Thinking Right

By Eric

August 3, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

It isn’t the academic standards that are the problem with Hope, it is the wealthy families who could EASILY afford college but send their kids using Hope, while other kids who have families that CAN’T pay, sit and watch.

By Richard

August 3, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this

Yeah, right. Blame CNN for whatever news is out there that you don’t like. And for all the news you do like, I’m sure it’s thanks to Fox.

Typical blow-hole conservative.

By Typical Georgia Redneck

August 3, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

Truth be told, nothing is more excitin’ to a Georgia redneck than the sight of nekkid schoolchildren.

It’s our English blood, I guess.

By RCH

August 3, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

In order to eliminate grade inflation and other problems..

Lets try this. All individuals are eligible for the Hope Scholarship. You pay, you may attend, and at the end of the semester those with an aggregate grade point average of a “B” will be reimbursed the tuition. Fair and simple.

By jbmlaw

August 3, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. I’m delighted to hear that Grady hired a top-drawer firm like Troutman Sanders to “review” its governance plan. Certainly all bankrupt beggars should hire attorneys to answer the critical “mother may I” questions. Hiring attorneys is what makes the world go ’round. It proves that the hirers are important and serious people. Everyone reading this blog ought to go out and hire an attorney today.

Good to hear that corporate welfare is strong for hospitals and luxury resorts in Georgia. I assume our leftist friends will be pleased that some portion of their $183 2006 income tax payments are going into the pockets of medicrats and developers.

Gloria B-T is wrong – the worst thing that can be witnessed upon anyone is government-paid “reformers” (Analchord, is that sentence grammatically correct? I used a collective noun that appears, at first blush, plural.) God save us from do-gooders.

I propose a new motto for one of my alma maters (Analchord, should that be alma materi?): University of Tennessee – putting athletes into prison stripes for 50 years.

“Obfuscation” is charge levied only by lawyers in their attempt to keep people from looking at the obvious. This is the second thing they teach you in law school, how to “control the question.” Magnify the irrelevant to a point where people ignore the big picture. Related essay, on our leftist friends and their contribution to intelligence, in today’s WSJ: http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110010421 I think I ought to demand WSJ pay me for all my references to their wisdom. Maybe they ought to hire an attorney.

By Rod

August 3, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

So, Atlanta City Councilwoman Gloria Bromell-Tinubu thinks “Slavery is the worst thing and homelessness is the second-worst thing that can be witnessed upon anyone.” I’m sure a few rape and torture victims would care to disagree with her.

By Ronnie B

August 3, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

HOPE’s no joke. It gets kids into college, but if they’re not already prepared, then they’re either gone or they’re paying tuition on their own dime.

The real “joke” is the under-performing, failing and provincial public school system. There’s something wrong when those who can most afford college (Walton, Peachtree Ridge, North Gwinnett parents) have the schools available to their kids that best prepare them for HOPE, while the families who need it most, have the worst schools to prepare them for HOPE (or lack thereof).

By kco

August 3, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

HOPE scholarships are middle-class entitlements. They are enabled by the state-funded and heavily advertised gambling business. The Georgia Lottery is a sneaky tax on the poor.

The Georgia Lottery provides no money to elementary education, yet 47% of Georgia is functionally illiterate. People without basic life skills are easy prey for get-rich-quick schemes at $2 a shot, and people who buy lottery tickets by definition have poor money management skills. They wouldn’t know how to manage the money if they won.

Government should not be in the gambling business unless everyone is allowed to do it. The Georgia Lottery should be abolished.

By Redneck Convert

August 3, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

Well, I reckon they’ll be griping about my white socks and dress pants next. You just can’t please some people when it comes to clothes. They change the fashion just so the clothes makers can make more money.

I say get rid of this Hope scholarship but keep the lottery. All you get when you send these boneheads to colledge on my dime is a educated idiot. My buddy Jim Earl pretty well summed it up last night. He asked how you get a UGA grad off of your porch. The answer is you pay him for the pizza.

I don’t want to have my tax money going to pay for Grady and the doctoring of Those People. Keep the paying in Fulton and DeKalb county. They started this librul mess and they can keep it. It must be run by a bunch of colledge grads. It don’t take a Einstein to figure out if people don’t have no money and no insurance they ain’t going to pay, so you go broke. You just can’t get around Private Innerprize. Its better to know you are going to make money before you start up a business. I don’t see nothing in the Constitution that says people have the right to get doctored just because they are sick or dying. Leastwise I know my friend jbmlaw will agree with me.

We don’t need no big hotels on Jekyll. Just as long as they keep the trailer hookups. We need to get back to the days when you could set up your trailer there and cook on a oil barrel and throw your garbage in the ocean. Instead of making things nice for a bunch of libruls and rich people. Anyway, nobody goes there anymore. Its too crowded.

I say round up the bums and make them fix the roads. They say they ain’t got no homes. Well, all they got to do is get a job and they would have one. If they would do road work we could probly rent them a tent or something like that.

Well, I got to be making my rounds. All the bars have ordered extry for the weekend on account of the thirst of the Baptists on Saturdays and Sundays. They are a hard drinking Godly bunch. I hope tftt is back on his meds today. He sure cussed up a storm yesterday. Jim Earl says its the Gay Rage, and I guess he is right. For a minute I thought tftt and that WTF guy was going to get a hotel room. Anyway, everybody knows the English is wired kind of funny. It takes all kinds, I reckon. Just as long as they don’t try to get married and make my marriage worthless.

By Carlie

August 3, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

Eric, just because the wealthy can afford to send their kids to college without HOPE doesn’t mean the wealthy kids shouldn’t be able to get it. How would we judge who can get HOPE? Should it be based on a parent’s income? What about the wealthy kids whose parents will not pay for college for one reason or another? They are then screwed if the government says their parents have enough money to pay so they can’t get HOPE. Plus, even if the parents would pay, why should they have to pay extra just because they can? It’s not their fault that others don’t make the money they do.

By Jblack

August 3, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

Hey Ronnie,

If your are looking for what makes schools like Walton, PR, and NG so good at preparing kids for college and Hope look no further than the % of parents that are members of and attend PTA meetings. It is amazing how much better schools preform when a united group of parents keep constant watch over the school. I lost all respect for Frank Ski when I heard him complain about having to sit through a PTA meeting before his kid’s kindergarten graduation. In the end the difference between high performing schools and low performing schools is the involvement of parents.

By Jerry Pardue

August 3, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

Jim: Thanks for your “Hopelessy Unscholarly Standards” opinion in todays AJC. Apparently Karharine Ruse,the Bethesda Elementary “TEACHER” doesnt understand what GPA stands for. <70=D, 70-79=C, 80-89=B,>90=A. Grade Point Average, or GPA uses elementary math skills that this elementary teaches doesnt understand. Gee..what a suprise!

By E. T.

August 3, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

If I live outside of Fulton and Dekalb Counties and have to be sent to Grady, I pay. If I live in Fulton and Dekalb Counties and go to Grady I get free care. The Grady Board is in trouble because of the paying patients? Don’t think so. Let the patients who caused this mess pay.

By Analchord

August 3, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

What are life skills? We breath. We drink. We eat. We trick women into letting us feel them up. (Hey, how’d THAT get in there?).

The point is that there are no life skills that aren’t bio-magnanimously endowed by the creator. Hasn’t anyone noticed how oxygen just happens to be ubiquitous? Please.

‘muff said.

By Bob

August 3, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

Most really WEALTHY families don’t use the hope scholarship… and as Jim said, poorer students who qualify receive the scholarship. If you can’t qualify to get it out of high school, you probably wouldn’t have it long anyway… rich or poor.

Also - the state should provide the same benefits to ALL Georgians. My family is not what I call wealthy but we do make a comfortable living. I know plenty of “less fortunate” families who have chosen to have one member of the family stay home with the kids, or whatever other determinatioon that could cause a family to have less money.

I also know people who choose to work for less pay because they like their jobs. Should they have more benefits than someone else? I think not!

By RCH

August 3, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this

kco

“The Georgia Lottery is a sneaky tax on the poor.”

I wish all taxes were like this. You don’t play, you don’t pay!

By Joey

August 3, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

So the Attorney General, the head of the Department of Justice and chief law enforcement officer of the Federal Government, admits to being intentionally evasive under oath and that’s ok with you because Senators Biden and Schumer obfuscate too. Wow. Your sarcasm is so persuasive. I suppose I shouldn’t expect to read critical analysis in your column of someone on the right that doesn’t devolve into an a lambasting of those on the left.

By June

August 3, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

College should be free for everyone. There should be parity among the quality of education provided by public universities (if one university can excel, then they all can) and the only entrance requirements should be either a high school diploma or a GED.

In short, getting in shouldn’t be hard, but getting out should. Those that can’t hack it will fall by the wayside. Those that can will end up with a college education from which all of us will benefit via a more productive economy.

By JL

August 3, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

Fair warning to state officials: If Grady doesn’t survive, many of us or our loved ones won’t survive either. It’s the only Level I trauma center in the region, a top training facility for doctors who go onto other hospitals and security for Georgians who need critical emergency care. In addition, Grady treats indigents that, if Grady closes, will end up crowding other emergency rooms in the region making the wait that much longer for everybody else.

By Disgusted

August 3, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

Why, then, would the Jekyll Island Authority offer even a dime in incentives, much less a $10 million rent break, to one of the nation’s largest developers?

I think I know the answer to that one, Jim — windfalls, greed, payoffs, relationships, strippers, … Why we continue to give business the ability to contribute to, meet with in private and provide gifts/trips to and throw parties for government officials is beyond me.

By gtfan

August 3, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

eric It isn’t the academic standards that are the problem with Hope, it is the wealthy families who could EASILY afford college but send their kids using Hope, while other kids who have families that CAN’T pay, sit and watch.

It’s based on grades, not family income. The wealthy families are paying all the taxes supporting the poor ones already, what are you complaining about.

Besides, once your 18, you’re an adult. And anyone can get Fed Subsidized, Unsubsized loans, and Grants all the while the loans aren’t due until after you graduate.

I’ve been out for 5 years, and I’m still $15K in student loan debt.

By Ken

August 3, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

I can’t understand for the life of me why people hate HOPE so much. Sure it gets a lot of idiots into college that end up just wasting money, but it also results in far more successes. Each Georgia Tech graduate for example will end up contributing MUCH more to the local economy than the roughly $40,000-$50,000 that their education costs the state. Then you have the nursing students at Kennesaw/Merser/WGA, the pre-med students everywhere, business students at State and UGA, etc. There are tens (hundreds even) of thousands of extremely bright Georgians who would not have made it to where they are today without HOPE.

Also consider the huge and very rapid expansions that are occurring at Georgia Tech, GSU, and Kennesaw to name a few. At Tech for instance, our campus is on track to have doubled nearly every ten years since HOPE was founded. It is my belief that the increase in quality and quantity of students at Tech during that time period is responsible.

Considering that the HOPE program is entirely funded by the lottery, I think people really just need to quit whining about it.

By Adam

August 3, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Eric @8:11 …the wealthy families who could EASILY afford college but send their kids using Hope, while other kids who have families that CAN’T pay, sit and watch.

Eric, its a MERIT based program not designed as another welfare giveaway. You libs who always want to fix our woes always overlook the positive effects of incentives. If your family is unable to afford college and you want to attend, study and earn the benefit instead of “siting and watching”. If “sit and watch” is your mode of operation then you are probably not college material anyway.

By Gonzalez Must Go

August 3, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Mr. Wooten’s sarcasm notwithstanding, Gonzalez’s lying to Congress is only the tip of the iceberg. He oversaw the replacement of U.S. Attorneys specifically for the purpose of influencing elections. He fired attorneys that investigated Republican officials, hired attorneys that conducted unwarranted investigations of Democratic officials and used the others to investigate election fraud that didn’t exist in order to give a false impression to the electorate.

He’s a crook, and impeachment should only be the beginning. Alberto Gonzalez, the head law enforcement official in the country, belongs in jail.

By FYI

August 3, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

GMG at 9:20,

This new law wouldn’t help on the State level, but the first couple of paragraphs from the NY Times might make you feel better —

“The Senate gave final approval Thursday to a far-reaching package of new ethics and lobbying rules, with an overwhelming majority of Republicans and Democrats agreeing to improve policing of the relationship between lawmakers and lobbyists.

If President Bush signs the bill into law, members of Congress would face a battery of new restrictions. The legislation, approved by the Senate on a vote of 83 to 14, calls for bans on gifts, meals and travel paid for by lobbyists and makes it more difficult for lawmakers to capitalize quickly on their connections when joining the private sector.”

By Curious Observer

August 3, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Those who believe college entrance should somehow be universal and college graduation should be selective have no understanding of the way academic institutions work.

It starts with the money, viz., the more students you keep, the more money you have.

This principle has a pernicious effect on academic standards at colleges and universities. The college faculty finds itself under pressure to nudge as many people as possible over the passing line. And woe be unto you if you’re a faculty member who adheres to rigorous academic standards. You will find yourself out of favor with the administration very quickly.

For all the good it has done, the Hope Scholarship program has also helped to weaken academic standards at Georgia’s colleges and universities. The lax high school standards that allow practically everybody to graduate with a B average or better have a cascading effect. Can’t read, write, or perform basic arithmetic operations? No problem—the colleges and universities will offer you remedial courses. After all, they need the money that your continued enrollment brings. Can’t do well in college-level classes? You can count on the administration to frown on those teachers who insist on holding the line on what constitutes minimal academic performance at the college level.

So go ahead and pretend that the Hope program exists in isolation and that loose standards for qualifying have no effect on anything that comes afterwards. I’ve been there and done that. I know how the University System operates. If most Georgians thought through the implications of a loosy-goosy Hope program, they would be clamoring for restrictions and supporting those high school teachers who refuse to award a B merely because Johnny might not qualify for Hope otherwise.

By Analchord

August 3, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

I wonder if Ken Star thinks Bill Clinton was obfuscatin’.

By RCH

August 3, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

Curious Observer,Ken

Try my thought at RCH@ 8:26

By Analchord

August 3, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Grady stands as a monumental posterchild for man’s inhumanity to man. What is Grady? Better yet, What Isn’t Grady?

Grady isn’t a place for the sick or injured to go to get medical treatment because it’s too expensive to treat them.

Man is just too high maintenance. We simply cant afford Man and his well being.

The creator can endow us with rights, because those rights are free. If the Creator had to pay for them, then we wouldn’t have them. (now would we?)

Burn Grady down. Put up a gambling casino. Put up a srip bar. But dont pretend to put up a hospital and then treat the untreated like they’re untreatable.

‘muff said. (strip bar callback)

By Ken

August 3, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

gtfan,

Actually you have to be 23 to be considered an ‘adult’ under the FAFSA rules. I haven’t qualified for enough loans to pay for my education for the last 4 years, and have had to get parent backed loans (all unsubsidized).

Now that I’m 23 I’m considered an ‘independent’ student, and I finally get grants and subsidized loans. There are other ways to can be considered independent, but they involve things like having kids or getting marriage.

By Jim's a Cherry Picker

August 3, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

Jim,

Cherry Picking at it’s finest! You are truly a giant in this field.

Regarding Grady’s secret meeting on the public’s dime, do you mean like the Bush Administration? How many “secret” meetings has it had?

Regarding the big development in DeKalb…are you suggesting that business take a back seat to government planners?

Regarding Jekyll…sounds like corruption to me. Are you suggesting that governement not serve business in that manner? Because there’s a bunch more where that came from.

Who reviews your work over there?

By rv

August 3, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Woot, are you clueless to urban development? The idea behind dense development is to put people’s homes, jobs, and other destinations (recreation, shopping, schools, etc) closer together, ideally within walking distance or on transit lines (and yes, local buses, not just express buses, do count as usable mass transit, despite the impressions of most car-coddled Atlantans). In column after column you rail against density, advocating low-density land use patterns that force more and more people into their cars and onto the roads and freeways. It’s a self-perpetuating problem, and it needs to be viewed in the long-term, not just the short term. A high-density development may spur new auto traffic in the short-term, but its long-term ramifications are an increased number of trips made on transit or on foot. You can find example after example of dense development in other cities, and find evidence of the benefit it brings. Many of these same cities suffer terrible traffic, but that’s due to America’s decades-long legacy of fallacious, Federally subsidized ideological auto-centric development patterns. The real mistake is in expecting every American to own at least 1 car and to build the country accordingly.

Also, reconcile this with your principles. Doesn’t the idea of restricting development based on the fickle and failing funding of local, state and Federal transportation departments seem like an ill prospect? That’s an awful lot of government control, based on the idea of taxing a populace (of which you are part) that vehemently fights the idea of government recieving any dollars that won’t be spent inside the picket fences lining its yard. Sounds like a failed prospect already - if we can’t adequately fund our roads because we’ve already built them far beyond sustainability, wanting more of the same and then restricting the area’s development, population, and ultimately economic potential seems like a bad idea. It’s a built-in economic drain that will lead to blight, population loss, and ultimately collapse. And the ‘burbs will get it first - they were founded around woefully inadequate road networks from day one, and their residents continue fight for more of the doomed status-quo.

The idea that Sandy Springs is “dense” is laughable. When you consider mile after mile of strip malls and ranch-style homes on 1-acre lots dense, you must be from the farm.

By Analchord

August 3, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Regarding Jekyll, what Wooten is saying is that without the rent breaks the developers want there’s no way that they’ll be able to destroy the coral and other natural wonders that lay just offshore.

Now, if you want to join al queda and the greenpeace commies and stop profiteering by blight, then I’m reporting you to Homeland Security, sir.

By fed up

August 3, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Eric, if you don’t like the way HOPE works, don’t buy lottery tickets. Otherwise just bud out. Just because my wife and I have worked our BUTTS off and made the TOUGH decisions does not mean that we should be punished for that. There is enough punishment for success built into the tax code as it is, thank you very much.

HOPE is available to anyone regardless of income, so there are no poor families watching my kids go to school on the HOPE, unless they are too stupid to qualify themselves… In that case, they aren’t college material anyway.

My kids put up with enough dolts in public school as it is, they deserve to be around kids who can at least tie their own shoelaces in college.

By Charles

August 3, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Quote from former Atlanta City Councilwoman Gloria Bromell-Tinubu: “Slavery is the worst thing and homelessness is the second-worst thing that can be witnessed upon anyone.” Except that people who aren’t mentally ill make choices that take them to homelessness, while slavery is inflicted upon them. Simply feeding and housing vagrants solves nothing and invites more. The need is to move them to self-reliance, if that’s what they want. Otherwise, move them off the street.

Jim Wooten, How long must I educate mentally deficient so-called integrationist leaders such as Gloria Bromell-Tinubu? Most so-called integrationist leaders in the African American community do not understand what power is or they have simply sold the masses into volunteer slavery for money and security. They mistakenly call it self reliance.

It’s obvious that the major problems facing African Americans are abject ignorance and a lack of institutions capable of meeting the basic needs of the masses. It matters not whether African Americans are homeless or the head of a major corporations belonging to groups other than African Americans. The problem remains the same for both; plain abject ignorance and the lack of institutional power.

It is not the responsibility of Europeans to service the basic needs of African Americans. That responsibility lies at the door of those so-called educated integrationist leaders with the disposition of Gloria Bromell-Tinubu.

African American integrationist leadership responds to the problems of homeless African Americans, and African Americans in general, as if the people left outside of the European system of power are Europeans.

Here is what I am referring to. Let’s look at the homeless problem from reverse angle. Let us suppose that Africans had gone to Europe and captured Europeans and inflicted murder, back and mental breaking trauma upon them; it resulted in the enslavement of Europeans for four hundred thirty years.

So consequently in America today, we have a tremendous European homeless problem. African Americans have built the most powerful nation, economically and militarily, in the world. Most African Americans are doing well while their elite are seeking global conquest.

European integrationist leaders decided to forgo freedom, and decided to integrate with African Americans. Europeans don’t have businesses and institutions to meet their basic needs, food, clothing, shelter, employment, education, etc. In the European mind, he/she believes that African Americans should meet the basic needs of Europeans. They think that is self reliance.

Now the proper stage is set. If Gloria Bromell-Tinubu said, “simply feeding and housing African American vagrants solves nothing and invites more. The need is to move them to self-reliance, if that’s what they want. Otherwise, move them off the street.” Her statement without question would be correct.

African Americans would have a nation, business and institutions, which is real power to meet their basic needs. Why would African Americans be homeless? I would reason that they made choices that took them to homelessness.

You would have to be the biggest fool in the world, or just plain ignorant, PhD and all, to make the same charge toward powerless Europeans. African Americans would have the power to make any undesirable European homeless for whatever reason or desirables gainful employment.

Simply stated, Many African Americans today are homeless, confused, and stupefied because they have made terrible choices with respect to integrationist leadership. They and their children are paying the painful price.

By Lex Luthor

August 3, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Wooten,

Are you stating that children who go to public schools that are pathetic should be bared from the HOPE? Here a student who got straight As based on what was required of them should be inelligable for HOPE? Your statement is one of short sighted ignorance. The student can’t help it if Trig is only taught on even numbered years.

By Lee

August 3, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

So our Lt Gov threatens for the state to take over Grady unless Fulton/Dekalb get their sh1t together. That’s not a threat. That’s what they are hoping and praying will happen. Shift their mis-management onto the state taxpayers.

Make HOPE a reimbusment program where the student pays their fees up front and then gets reimbursed based on the grade earned. You could prorate it; A = 100%, B = 90%, c = 80%. This would do several things: it would eliminate the pressure at the high school level to inflate grades, it would encourage students to take the harder classes in order to get better prepared for college, and it would place a financial incentive on the college student to attain better grades.

No more of this “I’ll go to college for a year and see how it works out. It’s no money out of my pocket” crap.

By Jackie

August 3, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Alberto Gonzalez should be impeached. This action would be the beginning of a cleaning of the swamp that is the Dubya regime. If any other attorney were to assume the position that Mr. Gonzalez holds, he would either resign or bring charges against most of the players in Dubya’s house of cards. Dubya exerted executive priviledge in the case of Pat Tillman. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - Richard Meier - knew about the account a less than a week after the event, yet, he said it was not his responsibility to make this information known because it was an Army responsibility. How many of those folks that support these criminals believe that bald-face lie? Rumsfeld maintained tight control over the military and in turn reported to his fellow criminal, Dick Cheyney. The military currently have a case against a National Guard LTC concerning Abu Ghraib. The irony of this trial is that EVERYONE says that he had no operational control over those soldiers who commited the crimes and that he was only in-country several days when the event occured. Yet, he was brought up on charges for not controlling the situation. Criminals, obfuscation, lies, throwing injured Vets on the street by denying proper medical care, theft of our tax dollars. The list is only partial as this one pony circus has committed so many crimes, they are almost too numerous to mention. All those supporters should speak up loudly and defend Dubya and his fascist cabal.

By kco

August 3, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

RCH

I agree. The best things in life are tax-free.

By RCH

August 3, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Lee

What took you so long? See RCH @ 8:26. It is a great idea, which means it doesnt have a chance.

By Van

August 3, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

In my day, when you were accepted at a college, if you were not capable of handling college level courses, you were required to take “Dumb-bell” courses. These were required before you took any of the 100 level courses.

Those in the “Dumb-bell” courses were few and there was a stigma about having to take them.

Does HOPE pay for these remedial courses? If it does, why?

By deegee

August 3, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

“Metro Atlanta’s greatest mistake is allowing density beyond the carrying capacity of roads.”

There is even greater density between the ears of the people that vote time and again for more roads. Every county wants development because they want the tax base. You aren’t going to change that. Why not plan light rail and mass transit into the development instead of more freakin roads? From the looks of it, we are now going to have to fix the crumbling roads we have in place before we build any new ones.

By JDW

August 3, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Wooten, even you can’t seriously believe that Gonzales is anything but an incompetent toady.

By JDW

August 3, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Wooten, even you can’t seriously believe that Gonzales is anything but an incompetent toady.

By JDW

August 3, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Wooten, even you can’t seriously believe that Gonzales is anything but an incompetent toady.

By Just an FYI

August 3, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

I just received an e-mail from Governor Sonny Perdue’s office in response to my e-mail requesting that the State get involved with Grady. Here’s an excerpt from the Governor’s reply:

“I am aware of the challenges facing Grady, and am closely monitoring the situation. As you are aware, the dedicated men and women of Grady provide critical services to Metro Atlanta residents. Losing Grady, particularly the trauma services provided there, would be a blow to Georgia and would likely overburden other hospitals in Metro Atlanta. Grady’s important role in our community is evidenced by the fact that the State of Georgia is the largest provider of Medicaid dollars and is an annual contributor to the Indigent Care Trust Fund. We are pursuing federal matching funds for Grady and will partner with Grady as they continue to offer uncompensated care to consumers in Metro Atlanta.

While we continue these efforts, we hope that the Grady Board will strongly consider reorganizing the corporate structure of the hospital to reflect current hospital trends. As recognized by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, every other urban hospital authority in Georgia has become more financially stable by updating their corporate structure. During Grady’s self-examination, we will continue to evaluate the proper role for the State to play in the long-term health of Grady, including our continued efforts to find funding for a trauma care network in the state.”

By Adam

August 3, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Lex Luthor @10:22 Are you stating that children who go to public schools that are pathetic should be bared from the HOPE? Here a student who got straight As based on what was required of them should be inelligable for HOPE?

Where do you get that out of Jim’s essay?? If someone gets striaght A’s as you say then they qualify. It doesn’t matter if Trig is taught every other year. All they have to do is apply themselves, make the grade and they qualify. What’s so hard to understand here? Even if someone attends a poor performing high school it should be all that much easier to study and rank among the top tier of the rest of the dummies in that school.

Is there anything you Collectivists don’t whine about?

By Jackie

August 3, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

The State University System of North Carolina has an “open-door” admission policy; they will let you in if you can get out. They accept some students at the flagship, UNC-Chapel Hill - with “D” average. The community colleges do not require SAT to get in an each school in the system is required to accept the grades from the Community College system. You can leave a state community college with your associate degree and transfer to any college within the state. North Carolina is considered to have one of the best education systems in the country.

By Peaches

August 3, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Always fun to see how the wingnuts get around to “fascist” as their ultimate epithet.

By Lily Toad

August 3, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

How nice to be middle class and blame homeless people for making bad choices. That would never happen to me, or my family, because all our choices in life have been good choices. How about the wife who CHOOSES to stay home with the children and not work who gets locked out of her house when her husband gets a new girlfriend? Did she make a bad choice? How about a Vietnam Vet who was never treated for post-traumatic stress? Did he make a bad choice to not dodge the draft? How about the man who gets laid off due to his corporate employer being bought out by another company and takes a lower-paying job and his house is foreclosed after he missed three house payments because he’s gone through his savings account? Bad choice because he worked for a company for 20 years and is now 55 and no one will hire him at comparable pay?

By Jackie

August 3, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

@Charles

I take offense at your characterization of African-Americans and their homelessness. You premise is based on a supposition, that being one of ignorance and lack of institutions to support them. Are those folks with mental disorders ignorant? Statistics show that the majority of folks in a state of homelessness have mental disorders. The lack of institutions to support people and the lack of power thereof is not a fault of the folks in need of the service, don’t you think? Having made a choice to participate in the “mainstream” is not causation for many of the problems visiting many people. I would argue, outside of mental impairment, the biggest problem most of have is the enormous pressure of just making a living.

By time for the truth

August 3, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

As usual Ann Coulter is 100% correct about the flaccid joke of a fa ggot Edwards who was so despised by voters it couldn’t even win its own state against Bush in 04. That mouthy shrill waddling heffalump Edwards’ is noisily married to needs to STFU too!!

The hypocrisy of the sick and twisted increasingly desperate, hilariously and deservedly fading fast in the polls sleazy hatepig Johnnyboy I shamelessly exploit my wife’s cancer Edwards knows no limit. This puffed up self important sad sack sneers at fellow cut and run lefty leeches who suck up Murdoch money but yet Edwards itself gobbled up well over $800,000 of Murdoch money for a poxy book few morons ever even read. Edwards then lies through its dissembling $1200 for a haircut teeth about donating the 800K to charity. This shameless living large in a multi million dollar mansion grasping ambulance chaser, now on some perverted pandering poverty tour is supposedly even returning a small donation by just 3 Fox employees. This is the fanatical hate speech ‘price’ this worthless lying far left slimeball is paying for being rigidly controlled by the treasonous appeasing scum of moveyourbowels.org and other venal hate America G SOREos slush funds.

I see very predicktably that the Aryan Nations’ sexual plaything inbred rednekkk has puked up more of its homo obsessed lies about its conservative betters. Watch out inbred - you’ll have every used up Bwarney Fwank rent boy chasing ya for free crystal meth moonpies and RC Cola.

Who is this sad deranged racebaiting cow who equates slavery with homelessness? Must be another knuckle dragging black racial spoils feminazi whose sullen shoe size IQ would never ever allow it to even fill out a HOPE form - let alone become a beneficiary.

Anybody who gives the middle finger to hectoring vermin like Chuckee Scum-er, the always lying DUI killer Kennedy, P.GFY Leahy and the rest of the demoNcrat senate liars and cowardly abuse of power lynchers is a national hero.

That collapsed bridge in the People’s Republic of MN is the perfect (retrospective) metaphor for the yellowbellied anti- military gigolo - three bandaids and I’m outta here - Kerry’s beaten easily by Bush in 04 campaign.

It is with deeply nauseated ambivalence that I note that I actually agree with Curious Observer this morning - at least on one topic. The unremitting dumbing down of educational standards and feverish grade inflation is not only undermining tertiary education in GA - it is also harming the nations’ economy as this evil practice is being perpetrated/replicated across the fruited plain. As teeeeeechers and either deadbeat and especially smug self absorbed parents are slavishly in denial about the pathetic plummeting levels of literacy and numeracy - let alone reasoning, analytical and science/history/geography knowledge and skills etc of their precious 17-18 YEAR OLD car driving/wrecking brats that emerge “triumphant” from an ‘exit’ exam (that ludicrously allows repeated attempts to pass) 14 year old math and 16 year old English.

Leading to the now legendary bumper stickers that proudly celebrate

MY GERMAN SHEPHERD/C OONHOUND/ LABRADOR/DOBERMAN IS SMARTER THAN YOUR HONOUR STUDENT

By deegee

August 3, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

HOPE is just what it says it is. It’s the hope that students will seize an opportunity and be successful. There are plenty of statistics on how many students flunk out. Graduation rates don’t really measure the rate at which students that were marginally qualified for college made a success of themselves through hard work and determination. What is wrong with giving the opportunity to as many as possible? Can anyone of us, except maybe Van, admit that we were completely prepared for every challenge we faced in life? Sometimes people surprise themselves. Give them the opportunity.

By Jackie

August 3, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

@Peaches

Should I have included you in that list and should they be labeled neo-facsists?

By jbmlaw obfuscates

August 3, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

jbmlaw wrote, “‘Obfuscation’ is a charge levied only by lawyers in their attempt to keep people from looking at the obvious. This is the second thing they teach you in law school, how to “control the question.” Magnify the irrelevant to a point where people ignore the big picture.”

jbmlaw ought to know. He proudly practices obfuscation every day on this blog.

By Shar

August 3, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Good Morning to all: The scandal of HOPE is not in the number of students who qualify, it is the number who lose the scholarship within the first two semesters. Inflating grades and dumbing-down curriculum covers the inadequacies of the sending high school while duping students who believe themselves to be high achievers, only to be hit with rigorous standards that they are unprepared to meet. If Georgia’s high schools were held accountable for the rate of their students’ loss of HOPE scholarships, rather than their rate of HOPE eligibility, perhaps parents would be motivated to press for better college preparation.

Eric, the greatest source of revenue for the University system is tax money. Georgia taxpayers fund far more of the operating expenses of the University than do tuition payers. Therefore, rest assured that the ‘rich parents’ you so resent are, in fact, paying a huge chunk of the education costs for the children of lower earners. What HOPE has done is to entice high-achieving Georgia students to stay in-state for college. This has served to improve the academic level of the University while these are there and to encourage them to remain in Georgia as adults. Many, perhaps the majority, of these students will atend graduate school, where their savings through HOPE will underwrite tuition. They and their families have to plan far in advance for this, not “sit and watch”, and all concerned have to work hard through high school and college to force schools to provide adequate preparation and to achieve excellence in those higher standards. Those who make the HOPE system work are not being given anything, nor should they be.

By Charles

August 3, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Jackie,

The only person on earth who would agree with whatever you said without being deceitful is a Negro, a mental slave.

Most black people in America are homeless without the help of white people.

No human being can be respected under such circumstances, the mentally ill or otherwise.

Even African American children understand it. They may not be able to express it verbally. They act it out in the streets, school, etc.

Please!

By Charles

August 3, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Bringing you the Story behind the Story, the News behind the News. Hoping to convince you that reality is usually scoffed at and illusion is usually king, but in the battle for the survival of Western civilization it will be reality and not illusion or delusion that will determine what the future will bring.

Radio Liberty is hosted by Dr. Stanley Monteith.

www.radioliberty.com

By time for the truth

August 3, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

that should actually read …

That collapsed bridge in the People’s Republic of MN is the perfect (retrospective) metaphor for the cowardly yellowbellied anti- military gigolo John three bandaids and I’m outta here Kerry’s beaten easily by Bush in 04 campaign.

sorry for any misunderstanding.

By Ben

August 3, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

I don’t get the Gonzalez thing. The attorneys in question have a little note in their job description that says they serve at the pleasure of the President. To me, that means he can fire them for any darn reason he feels like.

As far as HOPE and the lottery, anyone breaking themselves to play the lottery every week isn’t going to succeed in college. And it’s not a tax on the poor. If that’s what you call a tax, then why is it that I can’t just decide not pay my other taxes?

A B average in a Georgia high school is not very tough. Anyone who has the intelligence to succeed once they are at college can easily get the B average in high school if they have any motivation at all. And the instant that HOPE becomes need-based instead of merit-based is the instant I start calling my state representative to get the entire program shut down. The last thing this state needs is more incentives for people not to try to better themselves.

By Blind Homer

August 3, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

First, there is some benfit to just attending college, even if they eventually flunk out. Second, the flaw with the reimbursement plan is coming up with $2000-$5000 (will 1st semester grades be final in time for 2nd semester tuition payment?) up front is a huge hurdle for poor people. Third, there are a lot of federal scholarships and grants that are tax funded and need-based. Leave HOPE alone, just keep raising the bar to counteract the rampant grade inflation.

By RCH

August 3, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Deegee When you have paid the tuition through hard work and sacrifice and the only way you will get it back is a 3.0 GPA, many marginal students will surprise themselves. See RCH@ 8:26

By Charles

August 3, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Don’t get me wrong Jackie,

I know it’s difficult when you have been deceived by your own people. It is the most difficult problem to overcome.

Most Negroes have been completely stupefied by our integrationist leadership, the mentally ill and the so-called sane.

By time for the truth

August 3, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

@ Charles the bewildered snivelling moron

your increasingly severe mental handicap becomes more and more self evident each time you post your nazi like doltish unhinged drivel.

your puerile ‘argument’ (being extremely generous here) does NOT even slightly benefit from child like internal coherence.

By Shar

August 3, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

I meant to add a remark suitable to convey my contempt for Alberto Gonzales, but all I can think of are the immortal words of Auntie Em: “Almira Gulch. Just because you own half the town doesn’t mean that you have the power to run the rest of us. For twenty-three years I’ve been dying to tell you what I thought of you! And now… well, being a Christian woman, I can’t say it!”

Just substitute one A. G. name (or even title!) for another, and change the years to months, and you’ll have my feelings perfectly.

A question for Mr. Wooten: Why do you feel that Mr. Gonzales’ actions are somehow justified by those of Mr. Schumer and Mr. Biden? That kind of justification was not accepted in the schoolyard, much less in what passes for adult dialogue. If you wish to excuse his actions, please focus your defense on something other than the shortcomings of others.

By Charles

August 3, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

Jackie,

Just as the integrationist Negroes sold the Negro masses into integration aka volunteer slavery; the elite white people are selling the masses of white people into the New World Order, slavery.

www.radioliberty.com www.iotconline.com www.thepatriots.us www.chuckcoppes.com www.freedomadvocates.org www.infowars.com www.deliberatedumbingdown.com www.expendableelite.comwww.senatornancyschaefer.comwww.spychips.com www.911truth.orgwww.augustreview.comwww.spychips.comwww.truthtellers.org www.moralityinmedia.org

By RCH

August 3, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Blind Homer

Again, here we have the opportunity to prove how serious you are about college. Tell me that you cannot save 2 to 5 thousand by the time the child turns 18. You are really not trying. The University will automatically credit your college reimbursement at the end of the semester in time for the next start of classes.

Many of these other grants and scholarships can be used for graduate school.

With this plan in place you will not have to worry about grade inflation, weighted classes, etc..

By Charles

August 3, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

By time for the truth,

Come out of that fantasy world. Here is some help. Most of the people on these websites are white people.

Maybe they can talk some sense into you.

www.americandeception.comwww.worldaffairsbrief.comwww.gregpalast.com www.ccir.net www.williamhkennedy.com www.patholiday.comwww.thepowerhour.comwww.jerryesmith.com www.dickmorris.comwww.antichips.comwww.beareroflight.comwww.gregpalast.com www.moralityinmedia.org

By Aquagirl

August 3, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

What is wrong with giving the opportunity to as many as possible?

Lots of things. If you’re spending a bunch of HOPE money that would be better off spent elsewhere, you’re wasting money. There are undesirable institutional effects as well.

fed up’s kids endured idiot classmates for twelve years, they don’t need to endure them the first year of college. And I’d love to hear from a Professor who teaches English 101. Extra time spent grading papers of idiots or listening to complaints of entitled students distracts from teaching those who are trying to learn

RCH and others have it right, make it an open program, with payback requirements if you fall below a certain average. Institute a minimum SAT score if you’re going to have standards.

And yes, Van, HOPE pays for remedial/dumbell classes. See Curious Observer’s excellent 9:28 post for why that’s happening. People really should think about how HOPE is affecting our educational system overall, instead of just shrugging it off as free money that came from lottery-addicted fools.

By Curious Observer

August 3, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

If TFTT agrees with me, then I must have put forward a perfectly boneheaded idea. I apologize for my stupidity and inadvertent racism, and I promise to disagree with this putrid piece of trash in every future post.

By Charles

August 3, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Jackie,

If you are an African American, I won’t be able to provide African American websites that will be beneficial to you. If I did so, the integrationist Negroes facilitated by the federal government will attack them with the same venom as they did Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association.

Those will have to suffice for now.

By native atlantan

August 3, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

By Jblack

August 3, 2007 8:48 AM

I agree with you 100%. Parents in under performing schools do not attend PTA meetings. And for some of them, it’s just plain being lazy. BTW, I lost respect for Frank Ski a long time ago. However, I must point out that income is still a factor. We all know that in the upper class neighborhoods, the stay at home Moms are available for meetings. While in the low income neighborhoods, parents are working 2 jobs or extra shifts so their kids can eat. When do they have time to go to PTA meetings?

By time for the truth

August 3, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

charles - you’re a sad deranged nazi like nutter. you’re not even worth laughing at any more.

By WTF

August 3, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

With southern states lagging behind the entire nation in the number of high school graduates who go on to college, it would seem that any effort, however flawed, to help the region catch up with the rest of the country would be welcomed.

By Dusty

August 3, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

I agree with Jim’s premise today, unscholarly standards cannot be called standards. They should be called “loopholes”.

If loopholes are necessary, then those that need them should apply to technical schools or work in a job that does not require the far advances of education. If they are really “smart”, they can advance.

Fast food places need managers. Good construction workers and landscapers may start their own companies. Even when college is not the answer, there are always opportunities for the “savvy” ones.

But Jim Wooten, I disagree on one phase of your homeliness report (vagrants). The mentally ill (by way of natural disabilities) have neither chosen nor are they able to discontinue their failings.

Mental health experts have tried everything from “keep ‘em free of institutions” (throw them on the streets) or keep them in substandard understaffed institutions.

But to say that the seriously mentally ill can improve themselves is like telling the crippled to “get up and walk”. They fall.

By Analchord

August 3, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

The Sunnnis walked out? So did the Repudlickan surrender monkey-see, monkey-do’s walk out on a legislative session!

Surrender Sunnis! Surrender terrorists!! Surrender walk outs!!

By Charles

August 3, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

time for the truth,

Bringing you the Story behind the Story, the News behind the News. Hoping to convince you that reality is usually scoffed at and illusion is usually king, but in the battle for the survival of Western civilization it will be reality and not illusion or delusion that will determine what the future will bring.

Radio Liberty is hosted by Dr. Stanley Monteith.

www.radioliberty.com

By Charles

August 3, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

time for the truth,

Bringing you the Story behind the Story, the News behind the News. Hoping to convince you that reality is usually scoffed at and illusion is usually king, but in the battle for the survival of Western civilization it will be reality and not illusion or delusion that will determine what the future will bring.

Radio Liberty is hosted by Dr. Stanley Monteith.

www.radioliberty.com

By time for the truth

August 3, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

LMFAO!!!! SNIGGER SNIGGER SNIGGER!!

TOO FUNNY - TOO FUNNY

I see the graceless obsessive far left nutter peeping tom is one of those cowardly cut and run pinko scumbags who is so linguine spined it can’t even manage to be consistent with its opinions for more than even half a morning.

ludicrously even the utterly meaningless vanity of appearance(s) in cyber space is everything to peeping tom…

no wonder these scum keep losing the White House!!

signed a damn proud putrid piece of trash that so EFFORTLESSLY managed to sway the dogturd peeping tom from its sensible, pragmatic opinion on the dumbing down in skools … which incidentally is exactly what I have said on here numerous times.

hey peeping tom if I suddenly become a cut and run cowardly military hating demoNcrat will you join - or at least vote for the GOP??? … that would be the logical extension (result) of what passes for your dissembling, imbecilic gutless wanker FRIVOLOUSLY CAPRICIOUS stance … HUGE SMIRK

By Charles

August 3, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

time for the truth,

We know that the elite white people can’t deliver the masses of white people into the strangle hold of the New World Order, slavery. They must have agent provocateurs and minions.

That is not a laughing matter.

www.americandeception.comwww.worldaffairsbrief.comwww.gregpalast.com www.ccir.net www.williamhkennedy.com www.patholiday.comwww.thepowerhour.comwww.jerryesmith.com www.dickmorris.comwww.antichips.comwww.beareroflight.comwww.gregpalast.com www.moralityinmedia.org

By FTFORALL

August 3, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

RCH -

All taxes CAN be similar to the lottery tax-it is called the Fair Tax. You pay the tax when you spend at the retail level - instead of it being confiscated from you before you ever see it. See www.fairtax.org

By jm

August 3, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

While a college education is not for everyone, I believe everyone that wants one should be entitled to one. That being said, not everyone is ready for four year college when they graduate high school. They may have the smarts, but not the discipline. Rather than lose their Hope scholarship due to poor grades, I think students should be required to go to a two year college (and possibly receive their associates degree) before returning to a four year college. BTW, this is not intended as a knock on two year colleges, they serve a valuable role.

By FTFORALL

August 3, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

RCH -

All taxes CAN be similar to the lottery tax-it is called the Fair Tax. You pay the tax when you spend at the retail level - instead of it being confiscated from you before you ever see it. See www.fairtax.org

By Cobb County Guy

August 3, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Ben wrote @11:13, “I don’t get the Gonzalez thing. The attorneys in question have a little note in their job description that says they serve at the pleasure of the President. To me, that means he can fire them for any darn reason he feels like.”

Let me spell it out for you Ben. It is illegal for the President and/or Attorney General (or anybody else) to hire or fire attorneys for the purpose of influencing specific investigations — whether it be to hinder specific investigations or initiate/expand a specific investigation on charges already deemed to have been groundless (ex: at least two of the recently fired U.S. attorneys, John McKay in Seattle and David C. Iglesias in New Mexico, were targeted because they refused to prosecute groundless voting fraud cases that implicated Democrats).

It is also illegal to hire or fire specific individuals to influence the outcome of elections (Missouri had one of the closest Senate races in the country last November, and a week before the election, the D.O.J. brought four groundless voter fraud indictments against members of an organization representing poor and minority people. This blatantly contradicted the department’s long-standing policy to wait until after an upcoming election to bring such indictments because a federal criminal investigation might affect the outcome of the vote.)

Employees serve at the pleasure of the employer, except that the employers can’t fire somebody because of race, religion, gender, etcetera. By the same token, U.S. Attorneys (and Attorneys General) serve at the pleasure of the President, except that they can’t be hire/fired to influence specific investigations, prosecutions or elections.

In short, the President can’t hire/fire people “for any darn reason he feels like.” He and Gonzales broke the law, and they both should be impeached and prosecuted.

By Charles

August 3, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Oops,

It’s lunch time everybody. I have got to run now.

We will talk to you all this afternoon; God willing.

By GWB

August 3, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

By RCH

August 3, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

In order to eliminate grade inflation and other problems..

Lets try this. All individuals are eligible for the Hope Scholarship. You pay, you may attend, and at the end of the semester those with an aggregate grade point average of a “B” will be reimbursed the tuition. Fair and simple.

Just more evidence that you RCH, don’t have a clue. What you just proposed would be the biggest bureaucratic nightmare in the history of education. Reimbursements could never keep up with the next semesters enrollment tuition payments, and you could bet that reimburesments would be way way in arrears of the next payment due. RCH, you sir are an absolute idiot.

By Charles

August 3, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Quote from former Atlanta City Councilwoman Gloria Bromell-Tinubu: “Slavery is the worst thing and homelessness is the second-worst thing that can be witnessed upon anyone.” Except that people who aren’t mentally ill make choices that take them to homelessness, while slavery is inflicted upon them. Simply feeding and housing vagrants solves nothing and invites more. The need is to move them to self-reliance, if that’s what they want. Otherwise, move them off the street.

Jim Wooten, How long must I educate mentally deficient so-called integrationist leaders such as Gloria Bromell-Tinubu? Most so-called integrationist leaders in the African American community do not understand what power is or they have simply sold the masses into volunteer slavery for money and security. They mistakenly call it self reliance.

It’s obvious that the major problems facing African Americans are abject ignorance and a lack of institutions capable of meeting the basic needs of the masses. It matters not whether African Americans are homeless or the head of a major corporations belonging to groups other than African Americans. The problem remains the same for both; plain abject ignorance and the lack of institutional power.

It is not the responsibility of Europeans to service the basic needs of African Americans. That responsibility lies at the door of those so-called educated integrationist leaders with the disposition of Gloria Bromell-Tinubu.

African American integrationist leadership responds to the problems of homeless African Americans, and African Americans in general, as if the people left outside of the European system of power are Europeans.

Here is what I am referring to. Let’s look at the homeless problem from reverse angle. Let us suppose that Africans had gone to Europe and captured Europeans and inflicted murder, back and mental breaking trauma upon them; it resulted in the enslavement of Europeans for four hundred thirty years.

So consequently in America today, we have a tremendous European homeless problem. African Americans have built the most powerful nation, economically and militarily, in the world. Most African Americans are doing well while their elite are seeking global conquest.

European integrationist leaders decided to forgo freedom, and decided to integrate with African Americans. Europeans don’t have businesses and institutions to meet their basic needs, food, clothing, shelter, employment, education, etc. In the European mind, he/she believes that African Americans should meet the basic needs of Europeans. They think that is self reliance.

Now the proper stage is set. If Gloria Bromell-Tinubu said, “simply feeding and housing African American vagrants solves nothing and invites more. The need is to move them to self-reliance, if that’s what they want. Otherwise, move them off the street.” Her statement without question would be correct.

African Americans would have a nation, business and institutions, which is real power to meet their basic needs. Why would African Americans be homeless? I would reason that they made choices that took them to homelessness.

You would have to be the biggest fool in the world, or just plain ignorant, PhD and all, to make the same charge toward powerless Europeans. African Americans would have the power to make any undesirable European homeless for whatever reason or desirables gainful employment.

Simply stated, Many African Americans today are homeless, others confused, and stupefied because they have made terrible choices with respect to integrationist leadership. They and their children are paying the painful price.

By Moonbat spaceport

August 3, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Analchord,

The Republicans walked out because they said the vote was at 215/213 (R favor) on the bill stuffed with Democrat pork and GIVING illegal immigrants free government health care while taking it away from 3.5 million senior citizens. The Democrats said no, the vote was tied at 214/214 and used their power to break it without doing a paper count as traditionally done on ties.

Democrats are usurping House (and Senate) traditions of fair debate and partisanship and extending their rule WAY beyond the norm. In short, they are bullying their way with legislation. Next up, the farm bill stuffed with billions on Democrat pork.

You forgot to mention all that, Anal Chord.

Americans need to see what complete arrogant as-sholes they put in power in Congress. They disgust me. Republicans need to look at what they lost. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dgkV6gerTY

You forgot to mention all that, Anal chord.

Off topic - if the tax cuts caused the bridge to collapse, where did all the record federal revenue go from the cuts then? Democrats don’t think much, do they?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18595849/

Democrats - when a mind is a terrible thing

By Steve

August 3, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

I’m still paying almost no attention to national polls on the presidential primaries, but state polls in early primary states are at least mildly interesting. The latest WaPo/ABC poll out of Iowa shows the top three Dems in what is effectively a three-way tie: Obama 27%, Clinton 26%, and Edwards 26%.

By I GOT THE POWER!!!!

August 3, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

* I GOT THE POWER*

to make the putrid piece of trash peeping tom cut and run from its opinions/posts

LMFAO!!!

snigger smirk snigger

By I GOT THE POWER!!!!

August 3, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

I GOT THE POWER

to make the putrid piece of trash peeping tom cut and run from its opinions/posts

LMFAO!!!

snigger smirk snigger

By I GOT THE POWER!!!!

August 3, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

I GOT THE POWER

to make the putrid piece of trash peeping tom cut and run from its opinions/posts

LMFAO!!!

snigger smirk snigger

By I GOT THE POWER!!!!

August 3, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

I GOT THE POWER

to make the putrid piece of trash peeping tom cut and run from its opinions/posts

LMFAO!!!

snigger smirk snigger

By Though police

August 3, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Take a look around this nation and find out what political party state and local leaders belong to where there are infrastructure issues.

Enough said.

By jbmlaw

August 3, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Dear Ben @ 11:13, you mention you do not get the “Gonzalez thing” but your subsequent note on the issue suggests you understand it quite well. The explanation is simple, it is merely contemporary leftist replication of “the big lie.” WSJ published a couple of good articles to help you deconstruct the real (i.e., leftist) deception @ http://www.opinionjournal.com/weekend/hottopic/?id=110010306, and @ http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110010401

It is not about truth or integrity or protecting the public interest (indeed, it is closer to the opposite, an effort to undermine those virtues) – simply raw power politics, as practiced by the party of compassion. Think of the Democrat effort as “government by obfuscation” – they have no programs, no rational policies, not even any positive values they can promote to the average voter, so they govern by terror and innuendo and lie. Investigate, investigate, investigate, even if there is no theoretical crime. Inhibit the virtuous from their honest efforts to prevent the evil doers from attacking again. Oh, the joys of Democrats in power.

I don’t even like Alberto, but the Democrats make him look like a saint, compared to their disingenuity.

By Will

August 3, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

My parents weren’t rich in the least bit, and HOPE was extremely important to me in helping to pay for my college education. I maintained a high GPA throughout college and used every penny the state of GA would give me towards my education. From my experience, the kids that are blowing all of the money the HOPE scholarship has to offer are the ones from well-to-do families that flunk out after one year because they can’t control themselves once they get out from under their parent’s roof. Also, giving HOPE to the kids that need that extra help is quite a big boost, considering the fact that this state ranks among the worst in the country in eductation. More college graduates (no matter now much of a ‘dolt’ they are) equals a boost in the regional workforce, which in turn boosts the economy as a whole across the entire state…not just Atlanta. So stop you’re whining you moronic jackass, and remember: The money comes from the GA lottery, not your f’ng taxes. Unless you’re a degenerate scratch-off loser, then you have absolutely NO reason to even get mad at the standards in which are used to give these scholarships.

By jbmlaw

August 3, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Dear CCG @ 12:03, you must have missed the WSJ yesterday. After the worthless Seattle US Attorney said there was no voter fraud to investigate, the local DEMOCRAT DA did the job done. Not that the facts would inhibit your enthusiasm for a witch hunt

By For the kids

August 3, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

How unfair to suggest that all student taking remedial classes didn’t study. First, you will find that most passed their classes, however their SAT scores were too low. So, we should punish them because of test scores? There are many well-known, successful people that took remedial courses in college. If a student needs remediation, I don’t have a problem with that. What I do have a problem with is these idealistic views on education.

By For the kids

August 3, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

How unfair to suggest that all student taking remedial classes didn’t study. First, you will find that most passed their classes, however their SAT scores were too low. So, we should punish them because of test scores? There are many well-known, successful people that took remedial courses in college. If a student needs remediation, I don’t have a problem with that. What I do have a problem with is these idealistic views on education.

By WTF

August 3, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

@ Moonbat spaceport

Earmarks are not only included in spending bills by Democrats. The Republicans also have their share. In fact, it is customary for whatever party is in power to get 2/3 of all earmark funding with the minority party receiving 1/3. That is true whether Democrats or Republicans are in charge. As an example, read the following from Taxpayers for Common Sense regarding the Defense Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2008:

The lion’s share of the earmarks can be found in the research, development, test and evaluation (RDTE) budget account. The largest of these include $21.8 million for “electronic combat and counterterrorism training” by FATS Inc. of Georgia, sponsored by Jack Kingston (R-GA), and $19 million for an “affordable weapons system,” sponsored by Duncan Hunter (R-CA). Hunter also added $1.5 million to the drug interdiction account for a southwest border fence—much less than the $8 million he requested in the defense authorization bill for the same project. The committee disclosed 26 intelligence-related earmarks, though the cost was not revealed in the bill’s report. These included the National Drug Intelligence Center, a project long supported by appropriations chairman John Murtha which Senator Tom Coburn recently sought to eliminate in an amendment to the Senate Defense Authorization bill. Murtha disclosed $150.5 million worth of earmarks, while Defense Subcommittee Ranking Member C.W. Bill Young (R-FL) piled on $117 million in earmarks.

By Vernon

August 3, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

I agree with you Jim concerning the Hope scholarship. The public school system has and is being “dumb” down so also the Hope scholarship to meet the lower standards expected from our students. My daughter is home schooled and must make a 90% on the SAT to qualify for the Hope scholarship. The same standards should apply to all students.

By @@

August 3, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Well Jim, your comments on the Hope Scholarship standards goes back to your column about raising the bar now doesn’t it? Why in the world would anyone think of lowering it unless, of course, they have no confidence in today’s youth and are willing to accept the very least from them.

It will have a definite impact down here in Clayton County where scores are pathetically low and have been for some time. When the parents down here find out that the bar has been raised to qualify for Hope then maybe…just maybe they’ll hold our B.O.E., teachers, and school administrators accountable. Let’s hope so.

My daughter’s efforts to maintain her GPA required for Hope have been exemplary. It required hard work and she was up to the task. It still cost us money. Rent, groceries, gas, books. It wasn’t totally free and the fact that we were financially/emotionally invested proved to be more of an incentive than maintaining Hope was.

By RCH

August 3, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

GWB

” Just more evidence that you RCH, don’t have a clue. What you just proposed would be the biggest bureaucratic nightmare in the history of education. Reimbursements could never keep up with the next semesters enrollment tuition payments, and you could bet that reimburesments would be way way in arrears of the next payment due. RCH, you sir are an absolute idiot”

Obviously, you still live in the paper world. You probably still recieve your paycheck or govt. handout in paper form. Pay your bills the same way. Gee. This is the electronic world. I do this for a living.I guess being an absolute idiot has made me a wealthy Conservative.

By kco

August 3, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

WTF—College degrees are vastly overrated. Kids graduate with little practical experience, often huge debt, and the naive notion that their degrees will land them jobs good enough to keep up with payments.

FTFORALL—The (Un)Fair Tax is a sleazy ploy to tax services. Taxpayers are not government property. An individual who profits through his own skills and labor owes the government nothing. A more important question is whether the government deserves the money it gets now. I say the Federal Government has outlived its usefulness. Everybody lost. Go home, if they’ll have you. Get a real job.

By Hillary's cleavage

August 3, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Impeach U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales!

Indeed.

By Blind Homer

August 3, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Vernon - Do you mean 90th percentile? That’s way tougher than a 3.2 in APS high schools.

By Lee

August 3, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

GWB, many companies use a form of tuition reimbursement for their Educational Assistance programs. I know. That is how my company did it and I went back to school receiving both BBA and MBA degrees.

What it means is that the student will have to pay up front, go to class, get the grades, and turn them in. In the meantime, the student will have to pay for the following semester’s tuition. Reimbursement will always lag behind about one semester.

The student will have to pay the tuition out of pocket or go get some student loans, grants, etc.

That is the beauty of a reimbursement program. the student has a financial stake in doing well. Currently, with HOPE, the student does not.

And there are many financial aid options available for low income students who want to go to college. So, the arguement that a reimbursement program would rule out the poor from attending college doesn’t wash.

By Laughing Matter

August 3, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

On the contrary, Charles, this is a laughing matter. The idea of someone being able to talk some sense into TFTT is perhaps the funniest thing ever said on this blog. I haven’t stopped laughing yet. I mean, really, TFTT and sense are like oil and water.

By WTF

August 3, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

KCO - I absolutely agree with you that college degrees are not necessary for everyone. We all need a mechanic, plumber, carpenter or barber — and people in those jobs often earn higher salaries than some college graduates. I was just saying that for those high school graduates who have the aptitude for college-level studies and an interest in pursuing a degree, we should be doing all that we can to make that possible. The focus on college for high school students is nice for those who will take that route, but for those who won’t, our schools should be doing more to teach them a trade that will enable them to live a productive and comfortable life.

By Hillary's cleavage

August 3, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

“Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday finally got the Pentagon briefing on how the military is planning to withdraw troops from Iraq — and said much more work needs to be done”

I won.

jiggle, bounce, jiggle.

Bwa.

By RCH

August 3, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

LEE

There are systems in place where if the grades are posted on Friday;the aggregate grade point average would be computed, the credit automatically given to the university for that student, and the billing for such student given to the State of Georgia by Saturday afternoon. The student can than register on Monday for next Semesters classes.( The student never actually sees the payment.) Boy that was difficult.

Maybe I can sell this program and be an absolute idiot with more money. LOL

By ljada

August 3, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

My son did not qualify for HOPE scholarship after barely making it through high school. He is now a junior in a Michigan University earning all A’s and B’s. Some kids blossom later than others. Some find college far more stimulating. College is very different than high school so some who did great in high school, fail in college and vice versa. Don’t label kids at the tender age of 18 of being winners or losers. They all have hope.

By Aquagirl

August 3, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Will @ 12:21, you clearly prove the point HOPE has created a feeling of entitlement. You’re sniveling like a third-generation welfare recipient about “their” money.

It’s money collected by the State and as such is a tax like any other. You surely didn’t major in economics—or even pay attention in your four years of subsidized beer-swilling—-or else you’d know that even lottery money doesn’t appear out of thin air.

The rest of us have to live with “B” HOPE dropout scholars (and other detritus of the primary education system) who can’t make change at McDonalds. Or make a simple connection between widespread grade inflation to meet a meaningless grade standard producing undesirable effects, outside of your own entitled ego-driven existence.

Oh, yeah, you’re a true product of the HOPE scholarship system. Case closed. Next!

By deegee

August 3, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Precisely my point, Ijada. Glad to know your son is doing well. I hope that he continues to do well.

By jw

August 3, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

I am a teacher and parent. I have a daughter that was able to use a HOPE scholarship all 4 years of college. We are truly blessed this program was available. I see a big problem in the different ways the grade calculations are derived. Within the same county, the high schools calculated differently, meaning one school was easier to attain the “B” average than another. I applaud the state for trying to standardize the grade calculation. My concern is this. Georgia is penalizing a student who takes the IB/AP type classes in high school. With more rigorous work, students will not make that automatic “A” that sitting and daydreaming in a regular class allows. I don’t think the added point bonuses of the past were right, but the way HOPE is calculated now, many students will drop the advanced curriculum and just do what is needed for the tuition money. Students are aware of the “magic number” for HOPE and there is a bunch of stress. The advanced classes do prepare a student for college type settings, and last I remember, getting college able students ready for the next level is what we are supposed to do. Once again, students know going in what is needed for the HOPE - rich, poor, red, green, purple and everything in between. Right now, it isn’t perfect, and I hope our state will stop talking out of two sides of their mouth. We want to lead the nation in all the test results, but there is no reward for doing that, presently. Not everyone is college material, but hard work in school should reward a student with that opportunity to go to school at the next level. A student willing to risk the rigorous course load should be provided with a little bit of a reward. That doesn’t happen with the new HOPE requirements. I am not sure that our governing body is on the same page as our education department. Just my opinion!

By JD

August 3, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

kco@12:37

There is nothing sleazier than the current tax code. Raise taxes (Dems) to buy votes from the people who pay no taxes and then lower the taxes (Reps) to buy votes from those who actually pay. It is a shell game.

Economic history tells us clearly that when taxes are lowered the revenues will increase. Denmark has proved this in addition to the recent proof here in the US and distant proof in the US when Kennedy lowered taxes.

The problem is SPENDING! Both parties use the federal coffers to buy support and power. The role of the federal government should be reduced to a mutual defense organization and the three branches established by the Constitution.

Do away with the Departments of Education, Agriculture, etc. etc.

By jbmlaw

August 3, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Dear Conservative friends, an interesting essay by someone named Jed Babbin, on the dysfunctional FISA court. “Since April, the Democrats who control the US Senate have been sitting around like Mel Brooks’ oversexed and under-competent Governor LePetomaine, demanding harrumps from each other and worrying how they’re going to save their phoney baloney jobs next year. (Harry LePetomaine Reid was out yesterday blaming President Bush for the Minneapolis bridge collapse.) Meanwhile, Bin Laden must be enjoying the spectacle of the World’s Greatest Deliberative Body failing to fix the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which was apparently broken by a secret court decision this spring.” http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=21801 Since the Bush administration has proven more adept at connecting the dots than were the Democrats, now the Democrats are working to prohibit the Bush administration from collecting dots in the first place.

By Lex Luthor

August 3, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Adam,

Because people that graduated from my HS with straight As in some subjects had to take 099 classes in college to fill the gap. If someone makes the grades but is placing in “remedial” level courses, is it the fault of the student that did what was asked of them, or the school system that didn’t teach them enough? Even in the more advanced courses it was obvious who went to an ATL based school and who went to a HS that was less than 500 students.

By Jack

August 3, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Hey — let’s blame Bush for this!! He is being blamed by the democrats for everything else!! What will the democrats do when he is out of the whitehouse? They have no other plan —— other than … oh my gosh!! TAX, and TAX, and TAX!!

By getalife

August 3, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Americans should not listen to someone who lies with no credibilty about FISA, they should listen to the great American patriot Senator Feingold.

The court has judged w’s FISA law as illegal. Feingold will make it legal for non domestic spying. w wants domestic spying legalized. You can’t trust w. Period.

Don’ be a fool like “fake law” still trusting w and cheney after all the laws they have broken and all the lies they spewed.

By WTF

August 3, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Aquagirl, your attack on Will@12:21 doesn’t even match his comments. Geesh. Read the posts before you go on the warpath. I’m disappointed. You normally have something relatively thought-provoking to say instead of a pointless and bitter rant. As you say, “Case closed! Next!”

By Todd

August 3, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Who’s fault is it that retards can’t meet simple standards? It should not matter how much money mommy and daddy have, only what your credentials are. If you are looking for the poor man’s scholarship, that has been around for decades and is called the Pell Grant—look it up if you know how. Then there are the guaranteed loans. Sorry you might have to pay for your own education. Nobody said you were going to the $30,000/year school. ANYONE Georgian can afford ANY public school in Georgia, as long as they know how to spell and can feel out a FAFSA.

I was embarrassed when I was in college and learned my school WAIVED academic requirements for people who had been out of school for 10 years (I believe 10) and therefore we had idiots taking English and Math 97, 98, 99, 100 (not even always passing those).

Shame that we extend affirmative action for the stupid to college.

By RCH

August 3, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Jack

Yesterday entered a blog at 8:30 am stating how long it would it take to blame Bush for the collapsed bridge. It took 20 minutes. I would now like to how long it will take for the Democrates to blame Bush for the crucifiction of Jesus Christ?

By Todd

August 3, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Whose fault is it that retards can’t meet simple standards? It should not matter how much money mommy and daddy have, only what your credentials are. If you are looking for the poor man’s scholarship, that has been around for decades and is called the Pell Grant—look it up if you know how. Then there are the guaranteed loans. Sorry you might have to pay for your own education. Nobody said you were going to the $30,000/year school. ANY Georgian can afford ANY public school in Georgia, as long as they know how to spell and can fill out a FAFSA.

I was embarrassed when I was in college and learned my school WAIVED academic requirements for people who had been out of school for 10 years (I believe 10) and therefore we had idiots taking English and Math 97, 98, 99 (not even always passing those).

Shame that we extend affirmative action for the stupid to college.

By getalife

August 3, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Only a blithering idiot would trust ganzo for oversight on anything

I rest my case.

Geez.

By getalife

August 3, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

RCH,

In 2005, the highway bill was loaded with pork (bridge to nowhere, etc…) the gop rubber stamped it, and w signed it.

It was around 250 billion. The estimated cost to fix our infrastructure is over 1 trillion. This is the new threat.

Guess where that money went?

Iraq.

Wasted, a trillion wasted.

Yes, it is w’s fault. The buck stops with w.Period.

By Back Words

August 3, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Hey — let’s blame Clinton for this!! He is being blamed by the republicans for everything else!! (No personal accountability here. )What will the republicans do when a whole decade has passed since he left the Whitehouse? They have no other plan —— other than … oh my gosh!! BORROW & SPEND, BORROW & SPEND, and BORROW & SPEND!!

By jm

August 3, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

rch@2:11 - I blame every congress and president (and state and local governments) for the last 40+ years for the bridge collapsing. They have been ignoring or low balling infrastructure maintenance for years. Hopefully, this will be an isolated incident but like the atlanta sewers, new york city steam pipes, etc., I have a sneaky suspicion, this is a sign of things to come.

By Suzanne

August 3, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

The changes that are made to HOPE every year needs to apply for next years graduating class. The way any necessary changes could made. Last year the governor changed the credit hour limits. I have a 3.6 GPA from a technical school and have 190 quarter hours. Now I can’t receive HOPE to finish my bachelors degree.

By Will

August 3, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Aquagirl, I take nothing but pure offense to pretty much everything you said by calling me out. Your assumptions about myself and my character are unfounded, and as such, I refuse to even acknowledge your presence as a fellow human being. Comparing me to a welfare case makes you nothing but a hateful little shameless waste of space. I worked my a* off to get to where I am today, and I refuse to let some up-tight hussie sit here and call me a self-entitled product of the system simply because I used the financial assitance that I qualified for. It has helped my family greatly over the years, and has had a large part in putting myself and all my siblings in college…something my parents dreamed of for all of us. If someone doesn’t make the grades, I’m all for not giving it to them. But for those that qualify, they should have the same assistance that every Hope scholarship recipient has received for the past 13-14 years. That’s my two cents….next???

By Blind Homer

August 3, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

jw - There’s a little incentive for tough classes. Honors add ons went from 0.5 to 0 but AP went from 1.0 to 0.5. My daughter, after a bad start, worked really hard to pull her Honors Chemistry grade up to an 88, but she gets the same 3.0 towards the HOPE as some APS kid that gets 80.5 in a regular class for just showing up and not causing too much trouble. Kind of unfair, but guess which one will graduate from college?

By RCH

August 3, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

getalife

That bridge was earmarked for repair twenty years ago. State funds were to be appropriated for repair. Where did the money go?

Let’s take a look at Citizens for Government Waste’s “The Pig Booklet” for the state of Minnesota for the year 2006. Take a look at all of the “pork” projects. I’ll give you a taste of a few:

The state bailout of the Minneapolis Teacher’s Retirement Fund, which puts state taxpayers on the hook for $972 million in unfunded liabilities A new $776 million Twins Stadium to be paid for with a Hennepin County sales tax increase — (approved by state legislators with no voter referendum) $97.5 million for the Northstar Commuter Rail line $34 million in subsidies to ethanol producers that have seen a 300 percent increase in profits in the last year $30 million for bear exhibits at the Minnesota and Como Zoos $12 million to renovate the Shubert Theater in downtown Minneapolis $1 million for a replica Vikings ship in Moorhead $500,000 for a skating rink in Roseville $310,000 for a Shakespeare festival in Winona $129,000 for state art grants for North Dakota museums and theaters

That was just for 2006. Dam, that was Bush’s fault to. Even though he wasn’t in office. Like I said, Bush should take the blame for Jesus too.

By Blind Homer

August 3, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Suzanne - Considering you have 190 hours at 3.6 paid for by HOPE with that grammar you should be delighted to work enough to pay for whatever school you have left.

By Lee

August 3, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

RCH, I agree. The technology exists. It’s just getting the government bureaucracy to move at anything faster than a snail’s pace that’s the problem.

By Boortz Loves Bush

August 3, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Neal Boortz was one of the “lucky” handful of Republican activists who was invited to the White House for a private, off-the-record audience with the president this week. Like the rest of the attendees, Boortz honored the agreement and didn’t report on what, specifically, was said in the meeting, but he dutifully explained how much he respects and admires the president — which is what he’s expected to say and why he was invited in the first place.

But one of Boortz’s comments stood out:

“Anybody who thinks that this president is, somehow, ignorant or stupid is either sadly misinformed or delusional. Let the left think this man is unintelligent at their peril.”

Now, there’s no reason to rehash the voluminous evidence that calls the president’s intelligence into question; at this point, anyone who considers Bush knowledgeable and bright is past the point of convincing.

I was more intrigued by the idea that the left will somehow regret underestimating Bush’s intellectual prowess. We do so, Boortz argues, at our “peril.”

What on earth does this mean, exactly? What’s so “perilous” about thinking that the president isn’t the sharpest crayon in the box? What’s Bush going to do, show up on Jeopardy and make everyone feel foolish for doubting him?

By getalife

August 3, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

RCH,

I don’t keep up with State politics but I think I heard the governor vetod the money for the bridge and give it to build a stadium.

He will blame it on the trasnsportation dept, and the trickle down accountabilty will follow.

My point is the trillion wasted over there where it could spent over here.

It is an argument against Iraqi welfare.

By WTF

August 3, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

In fact, Bush was spotted lurking around Jerusalem in the days preceding the crucifixion of Christ. He has never fully disclosed the purpose of his visit to the Holy Land, but his supporters have always claimed that he was there for a well-deserved vacation. His detractors have alluded to, but never fully charged, more nefarious reasons for the unexpected travel.

By Benan

August 3, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Somebody wrote something interesting today that caught my eye: “[House Minority Leader] John Boehner seems to be surprisingly adept at keeping his caucus in line these days.” He was talking about the House GOP voting together on S-CHIP expansion, but it got me thinking — the Republicans have been surprisingly united lately, haven’t they?

• On offering more healthcare to children, only five out of 202 House Republicans voted for the legislation.

• On mandating rest times for U.S. troops equal to their deployment times, only six out of 202 House Republicans voted for the legislation.

• On the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which would clarified the period in which workers can file pay-discrimination claims, only two out of 202 House Republicans voted for the legislation.

These weren’t particularly contentious bills. Indeed, it was easy to imagine these three votes, all within the last few days, passing with overwhelming, bipartisan support. Who wants to take a firm stand against children’s health care, troop rest and relaxation, and discriminatory pay for female workers? Apparently, 99% of the House Republican caucus does.

In the broader political context, all available evidence suggests the Republican Party in Washington is in freefall. They have weak leadership, no policy agenda, faltering public support, minimal prospects for the future, and if the polls are right, they’re on the wrong side of practically every policy debate. Worse yet, they’re burdened by new and expanding scandals, and a woefully unpopular president. All of this, just nine months after the GOP lost both chambers of Congress in a historic rebuke.

House Republicans have decided to respond to this dynamic by … voting in lock step? United in their opposition to popular legislation?

I suppose Boehner is to be congratulated for his ability to keep a cohesive caucus, but I can’t help but notice the Minority Leader is leading his members right off a cliff.

By Chad

August 3, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

It’s plain and simple. High school is a joke compared to college. Stop blaming HOPE issues on how wealthy you are and what school you go to? There is a certain reason that kids from poor families don’t seem to get the right education…it’s all because the parents don’t keep their kids in line. It doesn’t matter if you go to Walton or some inner city school. A “B” average is the same at both schools. If you have your kids under control and teach them the right priorities, they will study and get a “B” average because all you have to do in high school to get a “B” average is study. PARENTS STOP BLAMING IN ON WEALTH AND DIFFERENT PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS. TEACH YOUR KID PRIORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITY.

By RCH

August 3, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

getalife

Many look at the war in Iraq necessary, many agree with vast sums spent on social services necessary, etc….. but to blame this on Bush before we even know what caused the collapse is irresponsible. Did he cause the death of Jesus too? Any takers?

By Aquagirl

August 3, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

C’mon, WTF, you know I read Will’s post. I slammed him for the reasons I cited—-his feeling of entitlement and attitude of expression. He thought there should be no scrutiny of a program because it helped him. And he said so in an arrogant, unthinking manner. What a tu-rd.

BTW, I’m not concerned for the feelings of an elitist who feels entitled to free reign over money from “degenerate scratch-off losers”. I’m fully capable of reasoned, and even semi-polite discourse, as you have noted. But the rule here is don’t dish if you can’t take, yes?

So no apologies here. If you want to excuse him, okay. But you can’t argue he didn’t have it coming to him if you read his full post.

By getalife

August 3, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

RCH,

No, he kills in his name.

Since you do not blame w for anything, I will do it for you.

Its the money stupid. Its going be blamed on lack of funding.

Geez.

By Will

August 3, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Aquagirl, sorry if I came off as an elitist. I just truly appreciate the help I was given.

That being said, let’s go get a drink after work and forget all this madness. Dinner is on me!!!

By RCH

August 3, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

getalife

That bridge is over 50 yrs. old. what other administrations could have funded this? Where were you then?

By WJLT

August 3, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Aquagirl could you clarify who the degenerate scratch-off losers are.

Thankyou.

By WTF

August 3, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

People, let’s just agree that however you feel about Bush he can’t possibly be responsible for every bad thing that happens.

Will and Aquagirl - Have a drink for me!

By Will

August 3, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

WJLT, she was referring to a retarded comment I made. I didn’t mean to offend, I’m just angry at work and typed it out rather hastily. Again, my apologies.

By JK

August 3, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Benan @ 2:54, informative post! This demonstrates what I have long lamented in my own Republican “representatives”: They see their membership in legislative bodies as something akin to a college fraternity. Once “voted in,” they fall in line with Brother Bluto and Brother D-Day, vote as instructed, and take turns trotting out pie charts for the C-SPAN cameras and holding “town hall” meetings in which they explain to the consituents what the constituents’ main conerns should be. They take no interest in actually representing the people they collect a paycheck to represent; rather, they follow a prescribed agenda, flip-flopping of course when the collective populace shrieks in outrage, ala Chambliss and Isakson on the recent amnesty proposal. Their jobs, as they see them, are to thwart any attempt to actually solve a problem, tout their own superiority over any thinking persons, public or private, and operate as high-priced wh-ores to the special interest groups and K-Street carpetbaggers that have hijacked our government though selective campaign funding.

That the Republicans care nothing for the health of America’s children, hardworking employees, or overworked American soldiers (and the long term benefits such caring would bring) is certainly no surprise to me. They pledge allegiance to their FRAT, not the people or principles of this nation, and their actions show it every day.

By Lily Toad

August 3, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Will, you are truly a credit to the blog world for apologizing for a rude remark. Apologies rarely happen on this blog.

By Aquagirl

August 3, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Will, I’m sorry if I came off as unaware of your appreciativeness, and please accept my apologies. Your follow-up post was clear on that point, you seem to only want others to have the same advantages as you had— a noble sentiment IMHO. So yes, let’s leave the madness of the blogs and enjoy our weekends.

I will pass on the kind invitation for drinks, I am afraid Captain Freedom will find out and I will lose all hope of marrying him. My life would be worthless. I must cling to my small sliver of aspirations and save myself for him.

WJLT I think the Degenerate Scratch Off Losers were playing at the Earl last week.

By RCH

August 3, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

WTF

Don’t kid yourself. They can and they will.

By getalife

August 3, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Quit whining RCH.

The Dems will fix it.

Here are some of their energy policies

By RCH

August 3, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

**Aquagirl88 Is that Captain Freedom or Captain Morgan( Spiced Rum)

By Aquagirl

August 3, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

My heart is only for Captain Freedom, he of the Manly Manliness.

Captain Morgan and I had a brief affair in my younger days, it just didn’t work out. We broke up over a severe hangover.

By RCH

August 3, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

getalife

Without looking at your link.

Populace; You walk, ride a bike, move closer to work, take mass transit.

Us(Democrats) Ride in my private jet, SUV, or limousine.

I can tell its Friday. Aquagirl. I’ll join you and Captain Freedom or Morgan. Lily Toad how about it. Adult Libations?

By Amber

August 3, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

From the Christian Science Monitor, “[President Bush] blamed Congress for failing to pass crucial spending bills, including funding for infrastructure.”

Note to President Bush: The federal government’s fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. The budget under which we are currently operating was to have been passed last year by the Republican-led Congress. Unfortunately, they adjourned at the end of the 2006 calendar year without passing a budget for the fiscal year that began weeks earlier. As a result, the Democratic-led Congress that took over in January 2007 has to negotiate and pass both a 2006-07 budget and a 2007-08 budget.

If you’re angry about delays in passing the 2006-07 operating budget, then look to the GOP.

By Lily Toad

August 3, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

I’m looking forward to hooking up with Margarita that salty wench!

By renap

August 3, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Every person should be entitled to attend college in America. Just think if all the money spent on the war went to education. We would be the brightest country in the world. With all of that money there would be no need for the HOPE Scolarship.

By mom3boys

August 3, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

While sitting through UGA orientation (for my son) 2 weeks ago I learned this: Out of state for the year tuition, room, board=$30,000. With HOPE, I pay about $7000 (includes books). Shut the heck up about taking HOPE away!!! With HOPE my kid can graduate w/ out any loans (if he doesn’t goof around and lose it). What a gift!! Then, he can get a good job, pay taxes, and keep providing entitlements to those who didn’t have the gumption to work hard in high school like my son CHOSE TO DO. HOPE is part of the reason we stayed in GA when other job options came our way. Those of you who don’t like it need to shut up about taking it away because I have two other sons who I am planning to use HOPE to pay for their tuition. BTW…they are not squeaking by with inflated grades and having a B average…first kid had an A average, and so do the other two…so you nay sayers need to go away…crawl back under a rock and wait for your check in the mail.

By RCH

August 3, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Lily Toad

Oh well. Didn’t know that you swung that way.

By Billy

August 3, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Amber,

The Washington Post reports, “White House officials make little effort to deny that they are taking an especially hard line on spending this year compared with years past, and that they think it will pay off politically…They see Congress-bashing as a potentially useful political tool.”

This report explains Bush’s odd comments blaming this Congress for spending delays caused by the previous Congress. Unfortunately, our President doesn’t think of himself as a representative of all Americans. He merely see himself as a mouthpiece for the Republican Party (part of the reason that he spends quality time with the likes of Neil Boortz, Sean Hannity and Laura Ingram).

By getalife

August 3, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Ignorant as usual RCH.

The posters that want to drink with you might be illegal immigrants, so good luck.

Anyhoo, the levees in NO collapsed like this bridge.

There will be many more before the Dems clean up yet another mess.

The Senate passed health care for children but w will veto. I think they have enough to overide. I know it will make Jim mad, got to spend that trillion in Iraq. Iraqi welfare good, American bad.

Pathetic.

By Analchord

August 3, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Miller Time is dead ahead. Please get in all your blogging comments before then, people wont read them any more than on any other day, but I’m concerned you uber-pundits wont make it to happy hour on time.

Moderation. Enjoy.

Miller Time officially declared at 4:38 pm Friday, aug. 3, 2007.

By kco

August 3, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

JD at 1:46 p.m. I agree with everything, especially the cutting spending part. The tax code consistently favors groups over individuals, and the Federal Reserve Act, which created a debt-backed currency in 1913, essentially sold American taxpayers into perpetual economic slavery. We got the income tax the same year. Go figure.

Corporate welfare constitutes one of the biggest drains on the economy, and cushy government war contractors are the biggest reason we are in Iraq.

By Analchord

August 3, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

I’m starting to like the Iraq War. I dont know, it seems like we’re winning, and it’s so cool to see how many Iraqis who were directly responsible for 911 are being keeled.

All Americans love the sting of battle. I’m proud to be an American blogging in support of our troops in battle anytime, anywhere, and if we see any Al Queda we’ll kick their butts back into Pakistan where they belong!!!

By jj

August 3, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

renap

I hope you meant “opportunity” in your post instead of “entiltled”. We aren’t entitled to anything, but we can seize opportunities if we work for them.

By Analchord

August 3, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

No, jj, he meant “intittilated”, after all it’s triple-strip club friday and quadruple beers miller time. That rare event is what sent the markets into another spiral.

but’s it’s nothing. buy.

By JD

August 3, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

kco,

I just read an old quote by Mark Twin I believe:

“If you pick up a poor dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you - that is the principle difference between a dog and Congress.”

By JD

August 3, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

oops, make that Mark Twain

By Analchord

August 3, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

No, you meant Dork Twitt.

But you’re right, Sam Clemens was a genius. He said, When you come to a fork in the road, spoon with your wife. Yogi stole ALL his sayings from Dork Twitt, man.

What? I’ve only had two beers.

By Really RCH

August 3, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

RCH blames his poor spelling and grammatical mistakes on multitasking. Apparently he is typing with one hand and doing something else with the other one. Eeeeewwww.

By Analchord

August 3, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Now, lets not single out any one of us more than the other during Miller time, I mean, if a man cant feel safe during miller time, then the terrorists wank.

By JD

August 3, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Her is an essay by Raymond S. Craft on Iraq:

http://righttruth.typepad.com/righttruth/2006/03/historicalrevi.html

By Dan

August 3, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

The new Hope Scholarship standards are low. Students that don’t meet those standards should consider alternative technical training. Good schools do not equal good students. Good students equal good students. People just need to realize that not all children are meant to go to college. A family’s value of education contributes much more than a “good school”. People need to blame bad students and bad parents more than a school district.

By GaLiberal

August 3, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Moron Jim says: Standards, in fact, should be raised so that even fewer students qualify.

Moron Jim thinks it’s ok that fewer students qualified for HOPE. Here’s what Moron Jim didn’t tell you. First, one change they made was removing the 5 or 7 points a student earned from taking an advance course. This means that a student that got a B in a regular course is treated the same as a student that got a B in an advance class. So students that take regular coures and do well (A’s and B’s) will more likely qualify for HOPE than students that take a lot of advance courses and do ok (B’s and C’s). Never mind that students taking advance coures do better in college. It’s a change that makes no sense. But that’s ok to Moron Jim. He wants few people to get HOPE so he can get a tax cut.

Another think that Moron Jim doesn’t tell you is that most of the 18,000 students were from poor families. Now most of you Wooten-heads think that means ‘blacks’ but that’s not true. You see, poor people can’t afford tutors to help bring up grades so they can get HOPE. They can’t afford to buy a house where there are good schools or send their kids to private schools. But that’s ok to Moron Jim. Having a large number uneducated poor people makes for cheap labor to cut Moron Jim’s grass and trim his hedges and paint his house. Moron Jim’s a rich, self-centered, white, Republican and he doesn’t want to get his hands dirty. Screw them poor people.

By Analchord

August 3, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

JD, just summarize the damn link in 25 words or less. Quit torturing people with what you think should be read. If we want to challenge your summary, we’ll look it up ourselves.

brevity is almost beer if’n you change a couple of letters and stuff, man.

By JD

August 3, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Umbilical cord,

I could never do the article justice in 25 words and I do not really care what YOU think or whether you read the article or not.

I learned long ago your posts were not worth the time, when you were using another equally stupid pen name.

By Analchord

August 3, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Glad you liked the material. Feel free to steal, then people will think you’re the genius instead of the dented sag you truly are.

By notsofast

August 3, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

The same people in this blog that talk about “poor” people not having the opportunity (rights??) to qualify for HOPE are the same ones who allow their kids to “hang in the hood” till late at night on a school night. IF the so-called poor and unprivileged would become much more involved in school - talking about the parents - and the kids actually tried to study or learn something - they would EARN the opportunity for a HOPE scholarship. Everybody today feels like they are “entitled” to everything - no body wants to EARN it. The best way to break the so-called circle of poverty is to EARN it - not hand-outs or give-mes

By Analchord

August 4, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

Bush is visiting the collapsed bridge site today. Transcript of his speech has been released: “Some people say we need to spend more on our infrastructure. I say we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it…”

By KatyWatts

August 4, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Thank you Mr. Wooten! I couldn’t agree with you more. The defensive parent who says my child is smart he just doesn’t do well on tests is kidding themselves! Make the grade, get the scholarship! The beauty of HOPE is don’t have to be a minority to qualify. You just have to study!

By UGA Bound

August 4, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

I studied, and got all A’s, but the instructor made a clerical error in recording my grades and gave me all C’s. It’s not fair. I went to him, and he yelled at me saying, “You young hoodlums always accuse me of everything, get out or I’ll flunk you so fast your head will spin, and you’ll never study on this campus again.”

So much for the hope scholarship. So much for college. So much for a legal job.

What I learned from the school of hard knocks: We are at the mercy of sociopaths in our everyday lives. Always carry mace. Always wear Nikes in case you have to run away from a crime scene. Use your phonied-up student ID to get discounts at movies.

That about covers it. Have a nice day.

By GetEmUGA

August 4, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

What you people b*** about the schools such as the Peachtree Ridges and the Brookwoods and the Waltons of the state making it easier for kids to get the hope… Is while those schools ARE better, they teach their students better, their communities care more, but even such, the courses at those schools are SEVERAL times harder than at the schools that you claim dont get a fair chance to get the HOPE. My friend transfered from South Gwinnett where she was ranked Ninth in her Class, and ended up being 288th at Brookwood. While the teaching may be worse at the poorer schools, the rigor of the classes sure as hell are too. EVERYONE has equal oppurtunity to get the HOPE. If you can’t keep a 3.0 GPA in the Georgia Public School System, you dont deserve the HOPE. Everyones always lookin for a reason to hate the Good Schools, just cause they themselves are too lazy to do anything about their communities or take parts in improving their schools. News for you guys, efficient schools are the results of efficient communities that facilitate scholastic hunger in their students. You dont have to have money to do it. So if you dont like the fact that Walton sends more HOPE students to college than your school does get off your a* and take a role in the PTSA, and convince you’re friends to do so as well. As I said though, The HOPE is just as easy for someone in Meadowcreek to get as it is for someone at Peachtree Ridge to get because the classes at Meadowcreek are easier to compensate for the lack of teaching. Quit being jealous.

By Gwinnett Resident

August 4, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

My kid attended Central Gwinnett, took notes, studied, and recieved the Hope scholarship. He stayed on it for 4 years and it paid for his entire BA degree tuition and $100 per semester for books. Hope works, but the kids who get the Hope scholarship often do not work and that is why they lose it.

By HS Teacher

August 4, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

The Teacher Integrity Bill was signed into law; thanks to GAE and the Governor. That means teachers can not be told/forced to change grades for students like in past years. I too am in CCPS and grades are changed to make sure students pass. In fact our former Supt visited teachers and demanded that grades be changed so 12th graders would graduate.

Administrators will be able to continue to change grades although there is to be a paper trail. I had several of my student grades boosted by 15-20 points on the report card. _XX : that 89 is not your true grade, it was really 71.3; and you know it. Your name went on the wall as a top 10% student; a lie.

By Lewis

August 5, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

One reader says: “It isn’t the academic standards that are the problem with Hope, it is the wealthy families who could EASILY afford college but send their kids using Hope, while other kids who have families that CAN’T pay, sit and watch.”

NO, those who can’t pay could study hard and earn the HOPE, that’s the point. And many families fail to make a life where they can afford to pay for their kid to go to college, thinking someone else will pick up the tab. With HOPE someone else does pick up the tab, IF the student shows effort and some aptitude. How can the top tier of high school students, those who earn the HOPE, be enrolled in remedial classes in such large numbers? That’s the question that begs to be answered.

By itsmeagain

August 5, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

I can’t say i disagree that these changes to hope weren’t needed. Any student who makes a C average doesn’t need public money thrown at them for something which probably isn’t going to benefit them as they’ll most likely just loose hope once they actually get to college. However, i do believe that anyone who has a B average does deserve hope (and i mean anyone, not just poor people, not just rich people, everyone), because it’s the one life line that all Georgia students can rely on regardless of everyone except them performing well. We should think ourselves lucky that we live in a state which offeres this, as i’m sure it has made the world of difference to thousands of students.

BTW, i do believe all people of all economic backgrounds deserve hope, because lets face it, any cap they put on HOPE is going to cut the majority of people off, including those who still can’t afford to send their children without taking out loans. Eventually, those kids from those families will have to pay off their loans, whereas those kids in the same position get help, even though both parties are paying the exact same loans off…

By Steve

August 5, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

High schoos should be emphasize trade schools more than college. College degrees are pretty much worthless today unless you want to be a doctor or lawyer.