For most of Thursday night, I spent the evening watching the British Broadcasting Corporation's coverage of their country's parliamentary elections.
I can now say, without hesitation, that British reporters do a better job holding their elected officials accountable than their American counterparts. And, I've also come to the conclusion that the American press coddles U.S. politicians.
If anyone wants a taste of what I'm talking about, just spend thirty minutes watching the BBC's 2010 election coverage.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
A Bold Idea: Extend First Amendment Protections To Blogs & Bloggers
The past few days in Georgia's political blogosphere have seen a lot of discussion surrounding the threats of legal action from GOP gubernatorial candidate Ray McBerry due to information reported both by traditional and new media outlets.
McBerry, as you may know, was accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor under the age of 18 several years ago. McBerry denies the allegations and threatened lawsuits against any media outlet who repeated the claims.
Many of Georgia's political bloggers, myself included, openly mocked the threat of legal action from McBerry. There are others, though, who are nervous about the possibility of defending their work in court.
Sara, an attorney who runs the site "Going Through The Motions," attempted to assuage those concerns by outlining in four points why Ray McBerry would A.) not file a lawsuit in court; and B.) lose his case if he did file suit.
The legal precedent cited by Sara in her post was New York Times v. Sullivan; which determines, according to her analysis, "that in order for a newspaper to have libeled a public figure, it must have shown actual malice--meaning either the newspaper knew a published statement was untrue or showed a reckless disregard for its truth or falsity."
Still, Sara said, "There is little law out there on the question of whether blogs enjoy the same first amendment protections as 'traditional press' like newspapers in defamation cases."
It is largely presumed that blogs and bloggers are protected under the First Amendment. However, blogs regularly fall into the gray area; and this is one of those times. The Georgia General Assembly can remove that gray area by passing legislation that extends First Amendment protections to blogs and bloggers.
Bloggers, I believe, should enjoy the same First Amendment protections afforded to the traditional press under New York Times v. Sullivan.
Blogs and bloggers play a unique role in disseminating information to the masses. Blogs help foster democracy by regularly holding elected officials and candidates for public office accountable. The threats of lawsuits for publishing that information; for holding public figures accountable would be, I believe, a deterrent to people launching and maintaining blogs in the future.
There is a opportunity here for Georgia lawmakers to show their support for new media by declaring definitively that blogs are as deserving of First Amendment protections as the traditional press. Let's end the ambiguity so that bloggers will have some sort of shield from unfounded charges of libel and slander designed to silence vital discussion and debate in our state.
The Georgia General Assembly can remove that gray area by passing legislation that extends First Amendment protections to blogs and bloggers.
McBerry, as you may know, was accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor under the age of 18 several years ago. McBerry denies the allegations and threatened lawsuits against any media outlet who repeated the claims.
Many of Georgia's political bloggers, myself included, openly mocked the threat of legal action from McBerry. There are others, though, who are nervous about the possibility of defending their work in court.
Sara, an attorney who runs the site "Going Through The Motions," attempted to assuage those concerns by outlining in four points why Ray McBerry would A.) not file a lawsuit in court; and B.) lose his case if he did file suit.
The legal precedent cited by Sara in her post was New York Times v. Sullivan; which determines, according to her analysis, "that in order for a newspaper to have libeled a public figure, it must have shown actual malice--meaning either the newspaper knew a published statement was untrue or showed a reckless disregard for its truth or falsity."
Still, Sara said, "There is little law out there on the question of whether blogs enjoy the same first amendment protections as 'traditional press' like newspapers in defamation cases."
It is largely presumed that blogs and bloggers are protected under the First Amendment. However, blogs regularly fall into the gray area; and this is one of those times. The Georgia General Assembly can remove that gray area by passing legislation that extends First Amendment protections to blogs and bloggers.
Bloggers, I believe, should enjoy the same First Amendment protections afforded to the traditional press under New York Times v. Sullivan.
Blogs and bloggers play a unique role in disseminating information to the masses. Blogs help foster democracy by regularly holding elected officials and candidates for public office accountable. The threats of lawsuits for publishing that information; for holding public figures accountable would be, I believe, a deterrent to people launching and maintaining blogs in the future.
There is a opportunity here for Georgia lawmakers to show their support for new media by declaring definitively that blogs are as deserving of First Amendment protections as the traditional press. Let's end the ambiguity so that bloggers will have some sort of shield from unfounded charges of libel and slander designed to silence vital discussion and debate in our state.
Jack Kingston: We Got To Pray Just To Make It Today
Today, May 6th, marks the National Day of Prayer.
Accodring to CBS News, the National Day of Prayer dates back to 1952. However, in April, a federal judge ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional [Montopoli, Brian (2010-5-6). National Day of Prayer Takes Place Despite Court Ruling. CBS News. Retrieved on 2010-5-6.]. The federal judge's ruling is currently being appealed by the Obama Administration.
1st district Congressman Jack Kingston issued a statement today recognizing the traditional National Day of Prayer, saying that "America needs prayer now more than ever."
"We are a nation at war, a nation under attack from terrorists, we face tough decisions to address an unsustainable yet ever-growing national debt and we have an environmental disaster in the gulf," said Kingston. "Some think we need to scrub our government of religion but I know that America needs prayer now more than ever. Every day should be a day of prayer – a day to reflect on our challenges and to ask God for his guiding hand."
I think MC Hammer put it best when he said, "We got to pray just to make it today."
Accodring to CBS News, the National Day of Prayer dates back to 1952. However, in April, a federal judge ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional [Montopoli, Brian (2010-5-6). National Day of Prayer Takes Place Despite Court Ruling. CBS News. Retrieved on 2010-5-6.]. The federal judge's ruling is currently being appealed by the Obama Administration.
1st district Congressman Jack Kingston issued a statement today recognizing the traditional National Day of Prayer, saying that "America needs prayer now more than ever."
"We are a nation at war, a nation under attack from terrorists, we face tough decisions to address an unsustainable yet ever-growing national debt and we have an environmental disaster in the gulf," said Kingston. "Some think we need to scrub our government of religion but I know that America needs prayer now more than ever. Every day should be a day of prayer – a day to reflect on our challenges and to ask God for his guiding hand."
I think MC Hammer put it best when he said, "We got to pray just to make it today."
Some More Unfiltered Thoughts On Illegal Immigration
Yesterday, Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Cynthia Tucker crossed over to the dark side of the Force Wednesday when she penned a piece boldy declaring that hiring illegal immigrants should be a felony.
In addition to securing the borders, our lawmakers should pass stringent laws that deincentivizes illegal immigration. If that means enacting legislation making it a felony to hire illegals, under penalty of stiff fines and even jail time, then so be it.
Now there are people who will argue that illegals are taking jobs that Americans don't want. I disagree. Illegals are being exploited by businesses who see an opportunity for cheap labor without any of the labor laws and standards to which Americans have become accustomed.
Just think about it: Illegal immigrants are paid less than the minimum wage. They have no right to workers' compensation. They don't even have a right to organize collectively in a union. The second an illegal mumbles the word union under their breath, they're quickly fired and replaced.
Quite frankly, I'm surprised that more labor unions aren't vehemently opposed to illegal immigration. After all, every illegal here undercuts unionizing efforts and takes a job away from a skilled union employee.
Our elected representatives in Congress, the state legistature, even the local city councils and county commissions need to make it clear that we will not tolerate illegal immigrants; and we will not tolerate businesses who hire illegal immigrants.
For several years, I have advocated stiff sanctions against employers who hire illegal immigrants. Not only is that fair — since the employers are also breaking the law — but it would also curb the flow of illegal immigration.
It seems a few conservatives, including Dick Morris, agree with me.
Tucker, Cynthia (2010-5-5). Dick Morris and I agree: Make illegal hiring a felony. Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved on 2010-5-6.
In addition to securing the borders, our lawmakers should pass stringent laws that deincentivizes illegal immigration. If that means enacting legislation making it a felony to hire illegals, under penalty of stiff fines and even jail time, then so be it.
Now there are people who will argue that illegals are taking jobs that Americans don't want. I disagree. Illegals are being exploited by businesses who see an opportunity for cheap labor without any of the labor laws and standards to which Americans have become accustomed.
Just think about it: Illegal immigrants are paid less than the minimum wage. They have no right to workers' compensation. They don't even have a right to organize collectively in a union. The second an illegal mumbles the word union under their breath, they're quickly fired and replaced.
Quite frankly, I'm surprised that more labor unions aren't vehemently opposed to illegal immigration. After all, every illegal here undercuts unionizing efforts and takes a job away from a skilled union employee.
Our elected representatives in Congress, the state legistature, even the local city councils and county commissions need to make it clear that we will not tolerate illegal immigrants; and we will not tolerate businesses who hire illegal immigrants.
Hank Johnson Wins Seat On Influential House Transportation Committee
Transportation is one of the key issues that remains on the plate of Georgia lawmakers at all levels of government. Now the Peach State has one of its own as a member of an influential congressional committee that helps set transportation policy for the nation.
The office of 4th district Congressman Hank Johnson announced today that U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D - California) named him to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Johnson said part of his focus will be to upgrade transportation along the I-20 East corridor through the heart of the Fourth District.
"This means jobs. This means serious federal investment in our transportation infrastructure, in roads, bridges, and rail," said Rep. Johnson. "Metro Atlanta needs a seat at this table. Now we have one."
Johnson is the only Georgia Democrat on the House Transportation Committee.
The office of 4th district Congressman Hank Johnson announced today that U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D - California) named him to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Johnson said part of his focus will be to upgrade transportation along the I-20 East corridor through the heart of the Fourth District.
"This means jobs. This means serious federal investment in our transportation infrastructure, in roads, bridges, and rail," said Rep. Johnson. "Metro Atlanta needs a seat at this table. Now we have one."
Johnson is the only Georgia Democrat on the House Transportation Committee.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Karen Handel May Not Participate In Atlanta Press Club Debates This Summer
Citing allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor, the gubernatorial campaign of Karen Handel campaign sent out an email Monday declaring that their candidate would no longer appear on the same stage as Ray McBerry.
That declaration by Karen Handel may now result in her not participating in one of Georgia's most widely televised candidate forums this summer; the Atlanta Press Club-sponsored debate series.
The Handel campaign said they've penciled in the Atlanta Press Club debates, and hope to take part, but again refused to appear on the same stage with McBerry.
"It's a matter of principle for Karen," Handel campaign spokesman Dan McLagan said in a telephone interview. "She does not believe giving [Ray McBerry] a platform is good for Georgia or the GOP. She's not going to compromise her principles for a little t.v. time."
Ray McBerry, a Republican candidate for governor, has been dogged by media reports that he engaged in an improper sexual relationship with a minor under the age of 18 while teaching in the Henry County School System. McBerry has repeatedly denied any misconduct, even vowing to take legal action against those who repeat the allegations.
McLagan said that having McBerry as a participant in debates and forums across the state legitimizes a man who "had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl."
"It's telling the people of Georgia that we as a Party accept McBerry's behavior," McLagan said.
When asked if McBerry would receive an invitation to their gubernatorial debate, Atlanta Press Club Executive Director Lauri Strauss said the organization has a policy that invites "all candidates who have properly qualified with the secretary of state’s office and are on the ballot to participate in our debates."
Ray McBerry qualified for the GOP gubernatorial primary April 28th.
The dates of the Atlanta Press Club debate series have yet to be announced. Traditionally though, the forums are held in June.
That declaration by Karen Handel may now result in her not participating in one of Georgia's most widely televised candidate forums this summer; the Atlanta Press Club-sponsored debate series.
The Handel campaign said they've penciled in the Atlanta Press Club debates, and hope to take part, but again refused to appear on the same stage with McBerry.
"It's a matter of principle for Karen," Handel campaign spokesman Dan McLagan said in a telephone interview. "She does not believe giving [Ray McBerry] a platform is good for Georgia or the GOP. She's not going to compromise her principles for a little t.v. time."
Ray McBerry, a Republican candidate for governor, has been dogged by media reports that he engaged in an improper sexual relationship with a minor under the age of 18 while teaching in the Henry County School System. McBerry has repeatedly denied any misconduct, even vowing to take legal action against those who repeat the allegations.
McLagan said that having McBerry as a participant in debates and forums across the state legitimizes a man who "had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl."
"It's telling the people of Georgia that we as a Party accept McBerry's behavior," McLagan said.
When asked if McBerry would receive an invitation to their gubernatorial debate, Atlanta Press Club Executive Director Lauri Strauss said the organization has a policy that invites "all candidates who have properly qualified with the secretary of state’s office and are on the ballot to participate in our debates."
Ray McBerry qualified for the GOP gubernatorial primary April 28th.
The dates of the Atlanta Press Club debate series have yet to be announced. Traditionally though, the forums are held in June.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A Quick Note To Ray McBerry: Go Ahead & Sue
In recent weeks, McBerry has been the focus of scrutiny from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and SWGA Politics.com over alleged sexual improprieties with a former student of the Henry County School System.
Monday afternoon, Republican gubernatorial candidate Ray McBerry vowed to take legal action against any media outlet (blogs included) continuing to report on the allegations that he had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a female student [Morris News Service (2010-5-4). McBerry threatens to sue over allegations. Augusta Chronicle. Retrieved on 2010-5-4.].
Well, Mr. Berry, allow me to retort to your threat. Go ahead and sue.
In the words of Samuel L. Jackson, I double dare you.
Monday afternoon, Republican gubernatorial candidate Ray McBerry vowed to take legal action against any media outlet (blogs included) continuing to report on the allegations that he had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a female student [Morris News Service (2010-5-4). McBerry threatens to sue over allegations. Augusta Chronicle. Retrieved on 2010-5-4.].
Well, Mr. Berry, allow me to retort to your threat. Go ahead and sue.
In the words of Samuel L. Jackson, I double dare you.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Seth Miller, Your Email Has Been Forwarded To The Complaint Dept.
Monday morning, I received an email from a reader calling himself Seth Miller. Seth wrote, in no uncertain terms, that he believes I am a "dipshit." And, Mr. Miller said he is cancelling his free subscription to Georgia Politics Unfiltered.
Seth, I take the comments and concerns of all my readers very, very seriously. And Seth, I'd like you to know that your email has been forwarded to the Complaint Department:
Feel free to write anytime.
Seth, I take the comments and concerns of all my readers very, very seriously. And Seth, I'd like you to know that your email has been forwarded to the Complaint Department:
Feel free to write anytime.
Some Unfiltered Thoughts On Immigration Reform
This past week, New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez expressed his opposition to the new Arizona immigration law publicly on television.
In a clip that aired on CNN recently, Sen. Menendez said, "Arizona has become the 'show me your papers' state. And if I was a citizen of Arizona or if I were visiting in Arizona, the only papers I would intend to show is the Constitution of the United States that says that I have rights as a citizen and that I am not a second-class citizen in this country."
The problem with the New Jersey Senator's remarks is that illegal immigrants aren't second-class citizens. These people aren't citizens at all. They are here illegally. They broke the law to come here. And they have no rights.
If these immigrants want some rights, they need to follow the law and come to America the legal way; the right way. Until then, the government needs to crack down on illegals sneaking across the border. After all, each immigrant in this country illegally is an insult to every legal immigrant who worked hard and played by the rules to become an American citizen.
In a clip that aired on CNN recently, Sen. Menendez said, "Arizona has become the 'show me your papers' state. And if I was a citizen of Arizona or if I were visiting in Arizona, the only papers I would intend to show is the Constitution of the United States that says that I have rights as a citizen and that I am not a second-class citizen in this country."
The problem with the New Jersey Senator's remarks is that illegal immigrants aren't second-class citizens. These people aren't citizens at all. They are here illegally. They broke the law to come here. And they have no rights.
If these immigrants want some rights, they need to follow the law and come to America the legal way; the right way. Until then, the government needs to crack down on illegals sneaking across the border. After all, each immigrant in this country illegally is an insult to every legal immigrant who worked hard and played by the rules to become an American citizen.
Roy Barnes Hits The Airwaves
Former Gov. Roy Barnes became the second Democratic gubernatorial candidate to hit the airwaves (and the third overall) with 31-second spot titled "Providence."
The ad debuted on Barnes' Facebook and YouTube pages.
The ad debuted on Barnes' Facebook and YouTube pages.
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