Thinking Right

By Glenn

January 14, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Good Morning, Jim.

Well at least we know what they’ve been doing while Rome dessicates: living high on the hog. Lent aside, come budget season they’ll need to remember last night’s lesson: the hog gets slaughtered.

That old House Bill 91 is mercifully short, like that tunnel in Yosemite made through the trunk of a Giant Sequoia. You can drive a truck through the thing.

If the House overrides the Senate should sustain, as even Sonny was right to awake blue pencil in hand for this one. The bill shifts the balance of power to far to the Legislative, putting the Executive in a state of perpetual investigation. Sunshine’s one thing, but this is a power play.

The key’s in the last line: no Social Security Numbers, please. That’s because the Legislature is using its public-information cudgel — who could say no? — to take the information public if it doesn’t get it’s share of the Jacksonian patronage. (Pun intended.)

The other dead giveaway is the very existence of this bill. By dint of its Constitutional oversight mandate, the Legislative already has full police powers up to an including the subpoena power.

There’s no need to paint stripes on the Governor. There is, however, a need just now to have a Governor.

Besides, it would make the hogs happy.

By Redneck Convert

January 14, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Well, I’m against any taxes. Like most GA rednecks I want it cheap and I want it free. I want the schools so cheap the teachers have to pay for their own supplys and take 2nd jobs to make ends meet. I want plenty of roads but no taxes to pay for them. I don’t want my taxes to go to Grady. Its full of Those People and I don’t use it, so why should I pay for somebody elses hospitle? If people get in a wreck haul them someplace outside the area or maybe to another state. I didn’t run off of a bridge or run into another car, so why should I pay for the hospitle they get took to?

Anyhow, I side with jbmlaw. Just get rid of all guvmint except for the army and navy. We can all walk around with clubs and pistols to perteck ourselfs. Its our 2nd Amendment right. Let people that get sick or injured take care of theirselfs. And don’t let a bunch of countys gang up and put sales taxes on us for roads.

If I’d of wanted the house and senate to put taxes on us I would of voted for the librul Democrats. They need to act like godly Republicans—cut taxes, no welfare, no looking after doctoring for kids, and putting more money into the Go Fish program. Maybe they can start by hauling every illegal in GA across the border and dumping them.

That’s my opinion and its very true. Have a good day everybody.

[Rev. Huckabee-Rev. Robertson ‘08]

By Lewin

January 14, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Mr. Convert:

Store bought teaching supplies are the final stage before burnout, and a sure sign that the teacher works only under condition of zero competition.

By WTF?

January 14, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

For those who are looking for the Grady bail-out, look elsewhere.

YEAH, BUT WE CAN SPEND TRILLIONS OF $$$ BAILING OUT SOME FOREIGN COUNTRY THAT HATES OUR GUTS!!!!!!!!!! WHAT A BUNCH OF IDIOTS WE HAVE AS “LEADERS”!!!!!

By jbmlaw

January 14, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. The “wild hog supper” writes its own joke, without need for my editorial commentary. I don’t have a real problem with removal of a portion of property taxes, but the idea of an $18,000 homestead exemption staggers even me. I previously offered my ambivalent views, that property taxes are generally undesirable as a pure wealth tax, but that the absence of some minimal disincentive (such as a property tax) to “locking up” land would tend to encourage uneconomic use (or more accurately, absence of use) of property. All assets should be productive. I would prefer to see a consumption or sales tax replace the income tax, with no preferential break for automobiles.

Water: the solution is obvious, market rates (or super-market rates) on water would encourage conservation. Perhaps our overlords could prohibit water sellers from granting price reductions for greater consumption? I would suggest logarithmic pricing, but I think that would wind up unenforceable.

Statewide trauma network – just what we need, more uneconomic state intrusion into health care, to subsidize the inadequate incomes of medicrats. When will the idiots ever learn?

As to transportation, why should the legislature divide the state into regions? Why not simply empower counties to form their own coalitions for taxation? Right, that would diminish the potential for legislator’s graft.

By OneForTheRoad

January 14, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Yep. What this state and country needs is a good dose of Huckabee. Once we get him in office, there won’t be any more of this hateful, spiteful, sinful talking about our governor, or any other faithful politicians for that matter, preying on the meek. School prayer will be invoked like Dr. Pepper and more as may be deemed appropriate from time to time. The country, of course, will have The Honorable Reverend Dollar as the spiritual, or otherwise, leader of the Departments of Treasury Tithes, Defense Crusades, and Spiritual Homeland Security. All together now: Can You FEEL the POWER. Who let the snakes out?

By Artie Sammish

January 14, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

No. That’s right, no. No bailout for Grady. For Grady, state takeover, farmed out to an out-of-state red team on a short fuse and a short leash. The power-hungry General Assembly can have all the details if it wants them. Afterward.

By getalife

January 14, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

How fitting to be eating pork, they never get full of pork.

By TW

January 14, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Could you set the bar any lower, Mr. Wooten? I guess, in times like these, it’s better to get nothing done than to trash the country with incompetence.

By Curious Observer

January 14, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

I previously offered my ambivalent views, that property taxes are generally undesirable as a pure wealth tax, but that the absence of some minimal disincentive (such as a property tax) to “locking up” land would tend to encourage uneconomic use (or more accurately, absence of use) of property. All assets should be productive.

I’m making an appointment with a psychiatrist, for I find myself in agreement with jbmlaw. I grow fearful that I will turn into a mindless libertarian who advocates complete dissolution of all forms of government except for that portion that provides the national defense. If I’m not cured soon, I may find myself muttering, along with Charles Dickens, “Are there no workhouses? Are there no prisons?”

I found proof of jbmlaw’s assertion in the disposition of several acres of highly prized undeveloped land at the corner of Georgia 120 and Johnson Ferry Road in Cobb County. For years this land lay empty except for the appearance of a transient farmers market and later a sales location for holiday decorations. Meanwhile, high-end shopping centers were springing up around it.

Well, I suppose the owner finally got his price. Signs now appear for a forthcoming shopping center at the site. While for years the owner was enjoying low taxes on rapidly appreciating land, homeowners in the area were paying through the nose. I wouldn’t at all be surprised to learn that the owner took advantage of Georgia’s special exemption for timber property. There were, after all, several large trees on the land.

The solution lies in realistic appraisal of the value of such property, which remained unproductive for decades. Now I’m off to my appointment. Hopefully, I won’t be putting up Ron Paul signs while my treatment is continuing. Even a sick person needs to maintain some standards of lucidity.

By Pupil's Prayer of St. Huckabee

January 14, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Heavenly Parent Who made Heaven and Arkansas, we just wanna ask you today to lay your blessing on these future human beings and voters in waiting. Fill us with the love sufficient to provide ample services to them, even as we provide for undocumented visitors who are every bit your children as these children will some day be. Give us, Big One, that together we might give through the principalities, the powers we have formed to glorify your name, whatever it may be; that together we might give and give, for giving is your gift to us, and collective giving in the gift of —- well, never mind who —- er, the gift that keeps on giving! We ask these things in Your Holy Name. A-men.

By Mid-South Philosopher

January 14, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Good morning, Jim and others

I had fully planned to attend the Wild Hog Supper yesterday and, I hoped to be able to “yell” at my good friend, Jim Wooten, at the event. (If you have ever attended one of these, you know that all you can do is “yell” because of the abundant noise!}

As it turned out neither Jim nor I were present.

Over the past 10 days I have suffered from a “rabid” upper-respiratory viral infection. Since it is “viral”, modern medicine (even for those of us with insurance)can’t really do anything for it. My great-grandfather’s recipe is the best medicine. It will not cure you, but…you won’t care!

Anyway, my good lady pointed out to me that I should not go to Atlanta yesterday and she pointed it out quite forcefully as only she can do. Hence, I missed, what will probably be, the most productive and enjoyable event surrounding the annual gathering of government in Georgia.

I suspect that Jim’s analysis of the forthcoming session of the General Assembly is pretty accurate. I do believe, however, that this tax issue is going to have to be grappled with by the legislators (difficult as that will be for the most of them).

Given the national government’s complete failure to secure the borders, given the continued demand at the national and state levels for “welfare” (both social and corporate)benefits, and given the Langolier hunger of local governments for stuff upon which to spend taxpayer monies, I believe the property owners have had enough, and I further suspect they are going to start showing it at the polls.

We shall see.

By deegee

January 14, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

“Water and the drought. The Legislature will do something, but is still in the fact-gathering stage.”

This is disturbing on many levels. Georgia is the fifth fasting growing state in the nation. That didn’t happen overnight. While the legislature and the governor were quibbling last year over what to do with a tax surplus, they continued to ignore the water war that has been going on for years between Georgia, Florida and Alabama. The visual impact of dry lake beds in Florida and Georgia has rightfully exposed the a*******es of the people that are supposed to be managing our natural resources and planning growth.

My fear is that political pandering will force the legislature to “do something” as JW predicts. They have had years to gather facts yet their only plan is to pray for rain? They know that voters have a short memory and are praying for just enough rain to make this issue go away so that they can get on with the GREAT stuff like grabbing power.

By GaVoter

January 14, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

You know, all this stumping about property taxes and the need to shed light on the ever-darkening realm of government has led me to reminisce on another helping of legislative slop — one that seems to get very little mention these days. Does anyone recall The Taxpayer Bill of Rights? I’ve actually thought of it on several occasions in the not-too-distant past. I was most recently reminded of it when I read that a legislator was proposing, after the latest inflationary increases in property taxes, freezing property tax rates. Aside from the obvious comments such as “Shouldn’t you have thought of that BEFORE the tax increase went out in the tax bills?”, this worthless piece of legislation could easily be the butt of many jokes regarding property taxes given the way it was butchered into something of less value than a pack of Jimmy Deans. If you are looking for achieving uniformity, consistency, etc., in tax policy, then perhaps start by applying some state policy with teeth at the county government level. After all, who in their right [state of] mind could possibly think that a requirement to post statements in the newspaper and to have a few meetings is going to deter pork crazed politicians.

By The Prophet

January 14, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Maybe if Midsouth had taken his castor oil everyday, he wouldn’t be needin’ no grandpa’s remedy now, would he?

The AJC did a satisfactory article by a Jennifer Brett. Well dressed farmers and cattlemen make me think we need to cut rural entitlements like farm subsidies and spend that money on Grady, so that the most people can share in the state’s resources.

Property taxes are outrageous. Start by cutting them in half. At least freeze them. Tax those Georgians who make over 500K per year for the difference. Let’s share the state’s resources.

Corruption should be addressed first. All of the corrupt assemblypersons should voluntarily resign in the first ten minutes of the session. Then use the emptied hall as a triage for Grady trauma overflow.

Lets share the state’s resources.

By jbmlaw

January 14, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Dear Curious @ 9:43, don’t panic; like our friend MidSouth, I suffered a mild rhinitis this weekend, and I probably still write under the effects of the fever and under the influence of strong psychoactive chemicals. I’ll return to my norm tomorrow, and you will be free to vigorously disagree again. (I will note parenthetically that even in the depths of my illness I did not erect Ron Paul signs.)

By Apocalypse

January 14, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Barack Obama announces plan to revitalize economy and protect American families

CHICAGO, IL – Barack Obama today unveiled a plan to revitalize the economy in the short-term with a stimulus package that will immediately inject $75 billion into the economy in the form of tax cuts and direct spending targeted to working families, seniors, homeowners and the unemployed. The plan also includes $45 billion in reserves that can be injected into the economy quickly in the future if the economy continues to deteriorate. Obama will discuss the plan later today at events in Nevada.

“The time has come to bridge the growing divide between Main Street and Wall Street,” said Barack Obama. “The American Dream is slipping out of reach for many families whose paychecks aren’t meeting the increased costs of their medical bills and tuition payments. Four months ago I said it was time to put a middle-class tax cut worth $1000 per family into the pockets of workers who deserve it. A tax cut that would eliminate income taxes for seniors who make under $50,000. We can’t wait for the next president to act. We need that middle-class tax cut now more than ever – not five months from now or five weeks from now, but now. I’m announcing a plan to jumpstart the economy by putting money in the pockets of those who need it most and will spend it quickly.”

“Strengthening our economy and creating good-paying jobs will be Barack Obama’s priority from the day he takes office,” said Governor Tim Kaine, who held a conference call with reporters to discuss the plan. “But we must act today. Barack Obama has offered a plan that will restore fairness to the economy and ensure that hard-working Americans can provide for their families and save for their future. Barack Obama offers us the best chance to revitalize our economy because he has the strength to unite Democrats, independents, and Republicans to pass reforms that will invest in all of America.”

Barack Obama’s Plan to Stimulate the Economy and Protect American Families Would:

Provide an immediate $250 tax cut for workers and their families. Provide an immediate, temporary $250 bonus to seniors in their Social Security checks. Provide an additional $250 tax cut to workers and an additional $250 to seniors if the economy continues to worsen Provide relief to homeowners hit by the housing crisis. Provide aid to states hardest-hit by the housing crisis to avoid a slash in services. Extend and expand Unemployment Insurance.

Barack Obama’s economic stimulus plan will inject $75 billion of stimulus into the economy by getting money in the form of tax cuts and direct spending directly to the people who need it most. Obama’s proposal will immediately provide stimulus using means that do not require lengthy governmental or administrative delays. The plan also reserves an additional $45 billion of stimulus that can be injected into the economy quickly in the future if the economy continues to deteriorate.

A fact sheet detailing Obama’s stimulus plan is available here.

By The Prophet

January 14, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

If castor oil is not available, you can also prevent rhinitis by boiling your hands before you eat, especially if you’re an itchy kinda guy who scratches himself all day. Real southern charm.

By Shirley M.

January 14, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

Prophet,

I denounce you as a false prophet, and demote you to Lower Case. You could not be of the ancient line of the Prophetess, for she defers on all such medical matters to the Prophet Healer of Tulsa. You, sir, are a fraud.

It’s all right. We all make mistakes. You just need to own yours. Come to Malibu and we will discuss and channel. We will find the source of this energy of yours that wants so badly to be turned to the good. You can work with that, Prophet. Come.

By Glenn

January 14, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

No worries, jbm. Writing under the influence is a hoary tradition in newspapering, of course. We’ve all got some really good hackwork to show for it, too. So don’t get well so awfully quickly that you hadn’t the time to leave us with some deathless utterances.

By The Prophet

January 14, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Well!

By Dusty

January 14, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

My, goodness, I don’t know whether I want to post here or not. Sounds like a germ laden place loaded with feral hogs. (No, RedNeck, I wasn’t talking about you.) Anyway, I wish we had a report from the Wild Hog Supper. Sounds like fun except for the reputation of the South and the play on words.

How many “Yankee” state legislators are having the “Cranberry Cutup Cutie Cortage” or the “Cream Cheese Crackpot Crumble”? Or out west the “Roadrunner Riotous Ripoff” for legislators? How about the “Armadillo Doofus Dinner” for Louisiana?

The South used to have duels and cane whippings in state politics. Now we got “feral pigs”? Not much of a swap. So much for the long lost dignity. Yes!!

Nowwww, if the Prophet aka PoFo wants to talk about scratching (10:40), he should join a sports blog. Baseball players are the world’s worst offenders and not all of them are Southern. He who scratches should be out!! The female sports fans have spoken.

By The Prophet

January 14, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Dusty……you……..I…….you……..they…..he……them……..aw fudge.

I am still the Prophet. Still. I wish I knew more ‘bout stuff cause if I did, you’d be so toasted. Consider yourself lucky Jbm and midsouth put those dirty pictures of themselves scratching in my mind so’s I cant retort proper like.

By To the Blacks on this blog

January 14, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

A message concerning Barack Obama:

To all,

First of all, I would like to take this time to congratulate Barack Obama for what I believe is the beginning of history being made. I’m, however, posting this bulletin to address a potential growing issue.

Some of us ask is “America ready for a black president?” I cannot read the minds of people who may or may not support him, but I am very concerned about what I am hearing from the ones who do support him. If all you’re doing is saying things like “He’s going to get killed”, or “they’re going to shoot him”, then you are not ready for a black president. This is a time to celebrate and be excited not to predict doom and gloom. When was the last time you were able to predict tragedy anyway? Every tragedy in our lives has taken place unexpectantly so stop trying to predict the future.

Some of you may be saying “They killed Martin Luther King.” My response to that is what the hell does that have to do with today? MartinLuther King, tragically, was gunned down by a lone assasin as a part of a cover up 40 years ago in an entirely diffrent political climate. Do you think the state of Iowa would have voted for him or Obama to be president 40 years ago? Of course not! So why did they do that today? Its called change folks. And we should accept the change and change with it. Neither J.Jackson, Al Sharpton, Farrakhan, Rosa Parks, or even Malcolm X were killed under the same circumstances so why in the world would you predict that for Obama?

My point is that we should focus on the positive and not look for an excuse to be negative. Words have power! To predict his assasination is the same as wanting it.

Apocalypse

By Sen Vitter (REPUBLICAN)

January 14, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Hey Hillary!

Iron my shirt then change my diaper.

By Redneck Convert

January 14, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Well, another day, another insult from Sister Dusty. It sure don’t make the chicken weenies taste good.

I was reading about that poor redneck sheriff in NC. He don’t talk as good as I do and here he is trying to talk to the press and be all official and all about that woman that got kilt. I guess if I talked that bad I would loose my temper too and threaten Geraldo and all the people I had to talk to. He sure don’t take no guff from anybody.

I see on Fox News some 3-year-old girl done reached puberty. Please don’t tell my redneck friends nothing about it. They are in enough trouble already.

By getalife

January 14, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Bush Delivers $20 Billion Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia who gave us obl and the hijackers.

Warmongering on Iran, dissing the intell community after outing a known CIA agent.

Only one more year left of this ongoing disaster.

By @@

January 14, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

My world is topsy-turvy today Jim because I find myself working for a six-year extension on our local SPLOST coming up for a vote in February.

Thanks to Sheriff (short I hope) Victor and his ridiculous lawsuits, our public safety programs are in dire straits. We’re in a battle down here in Clayton County for consumer tax dollars that will keep our property taxes from rising. One group wants the SPLOST monies to be used exclusively for their specific interests while the remainder want the monies used for theirs and everybody’s as was laid out in the resolution. The county officials have complied just not to the level of expectations of the special interest group.

Pig pulls….too bad politicians can’t turn that porker inside out—with them starting at the bone and leave the big chunks for us.

Everybody knows raising the temperature on swine makes the portions more tender.

It’s heating up down here in Clayton.

By Dusty

January 14, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

@@ 1:09

Keep up the good work. Try not to worry too much about your “crazy” Clayton sheriff We’ve got some “crazies” on this side of town.

I guess you noticed a hopeful candidate for US Congress sitting on a 400 foot tower for four days in cold weather. He’s running against our careless Casanova Vernon Jones. We are talking liberals here, of course,a liberal who will be running against a sensible Republican. Saxby(R) looks like an Einstein compared to these two.

Maybe your “Shortie” sheriff will run for US Congress eventually. That seems to be a haven for the hapless. Remember Cynthia McKinney? Need I say more?

By Jackie

January 14, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Georgia has a $4 Billion deficit, the price of gold is more than $900 per ounce, the foreclosure rate of homes in rising with a potential of more than 3 million homes in the USA. The jobs are being taken away and everything relating to our survival and well-being is being privatized, i.e., everyone wants to make money on EVERYTHING that is necessary for life. Anecdotal evidence is the 400 jobs at Avondale Wal-Mart that had more than 10,000 applicants. Bush is doing a wonderful job in stealing from all of us.

By Senator Craig (REPUBLICAN)

January 14, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

You are so right Dusty. The Democrats are nothing but a bunch of amateurs.

If Dale were a Republican he would have locked himself into a Hartsfield Airport restroom stall wearing nothing but a diaper. Refusing to change his diaper or leave the stall until the issue of family values is once again a prominent campaign issue.

Amateurs

By Jack

January 14, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

I’d take “Little Hitler” over Freeman any day.

By Dusty

January 14, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Senator Craig (REPUBLICAN)@2:40 with stolen ID

You got it all backwards. Senator Craig has learned how to be a good Democrat. He acted like one. Same for Vitter. Now take your diaper and run, big lib using phony IDs. Ashamed of your own ID?

Jackie @2:30

The economy isn’t that bad. And Bush is not the hiring drector at WalMart.

Does the Dem Party pay you as well as WalMart would? Don’t tell me you put out all this lib propaganda for nothing? You work against the country all the time just to make Bush look bad. Won’t work. It only makes you look like an anti-American trouble maker.

By Jackie

January 14, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

@Dusty

If the economy isn’t that bad, why are all the economic experts saying we are either in a recession or will be very soon? Why is the price is gold over $900 per ounce and the dollar falling like a rock? Why is our national debt at $9 Trillion dollars? As is usual, your reading skills have deserted you as I did not say that I worked for Wal-Mart of the Dems just pointed out some anecdotal evidence about the economy in the state. Then, you have the nerve to say that I am anti-American and a trouble maker. I told you earlier and I will say it again, I do not have a problem with everyone expressing their opinion about any discussion, but, when it comes to your trying to use pejoratives to make your point at my expense, I will not take that ying down, frogface. As is the case, you do not know whether to wind your hip or scratch your watch, therefore, your cognitive skills are severely diminished and/or lacking. You are a miscreant that does not realize you are hurting the country by blindly following EVERYTHING that man does/says without question, therefore, you are not upholding your constitutional responsibility to form a “more perfect union.” If you don’t have a problem with the “big words”, please read the Articles of Confederation and other papers by Hamilton, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams and others. Take your time, it requires the ability to think and comprehend. It appears that you have problems with multi-tasking.

By Glenn

January 14, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Well, yeah, Dusty. And another reason why it won’t work to betray the national interest just to get Bush is because there’s no longer a Bush worth getting; only a lame duck. So let ‘em waste their powder on the only target they see, while meanwhile we sneak around the rear and hit ‘em in their flank. Our prospective next conservative leaders could use the diversion just now, and if the DNC and its Kosbots are willing to provide their own diversionary maneuver over against themselves, then let it run, Darlin’. Let it run.

W asked for the job of head of the Party, and right now, thankfully, his job is to take the heat off this country’s next leaders so they can be about the business of negotiating with the Peeps instead of putting salve on the little burns that the CNN types are apt to inflict with their crack lighters every morning, night & Noon.

PoFo,

I don’t have any standing from which to form an opinion about how my black countrywomen and countrymen should regard the prospect of President Obama, but I like what you said, and second your counsel, for what that’s worth. That man’s emergence to me tells of a ceiling already in shards, and I like the view and the fresh air already. He may be caught in LBJ’s bed with the proverbial dead girl or live boy, but I don’t care: I like the remodel. We all worked for it, and saved far too long for it, and Lord knows we didn’t invest our parents’ nest egg very well, but fitfully we’ve come to this pass. And I know I’m not saying this in just the right way with just the right deference to A. Phillip or whomever, but you get my point because on this one we agree. Ain’t it something? Not us; the country, I mean?

On the cold front, if Truman and Ford didn’t get killed in office and W doesn’t get whacked, it will not have been for lack of deep hatred and even of assassination attempts, as you know. Even Mr. Popularity was the target of several near misses, of the ones we know about. I especially took exception to the spraying of the Residence with automatic weapons fire, though his daughter and the First Lady were away at the time and the gunman was incapable of speaking a coherent sentence. Still, I wouldn’t have minded had he been spontaneously beat to death on the sidewalk, which is precisely what happened to an angry fool who tried to pull a Jack Ruby on President Truman under the porte cochere of the Fairmont during the Deb Ball for the UN. ONI found his dogtags, ran his DD214, planted him in Colma with full honors and notified his family afterward. Not another word spoken.

But going after a President’s spouse and child? No. To quote my very favorite Churchillism: “Pray tell me, what did the woman do?” At least the Cesna crash had the virtue of dispatching the assailant in a tasteful, almost Japanese manner.

So if Truman, Ford, Clinton and W could survive so long without gratifying some twisted puke like ITN, then I reckon the pinkertons are good enough at what they do to keep Obama safe, as indeed they are doing this very instant.

I don’t think jbm should eliminate the U.S. Department of the Treasury, do you?

By BS Aplenty

January 14, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

On a recent trip to Berlin, GA, I stopped by a country store that sells hot dogs & sausage dogs among other offerings. Now, I’ve been to this store since my youth but had always taken it for granted until a family member recently passed away. It was the Christmas holidays and we had travelled to south Georgia to visit our extended families.

On this particular day, I was paying respects to my deceased relative with my young son. Our visit to the cemetery included a discussion of family members who were also interred there - family members whom I’d spoken with, laughed with, loved dearly. After a last farewell to my resting loved ones, my son and I departed and stopped at this country store. Time to introduce him to another place in his old man’s life story.

We stopped in the country store, which is only a short distance from the cemetery, and little had changed. The “chain” convenience store that had opened next door had little affected its business - mostly local businessmen, farmers and blue-collar workers - South Georgia.

As my son and I stepped up to the counter, I noticed another gentleman already ordering. He also had a young man with him whom I took to be his son - both were in “camo.” His order was clearly for more than just the two of them and, as it turns out, was going to wipe out the store’s “dog” & sausage inventory. They were hunting with a party and the troops were hungry.

When he saw me standing at the counter, this man casually glanced at my son and then at me. It would have been perfectly within his right to purchase the entire store hot dog inventory. He could have walked out of the store and left the clerk to tell us of our plight. He and his son would be gone and we’d likely never set eyes on one another again.

But he turned to me and asked what I was getting. When I told him, he asked the clerk to fill our order and he would take the rest. It was the essence of Southern hospitality laid out for my son to see.

I didn’t think about this incident any more until I read Jim’s editorial on the Wild Hog Supper in Wilcox County and I wondered if those state legislators realize how fortunate they are to represent the people of Georgia.

By John Edwards Alert

January 14, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Folks, we are trying to create a statement that makes it impossible for the news media to continue to ignore our candidate. We want to designate Friday Jan 17 as the day we break all records for a single day donation by raising $7,000,000 for John Edwards. Remember this amount will be matched.

I would like to suggest Friday, January 18, as the day to shatter both the record and the media’s tinted glass ceiling on coverage. This would give us all five days to publicize the effort. If successful, it should generate some press in time for the Sunday papers and news programs. Then on Monday, there is the debate in South Carolina, where Edwards could promote the results. This would then be followed by the primary on Saturday which, hopefully, would benefit from the newly enhanced press attention. [br />If we believe that the media is unfairly slanting coverage, it is up to us to do something about it. We must not let them make our decisions for us. By thrusting Edwards’ visibility forward with financial support that makes the press do a double take, we are effectively slapping the collective faces of the reporters who think they know what they’re talking about; of the pundits who think they know what’s best; of the blowhards like Bill O’Reilly who dismissively wave off our candidates as phonies and losers.

pass this on

send some cash

By @@

January 14, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Dusty @ 1:57:

We all have our burdens to bear/bare. ShortStuff is mine. If you’ve ever visited my neck of the woods you can’t help but notice his huge billboards depicting Victor (let’s hope his name doesn’t predict the next election) we can’t afford you any longer Hill. On the billboards he’s all decked out in military fashion with gold braids and medals galore—a giant dicktater on paper.

He definitely has “bigger” aspirations. If he makes it to congress and fails, he can always relocate to California where the government is planning on controlling the homeowners thermostat through Orwellian measures. I kid you not….

Poor Cali, my home state.

By Dusty

January 14, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Jackie@3:39

You SOUND like you work for Democrats.

Your free opinion SOUNDS like you are anti-American. Yes, you can spout anti-Americanism in full freedom but it still does not sound like a loyal American.

Recession? Guesses by ecnomists? Have you ever heard of bread lines instead of employment lines? Banks closed? Hungry beggars at the door? That’s a real recession with no guesses about it.

You don’t want to remember 9/11 or our war, a war against terrorism. That’s right. Afghanistan and Iraq and both are costly. But that is not the reason you are anti-war. You don’t like this war because you hate Bush. You make it obvious all the time.

You should be ashamed to mention the early great patriots of our country. They supported a war that set us free. Now we set others free while securing our own freedom.

Perhaps you don’t know one principle. If you have to brag on your own intelligence, that’s because nobody else will do it.

I will reply to you no more as it only encourages your negative propaganda.

By Glenn

January 14, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

BS Aplenty,

Time to change your name. Fine story. Good point.

By Profit

January 14, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Clintons have injected race into the campaign: Clintons zionist masters are behind the race based attacks on Obama: Zionists do not like black people: No one has injected gender into the race, this is proof positive that Obama is the innocent victim of the zionist Clinton attacks on African Americans. Need proof? What is Sidney Blumenthal the drunk driver’s religion? Vote Obama, and Obama only

By OneForTheRoad

January 14, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

RON PAUL

By Redneck Convert

January 14, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Well, I’m against this John Edwards guy tryihg to raise money for him on this blog. If nobody would give me anything for my campaign excepting a old washer, nobody should give him anything neither. He is just a librul anyway.

I see Sister Dusty is calling out people and calling them anti-American. That’s another way of saying Trader. Thank the Good Lord we got somebody on this blog that stands up for godly Republicans and the American Way of Life. Way to go, Sister Dusty.

By OneForTheRoad

January 14, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

What is all the ridiculous talk about times being tough. Why I have not heard a single government employee complain about not getting their annual pay raise, their “sick” days, their vacation days, their 401k contributions, or even their health care benefits. Well, maybe one or two complained about having a co-pay but we’ll fix that next year once we pass that next tax, I mean cost of living, increase. Besides, we got ourselves 400 new WalMart taxpayers and I hear there will be several more WalMarts built in 2008. So, let’s just quit with the moaning and complaining and whining. Get up off your butts and go to work at the next WalMart that opens up or better yet go to work for the government. The good jobs are all taken but they still have lots of openings left in Iraq.

By Dusty

January 14, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Glenn @ 3:47

You may not bother with a lame duck but I refuse to overlook all the shots aimed at one that flies for this country.

George W. Bush has never betrayed us. Sure, we don’t agree with his every move. Most happily married folks don’t go that route either. This one is for the country.

I do not doubt the motives of Pres. Bush. I also believe that history will show him to be a great president under immeasurable duress. I don’t “dump” those who serve bravely for this country.

BS Aplenty @3:55

What a marvelous story. I give you my sincere thanks for your perception and optimism.

I like to hear about the innate kindness of Southern people from one who enjoyed it. Yep, I’m proud to be here, right here in our very own Georgia USA.

By Profit

January 14, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Dusty is a government employee.

By Jackie

January 14, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

@Dusty,

It is such a wonderful thing that you choose to respond to your pronouncements. You do not know what a recession or depression happens to be. Again, you have a SEVER CASE OF DIARRHEA OF THE LIP. You put your mouth in motion before you put your brain in gear. Sounds like your transmission needs an overhaul. As for your not responding to me, it is your choice. I do not want you to try to use your specious arguments to make your unsubstantiated points as your statements clearly show that you don’t have a clue as to what your are talking about, 3rd grade dropout.

By Jackie

January 14, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

The AJC has a headline that indicates more than 7,0000 foreclosure notices were sent to GA citizens last month. The US House of Reps are trying to cobble a package that would stave off foreclosure for more than 3 Million citizens this year and extend unemployment benefits. What recession?

By Dusty

January 14, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

RedNeck @ 4:21

Brother RedNeck, thank you for your support. If only you were not a semi-literate undercover lib but we don’t choose our believers, do we?

By the way, would you tell PoFo that I do not work for the government. Thank you.

By Dusty trails

January 14, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

jackie, you are wasting your time. there is no dusty, only a robot that periodically posts the same tripe. She is a jingoistic, close-minded, Bushophilic software program. Attacking it only makes it post more.

By RW (the oravaginal)

January 14, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

I think that we’ve still got a groovy country, and we’re all still groovin’ right along. The baby boomers are learning about fear as they slide into the last third of their lives and eternity beckons. What is due the soldiers who fought the sex/drug/rock-n-roll revolution and lost? Probably an eternity in limbo rock. Can you imagine having to listen to and perform the limbo rock thing all around the limbo clock for all eternity? God is cruel. So was Chubby Checker to have written that stupid song.

Well I got a little off track, but at least I’m not a total schmoehawk like @@.

By Profit

January 14, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

OH oh Jackie - Is that bill sponsored by Barney F*? Frankly, I think it is a crying shame the Aids hasn’t eliminated that fat toad. Everyone who wants the aids to take barney f* right now, clap your hands! Ah, the response is over whelming. Bye Barney, say hi to Rock for us. P.S. Did you know that Rock Hudson and that guy who made the Rambo movies were “working” on one just prior to the rock’s death? It was called RAMBUTT, Bad Blood.

By Dusty

January 14, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Watch it, lib. I have many windows!!! AND RoboCop is my BUDDY!!!

Gudnt 2 U. C U 2mrow…

By Jackie

January 14, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

@Profit,

Why don’t you write your congress person to determine what they are planning to help mitigate the impact the economic tsunami’s effect on the citizens of this country. Do you think more tax cuts are the answer?

By Profit

January 14, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Jackie - I am already rich and retired. I do not need any economic stimulation, frankly I prefer other people to be poor and under fed, even homeless. My community is gated and guarded, my mansion is well guarded, I am well armed, and my food stores are quite ample. Bring on the depression, I’m all set. Hmm, maybe I could use a few more “throw-down weapons” - I don’t want any pesky murder charges for defending mah home and pro-per-ty against THOSE people.

By RW (the bidet)

January 14, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Anyone see how stunned the Dallas owner was, and how quiet Terry Bradshaw and Jimmy Johnson and that crew got after the crushing defeat of the cowboys. I saw the whole game and I still dont know how NY did it. TO cried. Now everyone wants to vote for him in the Michigan Primary.

By Profit

January 14, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Ah have always hated Texas in general and Dallas in particular, so ah luved the crushing defeat. Cry baby cowboys, more like sissy boys crying like that. Gee, they cry almost as much as those ugly mutts in that Gay Greek city, Athens, Ga

By Redneck Convert

January 14, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

To all:

Sister Dusty don’t work for the guvmint. She emptys bedpans for Indians. I don’t know where.

By Glenn

January 14, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Dusty, I’ve said the same as you’ve said of President Bush. Here. Repeatedly. So Heaven knows I’m not asking you to join them in trashing him, only to ignore their doing it, it doesn’t hurt him a bit, is exactly what he and Rove want for the Party, and helps keep our bench warm. Not a very subtle point, but one in which you can find some pleasure as these people fly off in their doghouses after an airman just landing, to use your variation on the metaphor. You patriotism is unquestioned, Dusty, and I know it to be informed and considered, and you’re about as far as you can get from a jingo without backing yourself into Ron Paul’s deadly dangerous cloud cuckooland. Duly noted. Now enjoy the Flying Circus!

GaLiberal,

Yesterday you said that were Lincoln here he’d bolt to the Democratic Party. A very able historian, Adam Guelzo, agrees with you, and manages to do it, at book length and in a series of articles, in a manner that skirts the hazzards of hypothetical historiography.

I too eschew such hypotheticals, but as this ain’t history, here goes.

Not so. Lincoln actually had a deep-seated distrust of the Democratic Party, and a deep dislike of Thomas Jefferson. (Lincoln was a lifelong, amateur Washington scholar.) He was, of course, respectful to both the oldest Party and to TJ always, but his excruciatingly poor and harsh upbringing rendered him incapable, by his own accounts, of empathisizing with those he saw as self-styled gentleman yeomanry, the image into which Jefferson fitted himself and from which Washington tried to extricate himself. The Party often played to this stereotype, and indeed to this clientele. That’s why Jackson was so shocking for a time.

I don’t think that even Prof. Guelzo would mind someone’s saying that were Lincoln alive today he would have trouble recognizing his party but he would not leave it to join the Democrats. Lincoln was not a party joiner; he was a party maker.

More than anyone, Lincoln made the GOP, and only a coward’s Derringer stopped him from showing, as TR did, what could be made of that Party by a leader willing to transcend service to party and steel himself to serve the People alone. Indeed, his postwar plans looked much like archaic examples of what evolved into TR’s Square Deal, the ill-fated 1912 version of which served as the secret template for FDR’s domestic regimen.

When poor Mary Lincoln spent her husband out of White House and home, the Party leaders came to Lincoln and begged him to relinquish the office in favor of someone who could beat the Democratic candidate George McClellan, the unlikely surrender monkey. Lincoln told them flat out that he’d sooner take the Party down with him than give up.

Not live to run another day as a Democrat; forsake his Party for his country.

By otis

January 18, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Jim, i think we can agree on some of the mentioned item, but not the cure.Clayton county should not get off by having vouchers issued for the children,if you aregoing to cure the problem the state should step in and replace the school boad with white qualified people. I can remember DeKalb county at one time having the best school system in the state, what happened there was the blacks took over. you my say its racial perhaps it may be, but prove to me they can successfully run a system, if so where is it and i will be the first to say i am incorrect. On the Presidential candidates, don’t yet place your money on OBAMA or clinton.