Political Insider

By Cantbelieveit

November 6, 2006 8:31 PM | Link to this

It’s sad to see one of the leaders of the civil rights movement, playing the race card this way.

By GaNative

November 7, 2006 1:09 PM | Link to this

Congressman Lewis is a complete nut. Why does all of his radio endorsements have him screaming at the top of his voice, cutting off words and mispronouncing words as if we are a bunch of dummies?

By Josh

November 7, 2006 3:04 PM | Link to this

Traditionally independently minded and unsatisfied with my current leadership, I was going to vote Libertarian wherever possible. I even had a lot of respect for Shirley Franklen.

But after this outrageous, race inflaming ad, I’ve lost all respect for Franklin and intend to vote republican now just to send a message to these demagogues and manipulators who want to fan the flames of racial division for self gain.

By Moderate White Voter

November 7, 2006 3:21 PM | Link to this

Lewis’ last line is way over the top, but in general, they are probably correct. Georgia RepubliCONS are pretty dang scary.

By katie

November 7, 2006 3:31 PM | Link to this

So this Lee Morris must really be evil. What do you think he’s going to do that’s worse than dogs and water hoses? Scary, isn’t it? It’s like Pres. Bush and the way he keeps black men and women down, like Alphonso Jackson, Larry Thompson, Rodney Paige and Condi Rice. And unless you’re a Republican tool you know that the unprecedented numbers of black Americans moving into the middle upper-middle and upper classes and owning their own homes since 2000 is just another clever Republican TRICK!! Just like the fact that African-American test scores have made significant gains in the past 3 years for the first time in decades. Just another dirty Republican plot against black America.

By katie

November 7, 2006 3:31 PM | Link to this

So this Lee Morris must really be evil. What do you think he’s going to do that’s worse than dogs and water hoses? Scary, isn’t it? It’s like Pres. Bush and the way he keeps black men and women down, like Alphonso Jackson, Larry Thompson, Rodney Paige and Condi Rice. And unless you’re a Republican tool you know that the unprecedented numbers of black Americans moving into the middle upper-middle and upper classes and owning their own homes since 2000 is just another clever Republican TRICK!! Just like the fact that African-American test scores have made significant gains in the past 3 years for the first time in decades. Just another dirty Republican plot against black America.

By Jon Carlsten

November 7, 2006 5:16 PM | Link to this

I am a Democrat who on all too often wishes that there were a greater range of intelligent choices on the Georgia ballot. I have known Lee Morris for a number of years and admire his level headedness. I respect the years of experience he has accumulated in the Atlanta City Council. Lee is the only Republican for whom I voted today. Having met John Eaves, I was impressed. Yet not enough to hand him the reins to governing Georgia’s most populous county. If Mr. Eaves is so eager to run for office, then let him earn his chops in less pivotal posts. The above is my effort at rational discourse. Shreiking at every ill conceived statement that is unearthed is unproductive. If Ralph Reed were running for Fulton County Commission Chair, I would have issues about that along with The Honorable Lewis, Franklin & Young. There is so much to do and so little time to do it. Is it possible to rise above the mud fight and discuss and debate the real issues that face all Georgians?

By David

November 7, 2006 5:23 PM | Link to this

I am appalled by the radio campaign ad Mayor Franklin, Ambassador Young and Rep. Lewis recorded for John Eaves. Lee Morris has worked as hard as any public official in Atlanta for racial reconciliation during his service on the Atlanta City Council, and this ad is a mean-spirited, race-baiting distortion. It really calls into question all the cross-racial bridges that Mayor Franklin and other City leaders have worked so hard to build over the past five years.

By lucky1

November 7, 2006 5:41 PM | Link to this

The work of MLK and Hosea was ruined by blacks killing each other daily, It cannot be lost by a change of parties

By Lee

November 7, 2006 7:19 PM | Link to this

I’m not so shocked at Andy Young and John Lewis .. but I’m VERY shocked at Shirley Franklin. I thought she was way ABOVE this divisive stuff…I guess her true colors are showing. Remember one thing, this is Atlanta where most everything turns racial. Its very sad and gives Atlanta a black eye, not only to this country, but around the world.

By Lamar

November 7, 2006 7:21 PM | Link to this

Is there any wonder why Fulton County is falling apart and powerless?

By Lisa

November 8, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

For me listening to it was comical. Even they didn’t believe what they were saying.

One the other hand, it is is sad that in a great diverse city, like Atlanta, that we can’t move forward from our dark southern past. It’s even more sad that any politican, especially black politicians, would use divisive tactics to get Eaves elected. It’s truly disgusting.

By Robert

November 8, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

This ad leaves me sad and disgusted. I had hoped there was a difference between the tactics of Rove, Gingrich, et al. and those who purport to be the voice of inclusion and moderation. The three of you bring shame to those of us who thought you were better than that.

By Matt

November 8, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

I think the ad panders to the worst of stereotypes regarding the African-American vote. Certainly, Franklin and company need not believe that badgering and waging a campaign of distortion and outlandish fear is the only way to motivate their base to vote?

With the promises from the democrats regarding Atlanta and the control they’ve had on the city since the 40’s, shouldn’t it be a utopian paradise by now?

By FQ

November 8, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

I didn’t hear the ad, I’m not interested in the who said what. All I know his character speaks volumes, his focus, and his morals are build on a solid fundation. He will do a Great job. I congratulate Commissioner John H. Eaves on a job well done and Godspeed to his future and the production that he will bring to Fulton County.

By Matt

November 8, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

FQ - that’s responsible citizenship. Ignore the race-bating and hate mongering; instead, project your internal perceptions rather than facing the reality of the situation.

By Carla

November 8, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Isn’t Any Young on the Board of Directors of Cox Communications …. where’s the diversity.

By Tim

November 8, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

Is it responsible citizenship to ignore the race baiting and fear mongering tactics of the candidate you support. The ad/one call is still on Eaves website today. Distgusting.

I have known Lee Morris for a dozen years. He served Atlanta very well, fighting corruption and waste at City Hall. He ran a clean campaign and had many intown Democrats voting for him because of their respect for his integrity. The cruel irony of Shirley Franklin doing this to a very socially progressive person has change my high opinion of our Mayor. We had already seen this type of behavior out of Andy and Lewis in previous campaigns.

By Beezer

November 8, 2006 5:41 PM | Link to this

Too bad this trio of did not include Bill Campbell.

By Suzanne Thornton

November 8, 2006 7:58 PM | Link to this

The ad speaks to how Democratic non-whites and progressive white people feel about the Republican party’s hostile and inappropriate behavior. Grow up people! It’s true that civil rights have been diminished, undermined, and plagued by election fraud and voter id to limit power to the people. What part of the FACTS need clarifying? BTW John Lewis is my hero-nonviolent, activist, rabble rouser for all people, not just the wealthy white like Republicans tend to be (another fact yall). So yes Lewis, Franklin, and Young did the right thing, even if yall deem it unpopular. I’d rather do right and good, than just win.

By Jacob Johnston

November 8, 2006 8:03 PM | Link to this

I expected this out of the others. The only thing that has changed is my respect for Mayor Franklin. These few black people who insist to be treated as a victim, are the only ones hurting the cultural/racial equality they pretend to support.

By aj thomas

November 8, 2006 9:52 PM | Link to this

it funny how some pll whom alll whome have never been black in the south( red necks and toms) can say anything but mrs franklin was right, you unfair mf,s and you know what i mean!

By Larry

November 8, 2006 9:56 PM | Link to this

I don’t think most of metro Atlanta will forgive Shirley Franklin, who many of us held in very high esteem. She has effectively (along with others) brought on the new Milton County which we will see within 2 or 3 years. Thanks Shirley…

By D Elizabeth

November 8, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

I am deeply saddened and embarrassed to be a citizen of Fulton county right now. Not only am I furious about these foolish threats, I am also embarrassed that city officials in a city as progressive as Atlanta could be so backwards to speak this way. This is a PERFECT example of why racism continues in this day and age. I have NO RESPECT for anyone involved in this nonsense add.

By joe smith

November 8, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

It is the truth. (R)stands for evil.Just ask Rush, Hannity , George Allen, Corker and Conrad Burns where is the outrage.

By Reagan Republican

November 9, 2006 8:49 AM | Link to this

The GOP controlled legislature needs to play that ad next Atlanta needs something.

Atlanta is a cesspool of crime and corruption and needs to be flushed down the toliet. Georgia would be better off.

By GC

November 9, 2006 9:15 AM | Link to this

Criticism of the Lewis, Young, Franklin political ad on behalf of Eaves is justified. However, strength of the persistent criticism is weakened considerably by a failure to equally condemn race baiting ads that occured in other races. Moreover, the nature and extent of the recommended punishment says more about the critic than it does the sources of the criticism.

similar acts The extent and nature of punishment

By Everybody

November 9, 2006 9:59 AM | Link to this

Where is the outrage/fallout for this ad? Lewis and Franklin should be kicked out of office and Andrew Young should be fired from his job at Cox. No wonder the AJC hasn’t hardly mentioned this story other than this blog. These people are sick racists and need to get harassed in the media like any other race that said this horrible rhetoric would.

By I hate FQ

November 9, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

It is outrageous that people like FQ in this blog are allowed to vote. They are the scum of the earth. FQ please move away to another state immediately.

By Theresa Andrews

November 9, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

Judging from Suzanne Thornton’s post, it looks like she is back to drinking drano. When did they let you out of prison?

By Fed UP!

November 9, 2006 1:25 PM | Link to this

White people … give up … blacks will always distrust and despise you as this ad clearly states. Quit volunteering millions of hours and spending billions of hard earned dollars with charities and organizations whose focus is aiding blacks. No matter what you do it will never be enough because racial divide is just much too profitable for the black leadership and the black people. WAKE UP … enough is ENOUGH!!!

By ATLANTA BORN

November 10, 2006 9:27 AM | Link to this

Well, Well, Well. If it isn’t our opaque neighbors from the north, that moved to the deep south and thought that it had changed. GO BACK HOME IF YOU DON’T LIKE ATLANTA POLITICS. And to the idiot that said they are taking back over Atlanta. What kind of dim wit are you? You all are going to run right back to the burbs after the crime, break ins and murders reoccur. Dump those expensive condos for much less than you wanted to, not to return again for another 20 years. Been there, done that. This is the heart of civil rights, baby. WE AIN’T NEVER GOING NO-WHERE !

By Taylor

November 10, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this

With attitudes like yours, FedUP, do you blame them? You and yours keep race as an issue.

Until BOTH sides stop labeling and feeling slighted, we are never going to move forward. But on one point I agree with you 100%. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

By intheknow

November 10, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

funny how when conservatives don’t want to give job preferences or admission due to skin color but on the basis of equality, they are racist. But “great” civil rights leaders can voince their racial bias and attitudes and it is hailed as a just cause. Hey America, congrats, you just elected these idiots to run the country

By ATLANTA BORN

November 10, 2006 1:25 PM | Link to this

Hey intheknow: Don’t get mad because we finally learned how to play the same game you’ve played against us for 400 years. Call it just-us!!