Home > Thinking Right > Archives > 2006 > November > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIt’s morning in Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After two weeks in the interior of Brazil, it’s great to be back home — though I must say this will be the last time I go away and leave getalife, Political Fore and other blog contributors of their persuasion in charge of elections. I left town prepared to concede the House, though even there my reading was much too optimistic. Such is the fate of the cheerful, morning-in-America conservative.
The election results nationally did send a ringing message to Republicans in Georgia to get their governing act together. Politically, the GOP has never been stronger, nor the Democrats weaker here. So clear is the field of ready Democratic contenders statewide that DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones, who is forced out of office by term limits in 2008, has hinted that he may run for the U.S. Senate. When Jimmy Carter announced for President three decades ago, the morning newspaper ran an editorial — which the writers later had to eat — with the headline, as I recall it, “He’s running for WHAT!” Thinking Right, having lived through that era and having seen the impropable realized, won’t repeat the mistake. But I will observe that Georgians don’t knowingly elect liberals and, except for disappearing pockets, DeKalb Countians don’t knowingly elect conservatives.
The purpose here really, though, is to say that Republicans under the Gold Dome should use their advantage to explain, promote and enact conservative principles. Stand for something or go home. Contain the growth of government. Cut taxes and don’t play hide-the-tax-increase games. Turn as much of government as possible over to the private sector, but write strong and clear laws governing performace; build walls that guarantee accountability between government and the private sector; and make it all open from the first day so that we’re not simply governmentizing the private sector and putting the potential abuses beyond elections. Cost-benefit analysis of programs, spending and proposed regulations, always. Bring competition to education, too. Be bold. Try new things. But explain, keeping in mind that Georgians are suspicious of government and want clear and forthright explanations of what elected officials are doing and why.
Time is of the essence. Conservatives don’t have 40 years to change government. The GOP nationally had a dozen years. In the state, the GOP can do essentially nothing and survive a decade. If they want more time, they’ll have to do something constructive that actually makes a difference.
On a personal note, it’s good to be back home. Thanks to all who offered contributions of substance and relevance in my absence. My fear was that the trolls would sink the ship, but the regulars here did a superb job, as usual, of declining to engage them. You have my appreciation.
Comments
By English Language Political Foreskin
November 20, 2006 08:08 AM | Link to this
Over? did you say Your vacation is over? Your vacation aint over till we say it’s over. Was your vacation over when dorkus and andy made cheek lint of themselves for 36 straight hours involving hundreds of posts that nobody read? Hell no! Was your vacation over when RW and Dye Brainless pretended to reply to their own aliases to show lurkers how normal they are? Hell no! And your vacation aint over now!! When the blogging gets boring……the boring get blogging…..Who’s with me? Lets do it.
Brazil? Searching for that rare tree bark to cure liberalism? Please tell me you found it. It hurts, doc, when I cut and run. What should I do, doc?
By Dusty
November 20, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this
Glad you are back, Jim.
The Brazilian sunlight must have blinded you a bit. If this ship didn’t sink while you were gone, it took on a whole lot of water. In fact, it was scraping bottom more than once.
As to politics, Georgia did good, but we better keep an eye on Washington. The cut-n-runners are lurking there. And speaking of the c & r crowd, I hope you did find something for PoFo. He definitely needs a cure. We have to keep him out of Little Five Points or he will be on here flyng higher than a Chinese kite.
By Jim Wooten
November 20, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
Morning Fore, Dusty and all. I see that in my absence Fore has not lost his sense of humor, nor has Dusty. Agreed, Dusty, that some of the troll posts in my absence should have been thrown back overboard. But on the whole, it could have been worse. The cure for liberalism, I’m afraid, remains elusive.
By Redneck Convert
November 20, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this
Just when I about give up on you, Wooten, you come back. I knowed you wouldn’t have let all the people accuse me of being a librul on Saturday. You shoulda seen what TFTT and Markus wrote. But at first I thought you wasn’t coming to my defense. Now I know you was out of town.
Anyway, welcome back. I hope you will keep the libruls in their place. And I’m glad Georgia elected fellow rednecks to office. Unlike the people in other states. They are not going to drag us into modern times. Let’s go on fighting the civil war and keeping Those People in their place too. Like the sign says, “Forget hell!”
By jbmlaw
November 20, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this
Good morning all. I perceive, nationwide, that all political motivations are with the Leftists, and that higher taxing and spending will be the rule everywhere outside the South. Thus, I am not as sanguine as Jim about the Georgia GOP. By doing nothing, Georgia (and the rest of the South) will derive a strong competitive advantage over all of the rest of the country, and this advantage will reflect in comparatively higher prosperity. Merely by resisting the siren song of higher government theft, Georgia GOP can establish an impregnable structure, unless the Democrats shift ideologies. I think the Georgia Democrats will divorce themselves from leftism just to survive, but as Mr. Taylor’s campaign showed, that may not be enough to win statewide. Georgia will be hostile territory for leftists for the foreseeable future. All sins of national parties are visited on the local party – I think the Republican “culture of corruption” saved a couple of Georgia congressional democrats, at least for one election.
By Middle America
November 20, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this
On a happy note, Jim Wooten was out of the country, and the country finally came to its senses and elected a more “fair and balanced” form of national government. On a sadder note, in the last two weeks the country of Brazil has given up alternative fuels in favor of more oil, invaded Guatemala for “looking at them funny”, and are amending their constitution to make it a crime NOT to be a homophobe. Is this a coincidence? I think not.
Any time you want to go on vacation Jim Wooten, you go right ahead. Maybe next vacation, we can cure cancer and fix the tax code.
By JP
November 20, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this
“Stand for something or go home” assumes people will consider voting for someone else. This appears extremely unlikely in today’s Georgia, even if Jesus himself ran with a (D) behind his name he’d be labeled an imposter (and a “librul!”) and they’d vote against him.
Therefore, in my personal opinion, Conservatives in Georgia government can do whatever the heck they want. The electorate has spoken: they REFUSE to lose patience with Republicans!
By @@
November 20, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this
Jim:
You were in Brazil? I thought you were somewhere in Georgia.
I guess you’re not one of those wealthy conservative Americans or we would have gotten a ransom note demanding money for your safe return. I would have chipped in Jim. You’re a worthwhile investment.
Now for your topic.
There’s a lot of truth in what Winston Churchill had to say about political ideologies.
“Any man under thirty who is not a liberal has no heart, and any man over thirty who is not a conservative has no brains.”
When I was under thirty, it was convenient to let politicians make decisions to care for the people. I was too busy doing other things. They took care of my guilt.
After thirty, I came to realize they were supporting the business of politics, not the American people.
Aaaahhhhh suspicion…a necessity when it comes to politics. Unfortunately it serves to harden what would otherwise be a generous heart. Equal parts of both for me.
I’m better at being generous with my own money, putting it towards what I deem to be worthwhile causes.
Handing it over to the Democrats so that they can buy power is self defeating for all.
By jbmlaw
November 20, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this
Welcome back, Jim. I trust we can anticipate a column from you on alcohol-based automobile fuels in the near future. (Or did you spend all of your time in Rio?) Have a great day.
By getalife
November 20, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this
Welcome back Jim,
These are the best words written on this blog:
After two weeks in the interior of Brazil, it’s great to be back home — though I must say this will be the last time I go away and leave getalife, Political Fore and other blog contributors of their persuasion in charge of elections.
Outstanding.
Brilliant.
Kudos for recognizing the best bloggers on this blog.
I hear Brazil has converted to ethanol.
Your thoughts?
By Diogenes
November 20, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
Jim,
Your ambitious goals for the Georgia Republicans would even bring a moderate like Diogenes to vote Republican locally. The real test, by the red ties in Georgia and the blue ties in Washington, is to “stand for something.” If the Georgians fall prey to the same greed of the Nationals, then we shall see a blue tide sweep them out to sea in 2008. I think the electorate has grown tired of government which does nothing except squander their political capital on corruption and mismanagement. But I think that’s what you are trying to say also.
By JK
November 20, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this
Is it time to confess?
By Diogenes
November 20, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this
Jim,
You’ve been out of the country studying alternate energies for the past few weeks, so you’re unaware of Vernon’s performance over some questionable investigations into shootings by police in his fiefdom. Vernon is, as we all know, a master politician, but even he is stretching human capacity to talk out of both sides of the mouth at once. He’s been supporting his cops, while playing chaplain among the victims’ families. Vernon needs to have those shootings fully investigated, then do the sympathy route. Jim, take a look at Vernon’s dazzling performance since the AJC printed the article bringing doubt to the adequacy of some of the original investigations.
By getalife
November 20, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this
Yesterday, we were discussing bringing back the draft.
Of course, I was right and the “neonuts” were wrong.
Rangel will seek the draft, to make a point:
“There’s no question in my mind that this president and this administration would never have invaded Iraq, especially on the flimsy evidence that was presented to the Congress, if indeed we had a draft and members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm’s way,” Rep. Charles Rangel said. Rangel will seek the draft, to make a point “There’s no question in my mind that this president and this administration would never have invaded Iraq, especially on the flimsy evidence that was presented to the Congress, if indeed we had a draft and members of Congress and the administration thought that their kids from their communities would be placed in harm’s way,” Rep. Charles Rangel said.
Seriously, why they bother to post when they have absolutely no credibility is beyond me.
Join the reality based community, if you will.
By Pope rednecks - Amerikkka's Al Qaeda I
November 20, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this
Brazil is a lot like Georgia, just more indoor toilets.
By Curious Observer
November 20, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this
Yes, it’s morning in Georgia—to be precise, Monday, November 20, 1863.
By Hacks-R-us
November 20, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this
Google how they deduced the double helix structure of DNA by observing xrays of dna.
Did you know that a woman was the first one to discover the double helix? Crick and Watson went to her lab and rifled through her papers and stole the data. They got the credit. It killed that poor woman.
I’ve got this great new four minutes. I’m debuting it tonight in front of the worst critics you’ll ever meet: Miller Time Die Hards.
Possible bit: about how my wife has to call out to the canary in the cage she put in the bathroom to test the air before she goes in there: "Twee-Tweety bird. Twee-Tweety bird...OMG"!!!! (40 men scrambled from a would-be grave).I bombed so bad at the wednesday night open mike Punchline once that I was banned for six months. (true)
I would definitely recommend going to the wednesday night open mike Punchline. Starts promptly at 8:30. Stand up is not pretty. How great life can be! So dont worry, there’s only a half hour of amateurs, and then a top notch feature and headliner. Half an hour is an eternity believe me.
By time for the truth
November 20, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
Brazil is a lot like Georgia, just more indoor toilets
at least rednekkks would always have plenty of male Brazilian clients then.
The Dekalb cops seem to have things nicely under control in their hellishly crime ridden multi-culti county when dealing with particularly recalcitrant suspects. This exemplary “don’t coddle fleeing criminals” policy needs swift transference to the rest of GA. All this shrill liberal bleating about rights of criminals is quite nauseating. It just goes to show you the double standards here - if most of these Dekalb criminals had been white little or nothing would have been said in the local far left media.
I suppose simpering harold will boorishly tell time for the truth that if the cops had all been on bicycles or walking the beat none of this would have happened - but its good for the local economy of Dekalb and sets the tone for (hopefully) future deterrment of nasty criminal types.
By JoeD
November 20, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this
Yes, two GA Democrats were saved for at least one election. I’m sure the GOP legislature will try redistricting again, maybe so Mac Collins and Max Burns can run for a district that encompasses their own household only, and Barrow will be forced to move to Columbus or Valdosta.
By Peter
November 20, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this
Hy Jim got one RIGHT FOR A CHANGE…
10 years of being in charge, and the Conservatives have done NOTHING!
Good job Jim…..for finally stating the TRUTH!
By Diogenes
November 20, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
TFTT (1029),
I think the AJC made the point quite clear. Several of these shootings were in violation of policy, the most common was the lack of SWAT back-up. Vernon is supporting the violations of policy whilst holding a prayer meeting with the victims’ families. Sounds a little hypocritical to me, and I wanted Jim to take a look at it before he endorses Vernon for Senator.
By Freudian Slips
November 20, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
The light from a lightbulb is exactly the same as the light from the sun: it’s radiation. Period.
Most people dont get that. They think that sunlight is different from lightbulb light. They are wrong. Because they are wrong about light, they make assumptions about their daily lives that are incorrect or poorly constructed. That is why trolls sound like total stunt-wits when they write anything.
Ignorance and hypocrisy are conjugal siblings. That’s why all trolls are inbred into existence. That’s why they’re more dented-head than ditto-head. And that’s why the top ten commandments rejected by God include, “Thou shalt not reply to trolls.”
By MClark
November 20, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
Jim
I can get on board with most of these ideas you propose in this column. The problem is that they often come saddled with a great deal of “values” baggage which actually increases the involvement of government in out lives thereby making the government footprint larger. Conservatism has gone astray in this area and it is my opinion that the election results of Nov. 8 were a referendum on this problem as well as Iraq. I believe people are rapidly tiring of the preachers and the Sadies Fields of the world exerting so much influence on the decisions made in the capital.
The words “conservative values” have come to mean. In large part, the values of the church and its members. I have no problem with the church or its members, but I do have a problem when their agenda becomes the agenda of the GOP.
The far right sees these issues as inextricable, but many in the middle (myself included), which is where elections are won and lost, chafe when the government finds more and more ways to insinuate itself into our lives. In order to be a success the Georgia GOP needs to act in the best interests of the entire citizenry of the state, not just the church-going members.
Contrary to many of the names I have been called on this blog I believe in and can support a true conservative state Government. If they can find a way to contain the growth of government, cut taxes (without sacrificing the truly disadvantaged on the alter of tax cuts) and turn as much of government as possible over to the private sector in a manner that avoids cronyism, corruption and “good ole boyism” then they can have my vote and my support. But stay out of my bedroom, by home and generally let me make decisions on my own, even if those decisions may scandalize the ladies at the church house.
My mother is a fine woman living South of Atlanta who never misses a chance to exercise her rights as my Mother. The last thing I need is the government trying to take up where she leaves off.
By jbmlaw
November 20, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
Well-written MClark @ 10:54; although I am a “believer,” I separate my view of the role of government from my view of what is right for me. You may appreciate similar sentiments as originally written by an aged master, http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110009267
By Diogenes
November 20, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this
MClark,
Your comments, Contrary to many of the names I have been called on this blog I believe in and can support a true conservative state Government. If they can find a way to contain the growth of government, cut taxes (without sacrificing the truly disadvantaged on the alter of tax cuts) and turn as much of government as possible over to the private sector in a manner that avoids cronyism, corruption and “good ole boyism” then they can have my vote and my support. But stay out of my bedroom, by home and generally let me make decisions on my own, even if those decisions may scandalize the ladies at the church house.”
Bravo. Even Diogenes the moderate would vote Republican if we could find candidates who espoused the values you outline above. Well said.
By getalife
November 20, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
Who cares what the “neonuts” say?
They are the silent minority.
We are driving the bus.
Sit back, relax, and let us clean up the gop disaster.
By TS
November 20, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
You are right on MClark! Georgia Republicans have got a great opportunity to make some great changes here in Georgia. It’s time they start supporting the true conservative cause of smaller government, lower taxes, and less government intrusion. The conservative cause has been hijacked in recent years by the religious right and true conservative issues has taken a back seat to issues that are never going to have a direct effect on every single Georgian. Legislation dealing with gay issues and abortion does not affect every single Georgian and it does nothing to further the conservative cause other than pander to the religious right. The legislature has a huge opportunity and my hope is that it is not squandered on divisive issues that in the grand scheme of things don’t really have anything to do with the conservative cause. This is what has happened to National Republicans in the last 12 years. My hope is that the legislature does not go down the same path as the National Republicans. This year I hope to see legislation dealing with reducing the size of the state government, reducing the tax burden on tax payers, true ethics legislation that has teeth, and more private sector involvement with state services.
By time for the truth
November 20, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately there will always be an unresolved tension between secular conservatives - such as myself - and religious conservatives who sadly all too often seek to impose unsupported fideist dogma on everyone else. I commend Richard Dawkin’s The God Delusion as arguably the book of the year, although I have found little (to me) that’s new in this superbly written tome - other than some erudite quotes - it will undoubtedly open the eyes (of those who MIGHT NOT wish to see … alright Dana) to a much more realistic and unblinkered world view.
No major party will ever reflect my - or anyone else’s exact political views on all matters, so a pragmatic or at least partial compromise has to be made if one is to vote. Either what some might call a negative compromise -i.e. voting against the cut and run leftist demoNcrats or a more positive one voting for the GOP - with all their religious/political baggage. The Libertarians are but a joke (no offence meant jbm - but they are).
Many GOP types, especially in the south seem to harbour an unspoken expectation that one ideally must be a “church” type. If you’re not - then the prevailing GOP culture can seem oppressive, and often repugnant. As sadly the majority of (southern) GOPers talk endlessly in often thinly veiled religious speak about religiously informed world views.
So avowedly secular “traditionalist” conservatives like myself have to align themselves with the party that has quite slimy nutters like P Robertson and R Reed in their midst. I recall going to my local GOP office for some Bush-Cheney bumper stickers in 04 and being smugly told by some religious GOP nut in the county GOP hierarchy that J. Isaakson just wasn’t “sound enough” on anti-abortion matters. Sure it was only a personal opinion from an extremely religious housewife but the more rabid anti-abortion nutters are really no better than the hateful pro-abortion feminazis.
Thankfully the English Tory party is increasingly less religious - although its still known in the shires as the CofE at prayer.
By Diogenes
November 20, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this
our comment, “This year I hope to see legislation dealing with reducing the size of the state government, reducing the tax burden on tax payers, true ethics legislation that has teeth, and more private sector involvement with state services.”
Yes. That would be good. Even Diogenes the moderate would support such legislation. As you suggest, the true conservative platform has been hijacked.
By MELO
November 20, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
I don’t mind GA remaining in the GOP control as long as we are not last in education test scores.
Seems the liberals up north are smarter, why JIM.
I love Amrica!!
By RFSOsInRevolt
November 20, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this
I would be happy if only the Georgia GOP stopped being criminals that the federal courts have to control.
We can see from some bills filed early just what the critically important agenda of the GOP will be. It’s going to be back to attacking Registered “sex offenders” again. You can expect that they will be doing precisely the opposite of what every expert in the state says they should do. Just like the last legislative session.
For starters, we’ve got Senator Eric Johnson’s bill to make it illegal for Registered “sex offenders” to photograph anyone under the age of 18. This will affect literally hundreds of thousands of people who completed sentences for their crimes years ago. It will affect people who haven’t broken a law for twenty years. What country are we living in? Of yes, Georgia.
This bill is just such a perfect example of how idiotic Georgia legislators have become regarding harassing people on their “sex offender” Registry. This law will do absolutely less than nothing to protect anyone. It will do nothing but harass. “sex offender” Registration in its entirety does nothing but harass people who are intent on living law abiding lives. It also does a great job of harassing their spouses and children. And with regard to preventing sexual offenses, Registration is worse than worthless because not only does it not hinder any offenses in the slightest but it even constantly exacerbates all of the major factors that have a positive correlation with offending. It is truly idiotic. This law multiplies that idiocy a thousand times over.
I was born in the Midwest and have loved this country most of my life. But I’m done with it. My ancestors fought in wars for this country, my grandfather in WW2. My father used to be extremely patriotic. That’s all ended with my generation. My children know what this country is all about now and it’s not worth fighting for. I’ll take what I can from it and once enough laws are passed that I can live nowhere decent and I am truly no longer a citizen, I’ll retire somewhere nice. I’ll wish you and your deficit good luck.
By Diogenes
November 20, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this
Jim,
MELO (1151) has a valid point. When I graduated from high school in 1962, Georgia was next to last in academic achievement. Now, fully forty years later Georgia is still next to last, although we’ve been through a whole flock of govenors pledging to improve education in Georgia. It has not happened!
By Diogenes
November 20, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this
Jim,
Maureen Downey makes some interesting points about the absymal failure of Georgia schools in basic science in her editorial today. I suggest you take a look at it as you meditate upon MELO’s comments (1151)and as you try to explain to me how Georgia has failed to improve in the past forty years (1207):
http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/stories/2006/11/20/1120edscience.html
By getalife
November 20, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this
Get to work folks.
Our government needs more of your money to support Iraqi welfare.
They broke it and will buy it with your money.
Support Iraqi welfare.
By Curious Observer
November 20, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this
It amazes me that apparently intelligent people continue to express the wish that Georgia students will improve their school performance.
I find this wish irrational. In a state as anti-intellectual as Georgia, one that expresses contempt for the educated and even the educational processes, it is utterly futile to talk about Georgia’s students as though a rise to the top of the national standings is achievable. From the day they are born, these young people are indoctrinated with the notion that excellence in education isn’t very important—at least it’s not as important as the NASCAR standings or the football rankings. The fact that Asian-American students, who are not exposed to such home attitudes, do so well in school speaks volumes about the root cause of Georgia’s scholastic performance.
Let’s get real here. Even if only the top 50 percent of SAT scores in Georgia were included in the calculation, Georgia would not rise to the median national score. Find another wish to support.
By 'Muff Said
November 20, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
Why would getalife try to incite hate against the iraqi people we wish would stand up: the great majority of iraqis who are trapped in our foreign policy boondoggles. The enemy’s army and support can be numbered in the hundreds of thousands. They are vastly more numerous than our army, certainly. It’s a stealth army living as arabs with arabs for arabs and against arabs i dont know he’s our shortstop. We have no earthly idea what we have unleashed on these people. The sheer ignorance of not knowing that this would be the result, is so enlightening about Bush, that he simply has to resign now. Now! Resign Bush. Begging here.
By HS Quorter back
November 20, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
How miny avaliable studey hours are laust to hi scool football ? Football roosters, mariaching bands, chierleeders.That reprecents a good percent of lots of a hi scools studdent boddey.
Our Gubenor is the football Gobenator. One of the loudest things of his champaine was his out rage at that UGA football game AJC head line. He all so played a collage coatch in a movey. Theese things play big heer.
How much mony is spend on cotches, stadums, eek whip munt,and tranfsper tasion ?
This is why Gorgia has to import intteleckuel talnt from the Yankey states. And Libreals. UH.
By getalife
November 20, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this
Well Muff,
Since the cowards will not enlist, the least they can do is get more jobs so their failed leaders can fix the country they broke.
Surely, they do not want their great grandchildren to pay for this disaster.
By jbmlaw
November 20, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
Schooling seems to have touched a nerve among your respondents today, Jim. Of course, the intelligent solution is perhaps “off the table” with our leftist friends:
“On School Choice One result has been experimentation with such alternatives as vouchers, tax credits, and charter schools. Government voucher programs are in effect in a few places (Wisconsin, Ohio, Florida, the District of Columbia); private voucher programs are widespread; tax credits for educational expenses have been adopted in at least three states and tax credit vouchers (tax credits for gifts to scholarship-granting organizations) in three states. In addition, a major legal obstacle to the adoption of vouchers was removed when the Supreme Court affirmed the legality of the Cleveland voucher in 2002. However, all of these programs are limited; taken together they cover only a small fraction of all children in the country. Throughout this long period, we have been repeatedly frustrated by the gulf between the clear and present need, the burning desire of parents to have more control over the schooling of their children, on the one hand, and the adamant and effective opposition of trade union leaders and educational administrators to any change that would in any way reduce their control of the educational system. — Milton Friedman, from The Wall Street Journal, “Free to Choose,” June 9, 2005
By jbmlaw
November 20, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this
Melo @ 11:51: “Seems the liberals up north are smarter, why JIM.” Undoubtedly true. I read everything they write down here, and the leftists up north have to be smarter than our leftists (excluding my friends Southern Democrat and MidSouth Philosopher, of course.)
By 'Muff Said
November 20, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this
Nobody’s grand children will be involved if we cut and run now. Categorizing a withdrawal as cut and run and getting away with that categorization is an exact measurement of how far we all have strayed from the real end game scenario we face in Iraq. I see a US troop refuge in front of the Kurds, and along the Iranian border, intercepting anything that comes out of Persia. But let the civil wars begin. They wants it. So they gits it. What we had here was a failure to communicate diplomatically with the global stamp of approval. What the hell is wrong with the global stamp of approval that torpedoed Kerry’s campaign in 04? Global stamp of approval good. Civil war bad. W has to resign. Lets go to the UN and ask for some sort of global stamp of approval about how to extract our army. NOW!
Bush goes.
By JK
November 20, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
HS Quorter back, financially speaking, the “football instead of books” theory is a MYTH. Tax dollars and school budgets do not cover sports. The football, basketball, lacrosse, and other programs are funded by booster clubs. These consist of parents, teachers, and local sponsors who raise money with endless annoying fundraisers to make these sports available for kids, so they’ll have something to do outside of class besides drugs, sex, and gang stuff. When the kids come around selling magazines or other cra-pola you don’t need, it’s because they want to be involved in something positive after school. These programs [are supposed to] require that students maintain decent grades.
You are right that culturally speaking, football gets too much emphasis and academics get too little respect. But individually, kids who want to participate wind up better off than those who drop out of society, pierce their faces, and smoke meth after school. Their sense of accomplishment should in no way be limited to the athletic field, but often their confidence and self-esteem are bolstered there. Besides, youth doesn’t last; let them play a little before adulthood takes over and suckage ensues.
By Dekalb Taxpayer
November 20, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
JK, it most certainly is not a myth. Do you honestly think there are any high schools in the Atlanta system that are supported in any way by booster clubs?
Same with Dekalb County. Only one or 2 programs in Dekalb have a booster club. My tax dollars just paid $10,000.00 for one schools shoulder pads. On top of that is the cost of stadiums. Some schools are lucky to have a scoreboard donated.
Alot of the suburban programs are greatly inhanced with well oiled booster clubs.
I actually support some spending on athletics, but there is limit and there should be priorities.
By Dusty
November 20, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
Getalife,
Don’t mention the draft. All the young liberals will cut’n’run to Canada. That will leave you almost by yourself at the anti-war rally.
By getalife
November 20, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
Alone Dusty?
Our President is too scared to sleep in Indonesia.
He changed planes and sped through Vietnam.
The majority of the world knows this war is pathetic and they want them held accountable.
How many of those responsible for the Iraq disaster actually served in the military?
Get real.
By Senior Citizen
November 20, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
DONE NOTHING IN TEN YEARS???
THEY’VE SAVED US FROM THE CLUTCHES OF THE “TAX AND SPEND” LIBERAL DEMOCRATS’s POLICIES.
That will consistently get my vote.
By JK
November 20, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this
Dekalb Taxpayer, I apologize if I’m wrong about how the tax dollars in your county are spent, but the athletic programs are NOT supported by the school budget in my neighborhood public school, I assure you! Imagine my surprise when I was told that for my kid to play a sport, I would personally have to pony up hundreds of dollars, and then participate in endless fundraising activities, which I have done. I’ve also seen the budget sheets for how the money is spent. There is NO money in the school’s operating budget for shoulder pads, balls, referees, or even facilities maintenance for the stadium or gym floor. NONE. Wanna buy some magazines?
Perhaps Mr. Wooten could use his job at the newspaper to acquire and share the facts on how much money comes out of school budgets for high-school sports in Georgia. I’ll bet it’s less than you think.
By Southern Democrat
November 20, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
Jbmlaw, another point on which we readily agree. There simply must be more choice in education for all of America’s children. Whether it be charter schools, vouchers or an even bolder system, we must ensure opportunity for all who want to learn and do so quickly. The local property tax-funded public school system has proven to be woefully inadequate.
To Senior Citizen @ 3:58 and other like-minded posters:
I sincerely hope that your postings are tongue-in-cheek. Our government has gone from a surplus to a record deficit in only seven years, our trade deficit is appalling, our currency value is largely propped up by an unsettlingly large number of dollars held by China, our bureaucracy is the largest in history, a Cabinet-level position (Homeland Security) has been created with virtually no reduction in existant redundencies, we are funding an unnecessary war and rebuilding effort, our nation’s largest oil companies are receiving tax BREAKS despite record profits, our nation’s energy producers’ fines for exceeding pollution standards are being waived, Congress has wasted billions on pork-barrel earmarks, and we are realizing that our economy is propped up on an inordinate amount of debt and an overvalued real estate market.
But, hooey, thank GOD we’ve been “saved from the clutches of the tax and spend liberal democrats’ policies.”
And if you want to confine the discussion to Georgia, I’m not sure that the departures of Georgia Pacific, Newell Rubbermaid, Scientific Atlanta, 3 military bases, Ford, and GM while having to sign over billions in tax revenue to KIA are exactly things to crow about.
By Dusty
November 20, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Getalife,
The President, who served in the military no matter how you twist it, is not afraid of anything. (Maybe Mrs. Pelosi but she’d scare anybody.)
You are right about one thing. Those responsible for the Iraq war are not considered “military”. They are called terrorists.
By 'Muff Said
November 20, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
What this country needs is a good 5 cent earmuff for those earmarks.
Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your earmarks!
‘muff said.
By 'Muff Said
November 20, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
I demand the resignation of George W Bush effective noon tomorrow. How is this clown hanging on? What oath registered in heaven is he sworn to uphold here? A president must listen to his own patriotic instinct to insulate the institution of the Presidency from ridicule and shame. Get lost, W. You’ve disgraced the office nearly as much as Clinton did. Shame, sir.
I SAID SHAME!
By 'Muff Said
November 20, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this
The only time not accounted for in Bush’s national guard records is the week of the Kent State Massacre. 4deadinohio.
By JK
November 20, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this
Dusty, I’m sorry… I don’t ususally bother to question your insightful, well-researched comments, as you always seem so um… confident, but did you just state — declare even — that our President is “not afraid of anything?” WOW. It’s amazing that you could know this! Can you please elaborate as to the source of this most acutely personal tidbit of information? Inquiring minds want to know!
By Pope rednecks - Amerikkka's Al Qaeda I
November 20, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Morning in America for the neo-kkkons?
Like a drunk that loses his bottle, has a week or so of the DTs and awakes to find that his pockets are turned out and he’s lost everything dear to him (and his butt hurts like HELL), in the midst of the panic a moment of clarity and hope will sometimes touch him gently on his cheek.
But he will be back to his hating and whining and blaming and barely surviving soon…
By Dusty
November 20, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
Southern Democrat,
We don’t even have to look at your id to know the kind of list you are inclined to give.
There were attacks, disasters and rebuilding in this country, all of which you seem to forget. We have survived and survived quite well in many ways.
If you want to assist our enemies in their aim to demoralize our country and our troops, just keep up “the sky is falling” mantra. Nobody likes war but they like white flags even less.
I am not saying that everything is perfect. I’m saying that this is the best place on earth to live and the idea of running it down because you don’t like the politics is ..well..tunnel vision ignorance.
Maybe the Democrats are going to be Mister Clean and the knights in shining armor. But I doubt that. They have done nothing but complain (like you) for the past six years. It is going to be hard for Democrats to do any “positive thinking” because they have forgotten how to do it.
By Dusty
November 20, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this
JK…SURPRISE!!!
That PERSONAL tidbit of information came from my PERSONAL mind and observation. Perhaps your opinions are a delightful stew of blogs, links, newscasts, political party information , local gossip, etc.
That’s fine. But sometimes..yep..sometimes you have to think for yourself.
Try it. You’ll like it, even as one with an “inquiring” but slanted mind.
By getalife
November 20, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this
Crusty,
She is Speaker Pelosi.
Compared to Hasturd, the pervert appeaser, hammer time in prison and Newt, the cheater, I would say the bar is set very low.
The scary people are gone.
By JK
November 20, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
Thanks Dusty, for clarifying the difference between your opinion (or wishful thinking perhaps) that the President isn’t afraid of anything, and a declarative statement that you know his mind with such certainty. My observation and personal opinion are that Bush literally sh-ts himself with fear with some frequency, going way back to when he was too scared to go to Vietnam, when he ditched his physical rather than pee in a cup, when someone told him ranches have horses, when he had his daddy’s & Reagan’s presidential documents sealed and classified, when he realized he’d have to testify at the 9-11 hearings afterall (after much protesting) before he got a promise that there’d be no oath or no record, and then again when he booted Rumsfeld hours after the election, lest he be summoned to Congressional hearings next year. But that’s why we have these discussions; we see things from different angles. Thanks for sharing!