Democrats Begin To Respond To The Jacobs Switch

The activists blogs are already chumming the waters.

Now, Rep. Rob Teilhet (D-40) jumps into the fray.

The following is an unedited copy of an email sent from Teihet to Jacobs.

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Dear Mike,

It is with great interest that I read your blog postthis morning, announcing your decision to become amember of the Republican Party. It is of course, a disappointment.

I am reminded of the time last summer in the days before the primary election when you sought to switch your support from Cathy Cox to Mark Taylor. I remember thinking then, as I find myself thinking again today, of how awful it must be to be someone whose only core value is expediency and whose thoughts are only of the very next political calculation that may advance their self-interest.

I am afraid your statement omitted some important points, so I thought I might remind you so that you can make your constituents aware of them.

You've made no mention of your support for cuts to Georgia's Peachcare for Kids program, which helps provide health insurance coverage to children of working families. Your vote for HB 340 would have allowed thousands of children to be denied health insurance coverage arbitrarily by an unaccountable bureaucrat, and to have their dental and vision coverage removed altogether.

You've also not mentioned your support for this year's ghoulish and predatory payday lending legislation. You voted this year, by supporting HB 163, to allow payday lenders to charge up to 395 percent interest rates and to provide de facto amnesty for those loan sharks that broke the law for the better part of the last century by offering these loans despite the fact that they were clearly illegal under Georgia law.

You also omitted from your message to constituents your support in the Judiciary Committee for several measures that would limit the applicability of the Open Records Act and make public documents more difficult to obtain. Most heinous was your support for requiring open records requests to be made inwriting. You supported this despite uncontested testimony in committee that the bill would have allowed government to require a citizen to identify themselves and state the reason they wanted certain records in writing before having their request for public information processed. Public documents belong to the public, and should be made available without requiring a citizen to be subjected to aggravation or even political retribution for requesting them. Feigning a commitment to open government while you seek to undermine it through your work in the legislature, is one of the oldest and worst parlor tricks in politics. Such duplicity creates fertile ground for the cynicism that makes good public service more difficult.

Further eroding any credentials you may think you have as an advocate for open government and individual liberty has been your unabashed support for Glenn Richardson as Speaker. Mr. Richardson has, each and every year that he has been Speaker, sought to limit public debate in the House by gutting the ability of legislators to offer amendments to bills both on the floor and in committee. Mr. Richardson has also sought to limit the Open Records Act to allow secret government negotiations affecting millions in taxpayer dollars with private business.

Mr. Richardson has also used his power, won with the aid and support of legislators like yourself, to pursue new limits on women's reproductive freedom each year and repeatedly stifled ethics legislation that would eliminate or at least reduce the lavishing of expensive gifts on legislators by registered lobbyists.

Your support for Mr. Richardson as Speaker has also enabled the blockage of any meaningful legislation dealing with transportation and traffic congestion. Your constituents will have plenty of time to contemplate the many faces of Mike Jacobs as they continue to sit in ever worsening traffic without any meaningful plan for relief.

Your message also suggests support for Mr. Richarson's tax plan, which depending on which version you support would increase current sales taxes by more than 25% and levy billions in new sales taxes on needed everyday goods and services such as groceries and doctors visits. Your statement of a belief in fiscal restraint, when combined with your willingness to support a plan to tax everything that moves, raises additional questions about your basic credibility.

One of the things about public service that can be most disheartening is watching the effect that politics can have on individuals who are not anchored in principle. Such individuals become, over time, unmoored and willing to sell anything for the right price.

It is a sad but important reminder to all public officials that you must always remember why you ran for office in the first place, and stay connected to values larger than your own gratification and self-interest.

I am requesting a return of my past contributions to your campaign efforts, which were funded overwhelmingly by Democrats who hoped for the best from you. They got something less, and we all deserve a refund.

I look forward to your unvarnished answer and direct response to my refund request.

Good luck.

Rob
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Strong words. But I would advise Rep. Teilhet to not expect answers any time soon. Mr. Jacobs has not returned my queries regarding the timing of his announcement. Despite an attempt to splash all over the potential good news for Democrats in the 10th race with his very public switch, Mr. Jacobs has suddenly gone very quiet.

Jacobs Switches

Despite yesterday's bizarre leaked press conference notice, Mike Jacobs decided to go ahead and let the cat out of the bag on his own blog.

Will Hinton has the details.

Hometown News

A pause before the storm.

From the Moultrie Observer.

A Moultrie police officer on patrol at 9:08 Saturday saw a man, later identified as Xxxxxxxxxx, allegedly driving a Snapper lawn mower on North Main Street. The officer spotted a possible alcoholic beverage in the driver’s hand, so he pulled the tractor over, police reports said.

Two things.

I'm still in Atlanta.

The only given reason for pulling the suspect over was spotting him with an alcoholic beverage in his hand, not because he was driving a lawn mower down main street.

Let The Games Begin!

Political Insider is reporting Mike Jacobs, (D-80), is switching to the Repubs.

My previous thoughts on Jacobs here.

The "betrayed" are already sharpening their knives.

Who says summer is a slow news season?

Possum Burns Down Bar

Despite the coincidental factors of possums, Florida and the apparent handiwork of God, Katherine Harris not involved.

A bar on the rise is temporarily out of business after a fire damaged the building Monday, possibly because an opossum chewed on electrical wires, the bar's owner said.

Actually, I just wanted to post the possum picture again. A summer without Katherine is just like a fair without cotton candy. Sigh.

Bangs Head Against Wall

There are those who get it and those who don't. And then there are those who bring up images of Custer.

Guess which one Andrew Keen, author of "The Cult of the Amatuer: How Today's Internet is Killing Our Culture", is. Listen to his NPR interview here.

I am trying to not wander too far down this rabbit hole of new media vs. old media, but I think Jim Thompson's piece is going to cause much discussion over the next week.

Thanks Ray for pointing me to this link.

Athens Banner Herald Picks On A Commenter

Athens Banner Herald Editorial Page Editor Jim Thompson devotes an entire column to calling out a commenter at Peach Pundit.

Without piling onto SevenHillsDem, I do find it interesting when a MSM outlet steps into the online fray, they almost always choose to pick on what they believe to be the most egregious problem with the whole blogosphere; anonymity and handles. Conveniently, they ignore not only the 15 year internet convention of "handles" but also all the people who do attach their actual name to their work. Wouldn't you? I mean why acknowledge all the good when you can find a few loons to continue the myth that we are all sitting in our parents basements pecking away by the light of the monitor, spewing forth every wild accusation which comes into our Red Bull addled minds?

So you can probably guess what comes right at the very end.

That's the way we do things in the ol' MSM (again for the uninitiated, that's mainstream media, bane of the blogosphere). We use our real names, too. It's called accountability.

Ah yes. We are all just nitwits hiding behind a shield of anonymonity to lob bombs. They are the righteous guardians of democracy and freedom.

Mr. Thompson, yes, it is a horrid pain in the butt that you are not only required to have your name but also your lovely picture accompany your writing. Much easier for little old me to hide behind sunglasses and a "fake name". I wave the white flag, sir. Your searing logic has conquered what has never been conquered before. Let me be the first in the blogosphere to admit the MSM got me. It's a wonder I could hide behind such delusion for so long.

Or not.

Sincerely with internet handle love,

griftdrift

P.S. As much as I also love Safe As Houses, Jmac ain't a real name either. Hugs and kisses.

h/t: Erick

UPDATE: The aforementioned Jmac's take on things. I have to say we are pretty much in agreeance on things. So much blog love! It must be because it's Sunday. Tomorrow the knives will probably be back out.

Saturday Stupids

Goin to the chapel

and we're gonna get stupid

Telling You Twice

"Don't make me tell you twice" ~griftdrift's mother

A non-political topic, but then again maybe if it were applied to politics the deal would be less loathsome.

If a person tells you once you are being rude, it is perfectly acceptable to pass it off as differing sensibilities. If they tell you twice, I would expect you to begin questioning your actions. If they tell you repeatedly for weeks on end, either you are dealing with a maniac or your lack of adjustment in your behavior has moved you into the arena of the asshats.

I will tell you from experience that 99% of human beings are not maniacs. A good clue a person is not a maniac is if eventually they just walk away. Leaving you with your pride of "showing them", when really all you showed is you are more comfortable in the company of the asshats.

Catching Up With Wilson

I've fallen woefully behind on listening to my downloaded Wilson Smith interviews.

Currently, I'm listening to Erick Erickson discuss immigration and Fred Thompson.

Next will be Democratic Party Chair Jane Kidd.

Check out Wilson's archives from May and June to pick your poision. It's quite a buffet.

UPDATE: Ummmmm Jane? Vernon is CEO of Dekalb not Fulton. Not that we Dekalbites really like to point that out too much.

Songs In My Head

Willie and Norah sing Waylon

Carp Circles Press Release: That Damned Gator!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. ALL MEDIA OUTLETS. FIVE BELLS!

As one half of the unofficial/official ITP redneck duo known at times as Carp Circles, I feel the need to issue a statement regarding a certain beast known to have taken residence in the 'Hooch.

As CEO/Head Cheese/Grand Poobah of Griftdrift Enterprises and COO/Web Monkey/Taxi Operator of Carp Circles Inc, I wish to issue the firmest non-denail/denial possible regarding a certain feral swamp lizard which is now inhabiting our beloved Chattahoochee River.

We ain't did it!

Despite our prediliction to float down said river, occasionally do things stupid, associate with fanciful creatures and generally display our need to show off, it is a well known fact I am a member of a tribe of vicious gator killers.

Given our well known need to brag, it is obvious our lateness to this hoo-haa displays none of the usual signs of redneck high and mightyness.

Despite our claim of having no knowledge of the origin of this animal, we would like to show ourselves good citizens of this fair city. Due to our expert handling of drink and high powered rifles, we offer ourselves for whatever duty Mayor Franklin may require. We will even provide the necessary firearms, rafts and coolers.

No matter who is responsible for this menace, and once again we ain't saying we is, it must be eliminated toot sweet! Clean up the 'Hooch so city 'necks can get back on the hooch!

For further information please contact griftdrift@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of WSB-TV

What Number Will He Drive?

Junior joins Hendrick Motorsports.

For you uneducated out there, the car owner not the driver controls the numbers. So will DEI allow Junior to take 8 with him? Doubtful. So what will he drive. Probably the 5. And before you absolutely lose your mind, it's happened before. Once upon a time his dad drove the 2.

Norton Dies

The second of the original Whale Sharks at the Georgia Aquarium has died.

Um, it's rare I side with the Animal Rights loonies but maybe they do have a point about keeping whale sharks in captivity?

10th District Debate: Feeding The Chickens

No gaffes. No bombshells. No Whitehead.

With the 10th District campaign drawing to a close, candidates at the Atlanta Press Club's debate resolutely stayed on message and some stayed on the noticeably absent front-runner.

As he has in previous debates, assumed front runner Jim Whitehead (R) chose not to attend. Based on its policy the Atlanta Press Club provided an empty podium representing the missing State Senator. A gesture noticeably more reserved than the alledged bobblehead which took Whitehead's place at the Athens Banner Herald debate.

Whitehead's perceived prime competition, James Marlow (D) and Bill Greene (R), shot straight for the empty spot on stage with Greene asking but receiving no answer to the question of why Whitehead would attend no debates. After a few titters from the audience, moderator Nwandi Lawson of the GPB, clarified the debate would not spend the mandated response time in silence.

Marlow's question to the absent Whitehead was a bit more pointed. Referring to the infamous Whitehead quote on the Iraq War not being "a big deal in the district", Mr. Marlow noted the Republican candidate was as silent as always on the issue.

Interestingly, three of the first four Republicans to participate in the direct question segment addressed their questions directly to Marlow. Marlow in perhaps an acknowledgment of the recognition as a legitimate contender responded he was "glad to be getting all the questions tonight". Greene, although he was also one of the first Republicans to speak chose to address the non-existent Whitehead instead of the Democratic front runner.

The other candidates made for an interesting sideshow with talk of Iraq, immigration and the proposed I-3, and recently Athens Banner Herald endorsed candidate did take several opportunities to point out his military service, but in the end, two candidates acted like front runners. Only the polls on June 19th will tell if on this day they led the pack or were just as non-existent as Whitehead.

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You can watch the debate tonight at 7:00pm on your local GPB station.

Also Jim Galloway, who sat two rows in front of me, has posted his impressions on Political Insider. He caught some pretty cool stuff that I didn't.

For the straight dope on who was in the chicken suit, go here. First time I've ever asked a chicken to comment on the record.

Atlanta Press Club: 10th District Debate

I'm headed to the taping of the Atlanta Press Club's 10th district debate. It will be broadcast tonight at 7:00pm on your local Georgia Public Broadcasting station.

Look for my personal report later.

Were Ethics Violated In The Genarlow Wilson Case?

The Rules of the Georga Bar regarding the Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor state the following:

The prosecutor in a criminal case shall:

(g) except for statements that are necessary to inform the public of the nature and extent of the prosecutor's action and that serve a legitimate law enforcement purpose, refrain from making extrajudicial comments that have a substantial likelihood of heightening public condemnation of the accused

The following is an exchange regarding the Genarlow Wilson sex tape which took place between myself and Sen. Eric Johnson at Peach Pundit on May 4th:

griftdrift // Mar 4, 2007 at 9:28 am

I’m not sure Senator Johnson. As far as I know the CNN reporter viewed it in the prosecutors office. On b I was unclear. I meant how did you obtain a copy.

Senator Eric Johnson// Mar 4,
2007 at 10:12 am

It was hand delivered to me by the DA.

Now, this is certainly not a cut and dry ethics violation, but it once again begs a question. Why was a D.A. giving evidence to a state legislator who would almost certainly participate in debate on amending a law which would affect one of said D.A.'s high profile convictions?

Sex, Lies and Videotape

They are at it again.

Of all the controversy embroiling the Genarlow Wilson conviction, the one undeniable fact is without the videotape there would have never been a case. The young party-goers videotaped their indiscretions and it is on this tape Genarlow Wilson is found receiving oral sex from a 15 year old girl.

The only time the public has been given any indication of the contents of the tape was during a screening for CNN in the Douglas County District Attorney's office. However, Senator Eric Johnson has admitted on the Neal Boortz show that he has seen the tape. It was this viewing of the tape that sent Sen. Johnson on his falsehood littered tirade on the floor of the General Assembly.

Since that time, I have heard about a half a dozen different versions of "if you saw the tape you would think differently".

Today's reduction of Wilson's sentence by a Monroe County Judge has caused Rep. Steve Davis to use the comments section of Jason Pye's blog to revive the old yarn.

What the story does not say is that both girls were drugged and the 17 old was unconscious. I can not believe that all of you are being fooled into believing this is an innocent little prom date that went a little to far.

Instead of going over step by step once again on how everything being said is false, I want to ask a different question.

Just how many of you out there have seen this tape? I want a show of hands of the people who have watched a tape of teens having sex. Which leads to a second question. Just how does a teen sex tape so quickly fly through a particular political segment like some kind of underground porn?

I'm very curious. I'm sure I'm not the only one. So why don't some of you brave souls who want to continue to make the "you've got to see the tape argument" step forward and answer?

UPDATE: And Senator Johnson steps back into the fray. He actually has the gall to act like Republican action over the last year has somehow been heroic.

This has turned into one of those skin crawling moments I mentioned once.

New Media Covers Democrats Rally For The People

"2007 will be the year of new media in Georgia" ~griftdrift to a companion last fall.

Georgia Democrats had by all accounts a successful rally in Gainesville on Sunday.

Since I wasn't there to report it, I'll let those who were speak instead.

Grayson streamed the entire event live on ustream. You can watch the archived video here.

Ataru of Blog For Democracy live blogged the event here.

Nope. No journalism to be found here. Feel free to scurry back to your rat holes.

Genarlow Wilson Released

CNN just reported the judge in Monroe County has ordered Genarlow Wilson released. Details to come.

UPDATE: Live press conference. Everyone is very emotional at the press conference. Wilson's attorney is begging Attorney General Baker to not file an appeal. If an appeal is filed Wilson stays in jail.

Apparently the judge's ruling is based partly on what happened with Marcus Dixon. There are two state legislators at the press conference. One is Emanuel Jones. I don't recognize the other one.

Wilson's mother: "I feel like a miracle happened"

From the ruling, "the petitioner's previous sentence is void." It also states he is sentenced to time served. This is a habeas petition so this is just about getting him out, the conviction will still stand so it appears he will continue to be on the sex offenders list.

More from the ruling, it seems the judge may have ruled the sentence should have been approached as a misdemeanor. Under misdemeanor law, Wilson would not have had to register. So it's still unclear if he will remain registered.

UPDATE II: The AJC now reports the judge did amend the conviction to a misdemeanor. This means Wilson will not have to remain registered as a sex offender.

UPDATE III: Defense press conference ongoing. Georgia Attorney General is filing an appeal. This probably means Wilson will remain incarcerated. But they are going to ask for bond. Wilson attorney B.J. Bernstein: "It's extremely, extremely disturbing that the Attorney General would take this action now".


UPDATE IV: Attorney General Baker responds here. He may have a point. Earlier I wondered if a judge in a habeas petition had the power to reduce a sentence. It appears Baker is arguing he does not. Also, Channel 5 earlier reported the new plea deal Baker mentions. If all the factors are true with the plea deal, maybe it's time to consider that route.
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Previous entries on Genarlow Wilson:

Senator Johnson Steps In The Poo-Poo
Genarlow Wilson: The Spin Continues
Sen. Johnson On Boortz
Be Very Careful Sen. Johnson
Genarlow Wilson Amendment
The Lifeline Of Hope

Georgia Is Switzerland

An interesting map over at Strange Maps. It labels the states as a country with a similar GDP.

Georgia is Switzerland. I like the comparison. Switzerland is pretty. Also interesting to note on this scale Georgia is the 9th largest state.

Saturday Stupids

Y'all come!

Meet The DPG: Executive Director Matt Weyandt

"So, is the 10th the priority?"

It was an unexpected question from an unexpected source. Newly hired Democratic Party Executive Director Matt Weyandt had just spent the previous five minutes sitting at a table in Manuel's Tavern providing his background to local activists. It is doubtful he anticipated this whiplash query from a local blogger. It is interesting to note his first reaction was complete honesty.

"I'm really not up to speed yet. I don't officially start the job until Monday", Weyandt replied, but then quickly pirouetted into political operative mode, "But obviously the 10th is a priority and we are very optimistic."

If recently elected Chair Jane Kidd is the face of the Democratic Party of Georgia, Weyandt will be the legs. His charge is to rebuild the infrastructure of a party which despite the national changing of the tides last November was thorougly whitewashed in its own state.

Despite his youth, only 28, Weyandt brings a wealth of political experience to the position. A native Georgian, graduate of Grady High School and Emory University, he cut his teeth on Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin's first campaign then joining her staff after graduating from college. In 2003, Weyandt ventured to California to work the hotly contested San Francisco mayoral race between Democrat Gavin Newsom and Green Party Candidate Matt Gonzalez. In the race, Newsom narrowly defeated Gonzalez only after a rare interceding by the national party in a local race.

Following this defeat and a vacation in Europe, Weyandt returned to Georgia and assisted in building Jim Martin's 2006 campaign for Lieutenant Governor from the ground up. Starting in Martin's basement, Weyandt and others created a state-wide campaign which raised nearly $3 million and despite defeat garnered more votes than top of the ticket candidate Mark Taylor.

Weyandt will be sorely tested straight out of the gate. The first Rubicon to cross for the new regime in the DPG headquarters is the special election on June 19th. Although the party bylaws prevent the state party from endorsing a particular candidate, Democrat James Marlow is perceived to be running a successful insurgent campaign in the overwhelmingly conservative 10th district. DPG Communications Director Martin Matheny indicates canvassing and phone banking shows a surprising interest among likely Democrat voters. Conventional wisdom is if Marlow can force a runoff, national attention will focus squarely on northeast Georgia and then it is "katie bar the door".

Weyandt understands the difficulties he faces in Georgia stating he doesn't think "every Democrat has to have the same beliefs, but they have to be Democrats". But he believes the old party can be resurrected to former glory and optimistically sees an "opportunity for change".

Cows

Sometimes, you just gotta fling.

Meeting The DPG ED

I'm headed to Manuels for a meet and greet with new Democratic Party Of Georgia Executive Director Matt Weyandt. Interesting the choice of time was at 4:00pm on a workday. Do they think new media folks don't have jobs? But that's really just picking at a slight nit.

Mr. Weyandt faces arguably the most critical year in the history of the DPG and it will be very interesting to hear his views on new media. Tune back in later for a full report.

A Question For The Traditional Journalists

I answered a few. Now it's your turn. This is the whole audience talking back to you thing.

Without calling anyone out, there was an audience member at last night's Atlanta Press Club event who continued to question if anything in the new media constitutes journalism.

So let's look at a real life example.

Which of the following are examples of journalism?

A. A 15 second cut-in twice an hour on news radio.

B. This.

C. Both

If you selected A or B exclusively, please feel free to explain why.

A Blogger Answers A Few Questions

At tonight's Atlanta Press Club event, many questions were asked and due to the format some I feel remained unanswered. I'm not being critical of the format because it was excellent. But as Grayson told me later, we could have been there for hours if the parking garage had not closed at 9:00.

So, I think I will take some time to answer a few of those questions. These are my personal answers and in no way apply to others. I feel certain some will come along to agree with some things and disagree with some things. But that interaction is what we want and expect so have at it.

So, my fellow bloggers? Please pardon my meta.

Why do you blog?

I think this is the issue which puzzles most in the traditional media. For most in print and TV, I'm sure it is a labor of love but as Annie Savoy in Bull Durham pontificates, it's also a job. For me it is not a job, although I wouldn't object to it being a job.

I blog for three reasons: a passion for writing, awareness of the world and interaction with other viewpoints. I've always written but blogging allows me to pour forth whatever enters my mind. Writing daily also develops discipline. The format allows what any writer craves; instant feedback. As a political commentator, I also hear different viewpoints and have on occasion had my mind completely changed.

How do you make money?

Well, unless your name is Erick Erickson or Kos, you probably don't. It doesn't mean you won't eventually. But despite the technology existing for almost ten years, this is still a relatively new field. People will find a way to make money. I have always believed if you provide compelling content you will attract readers/viewers and the money will follow. But I do not do this for money. I do it because I love to write.

Not that I'm against making money. If anyone wants to sling a little cash this way, please contact me. Toot sweet!

Who is your editor?

In the day to day operations I am. I decide what I want to write about and what angle I will take. I wouldn't mind having a copy editor though. I hate proofreading and see it as a necessary evil.

But the better answer is you are. A blogger's editor is the blog's community and the larger blogosphere. If you get something wrong, you will hear the screams of indignation immediately. It's a self correcting system. The days of someone presenting utter lies and fabrication are mostly in the past. In plain language, if we screw up, there are hundreds of other predators in the internet sea who will gleefully rend at our flesh.

A lot of people talk about credibility. Well, let me tell you, publish one false story and see just how fast credibility that took months and years to build flies out the window.

Is citizen journalism possible?

Yes. But like most anything, it is easy to do but very difficult to do well. Journalism is a craft and those trained in the craft must do it well every single time. Bloggers, excluding journalist bloggers of course, are not usually trained in that craft. But that does not mean they cannot report compelling content and report it well.

I'm not saying it's common. It's actually pretty rare. But when it does happen, it's a sight to see. And despite the beliefs of some, it is not always just "eyewitnessing".

Look, I'm not a journalist. I'm just a monkey with a typewriter. But if those who would poo-poo the idea that an ordinary joe cannot report an event with accuracy will pardon a little personal chest thumping, I challenge you to browse this, this, this, this, this, this, this and this. Oh and this one might really knot your knickers.

Enough personal chest thumping. There is other original reporting out there. It ain't hard to find if you are willing to look.

End meta.

That's about all I got for the moment. I hope it clears up a few things about my perspective. No matter. The comment section is open so let the free for all begin.

Facing The Beast

If I'd written all the truth I knew for the past ten years, about 600 people - including me - would be rotting in prison cells from Rio to Seattle today. Absolute truth is a very rare and dangerous commodity in the context of professional journalism. ~Hunter S. Thompson

"Did you guys sit up here so you can throw things", I quipped to Amani, Amber and Rusty who sat on the front row of the Brown Room in the Commerce Club.

By nature, bloggers are a rough and tumble bunch. We are not insulated by brick, mortar, cubicle walls and layers and layers of editors and legal teams. Every day, we throw our stuff out to the world and expect to get some thrown back. Living in the harsh evolutionary world of online communities, we also instinctually give back as good as we get.

So, of course we sat on the front row.

We had gathered for the Atlanta Press Club's discussion on "New Media: The Changing Landscape". The panel consisted of Mark Bauer of WSB-TV, Lea Donosky of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Lila King of CNN Interactive and John Patton of ThePort network. Given this particular make-up, I placed the over-under of those sitting behind name cards understanding our world at 1. I really do not like losing. Good thing there wasn't a bookie around because I would have lost a bundle.

It didn't take long for the fireworks to start. The second question of the evening questioned the credibility of blogs. A hilarious sidenote. I discovered later the person who posed the question was not even a member of the press. According to friend standing nearby, she was a woman who just wandered in off the street because she was bored.

But no matter the source, there it was. The dreaded "c" word. The discussion became heated at times with such phrases as "gatekeepers" and "guardians of democracy" tossed around like poor hapless cows caught in a tornado. At one point, a person even painted bloggers as "entertainment". Hadn't heard that one before.

Then something interesting happened. The panelists interceded. Mark Bauer told a story of working at CNN in the early days when the network was not even allowed in the pool at the White House. Lea Donosky pointed out the first "citizen journalist" in this country was Thomas Paine. She even called out her fellow press members, including some of her co-workers, on certain pre-conceived notions.

It was difficult to say if minds were changed. Certainly, some of the stalwart defenders of the old ways were not swayed. It was hard to not be frustrated when someone who claims to be a "guardian of the truth" continued to repeat urban myths about the quality of new media. But, if the panel and the people who approached us afterward were evidence, the voices of disbelief and wariness continue to fall by the wayside.

And the conversation will continue. We in the new media will continue to challenge those in the traditional media. We will continue to agitate. We will continue to defend. We will continue to demonstrate we are more than entertainment. And we won't be hard to find.

We will most likely be the ones sitting on the front row.

You can hear a podcast of the panel discssion here.

Into The Belly Of The Beast

Tonight I will be attending the Atlanta Press Club "New Media Discussion".

I fear it will be similar to the hotel bar scene in "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas".

Look here tomorrow for a full report.

A Headline That Caught My Attention

A headline at Georgia Political Digest caught my attention this morning.

S. Georgia vs. Atlanta.

If that isn't in my wheelhouse I don't know what is.

Dwain Walden of The Moultrie Observer is one of the great unrecognized writers in Georgia. He should get more attention and it's about time I gave him a little credit.

The next session of the General Assembly may well see the eye of the storm called “water wars.” At least that was an indication at a legislative breakfast in Moultrie Wednesday.

If you read the rest of the article, you will witness much wailing and gnashing of teeth by many South Georgia legislators, including Sen. Jim Bulloch of Ochlocknee. Of course, Senator Jim and the rest barely muttered a peep when Sen. Tommie Williams of Lyons struck Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Sally Bethea from the DNR board.

Enviromentalist wackos. Anti-capitalist socialists. Yeah, it's fun to sling mud.

Until there's no water left to run the pivot in Coolidge because certain jackasses do not have the vision to see beyond their two year terms to understand when Atlanta runs out of water because the 'Hooch is filled with crap, Alabama and Florida are suing our asses over water rights and the last damned developer in the state can no longer find a runoff ditch that big brother to the north with millions of people might come calling.

Let me hit a few of you right in the face with the clue frying pan. Instead of whining about how metro Atlanta has all the votes, how about South Georgia showing a little common sense and leadership.

Olympic Vomit

And you thought that guy was bad?

Check out the logo for London's 2012 games.

Perhaps, we can finally put our decade long citywide/international nightmare behind us.

Jim Maddox Is On My List

Atlanta City Councilman Jim Maddox has proposed a new city ordinance to allow organizers of any event to corral those with opposing views in "Free Speech Zones".

Why do well intentioned people not understand the First Amendment? What in their little do-gooder brains prevents them from comprehending two simple things?

1, Speech, like water or air, finds a way to be free. No doubt, there are already activists out there looking this thing over for loopholes and ways to dance a thousand angels on a pinhead.

2. The Supreme Court has pretty steadfastly supported the concept that speech is only restricted when there is "imminent danger". Not imagined danger.

Mr. Maddox, I don't believe your are one fo the usual nuts who argue free speech should be limited. But I do believe you are a fine example of the road to hell.

h/t: Political Insider

Two New Journalist Blogs

Journalist blogs are popping up like mushrooms after a good rain!

Two new ones to follow.

The Macon Telegraph Travis Fain's Lucid Idiocy.

and

The Athens Banner-Herald Blake Aued's In The Loop.

Looking good boys! Just one quibble. Blake? Get the tech folk to fix your feed. No feed = no love in blogland.

Phil Kent Lets Loose A Stinker

For some reason this morning, Dick Williams, host of the Georgia Gang, chose to harp on Sonia Murray's recent review of R. Kelly's new CD. He then went on to say how he is amazed the AJC "has a critic dedicated solely to "rap"". Alexis Scott and Jeff Dickerson tried to unaddle Dick's mind by pointing out Sonia reviews way more than rap. Let me try to help the doddering old fool a little more.

Dick, once I actually read one of Ms. Murray's pieces where she reviewed, pull out the fainting couch, country.

And if this brief foray into the bizarre wasn't bad enough. Fellow conservative bobblehead, Phil Kent pipes in to say,

Some say she can't write.

It never fails to amuse me how the white boys always turn to Jeff and Alexis any time they want to talk about African American culture. As if they need validation from someone who is a member of the club.

But as far as Phil Kent? I suppose after sitting next to him on occasion at Manuels I could use this opportunity to report some say he can't tip.

But I'm just not in Kent's class.

Playing In The Dirt

There's nothing quite like watching a grown man play in the dirt.

h/t: Jason

Saturday Stupids

Due to the Highlands Fest, today's meeting will held inside.

Dodging Feces

Oh to hell with this whole internet fruforal. I'm shootin the Hooch.

Griftdrift Is Goin' On

My May 30th interview with Wilson Smith host of What Is Goin' On is now up. You can download it HERE.

We discuss the 10th district, the 2008 Senate race and immigration.

Take a listen!

I'm A Little Teapot...

Welcome to all the new visitors from places like here and here!

I won't give you the whole nickel tour but if you look over to your right, you will see a list of Georgia blogs and their latest entries. After the top five (see I got a top five too!) they are in alphabetical order. Well, except one.

Ain't I a stinker?

N.R.A. Endorses Whitehead

Jeff Emanuel of Peach Pundit reports the N.R.A. has endorsed Jim Whitehead for the 10th District.

you have earned an “A+” rating from the NRA-PVF. We urge our members and other gun owners and sportsmen to vote for you for Congress on June 19th.

Well, after the N.R.A.'s shenanigans this past April when they sent their personal thug down to the General Assembly to threaten legislators with an "F" grade if they didn't vote properly on the insane "bring your gun to work" bill, I think we all know just how honest and open those grades are.

Here's one gun owner and sportsman who thinks about as much of an N.R.A. endorsement as what I just left in my toilet.

Feel The Snark!

Last night, Rusty, Amber and Grayson met with the evil empire.

Listen to the post-event discussion HERE.

Rusty: I'm not trying to defend the WSB guy, but I think in his case he thought he was being cute and funny.

Amber: Well, too bad that he wasn't.

I'm with you, Rusty. When it comes to the evil empire? Eff em.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Creative Loafing devotes a cover story to local bloggers.

Know your media. Know the difference.

UPDATE: And Dave of Earthling has jumped into the fray. Come on over Dave! The pool's warm from all the pee!

My Morning Wooten

Another day, another screed from Jim on global warming. In Jim's doddering world view, it's nothing but an endless parade of chicken littles.

The same thing, I suppose, when we’re bombarded by what in modern times has become a steady stream of dire warnings on everything from the new millennium disaster that was to befall our computers to the revelation that cul-de-sacs and the suburban lifestyle cause obesity.

Well, Jim, let me take a moment to edumacate you. The reason the millenium bug didn't wreak world-wide havoc was the blood, sweat and tears of thousands of software engineers scanning and updating billions of lines of code. In other words, Jim, disaster was avoided because we recognized the problem and took corrective action.

Makes sense to me. Why should we listen to these so-called scientists when it was the liberal eggheads who sold us a bill of goods on Y2K? I mean shouldn't we instead trust pundits to see 50 years into future since they so clearly remember the facts of just 8 years ago?

Mike King Smacks Jim Wooten

The AJC's Mike King questions the veracity of a quarter horse alledgedly enrolled in the PeachCare program. Even if supporters of the horse tale such as the AJC's Jim Wooten and House Speaker Glenn Richardson could produce this phantom equine, it does not alleviate one irrefutable fact.

The nag has better health insurance than thousands of Georgia children whose parents work and still can't make enough money to buy insurance for their kids.

Snap! Mike, have you been peeking over my shoulder in home room? Even though I've been an advocate for restraint on PeachCare, I certainly can recognize a good turn of the pen. Democrats? Are you paying attention?

The Leaving

At the thought of them his eyes teared up, making his last

look at Lonesome Dove watery. The dusty street wavered

in his vision as if under a heavy rain.

~"Lonesome Dove" by Larry McMurtry

I was a fan from the days of Monroe Drive.

God knows, anyone who could keep the attention of a young man in his twenties must have had something going on. And for someone writing about, of all things, traffic and commuting, it was a minor miracle. But it was the writing man, by good God, it was the writing.

When I started this little joint, I had fews notions of where it would lead. Then, one day I stumbled upon Peachtree Screed. I was always reticent to contact well known writers, too afraid of the appearance of self-promotion, but for some reason Doug felt like an old companion. His reply to my few lines in an email were quick, effusive and full of exclamation. Doug Monroe was already reading me. And griftdrift's heart grew three sizes that day.

It was the simple knowledge that someone of Doug's talent read my ponderings which caused me to reach further. To be better. Both spoken and unspoken, he became a mentor. In time, he also became my friend.

Now, Doug is leaving us for better pastures in the north. I know the parting will not be permanent, but I will still miss him.

Vaya con dios, my friend. I promise I won't burn the saloon down before you return.

Geek Moment: Google Street View

Google is starting to roll out the new feature Street View on Google Maps.

Instead of me telling you about it, go play with it yourself. Explore Miami, Denver, Las Vegas, San Francisco or New York.

Jim Wooten Has Lost His Mind

Nothing new for these parts, eh? Well, looney is as looney does.

Next year gridlock gets worse. The I-75/85 Downtown Connector gets repaved. That strip should be double-decked. Or tunneled. It is absolutely essential to develop a way to move traffic through Atlanta. It’s a nightmare bottleneck for north-south traffic.

Double decker highways? Tunneling? Can anyone, especially you so called conservatives, explain to me how anyone with a lick of sense can say these are reasonable solutions to moving traffic through Atlanta? Feel free to use cost or safety as one of your assuredly salient points.

Immigration Redux

This morning, my friend Wilson Smith challenged me to do some research on immigration. We had just concluded a spirited discussion on the subject on his radio show. To my never ending amusement, when the podcast of my recording is placed on his web site, it likely will be directly beneath D.A. King's.

Immigration has already become a flash point in the 10 district race. It will be the issue in the 2008 Senate race. And as I told Wilson, it is a murky area where disagreement reigns even amongst the most ardent of party faithfuls. For these reasons, you are assured to see a great deal of future coverage on the issue in these parts.

The latest furor also reminds me of something I wrote last November.

President Bush and the Democrats agree on the basics of immigration reform. As with welfare reform they simply need to smooth out the edges. Find places to compromise. Show the American people that they indeed can work together...It's a unique opportunity for everyone to win. The Democrats pass important bi-partisan legislation demonstrating they can work with the President. President Bush has something besides Iraq on which to hang his legacy hat.

Sound familiar?

Breaking News: Fred Thompson Will Announce?

Just seen on CNN, Politico.com is reporting Fred Thompson will shortly announce he will form a Presidential exploratory committee on June 4th with the aim of announcing his candidacy on July 4th.

More Smoke From South Georgia

Another picture from South Georgia.

Smoke In South Georgia

Yes, we've had a few days of smoke in Atlanta but the above is a picture a friend sent from Valdosta. The smoke and ash in the area is so prevalent school children have not been able to leave buildings for days at a time. Just a little perspective next time you smell smoke in the air.

Georgia Politics Podcast Episode 12

Georgia Political Podcast is up!

Check it out.

Violence, drunkeness, affairs, griftdrift making predictions on the 10th district! What more could you ask for?

...And A Time To Stupid

Try a little of both and have a safe Memorial Day.

A Time To Reflect...

Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.

Summer Of Smoke

A horrible side effect to another day of wildfire smoke covering Atlanta.

I can't get the wretched 70's song "Smoke From A Distant Fire" out of my head.

The horror. The horror.

Nancy Grace Is Insane

Yeah, I know. Stating the obvious.

But check out this clip of her getting snotty with her director.

FREAK SHOW!

Lazy Saturday

No stupiding today. Other business takes priority.

Instead you ought to listen to some music.

Or check out the Georgia Blog Carnival.

Or check out Rusty who is in yur MSM, pissin on yer futbal heroz.

Oh hell, just get off your ass and go outside. It's a beautiful day!

Georgia Blog Carnival

It's time for another carnival.

There's many a bestseller that could have been prevented by a good teacher. ~Flannery O'Connor

Politics and Humor

Yesterday we discussed music and politics. Today let's discuss humor. Since humor is so subjective, I think it may be even more difficult. So let's look at three examples and I'll give my opinion of each.

1. Rusty's Whitehead Ad, as seen above and also here.

griftdrift verdict: Arguably funny. If Munson actually had Alzheimer's it would not be funny. Since he doesn't, the dissonance between reality and the accusation brings the funny. Kind of like when someone says something so stupid you inquire if they were Amish and grew up without a television, a telephone or any modern connection to the outside world.

2. Buzz's Rosie O'Donnell picture

griftdrift verdict: Arguably funny. The physical nature here is rather subtle and the underlying message that Rosie is an ogre fits the political purpose.

3. Jim Wooten's statement about Rosie O'Donnell.

"When my band of right-wingers take over, women who weigh more than Rosie O’Donnell will not be allowed to wear miniskirts outside the bedroom. Some things should not be seen in public."

griftdrift verdict: Not funny. Simply calling a large woman fat is not funny. It's just mean. This is the opposite of the Munson ad.

In summary, humor is a difficult thing. In politics in particular it ventures dangerously close to the mean with alarming frequency. All are guilty at some point. In my unscientific opinion, most of the time, one side usually gets the funny and one side usually doesn't.

Not Another Whitehead Video

No really. It's not.

The press officer for Republican congressional candidate Bill Greene may face criminal charges after allegedly punching a pickup driven by the supporter of another candidate outside a Greene fundraiser Tuesday night, police said.

That's right. He punched a truck. I fear Georgia blogging may just dry up once the 10th district election passes.

Baton Bob: Atlanta Treasure

As you can see from the picture, I once had the pleasure of having a sit down with Baton Bob. Bob is one of the most open, honest people I have ever met. On this day, he sipped a glass of wine and told us his story. Instead of me repeating it here, head over to Fresh Loaf and view the mini-documentary of his life.

Bob is one of the things I miss from my days working in Midtown. I really hope he once again ventures over to the Highlands area. If you're out there Bob, the Blackout Researcher's miss ya!

The Music Of Politics

Watching the above video (shamelessly nicked from Tondee's Tavern) reminded me of a question I have long pondered.

Do people gloss over the extreme leftist politics of a group like Rage Against The Machine because the music is such high quality whereas you can't ignore the politics of any extreme rightist rock bands because they are all such utter crap?

It's a wonder I can actually fall asleep at night.

Al Gore On Torture

A brief departure from Georgia politics.

Andrew Sullivan notes a particular section in Al Gore's new book "The Assault On Reason".

For the first time in American history, the Executive Branch of our government has not only condoned but actively promoted the treatment of captives in wartime that clearly involves torture, thus overturning a prohibition established by General George Washington during the Revolutionary War...It is too easy — and too partisan — to simply place the blame on the policies of President George W. Bush. We are all responsible for the decisions our country makes. We have a Congress. We have an independent judiciary. We have checks and balances. We are a nation of laws. We have free speech. We have a free press. Have they all failed us? Why has America's public discourse become less focused and clear, less reasoned?

I did not vote for Gore in 2000 although if I had a do-over, I probably would. However, I agree with Andrew that Gore freed of the merciless grind of electoral politics has become a much more powerful voice.

Some hope he runs in 2008. I certainly understand the seductive reasoning, but I am reaching the conclusion that I hope he does not.

Live Blogging: Monica Goodling Testimony

No, not me. Although I am watching it.

Shelby is giving the local take on the ongoing sturm und drang.

Taking Shipp A Bit Further...

Bill Shipp has a grand idea. With the rumors of Clark Howard running for Mayor of Atlanta, why not aim a little higher?

So, Clark, forget mayor. Being governor is a much better job. You can help many more folks who really need help. And you'll have your own state air force. You won't have to go to Birmingham anymore to find cheap flights.

My first thought is what a faboo idea! Then the cold, hard political reality splashes me in the face. The mayor's race is non-partisan. The governor's race is not. This means in order to shoot for the moon, Howard would have to either sell his soul to one of the evil twins we call Ds and Rs or garner enough signatures of registered voters to run as an independent.

But wait a minute. Is there any person in Georgia more likely to gather the requisite John Hancocks?

Heck, we have our first Republican governor in like forever and we see how well that works. Why not an independent?

So yes, I am all prepared to plant some Clark For Georgia yard signs, but Clark? Do it the way you have always done it. Do it your way. No strings attached.

Will Hinton On What Is Going On

I have never been a fan of the Christian Coalition and frankly, having grown up in their world, have a hard time throwing off deep suspicions of anything evangelical.

But Will Hinton of Good Will Hinton provides some interesting and fresh perspectives on the role of evangelicals in politics.

Give a listen to the interview here and see if it doesn't at least make you ponder some of your notions.

The Hog Wallow

Oh God! Not him! ~Roxanne Pulitzer upon spotting Hunter S. Thompson at her divorce trial.

When I started this little venture, I promised myself three things: I would only write when I felt the need, I would be beholden to no one and although I would never spare the snark, I would not be unnecessarily cruel.

Fortunately, the need comes daily. Writing is a cruel mistress who will tease you for an instant, lash you for the moment and abandon when you just need a taste.

Not being an issue pimp is much easier. You state your philosophy and promise yourself to not give a good damn who you piss off. Hell, if you don't enjoying pricking the beast, why get in the game?

It's avoiding the cruel where the soul is tested.

Politics is a rough game. As some put it, it ain't for sissies. And it shouldn't be. It is the meanest, lowest, nastiest sport on the planet. It is the place where meglomaniacs are dragged weeping to prison, flithy money is wafted like opium beneath the nose of the weak-minded, ethics are fluid and legal depends on the number of votes in your pocket. It is a dark place. An easy place, where if you sink deep enough, you no longer notice your nostrils are filled with feces.

Sunday, I waded into the dark, muddy waters. In a moment of pure hubris, I started walking off the edge of the breakwater, not realizing my peril until the sewage had reached the tip of my nose. So, I backed off. Some will see retreat as weak. Some will forever see the skin of slime left by the misadventure. Perhaps both are right. Perhaps both are wrong. My only choice is to either allow my mistake to remove myself from the game or go back to not giving a good damn.

I choose to once again find the snark while avoiding the cruel.

This is no pledge which can be thrown back in my face. I am human and I will at times teeter on the edge of the deep sea of shit.

But the claws will not be sheathed. The opium eaters, pimps, whores, money changers and heretics will continue to feel their touch. Only the truly innocent will be spared. If possible.

Enough wallowing. It's time to get back in the game.

The Rocky Road

Two days of cleaning. One night of exceptional card playing. It's all about the journey, Bubba, and I've found the road again.

Let's get back to this blogging business.

A Pause

What do I do when life turns weird? I clean.

It happens when I meet a new girl I like. It happens when I feel like I need to sort some things out. It happens when the soul gets a little too cluttered. When the direction is no longer there.

So today?

I clean.

And Another Whitehead Video...

Everybody else is doing it, so why not me? Definitely TRS-80 quality. I'll try harder next time.

UPDATE: I've pulled the clip. It was a very near thing whether I was going to put it up at all. In the end, it just didn't pass my personal "feel test". It just didn't feel right.

Let me be very clear about one thing. I in no way disagreed with the content. Jim Whitehead is one arrogant S.O.B. and his refusal to even discuss his views on this war in my humble opinion does far more to dishonor those he would send into harms way than one small time blogger's video.

Still Fishin

Still too many fish to catch and too much grass to cut. Heck, politics is overrated. I may never come back. Too many Dems and Repubs in the city this week anyway.

Batteries Needs Charging

Nothing a couple of days of fishing can't solve.

Walking The Walk

To enjoy the benefits of this great republic you have to be willing to serve.

I have jury duty in the morning. My instincts are telling me I'm going to be empaneled.

Lord knows when you will see me again. Check Georgia Voices on your right for the latest news while I am in land of no tubes.

UPDATE: Twice in 15 years I have made it past the auto-call informing me I must show up to the Dekalb Courthouse the following morn. Twice I have spent most of the day quietly reading in the jury pool room never seeing the inside of a court room. I admit to feeling vaguely disappointed.

The day wasn't a total loss. I managed to re-read about a quarter of Shelby Foote's massive Fredricksburg to Meridian. I made it to as far as the near forgotten Abel Streight raid which almost reached Rome, Ga. before being cut-off by Nathan Bedford Forrest.

But the high point of the day came as I sat on the steps of the court house, soaking in the sun. In the midst of the mob of jurors, plaintiffs and defendants marching in and out came two couples. Both clutching freshly minted marriage certificates.

One couple was surrounded by family including a father who proudly, with a conspiratorial wink towards me, lit up a massive cigar. The small group ambled over to one of the manicured lawns and began taking pictures.

The second pair I didn't notice until a flash of white caught the corner of my eye. I turned towards the top of the steps and spied a young couple, no more than 25 years old, clutching each other as if their lives depended on the embrace. He was dressed in a natty dark green suit with no tie. She was dressed in a lacy, white cocktail dress. Her face was buried in his chest, quietly crying and his arms wrapped her completely.

Soon, they parted, kissed, then clasped hands to walk out into the bright world. Minds addled from their new glory, they briefly walked the wrong way, then laughing at the silliness, wheeled and disappeared towards the Marta station.

A day wasted? I think not.

Whitehead Endorsed By Constitution Burners

Jim Whitehead, the putative front runner in the Georgia 10th congressional district open election and also someone who has no problem bringing the crazy, has been endorsed by The Concerned Women For America.

For those not familiar with this particular organization a portion of their mission statement is the belief that the bible is the " inerrant Word of God and the final authority on faith and practice".

Founder Beverly LaHaye crystallized this particular core belief in a 1987 interview in Ms. Magazine.

Yes, religion and politics do mix. America is a nation based on biblical principles. Christian values dominate our government. The test of those values is the Bible. Politicians who do not use the bible to guide their public and private lives do not belong in office.

Article Six, section III of the U.S. Constitution states:

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

So, Mr. Whitehead I have a question for you. Will you repudiate the endorsesment of LaHaye and her merry band of constitution burners or if elected will you simply cross your fingers while taking the oath?

Weird Stuff

I was going to take a break from blogging today but I saw something which forces me to tap the keys.

For the second day in a row, I just witnessed a group of birds acting just plain weird. Flittering around, attacking each other.

I have this uneasy feeling they know something we don't.

Strange times, bubba. Strange times indeed.

Saturday Stupids

Let's go stupiding.

My Morning Wooten: Common Edition

If you want to read the whole damned thing, go here. Because today, on the eve of one of the most special weekends in the hearts of all who call the south home, I only want to talk about one.

When my band of right-wingers take over, women who weigh more than Rosie O’Donnell will not be allowed to wear miniskirts outside the bedroom. Some things should not be seen in public.

Jim, you and I frequently talk about the same things. Biscuits, grits, pigs, chickens, the fog rising off a pond when you throw out the first line. Most often we approach things from a different perspective but always through the eyes of a couple of southern boys. So today, I want to talk about the one thing I am sure we both hold dear.

Today, I want to talk about mamas.

We all have mothers. But it is only in the deep, in the special place of our heart, where we cleave to our mama.

My mama raised four kids on her own. By the time I came along the rest had figured out most things and the things they hadn't figured out, they at least figured out how to get away with.

It had to be hard for a working woman to come home to one more grinning, dirty faced child. She patched my jeans, wiped my face with a washcloth, cooked supper and if there wasn't much left to do at the end of the day, sat in her chair with a sip of whiskey and watched over her youngest as he puzzled over the latest magazine her employer would have thrown away if she hadn't squirreled it away in her handbag.

She grew up the hard way. Born on the cusp of the depression, she spent her childhood days barefoot, in overalls, chasing chickens across a dirt yard. Daddy selling a hog for shoes was not just another line in a country song, it was most every fall. The farmers market was not an excursion to find the latest exotic ingredient but a trip made to get just a few dollars more.

She was married in the front room of her grandfather's house; in her best dress with veiled hat cocked just so, because like most country people she had a saucy side.

She always carried a handkerchief in her purse because mama could solve most problems with a quick wipe. Sometimes it smelled faintly of peppermint. Because after the handkerchief, the next best solution was to pop a piece of candy in a young boy's never quiet mouth.

Sometimes she stretched the paychecks a bit too thin and we would come home to cut off lights. She would then shoo me away, hand the lineman a check she swore was good and apologize for causing him so much trouble.

Because through all the struggles, even in the times when pride had to be swallowed for necessity, she always had one unfailing lesson for her children. Don't be common.

Common didn't mean poor, because the good Lord knew, we had seen plenty. Common didn't mean working class. It didn't mean plain. It didn't mean not good enough. You could be the poorest person in the county but when you passed by, people should be able to say, they ain't common.

Common was the false pride. It was when you elevated yourself through the putting down of others.

I'm just a tiny voice. I hope if I am ever graced with the power to use the printed word to communicate daily with thousands of people, I will remember the lessons of mama. I hope I will be able to avoid the temptation of being common.

Bill Richardson Gets The Funny

I'm really warming up to Bill Richardson. I know he still has no chance but I can't remember the last time I voted for someone who actually won, so...


h/t: Spacey

A Conservative On "Darwinism"

National Review's Jonah Goldberg makes a mish-mash of Evolution in a video interview.

Let me clear up a few things for you, Jonah.

Goldberg: "I have problems with the uses and abuses of Darwinism, which is merely one theory of evolution."

There is no "Darwinism". "Darwinism" is a made up term used by creationists to portray the science as some sort of philosophical view. And what are these other theories of evolution? There are certainly different theories of the mechanics of evolution but the core theory of the change of allele frequencies over time has no competition. Once again, another creationist tactic to present a view that this particular science is a buffet where you may pick and choose as you please.

Goldberg: "One of the most fascinating things about the debate over evolution is the obsession with biology, and there are reasons for it."

Yes, there is a one very good reason for it; evolution is completely about biology. It has nothing to do with the creation of the Universe, the creation of the Earth or even the creation of life on Earth. Evolution deals with what happens to life after its already here. Nothing more.

Jonah, you state categorically in the beginning that you do not believe in creationism or intelligent design. Then, why do you so easily fall back into these creationist canards? Because it is the easy thing to do? To simply fall back on sycophantic political platitudes?

I believe Jonah Goldberg when he says he believes in evolution. I also believe his making such a hash of evolution in this interview shows how far we have fallen behind in our science education. A result which can be directly attributed to the continued attack on science by the people Goldberg routinely defends.

More On The PD Cuts

Looks like part of the cuts to the Public Defender system includes the entire juvenile division!

Audacity sums it up.

Brilliant move GPDSC. Let’s eliminate the juvenile division instead of just merely cutting salaries or pork elsewhere. You screw over young clients and they just come back as adult clients.

Statesmen see 25 years into the future. Jackasses just eat everything you put in front of them. Guess what we got in our General Assembly?