Former Athens-Clarke County Commissioner and current Rep. John Barrow voted against the health care compromise bill on the Energy and Commerce Committee.
Stay classy John.
Maybe if we stick in an anti-flag-burning amendment on the final bill, you'll vote for it. Perhaps if there's a rental registration portion of the final document.
What a coward.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Progress made
After some progressive unrest, a compromise on health care reform has been reached in the House.
Girtz not running for mayor
Via Tim Bryant, Athens-Clarke County District Nine Commissioner Kelly Girtz isn't running for mayor in 2010 and will instead opt for a second term.
In addition to students Brandon Shinholser and Glenn Stegall, Nancy Denson and Charlie Maddox are officially in the race. Spencer Frye, the executive director of Habitat For Humanity, has been rumored to be mulling over a mayoral bid and, given Girtz's decision to not run, it leaves open the progressive void that someone like Frye could fill.
In addition to students Brandon Shinholser and Glenn Stegall, Nancy Denson and Charlie Maddox are officially in the race. Spencer Frye, the executive director of Habitat For Humanity, has been rumored to be mulling over a mayoral bid and, given Girtz's decision to not run, it leaves open the progressive void that someone like Frye could fill.
Hurt feelings
The Oconee Enterprise, in its continued coverage of the proposed restructuring of the local government, picked up on the frustration of Oconee County Commission Jim Luke.
Luke, at the close of a recent meeting where Oconee County Chairman Melvin Davis had defended his communication abilities, vented at length about how the latter was mistaken. As an example used his defense, Luke pointed to the hiring of Emil Beshara as Oconee County's Director of Public Works. Luke said he learned of the hiring after Davis had made his decision and offered the job.
To which I say ... so?
Why would Luke know?
The ordinance spelling out the responsibilities for the local government grant Davis the power to make those hirings and firings. If Davis, an elected official, is awarded the power to take such action, then why should Luke or the rest of the commission get special treatment in terms of notification?
Let's contrast this with Athens-Clarke County where the county manager does the hiring and firing for the various departmental head positions. While Alan Reddish isn't elected as Davis is, he is legally granted the authority to make those employment decisions.
Earlier this year, Pam Reidy was named Director of Leisure Services after a job search and interview process, all conducted by Reddish who then offered her the job. The Athens-Clarke County Commission, however, had no say in this matter, and the body learned of her hiring when Reddish introduced her to the group at a meeting.
This process, of course, makes sense. It doesn't rely on micromanagement. It doesn't slow down the process for the sake of bureaucracy.
The more and more I sift through this, and more examples I hear of Davis's communication problems, the more it seems like it's nothing more than hurt feelings on the part of some commissioners.
Whether it's from a random staff member leaving town on county business or the commission learning of the hiring of a department head, those items are being communicated in the way that is totally appropriate for a growing county of this size and in accordance with the existing ordinance. There is absolutely no need for the commission to have advance awareness of every employee being in town or not, and there is no justification for them to gain a non-legislated role in the hiring and firing of county staff.
This proposed ordinance only adds to the chaos in an attempt to give what Kate McDaniel dubbed 'the group of four' an unreasonable allocation of oversight authority that will only slow down the ability of the government to do its job.
Luke, at the close of a recent meeting where Oconee County Chairman Melvin Davis had defended his communication abilities, vented at length about how the latter was mistaken. As an example used his defense, Luke pointed to the hiring of Emil Beshara as Oconee County's Director of Public Works. Luke said he learned of the hiring after Davis had made his decision and offered the job.
To which I say ... so?
Why would Luke know?
The ordinance spelling out the responsibilities for the local government grant Davis the power to make those hirings and firings. If Davis, an elected official, is awarded the power to take such action, then why should Luke or the rest of the commission get special treatment in terms of notification?
Let's contrast this with Athens-Clarke County where the county manager does the hiring and firing for the various departmental head positions. While Alan Reddish isn't elected as Davis is, he is legally granted the authority to make those employment decisions.
Earlier this year, Pam Reidy was named Director of Leisure Services after a job search and interview process, all conducted by Reddish who then offered her the job. The Athens-Clarke County Commission, however, had no say in this matter, and the body learned of her hiring when Reddish introduced her to the group at a meeting.
This process, of course, makes sense. It doesn't rely on micromanagement. It doesn't slow down the process for the sake of bureaucracy.
The more and more I sift through this, and more examples I hear of Davis's communication problems, the more it seems like it's nothing more than hurt feelings on the part of some commissioners.
Whether it's from a random staff member leaving town on county business or the commission learning of the hiring of a department head, those items are being communicated in the way that is totally appropriate for a growing county of this size and in accordance with the existing ordinance. There is absolutely no need for the commission to have advance awareness of every employee being in town or not, and there is no justification for them to gain a non-legislated role in the hiring and firing of county staff.
This proposed ordinance only adds to the chaos in an attempt to give what Kate McDaniel dubbed 'the group of four' an unreasonable allocation of oversight authority that will only slow down the ability of the government to do its job.
Sports ridiculousness, part one
There's been a couple of doses of 'sports insanity' in the past couple of days, and I'll take on the first one since it involves the Red Sox. It turns out that both Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz tested positive for performance enhancing drugs in 2003, along with more than 100 other Major League Baseball players during a random sampling of the league.
The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy suggests the titles won the Boston in 2004 and 2007 are now 'tainted' because of this revelation. Personally, I think Shaughnessy is just trying to reinvent 'The Curse of the Bambino' so folks will have a reason to buy his lousy book, but whatever.
Arguably, I think Shaughnessy and the rest of the detractors are embracing what has, unfortunately, become the sad narrative involving these developments. And that is everytime we see another shoe drop and another player test positive for PED use, we weep and gnash and bemoan how the sport has gone awry, all while labeling the player a 'cheater.'
So, up front, understand that I'm not condoning or encouraging the use of PEDs in any way, shape or form. My position, however, is that it's ridiculous for folks to sit in high-minded judgment of the players who did use those drugs given the circumstances of the era, and it's even more absurd to suggest titles won by the Red Sox (or Yankees or Cardinals or whoever else) are 'tainted' based on those circumstances.
For any player who tests positive to be labeled a 'cheater' they would have to be doing something no one else was doing and have the result of that action give them an unfair advantage over the competition. And, if more than 100 players tested positive in a random sample in 2003, there's ample evidence to suggest that this 'cheating' was running rampant through MLB.
So, if a large percentage of players are using PEDs - and we have objective and subjective evidence that confirms this - and these players are littered throughout the various teams in the league, then I'm struggling to see how anyone is really 'cheating' here.
If want a real culprit in this whole thing, don't blame the players who were merely doing what they could in order to keep up with their competitors, but instead point a finger at Bud Selig, the MLB commissioner. Selig turned a blind eye while this whole thing started growing because, well, money was good ... and coming off the disaster that was the 1994 strike, they needed some good publicity and some good money.
Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa delivered it, and we all thought it was awesome despite the fact that Sosa was an average hitter before that summer and McGwire looked like nothing short of The Incredible Hulk. Then the Yankees got good, and folks either loved or hated the Yankees so the ratings soared. And then my Red Sox challenged them, so folks tuned in to watch Boston ulimately dethrone them.
This isn't about players cheating. This is about players trying to do whatever is necessary to stay competitive and, as more and more began to use PEDs, the powers that be just ignored it ... and they were going to ignore it, then why not use them?
And if we were willing to accept it, then why should we blame them?
The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy suggests the titles won the Boston in 2004 and 2007 are now 'tainted' because of this revelation. Personally, I think Shaughnessy is just trying to reinvent 'The Curse of the Bambino' so folks will have a reason to buy his lousy book, but whatever.
Arguably, I think Shaughnessy and the rest of the detractors are embracing what has, unfortunately, become the sad narrative involving these developments. And that is everytime we see another shoe drop and another player test positive for PED use, we weep and gnash and bemoan how the sport has gone awry, all while labeling the player a 'cheater.'
So, up front, understand that I'm not condoning or encouraging the use of PEDs in any way, shape or form. My position, however, is that it's ridiculous for folks to sit in high-minded judgment of the players who did use those drugs given the circumstances of the era, and it's even more absurd to suggest titles won by the Red Sox (or Yankees or Cardinals or whoever else) are 'tainted' based on those circumstances.
For any player who tests positive to be labeled a 'cheater' they would have to be doing something no one else was doing and have the result of that action give them an unfair advantage over the competition. And, if more than 100 players tested positive in a random sample in 2003, there's ample evidence to suggest that this 'cheating' was running rampant through MLB.
So, if a large percentage of players are using PEDs - and we have objective and subjective evidence that confirms this - and these players are littered throughout the various teams in the league, then I'm struggling to see how anyone is really 'cheating' here.
If want a real culprit in this whole thing, don't blame the players who were merely doing what they could in order to keep up with their competitors, but instead point a finger at Bud Selig, the MLB commissioner. Selig turned a blind eye while this whole thing started growing because, well, money was good ... and coming off the disaster that was the 1994 strike, they needed some good publicity and some good money.
Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa delivered it, and we all thought it was awesome despite the fact that Sosa was an average hitter before that summer and McGwire looked like nothing short of The Incredible Hulk. Then the Yankees got good, and folks either loved or hated the Yankees so the ratings soared. And then my Red Sox challenged them, so folks tuned in to watch Boston ulimately dethrone them.
This isn't about players cheating. This is about players trying to do whatever is necessary to stay competitive and, as more and more began to use PEDs, the powers that be just ignored it ... and they were going to ignore it, then why not use them?
And if we were willing to accept it, then why should we blame them?
Music for the moment (The Kid turns two edition)
It was roughly two years ago, at another blog, when I introduced The Kid to the world and I was welcomed into the global fraternity of fatherhood, complete with all the joy, wonder, terror and amazement that comes with it. Safe to say, it's been the best two years of my life.
Baby Girl, these songs are for you, and your Daddy loves you.
Great Day To Be Alive by Travis Tritt
Drive (For Daddy Gene) by Alan Jackson
Daughter by Loudon Wainwright
There Goes My Life by Kenny Chesney
It Won't Be Like This For Long by Darius Rucker
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Whine me a river, ctd.
Perhaps David Poythress ought to look up 'cognitive dissonance' before he sounds out any more of his baffling email blasts.
In his latest attempt to needlessly burn bridges and sling unfounded accusations againsts fellow members of his party, Poythress is accusing Roy Barnes and Thurbert Baker of simply not caring about the issues. Of course, the only rationale Poythress has is they don't adhere to the shameless, attention-grubbing tactics his campaign relishes in.
So, again, more than a year away from the primary and polling at three percent against his opponents, all Poythress has is name-calling? Based on juvenile assumptions that because his opponents don't blast out inflammatory press releases and preen for every available camera they don't care about the challenges facing the state?
Of course, the curious thing is that most of Poythress's proposed fixes all sound oddly ... Republican in nature. More tax breaks and spending cuts are what I see a lot of throughout his platform.
In his latest attempt to needlessly burn bridges and sling unfounded accusations againsts fellow members of his party, Poythress is accusing Roy Barnes and Thurbert Baker of simply not caring about the issues. Of course, the only rationale Poythress has is they don't adhere to the shameless, attention-grubbing tactics his campaign relishes in.
So, again, more than a year away from the primary and polling at three percent against his opponents, all Poythress has is name-calling? Based on juvenile assumptions that because his opponents don't blast out inflammatory press releases and preen for every available camera they don't care about the challenges facing the state?
Of course, the curious thing is that most of Poythress's proposed fixes all sound oddly ... Republican in nature. More tax breaks and spending cuts are what I see a lot of throughout his platform.
Broun's non-grant fair
Today is the grant fair being hosted by Rep. Paul Broun at The Georgia Center for Continuing Education, which, of course, is an interesting predicament given the congressman's deep disdain for the use of public money for anything short of war and, well, giving it away to really, really rich people ... something we all know anyway.
Still, it's today from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. so, if you're a non-profit needing some money, feel free to go listen to Broun tell you how you don't really need this money and, oh yeah, it's all unconstitutional by the way.
You might even luck out and get a 'Obamacare will kill you!' shout-out.
Still, it's today from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. so, if you're a non-profit needing some money, feel free to go listen to Broun tell you how you don't really need this money and, oh yeah, it's all unconstitutional by the way.
You might even luck out and get a 'Obamacare will kill you!' shout-out.
Couple of things
- I think there's a little overstatement going on here.
- The words 'media' and 'economic illiteracy' are incredibly ironic, particularly coming from John Stossel.
- Digging through the numbers for Walton County's water use.
- John Stewart points out yet another deliberate misrepresentation on the part of Rep. Paul Broun.
- The words 'media' and 'economic illiteracy' are incredibly ironic, particularly coming from John Stossel.
- Digging through the numbers for Walton County's water use.
- John Stewart points out yet another deliberate misrepresentation on the part of Rep. Paul Broun.
The cost question
I'm not entirely sure about a portion of this article ...
Speaking to a mostly liberal crowd of about 150 at the Ciné movie theater, panelists also did not hesitate to challenge a few of the left's misconceptions, such as that no one will be denied care under the Obama plan, or that the plan won't cost any more than the current system.
The public-option plan Obama has proposed, like Medicare, will not always approve the drug a doctor might want to prescribe, local physician David Jarrett said.
OK, I'm not aware of either of these things being hards truths hammered home by progressive reform advocates. For instance, the Congressional Budget Office has scored the various bills coming out of Congressional committees and presumed the coverage to be less than universal, but considerably higher than the existing level of coverage.
So, I don't think anyone is arguing this plan will cover everyone or that it won't cost money. The difference, however, is these reforms will cover vastly more people than the current system. That means if it has a comparable or slightly higher overall cost than the existing system, then it is ultimately achieving some measure of savings by providing more coverage with greater efficiency at equal expenditures.
We currently devote 1/6 of our nation's economy to health care expenses and 44 million people lack insurance while we languish in the middle-to-bottom of the pack of several key health indicators. This system, which is being structured to be revenue neutral through a variety of spending cuts and cost offsets, will cover many more people for, in essence, the same price.
Furthermore, private insurance is rationed every day, it's just that it isn't called rationing. Insurance companies limit the doctors you can visit. They establish co-pays, deductibles and caps to foster self-rationing. They deny coverage for certain medicines or treatments. They refuse to offer coverage to certain individuals who have pre-existing conditions.
Speaking to a mostly liberal crowd of about 150 at the Ciné movie theater, panelists also did not hesitate to challenge a few of the left's misconceptions, such as that no one will be denied care under the Obama plan, or that the plan won't cost any more than the current system.
The public-option plan Obama has proposed, like Medicare, will not always approve the drug a doctor might want to prescribe, local physician David Jarrett said.
OK, I'm not aware of either of these things being hards truths hammered home by progressive reform advocates. For instance, the Congressional Budget Office has scored the various bills coming out of Congressional committees and presumed the coverage to be less than universal, but considerably higher than the existing level of coverage.
So, I don't think anyone is arguing this plan will cover everyone or that it won't cost money. The difference, however, is these reforms will cover vastly more people than the current system. That means if it has a comparable or slightly higher overall cost than the existing system, then it is ultimately achieving some measure of savings by providing more coverage with greater efficiency at equal expenditures.
We currently devote 1/6 of our nation's economy to health care expenses and 44 million people lack insurance while we languish in the middle-to-bottom of the pack of several key health indicators. This system, which is being structured to be revenue neutral through a variety of spending cuts and cost offsets, will cover many more people for, in essence, the same price.
Furthermore, private insurance is rationed every day, it's just that it isn't called rationing. Insurance companies limit the doctors you can visit. They establish co-pays, deductibles and caps to foster self-rationing. They deny coverage for certain medicines or treatments. They refuse to offer coverage to certain individuals who have pre-existing conditions.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Mike Hamby Experiment
Well, I got a good bit of feedback regarding musical selections for Athens-Clarke County District 10 Commissioner Mike Hamby's intro for Friday's bachelor's auction benefitting the American Cancer Society.
Hillary offered R. Kelly's Sex In The Kitchen, a song I am not familiar with at all and, apparently, is banned on YouTube due to copyright reasons in the U.S. Another song that I had never heard was reader P.A.'s suggestion Miss Officer by Lil' Wayne.
Reader M.M. offered James Brown's Sex Machine, while Hamby's fellow commissioner, Alice Kinman, had a variety of suggestions ranging from The Boy From Ipanema to ABC by The Jackson Five.
The most entertaining suggestion, however, comes from reader R.S. who offered 'anything by The Lonely Island' ... which is comedian Andy Sandberg's project, which is very funny, albeit incredibly vulgar. A few examples would include I'm On A Boat, Like A Boss and the uniquely named J*** In My Pants. It goes without saying that all three of the final selections are, um, not safe for work.
Hillary offered R. Kelly's Sex In The Kitchen, a song I am not familiar with at all and, apparently, is banned on YouTube due to copyright reasons in the U.S. Another song that I had never heard was reader P.A.'s suggestion Miss Officer by Lil' Wayne.
Reader M.M. offered James Brown's Sex Machine, while Hamby's fellow commissioner, Alice Kinman, had a variety of suggestions ranging from The Boy From Ipanema to ABC by The Jackson Five.
The most entertaining suggestion, however, comes from reader R.S. who offered 'anything by The Lonely Island' ... which is comedian Andy Sandberg's project, which is very funny, albeit incredibly vulgar. A few examples would include I'm On A Boat, Like A Boss and the uniquely named J*** In My Pants. It goes without saying that all three of the final selections are, um, not safe for work.
Walton County's water use
We were all quick to throw Walton County under bus for its need to buy an additional 500,000 gallons of water per day from a variety of local counties and/or entities.
Well, we probably shouldn't have necessarily thrown them under, but a gentle nudge into traffic might have been more appropriate.
If you take a look at the June 2009 water use data for Georgia's water basins, we find that Walton County has actually been fairly mild in its increase in consumption. Of the four facilities being monitored, the highest percentage increase was a 14.2 percent jump by Monroe.
However, there's always a little more to the story. In June 2009, Monroe is using more water than it did in June 2007 - 12.2 percent more - suggesting the conservation habits haven't stuck in that community. In fact, Monroe only reduced its usage from 2.29 million gallons per day in 2007 to 2.25 million gallons per day during the peak of the drought and restrictions last year, while, during the same time frame, the Walton County Water Authority only went down from 4.8 million gallons per day to 4.05 million gallons per day.
This suggests, then, that Walton County didn't undertake the same measures to reduce its water consumption as its neighbors did, including the neighbors its now having to buy water from.
By contrast, Athens-Clarke County is consuming 19.5 percent less water in June 2009 compared to June 2007, while Oconee County is down 22.5 percent during the same time frame.
Well, we probably shouldn't have necessarily thrown them under, but a gentle nudge into traffic might have been more appropriate.
If you take a look at the June 2009 water use data for Georgia's water basins, we find that Walton County has actually been fairly mild in its increase in consumption. Of the four facilities being monitored, the highest percentage increase was a 14.2 percent jump by Monroe.
However, there's always a little more to the story. In June 2009, Monroe is using more water than it did in June 2007 - 12.2 percent more - suggesting the conservation habits haven't stuck in that community. In fact, Monroe only reduced its usage from 2.29 million gallons per day in 2007 to 2.25 million gallons per day during the peak of the drought and restrictions last year, while, during the same time frame, the Walton County Water Authority only went down from 4.8 million gallons per day to 4.05 million gallons per day.
This suggests, then, that Walton County didn't undertake the same measures to reduce its water consumption as its neighbors did, including the neighbors its now having to buy water from.
By contrast, Athens-Clarke County is consuming 19.5 percent less water in June 2009 compared to June 2007, while Oconee County is down 22.5 percent during the same time frame.
Slow jammin' the news
This was funny.
Given the deal with the Blue Dogs, coupled with more news that the economy is stabilizing, I think it's safe to say he's getting his swagger back.
Given the deal with the Blue Dogs, coupled with more news that the economy is stabilizing, I think it's safe to say he's getting his swagger back.
Some housekeeping
Given that I've had to deal with both of these more than once in recent weeks, I feel a primer is necessary ...
- I rely on email exchanges to do interviews. That's my preference for a variety of reasons. For starters it provides a written record to protect both me and the interview subject. It's also much more convenient for all parties, giving myself and the subject the ability to think through both questions and answers, and offer both on our own timeframes. I'm not bumping up against any deadline, so I rarely tell folks that I need something by a certain time. Likewise, I don't do this for a living. It's a hobby, quite frankly, and I don't earn a penny for running this blog. I have other, ongoing professional ventures that I pursue which do earn money and occupy my time, thus meaning email is my preferred avenue for engaging in dialogue. I'm not opposed to conducting an interview via phone or in person, but finding the time to do so can be tricky for all parties. Again, I'm not a full-time or compensated reporter, so finding time to make those requested phone calls or schedule a meeting can be difficult. My general rule, then, is to use email.
- I don't permit comments for roughly the same reasons. I'm a firm believer in moderating comments to help avoid slanderous and outrageous attacks on me or other commenters (as has happened in the past and is frequent on other blogs or online news sites) to also encourage more in-depth conversation and debate. Moderating comments, however, forced me to have to check my email on more-than-regular basis and, more times than not, having to reject comments which amounted to 'you and/or Commenter X are stupid.' Quite frankly, I just don't have the time or patience for that. As a result, I don't allow comments anymore. I do, however, strongly encourage feedback via email, and my email address is listed off to the side. I regularly put up a 'From The Mailbag' post that offers contrasting or reinforcing commentary from readers (using their initials unless otherwise specified), and I let it stand alone without any comment from me for that particular post.
- I rely on email exchanges to do interviews. That's my preference for a variety of reasons. For starters it provides a written record to protect both me and the interview subject. It's also much more convenient for all parties, giving myself and the subject the ability to think through both questions and answers, and offer both on our own timeframes. I'm not bumping up against any deadline, so I rarely tell folks that I need something by a certain time. Likewise, I don't do this for a living. It's a hobby, quite frankly, and I don't earn a penny for running this blog. I have other, ongoing professional ventures that I pursue which do earn money and occupy my time, thus meaning email is my preferred avenue for engaging in dialogue. I'm not opposed to conducting an interview via phone or in person, but finding the time to do so can be tricky for all parties. Again, I'm not a full-time or compensated reporter, so finding time to make those requested phone calls or schedule a meeting can be difficult. My general rule, then, is to use email.
- I don't permit comments for roughly the same reasons. I'm a firm believer in moderating comments to help avoid slanderous and outrageous attacks on me or other commenters (as has happened in the past and is frequent on other blogs or online news sites) to also encourage more in-depth conversation and debate. Moderating comments, however, forced me to have to check my email on more-than-regular basis and, more times than not, having to reject comments which amounted to 'you and/or Commenter X are stupid.' Quite frankly, I just don't have the time or patience for that. As a result, I don't allow comments anymore. I do, however, strongly encourage feedback via email, and my email address is listed off to the side. I regularly put up a 'From The Mailbag' post that offers contrasting or reinforcing commentary from readers (using their initials unless otherwise specified), and I let it stand alone without any comment from me for that particular post.
Details emerge
Details are emerging from the deal struck between the Blue Dogs and the other 206 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they're largely what I expected and overwhelmingly positive ...
On substance, the exemption from penalties for small businesses that do not provide health care to workers has been raised to include small businesses with payrolls of $500,000 per year or less. Originally the bill called for the exemption to apply only to businesses with payrolls half that size.
The public option hasn't gone away, and remains in tact. Now, though, instead of being directly tied to Medicare, the rates will be negotiated by the Health and Human Services secretary--a provision which at a glance seems similar to the public option the Senate HELP Committee endorsed. States will be able to erect health care co-operatives if they choose, but that would be in addition to the public option.
The Blue Dogs managed to pull $100 billion in savings from the bill by lowering by one percent the rate at which people living between 300 and 400 percent of the poverty level will be subsidized to buy health care in insurance exchanges--they had originally tried to eliminate that bracket entirely.
On substance, the exemption from penalties for small businesses that do not provide health care to workers has been raised to include small businesses with payrolls of $500,000 per year or less. Originally the bill called for the exemption to apply only to businesses with payrolls half that size.
The public option hasn't gone away, and remains in tact. Now, though, instead of being directly tied to Medicare, the rates will be negotiated by the Health and Human Services secretary--a provision which at a glance seems similar to the public option the Senate HELP Committee endorsed. States will be able to erect health care co-operatives if they choose, but that would be in addition to the public option.
The Blue Dogs managed to pull $100 billion in savings from the bill by lowering by one percent the rate at which people living between 300 and 400 percent of the poverty level will be subsidized to buy health care in insurance exchanges--they had originally tried to eliminate that bracket entirely.
Finally
According to CNN, the Blue Dogs have struck a deal with the other 206 Democrats in the House of Representatives that support health care reform.
Presumably, the bill still features a robust public insurance option, but has found ways to identify additional savings (I would expect by lowering the subsidy qualifier ... the initial proposal offered a graduated scale for subsidies to families making up to 400 percent of the poverty threshold). The bill should come out of committee by the end of the week and up for a vote when Congress returns from an August recess.
It's not ideal in terms of timetable, but it signals a breakthrough. Despite the lousy news regarding the coming bill from the Senate Finance Committee, we can assume that a total of six committees will submit health care reform proposals and five of them will feature a public option.
Presumably, the bill still features a robust public insurance option, but has found ways to identify additional savings (I would expect by lowering the subsidy qualifier ... the initial proposal offered a graduated scale for subsidies to families making up to 400 percent of the poverty threshold). The bill should come out of committee by the end of the week and up for a vote when Congress returns from an August recess.
It's not ideal in terms of timetable, but it signals a breakthrough. Despite the lousy news regarding the coming bill from the Senate Finance Committee, we can assume that a total of six committees will submit health care reform proposals and five of them will feature a public option.
Audience participation
My buddy Mike Hamby, the District 10 Commissioner for Athens-Clarke County, is participating in a bachelor's auction on Friday night at The Melting Point. And he's free to pick out his musical entrance song, and I'm turning that solicitation into a community-wide rally.
Email me at safeashousesathens@gmail.com with your suggestions for Hamby's intro music.
I've been leaning toward Love Man by Otis Redding, though the possibility of using Drop It Like It's Hot by Snoop Dogg has had me laughing out loud all morning.
Email me at safeashousesathens@gmail.com with your suggestions for Hamby's intro music.
I've been leaning toward Love Man by Otis Redding, though the possibility of using Drop It Like It's Hot by Snoop Dogg has had me laughing out loud all morning.
Worth reading
Check out Kevan Williams's interesting 'Athens Rising' in this week's Flagpole. He talks about the possibility to transform the eastside of Athens-Clarke County into a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly area ... and it's got a ton of good ideas.
Couple of things
- Hopefully, there's some momentum building against the proposed restructuring of the Oconee County government. It's a dramatic overreaction to what is supposedly a specific problem - communication. Stripping responsibilities away from the chairman and transforming that position into nothing more than a titular head is absurd.
- Lee Becker's take on it is here.
- Very glad everyone's safe, but listen ... if a former mayor is having his house broken in to, then, again I dispute the people who keep telling me that crime 'won't be that big of a deal' in next year's mayoral election. In fact, it ought to be something the candidates harp on.
- Likewise, can I point out that perhaps Margaret Hale gave out the wrong number? I've spoken with three people who called her because they heard her give out her number, but she never returned their calls. And, though I didn't call her, I have sent her two emails on another topic ... one the three other Oconee County commissioners responded to.
- Hillary picks up on something that is ignored in the initial reporting ... which Athens Regional Medical Center is implementing deep budget cuts and laying off 17 workers because their profits might be down. It ain't like they're not making lots of money, it's that, apparently, pesky things like employee benefits are keeping them from making lots and lots of money.
- Lee Becker's take on it is here.
- Very glad everyone's safe, but listen ... if a former mayor is having his house broken in to, then, again I dispute the people who keep telling me that crime 'won't be that big of a deal' in next year's mayoral election. In fact, it ought to be something the candidates harp on.
- Likewise, can I point out that perhaps Margaret Hale gave out the wrong number? I've spoken with three people who called her because they heard her give out her number, but she never returned their calls. And, though I didn't call her, I have sent her two emails on another topic ... one the three other Oconee County commissioners responded to.
- Hillary picks up on something that is ignored in the initial reporting ... which Athens Regional Medical Center is implementing deep budget cuts and laying off 17 workers because their profits might be down. It ain't like they're not making lots of money, it's that, apparently, pesky things like employee benefits are keeping them from making lots and lots of money.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Outside the box
Given that a federal judge wants to clamp down on one of North Georgia's primary water supplies, it might make sense to start thinking about not only increased conservation but also some innovative ideas on addressing the state's water problem.
So, here's one ... desalination.
Granted it would be costly, but establishing a statewide system of pumping water in from the Atlantic Ocean doesn't seem like a terrible idea. And, considering that the world's glaciers are melting at a disturbingly rapid pace, sucking some of that excess water away doesn't seem like an awful idea to me.
So, here's one ... desalination.
Granted it would be costly, but establishing a statewide system of pumping water in from the Atlantic Ocean doesn't seem like a terrible idea. And, considering that the world's glaciers are melting at a disturbingly rapid pace, sucking some of that excess water away doesn't seem like an awful idea to me.
OK?
Doug Heckman, who was the Democratic challenger to Rep. John Linder last year, has sent out a curious press release touting his volunteering to return to Iraq for military service. Heckman, who has served a pair of tours overseas, also commented on the number of elected officials with combat service ...
I came back from Iraq in 2007 determined to bring a problem solving philosophy to our government. We have kicked the can down the road on so many issues and I was determined to try to do my part to change that trend. There is a constant need for fresh ideas and new people in government. Too many politicians get caught up in retaining their job instead of doing what the people elected them to do.
The percentage of politicians with military experience is at an all-time low in Washington. We need more combat veterans in government.
Arguably, Heckman is setting himself up for another run at something.
And, while I completely appreciate and value his service to the country, this just flat-out strikes me as rather odd. A lot of brave folks volunteer to go to Iraq or Afghanistan and don't send out press releases on it.
I came back from Iraq in 2007 determined to bring a problem solving philosophy to our government. We have kicked the can down the road on so many issues and I was determined to try to do my part to change that trend. There is a constant need for fresh ideas and new people in government. Too many politicians get caught up in retaining their job instead of doing what the people elected them to do.
The percentage of politicians with military experience is at an all-time low in Washington. We need more combat veterans in government.
Arguably, Heckman is setting himself up for another run at something.
And, while I completely appreciate and value his service to the country, this just flat-out strikes me as rather odd. A lot of brave folks volunteer to go to Iraq or Afghanistan and don't send out press releases on it.
A bit of analysis
Congressional Republicans are banking on a strategy of slowing down the process in implementing health care reform - reform that includes a public insurance option favored by more than 70 percent of the nation in three recent polls - as a way to regain political momentum and politically damage President Obama. They've offered no plan, are stalling on key committees and are gearing up to blast the proposed reforms using deliberately misleading language during the upcoming recess.
Blue Dog Democrats, like former Athens-Clarke County Commissioner and current 12th Congressional District Rep. John Barrow, are willingly supporting this strategy under the guise of fiscal responsibility. The actual reason, of course, is the fear of political reprecussions in their moderate to conservative districts (particularly since the Congressional Budget Office has repeatedly scored their proposals as the more costly alternative).
Both of these strategies, however, are misguided. While there is a legitimate political rationale for the Republican line of attack, the hesitancy of the Blue Dogs is rather puzzling for one simple reason ... it's 2009, not 1994.
Despite the drama surrounding the ongoing health care debate, it's a virtual certainty the House of Representatives will pass a comprehensive reform package that features some element of the public option. Given that there are 55 votes in the Senate for a public option, two of the three committees charged with addressing the problem have included said public option in their approved plans and that, in order for the bill to fail, it would require five Democrats to side with Republicans in filibustering a popular Democratic president, it's evident something is going to happen here.
Now, consider that the House will approve a plan featuring a public option and that Democrats have 55 votes for a public option in the Senate ... then those five senators, coupled with a big, ole heap of Republican obstructionism, will be the only thing standing in the way of much-needed reform.
Blue Dogs are looking over their shoulders, fearful of the wrath of the voters. They don't realize, however, that by standing in the way of what is, by and large, a popular reform proposal, they're proving to be obstructionists themselves ... and that's something that Democratic primary voters will take very seriously. While a more progressive candidate may not be able to win a general election in those districts, they surely can compete with a conservative Democrat in a primary.
As evidenced with Sen. Arlen Specter, primary challenges work.
And if the Blue Dogs' ultimate goal is political preservation, that's something they ought to keep in mind.
Blue Dog Democrats, like former Athens-Clarke County Commissioner and current 12th Congressional District Rep. John Barrow, are willingly supporting this strategy under the guise of fiscal responsibility. The actual reason, of course, is the fear of political reprecussions in their moderate to conservative districts (particularly since the Congressional Budget Office has repeatedly scored their proposals as the more costly alternative).
Both of these strategies, however, are misguided. While there is a legitimate political rationale for the Republican line of attack, the hesitancy of the Blue Dogs is rather puzzling for one simple reason ... it's 2009, not 1994.
Despite the drama surrounding the ongoing health care debate, it's a virtual certainty the House of Representatives will pass a comprehensive reform package that features some element of the public option. Given that there are 55 votes in the Senate for a public option, two of the three committees charged with addressing the problem have included said public option in their approved plans and that, in order for the bill to fail, it would require five Democrats to side with Republicans in filibustering a popular Democratic president, it's evident something is going to happen here.
Now, consider that the House will approve a plan featuring a public option and that Democrats have 55 votes for a public option in the Senate ... then those five senators, coupled with a big, ole heap of Republican obstructionism, will be the only thing standing in the way of much-needed reform.
Blue Dogs are looking over their shoulders, fearful of the wrath of the voters. They don't realize, however, that by standing in the way of what is, by and large, a popular reform proposal, they're proving to be obstructionists themselves ... and that's something that Democratic primary voters will take very seriously. While a more progressive candidate may not be able to win a general election in those districts, they surely can compete with a conservative Democrat in a primary.
As evidenced with Sen. Arlen Specter, primary challenges work.
And if the Blue Dogs' ultimate goal is political preservation, that's something they ought to keep in mind.
Couple of things
- So the actual members of the Upper Oconee Water Basin are doing the right thing, but Walton County is out there screwing everyone over? Well, let's try that whole free market thing out and jack up the water rates for them. Perhaps passing that cost onto the consumer will deter them from overconsumption.
- Well, that was nice Mary Berry.
- In the frustrating department, I did some research on the 'Cash For Clunkers' program - which, in principal, I support - but found out I didn't qualify. My 1999 Honda Accord apparently gets too good of gas mileage, which is impressive for a 10-year-old car and is a testament to the quality of Honda but costs me the chance to get a rebate and participate in the various matching offers ... even though there are a variety of vehicles currently out that meet the greater fuel efficiency standards of the program.
- Lee Becker notes the rising opposition to Oconee County's proposed governmental restructuring, including The Oconee Enterprise's advocation against such a move.
- Well, that was nice Mary Berry.
- In the frustrating department, I did some research on the 'Cash For Clunkers' program - which, in principal, I support - but found out I didn't qualify. My 1999 Honda Accord apparently gets too good of gas mileage, which is impressive for a 10-year-old car and is a testament to the quality of Honda but costs me the chance to get a rebate and participate in the various matching offers ... even though there are a variety of vehicles currently out that meet the greater fuel efficiency standards of the program.
- Lee Becker notes the rising opposition to Oconee County's proposed governmental restructuring, including The Oconee Enterprise's advocation against such a move.
Photo by Curtis Compton of The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionMonday, July 27, 2009
From the mailbag
Reader CD, a former non-profit director, chimes in on health care ...
It's interesting because at the shelter, the adult residents were almost without exception uninsured and relied on the emergency room for care. They, of course, couldn't pay the bills, were chased down by collectors, and the hospital (and, thus, me and you) ended up eating the costs. Now I'm working at a bankruptcy law firm and it's a similar story. The difference is that the people in bankruptcy were, at some point, middle class enough to have credit. Their medical expenses are a significant source of their debt, but for them its mostly on credit cards. My assumption is that most of these folks were underinsured as opposed to uninsured, but that might not be entirely correct. Bankruptcy allows folks in this situation (at great cost, of course, to them in terms of credit and such) to discharge that debt, pay it at a reduced amount, etc. Here, too, the cost of that is rolled onto others (again, me and you) by the credit card companies.
I'm no economist, but I have to believe that, in the end, the burden to the "average taxpayer" will not be much different under a reformed system. Also, I believe it to be a moral issue - this issue of prohibiting citizens from receiving the health care they need based on their ability to pay.
Likewise, reader AK offers the following ...
What I think very strongly is that health care costs are killing families like mine. I work for a company that pays my health insurance but no dental. My husband, who is self-employed and has been for 14 years, and two children are covered by a separate plan. For 14 years we have gone from one miserable plan to another. Companies offer a halfway decent premium the first year and then the second year raise the premium anywhere from 25% to 50%. It has gotten so expensive that we now have a plan that pays nothing until a very high deductible is met, that's for each person. The ironic thing is that people like us are probably the ONLY people that pay the full price for care because our insurance company does not negotiate reduced prices. People complain about socialized medicine but my question is this, what percentage of working-Americans work for the government - local, state, or federal - and therefore receive government sponsored insurance? Seems like we already have universal health care for a high percentage of Americans and the rest of us are paying for it in taxes and high medical costs.
And reader RMD sounds off on Erick Erickson ...
I went to Mercer when Eric Erickson was there. He was as big of a douchebag and a blowhard in undergrad as he is now. Total joke then. Even bigger joke now. What a waste of air. The people at Mercer are constantly shaking their heads at him. He is an embarrassment. He is angling to try and get as big as he can get ... by being a s***-for-brains, yes man to the fundy-fringe. I wish I could say good luck in even getting to the pearly gates, but I believe that God's grace has room for even him.
It's interesting because at the shelter, the adult residents were almost without exception uninsured and relied on the emergency room for care. They, of course, couldn't pay the bills, were chased down by collectors, and the hospital (and, thus, me and you) ended up eating the costs. Now I'm working at a bankruptcy law firm and it's a similar story. The difference is that the people in bankruptcy were, at some point, middle class enough to have credit. Their medical expenses are a significant source of their debt, but for them its mostly on credit cards. My assumption is that most of these folks were underinsured as opposed to uninsured, but that might not be entirely correct. Bankruptcy allows folks in this situation (at great cost, of course, to them in terms of credit and such) to discharge that debt, pay it at a reduced amount, etc. Here, too, the cost of that is rolled onto others (again, me and you) by the credit card companies.
I'm no economist, but I have to believe that, in the end, the burden to the "average taxpayer" will not be much different under a reformed system. Also, I believe it to be a moral issue - this issue of prohibiting citizens from receiving the health care they need based on their ability to pay.
Likewise, reader AK offers the following ...
What I think very strongly is that health care costs are killing families like mine. I work for a company that pays my health insurance but no dental. My husband, who is self-employed and has been for 14 years, and two children are covered by a separate plan. For 14 years we have gone from one miserable plan to another. Companies offer a halfway decent premium the first year and then the second year raise the premium anywhere from 25% to 50%. It has gotten so expensive that we now have a plan that pays nothing until a very high deductible is met, that's for each person. The ironic thing is that people like us are probably the ONLY people that pay the full price for care because our insurance company does not negotiate reduced prices. People complain about socialized medicine but my question is this, what percentage of working-Americans work for the government - local, state, or federal - and therefore receive government sponsored insurance? Seems like we already have universal health care for a high percentage of Americans and the rest of us are paying for it in taxes and high medical costs.
And reader RMD sounds off on Erick Erickson ...
I went to Mercer when Eric Erickson was there. He was as big of a douchebag and a blowhard in undergrad as he is now. Total joke then. Even bigger joke now. What a waste of air. The people at Mercer are constantly shaking their heads at him. He is an embarrassment. He is angling to try and get as big as he can get ... by being a s***-for-brains, yes man to the fundy-fringe. I wish I could say good luck in even getting to the pearly gates, but I believe that God's grace has room for even him.
OneAthens?
Blake brings word of a second Republican jumping into the District 47 primary which means this seat, currently held by Madison County's Ralph Hudgens but represents half of progressive Athens-Clarke County, will more than likely remain in the hands of a non-Athenian.
Not shocking and, seeing how the community has Sen. Bill Cowsert - a man who I have several ideological disagreements with but who, by in large, has been a fairly effective representative for the area - there's nothing to be concerned about ... yet.
And Athens-Clarke County Chamber of Commerce President Doc Eldridge alluded to this last year ...
Splitting Clarke County between two districts could hurt Athens one day, though, because senators from outside Athens could potentially hold both seats, Eldridge said. Athens is the fifth-largest metro area in the state and should be guaranteed at least one senator, he said.
The question, of course, is when is that day? Arguably, it's going to happen within the next four to six years. Cowsert has been long regarded as a rising star in the Republican Party, and he's been connected to everything ranging from Lt. Governor to Congress (and, truth be told, I'd be obliged to see him challenge Rep. Paul Broun in the GOP primary).
Given that at some point in the near future Cowsert will head off for greener pastures, that puts a mildly competitive seat in play. However, it's still a Republican-leaning one that is dominated by conservatives in Oconee County and Walton County. So, then, who's on the bench for area Republicans?
Outside of Eldridge, is there another well-known Athens Republican who can win the seat, thus fulfilling what he thinks is essential for the community in terms of representation? Or, as I would expect, would a conservative from the two counties which dominate the process earn the Republican nomination?
In 2008, Sherry Jackson was solidly defeated by Cowsert in the general election as vote totals from the neighboring conservative counties swamped her. However, in Athens-Clarke County, she crushed Cowsert almost two-to-one by a 19,561 to 11,781 total. Likewise, Jane Kidd won Athens-Clarke County by a similar proportional margin in a non-presidential election (10,579 to 5,549).
Given the lack of viable Republican candidates in the area, it's not a stretch to realize that - absent some redistricting efforts - in the near future Athens-Clarke County will more than likely have a pair of state senators representing it that won't hail from the community.
Would the local entities, largely conservative ones, that supported splitting Athens-Clarke County in two districts have a change of heart and request giving the community one state senator rather than two ... even if it meant a virtual assurance that any state senator would be a Democrat?
Not shocking and, seeing how the community has Sen. Bill Cowsert - a man who I have several ideological disagreements with but who, by in large, has been a fairly effective representative for the area - there's nothing to be concerned about ... yet.
And Athens-Clarke County Chamber of Commerce President Doc Eldridge alluded to this last year ...
Splitting Clarke County between two districts could hurt Athens one day, though, because senators from outside Athens could potentially hold both seats, Eldridge said. Athens is the fifth-largest metro area in the state and should be guaranteed at least one senator, he said.
The question, of course, is when is that day? Arguably, it's going to happen within the next four to six years. Cowsert has been long regarded as a rising star in the Republican Party, and he's been connected to everything ranging from Lt. Governor to Congress (and, truth be told, I'd be obliged to see him challenge Rep. Paul Broun in the GOP primary).
Given that at some point in the near future Cowsert will head off for greener pastures, that puts a mildly competitive seat in play. However, it's still a Republican-leaning one that is dominated by conservatives in Oconee County and Walton County. So, then, who's on the bench for area Republicans?
Outside of Eldridge, is there another well-known Athens Republican who can win the seat, thus fulfilling what he thinks is essential for the community in terms of representation? Or, as I would expect, would a conservative from the two counties which dominate the process earn the Republican nomination?
In 2008, Sherry Jackson was solidly defeated by Cowsert in the general election as vote totals from the neighboring conservative counties swamped her. However, in Athens-Clarke County, she crushed Cowsert almost two-to-one by a 19,561 to 11,781 total. Likewise, Jane Kidd won Athens-Clarke County by a similar proportional margin in a non-presidential election (10,579 to 5,549).
Given the lack of viable Republican candidates in the area, it's not a stretch to realize that - absent some redistricting efforts - in the near future Athens-Clarke County will more than likely have a pair of state senators representing it that won't hail from the community.
Would the local entities, largely conservative ones, that supported splitting Athens-Clarke County in two districts have a change of heart and request giving the community one state senator rather than two ... even if it meant a virtual assurance that any state senator would be a Democrat?
Health reform update
- Ezra Klein, one of my favorite bloggers and writers, on managed competition.
- Paul Krugman takes the Blue Dogs to task, and here's hoping that somewhere, Rep. John Barrow is listening.
- And, as of late, Krugman's been on a roll. His post on 'Why Markets Can't Cure Health Care' ought to be passed out to all the Blue Dogs sitting on the fence.
- Today's post on individual insurance markets is also a must read, particularly for this ...
- Paul Krugman takes the Blue Dogs to task, and here's hoping that somewhere, Rep. John Barrow is listening.
- And, as of late, Krugman's been on a roll. His post on 'Why Markets Can't Cure Health Care' ought to be passed out to all the Blue Dogs sitting on the fence.
- Today's post on individual insurance markets is also a must read, particularly for this ...
So when you hear people like DeMint — or conservative economists — preach the wonders of a market-based health care system, bear in mind that this is what it would look like: an America in which nobody who has ever had a major health problem, or had a minor health problem that for some reason bothers the insurance company, can get coverage. Believing that it would turn out otherwise is the triumph of ideology over experience.
Couple of things
- Ultimately, I think the number of decreased values through assessments is accurate. The problem, it seems, is the national average is so much higher than the localized ones, which can probably be attributed to dramatically lower values in markets like Miami and Phoenix.
- Um, yes, I echo the sentiment of this editorial.
- Doug Bachtel's column wasn't necessarily off-base, just not aware of the actual ongoing activities.
- You know, I think logistically it would be tough, I'd disagree with massive cuts and I believe the state has a responsibility to support public education, but ... I like the thought process behind J.T.'s column.
- Um, yes, I echo the sentiment of this editorial.
- Doug Bachtel's column wasn't necessarily off-base, just not aware of the actual ongoing activities.
- You know, I think logistically it would be tough, I'd disagree with massive cuts and I believe the state has a responsibility to support public education, but ... I like the thought process behind J.T.'s column.
On the Bachtel column
Well, it's not that I disagree with Doug Bachtel's central argument - that a greater focus on education and job training is essential to long-term economic growth - it's that I just don't get the feeling he's been paying attention.
Here are a few key points about the true nature of Athens-Clarke County from a longtime keeper and observer of local statistics. Athens-Clarke County is the smallest county in Georgia in terms of land area and one of the smallest in the entire country. This fact is critical because it means that regional cooperation is of paramount importance. We simply cannot ignore our neighbors, and to do so is economic stagnation. ...
The next time someone starts harping about local economic development strategies tell them what we really need is comprehensive job and skill training programs. With a skilled, educated workforce, jobs will follow, but without the job training programs simply will never materialize.
On those two points ... the Athens-Clarke County Commission has already, by a unanimous vote, approved a regional partnership with Oconee County. The latter, however, has not brought up the issue for a vote meaning the community Bachtel is imploring to partner with its neighbors has already laid the foundation for doing so.
Secondly, as a stated goal of OneAthens, a variety of job training programs have been launched at Athens Tech, as well as the transformation of a local school into career academy. In addition, the Athens-Clarke County Commission approved the creation of a green jobs training program aimed to equip low-income workers with the skills needed to work in the emerging, new economy.
Again, it's not that the central thesis of Bachtel's column is misguided. It's that had he actually looked around, he would see a community that is actively addressing his concerns.
Here are a few key points about the true nature of Athens-Clarke County from a longtime keeper and observer of local statistics. Athens-Clarke County is the smallest county in Georgia in terms of land area and one of the smallest in the entire country. This fact is critical because it means that regional cooperation is of paramount importance. We simply cannot ignore our neighbors, and to do so is economic stagnation. ...
The next time someone starts harping about local economic development strategies tell them what we really need is comprehensive job and skill training programs. With a skilled, educated workforce, jobs will follow, but without the job training programs simply will never materialize.
On those two points ... the Athens-Clarke County Commission has already, by a unanimous vote, approved a regional partnership with Oconee County. The latter, however, has not brought up the issue for a vote meaning the community Bachtel is imploring to partner with its neighbors has already laid the foundation for doing so.
Secondly, as a stated goal of OneAthens, a variety of job training programs have been launched at Athens Tech, as well as the transformation of a local school into career academy. In addition, the Athens-Clarke County Commission approved the creation of a green jobs training program aimed to equip low-income workers with the skills needed to work in the emerging, new economy.
Again, it's not that the central thesis of Bachtel's column is misguided. It's that had he actually looked around, he would see a community that is actively addressing his concerns.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Tremendous
Sweet!
Rep. Paul Broun knows my name. I'm flattered.
Of course his rebuttal is exactly what I expected it to be because, again, remember when I asked this ...
Now, make no mistake, if you're ideologically opposed to some components of the proposed reform, such as a public option, then those are perfectly legitimate positions to hold. However, with needed reform within reach, it's not enough simply to say you don't like the proposed plan. You have to be able to explain why the proposal won't work, and then offer an alternative plan that expands coverage, lowers costs and increases efficiency.
Um, where's Broun's plan? I see a letter that's devoid of the necessary analysis, relies on fearmongering and laughably accuses me of being 'misinformed' solely because I didn't seek an audience with the congressman.
I issued a rather simple challenge. If you don't like the proposal, that's fine ... but tell me what you do like.
Broun, again, didn't do that.
Rep. Paul Broun knows my name. I'm flattered.
Of course his rebuttal is exactly what I expected it to be because, again, remember when I asked this ...
Now, make no mistake, if you're ideologically opposed to some components of the proposed reform, such as a public option, then those are perfectly legitimate positions to hold. However, with needed reform within reach, it's not enough simply to say you don't like the proposed plan. You have to be able to explain why the proposal won't work, and then offer an alternative plan that expands coverage, lowers costs and increases efficiency.
Um, where's Broun's plan? I see a letter that's devoid of the necessary analysis, relies on fearmongering and laughably accuses me of being 'misinformed' solely because I didn't seek an audience with the congressman.
I issued a rather simple challenge. If you don't like the proposal, that's fine ... but tell me what you do like.
Broun, again, didn't do that.
The read
From my Sunday column in the Athens Banner-Herald ...
Furthermore, in his sophomoric diatribe against Carter, Erickson falls prey to what is a common misconception about the divide between the more conservative SBC and the moderate Baptist organizations - which is it's all about politics.
The problem with these arguments, though, is they're concocted by those putting them forward. To suggest Carter left the SBC - or that the SBC saw several of its churches leave its ranks and form the more moderate Cooperative Baptist Fellowship - for merely political reasons is to misunderstand the hundreds of years of Baptist history.
The split in the SBC occurred not so much because of a shift toward fundamentalism in the late 1970s, but rather because many felt that shift was altering the basic definition of what it meant to be a Baptist. The denomination's tradition is rooted in the belief that each church is independent and each individual is free to prayerfully study the Bible in an attempt to derive his or her own meaning and interpretations from it.
The SBC, however, began to exhibit many tendencies of more hierarchical denominations where decrees and mandates are passed down from a centralized governing body to the local churches. It called on its membership to boycott certain businesses. It encouraged them to pull their children out of public schools. It issued definitive statements that minimized the role of women in worship.
It was a slow trickle of those top-heavy moves that wore down traditional Baptists who had shunned that centralized authority and formalized creeds. Or, as the Rev. Bill Ross, my former pastor at First Baptist Church of Athens, a former SBC church, once explained to me, "If I had a church member who wanted to go to Disney World on vacation, I didn't have the heart to tell them they couldn't."
Furthermore, in his sophomoric diatribe against Carter, Erickson falls prey to what is a common misconception about the divide between the more conservative SBC and the moderate Baptist organizations - which is it's all about politics.
The problem with these arguments, though, is they're concocted by those putting them forward. To suggest Carter left the SBC - or that the SBC saw several of its churches leave its ranks and form the more moderate Cooperative Baptist Fellowship - for merely political reasons is to misunderstand the hundreds of years of Baptist history.
The split in the SBC occurred not so much because of a shift toward fundamentalism in the late 1970s, but rather because many felt that shift was altering the basic definition of what it meant to be a Baptist. The denomination's tradition is rooted in the belief that each church is independent and each individual is free to prayerfully study the Bible in an attempt to derive his or her own meaning and interpretations from it.
The SBC, however, began to exhibit many tendencies of more hierarchical denominations where decrees and mandates are passed down from a centralized governing body to the local churches. It called on its membership to boycott certain businesses. It encouraged them to pull their children out of public schools. It issued definitive statements that minimized the role of women in worship.
It was a slow trickle of those top-heavy moves that wore down traditional Baptists who had shunned that centralized authority and formalized creeds. Or, as the Rev. Bill Ross, my former pastor at First Baptist Church of Athens, a former SBC church, once explained to me, "If I had a church member who wanted to go to Disney World on vacation, I didn't have the heart to tell them they couldn't."
Friday, July 24, 2009
What's in it for us?
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has released a district-by-district report on the benefits of the House Democrats' proposed health reform bill. In the 10th Congressional District, we'd see 93,000 folks who currently lack insurance gain it, while only 2,700 households would be subject to the surtax on the wealthiest one percent of Americans.
Going back on their word ... again
Granted, the challenges in the economy have resulted in Pilgrim's Pride's need to downsize its operations and lay off personnel.
That said, can we also call them dirty liars now?
Remember when Pilgrim's Pride went on the record with a declaration they wouldn't lay off anyone ...
Ray Atkinson, a spokesman for the company, said the filing will not have a direct impact on jobs. In fact, he said, the company believes the financing supplied through the reorganization plan would allow Pilgrim’s to reinvest and restructure the company.
Pilgrim’s reiterated in a press release that the company has requested permission to continue paying payroll, wages, benefits and other operational expenses. The corporation added that suppliers should expect to be paid for post-petition purchases of goods and services.
Kudos to the Athens Banner-Herald who, in its original reporting last year, suggested layoffs were likely.
That said, can we also call them dirty liars now?
Remember when Pilgrim's Pride went on the record with a declaration they wouldn't lay off anyone ...
Ray Atkinson, a spokesman for the company, said the filing will not have a direct impact on jobs. In fact, he said, the company believes the financing supplied through the reorganization plan would allow Pilgrim’s to reinvest and restructure the company.
Pilgrim’s reiterated in a press release that the company has requested permission to continue paying payroll, wages, benefits and other operational expenses. The corporation added that suppliers should expect to be paid for post-petition purchases of goods and services.
Kudos to the Athens Banner-Herald who, in its original reporting last year, suggested layoffs were likely.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
AMA issues statement
The American Medical Association sent me the following statement regarding Dr. Doug McKalip's email ...
Delegates to the American Medical Association are selected through their individual state and specialty societies, and their individual views and actions do not, in any way, represent the official view of the AMA. We condemn any actions or comments that are racist, discriminatory or unprofessional.
Delegates to the American Medical Association are selected through their individual state and specialty societies, and their individual views and actions do not, in any way, represent the official view of the AMA. We condemn any actions or comments that are racist, discriminatory or unprofessional.
Inappropriate racial humor and Georgia reps
Dr. David McKalip, a Florida neurosurgeon, is a leader in the fight against health care reform. And, apparently, he also enjoys dabbling a little bit of racial humor at the expense of the president ...
Asked about the email in a brief phone interview with TPMmuckraker, McKalip said he believes that by depicting the president as an African witch doctor, the artist who created the image "was expressing concerns that the health-care proposals [made by President Obama] would make the quality of medical care worse in our country." McKalip said he didn't know who created it.
But pressed on what was funny about an image that plays on racist stereotypes about Africans, McKalip declined to say, instead offering to talk about why he opposes Obama's health-care proposals.
And, because there always seems to be a Georgia connection to these types of stories, he's worked with Rep. Tom Price and Rep. Phil Gingrey fighting against health care reform.
Asked about the email in a brief phone interview with TPMmuckraker, McKalip said he believes that by depicting the president as an African witch doctor, the artist who created the image "was expressing concerns that the health-care proposals [made by President Obama] would make the quality of medical care worse in our country." McKalip said he didn't know who created it.
But pressed on what was funny about an image that plays on racist stereotypes about Africans, McKalip declined to say, instead offering to talk about why he opposes Obama's health-care proposals.
And, because there always seems to be a Georgia connection to these types of stories, he's worked with Rep. Tom Price and Rep. Phil Gingrey fighting against health care reform.
Just saying
Remember in my column where I said ...
You see, bipartisanship works when both sides are willing to work together to pursue a common end. In this case, however, the Republican leadership isn't acting like an honest broker. Rather than come to the table with ideas, suggestions and honest criticisms, they're busy concocting fictional horror stories of what is and what isn't in the proposed reform package. In a move that suggests nothing but callous indifference to the more than 44 million uninsured in the country, their stated goal is to conveniently ignore the problem and, instead, stall health care reform purely for political reasons.
Now, make no mistake, if you're ideologically opposed to some components of the proposed reform, such as a public option, then those are perfectly legitimate positions to hold. However, with needed reform within reach, it's not enough simply to say you don't like the proposed plan. You have to be able to explain why the proposal won't work, and then offer an alternative plan that expands coverage, lowers costs and increases efficiency.
Um, yeah, Republicans didn't get the memo ...
Republicans who had promised last month to offer a healthcare reform alternative are now suggesting no such bill will be introduced.
Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) said, “Our bill is never going to get to the floor, so why confuse the focus? We clearly have principles; we could have language, but why start diverting attention from this really bad piece of work they’ve got to whatever we’re offering right now?”
You see, bipartisanship works when both sides are willing to work together to pursue a common end. In this case, however, the Republican leadership isn't acting like an honest broker. Rather than come to the table with ideas, suggestions and honest criticisms, they're busy concocting fictional horror stories of what is and what isn't in the proposed reform package. In a move that suggests nothing but callous indifference to the more than 44 million uninsured in the country, their stated goal is to conveniently ignore the problem and, instead, stall health care reform purely for political reasons.
Now, make no mistake, if you're ideologically opposed to some components of the proposed reform, such as a public option, then those are perfectly legitimate positions to hold. However, with needed reform within reach, it's not enough simply to say you don't like the proposed plan. You have to be able to explain why the proposal won't work, and then offer an alternative plan that expands coverage, lowers costs and increases efficiency.
Um, yeah, Republicans didn't get the memo ...
Republicans who had promised last month to offer a healthcare reform alternative are now suggesting no such bill will be introduced.
Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) said, “Our bill is never going to get to the floor, so why confuse the focus? We clearly have principles; we could have language, but why start diverting attention from this really bad piece of work they’ve got to whatever we’re offering right now?”
Georgia in education 'crisis'
One-third of Georgia's schools feature disturbingly low graduation rates, placing the state in the bottom portion of the rankings on education performance.
According to the report, Geogia is one of five states facing a state-wide crisis in terms of its graduation rates. The state has 127 high schools that feature low-graduation rates.
According to the report, Geogia is one of five states facing a state-wide crisis in terms of its graduation rates. The state has 127 high schools that feature low-graduation rates.
Couple of things
- Lots of intraparty squabbling in the race for governor. Republican candidate John Oxendine lashed out at Gov. Sonny Perdue's decision to furlough teachers, while Democratic candidate David Poythress continued his crusade against Roy Barnes by blasting out an email blaming the former governor for the water problem Georgia currently faces.
- I agree with Blake ... on the whole, Pat Graham seems creepily rational for someone coming from a district represented by Sen. Ralph Hudgens.
- A pair of nice commentaries on E.H. Culpepper. Loran Smith traces his Athenian roots, while Brian Brodrick talked about Culpepper's visionary leadership.
- Commenter 'ihateregisteringido' offered some quality criticism, er, random insults in response to my column. So, to address his concerns ... actually, I was asked by the editorial staff at the Athens Banner-Herald to submit a weekly column (and, every once in a while, two columns per week). And I have no comments because I don't permit comments, though I do have a handy email address listed on the right side of this page were I sift through several messages, tips and inquiries per day. Thanks for playing though.
- If Adam LaRoche is the answer for my slumping Red Sox, I'm not sure I want to know the question.
- I agree with Blake ... on the whole, Pat Graham seems creepily rational for someone coming from a district represented by Sen. Ralph Hudgens.
- A pair of nice commentaries on E.H. Culpepper. Loran Smith traces his Athenian roots, while Brian Brodrick talked about Culpepper's visionary leadership.
- Commenter 'ihateregisteringido' offered some quality criticism, er, random insults in response to my column. So, to address his concerns ... actually, I was asked by the editorial staff at the Athens Banner-Herald to submit a weekly column (and, every once in a while, two columns per week). And I have no comments because I don't permit comments, though I do have a handy email address listed on the right side of this page were I sift through several messages, tips and inquiries per day. Thanks for playing though.
- If Adam LaRoche is the answer for my slumping Red Sox, I'm not sure I want to know the question.
From the mailbag
Reader XH offers some contrary thoughts on a recent pair of posts.
Re: On Centrism:
The "blue dog" Democrats do not generally represent liberal districts, but center-right ones where Republicans can have a pretty easy time displacing them in the next election if they are perceived as beholden to "big government" "tax and spend" and what-not. They simply have to watch their own backs. They have to buck the Dem Party line on certain issues. It's the same reason Olympia Snowe supported the stimulus. If she doesn't appear to be working hard to cooperate with Obama, there are plenty of Rockefeller, socially-liberal Republicans in our northeasternmost state who will happily vote Democrat at next time.
It IS kind of odd how it works out, but it makes sense on a deeper look. We don't see a lot of extreme minorities in two-party American politics (i.e., minorities that are not even sufficient to filibuster in the Senate, etc.), but now that we have one again it makes sense that this is how they would work. The minority party has the easy strategy, politically, as the article you quote makes clear. The Dems
are in the dominant position anyway, so they can pass whatever they want whether you support it or not. So, you might as well NOT support it, and that way if it fails you can claim to have been on the side of the right, and please give our party the keys to the car next time. But the majority party is actually in a stickier situation. Or, rather, the marginal members of the majority party are in a sticky
situation. If you are a Democrat right now from a district full of conservatives that just barely elected you while holding its nose, then you have to tread lightly. Helping Obama WIN on this issue just might be your ticket home next time. These guys have their own careers to worry about, not just helping the president with his.
Re: It's important to know the facts:
I don't understand the connection between rising health care costs and an opposition to tax cuts. If this stuff is getting more and more expensive, then presumably that is an argument in favor of freeing more and more of the people's money so they can afford to pay for the more expensive health care. That might not be the actual wise policy move in every situation, but I don't see where the "new government program" answer has any clear foothold on the problem at all ... because health care keeps getting more expensive, we should create a large government program that will handle it?
Re: On Centrism:
The "blue dog" Democrats do not generally represent liberal districts, but center-right ones where Republicans can have a pretty easy time displacing them in the next election if they are perceived as beholden to "big government" "tax and spend" and what-not. They simply have to watch their own backs. They have to buck the Dem Party line on certain issues. It's the same reason Olympia Snowe supported the stimulus. If she doesn't appear to be working hard to cooperate with Obama, there are plenty of Rockefeller, socially-liberal Republicans in our northeasternmost state who will happily vote Democrat at next time.
It IS kind of odd how it works out, but it makes sense on a deeper look. We don't see a lot of extreme minorities in two-party American politics (i.e., minorities that are not even sufficient to filibuster in the Senate, etc.), but now that we have one again it makes sense that this is how they would work. The minority party has the easy strategy, politically, as the article you quote makes clear. The Dems
are in the dominant position anyway, so they can pass whatever they want whether you support it or not. So, you might as well NOT support it, and that way if it fails you can claim to have been on the side of the right, and please give our party the keys to the car next time. But the majority party is actually in a stickier situation. Or, rather, the marginal members of the majority party are in a sticky
situation. If you are a Democrat right now from a district full of conservatives that just barely elected you while holding its nose, then you have to tread lightly. Helping Obama WIN on this issue just might be your ticket home next time. These guys have their own careers to worry about, not just helping the president with his.
Re: It's important to know the facts:
I don't understand the connection between rising health care costs and an opposition to tax cuts. If this stuff is getting more and more expensive, then presumably that is an argument in favor of freeing more and more of the people's money so they can afford to pay for the more expensive health care. That might not be the actual wise policy move in every situation, but I don't see where the "new government program" answer has any clear foothold on the problem at all ... because health care keeps getting more expensive, we should create a large government program that will handle it?
The read
From my mid-week column in the Athens Banner-Herald ...
To say Broun has a habit of being misleadingly melodramatic is to say a pig likes to play in the mud. Of course, the only difference is the pig has enough common sense to recognize when it's covered head to toe in filth.
There's a very serious, substantive debate going on right now in Washington, D.C., concerning a massive overhaul of a health care system in dire need of reform. It features various ideas pulled from all sorts of ideological perspectives, but, sadly, there seems to be only one political party willing to work on fixing this broken system.
Broun and his Republican colleagues in Congress - contrary to the vast majority of their supporters across the country - have no real interest in pursuing any measure of reform. Instead, they want a political win, and, to them, that win means offering nothing of value to the debate, while purposefully slowing down the process in an attempt to choke it to death.
A case in point: One health care reform bill that was just passed out of committee in the House of Representatives did so with the inclusion of 160 Republican amendments, but no Republican votes. In the Senate, another committee is spinning its wheels in what appears to be a hopeless attempt to find a compromise on the public insurance option, the centerpiece of the bill.
So, with that in mind, Broun says a public option will kill people and destroy freedom.
To say Broun has a habit of being misleadingly melodramatic is to say a pig likes to play in the mud. Of course, the only difference is the pig has enough common sense to recognize when it's covered head to toe in filth.
There's a very serious, substantive debate going on right now in Washington, D.C., concerning a massive overhaul of a health care system in dire need of reform. It features various ideas pulled from all sorts of ideological perspectives, but, sadly, there seems to be only one political party willing to work on fixing this broken system.
Broun and his Republican colleagues in Congress - contrary to the vast majority of their supporters across the country - have no real interest in pursuing any measure of reform. Instead, they want a political win, and, to them, that win means offering nothing of value to the debate, while purposefully slowing down the process in an attempt to choke it to death.
A case in point: One health care reform bill that was just passed out of committee in the House of Representatives did so with the inclusion of 160 Republican amendments, but no Republican votes. In the Senate, another committee is spinning its wheels in what appears to be a hopeless attempt to find a compromise on the public insurance option, the centerpiece of the bill.
So, with that in mind, Broun says a public option will kill people and destroy freedom.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Barrow woos Blue Dog reform opponents
As the Blue Dogs dilly-dally with health care reform, Rep. John Barrow collected their campaign contributions at a Washington D.C. Ruth's Chris Steakhosue.
Barrow, the former Athens-Clarke County Commissioner, has ducked committing to a public option as a central component of health care reform.
Barrow, the former Athens-Clarke County Commissioner, has ducked committing to a public option as a central component of health care reform.
Important to know the facts
Remember how Sen. Johnny Isakson sent me a letter where he said he wants to scuttle comprehensive health care reform in lieu of, you know, more tax cuts?
Well, this handy chart ought to be a reality check for the ineffectiveness of his proposal ...
Well, this handy chart ought to be a reality check for the ineffectiveness of his proposal ...
On centrism
Let's just say I agree with Harold Meyerson ...
The Republican opposition to President Obama's push for health-care reform, on the other hand, makes clear political sense. If they can stop Obama on health care, as South Carolina Republican Sen. Jim DeMint recently noted, it "will be his Waterloo." Why Democrats of any ideology want to cripple their own president in his first year in office, and for seeking an objective that has been a stated goal of their party since the Truman administration, is a more mysterious matter.
The Republican opposition to President Obama's push for health-care reform, on the other hand, makes clear political sense. If they can stop Obama on health care, as South Carolina Republican Sen. Jim DeMint recently noted, it "will be his Waterloo." Why Democrats of any ideology want to cripple their own president in his first year in office, and for seeking an objective that has been a stated goal of their party since the Truman administration, is a more mysterious matter.
Congressman Cloun
I love Pete.
And, if we're taking names to dump buckets of water on Rep. Paul Broun's head, sign me up!
And, if we're taking names to dump buckets of water on Rep. Paul Broun's head, sign me up!
The MACORTS report
Via Blake's article, here is the draft for the 2035 plan issued by MACORTS.
In good and bad news, the widening of Mars Hill Road remains. I'm open to it given that traffic can get pretty backed up along that corridor, but I'm a little disappointed since it's a nice, quiet country road that runs into downtown Watkinsville.
In good and bad news, the widening of Mars Hill Road remains. I'm open to it given that traffic can get pretty backed up along that corridor, but I'm a little disappointed since it's a nice, quiet country road that runs into downtown Watkinsville.
Couple of things
- Today's editorial endorses inefficient, micro-managed government.
- As was noted on a local sports radio show yesterday, it's interesting that today - 24 hours after a story broked that Ben Roethlisberger was being sued for sexual assault - there is still nothing regarding the story on ESPN's web site or on its on-air coverage. It's featured in a variety of other places, but nothing from ESPN ... though the network was all too eager to feature stories on Michael Vick, Kobe Bryant and Randy Moss when they went through legal troubles.
- The Tanyard Creek sewer line is fixed, though raw sewage leaks aren't vogue only in Athens-Clarke County. Oconee County just patched up a pair of them.
- Here's where the aforementioned editorial is rather silly to me. It argues that elected officials, such as current Oconee County Commission Chairman Melvin Davis, can't possibly have the necessary experience and skill set required to manage the day-to-day operations of a local government. Understandably, this is flawed for two reasons. First off, the editorial goes to great length to demonstrate that Davis does have those skills through his professional experiences, including eight years doing just those very things as chairman of Oconee County. Second, it issues a blanket assumption that a non-elected official magically possesses those skills solely because he or she is a non-elected official.
- As was noted on a local sports radio show yesterday, it's interesting that today - 24 hours after a story broked that Ben Roethlisberger was being sued for sexual assault - there is still nothing regarding the story on ESPN's web site or on its on-air coverage. It's featured in a variety of other places, but nothing from ESPN ... though the network was all too eager to feature stories on Michael Vick, Kobe Bryant and Randy Moss when they went through legal troubles.
- The Tanyard Creek sewer line is fixed, though raw sewage leaks aren't vogue only in Athens-Clarke County. Oconee County just patched up a pair of them.
- Here's where the aforementioned editorial is rather silly to me. It argues that elected officials, such as current Oconee County Commission Chairman Melvin Davis, can't possibly have the necessary experience and skill set required to manage the day-to-day operations of a local government. Understandably, this is flawed for two reasons. First off, the editorial goes to great length to demonstrate that Davis does have those skills through his professional experiences, including eight years doing just those very things as chairman of Oconee County. Second, it issues a blanket assumption that a non-elected official magically possesses those skills solely because he or she is a non-elected official.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Local representation?
I have no doubt that Pat Graham is a capable mayor for Braselton, but isn't it a tad absurd that she's a candidate in a race to represent Athens-Clarke County in Georgia's State Senate?
Isakson parties like it's 1994
Though I was fully aware of the response I'd receive, I nonetheless submitted a pair of letters to both Sen. Johnny Isakson and Sen. Saxby Chambliss expressing my support for a public option component as part of an overall health reform package and urging them to support said legislation. Naturally, they sent back automated responses that told they wouldn't.
Isakson's response, however, was particularly intriguing given his status as a member of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. He touted his vote against the bill and argued that Republicans were 'shut out of the drafting of the bill' ... though, of course, that's incredibly absurd given that Republican input was sought and desired. Rather than be constructive in their criticism, however, Isakson and his colleagues repeatedly stressed two things - the need to slow down any measure of reform and to incorporate more tax cuts into the picture.
In fact, Isakson directed me to his plan for saving health care, the Patient's Choice Act. Of course, it's the same old, tired policies trotted out by conservative leaders that does nothing to address rising costs and increasing numbers of uninsured. The cure-all solution is, laughably, a tax cut in the form or $5,700 per family, per year. While that tax cut would barely cover the annual expenses of health insurance, it does nothing to expand coverage or control rising costs (though it would end employer obligations for insurance provision).
Isakson doesn't like the proposed public option not because, like many conservatives, he doesn't think it wouldn't work ... he thinks it would work too well. Therefore, his only course of action is work to prolong the debate and hope the proposed reform is suffocated.
It's classy, isn't it?
Isakson's response, however, was particularly intriguing given his status as a member of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. He touted his vote against the bill and argued that Republicans were 'shut out of the drafting of the bill' ... though, of course, that's incredibly absurd given that Republican input was sought and desired. Rather than be constructive in their criticism, however, Isakson and his colleagues repeatedly stressed two things - the need to slow down any measure of reform and to incorporate more tax cuts into the picture.
In fact, Isakson directed me to his plan for saving health care, the Patient's Choice Act. Of course, it's the same old, tired policies trotted out by conservative leaders that does nothing to address rising costs and increasing numbers of uninsured. The cure-all solution is, laughably, a tax cut in the form or $5,700 per family, per year. While that tax cut would barely cover the annual expenses of health insurance, it does nothing to expand coverage or control rising costs (though it would end employer obligations for insurance provision).
Isakson doesn't like the proposed public option not because, like many conservatives, he doesn't think it wouldn't work ... he thinks it would work too well. Therefore, his only course of action is work to prolong the debate and hope the proposed reform is suffocated.
It's classy, isn't it?
Another student candidate for mayor?
Via Georgia Liberal, note the declared candidates for Athens-Clarke County mayor along the right-hand side of the page.
You'll recognize both Nancy Denson and Charlie Maddox, as well as University of Georgia student Brandon Shinholser. There's a fourth one, however, and it's another student in Glenn Stegall.
Stegall is currently the president of UGA's Young Democrats, and his candidacy is profiled on www.runforoffice.org.
After I first heard this rumor earlier this month, Stegall and I exchanged emails. We've yet to meet, and he didn't confirm to me that he was seeking the office.
Other sources, however, have indicated to me that Stegall is planning on running and, given the dueling web confirmations, it seems he's in the race.
You'll recognize both Nancy Denson and Charlie Maddox, as well as University of Georgia student Brandon Shinholser. There's a fourth one, however, and it's another student in Glenn Stegall.
Stegall is currently the president of UGA's Young Democrats, and his candidacy is profiled on www.runforoffice.org.
After I first heard this rumor earlier this month, Stegall and I exchanged emails. We've yet to meet, and he didn't confirm to me that he was seeking the office.
Other sources, however, have indicated to me that Stegall is planning on running and, given the dueling web confirmations, it seems he's in the race.
Couple of things
- A nice article on E.H. Culpepper, who passed away yesterday morning after a long battle with cancer.
- I say again ... if you don't think crime won't be a big issue in the 2010 local elections, you're gonna be mistaken.
- Putting up signs in Cobbham aimed at slowing down traffic speeding through the neighborhood has resulted in those signs being taken for being placed in the right-of-way ... thus raising a host of questions regarding enforcement.
- Cutting the Keep Oconee Beautiful director's position? Yeah, it's gonna cost us money.
- Arguably I don't think we should go to tax rates being 77 percent on the wealthiest Americans, but I think the central point of Chip Shirley's argument is sound - that higher tax rates on wealthier citizens provides a strong foundation for the country and does nothing to deter long-term economic growth.
- I say again ... if you don't think crime won't be a big issue in the 2010 local elections, you're gonna be mistaken.
- Putting up signs in Cobbham aimed at slowing down traffic speeding through the neighborhood has resulted in those signs being taken for being placed in the right-of-way ... thus raising a host of questions regarding enforcement.
- Cutting the Keep Oconee Beautiful director's position? Yeah, it's gonna cost us money.
- Arguably I don't think we should go to tax rates being 77 percent on the wealthiest Americans, but I think the central point of Chip Shirley's argument is sound - that higher tax rates on wealthier citizens provides a strong foundation for the country and does nothing to deter long-term economic growth.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Coming to play
I really like this President Obama fella ...
Obama (be) will omnipresent this week, pressuring Congress to get work done, with a particular focus on conservative Democrats and Democrats with cold feet. It's hard to know what exactly he'll say behind closed doors. Surely he'll address the importance of the public option, and the need to settle on a financing scheme. But if today's public appearances any indication, the political implication will be clear: To anybody who's thinking it might be best to crawl toward the finish line, you're either with me, or you're with the right wingers.
Obama (be) will omnipresent this week, pressuring Congress to get work done, with a particular focus on conservative Democrats and Democrats with cold feet. It's hard to know what exactly he'll say behind closed doors. Surely he'll address the importance of the public option, and the need to settle on a financing scheme. But if today's public appearances any indication, the political implication will be clear: To anybody who's thinking it might be best to crawl toward the finish line, you're either with me, or you're with the right wingers.
Sign flaps in Cobbham
An ordinance used to minimize the clutter of signs along commericial corridors is now hindering the ability of an Athens-Clarke County neighborhood to calm traffic.
Cobbham's neighborhood association has led a grassroots effort to make its streets safer for its children, particularly as young families being to flood the area. One of its primary steps was the purchase and distribution of signs that read 'Slow Down' for use by individual property owners. The signs were, by in large, placed in the front yards of property owners.
And, a recent posting on the Cobbham listserv that was forwarded to me, suggests antedoctal evidence of its success (noting, in particular, a blind curve that stretches around the Plaza onto Hill Street).
On Friday, however, the signs along Hill Street were removed by Athens-Clarke County staff members. An exchange on the listserve thread noted that a Hill Street resident asked an official why the signs were being removed, though that official refused to identify himself or offer an explanation on why they were being taken down. The rationale was later given was that certain signs were located in the right-of-way, thus violating a local ordinance.
A traffic study conducted in the fall of 2008 offered evidence that Cobbham met the necessary qualifications to receive funding for traffic calming measures, but, given the budget crunches confronting local governments, those allocations have been either cut or postponed until the economy rebounds.
As a result, Cobbham residents decided to take matters into their own hands through the acquisition of a variety of signs encouraging drivers to slow down as they pass through the area. And while the majority of the signs were put out on private property, others were put up in right-of-way areas to maximize exposure.
Cobbham's neighborhood association has led a grassroots effort to make its streets safer for its children, particularly as young families being to flood the area. One of its primary steps was the purchase and distribution of signs that read 'Slow Down' for use by individual property owners. The signs were, by in large, placed in the front yards of property owners.
And, a recent posting on the Cobbham listserv that was forwarded to me, suggests antedoctal evidence of its success (noting, in particular, a blind curve that stretches around the Plaza onto Hill Street).
On Friday, however, the signs along Hill Street were removed by Athens-Clarke County staff members. An exchange on the listserve thread noted that a Hill Street resident asked an official why the signs were being removed, though that official refused to identify himself or offer an explanation on why they were being taken down. The rationale was later given was that certain signs were located in the right-of-way, thus violating a local ordinance.
A traffic study conducted in the fall of 2008 offered evidence that Cobbham met the necessary qualifications to receive funding for traffic calming measures, but, given the budget crunches confronting local governments, those allocations have been either cut or postponed until the economy rebounds.
As a result, Cobbham residents decided to take matters into their own hands through the acquisition of a variety of signs encouraging drivers to slow down as they pass through the area. And while the majority of the signs were put out on private property, others were put up in right-of-way areas to maximize exposure.
The handbill clarity
I've been doing some work to decipher, somewhat, the existing code that regulates the distribution of handbills in Athens-Clarke County. Local rapper Tommy Valentine has emailed a massive plea arguing for changes in the city's ordinance governing the practice and also taken to Facebook to mobilize support for such action.
This portion of the code would seem to be the reason Valentine was fined ...
Sec. 3-12-10. Throwing or distributing commercial hand bills in public places.
No person shall throw or deposit any commercial or noncommercial handbill in or upon any sidewalk, street or other public place within Athens-Clarke County. Nor shall any such person hand out or distribute or sell any commercial handbill in any public place; provided, however, it shall not be unlawful on any sidewalk, street or other public place within Athens-Clarke County for any person to hand out or distribute, without charge to the receiver thereof, any noncommercial handbill to any person willing to accept it.
In his email, Valentine argued this was a new ordinance ...
... I was also told that handbilling is no longer allowed in Athens-Clarke County. After some digging, I was further informed that a great deal of this has to do with my city’s need for greater income. By following and fining for stricter regulations, alongside the increase in downtown parking fees, the city might receive much needed funds.
Truth be told, the distribution of commerical handbills in Athens-Clarke County has been banned for more than 17 years.
This has been law in the community since April 1992 and, based on conversations I've had with folks who would know, it refers to the distribution of handbills for commercial reasons (i.e. the selling or marketing the sale of a particular good or service). Valentine, as he acknowledged in his email, was promoting a concert, thus meaning it was a commercial event and was punishable with a fine.
The community has, however, various public kiosks and boards where the placement of commerical handbills or posters is permittable, and there are various businesses which have similar displays for such types of events.
Valentine's plea, then, rests on connecting the issue with the hopes of the declared candidates for mayor ...
I would hope that this is especially concerning to those of you planning to run for local office next year: Nancy Denson, Charlie Maddox, and others. Can you honestly say that you do not plan to hand out pamphlets supporting your campaign? What about every single one of the current elected officials of this city? Can you honestly say that you would be where you are today if you did not have the right to hand out information to the voters of this city?
This, though, is mistaken. Political advocacy would be classified as a noncommercial activity which is permittable under existing law. The existing ordinance merely restricts the ability of folks to pass out materials that sell a good or service to folks walking by on the street.
This portion of the code would seem to be the reason Valentine was fined ...
Sec. 3-12-10. Throwing or distributing commercial hand bills in public places.
No person shall throw or deposit any commercial or noncommercial handbill in or upon any sidewalk, street or other public place within Athens-Clarke County. Nor shall any such person hand out or distribute or sell any commercial handbill in any public place; provided, however, it shall not be unlawful on any sidewalk, street or other public place within Athens-Clarke County for any person to hand out or distribute, without charge to the receiver thereof, any noncommercial handbill to any person willing to accept it.
In his email, Valentine argued this was a new ordinance ...
... I was also told that handbilling is no longer allowed in Athens-Clarke County. After some digging, I was further informed that a great deal of this has to do with my city’s need for greater income. By following and fining for stricter regulations, alongside the increase in downtown parking fees, the city might receive much needed funds.
Truth be told, the distribution of commerical handbills in Athens-Clarke County has been banned for more than 17 years.
This has been law in the community since April 1992 and, based on conversations I've had with folks who would know, it refers to the distribution of handbills for commercial reasons (i.e. the selling or marketing the sale of a particular good or service). Valentine, as he acknowledged in his email, was promoting a concert, thus meaning it was a commercial event and was punishable with a fine.
The community has, however, various public kiosks and boards where the placement of commerical handbills or posters is permittable, and there are various businesses which have similar displays for such types of events.
Valentine's plea, then, rests on connecting the issue with the hopes of the declared candidates for mayor ...
I would hope that this is especially concerning to those of you planning to run for local office next year: Nancy Denson, Charlie Maddox, and others. Can you honestly say that you do not plan to hand out pamphlets supporting your campaign? What about every single one of the current elected officials of this city? Can you honestly say that you would be where you are today if you did not have the right to hand out information to the voters of this city?
This, though, is mistaken. Political advocacy would be classified as a noncommercial activity which is permittable under existing law. The existing ordinance merely restricts the ability of folks to pass out materials that sell a good or service to folks walking by on the street.
Couple of things
- I still just fail to see how Oconee County won't experience increased micro-managing if the proposed restructuring of the local government goes through. The budget negotiations proved that as a good budget was seemingly rewritten on the back of a napkin during a commission meeting solely because the commissioners wanted to do something 'different' than what Oconee County Commission Chairman Melvin Davis did.
- A rather detailed analysis of the orgins of Jeffersonian Democracy, and what it means today. A really nice read.
- I had someone tell me yesterday afternoon that 'at least Stewart Cink, a nice guy and Georgia resident, won the British Open' ... and I say 'so what?' He's a Georgia Tech graduate, so that's strike one right there. Factor in that he snuck into a playoff when Tom Watson missed an eight-foot par putt on the 72nd hole, and you've got another guy who's going to be ultimately forgotten as the winner because history will focus on the story of the runner-up.
- I don't have the necessary expertise in the field of criminal justice to effectively wade into the debate regarding whether or not length of stay is a good way to deter future crime from juveniles, but ... reducing length of stay due to budgetary reasons is rather disturbing. Rather than be determined by whether or not it's a viable strategy, it's being broadly cut - like other statewise broad cuts to services - so we can meet a bottom line, all the while preserving the state Republicans' needs to pass preposterous and ineffective things like tax cuts on the capital gains.
- Georgia men's basketball players subtely throw Dennis Felton under the bus, which I find awesome.
- A rather detailed analysis of the orgins of Jeffersonian Democracy, and what it means today. A really nice read.
- I had someone tell me yesterday afternoon that 'at least Stewart Cink, a nice guy and Georgia resident, won the British Open' ... and I say 'so what?' He's a Georgia Tech graduate, so that's strike one right there. Factor in that he snuck into a playoff when Tom Watson missed an eight-foot par putt on the 72nd hole, and you've got another guy who's going to be ultimately forgotten as the winner because history will focus on the story of the runner-up.
- I don't have the necessary expertise in the field of criminal justice to effectively wade into the debate regarding whether or not length of stay is a good way to deter future crime from juveniles, but ... reducing length of stay due to budgetary reasons is rather disturbing. Rather than be determined by whether or not it's a viable strategy, it's being broadly cut - like other statewise broad cuts to services - so we can meet a bottom line, all the while preserving the state Republicans' needs to pass preposterous and ineffective things like tax cuts on the capital gains.
- Georgia men's basketball players subtely throw Dennis Felton under the bus, which I find awesome.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Barrow in their sights
Via Talking Points Memo, Health Care For America Now is running this ad targeting nine different members of Congress, including Rep. John Barrow, a former Athens-Clarke County Commissioner.
The handbill
Tommy Valentine, a local hip-hop artist and music promoter, emailed yesterday with information regarding his dissatisfaction with being fined for solicitation and distributing a handbills (i.e. flyers).
Athens-Clarke County code offers some clarity (somewhat) on this in two places.
The first reference deals with distribution in public parks ...
Sec. 1-10-3. Posting bills, signs, etc.; distributing handbills; scattering trash.
It shall be unlawful for any person to affix any bill, sign or notice on any tree, building or fixture in any of the parks of Athens-Clarke County. It shall be unlawful for any person to distribute any handbills or dodgers or scatter or place any paper, books, refuse or trash of any kind in or about any of the public parks in Athens-Clarke County.
Another section of the code deals with the distribution of handbills in public places. While other parts of the code address handbills, they focus on affixing them to permanent fixtures or the unlawful distribution on private property ...
Sec. 3-12-10. Throwing or distributing commercial hand bills in public places.
No person shall throw or deposit any commercial or noncommercial handbill in or upon any sidewalk, street or other public place within Athens-Clarke County. Nor shall any such person hand out or distribute or sell any commercial handbill in any public place; provided, however, it shall not be unlawful on any sidewalk, street or other public place within Athens-Clarke County for any person to hand out or distribute, without charge to the receiver thereof, any noncommercial handbill to any person willing to accept it.
The latter, it would seem, permits the handing out of flyers in certain circumstances, but I'd like to get some feedback from folks who are, you know, more legally inclined than I am.
Athens-Clarke County code offers some clarity (somewhat) on this in two places.
The first reference deals with distribution in public parks ...
Sec. 1-10-3. Posting bills, signs, etc.; distributing handbills; scattering trash.
It shall be unlawful for any person to affix any bill, sign or notice on any tree, building or fixture in any of the parks of Athens-Clarke County. It shall be unlawful for any person to distribute any handbills or dodgers or scatter or place any paper, books, refuse or trash of any kind in or about any of the public parks in Athens-Clarke County.
Another section of the code deals with the distribution of handbills in public places. While other parts of the code address handbills, they focus on affixing them to permanent fixtures or the unlawful distribution on private property ...
Sec. 3-12-10. Throwing or distributing commercial hand bills in public places.
No person shall throw or deposit any commercial or noncommercial handbill in or upon any sidewalk, street or other public place within Athens-Clarke County. Nor shall any such person hand out or distribute or sell any commercial handbill in any public place; provided, however, it shall not be unlawful on any sidewalk, street or other public place within Athens-Clarke County for any person to hand out or distribute, without charge to the receiver thereof, any noncommercial handbill to any person willing to accept it.
The latter, it would seem, permits the handing out of flyers in certain circumstances, but I'd like to get some feedback from folks who are, you know, more legally inclined than I am.
Couple of things
- A pair of Oconee County schools were 'almost' investigated, which is kind of like how the Athens-Clarke County Commission 'almost' violated the state's sunshine laws.
- We've seen a lot in the news recently about Bigger Vision, and folks should be encouraged to support the organization. It provides an essential service that, quite frankly, no one else is willing to do, but ... there are some concerns that are being glossed over in these forums and letters. The organization, by my last check, still had not completed the necessary work to become a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Likewise, despite repeated pleas for funding, my church - thanks in large part to my advocacy - allocated a portion of money from its missions budget for Bigger Vision. Our church policies state that a copy of the 501(c)3 status was required. Despite being approached by a well-meaning supporter of the organization who made the initial request, I never heard anything from them. I, as well as others from my church, made repeated attempts to reach various individuals involved with Bigger Vision to inquire about their non-profit status and find a way to deliver an already approved payment and heard nothing. It's fine to solicit funding for an arguably worthy cause, but it's another to have all your ducks in a row and be able to effectively manage that funding. My experiences with Bigger Vision suggest they may not be able to do so.
- I would question the logic of the developer seeking to go through this song and dance again. It's obvious that, as Athens-Clarke County District 10 Commissioner Mike Hamby pointed out, Publix won't build a pair of stores roughly side-by-side, so that's one strike. Another one, of course, is the almost unified opposition to the project by the neighborhood, as well as the fact that previous plans approved by the community in 1970 stipulate leaving the proposed area untouched.
- There are a lot of typos in this week's The Oconee Enterprise.
- We've seen a lot in the news recently about Bigger Vision, and folks should be encouraged to support the organization. It provides an essential service that, quite frankly, no one else is willing to do, but ... there are some concerns that are being glossed over in these forums and letters. The organization, by my last check, still had not completed the necessary work to become a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Likewise, despite repeated pleas for funding, my church - thanks in large part to my advocacy - allocated a portion of money from its missions budget for Bigger Vision. Our church policies state that a copy of the 501(c)3 status was required. Despite being approached by a well-meaning supporter of the organization who made the initial request, I never heard anything from them. I, as well as others from my church, made repeated attempts to reach various individuals involved with Bigger Vision to inquire about their non-profit status and find a way to deliver an already approved payment and heard nothing. It's fine to solicit funding for an arguably worthy cause, but it's another to have all your ducks in a row and be able to effectively manage that funding. My experiences with Bigger Vision suggest they may not be able to do so.
- I would question the logic of the developer seeking to go through this song and dance again. It's obvious that, as Athens-Clarke County District 10 Commissioner Mike Hamby pointed out, Publix won't build a pair of stores roughly side-by-side, so that's one strike. Another one, of course, is the almost unified opposition to the project by the neighborhood, as well as the fact that previous plans approved by the community in 1970 stipulate leaving the proposed area untouched.
- There are a lot of typos in this week's The Oconee Enterprise.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The AP's shoddy journalism
Ironically enough, just as I was bemoaning the poor quality of reporting that has rapidly risen to become the standard at the Associated Press this morning in 'Couple of Things' comes this story.
Apparently an unnamed source is all the AP needs to directly contradict the actual documented report and run with a grossly inflated and terribly inaccurate number.
The Congressional Budget Office, however, has conducted its initial score of the House Democrats' health care reform bill and projects the cost to be $1 trillion over the next 10 years. The AP, however, has opted against using the actual numbers determined by the economists and researchers at the non-partisan agency and instead relied on, at least initially, an unnamed congressional aide.
The problem, of course, is this information is inaccurate and at odds with what is officially on the record. And the follow-up done by the AP in an attempt to justify its own shoddy work merely confuses the situation that much more.
The reporting is so sloppy, it's staggering.
The AP's own analysis - it in and of itself being flawed - projects the total outlays to be $1.65 trillion with $1.3 trillion in projected offsets, thus putting the final price tag at $350 billion. However, none of those three numbers are ever used anywhere in their reporting as the AP instead relies on $1.5 trillion as the final number.
Yet, there's no justification for that figure. If their own analysis yields $1.65 trillion, why not utilize that number? If they've already conducted a complete scoring that takes into account offsets, why put forward the $350 billion? Why the need for additional analysis when the official score from the CBO is for $1 trillion?
Greg Sargant has been tracking this most of the day ...
But again, the problem is that we don’t yet know what the bill will cost in the end. Estimates differ. House Dems argue that it’s reckless to assign a hard and fast cost before the CBO has completed its score. Yet the AP keeps describing the bill as a “$1.5 trillion plan,” without registering the Dem objection — and without including the CBO’s initial analysis.
Even if you agree that the bill is likely to cost this in the end, it’s still reckless of the AP to keep treating this number as established fact, when it simply isn’t any such thing.
Apparently an unnamed source is all the AP needs to directly contradict the actual documented report and run with a grossly inflated and terribly inaccurate number.
The Congressional Budget Office, however, has conducted its initial score of the House Democrats' health care reform bill and projects the cost to be $1 trillion over the next 10 years. The AP, however, has opted against using the actual numbers determined by the economists and researchers at the non-partisan agency and instead relied on, at least initially, an unnamed congressional aide.
The problem, of course, is this information is inaccurate and at odds with what is officially on the record. And the follow-up done by the AP in an attempt to justify its own shoddy work merely confuses the situation that much more.
The reporting is so sloppy, it's staggering.
The AP's own analysis - it in and of itself being flawed - projects the total outlays to be $1.65 trillion with $1.3 trillion in projected offsets, thus putting the final price tag at $350 billion. However, none of those three numbers are ever used anywhere in their reporting as the AP instead relies on $1.5 trillion as the final number.
Yet, there's no justification for that figure. If their own analysis yields $1.65 trillion, why not utilize that number? If they've already conducted a complete scoring that takes into account offsets, why put forward the $350 billion? Why the need for additional analysis when the official score from the CBO is for $1 trillion?
Greg Sargant has been tracking this most of the day ...
But again, the problem is that we don’t yet know what the bill will cost in the end. Estimates differ. House Dems argue that it’s reckless to assign a hard and fast cost before the CBO has completed its score. Yet the AP keeps describing the bill as a “$1.5 trillion plan,” without registering the Dem objection — and without including the CBO’s initial analysis.
Even if you agree that the bill is likely to cost this in the end, it’s still reckless of the AP to keep treating this number as established fact, when it simply isn’t any such thing.
Fighting for the right to (promote a) party
Tommy Valentine, a local hip-hop artist and music promoter, is advocating for change ... to Athens-Clarke County's ordinance restricting the hand distribution of flyers.
Via a rather long email he sent out ...
In my time as a promoter, I have learned to carefully live by the rules of the city. I never place a handbill under a windshield wiper, I never place a poster on city property, and I am always careful to pick up after myself. Not only do I go out of my way to pick up any errant handbills that have been dropped, but I even take down posters for shows after they have happened. I only hand out flyers to willing customers, and only to people that appear of the proper age to attend the show I am promoting. Furthermore, I only used copy shops that used recycled paper. Thanks to my knowledge of promotion, I have not only been entrusted at times with a flock of UGA interns to mentor, but I was also privileged to be hired as the campaign manager for Bobby Saxon during his campaign for US Congress last year.
With all this in mind, last night I was, for the first time in nine years, fined for soliciting. I was told that I placed posters on city property, which is not true, and I was also told that handbilling is no longer allowed in Athens-Clarke County. After some digging, I was further informed that a great deal of this has to do with my city’s need for greater income. By following and fining for stricter regulations, alongside the increase in downtown parking fees, the city might receive much needed funds.
I am writing today, without any concrete hope for change, but a desperate need for action. We are blessed to live in one of the best music cities in the country. It has been the right of a musician to promote his shows, as long as he follows the rules. Although I have fully embraced the promotional power of the internet, there is simply no replacement for holding, in your hand, a well-designed invitation to an upcoming show. For the incoming freshman class each year, it is one of the first signs that you have entered into the town of R.E.M., B-52’s, Modern Skirts, and Drive by Truckers – a town that offers on any given night a number of quality performances by drive, talented local acts trying to share their music with the world.
Only weeks ago we lost the Georgia Theatre, an incredible venue where I released two of my albums. The loss of this proud concert hall was heartbreaking, and something I still haven’t recovered from. Unless you were lucky enough to have performed, or attended a performance, at the Theatre, it is impossible to understand the feeling of loss many of us have. To have, only a few days later, the loss of an important promotional tool that local musicians need, is completely devastating.
I would hope that this is especially concerning to those of you planning to run for local office next year: Nancy Denson, Charlie Maddox, and others. Can you honestly say that you do not plan to hand out pamphlets supporting your campaign? What about every single one of the current elected officials of this city? Can you honestly say that you would be where you are today if you did not have the right to hand out information to the voters of this city? If you are willing to be honest, which I hope you are, there should be no reasonable way that you can look yourself in the mirror if you also look the other way, hoping that the city makes an exception for political soliciting.
I call on the city of Athens, both the government and the citizens, to please understand how important it is that this changes. We are a music town. We thrive on a spirit of do-it-yourself, and self-promotion is an important part of that formula. While you may, in the past, have been handed a flyer for a show you did not care to attend, please realize it is part of the culture of this town. It is unfair for the city to try to squeeze a few dollars out of fines, when the music of this town already dramatically helps the city through the heavily taxed alcohol sold at every one of our shows.
I know right and wrong. I know that this country was founded on the right to self promote. I know that the American Revolution was spurred by privately printed handbills, largely under the guidance of revolutionaries such as Thomas Paine and Samuel Adams. I know that Athens is a music town. And . . . I know that the musicians of Athens deserve better than this.
Via a rather long email he sent out ...
In my time as a promoter, I have learned to carefully live by the rules of the city. I never place a handbill under a windshield wiper, I never place a poster on city property, and I am always careful to pick up after myself. Not only do I go out of my way to pick up any errant handbills that have been dropped, but I even take down posters for shows after they have happened. I only hand out flyers to willing customers, and only to people that appear of the proper age to attend the show I am promoting. Furthermore, I only used copy shops that used recycled paper. Thanks to my knowledge of promotion, I have not only been entrusted at times with a flock of UGA interns to mentor, but I was also privileged to be hired as the campaign manager for Bobby Saxon during his campaign for US Congress last year.
With all this in mind, last night I was, for the first time in nine years, fined for soliciting. I was told that I placed posters on city property, which is not true, and I was also told that handbilling is no longer allowed in Athens-Clarke County. After some digging, I was further informed that a great deal of this has to do with my city’s need for greater income. By following and fining for stricter regulations, alongside the increase in downtown parking fees, the city might receive much needed funds.
I am writing today, without any concrete hope for change, but a desperate need for action. We are blessed to live in one of the best music cities in the country. It has been the right of a musician to promote his shows, as long as he follows the rules. Although I have fully embraced the promotional power of the internet, there is simply no replacement for holding, in your hand, a well-designed invitation to an upcoming show. For the incoming freshman class each year, it is one of the first signs that you have entered into the town of R.E.M., B-52’s, Modern Skirts, and Drive by Truckers – a town that offers on any given night a number of quality performances by drive, talented local acts trying to share their music with the world.
Only weeks ago we lost the Georgia Theatre, an incredible venue where I released two of my albums. The loss of this proud concert hall was heartbreaking, and something I still haven’t recovered from. Unless you were lucky enough to have performed, or attended a performance, at the Theatre, it is impossible to understand the feeling of loss many of us have. To have, only a few days later, the loss of an important promotional tool that local musicians need, is completely devastating.
I would hope that this is especially concerning to those of you planning to run for local office next year: Nancy Denson, Charlie Maddox, and others. Can you honestly say that you do not plan to hand out pamphlets supporting your campaign? What about every single one of the current elected officials of this city? Can you honestly say that you would be where you are today if you did not have the right to hand out information to the voters of this city? If you are willing to be honest, which I hope you are, there should be no reasonable way that you can look yourself in the mirror if you also look the other way, hoping that the city makes an exception for political soliciting.
I call on the city of Athens, both the government and the citizens, to please understand how important it is that this changes. We are a music town. We thrive on a spirit of do-it-yourself, and self-promotion is an important part of that formula. While you may, in the past, have been handed a flyer for a show you did not care to attend, please realize it is part of the culture of this town. It is unfair for the city to try to squeeze a few dollars out of fines, when the music of this town already dramatically helps the city through the heavily taxed alcohol sold at every one of our shows.
I know right and wrong. I know that this country was founded on the right to self promote. I know that the American Revolution was spurred by privately printed handbills, largely under the guidance of revolutionaries such as Thomas Paine and Samuel Adams. I know that Athens is a music town. And . . . I know that the musicians of Athens deserve better than this.
Health care reform update
In a surprising - and significant - move, the American Medical Association endorses the House Democrats' health reform bill ... public option and all.
Overeacting
The Oconee Enterprise has a story dealing with the ongoing discussions involving the restructing of Oconee County's government, and this one focuses on the 'communication' issue that has surfaced as the primary criticism of existing form of government.
Three of the four commissioners (John Daniell was not quoted) all offer an example of the poor communication which has frustrated them over the past year. And while I found Jim Luke's specific instance a valid one - the addition to an agenda regarding the acquisition of property - I have to say ... I'm just not seeing much of a problem with Chuck Horton's or Margaret Hale's.
Horton's problem stems from learning that water restrictions were eased in the local paper. While it can be argued that some advance notification would been considerate, it's not essential. If the power to ease those restructions rests in the hands of the commission chairman, then any consultation with colleagues would arguably be appreciated, but not required.
But it's Hale's that just made me scratch my head the most. Her contention is that Davis left town to go to Savannah to pick up a check without notifying her ... because, apparently, he needs a note to go somewhere.
I think the latter is a solid example of the micromanagement that will be heading Oconee County's way once the restructing is passed.
If the commissioners all feel as if Oconee County Commission Chairman Davis is a capable chairman - and they are all on record as saying they do - then why is the very structure of the local government being changed? Particularly if it's merely to make sure that a commissioner knows if the chairman going to leave town for a day trip for business ... a trip the chairman is completely within his legal bounds to do?
The more and more that folks learn about this, the more and more it seems to be nothing more than a classic overreaction to very basic problems (if we accept the 'communication' argument at face value ... or, as I've suggested, it's actually all about Davis).
Three of the four commissioners (John Daniell was not quoted) all offer an example of the poor communication which has frustrated them over the past year. And while I found Jim Luke's specific instance a valid one - the addition to an agenda regarding the acquisition of property - I have to say ... I'm just not seeing much of a problem with Chuck Horton's or Margaret Hale's.
Horton's problem stems from learning that water restrictions were eased in the local paper. While it can be argued that some advance notification would been considerate, it's not essential. If the power to ease those restructions rests in the hands of the commission chairman, then any consultation with colleagues would arguably be appreciated, but not required.
But it's Hale's that just made me scratch my head the most. Her contention is that Davis left town to go to Savannah to pick up a check without notifying her ... because, apparently, he needs a note to go somewhere.
I think the latter is a solid example of the micromanagement that will be heading Oconee County's way once the restructing is passed.
If the commissioners all feel as if Oconee County Commission Chairman Davis is a capable chairman - and they are all on record as saying they do - then why is the very structure of the local government being changed? Particularly if it's merely to make sure that a commissioner knows if the chairman going to leave town for a day trip for business ... a trip the chairman is completely within his legal bounds to do?
The more and more that folks learn about this, the more and more it seems to be nothing more than a classic overreaction to very basic problems (if we accept the 'communication' argument at face value ... or, as I've suggested, it's actually all about Davis).
Contrasting numbers
Athens-Clarke County has a population of 112,787 and approximately a $100 million annual budget. The salary paid to its part-time commissioners is $16,516.
Oconee County has a population of 30,858 and approximately a $34 million annual budget. The salary paid to its part-time commissioners is $20,998.
Oconee County has a population of 30,858 and approximately a $34 million annual budget. The salary paid to its part-time commissioners is $20,998.
What have you Heard?
It started with a rational, and obvious, question before we started looking a little closer to separate rumor from truth ... and it's still kinda murky.
But, as I noted yesterday, there is much to learn from Powell v. Handel when it comes to how the state might potentially handle residency challenges from here on out. That case broadened the scope of what helped determine residency and sorted out the apparent conflicting natures of two portions of state code ...
O.C.G.A. § 21-2-217(14):
"The specific address in the county or municipality in which a person has declared a homestead exemption, if a homestead exemption has been claimed, shall be deemed the person's residence address."
O.C.G.A. § 21-2-217(15):
"Nonetheless, this statute is not solely determinative of the outcome. The court may consider other residency evidence, such as where the person receives mail, and any other evidence that indicates where the person resides in making its conclusion."
The state has long placed its primary emphasis on where the homestead exemption is utilized, and, in fact, its what Handel built her case around against Powell. During the 2004 residency challenge, Heard built his argument around the fact that he intended for his homestead exemption to be placed on his Athens home and that only an inadvertant error had resulted in an additional one being placed on his Fairburn property.
Powell's case, however, was built on a more forceful advancement of the other determining factors of residency rather than solely the homestead exemption, which Handel asserted was final. There was an attempt, then, to make those other pieces of evidence more valuable than merely the location of the exemption.
And it worked. An Administrative Legal Judge accepted the argument, as did a pair of state courts.
So, hypothetically speaking, how would that apply now?
The 2004 ruling, as noted, was decided utilizing the pre-Powell v. Handel standards. The incorporation of other determining factors could make a residency challenge against Heard more likely.
What appears to be more crucial now is intent of residency, and that can be determined, by in large, by the volume of time an individual spends at his or her current residence. In Powell v. Handel, the ALJ found that in order to verify residence 'the party must demonstrate physical presence and intent to remain permanently.'
Certainly, there is ample circumstantial evidence to validate a challenge under these new standards. The value and size of Heard's Fairburn property is significantly more than that of his Athens-Clarke County property, thus suggesting a more logical place for permanent residence for a family of four. His wife is employed full-time in Norcross, while, by his own acknowledgement, he works three months out of the year in Atlanta. By all accounts, his marriage is a sound one, thus suggesting little evidence the two would therefore willingly spend more than three-fourths of the year apart.
Heard, who previously listed himself as the CEO of The Heard Group, LLC, apparently no longer holds that title (though the office used his Athens home as its principal address).
In order to further verify intent, there are other vital components that folks ought to know ...
Where does Heard receive most of his mail, professional and personal?
In which counties has he registered vehicles?
Where does he spend a majority of his time (i.e. 50 percent plus one)?
Where are his children enrolled in school?
To extrapolate from the ALJ's ruling, in which community is Heard more involved, Athens or Fairburn?
Moving forward from that point, there would be additional information to evaluate if the persistent rumors that have circulated throughout are just that or if there is something more to them.
But, as I noted yesterday, there is much to learn from Powell v. Handel when it comes to how the state might potentially handle residency challenges from here on out. That case broadened the scope of what helped determine residency and sorted out the apparent conflicting natures of two portions of state code ...
O.C.G.A. § 21-2-217(14):
"The specific address in the county or municipality in which a person has declared a homestead exemption, if a homestead exemption has been claimed, shall be deemed the person's residence address."
O.C.G.A. § 21-2-217(15):
"Nonetheless, this statute is not solely determinative of the outcome. The court may consider other residency evidence, such as where the person receives mail, and any other evidence that indicates where the person resides in making its conclusion."
The state has long placed its primary emphasis on where the homestead exemption is utilized, and, in fact, its what Handel built her case around against Powell. During the 2004 residency challenge, Heard built his argument around the fact that he intended for his homestead exemption to be placed on his Athens home and that only an inadvertant error had resulted in an additional one being placed on his Fairburn property.
Powell's case, however, was built on a more forceful advancement of the other determining factors of residency rather than solely the homestead exemption, which Handel asserted was final. There was an attempt, then, to make those other pieces of evidence more valuable than merely the location of the exemption.
And it worked. An Administrative Legal Judge accepted the argument, as did a pair of state courts.
So, hypothetically speaking, how would that apply now?
The 2004 ruling, as noted, was decided utilizing the pre-Powell v. Handel standards. The incorporation of other determining factors could make a residency challenge against Heard more likely.
What appears to be more crucial now is intent of residency, and that can be determined, by in large, by the volume of time an individual spends at his or her current residence. In Powell v. Handel, the ALJ found that in order to verify residence 'the party must demonstrate physical presence and intent to remain permanently.'
Certainly, there is ample circumstantial evidence to validate a challenge under these new standards. The value and size of Heard's Fairburn property is significantly more than that of his Athens-Clarke County property, thus suggesting a more logical place for permanent residence for a family of four. His wife is employed full-time in Norcross, while, by his own acknowledgement, he works three months out of the year in Atlanta. By all accounts, his marriage is a sound one, thus suggesting little evidence the two would therefore willingly spend more than three-fourths of the year apart.
Heard, who previously listed himself as the CEO of The Heard Group, LLC, apparently no longer holds that title (though the office used his Athens home as its principal address).
In order to further verify intent, there are other vital components that folks ought to know ...
Where does Heard receive most of his mail, professional and personal?
In which counties has he registered vehicles?
Where does he spend a majority of his time (i.e. 50 percent plus one)?
Where are his children enrolled in school?
To extrapolate from the ALJ's ruling, in which community is Heard more involved, Athens or Fairburn?
Moving forward from that point, there would be additional information to evaluate if the persistent rumors that have circulated throughout are just that or if there is something more to them.
Couple of things
- Turns out the birther nut, er, Georgia solider who refused deployment to Afghanistan based on his belief that President Obama was born in Kenya asked to go in the first place ... after previously signing on as a plaintiff in a lawsuit contending Obama wasn't born in the U.S.. Seems like someone's fishing for publicity ...
- In light of this tragically inept reporting by the Associated Press - which isn't shocking given how quickly their work has fallen off in the past two years - perhaps it's important to keep in mind the actual proposals.
- Do you say borderline insane and arguably inaccurate things? Apparently it means you can raise a lot of money.
- Understandably, this would be a good opportunity for Michael Thurmond. I, however, would much rather him stay in his current seat as Labor Commissioner.
- Regarding the health care funding issue ... the primary reason the reporting is, well, lazy is because it discounts the other two options for health care funding ... including the one actually endorsed by the president. Thus, it assumes the proposal from House Democrats, which differs from the president's proposal, is actually the president's proposal. That, of course, is logically impossible.
- In light of this tragically inept reporting by the Associated Press - which isn't shocking given how quickly their work has fallen off in the past two years - perhaps it's important to keep in mind the actual proposals.
- Do you say borderline insane and arguably inaccurate things? Apparently it means you can raise a lot of money.
- Understandably, this would be a good opportunity for Michael Thurmond. I, however, would much rather him stay in his current seat as Labor Commissioner.
- Regarding the health care funding issue ... the primary reason the reporting is, well, lazy is because it discounts the other two options for health care funding ... including the one actually endorsed by the president. Thus, it assumes the proposal from House Democrats, which differs from the president's proposal, is actually the president's proposal. That, of course, is logically impossible.
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