Thinking Right

By Churchill's MOM

January 14, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this

Now a word from our next PRESIDENT

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin criticized the Anchorage Daily News’ coverage of her family in an email posted on the paper’s website Monday night.

The email, sent by Palin last week, comes under the subject line “more ‘mistakes’?”

“Please, say it ain’t so: did you really allow a story to run in your paper today claiming Levi Johnston is a high school drop out? Did I read that right?” Palin asks at the beginning of the email. “And did you really print a story last week suggesting I had any connection with Sherry Johnston’s activities in the past six months or so and you won’t correct the story? Did I read that right?”

“And is your paper really still pursuing the sensational lie that I am not Trig’s mother?” she continues. “Is it true you have a reporter still bothering my state office, my very busy doctor (who’s already set the record straight for you), and the school district, in pursuit of your ridiculous conspiracy? And, oh, I could go on…”

Pat Dougherty, the editor of the Anchorage Daily News, defended his paper in a response posted on the paper’s site.

Dougherty told Palin the story about Levi Johnston came from the Associated Press, which bases the information on an interview the news organization had with the teenager during the campaign.

The editor also insisted that coverage of the arrest of Johnston’s mother on drug charges did not connect Palin to the charges and that the paper is still pursuing information about Trig’s birth with the intent of knocking down the frequently repeated rumor.

“Perhaps after reading this you will conclude that the facts are not exactly as you thought, or that there was more to these issues than you knew,” Dougherty wrote to Palin. “I hope you see that we have tried hard to practice sound journalism. We may have trusted the accuracy of the AP too much, but I won’t know that for sure until you confirm that Levi will graduate from high school.”

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

January 14, 2009 8:38 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. As one of the three people in Georgia who lack experience buying a lottery ticket, I am probably incompetent to discuss the topic, but that has never stopped me before. My visceral reaction is that government does not need to regulate loss of money by the public. The government imprimatur on the state lottery leads the sheeple to think it might be a fair game. Without the government blessing, the people might actually review the odds of winning and save their money. (That argument does not apply to the slow-learning inner city denizens who actually fund the Hope Scholarships for the white suburban recipients.)

Nevertheless, I agree wth Jim’s disgust with those who sell a bad deal by invoking an irrational plea on behalf of “the children.” The phony argument is often made in support of such diverse poorly conceived ideas as socialized medicine and cures for “global warming;” we can surely expect it for gambling too.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

January 14, 2009 8:40 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. As one of the three people in Georgia who lack experience buying a lottery ticket, I am probably incompetent to discuss the topic, but that has never stopped me before. My visceral reaction is that government does not need to regulate loss of money by the public. The government imprimatur on the state lottery leads the sheeple to think it might be a fair game. Without the government blessing, the people might actually review the odds of winning and save their money. (That argument does not apply to the slow-learning inner city denizens who actually fund the Hope Scholarships for the white suburban recipients.)

Nevertheless, I agree wth Jim’s disgust with those who sell a bad deal by invoking an irrational plea on behalf of “the children.” The phony argument is often made in support of such diverse poorly conceived ideas as socialized medicine and cures for “global warming;” we can surely expect it for gambling too.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

January 14, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. As one of the three people in Georgia who lack experience buying a lottery ticket, I am probably incompetent to discuss the topic, but that has never stopped me before. My visceral reaction is that government does not need to regulate loss of money by the public. The government imprimatur on the state lottery leads the sheeple to think it might be a fair game. Without the government blessing, the people might actually review the odds of winning and save their money. (That argument does not apply to the slow-learning inner city denizens who actually fund the Hope Scholarships for the white suburban recipients.)

Nevertheless, I agree wth Jim’s disgust with those who sell a bad deal by invoking an irrational plea on behalf of “the children.” The phony argument is often made in support of such diverse poorly conceived ideas as socialized medicine and cures for “global warming;” we can surely expect it for gambling too.

By Maniac is accurate

January 14, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this

I had a lobbyist tell me before the session that this was going to come up. Look for the horse and dog track folks to come up again. Personally, I say let it happen. The more freedom the better.

By the way, I’ve met John Aderhold, and unless this is a son or grandson, he won’t see the end of that 50-year lease.

By Peter

January 14, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

Typical Jim…… Typical Republicans……… No answers to problems, just a NO……..

Ok Jim, what should underground do………and if you are trying to get people to come to our lack luster downtown what do you propose ?

No wonder the country is sick of Republicans now……..Spend, Spend, Spend, then walk away from the problems !

By @@

January 14, 2009 9:06 AM | Link to this

A dead place underground, Jim?

Sounds like a good location for government offices.

By ron

January 14, 2009 9:30 AM | Link to this

Gambling is a non issue with me.I don’t.I see no reason why you can’t.Throw away your money if you want to.Someone is going to win on a lottery but it probably won’t be you.But here’s something to think about.When the lottery grows to $200 plus million dollars,if you have a ticket your chances of winning increase dramatically.

Sunday liquor sales.I can’t think of anything to say I haven’t already said.Let me repeat.It is asinine to be able to buy beer and wine and liquor six days a week and be forbidden these same commodities on Sunday simply because people going to church don’t want you to have them.

My disclosures.I don’t buy lottery tickets and I wouldn’t go to a casino if it were next door.That’s not my cup of tea.

I don’t want to purchase alcohol on Sunday.My Jug of Laphraig can be purchased during the week,but I see no reason to deprive anyone else the pleasure of buyiny one on Sunday if the whim strikes.

By NightTrain

January 14, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this

The states job in this is to just make sure that the games are fair and not rigged. The state has already approved gambling by supporting / sponsoring the Lottery. Let it happen! Allow ‘conventional’ gambling also.

Those that want to gamble will, those that do not want to lose their money will not. Why should the government tell people what to do and how to spend their monies? Of course, after the liberals raise our taxes through the roof, who’ll have enough money left to gamble with anyway?

As for Sunday sales liquor, who cares if it is Monday, Tuesday or Sunday? Georgia has had its head up its rectum on this one for years and years. But don’t blame it on the ‘right’, the left has controlled Georgia for over 100 years and we still cannot purchase liquor on Sunday.

Not all conservatives want to ban gambling and Sunday sales. This is not a right-left issue.

By GOP is gone

January 14, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this

Jim you surprise me. Since when have you cared anything about the downtrodden? I say if casinos will bring in revenue, bring it on. Bring on Sunday alcohol sales too. When we are looking at such large budget deficits why not have voluntary taxes? I would have thought you would have been all over this, the ignorant sheeple and the illegal aliens paying more of their fair share.

I for one would love to see these measures taken into action. I would like to raise taxes on cigarettes to a level that would make them unaffordable to young people, or at least young people not given a hefty allowance by mommy and daddy. Raise the cigarette tax to 5 dollars a pack and help out State Medicaid. Anyone stupid enough to continue to fill their lungs with a known carcinogen is stupid enough to have to pay for it, literally.

By Maniac is accurate

January 14, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

I agree with most all your points Night Train except that Georgia has been controlled by the left for 100 years. In Georgia, Democrat does not equal left.

By NightTrain

January 14, 2009 10:02 AM | Link to this

Maniac, you are correct to a point. Democrats have controlled Georgia for over 100 years. There are some far lefties in the Georgia Democrat party.

By Maniac is accurate

January 14, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this

As are you, sir. But, the lefties have never (even now) controlled the Democratic Party in Georgia. Although their influence is much increased now, since many of the more conservative Dems have defected to the GOP.

By Mclennon

January 14, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this

Georgia Lottery nothing but a big state sponsored scam;we may as well legalize casinos,horse racing and Sunday liquor sales.This place is as boring as hell and needs a bit of spicing up.No body is fooled with this crap that this lotto junkit is operated purely for education and Hope Scholarships. I have been an active participant in this lottery joke scheme since its inception god knows how many years ago;covering the whole gamut from the mega million,fantasy5,pick3/4 through all those ridiculous scratch-off tickets.I have had some lingering questions and concerns on the winnings payoff, most recently as 1/13/09 when I had second prize winnings on two fantasy 5 tickets(4 of 5)and got the princely sum of $88 dollars each, there were 101 winners in this category statewide.(first prize 5/5 paid $151000) Compare this with the payouts in the Florida lottery of $555 for 376 winners for the same 4 of 5 consolation prize…this is ridiculous; and this pattern has been consistent over time.If this is not a rip off of consumers, then I dont know what is. Those scratch off joke; tickets selling at between $1 and $20 that they say you can win a number of prizes on each ticket,with each scratch-slot representing a separate prize.If you get a prize of a free ticket in any slot, I would dare you to find a second prize in any of the other slots on that ticket, 5-10-15 scratch slots on a ticket; you should be able to win 5-10-15 prizes whether cash or free tickets…a grand rip-off. Somebody really need to seriously look into this lottery rip-off scam run by this state. The other thing that disturbs me badly is; the underperforming and failing schools are located in the areas generating the highest lottery sales revenues, whereas the schools getting the bulk of the education benefits are the more affluent areas, naturally fou dont find a lottery shop within range,and these folks dont support this program and even have the gall to be vocal against it/ such hypocracy.Call it out for what it is,a source of general funding for the states coffers and a rip-off of those who can least afford it. Do you think that the state will ever want to give up on this cash cow,the goose that lays the golden egg ??..you got to be out of your mind.They will oppose anything that appears to be a source of competition. Head 2 hours south or west to Montgomery or Birmingham or even Biloxi on the weekend and you will get a feel of how much money is flowing out of Georgia in search of “entertainment”. Lets get real folks…either overhaul or revise or scrap this Georgia lottery monopoly scam.

By deegee

January 14, 2009 11:05 AM | Link to this

I moved to Atlanta in 1970. The big issues at that time were Sunday liquor sales and gambling. Glad to see progress being made over the last 38 years.

By Cricket

January 14, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this

chirp. chirp. chirp.

By Mad mommy

January 14, 2009 12:05 PM | Link to this

GOP,

It is a god given right to allow a person to smoke or drink. How about we tax all the “fatty foods” people eat and start taxing people for how much they weigh. Sounds like and even exchange.

Addiction is everywhere and we don’t need more of it in our city. Have you ever looked at the crime rates in areas where gaming is legal? GA can’t afford to cover our needs right now, let alone once all this “development” goes in.

If someone wants to buy booze on Sunday, let them. Who really gives a big hoot. It’s just another way to keep people at odds with each other over who did what.

By Bob

January 14, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this

As long as it is private development money, why not allow gambling? It is not the state’s problem to force morals down the throats of the people (despite what some might think). Who knows, maybe it would actually bring some business downtown. Nothing else has worked.

Stop wasting the government’s time on the Sunday sales discussion…just pass it, and then no more time will be wasted. It’s idiotic and hypocritical to allow something to be sold 6 days during the week, but not on the 7th.

By michael

January 14, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this

This is just lazy economics, and a very bad way to get extra revenue. Georgia government need a more creative way of thinking to implement plans for the whole family. I would rather see a Walt Disney type projects versus gambling. Sure it would provide jobs and tax revenue, but the cost down the road will not be worth it. We need structures that can support the whole family.

By Bob

January 14, 2009 12:13 PM | Link to this

As long as it is private development money, why not allow gambling? It is not the state’s problem to force morals down the throats of the people (despite what some might think). Who knows, maybe it would actually bring some business downtown. Nothing else has worked.

Stop wasting the government’s time on the Sunday sales discussion…just pass it, and then no more time will be wasted. It’s idiotic and hypocritical to allow something to be sold 6 days during the week, but not on the 7th.

By Bob

January 14, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this

As long as it is private development money, why not allow gambling? It is not the state’s problem to force morals down the throats of the people (despite what some might think). Who knows, maybe it would actually bring some business downtown. Nothing else has worked.

Stop wasting the government’s time on the Sunday sales discussion…just pass it, and then no more time will be wasted. It’s idiotic and hypocritical to allow something to be sold 6 days during the week, but not on the 7th.

By scrappy

January 14, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

I saw no to the Casinos, but yes to the horse racing! At least Horse races have a dress code (or sorts), and it can be a place for adults & gambling at times, and other times it could be opened up for families as a petting zoo!

Personally don’t think the city or the State deserve any more taxes, they can’t efficenlty use what they already have.

Ron - Your take on Sunday alcohol sales is perfect. It is asinine to be able to buy it every other day (and at the bar on Sunday), but not is a store on Sunday. Those who attend Church and are somehow offended by this have no right to inflict their views onto the rest of the population.

By ron

January 14, 2009 12:24 PM | Link to this

Dear Mad Mommy,———Comma my house and smoke and you will discover your right to smoke and my right to breathe are diametrically opposed.

The Treasury Secretary appointee is blazing a trail for new tax cuts.And new work rules.

The main stream media is split 50/50.Half are reporting on the dog,the other half on the dress.

I’m still havng nighthorses caused by my viewing Ann Coulter on my friend’s tv.Correction;former friend.What’s the thing with the hair?

Sunday sales will put the local bootlegger out of business and that’s bad for the local economy.Some of these are fine church going folks.

The moon is high and so will I be. Prety soon.

Shine on!!!!!

By I'mfurit

January 14, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

Bring on the horse and the dogs!!!! That can only help a quickly disappearing segment of the Georgia scene..the farmer. Horses got to eat, got to have hay, etc.

I don’t think gambling has driven the citizens of states where it is legal any closer to hell than the good citizens of Georgia. There is plenty of sin to go around.

Besides, although it ain’t that far to Cherokee and Biloxi it would be a way to reduce traffic and gas consumption…

By Jake

January 14, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this

We would be wise indeed to follow Nevada’s example and legalize Sunday liquor, gambling of every variety, and hookers.

By Redneck Convert

January 14, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this

Well, I see this woman teacher up in Boston got arrested for doing You Know What with a 13 year old boy. Turns out it was 300 times in a year and with her husband sleeping in the same house. It just shows what happens when you let them teach You Know What in the schools. Not only is this kid dog-tired but he’s ruint for life. He’ll grow up either thinking he’s God’s gift to women like some of the fellows that hang out in Atlanta bars or running every time he sees a woman. The Death Penalty is too good for this woman. Besides, she was a hard looker, as my Daddy use to call ugly women.

I’m real hung up on this selling booze on Sunday. We need the tax money real bad and I don’t want a tax increase but it’s my Sabbath and besides I don’t want to have to haul beer an extra day of the week.

How about we split the diffrence? The people that buy the beer on Sunday can make a face and act like the stuff tastes awful. We get the tax money and God don’t think people are enjoying the Sin.

Have a good day everybody.

By Peter

January 14, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

Why do the Republican’s really worry about gambling, drinking and sinning ?

Heck after Church on Sunday, they wake up Monday and screw anyone they can for the sake of GREED !

So we see our great Governor is holding education spending down yet again today !

Typical Republican……. build a fish farm, but screw your children’s teachers !

Republican’s don’t SEEM to even care about their own kids……never mind others.

Case in Point Sarah Palin’s crew !

By Bob

January 14, 2009 12:44 PM | Link to this

It’s a ruse Wooten. The fat pol cats will skim the fat and then when the poor innocent victims of their own personal choices come whining, they’ll buy their votes. Cannot afford to gamble and lose.

By AmVet

January 14, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

Surely the Legislature will not allow itself to be sidetracked on questions like Sunday beer, wine and liquor sales…

Yet, the Large One can pray for rain on the capitol steps like some sort of demented Charlton Heston and help the traitors get their flag back.

No wonder nationally they keep getting annihilated every other November…

By jmcguffey

January 14, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this

tax the vice legalize betting and do away with income tax

By Jake

January 14, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this

Wrong, wrong, wrong. What church do you go to Jim? Sunday liquor sales and gambling are not sins. Infidelity is but it’s not illegal. Something wrong, somewhere.

By Glenn

January 14, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this

As the great editor Perry White would say, CAESAR’S GHOST this is a great column!

I mean, shee-y…ut. I always wanted to grow up some day — a day that hasn’t come — and get myself into position to write a column like this one: easy and familiar, with the point of the dagger just behind the jutting jaw.

On the subject of taxing sin to aid children, I have much to say. So I won’t do.

As to regulating Sunday Liquor, well, I live in East Cobb, so I inherit that mafia, along with at least two other ones. Don’t mistake me. I love my Baptists. I’m not one, but still they’re my sisters and my brothers. When I was running a rough patch in Oakland years ago, it was they who welcomed me, and I’ll never let it up. But they really must stop trying to parent adult-type persons, you know? At some point Mr. Jefferson has to break in and demand of them, “Who do y’all think you are?”

I got many other things to say for this magnificient column, but I should shut up now, and probably forever after hold my piece.

…as it were.

By cupacubra

January 14, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this

From the New York Slimes on Jan. 20, 2005 regarding Bush’s inauguration cost:

For the media, simply reporting on the cost of the inauguration proved to be a challenge. Most major outlets stuck to the lower, albeit still unprecedented, figure of $40 million, which the Presidential Inaugural Committee said it hopes to raise from private donors. But a more accurate figure may be $50 million. That’s the amount cited by the Washington Times (which is plugged in to GOP circles). But even that number doesn’t take into account the nearly $20 million that’s being spent for security, putting the real cost at closer to $70 million, instead of the media’s preferred $40 million. [who the hell is the lib MEDIA to mandate what one costs anyway?]

Back then the bedwetting libs were all worried about cost. Do any of you clear thinking people - non libs - expect any bedwetters out there to complain about Obama’s inauguration cost? We’ve witnessed two years of a democrat led congress do nothing but go after Bush cronies - they ignored, led by that spitting liberal slob Barney Frank - Republican call to increase regulation of sub prime mortgage entities, not the least of which was Fannie & Freddie, one of those many brainchilds of liberal fairness in housing.

We will not see any howls of cost at this horrid economic time. In fact, the lib media right now is more concerned about a White House dog pick by Obama’s kids. Of course we won’t hear the DNC media howl and whine about inauguration costs - not anymore than we will hear liberal democrats and CNN and PMSNBC lib pundits howl and whine about a soaring deficit under pure democrat rule. This year. I’m wiling to bet things will get a lot worse, but the media sure won’t play them up like they did when Republicans ruled. They will downplay or ignore negative issues altogether. Any takers?

By Shawny

January 14, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this

First, there is this assumption that we need people to come downtown. Why do we? Same can be said of why the economy always has to grow (driving high prices).

The lottery is an idiot tax. Video gaming is an idiot tax also, except far less of the proceeds go to good things like college tuition.

The libs like to get behind measures that protect and support those that supposedly can’t protect and help themselves, then why would they want to push efforts to take money away from people that can’t help themselves? What is the point of this?

Why add more traffic and congestion that isn’t needed for something like this that has little if any benefit?

And the Sunday sales is a dumb venture as well. If you can’t plan well enough, then you shouldn’t get a beer on Sunday anyway.

By Dusty

January 14, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this

Sossme of you people make me laugh. For sic days a week, you ;can buy liq

By Dusty

January 14, 2009 1:45 PM | Link to this

Sossme of you people make me laugh. For sic days a week, you ;can buy liq

By Dusty

January 14, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this

Some of you people realy make me laugh. Six days a week you can buy liquor but you are crying the blues ‘cause you can’t buy it Sunday? Now that shows an IQ lower than a chimpanzee’s. Dying a slow death because you can’t buy a bottle on Sunday. How awful!

Maybe the employees at the liquor store might like to stay home and drink a few. Ah but…we must have our freedom and our fun! CHILDREN!!

What next with all this talk about making adult decisions without restraint? Will brothels be next? Somebody might decide he’d enjoy a litle “company” so we must have them available 24/12? Women might decide they would enjoy a little “male escort service”.

Sure, let the adults decide. And don’t let “church people” interfere. All they have is morals! Seems most of you don’t need that. Let the demand for decadence settle like smog on the sociopaths. The rest of us will breathe free.

By Dusty

January 14, 2009 2:08 PM | Link to this

I think my computer is drinking today.

By Curious Observer

January 14, 2009 2:12 PM | Link to this

Dusty: I think my computer is drinking today.

Lay off the cheap sauce, Dusty, and maybe your computer will sober up. “Sossme of you people make me laugh. For sic days a week, you ;can buy liq” indeed!

By Georgia Peach

January 14, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this

Sure wish we had some kind of state leadership on this topic, but as usual Sonny Purdue is in absentia.

Perhaps he is planning his next trip to Spain to drum up business for our state - remember when he did this during the gas shortage of 2008? We were waiting in line to buy gasoline and Sonny is living large drinking Sangria and eating paella. I’ve been expecting groundbreaking ceremonies for those spanish auto manufacturers (!!) but have not seen an announcement.

And then there is Casey Cagle. I see him on television often sucking that free ‘librul media’ teat for all its worth, but don’t know anything he has accomplished except for trying to get an early lead in his bid for governator.

Life in a red state - clinging to those defeated 20th century ideas like the confederate battle flag, and no booze on Sunday - well into the 21st century.

By Dusty

January 14, 2009 2:38 PM | Link to this

Curious Observer,2:12

That crooked line was for you. Drunks have to have something too. Do you need another one?

Letz mes knos if youse do. My compeute wil helpee u.

By Dusty

January 14, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this

Georgia Peach @2:27

All fuzz and no facts. Peachy!!

By david wayne osedach, san diego/ U.S.A.

January 14, 2009 2:43 PM | Link to this

Most other States already have it. And eventually Georgia will too. Why delay the inevitable - especially in these tough economic times?

By Bob

January 14, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this

Dusty,

So, using your logic, we should go back to the time when all businesses are shut down on Sunday, right? After all, don’t those employees deserve the day off? No gas? Well, bummer for you, you should have bought it on Saturday; enjoy the walk home. Want to have a steak for dinner? Oh…bad planning…no steak for you.

Don’t try to imply that others do not have morals just because they want to have the ability to buy a legal beverage on a Sunday. Personally, I believe it’s much more immoral to try to force your religous beliefs/days on others.

I love when people try to make the comparison between alcohol sales and prostitution. One is legal 6 days of the week and the other is not.

If you feel that Sunday sales is such a bad idea, then stop being a hypocrite. If it’s evil on Sunday then it must be evil every other day. Write to your representatives and get them to stop selling on every other day too…and of course no more sales in restaurants on Sunday or any other day either. That’s the worst thing about this law against Sunday sales…it’s completely hypocritical.

By GOP is gone

January 14, 2009 2:53 PM | Link to this

Mad Mommy, Let me go out on a limb here, you are a smoker? Keep exercising your God given right lady, you will meet him sooner rather than later. Just don’t expect healthcare workers to sympathize with your choices. Barring you having some kind of magical DNA you will get Lung Cancer or Emphysema. We in healthcare call the COPDers either Pink-Puffers or Blue –Blowers, sound appealing?

And I do support taxing people on their Obesity. It is the number one reason for healthcare problems, thus making me the tax payer pay out more for Medicare and Medicaid. And it is a choice as much as smoking or drinking or taking drugs. I say let’s add a huge tax on Twinkies too.

And Dusty, It is the Grocery Store Lobby trying to get the ban on Sunday alcohol repealed.

By Bob

January 14, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

Dusty,

So, using your logic, we should go back to the time when all businesses are shut down on Sunday, right? After all, don’t those employees deserve the day off? No gas? Well, bummer for you, you should have bought it on Saturday; enjoy the walk home. Want to have a steak for dinner? Oh…bad planning…no steak for you.

Don’t try to imply that others do not have morals just because they want to have the ability to buy a legal beverage on a Sunday. Personally, I believe it’s much more immoral to try to force your religous beliefs/days on others.

I love when people try to make the comparison between alcohol sales and prostitution. One is legal 6 days of the week and the other is not.

If you feel that Sunday sales is such a bad idea, then stop being a hypocrite. If it’s evil on Sunday then it must be evil every other day. Write to your representatives and get them to stop selling on every other day too…and of course no more sales in restaurants on Sunday or any other day either. That’s the worst thing about this law against Sunday sales…it’s completely hypocritical.

By Georgia Peach

January 14, 2009 2:58 PM | Link to this

Did I touch a nerve, Mr. Perdue…ummm…..Dusty? Now I know why nothing gets done in the red(neck) state of Georgia. Could it be the governator is blogging and drinking at the same time?

Or are you just wasting more time kneeling at the limbaugh shrine for pederasts and pill-poppers?

By Billy

January 14, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this

Dusty, kindly give us one reason (based on anything other than religion) why alcohol should be legal for purchase Monday through Friday but banned on Sunday. I have still yet to see one. All justifications for prohibited Sunday sales are of the religious variety (no drinking on the Sabbath). The few times conservatives try to give a secular argument against Sunday sales they make claims about increased DUIs or other social ills, none of which are exclusive to Sundays. If alcohol sales lead to more DUIs, why not ban all alcohol sales?

I remember (last time this was an issue) Jim asserting that someone who wants beer on Sunday but can’t remember to buy some Saturday is someone who may have a drinking problem. That’s bass ackwards. If I average even one drink a week, it’s only because once every few weeks I’ll have 4 or 5 — but only at home. I don’t like to drink in other places because I don’t like the thought that I may not be thinking 100% clearly. Since I don’t drink regularly, I don’t maintain a booze stash at home. So if I want to have a Guinness while I watch the Falcons play, I check the fridge. If I don’t see one, I’m just SOL since I can’t run to Publix and buy some. Of course, I’m not an alcoholic, so it’s not like I get the DTs or anything. But it is a nuisance.

Why don’t we ban other things on Sundays? Cigarettes, for example? Buy all you’ll need on Saturday, because you can’t on Sunday. Do you think there’d be smokers who don’t have cigarettes ? No. Because addicts will make sure ahead of time. Alcohol’s no different. It’s the people who know they’ll need it who buy ahead of time, not those of us who will decide that day, “Hey, I think I’d like a beer.”

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

January 14, 2009 3:06 PM | Link to this

Underground Atlanta is an un-funny joke that should have been closed many years ago. It’s frequented by boobs, rubes, roving gangs and other scum. As for education in Georgia, it’s a lost cause. The graduation rate of high schoolers is diving below fifty percent and is likely to go lower.

There’s no valid reason for not allowing alcohol to be purchased on Sundays. A person can go to a restaurant/bar on any Sunday and get plowed but they can’t go to a supermarket and buy it and take it home. How much sense does that make? None, in my opinion. It’s just the will of the phony-baloney religioso community that it not be sold on the Sabbath. But, truth be told, they all buy enough on Saturday to get them through the blessed day set aside for the Lord. Give me a break! Let’s open it up, sell booze seven days a week and close down some of these houses of worship which are dispensing the opiate of the masses!

By Billy

January 14, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

Algonqiun, I have no desire to “close down” any churches. Apart from that, I largely agree with your second paragraph there. Our supposedly secular government should allow them to worship as they see fit but should also be free from religious interference as far as making laws is concerned. There is no valid non-religious argument against Sunday sales that does not also apply to other days of the week. Nothing should be legal on any particular day(s) of the week but illegal on any other particular day(s).

By Millie

January 14, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this

While I am not opposed to gambling, I would NEVER go to downtown Atlanta for that purpose….too much crime. People just buy on Saturday all the booze they want for SUnday, so what’s the difference.

My suggestion to get the state out of a financial hole is to have independent audits done in every department where money is collected or spent. Catch the ones who are pilfering, embezelling or just don’t know how to manage finances, get rid of them and let ALL spending be monitored.

By Ed

January 14, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this

Maybe if churches and other houses of worship had to pay property taxes, then we wouldn’t look to casinos and alcohol sales for tax money.

By Reality

January 14, 2009 3:41 PM | Link to this

It’s the bible thumping morons and other religious whacko’s trying to ram their ridiculous beliefs down other peoples throats that cause most of the totally unnecessary harm to people in the world. There is no such a thing as god so Jesus was not his son and Muhammad was not his prophet. Now that I have settled that please stop killing each other for no reason, have a drink and go gambling whenever you like. If you could see fit to stop destroying the planet we live on that would be nice too.

By pd

January 14, 2009 3:42 PM | Link to this

Wooten, your idea for a horse track is a great one. I hadn’t thought of that, but it does make a lot of sense. Although, I do kind of object to putting horses through that.

I would like to see lots of big casinos downtown, legalized prostitution, decriminalization of most illegal narcotics, and less intrustion by big government. I guess I am what you would call, conservative.

By Ed

January 14, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this

Maybe if churches and other houses of worship had to pay property taxes, then we wouldn’t look to casinos and alcohol sales for tax money.

By Maniacal Pariah

January 14, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this

Horse racing? What’s next, legalized prostitution? Gambling Casinos? What’s next, another Trail of Tears? You cant raise money that way. Somebody would stop us. They always do.

How many divisions do the Supreme Court got, anyway?

By Billy

January 14, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this

I also think churches should pay property taxes. I’d even be wiling to let them pay a reduced rate, but they should pay something. I mean, if I buy an abandoned church and use it for anything other than a house of worship, I have to pay property taxes. I’ve heard someone make the argument that churches shouldn’t have to pay them since all the people who go to the churches pay them, therefore everyone at the church is already paying for services like the fire department. That’s ridiculous. By that logic, no business should pay property taxes, either.

By Larry

January 14, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

Wow, are some of our “new southerners” mixed up on the Rep/Dem, right/left wing stance. If you were a southern democratic conservative in the 40’s- 70’s you were right wing thinking on morals, war, social, race issues, etc. Now that person is a right wing conservative republican. The democratic party in Ga then, is the republican party of today. Confusing, but is the absolute truth. So please be careful labeling the democrats with “controlling” the state for 100 years unless you know the facts. Ya’ll are welcome.

By pd

January 14, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this

Thanks Larry for pointing out the truth.

Its hard to believe that anyone could look around at this backwards state and think its been run by progressive thinkers for the last 100 years.

By Maniacal Pariah

January 14, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

You cant make churches pay taxes. Because then the state will be using religion to get politicians elected……D’OH!

By ron

January 14, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

I’ve already lived in two states during the passage of Sunday sales for all forms of alcohol and believe me when the people finally vote it in,nothing happens.The sun rises each day,as now,and church attendance doesn’t drop off to nothing.Two weeks after passage of the law I doubt that anyone knows the difference.It’s about the biggest non-event I’ve ever witnessed.People buy their booze as they see fit and the doom sayers go home and look for another cause with which to harass their fellow citizens.

There was a time,folks,when it was heresy to say that the earth revolved around the sun instead of vice versa.How many today still think the sun revolves around the Earth?Or better yet,how many think the earth is flat? How many don’t know?You religious people have to awaken sometime and jointhe rest of society.You’re holding the world back.

By Jake

January 14, 2009 4:58 PM | Link to this

We desperately need a casino and I’m not talkng about video lottery terminals. I know several people that take a few trips a year to Mississippi, Vegas, etc., myself included, to do their gambling. Why are we letting those dollars out of state when we could draw dollars in? I think a much better use of the old GM plant in Horaville ould be to turn that property into a full service mega casino!

By AmVet

January 14, 2009 5:12 PM | Link to this

The Southern Talibaptist Convention still holds much sway over the sheeple here in the Moron Belt.

Given their way, the 18th Amendment would be re-instituted, a full time sex police squad would be knocking on people’s bedroom doors and “godly” stickers would be plastered over every science book in the state.

Conservatism - it’s not just for bloodlusting thugs anymore…

By sane jane

January 14, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this

Churchill, you post that excerpt as if you’re proud of Palin’s “questions”? The ADN made her look pretty stupid (not to mention poorly informed), while being courteous throughout. Their meticulous reply was a joy to read.

Two, Gambling is just a tax on people who are BAD AT MATH.

Three, Legalize it. Puff, puff, pass.

By @@

January 14, 2009 5:22 PM | Link to this

Alrighty, Jim….my work day is done, and my mind’s free to wander.

While I’m not averse to……

Vice-taxes are one of those topics that exposes the lack of caring among liberals. I mean, heck…..if you’re down and out, what better way to dull the pain than to drink and smoke. I guess I’d be willing to sacrifice my principles though since liberals are so much smarter than the rest of us.

I do wonder about this Sunday sales thingy (again, not averse) but the way the leftists push it, is it one…..two…..three bottles A WEEK? A bottle of liquor lasts me A YEAR in which 313 days can be found to purchase.

About “Gambling for the Kid’s Sake”……

Heck, out in Vegas the teachers’ union, the state and the gaming commission are fighting over who gets to put what where.

You’d think adult voters would recognize government sex education when it’s so graphically displayed.

Hide the kids ‘cause they’re about to get…..I’ll be nice and say “skewered”.

Same thing happened in Cali. Projecting budgets on incoming lottery revenues, allowed politicians to use education funding elsewhere.

When will we ever learn from our government’s sex education program?

By Hillbilly Deluxe

January 14, 2009 5:29 PM | Link to this

They’ve been trying to make Underground fly since the late 60’s. If somebody wants to spend private money on that more power to them. No public funds should be involved though.

Before Georgia had the Lottery you could play the bug. It was illegal. Then the Lottery came along. The difference was playing the bug you had a better percentage chance of winning and the percentage of money paid out to money bet was bigger than it is with the Lottery.

The Lottery is just a voluntary tax and I choose not to volunteer.

Furman Bisher used to push for horse racing all the time back in the 70’s. Does he still do that?

By @@

January 14, 2009 5:45 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Jim?

There used to be a guy named, Sam in Little Five. He was a jewelry designer. Do you know where HE went?

Made the most gorgeous toe rings and earrings.

No last name……SAM I AM

looking for you!!!!!!!

By BillBb

January 14, 2009 5:53 PM | Link to this

Put it at the airport. Get out-of-state money. About 60 flights per day fly to Nevada. The first miracle was to turn water into wine.

By Typo

January 14, 2009 5:55 PM | Link to this

Phipps Arena? Where is Phipps Arena? Never heard of it.

By Jeeze

January 15, 2009 8:13 AM | Link to this

Whatever. I guess it is just outside the realm of probability that this country will ever again see a strong economy built upon anything more than the next get rich quick then die hard smoke and mirrors economy

By asdf

January 15, 2009 8:40 AM | Link to this

Have you been to underground lately? I think not. There is nothing there but lack-luster clubs and guys with parrots. Underground needs to be transformed into a casino. Jim, do you read your own newspaper? Do you read the articles about Atlanta not having a night life scene any more and tourists complaining about nothing to do? Who are you looking out for…your Repulican party or the people of Atlanta that want things to change. If the casino is planned right, education and the state will benifit greatly from the generated revenue.

By asdf

January 15, 2009 8:43 AM | Link to this

Have you been to underground lately? I think not. There is nothing there but lack-luster clubs and guys with parrots. Underground needs to be transformed into a casino. Jim, do you read your own newspaper? Do you read the articles about Atlanta not having a night life scene any more and tourists complaining about nothing to do? Who are you looking out for…your Repulican party or the people of Atlanta that want things to change. If the casino is planned right, education and the state will benifit greatly from the generated revenue.

By FrankLeeDarling

January 15, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this

Why do republicans love the nanny state so much. let people make their own bad decisions,we have had enough of the government doing it for us.

legalize it all.

pass that over here Sane.

By Dudley

January 15, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this

Hey Jim,

On a day when YOUR Republican Governor announces his budget you choose to completely ignore the incompetence of your own party! With foreclosures at a record high he chooses to RAISE property taxes and ignore the teachers who work with our children. I hope you never WRITE another column about tax and spend Democrats when the party you defend raises taxes in the worst of times!!! Your hypocrisy is only second to your incompetence.

By matt

January 15, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this

I’m all in favor of a casino. It’s going to take something new and extraordinary to revive Underground. BUT, video poker/lottery terminals are terrible. It needs to be a real casino with cards, roulette, etc.

Sunday Liquor - there is NO good argument against it. Stop pushing your religious beliefs on everyone. If I want a bottle of wine to go with my dinner on a Sunday night, I should be able to purchase it with whatever I’m cooking. Obsurd.

By CC

January 15, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

Who gives a rat’s a** about your stupid snot nosed brats. If you can’t afford to give them a good education, do us all a favor and get your freaking tubes tied or your parts snipped. Your kids are not my problem. As far as a casino in Underground — BRING IT! Why not? Are you going to tell me that what goes on there every single day now is any better? I would much rather have a private business there that is allowed to drive off the panhandlers than the mess that exists there now. A casino and hotel will clean up that area and their security people will ensure that the “homeless” and aggressive panhandlers are kept at bay and not allowed to harass their customers.

By Craig

January 15, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this

Here we go again. Another “conservative” wanting the government to regulate something when it offends their morals. You, my friend, are why I voted for Obama. I actually can’t wait until the republican party to realize that shilling to evangelists and christians are hurting them. I say bring in casinos, and let people buy beer whenever they want. It’s not the ability to do something that corrupts people, it is the act of using or buying.

By Algonquin J. Calhoun

January 15, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this

ASDF, lack-luster clubs and tourist clip-joints are all Underground Atlanta has ever had to offer. The parrots must be an exciting new addition. I remember the exciting re-vitalization that Andrew Young wrought of this tired obscurity. To get things going in the appropriate direction there was a drive-by shooting right in front of that hell-hole, in the middle of the afternoon. Tourists gamble every time they go down into that vermin-infested pit of hell. Let’s move those useless, tourist predators out of there, load it up with explosives and seal off the bowels of hell for which it is sphincter!

By CJA

January 15, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this

U stink, J. Here, stick your finger in my fisted hand, now wriggle it around, now put my thumb back over the curled index finger.

Thanx for cleaning my commode, moron.

bwa

By ub

January 15, 2009 10:39 AM | Link to this

Yea it makes to much sense to let the government now be in charge of what vices we as adults can have. Instead lets send our money to Mississippi to help their schools and infastructure.

For example I know I will be playing cards tonight at a friends house and their will be at least $2,000 on the table. If it were in a legal casino that is revenue the state can tax. But we will just keep our winnings tax free. On second thought, lets keep gambling illegal, puts more money in my pocket.

By Russell

January 15, 2009 10:54 AM | Link to this

Government should not be in the business of legislating morality.

If business want to sell alcohol on Sundays they should be allowed to.

If someone wants to gamble they should be allowed to.

By fjgg

January 15, 2009 11:04 AM | Link to this

mclennon is still looking for the second gunman on the grassy knoll

By LeeH1

January 15, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this

It’s not about morality, it’s about money. Here’s a chance to get some.

Christians aren’t tempted to gamble and drink booze on Sunday. But other people are, and it is evident that they outnumber the Christians. So don’t set up government as a form of Inquisition to stop the majority from doing what it wants, but colelct afee for each time they do it.

I remember reading some time ago that during a period in Ancient china, all government revenues came from the government monoloply of gambling.

Will there be crime associated with it change? Of course. But there is crime now associated with the prohibition of these things.

Let the people decide. If you open up gambling and booze on Sunday sales, and the taxes just aren’t raised enough to cover expenses, then you can go back to the way you are today.

But if enough people decide to do these things that enormous amounts of revenue are raised for the state, then it would be sucessful. And you would let the majority decide.

Good on Georgia.

By Dee

January 15, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

Casino gambling in Atlanta would increase tourism; however, a better location should be considered. Too many bad elements in Underground Atlanta. I don’t feel safe in that part of town.

By Tom

January 16, 2009 2:19 PM | Link to this

When Sunday sales came up during the ‘07 session, Sonny insulted us by saying we must have a ‘time management’ problem since we couldn’t remember to buy our beer before Sunday.

When the issue came up again in ‘08, he said “we need a day off” from alcohol slaes…….but didn’t say anything when it was pointed out that Sunday ….one of the two busiest shopping days of the week…. made no sense as the ‘day off’ and Tuesday (the slowest day) would be a better choice.

So, what inane rhetoric will Sonny bombard us with THIS session?

Sonny would prefer that, if we decide at the last minute to watch a Sunday ballgame and have a few beers, we go to a sports bar and do it (and have to drive home afterwards) than be able to run to Publix and buy beer and take it back home to enjoy. Wow. That makes alot of sense.

Meanwhile, it’s actually the liquor lobby (and some deep-pocket Sonny contributors from same) that are the REAL opposition to Sunday sales.

The epitome of hypocrisy.

Contact your legislators. PUSH for SB 16!

By Tom

January 16, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this

Couple of additional points on SB 16….

This bill (like its prior-session versions) would NOT make Sunday package sales of ANY type of alcohol legal where Monday-Saturday sales do not already exist! This bill gives local governments (cities, counties) the ability to put a referendum on their local ballots allowing a VOTE on whether to extend the ALREADY-LEGAL local sales to Sunday between noon and midnight.

Therefore, any city or county that puts it on the ballot and votes to NOT have Sunday sales…..WOULDN’T! It’s that simple.

If YOU don’t want Sunday sales IN YOUR CITY or COUNTY, then FIGHT IT THERE AND THEN IF/WHEN IT COMES TO A VOTE!

Tell Sonny and your legislators who CLAIM to be for “smaller” government where cities/counties don’t need the State to play “nanny” to them to WALK THE WALK. LET THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES!

YES to SB 16!!