to discover fours after his election to the Chairmanship that it was time to do something like 287g, a joint Federal and local law enforcement program that has been around for 12 years?

When Sheriff Conway finally spoke out on the 287g joint Federal and local law enforcement partnership program to point out that by canceling a State contract he could save more than enough money to hire the necessary staff to participate in the 287g program with I.C.E. what was Mr. Bannister’s response, other than to throw up a roadblock to stop the very thing he said it was time to do?

Now Mr. Bannister touts of creating 21,000 jobs in the county: Which begs to question, with all the of the For Sale signs around and foreclosures taking place, what jobs and at what level of pay?

Oh, by the way, when is the CD going to come out, I can’t wait to see how Lorraine does Vegas?

Please pass the Fritos, Cindy.

  • The recent report from the Congressional Budget Office cites that illegal aliens costs local governments more money in the services they use than they pay for in taxes.

By Cindy

July 6, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Good grief Michael! That was quite the eloquent post. Thanks!

You hit the nail on the head with so many points…ah why be shy…ALL your points.

I don’t like to degrade anyone but Bannister just puts himself out there and begs for it. How on Earth can he complain and condemn the people who, on their own time, helped with Greens campaign? Are we supposed to believe he has no help, or imports his help from unbiased people who live outside of Gwinnett County?

There’s nothing wrong with citing his accomplishments if he can think of some, but to try to intimidate others into not standing up and supporting who they believe in…well, that’s just plain wrong. And I don’t like it.

Not only does he let other commissioners bear the burden of things he promised, but also he’ll put in place obstacles so that if/when the project fails, it’s not to his disgrace, but theirs.

We do not need all fresh officials, as I’ve seen stated before, but we do need to replace some of them.

As far as the illegals using more tax dollars than they contribute, you couldn’t be any more correct. I used to believe otherwise, but I have since come to my senses. It’s like I said before, sometimes you have to change what you believe and stand up for. I don’t mind admitting when I’m wrong.

I never get campaign literature because I’m not on anyones list. Just moved back to the county at the end of January.

And I still like Fritos. :) Passing them to you now.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 6, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Is there something over the counter you can buy to your boost your ego’s or do you need a script? The challenge to debate the issues was for Green not you Cindy, sorry if that busts your bubble.

Why do you Green butt kissers attack Bannister instead of the issues? No one yet, including Green with all of her many photo-ops, shown what she has done besides pose?

Tell me, how can you trust a commissioner who worked over a year behind closed doors, without any public input and maybe at best at toeing the Open Meeting Act, to build the Braves a private stadium on the taxpayers dime, why does she get a free ride, are Republicans really lemming as I used to jooke about?

By Cindy

July 6, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

I don’t need a presciption, thanks. Since you were typing to me, per your “Well, Cindy…” I wondered what you meant, so I asked. What a concept, huh?

And you can check your firehat at the door too, if you think that gives you a free pass to talk down to me…FAIL.

That’s the second time you’ve called me a buttkisser…I’m beginning to lose my respect for you, sir. It really calls into question, anything you say, and your motives, when all you can do is degrade and blatantly insult anyone who doesn’t agree with you or constantly shriek about the stadium.

By Michael H. Smith

July 6, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Once upon a time there was this President, a very plain spoken sort of fellow who was not known to mince words. Some people didn’t care for the language he chose to use and even more people hated that language when it told the truth. Especially when that truth was told on them.

As the lovable crusty Harry Truman use to say, Cindy. I never gave anyone hell. I only told the truth and they thought it was hell.

If the truth is degrading, because one didn’t make a better grade to speak of, then perhaps that particular someone should have done their homework before they came to Commissioner class and took the Chairman test.

Other than the opinions expressed previously, just showing up in a suit and picking-up a taxpayer provided pay-check doesn’t deserve a passing grade from me.

By Cindy

July 6, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Michael,

I find myself wondering if I’ve just been told off or not.

By Michael H. Smith

July 6, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Not really Cindy, I simply told you the truth, brash as it may be. As you have so diplomatically brought to fore, with so much negative campaigning going on and surely more will be desperately published in the future and knowing all the political players involved I simply felt it necessary to point out that failure like success is usually earned and the rewards for each are “POSITIVELY” justly deserved.

Mr. Bannister had his chance. He did not lead as Chairman, Commissioner Green will. Now it is time for him to go.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 7, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Cindy, would you care to show me where I used my firehat (helmet) in any discussion in this column?

While you feel you may have been insulted you still have refused why Green should get a free pass on the stadium scam? Why she gets a free pass on the ‘hire no illegal’ ordinance, the one that was suppose to cost around $185,000 to train the staff, of course that was before the firse lawsuit was threaten, then just before the second lawsuit was threaten, watering it down even more, they were ready to hire a firm for a few hundred thousand to explain how to handle the ordinance they wrote and passed?

Green is the best you got? Bannister was the great white hope the last time around, now he is the worse thing to ever hit Gwinnett? I guess when the residents limit their choice to only one party it really doesn’t give them a lot to chose from.

By Roska

July 7, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

To Bruce:

Drive down Memorial Drive in Dekalb, or in the city of Atlanta, or any of the other areas controlled by Democrats in the metro area and tell me why I’d want to turn over Gwinnett to them?

When people stop ranting and actually get out in their community to DO SOMETHING about decay instead of insisting that the GUVMENT do everything is when things will change.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 7, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Instead you rather have the Republicans scaming the taxpayers behind closed doors, pass expense feel good laws and decide who will pick up your trash. Open government is closed in Gwinnett and with a Republican D.A. whose going to investigate?

I am out in my community, old timers tell me how wonderful this county was in 1985, the last year of Democratic control, and how terrible it has become.

Yes, the Republicans have done a lot for Gwinnett, grid-lock and over developement. As one of the commissioners said, “We know what’s best for them”, gee it must be nice to be lemming and have others do the thinking for you.

Drive down Buford Highway or Jimmy Carter, sections of Pleasant Hill or 78 and tell me why you want the Republicans to remain in power? If you can see through the pollution tell me where all the trees have gone? Over on Old Norcross a brand spanking new school is being built, trailers included. A sheriff who acts like a child everytime he is asked to do his job, give me more, more more or I won’t play. The sheriff can’t be fired because he’s elected, imagine the fire or the police chief pulling the same temper tantrums as the sheriff, how long would they last?

The Government in Gwinnett serves the developers and the Braves, not much of a difference from DeKalb or Atlanta.

As far as “instead of insisting that the GUVMENT do everything”, get real, they’re picking out your trash service, Republicans are so funny.

By Jais

July 8, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

I’ll say this: Greene IS a democrat. So is bannister, they just wear the name tag to get the vote. This corruption reeks of democrat and bribes.

Bruce…democrats never did anything good for this state. Ever. Period. We haven’t had a good politician here since the civil war. The rest are corrupt, elitist and on the take; a legacy that continues to this very day.

I will back you up and say that greene is in the back room most of the night, taking kickbacks and setting up feelgood funds for her time off. Anyone who has gwinnet access channel can see this any given night a meeting is happening.

Bannister is a white, drunk, dishonest pig of a human being who intends to milk this state until it is no longer producing. He’s a horrible manupilator and a theif at this, fck anyone who votes for him, I hope you rot in hell.

It doesn’t stop there. How about the governer? Can you believe this asswipe?! “Oh, i know I won;t stand up for your water rights, seeing as the river runs through georgia first anywho…but I’m going to just lay down, give in to ANOTHER STATE THAT HAS NO POWER OVER US and then pray about it. Yeah…that’s a great idea I’ll just pray instead of do my job…”

I’m with wilcox on the idea that things get done by GETTING THEM GOD DAMN DONE, not standing around talking and accepting illegal bribes from roadbuilders and special intrest. And, as we all know…our politicians in Georgia are almost entirely on the take of one orginization or another. Including this bunch of no-goods.

The only reason Conway supports Greene is because he’s been offered a higher political career if she wins. (Butch conway is himself a criminal- guilty of thousands of acts depriving our citizens of their contitutional and civil rights)

Although I see intellegence here at times, I also see a lot of really deluded people who think all this ends on one side of the line or the other.

The fact is it’s not even about parties anymore. It’s about corruption and it’s about cutting off the thumb to save the hand. We as citizens need to do more than vote. We need to challenge and force these a***** IN PERSON to answer for what they’ve done.

The commercials and slogans kill me this year: they all claim that EVERY CANDIDATE is responsible for attacking illegal immigration. That’s a lie, none of them have fought for anything. They have and continue to step around the issue as best they can. When asked who allowed it to grow out of control, EVERY CANDIDATE SAYS EVERY OTHER CANDIDATE IS TO BLAME?! THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE AND CANNOT BE TRUE AT ALL.

These asswipes think we’re dumb is what it is. And for the most part they are right. This state has white trash and d******* like no other place on the globe I’ve ever visited. The country of BELIZE is better off for god’s sake, and they are in the middle of a g******* jungle and ruled by dictators.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 8, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

One party rule is never good, one party ruling for a couple of decades is a disaster. When there is no opposition, there isn’t really any representation of “The People”. Example a commissioner, “knows what is best for them” statement, until the voters of Gwinnett underswtand that, they’ll keep getting shafted, replacing the great white hope every four years with the same party is the perfect example of insanity, ‘Keep doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

Jais a Southern Democrrat is a Northern Republican, a Southern Republican, well, is lemming a fitting word? Right now only Democrats are running against the Powers, but I’d wouldn’t care if a real local independent party was formed and ran. As long as you have some opposition on the board from an different party, I could care less what party it was from, the Smurf party, the Green party, the Taxpayer party, but break the Iron Fist rule.

By dog

July 8, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Again, when will we see your names on the ballot? You folks talk a good game….Put your money where your mouth is.

By Jais

July 8, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

All too correct.

side note, have you ever seen the spoof of “still just a bill” on saturday night live? Was a hand-animated video of this kid asking an incumbent questions. Went something like “Kid: So no one can challenge an incumbent? Senator: Oh, they’re welcome to try, Billy. But you see- I have soft money, pork barrel money, hard money, oil money, bribe money, campaign money and if that doesn’t work I have my department of dirty tricks. (hands slap GAY sign on other guy’s chest). Kid: Damn, so it’s not worth it any way you cut it. Senator: Basically.”

Was a hilarious sketch you could probably youtube. It ended up something like “Kid: I think I’m gonna be sick… Senator: It’s ok, Billy- happens to all of ‘em eventually. Kid: Well, at least I still have mom and dad. (They begin walking) Senator: Well, Billy- I have some terrible news…”

By dog

July 8, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Shame of it, Jais, is that you’re probably right. However, nothing will change if there is no catalyst. Personally, I could never be in politics. My worst fear is that I might not be able to resist the temptation of all the money sliding my way to vote this way or that. I am not sure Lincoln could have resisted that.

And I’m not sure if local or fed gov’t is worse.

Bottom Line: Given all of the issues discussed above, I can’t think of a better place to live than the US. Sure the economy is crap right now, but it isn’t as bad as alot of places. I was a little disappointed to see your threat to move to Belize earlier. I doubt things are much better there (grass is always greener kind of thing).

I don’t have the answers, and I am wary of making suggestions. Not saying that the legislators are doing a good job, but I’m not sure I could do better. And I hate to say that. I really do.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 8, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

dog, you’ll see my name on the ballot as soon as the New York Yankee Liberal Party is formed, care to sign up?

Missed it, but so ture.

By curious

July 8, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Jais, did the sheriff not give you your medication last time you were picked up? Last I looked Sheriff was as high as someone in law enforcement can go. Bruce, is it a good thing that a police chief and fire chief can’t stand up and tell the truth about what public safety needs? You two need to go cuddle up with each other and spew your hate to someone that wants to hear it. Have fun boys.

By not curious

July 8, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

You two need to go cuddle up with each other and spew your hate to someone that wants to hear it. Have fun boys.

That’s what they’ve been doing here today. :) IF they’re even two seperate people. I’m not convinced.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 8, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

curious, I’ll type slower for you can understand, the sheriff puts on temper tantrums everytime he’s asked to do his job demanding more and more till he gets it, being elected like the rest of the gang, he can’t be fired.

Now a police or fire chief ever threw a temper trantrum like the sheriff, making demands or else and runs boo-hooing to the AJC they would be canned asap.

Hate, try the facts lemming.

By curious

July 8, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

That’s the point dummass, the sheriff works for us. The chiefs work for the politicians. The chiefs can’t complain when the politicians don’t get it.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 9, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Like duh, what do you think the point was I wrote it,. “The sheriff can’t be fired because he’s elected,” and this county the sheriff works for his ego only.

By Jais

July 9, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

no doubt, Conway is the most ineffectual sheriff we have in the southeast. He’s the Jimmy Carter of sheriffs.

By not curious

July 9, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Works for his ego? Whats he done to make you say that?

By Cindy

July 9, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Jais,

That’s the most ignorant thing you’ve said yet.

Also consider this…nobody’s begging you to stick around…if it’s so bad, hit the trail.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 9, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

He’s on an ego trip all the time, power, make the commissioners kiss his butt, give me more or I won’t do this, give me more or I’ll stop teaching DARE in classrooms, hey look at me, I love puppies. It would be great if he could handle his job without boo-hooing all the time and demanding help, everybody in every business or government could use more, more, more, most have to to do the best they can with what they have.

He went over the top with another demand for more help to teach DARE in the schools or else he’ll just stop the program, he loves puppies, just not kids.

By Cindy

July 9, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

That’s not even the name of the program.

You should deal more with facts instead of emotions. It seems like you’re jealous of Sheriff Conway, and as a result, condemn anything he or anyone he knows, does.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 9, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

What is the Southern name for DARE? Teaching children in school about drugs is far more important than his ego.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 9, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

I stand corrected on two issues, the sheriff has already canceled teaching the classes.

But the most important, according to Cindy, DARE is now called A.D.V.A.N.C.E., so with the different name does it make it any difference?

By Cindy

July 9, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Region has nothing to do with the topic at hand.

A.D.V.A.N.C.E. program, which stands for “Avoiding Drugs, Violence and Negative Choices Early.”

Instead of blaming it on his ego or puppies, why don’t you call or email the sheriff and ask him the real reason the program is being discontinued? Make a time to sit down face to face with him. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed with your findings.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 9, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

I know the reason, he boo-hooed it to the AJC, he needs more help, help, help. TWO, TWO more officers, instead of handling the problem like a man, he cancels the program, smart guy.

Gee, why is Johnny on drugs? OH, our sheriff had a temper tantrum and cancel the program.

If you run for the office, stop whining and do the job, if you can’t handle it with what you have, why keep running? Is it because this county will re-elect you no matter what kind of job you do, party over results.

By Cindy

July 9, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Again, if you want facts instead of speculation…call or email the sheriff and make an appointment to have a nice sit down with him. He’ll be glad to releive you of your misconceptions.

P.S. you can’t blame the county or the republican party for re-electing him over all the other candidates that think they can do a better job…oh that’s right…nobody else thought that.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 9, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

Just quoting what he said in the AJC, if the AJC is good enough for the sheriff, why isn’t it good enough for me?

Do you have something against Free Speech?

By Cindy

July 10, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Bruce, if that’s your quotes, I wouldn’t want to see you paraphrasing.

As to your comment of doing the job with what’s at hand…get real. Is that the attitude with firemen? I don’t think so. Otherwise why would the new firestations get approved? Why would stations get new Med Units and firetrucks? In case you’re at a loss for sensible words…it’s plain and simple…it’s needed to do the job.

Am I against free speech? I scoff at your ploy to redirect the conversation into a meaningless arguement. Just because I introduced the concept of going to the source for information, doesn’t indicate at attempt to stifle you.

Discuss like a big boy or cease and desist.

By Cindy

July 10, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Sit on a line on the screen? Jais, that doesn’t even make sense. I’ll just go sit in the corner and wipe my “poor me, nobody likes me” tears away, like a good little girl. Not. NEXT…

By Michael H. Smith

July 10, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

After this election cycle the Sheriff should realize he has a communication problem with the public. His newly added presentation of 287g on the departments Website shows me he is coming around to the idea that he is an elected official that is accountable to the voters.

Take this for whatever it is worth Sheriff Conway. You owe the people of this County information as to the goings on at the Sheriff’s Department, more so than you owe the BOC. We can fire you, they can’t. We can also apply pressure on the BOC where you can’t. We can fire them too!

By Bruce Wilcox

July 10, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Cindy I cannot remember our Fire Chief having temper tantrums and running to the AJC? Would you refresh my memory where and when the Fire Chief stomped his feet and canceled a program that benefits the community unless he got what he wanted?

New fire stations are controlled mostly by the population in a area, not by a Fire Chief holding his breath until he gets a new one.

“doing the job with what’s at hand…get real. Is that the attitude with firemen?” It’s not attitude, it’s reality.

The Commissioners should send Conway a copy of Mick Jaggers, “You Can’t Always Get Want You Want” tune.

By Cindy

July 10, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

I do believe the funding comes from one and the same.

If new fire stations, and them being manned, is controlled mostly by the population, tell me why that doesn’t apply to policing also.

Are you saying that the number of Fire Services Employees shouldn’t increase even though the number of stations to be covered does increase?

By Tim Shay

July 10, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

The Gwinnett County Sheriff has been and is wasting a ton of money on the criminal state of Georgia’s “sex offender” hysteria. Personally, I’ve had it with the state and counties wasting my money on something that is so clearly based on nothing but a bunch of lies and falsehoods. It has gotten so bad it is immoral.

I will be voting for and supporting whatever candidates will work hard to keep money out of the hands of the Gwinnett County Sheriff (and away from all government agencies would be a plus). I will continue to work to keep them broke until the criminal state of Georgia decides to operate in reality instead of their “sex offender” anti-reality, anti-factual, anti-American world.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 10, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

You’re not making any sense Cindy. Does the Sheriff and his posse hit the streets 24/7 rounding up all the varmits or is that the understaffed county police departments duty? I believe the Sheriffs biggest duty is to keep the jail ,serve warrents, evict people and used to include teach drug education. You should really take down your poster of the Sheriff astride his mighty steed, maybe you may see things a little clearer.

Look at the number of police officers we have compared to the population it’s dangerous. When the Village CID has to hire off-duty officers to patrol it tells you there are not enough officers to do the job.

No fire service anywhere is manned as it should be and it is the first to get cut if the budget has to pay for, say a failed stadium, those are the facts.

By Cindy

July 10, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Bruce no matter how many times you repeat your inaccuracies, they won’t become reality.

My sheriff poster astride his mighty steed…now that is LOL funny…I gotta give you that.

Tim Shay, what??? If you’re a sex offender and being held accountable for it…that’s not our fault. Only sex offenders complain about the way sex offenders are treated.

By Bruce Wilcox

July 10, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Cindy what happened in Gwinnett county last night because of the storms gives an example of not enough manpower at the time. Woman down, hit by lightening, three houses on fire, where do the men/women come from? Let me tell you, the dispatcher center under the orders of the Chief will start moving equipment around to give the best coverage he can, if the incident is that major you can always call on the depatments next door, the other ccounties. Plus each county have special units that are more than willing to lend a hand.

The so-called inaccuracies I quote appeared/appear in this paper, I DO NOT make anything up on the sheriff.

It is only my opinion from what has appeared in print that makes me feel the sheriff can not handle the job. I have had no problem with and/or meeting ever with the Gwinnett County Sheriffs Department, hope I never do. I’m sure the Sheriff is capable as a Lawman, just not the level of Sheriff.

By Tim Shay

July 11, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Cindy @ 7/10 1:37 PM: Actually, there are NO decent people who know the facts and also support how people on Georgia’s Sex Offender Registry have been treated. Not a single one. It is immoral and it is certainly not American. However, I will give you the benefit of the doubt for not knowing this because I expect you are like the vast majority of people and actually know very, very little of the subject.

For people who have been paying attention, it has become indisputable and crystal clear that our nation’s Sex Offender Registries and especially all the ever-increasingly worthless tag-along laws that they have enabled (e.g. Banishment) are not really about “public safety” or “protecting children”. That MAY have been the intent in the beginning but today it is nothing but a huge lie.

Unfortunately, Georgia’s legislators continue to lie over and over again and completely refuse to treat this issue on the basis of facts. They are really nothing more than a bunch of criminals. Thankfully for all Americans, the courts have been telling them that over and over again and invalidating their “laws”. The courts will continue to do that, but even in the end once all the dust settles, our nation will still be left with a ton of useless, counter-productive, worse-than-worthless laws for harassing/punishing people who have previously been convicted of sexual offenses. And as they are today, the laws will never be good for our society. We could focus on trying to reduce sexual offenses but apparently the vast majority of Americans just want to feel good.

By Jais

July 11, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

FACT: Butch Conway raises horses and is rather well-off.

FACT: His county jail has the highest number of criminal complaints against officers and workers.

FACT: Conway is rarely at work.

FACT: Conway has dodged his responsibilities on illegal immigration, crime, law enforcement and continues to.

FACT: Conway, being offered a HIGHER POSITION OF AUTHORITY IN THIS STATE has decided to back Greene. Nobody else will work with him.

FACT: Conway’s employees regularly deprive minorities and ethnic classes of their civil rights.

FACT: Conway’s misuses of taxpayer funding have risen to the tens of millions, and yet we still have little mexico towns all around this county, contributing to crime. Crime he refuses to fight.

FACT: Conway receives bribes (Donations) from several elitist criminal groups such as NAMBLA, the coalition for immigrant rights, roadbuilders and construction moguls.

Now, cindy and the rest of you miserable, disgusting sheep- disprove all the above statements. You can and will not because they are facts, verifiable and undeniable. I’ll sit back and watch you asswipes explode with corrupt, deluded fury.

By justin

July 11, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Sorry, not worth responding to.

By Tim Shay

July 11, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Jais @ 7/11 10:48 AM: I’ll give you another extremely egregious fact about the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department (GCSD):

FACT: While operating its glorious Sex Offender Registry, the GCSD regularly, knowingly, and willingly operates beyond and outside of the law. They do not follow the law, they do what they like if they can get away with it.

Their law-breaking has been pointed out to them on many occasions and even when it is obvious, they usually will not stop. They usually must be stopped with legal action. In the past sometimes, that has involved nothing more contacting the county’s attorneys. But, just this morning I read an Amicus Brief for a case that is being heard by the Supreme Court of Georgia that detailed this behavior of the GCSD and other Sheriff’s Departments throughout Georgia. In that case, it is really going to hurt the state. But that is okay, because at the direction of Georgia’s immoral lawmakers (actually, mostly just the legislative “leaders”, e.g. Senator Eric Johnson), the state needs to be hurt because it is operating as a criminal regime. Their immorality is obscene.

Anyway, how do you know Conway has received money from NAMBLA? Why would he do that?

Lastly, Conway is a good man. I just think he’s getting what he can and getting what he can get away with. Most politicians do that.

By Cindy

July 11, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

I’m with Justin…not worth responding to.

By Tim Shay

July 11, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Of course. Be a good American and never let facts get in your way.

By Cindy

July 11, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Tim, that was in response to Jais.

By dog

July 11, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

I keep waiting for jais to say something worthwhile. But he keeps letting me down by being a moron.

By Cindy

July 11, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Kinda reminds me of the whole “crying wolf” story. If he ever does say something real, nobody will recognize it as such.

By Jais

July 11, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

My ‘crying wolf story” as you put it got the duluth police dept under control on buford highway again.

You're welcome you deluded ingrate.

By Cindy

July 11, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

No thanks from me, you dellusional derelict.

By Jais

July 11, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Great Cindy, I refuse it from the likes of a sheep soccer mom like you anyways. Do you think people are coming here for notoriety, dumbsht?

you madam, are a living stumbling block.

What’s NAMBLA got to do with this, you idiot? Oh, just a prominent member of it donates money to him, Lasseter and Bannister. Facts are facts, ho. Go check ‘em now like you didn’t do the last time.

I’m sorry but If half of you even walked around the streets for half an hour every day you’d see it too, but you can’t sitting in your yuppie boxes eating ice cream/watching oprah. There is a real world out here you people are trying your damnedest to avoid living in.

One day that world outside is going to reach up and bite you, mark my words. When born dreaming, people usually die sleeping.

By dog

July 12, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Jais,

Please tell me more. I am intrigued.

By not curious

July 12, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

dog,

at one time or another we were each intriqued by Jais. trolls thrive on responses and reactions.

might better go get your refill of Advantix…you WILL get up with fleas.

mmmm…ice cream.

Gotta run the kids to practice now. Baaaah.

Bounces head from side to side.

yeah right.

p.s. More like Sniper…not Oprah, psycho. Go take your meds…you’re looking a little unstable.

By Jais

July 12, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Glad to hear it, sheep. you’re looking a little bit fleeced yourself.

By Jais

July 16, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Just saw that lasseter isn’t going to make it onto the ticket this election.

HOO-RAH for fate. NOW it’s between Greene and Bannister. Screw them both but screw Shirley more. Old, haughty heifer.

Shirley- glad to see you go. Please don’t let the door slam on you.

By Jester

July 17, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this

Bill,

Is it time for a new blog yet?

By Jais

July 17, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

He’s too busy for us.

By justin

July 19, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Jais, you really showed your ignorance on this one. Shirley Lassiter is in a run-off after getting the most votes. Looks like she is a shoe in. Dummas

By Jais

July 24, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Think again prick.

By justin

July 24, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Jais go take your meds and stop talking to yourself.

By dog

July 25, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

wow, jais. you’re smart. Witty too. Did you go to school for all this talent, or did it come from your mom?

By Jais

July 25, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

It came from railing yours on saturday nights.

By haha

July 25, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

you must’ve really been bad if she only wanted you on saturday nights.

By ILKA

July 26, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this

too much building too fast but the buyers are getting great deals like this one check out the auction on the laurel springs 1.2 million estate home of actress Grace Baine now being sold at starting auction bid $850k sothebys will hold auction for the interior furnishings make easrly bid call 404 663-5158

By Regular Joe

July 27, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Allen,

This blog is turning rather nasty and pointless.

By Jais

July 28, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

WOWOW goodbye all of you filthy, corrupt white trash rednecks. Just got a new job past Suwanee and now I will NEVER have to visit or tolerate life in this peice of sht town ever again. No more corrupt cops, no more dangerous illegals prowling my work parking lot, no more classic Duluth white trash, it is SWEET! I’m taking a week off before i start just to celebrate never having to see this piece of sht again. Tear down the strickland house, make it a little mexican hacienda, elect whatever career fcker politicians you want- because I am done with the lot of you human garbage heaps. You in Duluth have always been, and always will be a waste of my air. Goodbye, good riddance- and good day. I Can’t say it was pleasant at all.

Randy Belcher- screw you, you worthless, corrupt peice of sht. That police dept won’t be manned by the same people after the feds get these tapes. (Which I filmed every day at work) Be expecting feds from DHS soon. Hopefully this town will get someone who isn’t a snide redneck.

Shirley Lasseter- screw you too, you corrupt, horrible cow. Randal Belcher is your henchman and illegal mexicans are your voters. You, too should be expecting feds from DHS soon. By the way- you will spend your time in hell for the way you treat your children. You are the worst kind of person- a tyrant. May god forgive you for how you treat your family. I know I won’t and that they won’t. Your nephew recently got a DUI and told me all about it.

Charles Bannister- you look like the young emperor from the phantom menace. Probably just as dangerous, too.

Mayor Harris- good luck, hun.

Duluth PD- watch yourselves close. You’re about a step away from prison time. OH- and please avoid attacking and shooting at civilians while off duty- this one shoots back and has a bigger gun.

Grass Roots Grill- who the hell told you to put tomato ANYTHING on salmon? who? It’s disgusting.

CITY HALL- enjoy the p** I took on your lavatory wall.

Duluth Middle- just read that you arrested three young boys for lighting off a firecracker in the hallway. Good going, white trash. I see the Nazi regime has not gone away. THE SOUTH WILL LIVE AGAIN. You a***** need to be shot.

Duluth High- can’t say it was pleasant. I’ll always keep my graduation hat on the wall to remind me of why i cheated on your tests and stole teacher’s manuals to bypass the liberal-inspired nonsense you tried to fill my skull with. BTW- 70% of that class graduated with very high averages. Wonder why. OH YEAH- the cheer leading team was in on it, and i recall this little rumor where one told the others she blew the principal for a grade…funny…

Berkley lake- drain that damn thing and plant corn. Seriously, it stinks and you apes couldn’t manage a fish tank, let alone a god dam lake.

Bill Allen- last but not least, i wanted to thank you for being just a complete retard. At my job you arrived one day to my surprise and had to get a DUI school done for like the third time. Stroke? Dude you drank yourself into several strokes, and you shook so bad you couldn’t hold the damn pen right, which i could clearly identify as detox, or DT’s. I was friggin trained to see it and you’re lucky I didn’t smell booze or you would have been reported right away to police. Smart move, but you’ve been down that road before. Your depression comes from the amount and frequency you drink. If i lived life hungover I’d be sappy, too.

Thank you, Bill Allen, for being just about the most unreliable journalist I’ve seen to date. You and Rick Badie are like OH MY GOD stupid. You owe your readers more than you put out. way more. journalistic integrity, folks. that’s what it’s about, and you ain’t got it.

To my pals in Duluth- you know who I am and if not for you I would have left this place and never returned. Now that most of you are moved to Suwanee anyhow, see you there =) I’m very very excited about leaving this hellhole.

By dog

July 28, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

jais,

What’s with all the hostility? Are you still upset that your mom got busted with all that crack in her car? You think that the police should have let her slide? Crack is illegal bro. And as far as you bashing everyone that writes in here with an OPINION, it goes to show that you have the maturity of about a 12 year old.

It will be good to see you go, you insipid little man.

Happy trails.

By Cindy

July 28, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Congratulations on the new job Jais! :)

I just got a new job in Suwanee too…wouldn’t that be a trip if we both ended up working at the same place.

By dog

July 29, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

careful what you wish for, Cindy. That unstable idiot is bound to show up for work with a gun one day. In the aftermath, your coworkers will shake their heads and say “he was always kinda quiet”.

By Cindy

July 29, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

dog…Jais be quiet? Not likely. :)

Above (in my other post), I was lying. But he started it. :)

I was serious though about congratulating him for his accomplishment. I’m always happy to see people better themselves.

By vvv

August 1, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Cindy!!!Shut your freaking pie hole!!!Your a very angry woman (or man)!!!

By vvv

August 1, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

And Jais, why in the world are you so freaking angry?

By Cindy

August 1, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

vvv think you can make me?

By dog

August 2, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

jais is angry cuz his mamas a drug addict who got busted by the cops carrying.

By justin

August 2, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Ssshhhhhhhsshh y’all, the fool doesn’t know the internet goes all the way to Suwanee. Or, maybe he won’t have a library within walking distance of his new trailer.

By So Burr

August 5, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Why does the ajc let this drunkard have a blog?

By Spark Plug

August 6, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this

Thank goodness that smirking Green papist got her fat a$$ whupped. Maybe the Green commercials on every ajc blog will cease, too. The GT carpetbagger can now give 100% of her attention to her “foreign” job. And openly support Obama and other dimmycrats.

By Cindy

August 6, 2008 6:02 AM | Link to this

She conducted herself with class and integrity. Unlike you.

By dog

August 6, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

wow. jais changed his name. How creative.

By roska

August 6, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Spark Plug is the classic Bannister guy.

He makes fun of somebody’s religion, their a$$ and calls them a carpet bagger. You guys just ooze class.

PS - getting drawn into a runoff and winning 51 to 49 isn’t a whuppin in most people’s book.

By Cindy

August 7, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Glad the house and job are working out for you. You’re still awfully angry though Jais. It might not’ve been Duluth that had you so up tight after all.

By Cindy

August 8, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Jais and Dog: STFU. Y dont U2 chicks have your catfight somewhere else?

Rowrrh!! CATFIGHT!

By jester

August 8, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

jais is a crack baby? That explains a lot.

By Cindy

August 8, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

By Cindy August 8, 2008 1:20 PM

That post was not by me, the regular Cindy. Anybody who pays attention to my usual verbage knows that, but I still wanted to say it.

By Cindy

August 8, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

But I thought crack was invented in the 80’s…I had Jaid pegged as older than twenty-something.

By dog

August 9, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Judging by his overall level of maturity, I think that’s being generous.

By Cindy

August 9, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Extremely. Although I don’t think unbalanced people ever really mature. They instead enter into other phases of their derangement.

By dog

August 9, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

true. More disturbing yet is that the sucker that hired him for the new job probably has no clue about the unstable fool he has on his payroll.

By Cindy

August 9, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Ah but consider this. It’s not uncommon for sociopaths to gain access to their prey because they make such excellent confidence-men (con-men) and make a good first impression in social situations and on paper. In part it could be because alot of mentally ill people are perfectionists and over-acheivers (read as “control freaks”) until they reach their brink/breaking point.

By Jais

August 13, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Sht son, everyone at my job makes fun of duluth with me. No love lost there for this piece of sht town Unstable? You wish, kid. Must suck knowing those who are ‘unstable’ make more money than you. Ironic, isn’t it?

You rednecks ever stop and think maybe you are the unstable, outlandish ones? Up north you would all be called squirrel-bait. Yes, northerners are far smarter. They went to school =)

Dog- I’ll stay out of Duluth if you can friggin MAKE me, which your skinny a* will never manage. No, I think I’ll keep going back and forth without your permission because I don’t need it. You seem to forget some people carry guns and are not intimidated by anyone, including cops. I certainly don’t worry about 90-lb sacks of fly crap like you. Smith and Wesson has your number, just like the dumb niggs who came talking crap to my car a few nights back. You might think you’re big and bad on a blog but that’s where it ends, huckleberry. In front of me you will sing a different song, that’s a promise. Three niggs twice your size won’t go against me- you sure sure as hell won’t

By dog

August 13, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

jais,

I was reading about symptoms of crack baby syndrome. One of them is emotional problems. More proof that your mama is a crack head, you freak.

And get your story straight. First you make the statement, “Just got a new job past Suwanee and now I will NEVER have to visit or tolerate life in this peice of sht town ever again.” and now the guy can’t wait to come back. Jais, you are a fool, sir.

And to speak to your statement about how you make more money than Ted Turner, or whatever. Exactly what does a loser dui school “instructor” make? If they are paid what they are worth, I’m thinkin’ maybe 20 grand, and I think that’s being generous. So then the guy gets a new job, right? Claiming to make more money than all the rest of us. Must have moved up to forklift driver. Congratulations, crack baby. You just hit the ceiling. You won’t amount to much more in your pathetic, deluded life.

As far as your “military” background: I am starting to believe that it is just another delusion floating around in that empty little skull of yours. Most military men I know are responsible, intelligent individuals. Not sideshow freaks with nothing better to do than act like an idiot in any public forum he can find.

As for your wife. Please don’t procreate. Normally, I don’t get this hardcore, but you are one reason for the idea that select sterilization should be legal. You should never be allowed to make any little third generation crack babies to burden the world. We have seen your legacy, and you have proven that we don’t need to see anymore.

And lastly, I saw your mom on the corner trying to score a little crack. She also had a sign up that she needed some “Red Man”. Either she’s talking about chewing tobacco, or, well, let’s not even go there. My point is clear.

One other thing, while I’m on my little rant. How’s the new house? Get the refrigerator box decorated up real nice?

Oh, yeah. And if you’re such a badass, why in the world do you need to carry a gun everywhere you go? Are you one of those paramilitary freaks who camps out in the woods and lights up crosses to roast marshmallows with? You carry the gun around because you are so unsecure about your manhood (or lack thereof) that it makes you feel more manly than you are? What kind of an idiot just randomly threatens folks with gun violence as a response to words? More proof yet that you, sir, are a friggin’ moron.

By Jais

August 14, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

You better watch yourself, dog. Big big talk and no follow through. I carry a gun to adjust bad attitudes like yours. Duluth will continue to receive visits from me. I do make more money than you and no, I no longer work for dui school. Duluth got busted for falsifying police reports and they have been ordered to back off, which dried up our cash crop in town. Yet another thing my deluded mind has succeeded in despite your redneck spewings here on the blog.

if you ever have a doubt about my training or service you just name the time and place, dog. You’ll be spending the next five weeks in an icu. I could care less what or who you think you are, fact is you’re a choir boy compared to me and mine, asswipe.

Let’s do it redneck. TIme and place please.

By Cindy

August 15, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

dog is my new hero.

By dog

August 15, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

awwww, shucks, Cindy.

By Jais

August 16, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

You two rednecks remember what I said. It’s no idle threat.

By Cindy

August 16, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Which one of us should worry first?

By fred

August 18, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Last I heard threating violence, physical harm, and death was a felony I don’t think it matters if it is done face to face, voicemail, email or even on a blog. Given some have for the most part identified themselves…I’d be expecting the man to pay a visit I’m just saying

By Jais

August 19, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

well think again, fred. I’m expecting nothing to happen as usual. And that’s exactly what’s going to happen, seeing as they can barely keep illegals out of their own city halls. Good luck with that man stuff, fred. Nobody here is scared of ‘the man’ either. Just saying.

By Jais

August 19, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

here, let me show you exactly why: [http://www.heretical.com/ofarrell/gloating.html]

this is why law enforcement and government around here fails.

By fred

August 19, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

knock knock

By skippy

August 20, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

Waco all over again.

By Jais

August 20, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Yeah fred…you’re scaring me. Not only do I have my ip run through four countries, it’s not even mine. Good luck with them cops, fred! The county can’t even find out what they paid for electricity last year, I highly doubt they can track me through a country that doesn’t cooperate with US authorities, like Algeria, indonesia and Belize.

No, you little dumb redneck- nobody’s flinching. Let’s not forget the fact that no police office in the state will respond to a ‘somebody threatened to kick my a$$ on the ajc’ call. Go ahead, white trash- call ‘em. Blabber that Jais is scaring you online. See if they don’t tell you to stop calling.

there’s a lot of very very stupid people here with no idea what really goes on outside their driveways. Wake up, take a walk around, open your eyes. The police can’t friggin do their jobs and havent been since the 1990’s, thus I carry a very powerful handgun and a couple loads of ammunition. Don’t place your faith in police, rednecks. By the time they arrive you will likely already be robbed or dead.

now tell me again how the cops are coming? Lol dude you won’t be the first one to cry that on this blog. Every redneck thinks he’s big and bad online. Matter of fact every 70lb redneck thinks he’s big and bad period. That’s the problem with southerners- you need more education. I survived two tours, I’ll survive your empty threats too, son.

By Cindy

August 20, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Jais, your PTSD is acting up again…did you forget your meds?

By Cindy

August 20, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

btw Jais, Uttar Pradesh called…they said you can resume your civilian life now and that you don’t have to be at war with your fellow bloggers.

 

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