I'm a delegate to the Georgia state Republican convention in Athens this weekend.
At this convention, Republican Party delegates from across this great state will pick a successor to Chairman Sue Everhart.
There are four individuals running: B.J. Van Gundy, Seth Harp, Alex Johnson, and John Padgett.
As a delegate to this convention, I've received direct mail pieces, robo-calls, emails, and all other sorts of communication designed to curry my favor and gain my vote. I've read all the letters, read all the emails, and listened to all the robo-calls. I was truly undecided . . .
. . . Until last night.
Last night, I received an email from the Georgia Christian Coalition. It seems the Christian Coalition sent a questionnaire to the four candidates for Georgia Republican Party Chairman. Last night, the Christian Coalition released the candidates' questionnaire responses.
As I said before, until I received that questionnaire, I was undecided on which candidate to support. Then I saw this query:
"Would you encourage candidates who are openly GLBT to run as a Republican?"
B.J. Van Gundy and Seth Harp both said no. John Padgett provided no answer. Alex Johnson said, "No -- I would not encourage anyone to run as Republican based on their sexual orientation, but based on their policies and platform."
For me, there was only one correct answer to the question of whether open members of the GLBT community should be encouraged to run on the Republican ticket. Alex Johnson gave the right answer, and he has my support.
Less government, lower taxes, more freedom -- these are the principles of the GOP. If any candidate, gay or straight, believes in these three conservative principles, then they should be encouraged to run and make their case to the voters.
I don't care if a Republican candidate for office is gay, so long as they believe in reducing the size of government, keeping taxes low, and promoting freedom at home and abroad. There are plenty of straight Republicans in office right now who are just as bad as the Democrats.
Gay or straight doesn't bother me. Big government bothers me. Higher taxes bother me. And less freedom bothers me.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Cobb County Manager Says Thanks, But No Thanks to Running Fulton County Government
And quite frankly, I don't blame him for taking a pass on working with Emma Darnell and Bill Edwards.
The Marietta Daily Journal reports the County Manager of Cobb County withdrew his name from consideration for the same job in neighboring Fulton County.
The Marietta Daily Journal reports the County Manager of Cobb County withdrew his name from consideration for the same job in neighboring Fulton County.
Cobb Board of Commissioners Chairman Tim Lee said David Hankerson contacted Fulton officials on Monday to let them know he was no longer interested in the job.
“Mr. Hankerson just informed me that he has informed the Fulton County Board of Commissioners that he has officially withdrawn his name from consideration of the county manager’s job of Fulton County,” Lee said Tuesday evening. “He just felt that he’s better served here, and he loves Cobb County, and this is where he needs to be. This is his home, so he wants to stay here and finish his career in Cobb.”
Cobb manager pulls out in Fulton. Marietta Daily Journal. Retrieved on 15 May 2013.
Fulton County Republican Party Launches Summer Jobs Program to Combat High Teen Unemployment
(Teens and parents gather at Atlanta Dream Center for Fulton County GOP job fair. Photo by Fulton County Republican Party.)Fulton County Republicans hope to reverse this trend with a summer jobs program called, "Everyone Can Achieve!"
Saturday, 11 May 2013, the Fulton County GOP hosted a jobs fair at the Atlanta Dream Center for teens looking for work this summer. According to Claire Bartlett, Executive Director for the Fulton County Republican Party, eighty teens attended the event.
The Everyone Can Achieve program features three mandatory training sessions to teach teens dress for success, communicating in the work place ("yes" vs. "yeah"), business etiquette, working with teams, customer service, interview questions, and interview role play. Parental involvement is also required.
Bartlett says Fulton County Republicans are actively seeking businesses who are hiring interns, part-time, and full-time employees.
For more information, click here.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Rec'd Reading: Albany Herald & Augusta Chronicle Editorial Boards Condemn IRS Targeting of Conservative Groups
"Sometimes people who are dismissed as being paranoid have good reason to be paranoid.."
That's how the Albany Herald Editorial Board opens its column condemning the targeting of conservative groups by the IRS.
"Outrageous," is how the Augusta Chronicle describes the actions of the IRS.
That's how the Albany Herald Editorial Board opens its column condemning the targeting of conservative groups by the IRS.
"Outrageous," is how the Augusta Chronicle describes the actions of the IRS.
The IRS is the most feared and formidable government agency many of us will ever brush up against.
The thought of such a potent bureau having a nefarious agenda – political, for instance – truly is frightening. In another country, in another form of government, led by men of few scruples, such a power could be used to cripple perceived enemies.
The IRS actually admitted last week that some of its agents last year illegally targeted conservative groups that were attempting to achieve official nonprofit status [ . . . ] the thought of using the awesome power of the IRS to torment someone because of his or her political beliefs is scary – and contrary to every notion of freedom this nation was founded upon.
We . . . would like a thorough investigation of this matter. This is too serious an offense for an even sincere apology to suffice.
Augusta Chronicle Editorial Staff (13 May 2013). Beyond an apology. Augusta Chronicle. Retrieved on 14 May 2013.
Purina to Provide Fulton County Animal Shelter with a $30,000 Makeover
Purina Cat Chow is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
To mark its anniversary, Purina Cat Chow announced today the launch of the Purina Cat Chow "50 Years. 50 Shelters." program that will support 50 cat-focused shelters nationwide – one in every state – and donate up to $200,000 in product and monetary donations to acknowledge these shelters' dedication to the cats they serve and help facilitate the start of more cat-owner relationships.
"We believe that someone should always be there for cat owners, cat supporters and the cats that impact all of our lives," said Vincent Biroscak, Purina Cat Chow brand director. "Many cat owners will attest that they didn't choose their cat – their cat chose them – and a countless number of those cats found their forever homes after a shelter stay. In celebration of our 50 years of supporting cats and cat owners, Purina Cat Chow is saying thank you to the shelters that are there for cats when they need it most."
"We believe that someone should always be there for cat owners, cat supporters and the cats that impact all of our lives," said Vincent Biroscak, Purina Cat Chow brand director. "Many cat owners will attest that they didn't choose their cat – their cat chose them – and a countless number of those cats found their forever homes after a shelter stay. In celebration of our 50 years of supporting cats and cat owners, Purina Cat Chow is saying thank you to the shelters that are there for cats when they need it most."
Purina Cat Chow will conduct four shelter facility makeovers valued at nearly $100,000 as part of its "50 Years, 50 Shelters." program. Three shelters, SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. in Spokane, Wa., Fulton County Animal Services in Atlanta, and Western Pennsylvania Humane Society in Pittsburgh, Pa., will receive makeovers valued at $30,000 each that will include custom changes and upgrades to improve their cat-care facilities. The Open Door Animal Sanctuary in House Springs, Mo., will receive a $10,000 makeover that will include cosmetic improvements such as painting and new furniture.
Cat people across the country can participate in the Purina Cat Chow "50 Years. 50 Shelters." program and help their state's local shelter earn an additional $1,000 just by casting a vote. For every vote cast on www.catchow.com/50shelters for a specific shelter from May 13 to June 14, 2013, Purina Cat Chow will donate $1, up to $1,000 per shelter, to be provided via a cash donation. By voting, cat people can help raise a total of $50,000 for the 50 participating shelters. The donations will allow the shelters to purchase necessary items and supplies to help better serve their adoptable cats.
All 50 participating shelters will also receive a Purina Cat Chow "50 Years. 50 Shelters." Care Package valued at $1,000 each that will include Purina® Cat Chow® brand cat food, Purina® Tidy Cats® brand cat litter and general cat care items for participating in the program.
To mark its anniversary, Purina Cat Chow announced today the launch of the Purina Cat Chow "50 Years. 50 Shelters." program that will support 50 cat-focused shelters nationwide – one in every state – and donate up to $200,000 in product and monetary donations to acknowledge these shelters' dedication to the cats they serve and help facilitate the start of more cat-owner relationships.
"We believe that someone should always be there for cat owners, cat supporters and the cats that impact all of our lives," said Vincent Biroscak, Purina Cat Chow brand director. "Many cat owners will attest that they didn't choose their cat – their cat chose them – and a countless number of those cats found their forever homes after a shelter stay. In celebration of our 50 years of supporting cats and cat owners, Purina Cat Chow is saying thank you to the shelters that are there for cats when they need it most."
"We believe that someone should always be there for cat owners, cat supporters and the cats that impact all of our lives," said Vincent Biroscak, Purina Cat Chow brand director. "Many cat owners will attest that they didn't choose their cat – their cat chose them – and a countless number of those cats found their forever homes after a shelter stay. In celebration of our 50 years of supporting cats and cat owners, Purina Cat Chow is saying thank you to the shelters that are there for cats when they need it most."
Purina Cat Chow will conduct four shelter facility makeovers valued at nearly $100,000 as part of its "50 Years, 50 Shelters." program. Three shelters, SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. in Spokane, Wa., Fulton County Animal Services in Atlanta, and Western Pennsylvania Humane Society in Pittsburgh, Pa., will receive makeovers valued at $30,000 each that will include custom changes and upgrades to improve their cat-care facilities. The Open Door Animal Sanctuary in House Springs, Mo., will receive a $10,000 makeover that will include cosmetic improvements such as painting and new furniture.
Cat people across the country can participate in the Purina Cat Chow "50 Years. 50 Shelters." program and help their state's local shelter earn an additional $1,000 just by casting a vote. For every vote cast on www.catchow.com/50shelters for a specific shelter from May 13 to June 14, 2013, Purina Cat Chow will donate $1, up to $1,000 per shelter, to be provided via a cash donation. By voting, cat people can help raise a total of $50,000 for the 50 participating shelters. The donations will allow the shelters to purchase necessary items and supplies to help better serve their adoptable cats.
All 50 participating shelters will also receive a Purina Cat Chow "50 Years. 50 Shelters." Care Package valued at $1,000 each that will include Purina® Cat Chow® brand cat food, Purina® Tidy Cats® brand cat litter and general cat care items for participating in the program.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Victor Hill Trial Date Set for 5 August 2013. Will Clayton County Jurors Convict a Man They Re-elected Sheriff?
From the Clayton News Daily:
The date for the criminal case against Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill has been specially set to begin Aug. 5, according to an order signed Friday by the trial judge.
Jefcoats, Kathy (10 May 2013). Hill trial date set. Clayton News Daily. Retrieved on 13 May 2013.
The Democrats' Secret Plan to Take Back Georgia: No New Ideas, Just Wait Until Blacks Outnumber Whites
The government itself has failed us.
And the white liberals who have been posing as our friends have failed us.
-Malcolm X
For everyone who follows Georgia politics, here's a question:And the white liberals who have been posing as our friends have failed us.
-Malcolm X
When's the last time the Democratic Party of Georgia proposed a new idea?
Allow me to answer my own question. They haven't.
Republicans, on the other hand, can point to pro-growth policies producing new jobs and continuing Georgia's leadership in the South. In the eight years since the GOP took control of Peach State government, Kia Motors built a manufacturing plant in West Point. Porsche Motors relocated their North American headquarters to this state. And, Georgia has a burgeoning film industry, featuring planned construction projects in Fayette County and Gwinnett County; two Republican strongholds.
Meanwhile, the areas where Democrats are the majority aren't doing so great.
Clayton County Schools lost accreditation in 2008. The Atlanta Public School System is embroiled in a cheating scandal, making national headlines. Governor Deal, a Republican, had to step in and suspend the largely Democrat DeKalb County School Board before they lost their school system's accreditation. Unemployment in Democrat-controlled counties like Hancock and Burke still exceeds the state and national rate.
The Democrats don't have any new ideas to address their shortcomings. Their plan simply involves waiting; waiting until blacks outnumber whites, then riding the coattails of that monolithic black vote back into power. That's their plan, and it was revealed this past weekend on the pages of the Augusta Chronicle.
259,422 Clayton County Residents Seem Not to Care How Their School Board Spends 352 Million of Their Tax Dollars
Clayton County gets a bad rap from most in metro Atlanta.
Clayton County voters elected a man, who is facing multiple felony charges in court, sheriff. Clayton County became the first school system, nationwide, to lose accreditation in nearly four decades. And now, the Clayton News Daily only two people out of 259,424 total showed up to share their opinion on how their tax dollars should be spent.
259,424 Clayton County residents paid $352 million to fund public education in their county. But only two showed up to discuss how that money should be spent.
More people should have been at that meeting. It is, as those folks in the J.G. Wentworth commercials say, their money.
Clayton County could be so much better if only more people took an active role in their county government. Until that happens, Clayton County will continue to be the butt of jokes across metro Atlanta.
Clayton County voters elected a man, who is facing multiple felony charges in court, sheriff. Clayton County became the first school system, nationwide, to lose accreditation in nearly four decades. And now, the Clayton News Daily only two people out of 259,424 total showed up to share their opinion on how their tax dollars should be spent.
The Clayton County Board of Education gave residents an opportunity to voice their opinions this week about the upcoming budget year but only two took the offer.
Jeffery Benoit, a former state house candidate for District 76, and Sid Chapman, president of the Clayton County Education Association, were the lone voices at Thursday’s public hearing.
“I wish more people were here and lined up out the door,” said Chapman.
Jackson, Johnny (10 May 2013). Citizens ignore budget talks. Clayton News Daily. Retrieved on 13 May 2013.
259,424 Clayton County residents paid $352 million to fund public education in their county. But only two showed up to discuss how that money should be spent.
More people should have been at that meeting. It is, as those folks in the J.G. Wentworth commercials say, their money.
Clayton County could be so much better if only more people took an active role in their county government. Until that happens, Clayton County will continue to be the butt of jokes across metro Atlanta.
Pardon the Poor English, But DPG chairman Mike Berlon Ain't Got No Business Talking About Fulton County Politics
This weekend, Georgia Democratic Party chairman Mike Berlon made another vain attempt to demonstrate his political relevancy by commenting on the efforts to reform Fulton County.
Responding to questions about the Fulton County reform bills recently signed into law by Governor Deal, Berlon said, "None of this is about making Fulton government better. This is about taking over Fulton County" [Barrow, Bill (11 May 2013). GOP legislators use power to control local affairs. Macon Telegraph. Retrieved on 13 May 2013.].
Pardon the poor English, folks, but Mike Berlon ain't go no business talking about Fulton County politics.
Mike Berlon is supposed to the chief fundraiser for his party, but the Democratic Party of Georgia is down to its last $20,000. I've got more money than the Democratic Party of Georgia, and I'm just a poor black man trying to make it in Atlanta.
Every statewide elected official in Georgia is a Republican, in spite of Mike Berlon's best efforts (and I say that with a tinge of sarcasm in my tone). Every elected official in Mike Berlon's home county, Gwinnett County, is a Republican and has been so for quite a while, dating back to the time when Berlon was chair of the Gwinnett County Democratic Party.
And yet, Berlon has the temerity to talk about Fulton County. When the Democratic Party of Georgia has more money than the fry chef at McDonald's; when the Democratic Party of Georgia has more elected officials than I have Facebook friends, then Mike Berlon can register an opinion about Fulton County politics. Until then, Berlon can do as The Rock says:
Know your role, and shut your mouth.
Responding to questions about the Fulton County reform bills recently signed into law by Governor Deal, Berlon said, "None of this is about making Fulton government better. This is about taking over Fulton County" [Barrow, Bill (11 May 2013). GOP legislators use power to control local affairs. Macon Telegraph. Retrieved on 13 May 2013.].
Pardon the poor English, folks, but Mike Berlon ain't go no business talking about Fulton County politics.
Mike Berlon is supposed to the chief fundraiser for his party, but the Democratic Party of Georgia is down to its last $20,000. I've got more money than the Democratic Party of Georgia, and I'm just a poor black man trying to make it in Atlanta.
Every statewide elected official in Georgia is a Republican, in spite of Mike Berlon's best efforts (and I say that with a tinge of sarcasm in my tone). Every elected official in Mike Berlon's home county, Gwinnett County, is a Republican and has been so for quite a while, dating back to the time when Berlon was chair of the Gwinnett County Democratic Party.
And yet, Berlon has the temerity to talk about Fulton County. When the Democratic Party of Georgia has more money than the fry chef at McDonald's; when the Democratic Party of Georgia has more elected officials than I have Facebook friends, then Mike Berlon can register an opinion about Fulton County politics. Until then, Berlon can do as The Rock says:
Know your role, and shut your mouth.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Children's Christmas Parade Announces Move to Midtown to Make Way for Atlanta Streetcar Project
The parade has been held in Downtown Atlanta for much of its history, but will be moving to Midtown to make way for construction of the new Atlanta Streetcar.
"We are thrilled that the Atlanta Streetcar will soon become a reality for Atlanta residents and have been working with city officials throughout the planning process of this project. Unfortunately, the design of the streetcar route presents major safety concerns for the parade, meaning we have no choice but to relocate. We are excited to keep the parade tradition alive in Midtown and are grateful to the Midtown Alliance for helping make this new route possible," said Gene Hayes, president of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation.
The new route (shown left) will start at Peachtree Street and 16th Street and continue for one mile, ending at Peachtree Street and 5th Street. The new route is easily accessible to spectators by MARTA, with the Midtown, North Avenue and Arts Center stations all within walking distance.An Atlanta holiday tradition, the Children’s Christmas Parade is the largest Christmas parade in the Southeast and attracts more than 300,000 spectators each year. Proceeds from the parade help fund programs and equipment to serve the patients and families at Children’s.
For more information, visit www.choa.org/parade.
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