One of the chief concerns expressed by skeptics of the proposed Clayton Street parking deck, it seems, is not the deck itself, but the impact the deck's construction will have on existing parking pricing.
There is a stated desire by the Athens-Clarke County Commission to set up an appropriate pricing system that encourages parking in the decks and away from metered, on-the-street spots, and the first step to achieve that was taken in March. It's that desire, not the financial impact of the parking deck, that is the driving factor for the ongoing evaluation of downtown parking prices.
The original article in the Athens Banner-Herald said that downtown parking rates would rise up to $2.50 per hour to pay off the debt, while this article detailing the disagreements between the 'Friends of Downtown Athens' and the commission noted the same thing ...
The county is funding about $11 million of the deck's cost - $5 million from a 1 percent sales tax that voters approved in 2004 and $6 million in bonds that will paid back with future parking revenue.
To pay off the bonds, officials project they will have to raise downtown parking rates to $2 an hour in 2011, $2.25 in 2012 and $2.50 in 2013. Rates now range from 50 cents to $1.50 per hour.
During an appearance on Newsmakers With Tim Bryant on WGAU 1340-AM, however, Athens-Clarke County District 10 Commissioner Mike Hamby suggested that across-the-board rate increases up to $2.50 were not necessary, and that the $2.50 per spot number was tied solely to the new parking deck.
Hamby, as well as Athens-Clarke County District Four Commissioner Alice Kinman, reiterated that point to me by noting that levying the $2.50 fee only on customers using that deck - while leaving all other downtown rates alone - would result in the generation of enough revenue to pay off the $6.1 billion bond obligation.
Projections suggest that 415 spots per day will be filled in 2011, the first year the deck will be open, and 485 spots per day will be used in 2012 and 2013. Assuming eight hours of usage for those spots and using two different formulas - one that assumes rates in that deck are implemented at $2.50 per hour in 2011 and another that assumes rates in that deck are gradually raised from $2 in 2011 to $2.50 in 2013 - the numbers add up.
Under the formula where fees are immediately raised to $2.50 per hour in 2011, $3 million in revenue would be raised the first year and $3.5 million would be generated in 2012. Likewise, under the graduated increase formula, those rates would raise between $7 million and $8 million over the three years.
Given that the Athens Downtown Development Authority has stated it has 450 cars currently on its waiting list for downtown parking, it's feasible see those projections realized sooner than later (though a portion of the funds will have to be allocated for operating costs).
The exploration of raising rates downtown has less to do with the need to fulfill the bond obligations and more to do with achieving parity in parking pricing downtown, as well as encouraging more individuals to park in decks.
Various commissioners have indicated they'd like to review downtown parking rates on a more regular basis. After the initial increase earlier this year, it was determined that those rates would be viewed more closely, and Kinman told me that any changes to the downtown rates would be a part of that process and not to solely offset the cost of the new downtown parking deck ...
It's worth keeping in mind, too, that this deck will be premium parking, in the middle of downtown, close to campus, and surrounded by entertainment venues. I could certainly envision a pricing system that would charge less for spaces, whether surface lots or on-street parking, that are around the edges of downtown.
In addition, some, like Athens-Clarke County District Five Commissioner David Lynn, have publically said they would like to see metered, on-the-street parking rates be more in line with parking deck rates, hoping such a move will encourage more individuals to park in the community's downtown decks.
However, both Kinman and Hamby said that desire doesn't necessarily equate into a uniform $2.50 fee for downtown parking.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
A good thing
There's been a decent amount of attention given the Democratic Party of Georgia's recent decision to jump into the Atlanta mayoral race by attempting to cast Mary Norwood as a Republican-in-disguise.
Bernita at Blog For Democracy doesn't like it and added additional thoughts aimed at the mailer itself. I disagreed with her, feeling she was being a contrarian for the sake of being a contrarian.
Though I took a silly shot at her toward the end - which I concede was silly given Bernita's tireless, good work for Democratic candidates the past couple of years - I stand by my dissent. And it's dissent rooted in my actual belief that I think the DPG getting involved in local races is ultimately a good thing.
For quite some time, I've long believed the party needed to rebuild a depleted bench, and that can be done by electing young progressives to city councils, school boards, etc. Everything doesn't always have to be about winning a governor's race or election for U.S. Senate. I'd like to see some continued fire from the DPG. I'd like to see them, where appropriate, get involved in local races.
Sure, this is a risk. Sure, this could backfire spectacularly.
But, it's about time we started taking some risks.
This is a conservative state run by Republicans and the reality is that more Republicans will probably be elected next year. Quite frankly, there's nothing that can really done to curb that trend in the short-term, which makes it all the more important to have a strategy aimed at promoting progressive politics on a block-by-block basis.
Democrats in Georgia, rightly or wrongly, have a brand problem. You don't change that overnight, but you can start reversing course by focusing on some of those local issues in the communities across Georgia. It's going to be awfully rough at first, but it's something that needs to be done.
Bernita at Blog For Democracy doesn't like it and added additional thoughts aimed at the mailer itself. I disagreed with her, feeling she was being a contrarian for the sake of being a contrarian.
Though I took a silly shot at her toward the end - which I concede was silly given Bernita's tireless, good work for Democratic candidates the past couple of years - I stand by my dissent. And it's dissent rooted in my actual belief that I think the DPG getting involved in local races is ultimately a good thing.
For quite some time, I've long believed the party needed to rebuild a depleted bench, and that can be done by electing young progressives to city councils, school boards, etc. Everything doesn't always have to be about winning a governor's race or election for U.S. Senate. I'd like to see some continued fire from the DPG. I'd like to see them, where appropriate, get involved in local races.
Sure, this is a risk. Sure, this could backfire spectacularly.
But, it's about time we started taking some risks.
This is a conservative state run by Republicans and the reality is that more Republicans will probably be elected next year. Quite frankly, there's nothing that can really done to curb that trend in the short-term, which makes it all the more important to have a strategy aimed at promoting progressive politics on a block-by-block basis.
Democrats in Georgia, rightly or wrongly, have a brand problem. You don't change that overnight, but you can start reversing course by focusing on some of those local issues in the communities across Georgia. It's going to be awfully rough at first, but it's something that needs to be done.
Clarity on the public option
As usual, an excellent piece by Ezra Klein on how the public option actually has a very small impact on the overall health care landscape.
While I support the proposed public option, I stand with Klein in suggesting that it's the insurance exchanges - and their potential to use purchasing power to lower prices - to have a more substantial impact on the overall equation.
While I support the proposed public option, I stand with Klein in suggesting that it's the insurance exchanges - and their potential to use purchasing power to lower prices - to have a more substantial impact on the overall equation.
Local endorsements
Via an email update, David Poythress earned the endorsement of former Athens-Clarke County Commissioner Alvin Sheats, the current head of the Hancock Corridor Development Corporation.
Couple of things
- I'm planning on being at Walker's Pub around 9 a.m. or so to do some blogging and work. No liveblogging.
- Granted, my thoughts are a little more hard when it comes to the dealth penalty, but I say he ought to face it.
- Awesome. Perhaps if he had opted for Cream it would have worked out.
- Dan McLagan lost all credibility when he dropped the phrase 'liberal Athens Banner-Herald, but the response from the Handel campaign is lackluster nonetheless. Quite frankly, Secretary of State ought to be a position that is reserved for career officials and not elected ones, but that's not the case. So, at the very least, it makes perfect sense for someone running for another office to simply resign from the board of elections. McLagan is talking in circles in a desperate attempt to find a way to justify the unjustifiable.
- A very nice story on Charlotte Marshall, who is one of the best local historians in town. She's the de facto historian at my church, and I'd strongly encourage folks to take part in her cemetary tours ... they're fascinating.
- Granted, my thoughts are a little more hard when it comes to the dealth penalty, but I say he ought to face it.
- Awesome. Perhaps if he had opted for Cream it would have worked out.
- Dan McLagan lost all credibility when he dropped the phrase 'liberal Athens Banner-Herald, but the response from the Handel campaign is lackluster nonetheless. Quite frankly, Secretary of State ought to be a position that is reserved for career officials and not elected ones, but that's not the case. So, at the very least, it makes perfect sense for someone running for another office to simply resign from the board of elections. McLagan is talking in circles in a desperate attempt to find a way to justify the unjustifiable.
- A very nice story on Charlotte Marshall, who is one of the best local historians in town. She's the de facto historian at my church, and I'd strongly encourage folks to take part in her cemetary tours ... they're fascinating.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Contrarian for contratian's sake?
The more I ponder it over, the more I find some disagreements with Bernita's criticism. Granted, I have to concede that I'm looking at this as an outsider to the Atlanta mayoral election and not someone who's involved in the race, so my perception might be somewhat skewed, but still.
Her primary complaint is that the Democratic Party of Georgia shouldn't be jumping into the race just a week or so out because they haven't been involved up until now. The DPG, in Bernita's view is just messing things up by moving in so late and, besides, where were they a few months back?
Of course, points one and two appear to directly contradict each other. To decry the DPG for not producing an ample bench of candidates to seek for office doesn't hold much water considering that one of the folks seeking the mayoral seat is a state senator.
The larger point on this is that while this may or may not be a viable political strategy for the DPG, it's one that is perfectly consistent with its overall aim ... which is to elect more Democrats to office. They don't feel as if Mary Norwood is the best option for Democrats in the field, and they also feel as if she just might be a Republican trying to slip into the chief executive seat of the largest Democratic stronghold in the South (and there's ample evidence to support both claims).
As a result, why shouldn't the DPG jump into this thing? Granted, there's an argument to make that they should have opted to do this sooner, but it's perfectly logical to understand why they're doing what they're doing. They're not saying 'vote for so-and-so' but rather saying 'so-and-so is saying one thing, but doing another ... and that another thing is contradictory to progressive politics.'
Just because a race is non-partisan doesn't mean that, on some issues, basic ideological principles are irrelevant. I support non-partisan elections because they remove preconceived biases and open elections to everyone, but I also encourage the candidates to be honest about their views, beliefs and ideas for their communities.
Finally, let me also add something on this ...
Unless the DPG is planning a massive campaign to regain the House and Senate caucuses, which I highly doubt, then Atlanta Democratic legislators might as well start puckering up their lips if Norwood wins. Teh Awesome DPG! Just teh awesome!
The DPG does not recruit candidates for office. The individual caucuses do. Perhaps that's not a terribly effective strategy - quite frankly, I don't really think it is - but that's the reality of it. For this to change, the House and Senate caucuses would need to relinquish that responsibility and, for better or for worse, they wish to hold on to it. The DPG, instead, is an advocacy and organizing entity, not a political recruitment one.
You'd think 'a political strategist who only works with Democratic candidates' would know that.
Her primary complaint is that the Democratic Party of Georgia shouldn't be jumping into the race just a week or so out because they haven't been involved up until now. The DPG, in Bernita's view is just messing things up by moving in so late and, besides, where were they a few months back?
Of course, points one and two appear to directly contradict each other. To decry the DPG for not producing an ample bench of candidates to seek for office doesn't hold much water considering that one of the folks seeking the mayoral seat is a state senator.
The larger point on this is that while this may or may not be a viable political strategy for the DPG, it's one that is perfectly consistent with its overall aim ... which is to elect more Democrats to office. They don't feel as if Mary Norwood is the best option for Democrats in the field, and they also feel as if she just might be a Republican trying to slip into the chief executive seat of the largest Democratic stronghold in the South (and there's ample evidence to support both claims).
As a result, why shouldn't the DPG jump into this thing? Granted, there's an argument to make that they should have opted to do this sooner, but it's perfectly logical to understand why they're doing what they're doing. They're not saying 'vote for so-and-so' but rather saying 'so-and-so is saying one thing, but doing another ... and that another thing is contradictory to progressive politics.'
Just because a race is non-partisan doesn't mean that, on some issues, basic ideological principles are irrelevant. I support non-partisan elections because they remove preconceived biases and open elections to everyone, but I also encourage the candidates to be honest about their views, beliefs and ideas for their communities.
Finally, let me also add something on this ...
Unless the DPG is planning a massive campaign to regain the House and Senate caucuses, which I highly doubt, then Atlanta Democratic legislators might as well start puckering up their lips if Norwood wins. Teh Awesome DPG! Just teh awesome!
The DPG does not recruit candidates for office. The individual caucuses do. Perhaps that's not a terribly effective strategy - quite frankly, I don't really think it is - but that's the reality of it. For this to change, the House and Senate caucuses would need to relinquish that responsibility and, for better or for worse, they wish to hold on to it. The DPG, instead, is an advocacy and organizing entity, not a political recruitment one.
You'd think 'a political strategist who only works with Democratic candidates' would know that.
Couple of things
- I think the logic is somewhat muddled on this editorial. If you concede that tax reform is a good thing and if you concede that Georgia's schools have been underfunded under Gov. Sonny Perdue and if you concede that Georgia has seen its performance drop off at the same time the underfunding has been taken place ... then it doesn't seem consistent to all of a sudden argue for increased performance to justify restored funding.
- This is becoming more and more frustrating the longer it drags out. It seems as if everyone else is supportive of the partnership except Oconee County Commissioner Chuck Horton and Oconee County Chairman Melvin Davis.
- I'm lukewarm to this, but I think Bernita at BfD is clearly overreacting.
- Lee Becker previews the discussion on a mitigation resolution.
- Athens World discusses area merchant violating their agreements with credit card companies - and the minimum purchases at downtown bars comes to mind - but it does seem that there's either a component we're missing here or that the policies are just minimally enforced.
- Matt Yglesias uses, you know, actual data to show the benefits of The Great Society.
- 0-for-3, you say ... with three strikeouts?
- This is becoming more and more frustrating the longer it drags out. It seems as if everyone else is supportive of the partnership except Oconee County Commissioner Chuck Horton and Oconee County Chairman Melvin Davis.
- I'm lukewarm to this, but I think Bernita at BfD is clearly overreacting.
- Lee Becker previews the discussion on a mitigation resolution.
- Athens World discusses area merchant violating their agreements with credit card companies - and the minimum purchases at downtown bars comes to mind - but it does seem that there's either a component we're missing here or that the policies are just minimally enforced.
- Matt Yglesias uses, you know, actual data to show the benefits of The Great Society.
- 0-for-3, you say ... with three strikeouts?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Girtz on the parking deck
Athens-Clarke County District Nine Commissioner Kelly Girtz offered some thoughts on the parking deck discussion we've been having.
On the increase in construction costs ...
The total cost of the project rose because the nature of the project changed. The "parking" piece of the project is actually cheaper than originally anticipated b/c of the depressed market for construction work. The "extra" 5M is all private money, as the original plan was for 8000 square feet of retail space, while the plan now includes 12000 square feet of retail and 23000 square feet of office space.
On the granting of the commercial rights to the developer ...
This is a standard operating procedure in private-public projects and nothing to be concerned about (I'd be raising a red flag if it was). They know what they're getting into, we know what we are getting into. All is above-board there.
On the increase in construction costs ...
The total cost of the project rose because the nature of the project changed. The "parking" piece of the project is actually cheaper than originally anticipated b/c of the depressed market for construction work. The "extra" 5M is all private money, as the original plan was for 8000 square feet of retail space, while the plan now includes 12000 square feet of retail and 23000 square feet of office space.
On the granting of the commercial rights to the developer ...
This is a standard operating procedure in private-public projects and nothing to be concerned about (I'd be raising a red flag if it was). They know what they're getting into, we know what we are getting into. All is above-board there.
Repeat performer
I talked about Doug Bachtel opining on things he freely admits he lacks a fundamental understanding of, but it's important to remember that Sunday's column wasn't the first time he attempted to diagnose a problem with properly researching it.
More on parking decks
Hillary dissents on the parking deck ...
Um, the potential parking rate increases to $2.50 an hour downtown? The ugliness of the design? The fact that it doesn't do much to minimize the scale? The increase in costs by $5 million at a time when construction costs have overwhelmingly decreased? The misleading nature of the renderings? The granting of the commercial rights to the developer? Do you want me to keep going?
We might be talking around each other here because there seems to be a disconnect between criticism over the process related to the parking deck (i.e. parking fees, construction costs) and the broader, more philosophical skepticism against a big, mixed-use building being put in the downtown area. The process questions can - and will - be resolved in some form or fashion as the Athens-Clarke County Commission discusses this issue in further detail. I don't like the $2.50 an hour parking fee proposal or the increase in the cost of building the development, but those are things that will probably be amended as this moves along.
Those philosophical ones, however, are beneath the surface and cropping up throughout this discussion. A lot of folks like Athens-Clarke County the way it is, and that's fine, but, personally, I don't think that's a feasible strategy in the long-term for a community that will see its population swell to roughly 150,000 people in the next 20 years.
I concede that you can possibly make some bigger buildings not look 'as big' ... though, to be honest, I'm hard-pressed to think of how you achieve that. I'm not saying it's not possible, but sometimes a bigger building means exactly that.
Either things like increasing density or Transferable Development Rights are just talk for the sake of talking, or they actually mean something for the community. If they're just talk, then that's fine too ... but let's at least be honest about it and recognize that the population will spill over into the suburbs, more neighborhoods will get developed, more roads will grow congested with traffic and more greenspace will be lost.
Um, the potential parking rate increases to $2.50 an hour downtown? The ugliness of the design? The fact that it doesn't do much to minimize the scale? The increase in costs by $5 million at a time when construction costs have overwhelmingly decreased? The misleading nature of the renderings? The granting of the commercial rights to the developer? Do you want me to keep going?
We might be talking around each other here because there seems to be a disconnect between criticism over the process related to the parking deck (i.e. parking fees, construction costs) and the broader, more philosophical skepticism against a big, mixed-use building being put in the downtown area. The process questions can - and will - be resolved in some form or fashion as the Athens-Clarke County Commission discusses this issue in further detail. I don't like the $2.50 an hour parking fee proposal or the increase in the cost of building the development, but those are things that will probably be amended as this moves along.
Those philosophical ones, however, are beneath the surface and cropping up throughout this discussion. A lot of folks like Athens-Clarke County the way it is, and that's fine, but, personally, I don't think that's a feasible strategy in the long-term for a community that will see its population swell to roughly 150,000 people in the next 20 years.
I concede that you can possibly make some bigger buildings not look 'as big' ... though, to be honest, I'm hard-pressed to think of how you achieve that. I'm not saying it's not possible, but sometimes a bigger building means exactly that.
Either things like increasing density or Transferable Development Rights are just talk for the sake of talking, or they actually mean something for the community. If they're just talk, then that's fine too ... but let's at least be honest about it and recognize that the population will spill over into the suburbs, more neighborhoods will get developed, more roads will grow congested with traffic and more greenspace will be lost.
Building for the future
A really, really good read by Ezra Klein on why the public health insurance option is not a Medicare expansion ...
A Medicare option would also probably have been a nonstarter in Congress, much as the public option attached to Medicare rates stands little chance of passage. But the advantage would have been that the ensuing debate would have been explicitly tied to the thing that makes a government option so effective: the power to negotiate on behalf of a huge customer base, as other countries do and as Medicare does. Instead, the debate has centered around the principle of an insurer run by the public, which is, at this point, going to have a lot less impact on premiums than most of its supporters expect. As a political move, that probably made sense, and allowed politicians to get to a place where they might just have a compromise that supporters like and skeptics don't hate.
The discussion surrounding the principle is crucial to me for a variety of reasons. Even if the public option has limited reach - or is delayed or minimized in its implementation - its passage signals a fundamental philosophical shift when it comes to health care policy in the country. It would set up a working foundation to build upon for the future in a way that is decidedly less overblown and unneccessarily dramatic than this current debate.
A Medicare option would also probably have been a nonstarter in Congress, much as the public option attached to Medicare rates stands little chance of passage. But the advantage would have been that the ensuing debate would have been explicitly tied to the thing that makes a government option so effective: the power to negotiate on behalf of a huge customer base, as other countries do and as Medicare does. Instead, the debate has centered around the principle of an insurer run by the public, which is, at this point, going to have a lot less impact on premiums than most of its supporters expect. As a political move, that probably made sense, and allowed politicians to get to a place where they might just have a compromise that supporters like and skeptics don't hate.
The discussion surrounding the principle is crucial to me for a variety of reasons. Even if the public option has limited reach - or is delayed or minimized in its implementation - its passage signals a fundamental philosophical shift when it comes to health care policy in the country. It would set up a working foundation to build upon for the future in a way that is decidedly less overblown and unneccessarily dramatic than this current debate.
Couple of things
- Good to see that Nuci's Space got a key to the city. Now, I wonder if they're going to charge 'em tax on it.
- I just don't really get a lot of the opposition to the parking deck, particularly the concerns over scale. Obviously, we all should have realized that a 520-space parking deck complete with commercial components incorporated into the design was going to be, you know, big. And, as Athens-Clarke County District Nine Commissioner Kelly Girtz noted, if the goal is to encourage denser populations in the urban core of the community, that's going to result in larger buildings ... and that's not a bad thing! We're not talking about putting the Empire State Building here, but rather a mixed-used development the community overwhelmingly approved in the last round of SPLOST projects. Getting all up in arms about it now is a tad revisionist, isn't it?
- And, to think, this editorial didn't even touch Katherine Harris's, er, Karen Handel's interference with Jim Powell's campaign or her decision to re-open qualifying for one election only to Republicans and not Democrats.
- I'd by curious to see the crime data ... I have some doubts.
- Lee Becker wraps up last night's Oconee County Commission meeting, and he focuses on the discussion of the ordinance that would restrict solicitation on public roads. I'm still partial to an outright ban, but I think what the commission is discussing here is a very strong compromise that would permit the practice in a limited, but fair way.
- The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens, an organization on whose board I used to serve, has opted to withdraw from the proposed Athens Resource Center for the Homeless, which is a component of the Navy School redevelopment.
- I don't disagree with David Ching, but I still think it's silly to put all this focus on a player who took his helmet off after the game.
- I just don't really get a lot of the opposition to the parking deck, particularly the concerns over scale. Obviously, we all should have realized that a 520-space parking deck complete with commercial components incorporated into the design was going to be, you know, big. And, as Athens-Clarke County District Nine Commissioner Kelly Girtz noted, if the goal is to encourage denser populations in the urban core of the community, that's going to result in larger buildings ... and that's not a bad thing! We're not talking about putting the Empire State Building here, but rather a mixed-used development the community overwhelmingly approved in the last round of SPLOST projects. Getting all up in arms about it now is a tad revisionist, isn't it?
- And, to think, this editorial didn't even touch Katherine Harris's, er, Karen Handel's interference with Jim Powell's campaign or her decision to re-open qualifying for one election only to Republicans and not Democrats.
- I'd by curious to see the crime data ... I have some doubts.
- Lee Becker wraps up last night's Oconee County Commission meeting, and he focuses on the discussion of the ordinance that would restrict solicitation on public roads. I'm still partial to an outright ban, but I think what the commission is discussing here is a very strong compromise that would permit the practice in a limited, but fair way.
- The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens, an organization on whose board I used to serve, has opted to withdraw from the proposed Athens Resource Center for the Homeless, which is a component of the Navy School redevelopment.
- I don't disagree with David Ching, but I still think it's silly to put all this focus on a player who took his helmet off after the game.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The role of the South in the GOP
A pair of interesting reads on the influence of the South on today's Republican Party, and the ongoing fight for its ideological soul.
First is Jim Galloway's look at the special election in New York, where uber-conservative folks are bucking the Republican candidate in favor of the Conservative Party candidate.
The next one is Andrew Sullivan's 'The Dixiefication Of The South' where he makes the following observation ...
What I take from this is pretty simple: as the GOP is now constituted, it will cease to exist in the West and the Northeast. It will struggle in the Midwest. And the base wants to reinforce these trends, buoyed by recent polls that show a slight uptick in the label "conservative."
As I have said, it will get worse before it gets better.
First is Jim Galloway's look at the special election in New York, where uber-conservative folks are bucking the Republican candidate in favor of the Conservative Party candidate.
The next one is Andrew Sullivan's 'The Dixiefication Of The South' where he makes the following observation ...
What I take from this is pretty simple: as the GOP is now constituted, it will cease to exist in the West and the Northeast. It will struggle in the Midwest. And the base wants to reinforce these trends, buoyed by recent polls that show a slight uptick in the label "conservative."
As I have said, it will get worse before it gets better.
Talking point fail
I was going to write how Sen. Mitch McConnell's position that voting for cloture means an endorsement of health care reform is one of the dumbest things I've come across in a while (and just reaffirms the fact that today's Republicans are all too eager to utilize an outdated procedural tactic to thwart any piece of legislation, regardless of its popularity, solely for political benefit).
Fortunately, Sen. Harry Reid's office took care of that for me ...
We are glad that Senator McConnell has made clear his position on cloture votes. By his logic, Senate Republicans' vote last week against proceeding to the defense bill means they don't support our troops in a time of war. By his logic, if Senate Republicans vote later today against proceeding to the unemployment insurance bill, it means they could care less about the thousands of Americans who are losing the relief they need every day. Thank you, Senator McConnell. Democrats couldn't have put it any better.
Fortunately, Sen. Harry Reid's office took care of that for me ...
We are glad that Senator McConnell has made clear his position on cloture votes. By his logic, Senate Republicans' vote last week against proceeding to the defense bill means they don't support our troops in a time of war. By his logic, if Senate Republicans vote later today against proceeding to the unemployment insurance bill, it means they could care less about the thousands of Americans who are losing the relief they need every day. Thank you, Senator McConnell. Democrats couldn't have put it any better.
Area agency opts out of ARCH
A local non-profit organization has opted to not pursue its plans to start a child care center aimed at assisting low-income and homeless families as part of redevelopment of the U.S. Navy School on Prince Avenue.
The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens - an organization whose board I served on for four years - voted to withdraw from the proposed Athens Resource Center for the Homeless earlier this month. The five non-profits who comprise ARCH are slated to receive $7.9 million to acquire land and build facilities to house a comprehensive center that will offer various supportive services to homeless individuals and families.
Laurie Wilburn Bailey, the executive director of Advantage Behavorial Health Systems and a member of the ARCH steering committee, confirmed IHN's pullout to me.
According to Wilburn Bailey ...
That is correct, IHN has opted to withdraw, and it is unfortunate. However we plan to continue with the daycare center as a part of the project. There are several ideas regarding who might operate it, including ARCH itself. However right now a final decision has not been made. It is such a vital component of the project, that we are all committed to assuring it becomes a reality.
It's good to see the remaining agencies are willing to move forward with the original vision, though, having worked with IHN and the other agencies during the development of the proposal, I am disappointed the organization decided to no longer participate with ARCH.
The child care proposal was one of the central components of the original proposal for the site's re-use, and the vision put forward by the collaborative group was hailed as one of the most innovative concepts in the nation.
The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens - an organization whose board I served on for four years - voted to withdraw from the proposed Athens Resource Center for the Homeless earlier this month. The five non-profits who comprise ARCH are slated to receive $7.9 million to acquire land and build facilities to house a comprehensive center that will offer various supportive services to homeless individuals and families.
Laurie Wilburn Bailey, the executive director of Advantage Behavorial Health Systems and a member of the ARCH steering committee, confirmed IHN's pullout to me.
According to Wilburn Bailey ...
That is correct, IHN has opted to withdraw, and it is unfortunate. However we plan to continue with the daycare center as a part of the project. There are several ideas regarding who might operate it, including ARCH itself. However right now a final decision has not been made. It is such a vital component of the project, that we are all committed to assuring it becomes a reality.
It's good to see the remaining agencies are willing to move forward with the original vision, though, having worked with IHN and the other agencies during the development of the proposal, I am disappointed the organization decided to no longer participate with ARCH.
The child care proposal was one of the central components of the original proposal for the site's re-use, and the vision put forward by the collaborative group was hailed as one of the most innovative concepts in the nation.
More inside baseball
An interesting column by Jay Bookman, which is - for the most part - a rather accurate depiction of what's going on. I would quibble with some of the poll numbers that Bill Kristol is citing and Bookman, to a lesser extent, is conceding.
The key to the Gallup poll is the language of the questions. There's a distinct difference between individuals identifying themselves as 'conservative' or 'liberal' when it comes to their political thought, and, by contrast asking them whether or not they are 'Republican' or 'Democrat.' When you ask the latter - and, let's be honest, it's the latter that matters in political circles - we see that no one really wants to say they're Republican.
The poll by The Washington Post showed that only 20 percent of the people identified themselves as Republican, compared to 33 percent as Democrats and 42 percent as independents. Likewise, this CNN poll shows a high level of disapproval with the Republican Party, while Research 2000 has consistently shown Republican approval levels to be woefully low outside of the South.
To clarify the confusion, it's important to recognize that more people are going say they are 'conservative' when asked whether or not they're 'liberal' or 'conservative' because the former, for more than 30 years, has been labeled as a 'dirty word' in political circles (though that, too, is changing). As evident through the discussions regarding the health care legislation, there are plenty of conservative and moderate Democrats in the mix, but only a handful of liberal and moderate Republicans.
As a result, the number of folks saying they are 'conservative' is remaining rather stagnant from cycle to cycle, but those folks are more closely identifying themselves with the Democratic Party as of late. That's not a 'game, set, match' type of point to make, but it's an important clarification to make when anyone, like Kristol, starts talking about how America loves Republicans.
The key to the Gallup poll is the language of the questions. There's a distinct difference between individuals identifying themselves as 'conservative' or 'liberal' when it comes to their political thought, and, by contrast asking them whether or not they are 'Republican' or 'Democrat.' When you ask the latter - and, let's be honest, it's the latter that matters in political circles - we see that no one really wants to say they're Republican.
The poll by The Washington Post showed that only 20 percent of the people identified themselves as Republican, compared to 33 percent as Democrats and 42 percent as independents. Likewise, this CNN poll shows a high level of disapproval with the Republican Party, while Research 2000 has consistently shown Republican approval levels to be woefully low outside of the South.
To clarify the confusion, it's important to recognize that more people are going say they are 'conservative' when asked whether or not they're 'liberal' or 'conservative' because the former, for more than 30 years, has been labeled as a 'dirty word' in political circles (though that, too, is changing). As evident through the discussions regarding the health care legislation, there are plenty of conservative and moderate Democrats in the mix, but only a handful of liberal and moderate Republicans.
As a result, the number of folks saying they are 'conservative' is remaining rather stagnant from cycle to cycle, but those folks are more closely identifying themselves with the Democratic Party as of late. That's not a 'game, set, match' type of point to make, but it's an important clarification to make when anyone, like Kristol, starts talking about how America loves Republicans.
Inside baseball
Atlanta mayoral candidate Mary Norwood's answer to who she voted for for president seems mighty suspect.
Granted, I'll concede that who you do or do not pull the lever for at the national lever doesn't equate to the type of service you'd provide at the lower level - hence why I'm a big proponent of non-partisan, local elections - but to go from saying 'you don't remember' who you voted for and ducking the question about supporting President George W. Bush to, all of a sudden, producing a pristine, progressive voting record for president is pretty questionable.
Granted, I'll concede that who you do or do not pull the lever for at the national lever doesn't equate to the type of service you'd provide at the lower level - hence why I'm a big proponent of non-partisan, local elections - but to go from saying 'you don't remember' who you voted for and ducking the question about supporting President George W. Bush to, all of a sudden, producing a pristine, progressive voting record for president is pretty questionable.
On 'student rot'
Dan Lorentz talks about 'student rot' affecting area neighborhoods ...
But even though there's much to recommend (Athens-Clarke County District Five Commissioner David) Lynn's approach—it's immediately implementable, it doesn't involve writing new rules and it apparently works (at least so far, in particular neighborhoods)—there are problems with it. First, it gets old pretty fast. And second, it won't work in neighborhoods under heavy student pressure.
I've now lived in four college towns, always fairly near campus. It's not fun to have to talk to new neighbors every year about fairly obvious matters of politeness and then be ignored as often as not. Over time as more students move in, fewer established residents have the patience to do that every year and so they move...and yet another block gets lost to student rot—which is a real loss to the community.
But even though there's much to recommend (Athens-Clarke County District Five Commissioner David) Lynn's approach—it's immediately implementable, it doesn't involve writing new rules and it apparently works (at least so far, in particular neighborhoods)—there are problems with it. First, it gets old pretty fast. And second, it won't work in neighborhoods under heavy student pressure.
I've now lived in four college towns, always fairly near campus. It's not fun to have to talk to new neighbors every year about fairly obvious matters of politeness and then be ignored as often as not. Over time as more students move in, fewer established residents have the patience to do that every year and so they move...and yet another block gets lost to student rot—which is a real loss to the community.
The finish line
The Senate is going to pursue legislation that sets up a public option that states can opt-out of, which, as of now, is the most suitable compromise I can think of.
Talking Points Memo has an interview with Sen. Chuck Schumer that details how the opt-out proposal was chosen, while Ezra Klein interviews Sen. Sherrod Brown on the compromise.
Talking Points Memo has an interview with Sen. Chuck Schumer that details how the opt-out proposal was chosen, while Ezra Klein interviews Sen. Sherrod Brown on the compromise.
Compromising ethics
Is this even a compromise? Does it accomplish anything? Doesn't Karen Handel's mere presence on Georgia's Board of Elections dramatically alter how that entity functions?
Not that Handel's a particularly sincere or honest politician, but I'm just baffled that - even with this recusal compromise - it's deemed 'OK' for her to run for the state's top office and chair a board to oversees the electoral process and any pertinent appeals.
Not that Handel's a particularly sincere or honest politician, but I'm just baffled that - even with this recusal compromise - it's deemed 'OK' for her to run for the state's top office and chair a board to oversees the electoral process and any pertinent appeals.
Couple of things
- I'll concede the proposal isn't an awful idea, but the editorial fails to mention that when Republicans controlled Congress, they routinely sought CBO scores at the last minute or outright ignored seeking them altogether (see the Medicare prescription drug fiasco).
- Blog For Democracy is doing a series of essays from the Atlanta mayoral candidates, and Mary Norwood is up first. Personally, I'd vote for Sen. Kasim Reed if I was up in Atlanta.
- Larry Peterson reads the tea leaves for us.
- Lee Becker talks about Hard Labor Creek.
- OK, the officiating in the SEC has been absolutely awful this year, and there's every reason to hope it results in mass terminations of various officials, but ... Lane Kiffin is pathetic. Not only is his particular argument wholly wrong (the supposed personal foul came after the game, thus meaning its impossible to call a penalty on it), but I seriously have to wonder what type of program Tennessee is interested in building here? One with a petulant child at the helm?
- Blog For Democracy is doing a series of essays from the Atlanta mayoral candidates, and Mary Norwood is up first. Personally, I'd vote for Sen. Kasim Reed if I was up in Atlanta.
- Larry Peterson reads the tea leaves for us.
- Lee Becker talks about Hard Labor Creek.
- OK, the officiating in the SEC has been absolutely awful this year, and there's every reason to hope it results in mass terminations of various officials, but ... Lane Kiffin is pathetic. Not only is his particular argument wholly wrong (the supposed personal foul came after the game, thus meaning its impossible to call a penalty on it), but I seriously have to wonder what type of program Tennessee is interested in building here? One with a petulant child at the helm?
Monday, October 26, 2009
What they really meant
Larry Peterson's commentary regarding the accusations made against former Sen. Eric Johnson is one of the odder things I've come across in some time, and is part Peterson playing 'Karnac The Great' and part confused hit job on the Democratic Party of Georgia.
Let's leave aside some of the accusations levied at the web site, recognize that it's a piece of a larger political strategy and concede that Peterson did what any good journalist is supposed to do, which is try to weed through the spin to find the truth.
And to be fair, when it came to Johnson, Peterson started out by doing some fact-checking. He caught a few discrepencies, did the appropriate investigative work and published his results. At this point, he opted to call Matt Weyrandt, the executive director of the DPG, and the latter clarified the company line.
Then the wheels fell off ...
Two things are noteworthy about that response.
First: He tacitly conceded the evidence on the Web site isn't good enough: "You have to look beyond Johnson's role on the (authority)."
Second: He demoted Johnson from spearhead to "cheerleader."
Peterson takes off the objective, fact-checking hat and replaces it with the 'OK-I-really-don't-care-what-your-response-is-I've-already-got-a-predetermined-point-to-make' hat. And, as a result, he flagrantly inserts words into Weyrandt's mouth, suggesting that the latter thinks his own message is flawed.
In actuality, it seems as if Weyrandt is merely trying to connect the dots - that Johnson was the President Pro Tem in the State Senate who shephered legislation through that chamber while also serving as a leader on the Jekyll Island Authority - and Peterson simply can't do that on his own.
Second, I don't think it's fair to say that Johnson has to be either a 'spearhead' or a 'cheerleader.' The terms don't appear to be interchangeable to me, nor does the statement seem to suggest that. It seems to me that you can be a leader on something as well as encouraging to other folks to follow that vision. Peterson is simply projecting what Weyrandt 'really' means when he's speaking, thus assuming he's more knowledgeable about what's being said than, you know, who's actually saying it.
In doing so, Peterson's no better than Weyrandt based on the former's own criticism. Because - trying to follow his logic - the DPG put up a bad web site that needed clarifications from Weyrandt's clarifications ... and, when you read through the tea leaves, you can see he 'really' meant something else ... and, fortunately for us, only Peterson can decode this weird, secret language, so he'll gladly share his special talent with the rest of us.
It's like Peterson is Roddy Piper's character in They Live.
Let's leave aside some of the accusations levied at the web site, recognize that it's a piece of a larger political strategy and concede that Peterson did what any good journalist is supposed to do, which is try to weed through the spin to find the truth.
And to be fair, when it came to Johnson, Peterson started out by doing some fact-checking. He caught a few discrepencies, did the appropriate investigative work and published his results. At this point, he opted to call Matt Weyrandt, the executive director of the DPG, and the latter clarified the company line.
Then the wheels fell off ...
Two things are noteworthy about that response.
First: He tacitly conceded the evidence on the Web site isn't good enough: "You have to look beyond Johnson's role on the (authority)."
Second: He demoted Johnson from spearhead to "cheerleader."
Peterson takes off the objective, fact-checking hat and replaces it with the 'OK-I-really-don't-care-what-your-response-is-I've-already-got-a-predetermined-point-to-make' hat. And, as a result, he flagrantly inserts words into Weyrandt's mouth, suggesting that the latter thinks his own message is flawed.
In actuality, it seems as if Weyrandt is merely trying to connect the dots - that Johnson was the President Pro Tem in the State Senate who shephered legislation through that chamber while also serving as a leader on the Jekyll Island Authority - and Peterson simply can't do that on his own.
Second, I don't think it's fair to say that Johnson has to be either a 'spearhead' or a 'cheerleader.' The terms don't appear to be interchangeable to me, nor does the statement seem to suggest that. It seems to me that you can be a leader on something as well as encouraging to other folks to follow that vision. Peterson is simply projecting what Weyrandt 'really' means when he's speaking, thus assuming he's more knowledgeable about what's being said than, you know, who's actually saying it.
In doing so, Peterson's no better than Weyrandt based on the former's own criticism. Because - trying to follow his logic - the DPG put up a bad web site that needed clarifications from Weyrandt's clarifications ... and, when you read through the tea leaves, you can see he 'really' meant something else ... and, fortunately for us, only Peterson can decode this weird, secret language, so he'll gladly share his special talent with the rest of us.
It's like Peterson is Roddy Piper's character in They Live.
Doug Bachtel and Mexican pot
Doug Bachtel's column on 'unintended consequences' in the push to reform health care is, without a doubt, one of the more shoddy pieces of commentary I've come across in a while. It's completely all over the map and includes admissions of a lack of knowledge about the subject matter, references to marijuana use and a bizarre argument for the Mexican health care system.
For starters, let's look at how Bachtel opens his column ...
I must admit I haven't read the new health care legislation ...
I can't stress it enough, but that's how he begins a column devoted to criticizing efforts to reform health care. He embraces the fact that he has no knowledge of the various pieces of legislation aimed at fixing our health care system before launching into a lengthy 'what if' scenario related to socialized medicine. From a journalistic - and persuasive - standpoint, this is absolutely staggering to me.
If you concede you don't know anything about the actual debate, why in the world are you penning a column on it?
Ugh ...
Canada and the U.S. have a number of similarities and differences. The differences, which include culture, ethnic diversity, rural-urban population distribution and type of government really are a matter of degree. So do Canadians spend more on alternative medicine because of the difficulty in obtaining traditional medicine or due to basic U.S.-Canadian differences? I suspect that when one commodity or good is limited, denied or difficult to obtain, individuals will search for and use alternatives.
Mother of Mary, we're heading down the pathway to the insane. Here, Bachtel willingly admits to blatant ignorance regarding a particular topic - the higher use of alternative medicine in Canada compared to the United States - and then turns that ignorance, later in the piece, into a projection that reforming health care will result in a surge in alternative medicine usage here. Again, aside from one observatory fact, there is no information to justify this projection.
Likewise, in what is rapidly becoming a Bachtel trademark, he closes that paragraph by stating the obvious (though, again, he lacks the corresponding evidence to suggest that the markets will be restricted, thus resulting in any denials).
Then, we get to the Mexico conspiracy ...
The second unintended consequence of the proposed changes in the health care system will be an increased use of foreign health care facilities and practitioners by Americans. Traveling for medical care is a common practice. Canadians travel to use American health care facilities.
Individuals from across the world seek American medical care in well known centers of medical excellence such as the Mayo Clinic, Cedars-Sinai and Emory.
Because of good surface and air transportation, travel to Mexico is relatively cheap and easy. I suspect some Georgians will use the Mexican connection if major health care changes are implemented. And if the new health care changes become problematic, the use of Mexican health care alternatives will no doubt increase substantially.
Um, OK? Honestly, I don't even know how to being rationalizing this nonsense. Bachtel is arguing that increasing insurance coverage, as well as lowering the cost of health care, will result in an influx of Americans flooding the Mexican health care system.
It's as if he was sitting at his computer - doing his best Harry Turtledove impression - just pounding out ridiculous hypotheticals as fast as they popped in his head.
For starters, let's look at how Bachtel opens his column ...
I must admit I haven't read the new health care legislation ...
I can't stress it enough, but that's how he begins a column devoted to criticizing efforts to reform health care. He embraces the fact that he has no knowledge of the various pieces of legislation aimed at fixing our health care system before launching into a lengthy 'what if' scenario related to socialized medicine. From a journalistic - and persuasive - standpoint, this is absolutely staggering to me.
If you concede you don't know anything about the actual debate, why in the world are you penning a column on it?
Ugh ...
Canada and the U.S. have a number of similarities and differences. The differences, which include culture, ethnic diversity, rural-urban population distribution and type of government really are a matter of degree. So do Canadians spend more on alternative medicine because of the difficulty in obtaining traditional medicine or due to basic U.S.-Canadian differences? I suspect that when one commodity or good is limited, denied or difficult to obtain, individuals will search for and use alternatives.
Mother of Mary, we're heading down the pathway to the insane. Here, Bachtel willingly admits to blatant ignorance regarding a particular topic - the higher use of alternative medicine in Canada compared to the United States - and then turns that ignorance, later in the piece, into a projection that reforming health care will result in a surge in alternative medicine usage here. Again, aside from one observatory fact, there is no information to justify this projection.
Likewise, in what is rapidly becoming a Bachtel trademark, he closes that paragraph by stating the obvious (though, again, he lacks the corresponding evidence to suggest that the markets will be restricted, thus resulting in any denials).
Then, we get to the Mexico conspiracy ...
The second unintended consequence of the proposed changes in the health care system will be an increased use of foreign health care facilities and practitioners by Americans. Traveling for medical care is a common practice. Canadians travel to use American health care facilities.
Individuals from across the world seek American medical care in well known centers of medical excellence such as the Mayo Clinic, Cedars-Sinai and Emory.
Because of good surface and air transportation, travel to Mexico is relatively cheap and easy. I suspect some Georgians will use the Mexican connection if major health care changes are implemented. And if the new health care changes become problematic, the use of Mexican health care alternatives will no doubt increase substantially.
Um, OK? Honestly, I don't even know how to being rationalizing this nonsense. Bachtel is arguing that increasing insurance coverage, as well as lowering the cost of health care, will result in an influx of Americans flooding the Mexican health care system.
It's as if he was sitting at his computer - doing his best Harry Turtledove impression - just pounding out ridiculous hypotheticals as fast as they popped in his head.
Norris passes away
Via Dan Matthews, former Oconee County Commissioner Don Norris has passed away.
Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Thoughts and prayers to his family.
The finish line
Paul Krugman can see it ...
Still, if the Massachusetts experience is any guide, health care reform will have broad public support once it’s in place and the scare stories are proved false. The new health care system will be criticized; people will demand changes and improvements; but only a small minority will want reform reversed.
This thing is going to work.
Still, if the Massachusetts experience is any guide, health care reform will have broad public support once it’s in place and the scare stories are proved false. The new health care system will be criticized; people will demand changes and improvements; but only a small minority will want reform reversed.
This thing is going to work.
Couple of things
- For numerous reasons, I think this editorial is misguided, however it remains a testament to the ability of what one person may feel is an innocent statement to fundamentally hinder positive discussion on an positive project. Everywhere you turn, folks remember that Athens-Clarke County District 10 Commissioner called the parking deck a 'legacy' project, and that unfortunately clouds this issue.
- I'm going to write more on this in a bit, but this Doug Bachtel column is one of the worst pieces of commentary I've read in a long, long time. In it, he confesses to his gross ignorance on the topic of discussion before proceeding to simply cherry-pick data and concoct a mythical situation where his nightmare scenario 'might' happen.
- An interesting read on a rather unpopular ordinance, and it just goes to show that most of these disagreements can be resolved by simple communication.
- The same article also shows that Ed Vaughan, who personally attacked Athens-Clarke County District Seven Commissioner Kathy Hoard in the comments, continues to be a no-class clown whose anger against Athens-Clarke County voters stems solely from the fact that they, on numerous occasions, opted to vote for other people and not him.
- Awesome. I'm not sure what's more disturbing - the fact that the law is regularly being ignored or that Georgia Power doled out $50,000 over two years in violation of that law (while ramming through The Georgia Power Ponzi Scheme).
- I have serious doubts about the sincerity of Rep. Paul Broun Jr.'s claim that he'd co-sponsor components of his legislation as individual bills with Democrats.
- Really? Maintaining a four-star cornerback's committment is essential to continuing the methodical destruction of Georgia's defensive stature?
- I'm going to write more on this in a bit, but this Doug Bachtel column is one of the worst pieces of commentary I've read in a long, long time. In it, he confesses to his gross ignorance on the topic of discussion before proceeding to simply cherry-pick data and concoct a mythical situation where his nightmare scenario 'might' happen.
- An interesting read on a rather unpopular ordinance, and it just goes to show that most of these disagreements can be resolved by simple communication.
- The same article also shows that Ed Vaughan, who personally attacked Athens-Clarke County District Seven Commissioner Kathy Hoard in the comments, continues to be a no-class clown whose anger against Athens-Clarke County voters stems solely from the fact that they, on numerous occasions, opted to vote for other people and not him.
- Awesome. I'm not sure what's more disturbing - the fact that the law is regularly being ignored or that Georgia Power doled out $50,000 over two years in violation of that law (while ramming through The Georgia Power Ponzi Scheme).
- I have serious doubts about the sincerity of Rep. Paul Broun Jr.'s claim that he'd co-sponsor components of his legislation as individual bills with Democrats.
- Really? Maintaining a four-star cornerback's committment is essential to continuing the methodical destruction of Georgia's defensive stature?
Sunday, October 25, 2009
The read
From my Sunday column in the Athens Banner-Herald ...
There's plenty of promise with Millar's proposal, but it also should be viewed with some skepticism. The Georgia General Assembly, despite four years of haggling, still can't reach consensus on how best to fund transportation needs, and the proposal to let the governor pick and choose the MARTA director unnecessarily politicizes the position.
In addition, folks should exercise caution with the premise of handing over the largest transit system in the state to a conservative-heavy group of legislators who have shown an uncanny knack for divorcing themselves from the Republican Party's stated support for local control and resorted to heavy-handed tactics to compel local entities to behave in a certain way.
Last year, Republican legislators killed a measure that would have given MARTA more leeway in how it spent its sales tax revenue because various Democratic representatives refused to vote for an unrelated bill that capped local property tax assessments.
On Oct. 10, state Rep. Jill Chambers, R-Atlanta, told members of MARTA's governing board via e-mail that if anyone voted for funding options she disagreed with, there might be political retribution in the form of the elimination of the supporters' seats on the board.
And, just last week, state Rep. Earl Ehrhart, R-Powder Springs, took to conservative blog Peach Pundit to again call for state interference in MARTA governance. His concerns were that MARTA's board is too big, and its members were making decisions and requests he simply didn't like.
All the while, MARTA is struggling to survive as it balances increased ridership with sagging revenues - it is facing an $85 million deficit for 2010.
There's plenty of promise with Millar's proposal, but it also should be viewed with some skepticism. The Georgia General Assembly, despite four years of haggling, still can't reach consensus on how best to fund transportation needs, and the proposal to let the governor pick and choose the MARTA director unnecessarily politicizes the position.
In addition, folks should exercise caution with the premise of handing over the largest transit system in the state to a conservative-heavy group of legislators who have shown an uncanny knack for divorcing themselves from the Republican Party's stated support for local control and resorted to heavy-handed tactics to compel local entities to behave in a certain way.
Last year, Republican legislators killed a measure that would have given MARTA more leeway in how it spent its sales tax revenue because various Democratic representatives refused to vote for an unrelated bill that capped local property tax assessments.
On Oct. 10, state Rep. Jill Chambers, R-Atlanta, told members of MARTA's governing board via e-mail that if anyone voted for funding options she disagreed with, there might be political retribution in the form of the elimination of the supporters' seats on the board.
And, just last week, state Rep. Earl Ehrhart, R-Powder Springs, took to conservative blog Peach Pundit to again call for state interference in MARTA governance. His concerns were that MARTA's board is too big, and its members were making decisions and requests he simply didn't like.
All the while, MARTA is struggling to survive as it balances increased ridership with sagging revenues - it is facing an $85 million deficit for 2010.
Friday, October 23, 2009
You can now play the madness!
So, a new online computer game helps you lead Rep. Ron Paul's revolutionary forces in an attempt to thwart a socialist coup by President Obama in 2011.
It's, um, yeah ... it's ... wow.
Still, it flows in nicely with Rep. Paul Broun Jr.'s belief that AmeriCorps is a secret military force as, in the game, Obama's police force is known as 'AmeriTroops.'
I suppose Broun should get some royalties then.
It's, um, yeah ... it's ... wow.
Still, it flows in nicely with Rep. Paul Broun Jr.'s belief that AmeriCorps is a secret military force as, in the game, Obama's police force is known as 'AmeriTroops.'
I suppose Broun should get some royalties then.
Perspective on Fox News
If this is true, it's marginally disappointing. Not because I think Fox News should be shut out of the equation altogether, but instead because it lends unnecessary legitimacy to the organization.
Now, before my liberal friends say 'that's right!' and my conservative ones holler 'you hate free speech' let me preface this by saying I like Fox News. Not necessarily their content, but their business model in the world of modern journalism. They openly embrace the insertion of political commentary into their news reporting, and - as someone who pens a center-to-left blog - I think that's an acceptable practice.
That said, because I'm open to that style of journalism, I think the approach being taken by the White House is perfectly reasonable because their argument is a consistent one - that Fox News presents news accompanied by perspective. This is done through story selection, interview choices, insertion of commentary into news reporting and opinion-makers who lean heavily to the right.
I've got no problem with that in the slightest, but I think it's also logical to label Fox News, then, as a something more akin to talk radio or blogging where, in those cases, the political leanings are more evident. Fox News has aggressively gone after President Obama and the Democratic majorities in Congress, often in a truly absurd way, but in the end, that's fine! It's a conservative network that is geared toward a conservative audience, and, from a business perspective, they ought to thank the administration for helping their ratings soar.
But it's not, say, CNN. It's not, say, ABC News.
It doesn't pretend to withhold commentary from its reporting. It inserts itself directly into its stories from both a promotional angle, as well as an ideological one (i.e. the Tea Parties earlier this year). It relies heavily on circulated talking points from the Republican Party as themes for its coverage.
As a result, it should be treated differently than other news outlets which, imperfect as they may be, strive for a non-biased approach to their reporting. Placing Fox News on the same level as CNN, for instance, suggests both are going about their investigative reporting with the same intent when, in actuality, their aims are different. An outlet like CNN wants to evenly present both sides of the issue, while Fox News is more geared to presenting an ideological argument for its
We have plenty of examples of this in the magazine world, and no one is stunned by it. Yet, calling Fox News a conservative outlet is treated so oddly by folks, it's somewhat surprising.
(I'll also note that MSNBC is different in that it features three prominent liberal commentators, as well as a center-to-left commentator, for its afternoon/nighttime line-up. The station, however, does not let its commentary bleed over into its news reporting - though I'd concede their story selection can be suspect at times - and they balance, to some extent, their opinion-makers by inserting conservative Joe Scarborough, who I actually like very much, as their morning show host. I would be open to MSNBC moving to become a progressive Fox News-style network that interjected commentary into reporting because, obviously, that's a smart business model and will attract a base pool of support from folks who lean to the left, but I don't think the network is there yet or wants to move in that direction.)
In the end, I think we ought to just call Fox News what it really is, which is a very savvy business model that has a built-in base of viewers and guaranteed ad revenues.
Now, before my liberal friends say 'that's right!' and my conservative ones holler 'you hate free speech' let me preface this by saying I like Fox News. Not necessarily their content, but their business model in the world of modern journalism. They openly embrace the insertion of political commentary into their news reporting, and - as someone who pens a center-to-left blog - I think that's an acceptable practice.
That said, because I'm open to that style of journalism, I think the approach being taken by the White House is perfectly reasonable because their argument is a consistent one - that Fox News presents news accompanied by perspective. This is done through story selection, interview choices, insertion of commentary into news reporting and opinion-makers who lean heavily to the right.
I've got no problem with that in the slightest, but I think it's also logical to label Fox News, then, as a something more akin to talk radio or blogging where, in those cases, the political leanings are more evident. Fox News has aggressively gone after President Obama and the Democratic majorities in Congress, often in a truly absurd way, but in the end, that's fine! It's a conservative network that is geared toward a conservative audience, and, from a business perspective, they ought to thank the administration for helping their ratings soar.
But it's not, say, CNN. It's not, say, ABC News.
It doesn't pretend to withhold commentary from its reporting. It inserts itself directly into its stories from both a promotional angle, as well as an ideological one (i.e. the Tea Parties earlier this year). It relies heavily on circulated talking points from the Republican Party as themes for its coverage.
As a result, it should be treated differently than other news outlets which, imperfect as they may be, strive for a non-biased approach to their reporting. Placing Fox News on the same level as CNN, for instance, suggests both are going about their investigative reporting with the same intent when, in actuality, their aims are different. An outlet like CNN wants to evenly present both sides of the issue, while Fox News is more geared to presenting an ideological argument for its
We have plenty of examples of this in the magazine world, and no one is stunned by it. Yet, calling Fox News a conservative outlet is treated so oddly by folks, it's somewhat surprising.
(I'll also note that MSNBC is different in that it features three prominent liberal commentators, as well as a center-to-left commentator, for its afternoon/nighttime line-up. The station, however, does not let its commentary bleed over into its news reporting - though I'd concede their story selection can be suspect at times - and they balance, to some extent, their opinion-makers by inserting conservative Joe Scarborough, who I actually like very much, as their morning show host. I would be open to MSNBC moving to become a progressive Fox News-style network that interjected commentary into reporting because, obviously, that's a smart business model and will attract a base pool of support from folks who lean to the left, but I don't think the network is there yet or wants to move in that direction.)
In the end, I think we ought to just call Fox News what it really is, which is a very savvy business model that has a built-in base of viewers and guaranteed ad revenues.
J.T. lays the smack down
The Clarke County Republicans are acting dishonestly? Cherry-picking facts to suit their own predetermined mindset?
Stunning.
Stunning.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The summary
Dan's take from Trappeze is here, while my take is here.
Thanks to all who came and visited - especially those who agreed to share their thoughts with us - and I think this will become a regular thing. We've got a few kinks to work out, and we're exploring the possibility of doing a livestreaming audio take of this, but I can easily see this being done again.
Thanks to all who came and visited - especially those who agreed to share their thoughts with us - and I think this will become a regular thing. We've got a few kinks to work out, and we're exploring the possibility of doing a livestreaming audio take of this, but I can easily see this being done again.
Live From Trappeze
(Dan's liveblog is here.)
4:30 p.m. - We're back liveblogging from Trappeze, so feel to come by and get us a beer.
4:36 p.m. - Brandon Shinholser was kind enough to join us again, and the three of us are chatting tennis center. As of now, Dan and I favor locating it at Bishop Park, but with appropriate compensation and/or relocation taken into consideration for the Athens Farmers Market. Shinholser, as well, is partial to Bishop Park.
4:43 p.m. - Blake has a copy of the fundraising request from Wilmont Greene for The Georgia Theater, so be sure to check it out and help those folks out.
4:50 p.m. - Via Jason Winders on Facebook, R.E.M. is curious to know if its music was used on Gitmo detainees.
4:57 p.m. - Spencer Frye, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity who has an exploratory committee set up for an Athens-Clarke County mayoral bid, has joined us.
5:01 p.m. - Frye on deciding to run or not run for mayor: "It's like we put out a few months back, what we're really trying to do is take stock of is what Athens needs in a mayor. And making sure we get as much input as possible because it's not something to take lightly because the community deserves somebody who can make an informed decision about Athens's needs."
5:14 p.m. - Frye on the tennis center: "I think David Lynn said it the best when he said, and I'm paraphrasing, that I hope everybody realizes that no decision about design or that have been made yet because it's early in the process. Personally, I think we ought to let the tennis folks behind it lead the way, but I do love the Bishop Park site."
5:21 p.m. - The latest from the Athens Banner-Herald on the tragic plane crash on the eastside of Athens-Clarke County. Prayer to friends and family of those involved.
5:35 p.m. - Martin Matheny, former communications director for the Democratic Party of Georgia and current Beyond The Trestle blogger, has joined us. And he's got a question for the (surprisingly large) group gathering around us: "What's the best-kept, arts-related secret in Athens?" His answer is the Athens Symphony Orchestra.
5:37 p.m. - My answer, obviously, is the Georgia Museum of Art. Shinholser opted for the local art at Five Star Day, and Frye voted for the Lyndon House (itself), noting the historic preservation qualities in the building itself.
5:47 p.m. - Ample discussion at the table regarding a rumor surrounding Whole Foods being interested in the soon-to-be-vacated St. Joseph's Catholic Church space. We're not sure if it was driven by Dan's previous post or an actual rumor.
5:53 p.m. - Dan is expressing a desire to have us do a livestream, which is a better idea than a liveblog. So we'll investigate that in the future.
5:57 p.m. - Matheny, acting now merely as media consultant, is very pleased with the Democratic Party of Georgia's new web site: "I think it's telling that three of the five Republicans bothered to issue responses, and I think it was (Eric) Johnson, (John) Oxendine and (Johnny) Isakson, and in none of their responses was addressed the charges. They accused the party of being negative, but not they didn't respond to the substantive facts in those accusations. It says to me they can't refute the facts, and I hope folks will understand that these guys have made lucrative careers in politics, and that's not what America is about. It's supposed to be about serving your fellow man and not lining your pockets."
4:30 p.m. - We're back liveblogging from Trappeze, so feel to come by and get us a beer.
4:36 p.m. - Brandon Shinholser was kind enough to join us again, and the three of us are chatting tennis center. As of now, Dan and I favor locating it at Bishop Park, but with appropriate compensation and/or relocation taken into consideration for the Athens Farmers Market. Shinholser, as well, is partial to Bishop Park.
4:43 p.m. - Blake has a copy of the fundraising request from Wilmont Greene for The Georgia Theater, so be sure to check it out and help those folks out.
4:50 p.m. - Via Jason Winders on Facebook, R.E.M. is curious to know if its music was used on Gitmo detainees.
4:57 p.m. - Spencer Frye, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity who has an exploratory committee set up for an Athens-Clarke County mayoral bid, has joined us.
5:01 p.m. - Frye on deciding to run or not run for mayor: "It's like we put out a few months back, what we're really trying to do is take stock of is what Athens needs in a mayor. And making sure we get as much input as possible because it's not something to take lightly because the community deserves somebody who can make an informed decision about Athens's needs."
5:14 p.m. - Frye on the tennis center: "I think David Lynn said it the best when he said, and I'm paraphrasing, that I hope everybody realizes that no decision about design or that have been made yet because it's early in the process. Personally, I think we ought to let the tennis folks behind it lead the way, but I do love the Bishop Park site."
5:21 p.m. - The latest from the Athens Banner-Herald on the tragic plane crash on the eastside of Athens-Clarke County. Prayer to friends and family of those involved.
5:35 p.m. - Martin Matheny, former communications director for the Democratic Party of Georgia and current Beyond The Trestle blogger, has joined us. And he's got a question for the (surprisingly large) group gathering around us: "What's the best-kept, arts-related secret in Athens?" His answer is the Athens Symphony Orchestra.
5:37 p.m. - My answer, obviously, is the Georgia Museum of Art. Shinholser opted for the local art at Five Star Day, and Frye voted for the Lyndon House (itself), noting the historic preservation qualities in the building itself.
5:47 p.m. - Ample discussion at the table regarding a rumor surrounding Whole Foods being interested in the soon-to-be-vacated St. Joseph's Catholic Church space. We're not sure if it was driven by Dan's previous post or an actual rumor.
5:53 p.m. - Dan is expressing a desire to have us do a livestream, which is a better idea than a liveblog. So we'll investigate that in the future.
5:57 p.m. - Matheny, acting now merely as media consultant, is very pleased with the Democratic Party of Georgia's new web site: "I think it's telling that three of the five Republicans bothered to issue responses, and I think it was (Eric) Johnson, (John) Oxendine and (Johnny) Isakson, and in none of their responses was addressed the charges. They accused the party of being negative, but not they didn't respond to the substantive facts in those accusations. It says to me they can't refute the facts, and I hope folks will understand that these guys have made lucrative careers in politics, and that's not what America is about. It's supposed to be about serving your fellow man and not lining your pockets."
BrounCare
Blake talks with Rep. Paul Broun Jr., who concedes that his proposal to abolish Medicare is a no-go.
Of course, earlier this summer during one of his town hall meetings, Broun conceded that - despite his belief the popular program is unconstitutional - he wouldn't seek to get rid of it. His bill, however, directly contradicts that statement by replacing the program with a less-than-stable mechanism that does nothing to increase access and has no measure of cost control in place (meaning his proposal will result in insurance rates rising).
Of course, earlier this summer during one of his town hall meetings, Broun conceded that - despite his belief the popular program is unconstitutional - he wouldn't seek to get rid of it. His bill, however, directly contradicts that statement by replacing the program with a less-than-stable mechanism that does nothing to increase access and has no measure of cost control in place (meaning his proposal will result in insurance rates rising).
Wrapping up
The first one is in the books with my take here, and Dan's is here.
Our next one is set for 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Trappeze. Come join us, and be sure to buy us a beer.
Our next one is set for 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Trappeze. Come join us, and be sure to buy us a beer.
Live From Walker's Coffee & Pub
(Check out Dan's blog here.)
8:30 a.m. - OK, it's Dan and I live now. We've got emails to sift through, a few folks planning on swinging by and a good cup of coffee ... which is sorely needed when your daughter wants to wake you up at 5:45 a.m.
8:35 a.m. - Definitely read J.T.'s editorial. It's excellent and, of course, spot on.
8:36 a.m. - And Ben has a column too! Wow. He used to write regularly for the paper back in the day when I worked there, and he's an all-around good guy. Plus, his topic is good too.
8:41 a.m. - Dan has photo evidence available.
8:45 a.m. - Walker's has Discovery Channel on right now ... and we've got a show focusing on falcons. With no sound, it's somewhat disconcerting, particularly since some of these falcons have some form of headgear on them.
8:51 a.m. - Athens-Clarke County District Nine Commissioner Kelly Girtz just dropped by to visit with us (and he's drinking coffee out of a large, glass mug more suitable for root beer). Michael Smith, who's a local organizer for Organizing For America, just swung by too.
8:59 a.m. - Girtz on Rep. Paul Broun Jr.'s health care proposal: 'My primary concern with things like health savings accounts are cost control and access. I appreciate anyone who brings something to the table, but my primary concern is going to be tied up with access to the care.'
9:11 a.m. - In a random discussion on the creation of pedestrian spaces, Smith offers the funniest line regarding a pair of examples of good space utilization: 'Is Madison, Wis., more socialist than Munich?'
9:22 a.m. - Check out Brian's post on utilizing rail, which links to Dan Matthews's line cab video.
9:26 a.m. - Brandon Shinholser, one of the students running for mayor, stopped by the visit. Good to see him.
9:30 a.m. Shinholser on running for office: 'I've always been interested in helping others, and that means helping to make this a good society.'
9:42 a.m. - Athens-Clarke County District 10 Commissioner Mike Hamby stopped by and obviously should be home studying his agenda for tonight's meeting.
9:45 a.m. - Hamby on budget concerns for 2010: 'The biggest challenge is going to be that you're going to affect people's lives. You're got employees, and you've got to think about them. But we're also working to be good stewards of the taxpayers' money, so there are a lot of factors you have to take into account. ... How do you do this and have the least impact on someone's life, but either way, you're going to have some impact.'
9:54 a.m. - Hamby on the cost of the jail: 'The only reason they throw ($80 million) out is to give us a highball number to work with, and I suspect it will be signficantly less when it's all said and done. I hope so.'
9:58 a.m. - Via Brian's Twitter feed, he's implying that Kenny Chesney will be a 'surprise' guest for The Zac Brown Band's performance benefitting The Georgia Theater on Oct. 30 at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.
8:30 a.m. - OK, it's Dan and I live now. We've got emails to sift through, a few folks planning on swinging by and a good cup of coffee ... which is sorely needed when your daughter wants to wake you up at 5:45 a.m.
8:35 a.m. - Definitely read J.T.'s editorial. It's excellent and, of course, spot on.
8:36 a.m. - And Ben has a column too! Wow. He used to write regularly for the paper back in the day when I worked there, and he's an all-around good guy. Plus, his topic is good too.
8:41 a.m. - Dan has photo evidence available.
8:45 a.m. - Walker's has Discovery Channel on right now ... and we've got a show focusing on falcons. With no sound, it's somewhat disconcerting, particularly since some of these falcons have some form of headgear on them.
8:51 a.m. - Athens-Clarke County District Nine Commissioner Kelly Girtz just dropped by to visit with us (and he's drinking coffee out of a large, glass mug more suitable for root beer). Michael Smith, who's a local organizer for Organizing For America, just swung by too.
8:59 a.m. - Girtz on Rep. Paul Broun Jr.'s health care proposal: 'My primary concern with things like health savings accounts are cost control and access. I appreciate anyone who brings something to the table, but my primary concern is going to be tied up with access to the care.'
9:11 a.m. - In a random discussion on the creation of pedestrian spaces, Smith offers the funniest line regarding a pair of examples of good space utilization: 'Is Madison, Wis., more socialist than Munich?'
9:22 a.m. - Check out Brian's post on utilizing rail, which links to Dan Matthews's line cab video.
9:26 a.m. - Brandon Shinholser, one of the students running for mayor, stopped by the visit. Good to see him.
9:30 a.m. Shinholser on running for office: 'I've always been interested in helping others, and that means helping to make this a good society.'
9:42 a.m. - Athens-Clarke County District 10 Commissioner Mike Hamby stopped by and obviously should be home studying his agenda for tonight's meeting.
9:45 a.m. - Hamby on budget concerns for 2010: 'The biggest challenge is going to be that you're going to affect people's lives. You're got employees, and you've got to think about them. But we're also working to be good stewards of the taxpayers' money, so there are a lot of factors you have to take into account. ... How do you do this and have the least impact on someone's life, but either way, you're going to have some impact.'
9:54 a.m. - Hamby on the cost of the jail: 'The only reason they throw ($80 million) out is to give us a highball number to work with, and I suspect it will be signficantly less when it's all said and done. I hope so.'
9:58 a.m. - Via Brian's Twitter feed, he's implying that Kenny Chesney will be a 'surprise' guest for The Zac Brown Band's performance benefitting The Georgia Theater on Oct. 30 at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Live-blog pending
As we've mentioned a few times before, Dan Lorentz and I will be live-blogging at Walker's Pub tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., and then at Trappeze from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Be sure to come by and visit with us, but if you can't make it feel free to email us during the allotted times.
Broun: End Medicare
Via Blake, Rep. Paul Broun Jr. is angling to abolish Medicare, thus satisfying his longstanding ideological opposition to the program.
Live-blog pending
Don't forget, Dan Lorentz and I will be live-blogging at Walker's Pub tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., and then at Trappeze from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Be sure to come by and visit with us.
That's about right
Ezra Klein's post on rising premiums is pretty good ...
Republicans have bent over backwards to proclaim their openness to insurance market reforms. Sen. Mike Enzi, for instance, told AARP that "I support fundamental changes that would prevent insurance companies from denying access to anyone needing health insurance coverage." If everyone can access coverage, then the risk pool will become more expensive because the bad risks will no longer be locked out. Enzi, in other words, supports the fundamental change that raises average premiums.
Conversely, the pieces of the bill that have driven the most partisan bickering have been the elements that would drop the cost of average premiums. You may or may not like the public plan, but the Congressional Budget Office and many other analysts have said it will lead to lower premiums for consumers. The individual mandate has sparked a fair amount of Republican opposition, but its purpose is to pull healthy customers into the pool so average premiums remain low. The level of subsidies has created some controversy, but it will offset the premiums costs for most consumers.
Republicans have adopted the insurance industry's talking point that health-care reform will "make the average insurance plan more expensive." The problem is, most of them support, or have previously supported, the elements of the plan that drive that increase. And most of them oppose both the insurance industry's ideas for mitigating the problem (a much stronger individual mandate) and the elements of the Democratic bills that would drive down premium costs.
Republicans have bent over backwards to proclaim their openness to insurance market reforms. Sen. Mike Enzi, for instance, told AARP that "I support fundamental changes that would prevent insurance companies from denying access to anyone needing health insurance coverage." If everyone can access coverage, then the risk pool will become more expensive because the bad risks will no longer be locked out. Enzi, in other words, supports the fundamental change that raises average premiums.
Conversely, the pieces of the bill that have driven the most partisan bickering have been the elements that would drop the cost of average premiums. You may or may not like the public plan, but the Congressional Budget Office and many other analysts have said it will lead to lower premiums for consumers. The individual mandate has sparked a fair amount of Republican opposition, but its purpose is to pull healthy customers into the pool so average premiums remain low. The level of subsidies has created some controversy, but it will offset the premiums costs for most consumers.
Republicans have adopted the insurance industry's talking point that health-care reform will "make the average insurance plan more expensive." The problem is, most of them support, or have previously supported, the elements of the plan that drive that increase. And most of them oppose both the insurance industry's ideas for mitigating the problem (a much stronger individual mandate) and the elements of the Democratic bills that would drive down premium costs.
In which the new guy takes umbrage with elitist arguments
Can I still call myself the new guy? Maybe "the guy who disappears from posting for month" is more apropos. But, I digress.
Kids, I'm not pleased. Maybe you read the blog "Left on Lanier." In fact, I threw them some well-deserved love a couple of months ago. But, they got it wrong today and I'm irked.
In a post titled "Georgia High School Student gives finger to DOJ," one of their front pagers unleashes a fairly vicious screed against Secretary of State Karen Handel. Now, normally, I'm all about knocking on Handel. I think she's been an overly litigious partisan hack who acts more like the secretary of the Georgia GOP than the Secretary of State. And, since in a former life I worked at the state party and dealt with her hackery there, as well as in the context of Jim Powell's PSC campaign, I like to think I know whereof I speak.
I don't have a lot of nice things to say about Karen Handel.
Now, Mad Dog's basic point, as I see it is, valid, but his framing of it is just kind of offensive. He takes Handel to task (and rightfully so) for continuing her quixotic quest to fly in the face of the U.S. Department of Justice after DOJ has repeatedly told her that she can't go dropping voters off the rolls, willy-nilly, despite how much it helps Republicans in Georgia. (Silly DOJ, they just don't seem to understand that there are more important things in Handel-land than justice. Like, you know, winning elections.)
So, like I said, it's the framing, which is basically saying that Handel is unqualified to make those judgments because she hasn't got a college degree. Grab a lab coat, because I'm going to dissect this thing up.
First, the title of the post is... well, it just ain't right. "Georgia High School Student gives finger to DOJ" Problem is, Handel isn't a high-school student, she's a high school graduate. So, this isn't a case of a eager beaver junior at Cedar Shoals drafting her own amicus brief. So that's kind of a cheap shot.
Then there's this: "A high school graduate has issued a public statement declaring that the 'DOJ has effectively directed the State of Georgia not to comply with or enforce federal law.'" Well, at least now we're admitting that Handel is a graduate, not a student. But, the implication here, as I'm reading it, is that because she doesn't have a piece of paper, she's not allowed to express her (wrong-headed, admittedly) opinion, in the course of doing her job as she sees it? Plain and simple, there's no educational requirement to be Secretary of State. It should also be pointed out that Handel herself probably didn't write that legal opinion, and not because she doesn't have a degree, but because the Elections Division pays very qualified attorneys to research and write on legal and elections issues. In fact, even if Karen Handel had a Bachelor's, J.D., an L.L.M. in election law, and just for grins, a Ph.D. in microbiology, she wouldn't have written that thing herself because it's not her job. It's her staff's job.
And finally, there's this zinger at the end: "If that’s not too hard for a high school graduate to do." Again, a cheap shot.
Big picture time. Go nuts on Handel, if you want. Be my guest, and save me a water balloon or two. But not on her lack of a college degree. First of all, not having a college degree does not equal stupid. But that's the implication here, and it's not only wrong, it's downright offensive.
Second, Democrats do not win this argument. Grab a mop, because I'm about to drop some science. According to the U.S. Census, only 26.6% of Georgians have a bachelor's degree or higher. (This is 2005-2007 American Community Survey data, though I think it's safe to say that the number might jump a few tenths of a percent after the 2010 census.) So, if Democrats want to make lack of educational attainment an issue, we're not going to win that battle, and we risk offending a significant portion of the 73.4% of Georgians who don't have a piece of paper to hang on the wall and, I suppose, the right to have opinions about matters legal or political. (One of that offended 73.4% is, obviously, yours truly.)
Third, if a majority of Democrats are actually intellectual elitists, (and I don't think we are), then that says some pretty scary things about our party. I'm a Democrat because I was raised as a Democrat, by a grandfather who grew up on a farm in Ila during the Depression and the New Deal, a grandmother who grew up at the same time in Athens when it was still a small town, and a mother who came of age during Camelot. All of them taught me, by their actions, what it means to be a Democrat and what Democratic values are. And, interestingly, they all had about the same level of education as Karen Handel. I don't think we're becoming a party of intellectual elitists, but this line of rhetoric makes me queasy.
To sum up, Grift got it right in the comments, when he said, "..if you choose this tactic with Cagle and Handel, they will likely roll out the same old line of liberals being 'elitist' and 'arrogant.' And this time they’d be right. Combine that with the fact that you will basically insult every voter who has bootstrapped their way to success without a 'receipt' and I think you have a very stupid strategy."
Yup.
Until next time, thanks for reading.
Kids, I'm not pleased. Maybe you read the blog "Left on Lanier." In fact, I threw them some well-deserved love a couple of months ago. But, they got it wrong today and I'm irked.
In a post titled "Georgia High School Student gives finger to DOJ," one of their front pagers unleashes a fairly vicious screed against Secretary of State Karen Handel. Now, normally, I'm all about knocking on Handel. I think she's been an overly litigious partisan hack who acts more like the secretary of the Georgia GOP than the Secretary of State. And, since in a former life I worked at the state party and dealt with her hackery there, as well as in the context of Jim Powell's PSC campaign, I like to think I know whereof I speak.
I don't have a lot of nice things to say about Karen Handel.
Now, Mad Dog's basic point, as I see it is, valid, but his framing of it is just kind of offensive. He takes Handel to task (and rightfully so) for continuing her quixotic quest to fly in the face of the U.S. Department of Justice after DOJ has repeatedly told her that she can't go dropping voters off the rolls, willy-nilly, despite how much it helps Republicans in Georgia. (Silly DOJ, they just don't seem to understand that there are more important things in Handel-land than justice. Like, you know, winning elections.)
So, like I said, it's the framing, which is basically saying that Handel is unqualified to make those judgments because she hasn't got a college degree. Grab a lab coat, because I'm going to dissect this thing up.
First, the title of the post is... well, it just ain't right. "Georgia High School Student gives finger to DOJ" Problem is, Handel isn't a high-school student, she's a high school graduate. So, this isn't a case of a eager beaver junior at Cedar Shoals drafting her own amicus brief. So that's kind of a cheap shot.
Then there's this: "A high school graduate has issued a public statement declaring that the 'DOJ has effectively directed the State of Georgia not to comply with or enforce federal law.'" Well, at least now we're admitting that Handel is a graduate, not a student. But, the implication here, as I'm reading it, is that because she doesn't have a piece of paper, she's not allowed to express her (wrong-headed, admittedly) opinion, in the course of doing her job as she sees it? Plain and simple, there's no educational requirement to be Secretary of State. It should also be pointed out that Handel herself probably didn't write that legal opinion, and not because she doesn't have a degree, but because the Elections Division pays very qualified attorneys to research and write on legal and elections issues. In fact, even if Karen Handel had a Bachelor's, J.D., an L.L.M. in election law, and just for grins, a Ph.D. in microbiology, she wouldn't have written that thing herself because it's not her job. It's her staff's job.
And finally, there's this zinger at the end: "If that’s not too hard for a high school graduate to do." Again, a cheap shot.
Big picture time. Go nuts on Handel, if you want. Be my guest, and save me a water balloon or two. But not on her lack of a college degree. First of all, not having a college degree does not equal stupid. But that's the implication here, and it's not only wrong, it's downright offensive.
Second, Democrats do not win this argument. Grab a mop, because I'm about to drop some science. According to the U.S. Census, only 26.6% of Georgians have a bachelor's degree or higher. (This is 2005-2007 American Community Survey data, though I think it's safe to say that the number might jump a few tenths of a percent after the 2010 census.) So, if Democrats want to make lack of educational attainment an issue, we're not going to win that battle, and we risk offending a significant portion of the 73.4% of Georgians who don't have a piece of paper to hang on the wall and, I suppose, the right to have opinions about matters legal or political. (One of that offended 73.4% is, obviously, yours truly.)
Third, if a majority of Democrats are actually intellectual elitists, (and I don't think we are), then that says some pretty scary things about our party. I'm a Democrat because I was raised as a Democrat, by a grandfather who grew up on a farm in Ila during the Depression and the New Deal, a grandmother who grew up at the same time in Athens when it was still a small town, and a mother who came of age during Camelot. All of them taught me, by their actions, what it means to be a Democrat and what Democratic values are. And, interestingly, they all had about the same level of education as Karen Handel. I don't think we're becoming a party of intellectual elitists, but this line of rhetoric makes me queasy.
To sum up, Grift got it right in the comments, when he said, "..if you choose this tactic with Cagle and Handel, they will likely roll out the same old line of liberals being 'elitist' and 'arrogant.' And this time they’d be right. Combine that with the fact that you will basically insult every voter who has bootstrapped their way to success without a 'receipt' and I think you have a very stupid strategy."
Yup.
Until next time, thanks for reading.
The future
Jay Bookman talks about tax increases on upper-income earners, and - being a fan of progessive taxation - I'm in agreement.
I think much of the progress made by the American economy in the middle of the 20th century were the direct result of a strong, vital labor movement and progressive taxation that delivered more-than-adequate investments in infrastructure, education, social services and the like. We've gotten away from that, largely because we've permitted an economic falsehood - low taxes are always awesome - that become a popular talking point over the past 30 or so years.
I think much of the progress made by the American economy in the middle of the 20th century were the direct result of a strong, vital labor movement and progressive taxation that delivered more-than-adequate investments in infrastructure, education, social services and the like. We've gotten away from that, largely because we've permitted an economic falsehood - low taxes are always awesome - that become a popular talking point over the past 30 or so years.
Dream big
Check out the Charlotte Gateway Project ... and think how cool it would be if Athens-Clarke County, Oconee County, the University of Georgia and the private sector collaborated to turn the multi-model center into something like that and positioned an satellite station at, say, the Epps Bridge Corridor.
Couple of things
- As Dan Lorentz notes, our liveblog is slated for Thursday. We'll first be at Walker's Pub from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., and then at Trappeze from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you're an elected official, come on by and share your thoughts with us. If you're a loyal reader eager to see the magic happen in real-time, swing through. If you've got a cause to promote or event to tout, drop by and introduce yourself.
- Speaking of Dan, he's got a link to an article on the role of urbanism these days.
- I'd like to care more about the raw milk stuff ... but I don't.
- This is good for a variety of reasons. Obviously, there's the visual benefit to removing blighted properties, and there's the fact that you're removed a likely haven for crime. In addition, the public sector took on the cost of demolishing the property and now is reopening it for renovation and rebuilding. It would be nice to see some sort of incentive program put in to place that would encourage developers to re-utilize these cleared spaces once the buildings come down.
- Speaking of Dan, he's got a link to an article on the role of urbanism these days.
- I'd like to care more about the raw milk stuff ... but I don't.
- This is good for a variety of reasons. Obviously, there's the visual benefit to removing blighted properties, and there's the fact that you're removed a likely haven for crime. In addition, the public sector took on the cost of demolishing the property and now is reopening it for renovation and rebuilding. It would be nice to see some sort of incentive program put in to place that would encourage developers to re-utilize these cleared spaces once the buildings come down.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
To be fair
My new friend, Mr. Lawson, was kind enough to respond to my, admittedly, less than courteous response to him with the following ...
Hi, its your sophmore pen pal, you should shop insurance with greater discrimination and exactitude. And, it helps to read the contract. Or, is that too sophomoric.
Having owned various health plans over twenty years, never have I had to twaddle over or sift through a single scrap of paper to have the mean ole insurance company pay the bill.
Until your health care is mandated by the omnipitant one you may want to try that free choice thing and change vendors.
Let's see, an anecdotical observation, blaming the individual and over-the-top accusations against a prominent figure who may or may not represent my views in an attempt to divert the conversation away from its origin ... yep, we've got all the classic signs of a floundering line of argument.
Now, getting into a tit-for-tat with an ideologue isn't something I'm terribly interested in. If you want to talk with me about legitimate concerns you may or may not have with a particular issue or policy proposal, that's fine.
Because - when you come across a story like this where a two-year-old is denied coverage, despite being perfectly healthy because she's underweight - you have to think that sensible people recognize that there are serious flaws in the current system and that a whole host of policy proposals, from across the ideological spectrum, could be incorporated to make this right.
As a result, I will simply repeat what I said here ...
I appreciate, encourage and value respectful disagreements and alternate points of view, but I don't have time for crazy.
Hi, its your sophmore pen pal, you should shop insurance with greater discrimination and exactitude. And, it helps to read the contract. Or, is that too sophomoric.
Having owned various health plans over twenty years, never have I had to twaddle over or sift through a single scrap of paper to have the mean ole insurance company pay the bill.
Until your health care is mandated by the omnipitant one you may want to try that free choice thing and change vendors.
Let's see, an anecdotical observation, blaming the individual and over-the-top accusations against a prominent figure who may or may not represent my views in an attempt to divert the conversation away from its origin ... yep, we've got all the classic signs of a floundering line of argument.
Now, getting into a tit-for-tat with an ideologue isn't something I'm terribly interested in. If you want to talk with me about legitimate concerns you may or may not have with a particular issue or policy proposal, that's fine.
Because - when you come across a story like this where a two-year-old is denied coverage, despite being perfectly healthy because she's underweight - you have to think that sensible people recognize that there are serious flaws in the current system and that a whole host of policy proposals, from across the ideological spectrum, could be incorporated to make this right.
As a result, I will simply repeat what I said here ...
I appreciate, encourage and value respectful disagreements and alternate points of view, but I don't have time for crazy.
Admittedly, a cheap laugh
OK, this is pretty sophomoric, and it does nothing except deliver a cheap laugh.
That said, it was a laugh, so while I can't condone this type of behavior, the frantic responses of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce spokesman were pretty entertaining.
That said, it was a laugh, so while I can't condone this type of behavior, the frantic responses of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce spokesman were pretty entertaining.
Almost money for nothing
Via Political Insider, Sen. Johnny Isakson has struck a deal to extend the homebuyer tax credit.
On the whole, it's not a bad thing.
Then again, I don't think it's responsible for the bump in home sales to the extent its supporters think it is. And I think we could spend $16 billion in a more efficient way as a direct debit progam a la Taiwan or by boosting spending on infrastructure projects, thus resulting in direct employment through private contractors.
Isakson's amendment makes it a much better proposal, as he raises the income level and makes it open to folks other than first-time buyers, but the economic data is still kinda iffy.
On the whole, it's not a bad thing.
Then again, I don't think it's responsible for the bump in home sales to the extent its supporters think it is. And I think we could spend $16 billion in a more efficient way as a direct debit progam a la Taiwan or by boosting spending on infrastructure projects, thus resulting in direct employment through private contractors.
Isakson's amendment makes it a much better proposal, as he raises the income level and makes it open to folks other than first-time buyers, but the economic data is still kinda iffy.
Relevant questions
The Washington Post has a poll out on health care reform that frames its questions in the appropriate way (i.e. relative to the actual debate going on in Washington, D.C. and matched up with the political realities). Not surprisingly, it suggests most Americans favor the various proposals snaking their way through Congress.
For starters, the inclusion of a public health insurance option is more valuable than a bipartisan bill.
Likewise, the individual mandate is overwhelmingly popular ... and even more so when paired with subsidies to help folks buy insurance.
And, in another telling sign, No. 13 shows that 55 percent of those polled believe that either the 'right amount' or 'not enough' government influence is involved with health care reform, clearly suggesting an ideological shift over time.
For starters, the inclusion of a public health insurance option is more valuable than a bipartisan bill.
Likewise, the individual mandate is overwhelmingly popular ... and even more so when paired with subsidies to help folks buy insurance.
And, in another telling sign, No. 13 shows that 55 percent of those polled believe that either the 'right amount' or 'not enough' government influence is involved with health care reform, clearly suggesting an ideological shift over time.
Interaction
I got tied up with a variety of obligations involved with, you know, my actual job, so I didn't get around to putting together some thoughts on J.T.'s column on digital interaction. I think it's a pretty good piece ...
All too often, though, that mindset slides quickly from expressing a viewpoint to engaging in vilification, from advancing a reasoned argument into orchestrating an unrestrained abusiveness.
I remain convinced that the interactivity of Web 2.0, which provides people who otherwise might never speak with each other an opportunity to exchange views, retains the potential to be a viable vehicle for reasoned public discourse.
But I'm also realistic enough to recognize that it just as easily could become a high-tech version of a public restroom wall. And I wish that, sometimes, some of the folks scrawling in cyberspace would recognize that, for them, maybe it's time to turn the computer off.
I think this is pretty spot-on. Again, as I've noted before, I don't allow comments here, and I don't allow comments because some folks abused the function by hijacking various threads and personally attacking either me or folks they disagreed with. Conservations on, say, a local ordinance related to the pricing of water would rapidly digress into a handful of folks claiming that the president - either George W. Bush or Barack Obama - was on the verge of instilling a dictatorship.
I appreciate, encourage and value respectful disagreements and alternate points of view, but I don't have time for crazy.
And, unfortunately, a lot of the comments on various blogs and news sites - including the Athens Banner-Herald's - has lent some credence to those types of nonsensical diatribes. Again, I agree with J.T. that there are plenty of valid viewpoints out there, but 10-paragraph opuses from Winfield J. Abbe that merely repeat the same thing over and over again don't meet the merit bar for me.
All too often, though, that mindset slides quickly from expressing a viewpoint to engaging in vilification, from advancing a reasoned argument into orchestrating an unrestrained abusiveness.
I remain convinced that the interactivity of Web 2.0, which provides people who otherwise might never speak with each other an opportunity to exchange views, retains the potential to be a viable vehicle for reasoned public discourse.
But I'm also realistic enough to recognize that it just as easily could become a high-tech version of a public restroom wall. And I wish that, sometimes, some of the folks scrawling in cyberspace would recognize that, for them, maybe it's time to turn the computer off.
I think this is pretty spot-on. Again, as I've noted before, I don't allow comments here, and I don't allow comments because some folks abused the function by hijacking various threads and personally attacking either me or folks they disagreed with. Conservations on, say, a local ordinance related to the pricing of water would rapidly digress into a handful of folks claiming that the president - either George W. Bush or Barack Obama - was on the verge of instilling a dictatorship.
I appreciate, encourage and value respectful disagreements and alternate points of view, but I don't have time for crazy.
And, unfortunately, a lot of the comments on various blogs and news sites - including the Athens Banner-Herald's - has lent some credence to those types of nonsensical diatribes. Again, I agree with J.T. that there are plenty of valid viewpoints out there, but 10-paragraph opuses from Winfield J. Abbe that merely repeat the same thing over and over again don't meet the merit bar for me.
MARTA for Georgia
Like Grift, I don't think Rep. Fran Millar's idea to let the state run MARTA is necessarily a bad one. Obviously, there are a few hurdles that need to be sorted out - such as hammering out a basic funding mechanism for state transportation projects as a whole, as well as sifting through the final pieces of reform needed for comprehensive oversight of the Department of Transportation - but, at least as the surface level, Millar's idea has some legs ...
Furthermore, per Georgia State University, metro Atlanta (10 counties) pays 53 percent of the state’s taxes and receive 37 percent of the state’s spending. If metro Atlanta’s physical infrastructure cannot allow further growth and/or our competitive position deteriorates, then the balance of our state will not continue to receive this additional funding over what they collect.
This alone should be the necessary incentive for non-metro legislators to support the creation of this public transportation division under DOT and a regional transportation solution with a sales tax component.
No great city in our country (New York, Chicago, Washington, San Francisco) relies only on highways. We either seize the initiative now or in the not-too-distant future explain to our children why Atlanta is no longer the capital of the South. Remember when we were the financial headquarters of the South?
It's refreshing to see Republican leaders begin to endorse the concept of rail, mass transit and the like. Given the Obama Administration's stated desire to extend rail lines through Georgia, it's evident the infrastructure is in place to build a system for the future that relies less on additional pavement and more on a diverse, integrated transportation system (perhaps utilizing MARTA as the foundation for a more comprehensive statewide network of rail, commuter train and the like).
Arguably, this is a relatively new proposal, and I've got some questions and concerns, but I'm more than glad to see Millar taking some action on this front.
Furthermore, per Georgia State University, metro Atlanta (10 counties) pays 53 percent of the state’s taxes and receive 37 percent of the state’s spending. If metro Atlanta’s physical infrastructure cannot allow further growth and/or our competitive position deteriorates, then the balance of our state will not continue to receive this additional funding over what they collect.
This alone should be the necessary incentive for non-metro legislators to support the creation of this public transportation division under DOT and a regional transportation solution with a sales tax component.
No great city in our country (New York, Chicago, Washington, San Francisco) relies only on highways. We either seize the initiative now or in the not-too-distant future explain to our children why Atlanta is no longer the capital of the South. Remember when we were the financial headquarters of the South?
It's refreshing to see Republican leaders begin to endorse the concept of rail, mass transit and the like. Given the Obama Administration's stated desire to extend rail lines through Georgia, it's evident the infrastructure is in place to build a system for the future that relies less on additional pavement and more on a diverse, integrated transportation system (perhaps utilizing MARTA as the foundation for a more comprehensive statewide network of rail, commuter train and the like).
Arguably, this is a relatively new proposal, and I've got some questions and concerns, but I'm more than glad to see Millar taking some action on this front.
Better than trees!
An interesting post on 'geoengineering' by Matthew Yglesias ...
On international coordination, for example, it’s actually a lot easier for me to imagine China agreeing to binding emissions targets than to imagine China agreeing to let the United States conduct a doomsday weather control machine or us agreeing to sit idly by while China launches a satellite capable of blotting out the sun.
On a non-insane level, the idea of trying to build machines that suck CO2 out of the air and then somehow store it is pretty clearly worth researching. That said, trees already do this quite well and our tree-planting technology is fine. Rather than wait around for the hypothetical “artificial trees” of the future why not just plant more trees? It seems to me there are lots of places in America where trees could be growing but aren’t.
On international coordination, for example, it’s actually a lot easier for me to imagine China agreeing to binding emissions targets than to imagine China agreeing to let the United States conduct a doomsday weather control machine or us agreeing to sit idly by while China launches a satellite capable of blotting out the sun.
On a non-insane level, the idea of trying to build machines that suck CO2 out of the air and then somehow store it is pretty clearly worth researching. That said, trees already do this quite well and our tree-planting technology is fine. Rather than wait around for the hypothetical “artificial trees” of the future why not just plant more trees? It seems to me there are lots of places in America where trees could be growing but aren’t.
Couple of things
- Mother of Mary ... this is absurd. Listen, I still have no particular opinion on whether or not 'raw' milk ought to be banned - and if local advocates wish to change the law, then more power to them - but this thing is like a Monty Python skit. 'Jesus was a raw milk drinker'? Really? That's the route we're going?
- I concur, and the first town hall format is set for tonight at 7 p.m. at the Oconee Civic Center. I'm hoping to be able to attend, but I've got another more pressing date as I'll take The Kid to pick out a pumpkin.
- Hillary had questions about the small allocations of money given out by Athens Area Community Foundation, and it isn't that I disagree with her in theory. The difference, however, is that AACF is a community organization who is charged with allocating mini-grants to various organizations and it doesn't give money solely based on anti-poverty measures. I had disagreements similar to her line of thought last time around, but a discussion with Delene Porter helped me get a better sense of clarity on how this process works. All of that said, I still agree with Hillary in that I'd rather see a funding mechanism allocated for child care or housing subsidies.
- I have a friend who, for a brief period of time, served as the mayor of Bogart. It was a part-time position that paid little, but came with all the various responsibilities associated with being a small town mayor. It was, to put it mildly, a very tiring and, at times, frustrating position for him. I say that to preface this post by North High Shoals City Councilman Steve Holzman.
- I appreciate Dan clarifying this. He had orginally thought I was accusing him of being 'disingenuous' which wasn't the case at all. I merely thought he and I had a difference of opinion regarding the root of the proposed bike ban, and I appreciate him accepting my clarification.
- I concur, and the first town hall format is set for tonight at 7 p.m. at the Oconee Civic Center. I'm hoping to be able to attend, but I've got another more pressing date as I'll take The Kid to pick out a pumpkin.
- Hillary had questions about the small allocations of money given out by Athens Area Community Foundation, and it isn't that I disagree with her in theory. The difference, however, is that AACF is a community organization who is charged with allocating mini-grants to various organizations and it doesn't give money solely based on anti-poverty measures. I had disagreements similar to her line of thought last time around, but a discussion with Delene Porter helped me get a better sense of clarity on how this process works. All of that said, I still agree with Hillary in that I'd rather see a funding mechanism allocated for child care or housing subsidies.
- I have a friend who, for a brief period of time, served as the mayor of Bogart. It was a part-time position that paid little, but came with all the various responsibilities associated with being a small town mayor. It was, to put it mildly, a very tiring and, at times, frustrating position for him. I say that to preface this post by North High Shoals City Councilman Steve Holzman.
- I appreciate Dan clarifying this. He had orginally thought I was accusing him of being 'disingenuous' which wasn't the case at all. I merely thought he and I had a difference of opinion regarding the root of the proposed bike ban, and I appreciate him accepting my clarification.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The raw milk story
Don Nelson followed up on the raw milk story, and the copy of Eric Wagoner's email alert is here, but I'm not terribly surprised by the outcome.
"We think it's pretty clear that it's against federal law to cross state lines with raw milk meant for human consumption, and it's against state law to sell or dispense raw milk," Coleman said.
Wagoner is aware of those laws, but he and several other local food advocates have found a way around them by allowing customers to order directly from the dairy, he said. The system he has developed follows the letter of Georgia's milk laws, while allowing people to get raw milk.
"I do not believe that the Georgia Department of Agriculture has any authority over those cartons of milk," Wagoner said in an e-mail Friday. "We are not violating federal law. We are not violating state law."
Actually, it is against federal and state law. Georgia, for instance, was, for quite some time, restricted from buying wine from out-of-state. If someone set up a business where he or she would drive to a state that's legal for wine to be shipped to and then, for all practical purposes, smuggle the wine into the state to willing customers, that would be an exploitation of the law.
And that's mighty close to what Wagoner is doing here (in addition to the fact that the consumption of raw milk is banned outright in Georgia).
I have no particular opinion on whether or not raw milk should be banned in Georgia. I like my milk pasteurized, but that's just me. The point, however, is that existing law says it's not permittable, so don't get mad at the enforcers over something they are compelled by law to enforce anyway.
"We think it's pretty clear that it's against federal law to cross state lines with raw milk meant for human consumption, and it's against state law to sell or dispense raw milk," Coleman said.
Wagoner is aware of those laws, but he and several other local food advocates have found a way around them by allowing customers to order directly from the dairy, he said. The system he has developed follows the letter of Georgia's milk laws, while allowing people to get raw milk.
"I do not believe that the Georgia Department of Agriculture has any authority over those cartons of milk," Wagoner said in an e-mail Friday. "We are not violating federal law. We are not violating state law."
Actually, it is against federal and state law. Georgia, for instance, was, for quite some time, restricted from buying wine from out-of-state. If someone set up a business where he or she would drive to a state that's legal for wine to be shipped to and then, for all practical purposes, smuggle the wine into the state to willing customers, that would be an exploitation of the law.
And that's mighty close to what Wagoner is doing here (in addition to the fact that the consumption of raw milk is banned outright in Georgia).
I have no particular opinion on whether or not raw milk should be banned in Georgia. I like my milk pasteurized, but that's just me. The point, however, is that existing law says it's not permittable, so don't get mad at the enforcers over something they are compelled by law to enforce anyway.
The impending live-blog
Dan Lorentz and I are going to be holding a pair of live-blogs on location this Thursday. We're aiming to do the first one from Walker's Pub from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and possibly another one in the afternoon from, say, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Trappeze. We're still working out the details on, but we'll be out there live so feel free to come by and chat with us.
Couple of things
- The first Oconee County town hall meeting is Tuesday at 7 p.m., though it's important to note that national health care policy and Rep. Paul Broun Jr. will not be involved.
- It's mildly frustrating to think that, after all the hoopla, the tennis center may not be built due to budgetary restraints on the operating costs end ... but that's the reality I suppose. I don't know whether or not it would be more beneficial to delay the projects as I think Athens-Clarke County District Nine Commissioner Kelly Girtz has a point. It makes sense to take advantage of lower construction costs, but, then again, there has to be some cost associated with the properties once they're built.
- Don Nelson talks about the policy challenges in tackling underage drinking.
- I think Dan is being a little unfair when he equates a discussion about banning bikes to Oconee County Republicans since, obviously, numerous Republicans in the area are avid cyclists. Lee Becker uncovered a nugget of information that suggested a citizen advisory committee explored the idea, but it apparently wasn't seriously considered.
- It's mildly frustrating to think that, after all the hoopla, the tennis center may not be built due to budgetary restraints on the operating costs end ... but that's the reality I suppose. I don't know whether or not it would be more beneficial to delay the projects as I think Athens-Clarke County District Nine Commissioner Kelly Girtz has a point. It makes sense to take advantage of lower construction costs, but, then again, there has to be some cost associated with the properties once they're built.
- Don Nelson talks about the policy challenges in tackling underage drinking.
- I think Dan is being a little unfair when he equates a discussion about banning bikes to Oconee County Republicans since, obviously, numerous Republicans in the area are avid cyclists. Lee Becker uncovered a nugget of information that suggested a citizen advisory committee explored the idea, but it apparently wasn't seriously considered.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The read
From my Sunday column in the Athens Banner-Herald ...
So Horton's concern is a legitimate one, but it's also reflective of what is becoming an outdated model. More and more communities are working together to attract business and build capacity to attract it, recognizing the truth behind the adage that there is strength in numbers.
For starters, consolidation and collaboration open doors that have previously been closed to both communities. The ability to share knowledge and market mutual assets is one clear advantage. The potential for attracting state resources and funding opportunities that can be used for work force training, site acquisition and product development is another.
Yet perhaps the most pivotal argument is that it just makes sense. Not only do other regions in the state utilize such a strategy, they are in the process of reaping the awards from such a coordinated approach. Sharing resources to attract them to the region is simply a more efficient use of energy.
The focus, then, shouldn't solely be on the logistics of getting prepared to "get in the game" but also on the reasons why the community hasn't already suited up. Regardless of whether Oconee County opts to consolidate its efforts or continue to fund its own shop, an appropriate assessment of the county's resources, coupled with the necessary zoning adjustments, ought to be done if the community desires to move forward. Without that type of information and planning, the existing efforts aimed at diversifying the economy are destined to remain stagnant.
So Horton's concern is a legitimate one, but it's also reflective of what is becoming an outdated model. More and more communities are working together to attract business and build capacity to attract it, recognizing the truth behind the adage that there is strength in numbers.
For starters, consolidation and collaboration open doors that have previously been closed to both communities. The ability to share knowledge and market mutual assets is one clear advantage. The potential for attracting state resources and funding opportunities that can be used for work force training, site acquisition and product development is another.
Yet perhaps the most pivotal argument is that it just makes sense. Not only do other regions in the state utilize such a strategy, they are in the process of reaping the awards from such a coordinated approach. Sharing resources to attract them to the region is simply a more efficient use of energy.
The focus, then, shouldn't solely be on the logistics of getting prepared to "get in the game" but also on the reasons why the community hasn't already suited up. Regardless of whether Oconee County opts to consolidate its efforts or continue to fund its own shop, an appropriate assessment of the county's resources, coupled with the necessary zoning adjustments, ought to be done if the community desires to move forward. Without that type of information and planning, the existing efforts aimed at diversifying the economy are destined to remain stagnant.
From the mailbag (with commentary!)
Proof that I get some really weird emails - and that there's some validity to this report - here's a letter from a gentleman named Hugh Lawson that was in response to this post which was, in essence, the replication of a forwarded email on the raw milk issue ...
Jmac,
Appears Ms. Gates is the perfect candidate for the Czar of Obama's Medical Allocation and Rationing Division of the State Department of Castro Care. A compassionate, restrict and coerce, Peggy Gates is an ideal fit with the Obama Pogram* Health Initiative.
So, you want more government? You like that boot on your neck?
*Not A Typo
Safe to say, it's rather awesome ... complete with a Castro reference and a few veiled hints of socialism toward a post that had absolutely nothing to do national health care policy.
For what it's worth, I responded to Mr. Lawson that I'd deal with the boot on my neck after I filled out the 1,234 forms I had on my desk to qualify for my daughter's co-pay.
Jmac,
Appears Ms. Gates is the perfect candidate for the Czar of Obama's Medical Allocation and Rationing Division of the State Department of Castro Care. A compassionate, restrict and coerce, Peggy Gates is an ideal fit with the Obama Pogram* Health Initiative.
So, you want more government? You like that boot on your neck?
*Not A Typo
Safe to say, it's rather awesome ... complete with a Castro reference and a few veiled hints of socialism toward a post that had absolutely nothing to do national health care policy.
For what it's worth, I responded to Mr. Lawson that I'd deal with the boot on my neck after I filled out the 1,234 forms I had on my desk to qualify for my daughter's co-pay.
Friday, October 16, 2009
This weekend
Be sure to check out a few things this weekend ...
Mercury Art Works is hosting a gallery opening at Hotel Indigo tonight at 8 p.m., and the event is free and open to the public. There's going to be some contemporary dance, local music and a performance by Canopy Studio. Mercury Art Works is run by Chris Wyreck and Sandi Turner, and they're both good folks, so check it out.
Tomorrow, head out to my neck of the woods and visit the Watkinsville Fall Festival in downtown Watkinsville. Lots of games, crafts and food on hand, so it should be a lot of fun. In addition, the Oconee Farmers Market will be going on as usual at Eagle Tavern, so visit that too.
And don't forget abou the pre-release listening party of R.E.M's 'Live At The Olympia' which will be held at Hotel Indigo on October 26. It benefits Community Connection of Northeast Georgia and Family Connection, and tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
Mercury Art Works is hosting a gallery opening at Hotel Indigo tonight at 8 p.m., and the event is free and open to the public. There's going to be some contemporary dance, local music and a performance by Canopy Studio. Mercury Art Works is run by Chris Wyreck and Sandi Turner, and they're both good folks, so check it out.
Tomorrow, head out to my neck of the woods and visit the Watkinsville Fall Festival in downtown Watkinsville. Lots of games, crafts and food on hand, so it should be a lot of fun. In addition, the Oconee Farmers Market will be going on as usual at Eagle Tavern, so visit that too.
And don't forget abou the pre-release listening party of R.E.M's 'Live At The Olympia' which will be held at Hotel Indigo on October 26. It benefits Community Connection of Northeast Georgia and Family Connection, and tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
Athens Locally Grown, raw milk and the DOA
An interesting tip passed on to me today regarding the Georgia Department of Agriculture seizing 'raw' milk on its way to Athens Locally Grown consumers. The following is an email sent from 'Eric' with the organization to its listserv ...
Hello! It’s late and I’m exhausted, but I wanted you all to know what happened today at our Athens Locally Grown pickup.
When we arrived, we were greeted by three badged inspectors from the Georgia Department of Agriculture who were there waiting for us. “We read about you on the internet,” they told me.
I explained to them what Athens Locally Grown is, how we work, discussed that I’ve been diligent to make sure all of the growers who sell through the market have the appropriate licenses when needed, and so forth. The inspectors were very friendly during this time and everything that followed — I do not fault them in any way.
They talked to the growers as they arrived. They were particularly interested in the meat, and indeed found all of that to be legal.
When my wife arrived with the raw milk ordered by ALG members directly from the Cows R Us dairy in South Carolina (A USDA Grade A dairy fully licensed to sell raw milk), the inspectors entered our truck and began opening our coolers.
To be clear, I did not give them permission to enter or search my truck, and they did not have a warrant to do so. When they discovered the coolers to be full of clearly labelled raw milk, they immediately began calling their supervisors. They chain of calls made their way up to Peggy Gates, the director of the Dairy Division of the Consumer Protection Division of the State Department of Agriculture. She immediately gave orders to seize the entire load of milk.
I did try to explain to her all of the very strict rules that we follow to keep things legal. She was very gruff with me and was not at all interested in hearing what we do. “I know exactly what you’re doing” she told me. She told me what we were doing is a Federal offense (it is not, and of course she has no jurisdiction over FEderal statute). In the end she declared all 100 gallons an “imminent health hazard” and ordered it seized.
Oddly enough, the inspectors could not seize it themselves, as they only had several small sedans. So, it was impounded in place on my truck, and I was ordered not to disturb the milk in any way, or else I “would be guilty of a felony”.
The inspectors and director Peggy Gates herself personally will be coming to my house Monday morning to witness my “destruction” of the milk. I am hoping they will not be also coming to arrest me, but they do have that power.
Let me reiterate that I believe we have not violated any laws whatsoever. What we are doing is also being done by thousands of groups and individuals throughout the country, and I have been extremely careful that we are doing what has legal precendent. Namely:
- You order via the website directly from the dairy
- The dairy receives the orders without any intervention from me. They have a name for every carton of milk
- We pick up, on your behalf, exactly the cartons that have been pre-ordered. We have a name for every carton of milk
- You meet us at the pickup location and get your milk.
- We do not store it beyond the pre-established pickup time.
Given those steps that are followed to the letter (and those of you who ask me every single week “can’t you just bring an extra gallon or two with you?” can attest that they are), I do not believe that the Georgia Department of Agriculture has any authority over those cartons of milk. We are not violating federal law. We are not violating state law.
So where do we stand? Right now, raw milk can no longer be offered through Athens Locally Grown. I have 110 gallons of milk sitting on my truck until Monday morning, when a team of officials will be coming to my house to witness its destruction (and hopefully nothing more). Until Peggy Gates changes her mind (which seems unlikely), that is that. It may well take a court order to change things. I know our membership includes a fair number of lawyers, and if any of you wish to help in this, please let me know. I really don’t know where to even begin.
I’ve taken a big financial hit today too, so please forgive our putting out a tip jar next week. I paid the dairy $440 for the milk on the customers’ behalf (and yes, I’m a customer too. I’ve got two gallons of my own sitting on the truck) and since the market operates on a break even basis (during the best of times), I don’t have that sitting in the bank.
I’ll keep you all informed. I’m surprised it took so long for them to harass us, and I’m also surprised by how unsympathetic they turned out to be. And by “they”, I really mean director Peggy Gates, who issued the order. Her website address is http://agr.georgia.gov/00/channel_title/0,2094,38902732_125874866,00.html and her office’s phone number is (404) 656-3625. Please don’t harass her, but it may help if they do hear your stories., why you order raw milk, and why you are a member of Athens Locally Grown.
I know many of you were relying on your milk delivery today, especially since our truck’s engine problems kept us from bringing a full load last week. I’m sorry. Hopefully something will happen soon to make them loosen their grip and allow us to once again bring your milk that you ordered directly from the dairy to you.
Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you see fit.
Hello! It’s late and I’m exhausted, but I wanted you all to know what happened today at our Athens Locally Grown pickup.
When we arrived, we were greeted by three badged inspectors from the Georgia Department of Agriculture who were there waiting for us. “We read about you on the internet,” they told me.
I explained to them what Athens Locally Grown is, how we work, discussed that I’ve been diligent to make sure all of the growers who sell through the market have the appropriate licenses when needed, and so forth. The inspectors were very friendly during this time and everything that followed — I do not fault them in any way.
They talked to the growers as they arrived. They were particularly interested in the meat, and indeed found all of that to be legal.
When my wife arrived with the raw milk ordered by ALG members directly from the Cows R Us dairy in South Carolina (A USDA Grade A dairy fully licensed to sell raw milk), the inspectors entered our truck and began opening our coolers.
To be clear, I did not give them permission to enter or search my truck, and they did not have a warrant to do so. When they discovered the coolers to be full of clearly labelled raw milk, they immediately began calling their supervisors. They chain of calls made their way up to Peggy Gates, the director of the Dairy Division of the Consumer Protection Division of the State Department of Agriculture. She immediately gave orders to seize the entire load of milk.
I did try to explain to her all of the very strict rules that we follow to keep things legal. She was very gruff with me and was not at all interested in hearing what we do. “I know exactly what you’re doing” she told me. She told me what we were doing is a Federal offense (it is not, and of course she has no jurisdiction over FEderal statute). In the end she declared all 100 gallons an “imminent health hazard” and ordered it seized.
Oddly enough, the inspectors could not seize it themselves, as they only had several small sedans. So, it was impounded in place on my truck, and I was ordered not to disturb the milk in any way, or else I “would be guilty of a felony”.
The inspectors and director Peggy Gates herself personally will be coming to my house Monday morning to witness my “destruction” of the milk. I am hoping they will not be also coming to arrest me, but they do have that power.
Let me reiterate that I believe we have not violated any laws whatsoever. What we are doing is also being done by thousands of groups and individuals throughout the country, and I have been extremely careful that we are doing what has legal precendent. Namely:
- You order via the website directly from the dairy
- The dairy receives the orders without any intervention from me. They have a name for every carton of milk
- We pick up, on your behalf, exactly the cartons that have been pre-ordered. We have a name for every carton of milk
- You meet us at the pickup location and get your milk.
- We do not store it beyond the pre-established pickup time.
Given those steps that are followed to the letter (and those of you who ask me every single week “can’t you just bring an extra gallon or two with you?” can attest that they are), I do not believe that the Georgia Department of Agriculture has any authority over those cartons of milk. We are not violating federal law. We are not violating state law.
So where do we stand? Right now, raw milk can no longer be offered through Athens Locally Grown. I have 110 gallons of milk sitting on my truck until Monday morning, when a team of officials will be coming to my house to witness its destruction (and hopefully nothing more). Until Peggy Gates changes her mind (which seems unlikely), that is that. It may well take a court order to change things. I know our membership includes a fair number of lawyers, and if any of you wish to help in this, please let me know. I really don’t know where to even begin.
I’ve taken a big financial hit today too, so please forgive our putting out a tip jar next week. I paid the dairy $440 for the milk on the customers’ behalf (and yes, I’m a customer too. I’ve got two gallons of my own sitting on the truck) and since the market operates on a break even basis (during the best of times), I don’t have that sitting in the bank.
I’ll keep you all informed. I’m surprised it took so long for them to harass us, and I’m also surprised by how unsympathetic they turned out to be. And by “they”, I really mean director Peggy Gates, who issued the order. Her website address is http://agr.georgia.gov/00/channel_title/0,2094,38902732_125874866,00.html and her office’s phone number is (404) 656-3625. Please don’t harass her, but it may help if they do hear your stories., why you order raw milk, and why you are a member of Athens Locally Grown.
I know many of you were relying on your milk delivery today, especially since our truck’s engine problems kept us from bringing a full load last week. I’m sorry. Hopefully something will happen soon to make them loosen their grip and allow us to once again bring your milk that you ordered directly from the dairy to you.
Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you see fit.
De facto
When one of your three or four favorite bloggers links to something you contributed to ... that's pretty awesome and darn sure is humbling.
Moving past the bag
Hillary weighs in on the plastic bag tax discussion, and she's supportive of the proposal. Again, my primary concern stems around its ability to effectively deter the usage of plastic bags (because the current proposal would waste political capital with little policy achievement).
An example at the macro-level is the possibility of a carbon tax to help curb carbon emissions. In order to achieve the policy aim, however, the penalty must be severe enough to force innovation in the private sector.
Likewise, for the plastic bag tax to truly work, it must utilize a higher penalty for businesses or consumers to force a change in behavior. I'm just not convinced the proposed fee structure would achieve that, which is why I'd lean toward an outright ban.
And, to ease the community into such a ban, it might be useful to institute the ban, say, two years from its passage. Then devote those two years to public education and, as well, public-private partnership to spur change. A good example might be working with the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, or even the potential regional economic development group, to form a purchasing exchange and let small and mid-size businesses achieve savings when they buy paper bags or reusable canvas bags (and, of course, this exchange could be utilized to buy other goods as needed).
Then, when the ban would be implemented, behavior could have already been modified and a mechanism would be in place to ease any financial pinch from the switch to other bags.
An example at the macro-level is the possibility of a carbon tax to help curb carbon emissions. In order to achieve the policy aim, however, the penalty must be severe enough to force innovation in the private sector.
Likewise, for the plastic bag tax to truly work, it must utilize a higher penalty for businesses or consumers to force a change in behavior. I'm just not convinced the proposed fee structure would achieve that, which is why I'd lean toward an outright ban.
And, to ease the community into such a ban, it might be useful to institute the ban, say, two years from its passage. Then devote those two years to public education and, as well, public-private partnership to spur change. A good example might be working with the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, or even the potential regional economic development group, to form a purchasing exchange and let small and mid-size businesses achieve savings when they buy paper bags or reusable canvas bags (and, of course, this exchange could be utilized to buy other goods as needed).
Then, when the ban would be implemented, behavior could have already been modified and a mechanism would be in place to ease any financial pinch from the switch to other bags.
Couple of things
- Blake challenges the 'liberal Athens' argument, and I think he's valid in some places, but off-base in others. For starters, to lay the blame of the death of a local circuit breaker tax at the feet of the Athens-Clarke County Commission means you have to divorce yourself from the fact that the state legislature makes such final decisions. Given that any type of progressive tax relief program would be a non-starter for Rep. Bob Smith, it was useless to pursue the initiative. The commission instead sought to expand an existing, underutilized tax deferment program, which was a pragmatic move in the right direction.
- Per usual, John Stossel is a cherry-picking, know-nothing hack who can easily be refuted when resorting to actual data.
- 'Backyard Elistism' is guiding Lamar Duncan's principles.
- $2.50 per hour is steep, but what other option is there? Perhaps a new arrangement could be worked out where private leasers of the properties managed by Batson-Cook could pay a marginal monthly fee until the debt is retired since they are the ones actually in the building. Matching that with higher fees in the decks alone might be a more viable solution that could result in lower parking rates in the rest of downtown Athens-Clarke County.
- Dan rounds up the best quotes of the week.
- Per usual, John Stossel is a cherry-picking, know-nothing hack who can easily be refuted when resorting to actual data.
- 'Backyard Elistism' is guiding Lamar Duncan's principles.
- $2.50 per hour is steep, but what other option is there? Perhaps a new arrangement could be worked out where private leasers of the properties managed by Batson-Cook could pay a marginal monthly fee until the debt is retired since they are the ones actually in the building. Matching that with higher fees in the decks alone might be a more viable solution that could result in lower parking rates in the rest of downtown Athens-Clarke County.
- Dan rounds up the best quotes of the week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
