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DEL.ICIO.US‘Bubba’ no more
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Southern politics are chockfull of cultural markers — signals and messages, some encrypted and some not, that say much about who we are as a people.
Race is the big one, of course. But there are others, and they are perishable.
We lost a significant marker last week. It was shelved without fanfare, but only after much internal deliberation.
Lauren W. McDonald Jr., a 69-year-old Republican, signed up to reclaim the seat on the Public Service Commission that he lost in 2002. But for the first time in 39 years of politicking, McDonald’s nickname will not appear on the ballot with him.
“Bubba” is no more.
“It was a decision that was deeply discussed,” McDonald said. This was a serious statement, made without irony — for the decision cuts to the man’s very identity.
Lauren McDonald Jr./SPECIAL
Since the late ‘60s, when he was a Jackson County commission chairman, over a thousand plates of barbecue and in a thousand Kiwanis Club speeches, and throughout an unsuccessful campaign for governor in 1990, McDonald has introduced himself as “Bubba.”
McDonald was 65 percent “Bubba” and 35 percent “Lauren” in high school. He was “Lauren” to the U.S. Air Force.
But in the South, “Bubba” is by definition a family man, an everyman. An average Joe. There are — or were — an army of Bubbas out there. So in politics, “Bubba” is — or was — good advertising.
But times change. McDonald remembered back to the time when he was PSC chairman, and he took a phone call from an angry constituent with — judging from McDonald’s imitation — a high-toned accent from parts north.
“I cahn’t believe the chahrman of the Public Service Commission is named Bubba,” she complained.
McDonald also watched Forsyth County, where he lived until a year or so ago, swell with people from the Midwest and the Northeast or even downtown Atlanta.
“And honestly, ‘Bubba’ may be a bit offensive to them,” he said.
McDonald, by the way, is a dapper fellow who doesn’t look a bit country and can discuss the workings of nuclear plants with a degree of proficiency.
The very fact that this must be said perhaps explains McDonald’s decision. The innocent name that sprang from the tongue-tied lips of toddler sisters has become something of a pejorative.
So “Bubba” will disappear from the ballot, as far as Lauren McDonald is concerned.
Last week did give us a 64-year-old Democrat, James A. “Bubber” Epps of Dry Branch, Ga., who will run against Republican incumbent Allen Freeman in House District 140.
But clearly, Bubba’s days are numbered.
That said, McDonald warns that if you see him on the street and call him Lauren, he may not turn his head.
Comments
By scottBravesFan
May 7, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
You know how embarrassing it is to have someone named Bubba in an important position of power? And people in the south wonder why we are the laughing stock of the rest of the country.
By Cooter
May 7, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
This is a sad day in Georgia politics!
By Well
May 7, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
At least he’s not Sonny.
By Bubba licious!
May 7, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Ah…”but, what’s in a name?” Apparently, candidacy for an elected position.
“Bubba” is not a deragatory word, so why do folks treat it as such? It’s just like “Sissy” for a sister, “J.R.”, “P.J.” or any acronym you could give a person to shorten their name.
I will tell you one thing - this next generation will have a LOT less babies named Britney - unless you want your kid’s name to connotate a skanky pop star that can’t keep her clothes on and likes a bald head.
If times have really changed,maybe the folks from the North should be accepting the Bubbas of the world - before we in the South start changing our ways!
FYI - I was recently in New Jersey, Mass., and Rhode Island -and definitely saw more NASCAR fans on that trip than any time I’ve driven through GA/AL/FL. Being a NASCAR fan or being named “Bubba” doesn’t make a redneck anymore than going to church makes you a Christian!
By Bubba licious!
May 7, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Ah…”but, what’s in a name?” Apparently, candidacy for an elected position.
“Bubba” is not a deragatory word, so why do folks treat it as such? It’s just like “Sissy” for a sister, “J.R.”, “P.J.” or any acronym you could give a person to shorten their name.
I will tell you one thing - this next generation will have a LOT less babies named Britney - unless you want your kid’s name to connotate a skanky pop star that can’t keep her clothes on and likes a bald head.
If times have really changed,maybe the folks from the North should be accepting the Bubbas of the world - before we in the South start changing our ways!
FYI - I was recently in New Jersey, Mass., and Rhode Island -and definitely saw more NASCAR fans on that trip than any time I’ve driven through GA/AL/FL. Being a NASCAR fan or being named “Bubba” doesn’t make a redneck anymore than going to church makes you a Christian!
By GoHomeYankee
May 7, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Give me a break. If something as simple as a man’s name or nickname, be it Junior or Bubba or Bill or Sonny is such an embarrassment to you I hope you move far away and never come back. Are you so shallow that you judge someone by their name without getting to actually know them? Are you so dense that you think we in the South have the lock on “embarrassing” names? I bet your reallly appalled at our diction down here. Shame on us ignorant downtrodden little country folk…… We will try to do better in the future to please you.
You twit.
By Southern Belle
May 7, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Damn Yankees!!
By Wise choice
May 7, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
This was a political ssvvy move by Mr. McDonald. In the adult world of wars, economic downturns, escalating fuel costs, etc., Bubba does not exude confidence. Before you call me a Yankee, born and raised right here in Ga. It is time to move on.
By Gary
May 7, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
If my name were Lauren, I’d probably rather go by Bubba too. If I’d been known as Bubba for 69 years, I wouldn’t change now just to run for office or avoid offending yankees. What is the world coming to when you think you have to change your name to be accepted?
By Goldie
May 7, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
I had a big cat named Bubba about 20 years ago — and he was great, for a cat… you know, with all of his cat ways. But his time passed, too, and I certainly hope I don’t have any more Bubbas in my life!
By Jan
May 7, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
I think it is unfortunate that we southerners are allowing nonsoutherners to dictate to us about our heritage, and our names are surely our heritage. If people find “Bubba” offensive, they are certainly allowed back across our state’s borders, to return from whence they came. The south is probably the only place left in our wonderful country where people still speak with respect, use manners, and honor traditions. Why in the world do we care what our northern neighbors, or western immigrants think of our chosen names? I hope “Bubba” and “Sister”, and “Sissy” never disappear from our vocabularly. AMERICAN BY BIRTH, SOUTHERN BY THE GRACE OF GOD.
By diamondave
May 7, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
scottBravesFan—
Its not embarrassing at all to any one that is not full of prejudices and simply believes in any stereotypes that they run across. Plus you shouldn’t worry about what others think of the south, that hasn’t stopped them from coming here by the millions to enjoy all the things we have for generations.
By Will
May 7, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
More important than dropping the “Bubba” from his name, after running as a democrat for the past 30 years or so, and after being defeated for the PSC seat while running as a democrat, now he has decided to run as a republican. I doubt that the name Bubba will ever truely go away and I doubt that he will ever be anything other than a democrat. Changing your party affiliation just to win, as us southerners would say, just ain’t right.
By BiteMe
May 7, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Seriously? Give me a break. There is nothing wrong with Bubba, I think it’s kind of cute! I was born in the South from an all mid-western family, and proud to be here…..but this PC crap needs to end.
Lauren, I say if you want to be known as Bubba, then BUBBA AWAY and don’t care what these damn Yankees think! We all need to stop catering to everyone else’s feelings…..That’s what ruining this country to being with. That’s just sad that he even felt the need to do this.
Geez. Get a life, people.
OH, and ScottBravesFan…..shove it, dude.
By Verdawg
May 7, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Lauren, I can’t believe that you would give in to the misperceptions that being a “Bubba” makes you a redneck. If you cave on that issue and give up a good name that has served you well over your entire life, what else are you capable of. You’ve lost my vote!
By Stephen
May 7, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
The only reason he changed it to Lauren was so he can try and get his son, whose name is Lauren as well, elected in 6 years.
By Christine
May 7, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
If you don’t like the south then leave!!!! We (true Southern) have culture that is our own and we are proud of our Bubba’s.
If we are not suppose to judge people based on race, sex, and religion. What gives you the right to judge based on a name, a southern name.
By Timus
May 7, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Many parts of GA are becoming international anchored by business from around the world. Columbus, Savannah are examples of cities growing up fast(maybe even faster than ATL) It’s time to put the Bubba’s to rest. The world is much smaller now. Although I was sad to see the guy from “Hee Haw” pass last week (watched it many many Sat as a kid) I recognize that because of satellite and the internet the gap between country folk and city folk is getting smaller and smaller.
By Carpetbagger
May 7, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
It’s because all the Bubba’s left are meth addicts and white supremacists. Just like the southern accent is a sign of ignorance. The North has truly won!!!!!! I HEART NY!!!!!!
By Bubba
May 7, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
I’ve crapped bigger than this loser.
By LMAO
May 7, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Hey scottBravesfan….how bout we call him Guido, or Tommy two fingers or Pisano…that good enough for ya. Maybe we could call him Wild Bill or Doc or Wyatt or Baby Face….all of these are from the places that you think consider us the “laughing stock of the country….hey scoott….bite me.
By Jen
May 7, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
People in the south need to start calling boys “Brother” more.
My dad has a cousin that EVERYONE in the family calls Brother. His name is Philip. But when I was a kid I thought his name was Brother.
He didn’t get the nickname because he was Brother and there was Sister. It came about because he was a Junior and in his early days they’d call him Brother Phil to differentiate him from Daddy Phil. And the Brother part stuck.
Unfortunately for MY baby brother he didn’t get so lucky. He’s not a Junior but he and my dad have the same first name, Boyd. So, my dad was Daddy Boyd and my brother was Baby Boyd, which got changed to Boochie.
And now he’s 29 year old Boochie…
But at work he’s Boyd….
By LMAO
May 7, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
hey carpetbagger…I95 will get you there..
By Pudthetic
May 7, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Southern republican pud, no more scare tactics no more playin’ on religion no more Bush no more lies the pendulum has swung and your ignorant brand of hate has seen its last vestiges of breath. Their is a new generation built on education fairness and equality see you later haters
By greenelephant
May 7, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Bubba Mc Donald is a politican in the worst sense of the word. He is an opportunistic good ol’boy who will do the evil of the utilities he has been sent to regulate. We have had enough of that and that’s why theyr’e all gone. He’s a hand-picked Georgia Power Boy. He proved that when he was on the commission!!!
By ABBSBTGoG
May 7, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
“Their [sic]is a new generation built on education….”
You just can’t fix stupid.
By bubba for hire?
May 7, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Well, the Bubba’s of the state will attempt to transform themselves but you can’t change your character without fundamental heart change. I think Bubba is getting his advice from the guys who are really running (special interests)
Pam Davidson will follow the legacy of Angela Speir and continute to work on the anti-corruption, protect the citizens ticket. Real Republican Women.
By GT
May 7, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Georgia doesn’t lack respect from the rest of the country because of the names of its politicians, so much as because of their actions in office.
Closing schools when gasoline prices increase, allowing concealed firearms on public transit, the lack of infrastructure investment in said public transit, lax environmental oversight and code enforcement, no sunday alcohol sales, ridiculous suburbran sprawl, and the overall prevailing lack of leadership in state government - these are reasons the rest of the country looks down at Georgia.
By Carpetbagger
May 7, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Actually LMAO, I fly back there when it gets too hot here….I can afford to do that because I make so much money here. Must be my northern work ethic! Ever hear of a southern work ethic? There’s apparently no such year.
By newdaypleasecatchup
May 7, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Well, does he still use the “n” word. Coming from a county that proudly hung the “don’t let the sun…” Guess he’s trying to get the black vote. Run Run Run for as many offices as you can- you are still the same ol’boy. We ain’t buyin’ it.
By willie
May 7, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
Well as names go,”Bubba” beats the stuffing out of “Barack”…jeeze. :-)
By SouthernSOB
May 7, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
I wasn’t going to vote for “Bubba” because of his record being just another utilit lapdog. Short of Stan Wise’s relationship with AGL, you’d be hard pressed to find a politician who can stick his nose up the rear of a utility better than Lauren. Lauren, you can change your name, but you cannot change the yellow dog in you or the fact that you are bought and paid for…right Larry Craig?
As for you transplants…why don’t you get in your Volvo’s and drive the He!! back to your snow infested homes. Christ, we didn’t want y’all F&^$ing up our state anyways.
By MadSOB
May 7, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Carpetbagger…why don’t you meet me at the OK Cafe tomrrow, noon. I’ll personally kick your butt back to Ohio. You piece of $h!t!
By MadSOB
May 7, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Carpetbagger…why don’t you meet me at the OK Cafe tomrrow, noon. I’ll personally kick your butt back to Ohio. You piece of $h!t!
By Louis
May 7, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Well, praise be! I thought ALL southern men of the heavier variety were called “Bubba” especially the police, politicians, and rednecks!
By Jed
May 7, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
Hey Carpetsagger. There is a southern work ethic. IT goes like this Work is made for a mule and they back up to it.
By MadSOB
May 7, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
And I thought all women named Louis were fat ugly reda$$ b!tches with butt pimples…wait they are. Go home with your hairy arm pits and legs you twisted t**. Pittsburg misses you!
By Vince
May 7, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
But, these are the same people that will vote for a “Barack”. Give me a rebel yell, redneck, good ole boy, southern by the grace of god, break!
By Will Jones
May 7, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
“Barack” means “blessed” in Hebrew…the language of the Bible.
Nominal predeterminism: what name could be better?
May President Obama be an unvarnished Blessing to America. Amen.
Little sister calls her brother Bubba. Nothing wrong with a loving nickname on a good man.
McDonald’s out because he walks with GOP scum.
By Call Me Crazy
May 7, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Vince - your post made me think of something…
Obama’s successs waveis about to crash. Why? Because his life is built on empty rhetoric summed up by one word “change”.
We all know his type. He was the well spoke “one” who received favoritism because he would not embarrass anyone when a token was needed.
If not for quotas and special programs, he’d be a great sales person.
He’s learned the art of whipping his people into a frenzy for reasons they have no clue about, nor do they care. Just like many popular black people before him, he’s sold his soul to the man for riches far greater than he thinks any person like him can attain without selling out his “people.” This congregation would follow him through the gates of hell because of the color of his skin, and for no other reason. Everything about him is race driven.
Like so many Democrats before him, Obama really believes you can have too much wealth. And those who do should be punished and forced to pay the way for the lesser among us. He believes that all aspects of life, from education to healthcare to housing is a right, not a privilege.
If given the opportunity, he would apologize to the Middle East for all of the trouble we, the United States of America, have caused. Like his pastor, Obama believes that the 3,000 lives lost on 9/11 are just the price we have to pay for being America and that somehow the United States of America gave reason for 9/11 to have occurred, in some sick sense those who attacked the US of A were justified.
How does such a man get this close to being President of the United States of America?
By Lauren
May 7, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
I honestly never knew where the name Bubba came from. My daughter’s husband had two in his wedding party — his grandfather and his best friend. I honestly couldn’t think of why an adult would WANT to be called Bubba. Same thing with Sissy, though I don’t know that I’ve met any adults that go by that name. Family nicknames need to stay there if people want to be taken seriously. Seriously!
By butch
May 7, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
i got a friend named BUBBA he’s as good a MAN you would ever want to meet yes he is from right here in hampton ga. southern born & southern bred as good as you are as bad as he is he’s as good as you are as bad as he is
By Will Jones
May 7, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
Bush did 9-11, Einstein. Read some scholarship by a PhD with an unblemished reputation if you aren’t “merely” a partisan traitor working for the same Roman Fifth Column that installed Bush, a homosexual draft-dodger, into the White House.
By Gator
May 7, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
ahh yes…we need more of those sofisticated names like they have up north….you know…names like “yogi”
By Zell
May 7, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
I cant believe we have a gov. named Sonny!!!! Thats more stupider than Bubba!!!
By Mrs. Jefferson Davis
May 7, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
I made luv to a bubba on top of a pinball machine the only time I got off was when we hit the free game number southern man this ole w******* don’t need u around
By GodHatesTrash
May 7, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Bubba is a name for a dog, not for humans that walk upright. Bubba is the guy you call when you need your septic tank drained or some bugs killed. Of course he gets a little bit on hisself. Insofar as being “good family men” most married men in Georgia will have sex with anything that has less than six legs, including a chairleg or a three-legged billygoat, right Churchswill?
By Chris
May 7, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Why does this interest anyone ? I don’t give a rats a* about it. besides thats an alias and it should not have been there in the first place.
By Jonny
May 7, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Ever notice that the biggest “non-bigots” are prejudiced against names like Bubba or Sonny?
By Barthalamew
May 7, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Well southerners aren’t really known to have any culture or class! Mostly people whom wish the civil war was still being fought!
By Buck
May 7, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Hey carpetbagger, this wealthy southerner, named Buck, would really like to kick your a*.
By Bunky
May 7, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
quote: “ahh yes…we need more of those sofisticated names like they have up north….you know…names like “yogi””
LMAO! No narrow minded yankee could have thunk up something that “smaht”.
By Yankee Fox
May 7, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Gator,
After you learn to spell, fold your jean shorts, feed the hogs, and kiss your cousin good-night..yeah here.
By Mordecai da Gay
May 7, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
I met a strong-armed Bubba line dancing one night in Macon, Ga. we bought a bottle of strawberry wine and sat next to Greg’s grave. We made love like wild dogs that night and it gave me the courage to tell my diddy Bubba Sr. that although I was all-state defensive end, it was the tight-end I always dreamed of. The moral of this story is just cause a tree has leaves don’t make it a maple.
By Eleanor
May 8, 2008 6:21 AM | Link to this
The most bigoted people in Georgia today may be the effete Northern imports who are bigoted against traditional Southern culture. If you don’t like our ways, go back to New York.
By A rose?
May 8, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this
Who cares whether Lauren wants to be called “Bubba”, “Sissy”, or “Yogi.” The real question is how he would act if elected. With Georgia Power ready to spend billions for new nuke plants ($6+ billion just for the reactors, according to today’s paper), do voters really want a regulator who has already shown that he is in the Company’s pocket in charge of auditing the books and guarding against cost overruns.
By Copyleft
May 8, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
I’m not offended by the name “Bubba.” I’m more embarrassed on his behalf.
The name “Bubba” announces to the world that you’re an ignorant, backward loser. If McDonald wants to be taken seriously, he’s doing the right thing abandoning that absurd label.
Think of it this way: Who would you put in charge of the PTA—“Patricia Dupree,” or “Bubbles Dupree”?
By Effete Limbaugh
May 8, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
My fat was to delicate so I am a draft dodger and pill popper ain’t life grand eleanor you sir are a great ditto-head.
By LMAO
May 8, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Hey Carpetbager I have been working a fulltime job since I was 14 and part time before that. I worked my way through college and obtained a Masters while working and supporting a family.The South created work ethic you pathetice piece of northern crap. I now make in the high 6 figures (get someone to explain that to you) and I did it while not stepping on anyone, maintaining good manners and not putting up with jerks like you.
By Bobby Lee
May 8, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Yankees go positively apoplectic when they hear “tennis shoes” instead of the uber-correct “sneakers.” I merely shrug at such silly snobbery and go drink some sweet iced tea.
By Carole
May 8, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Y’all (Yankees and Southerners) are expending a lot of pointless venom over trivialities. It’s obvious the pol in question is just another slick panderer - not worth all this energy. The posts have escalated to some mighty ignorant exchanges. The people from the North display their contempt for our Southern ways, and don’t realize that by doing so, they advertise their mean-spirited, narrow, grasp of a gentler, more mannerly culture. I hope the crude respondents on both sides will work toward a little more civility - you nasty-mouthed folks from the South are just underlining what the Yankees say about our ignorance. I am a proud Southern woman, and I treat everyone with courtesy. That is the hallmark of Southern culture.
By Will Jones
May 8, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
A rose?
May 8, 2008 7:09 AM
…pegged the issue: nothing wrong with the name, its the lack of integrity serving corrupt monopoly over the People.
By Bubba-ette
May 8, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
If our Northern “friends” continue to move to our beloved South, they should have to sign a waver saying that they will accept our culture and customs. That doesn’t mean that they have to agree with it. A true Southern gentleman/lady would never force our beliefs on anyone - but sweetly suggest that they fall in line and not cause trouble. ALL HAIL THE BUBBA! Live on brother and thrive. Have a blessed day, y’all.
By Fatt Fred from Black Creek, Fla
May 8, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Bubba-ette,
You make me proud to be of the South. ‘Preciate it. Gone’ fishin’.