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Join us for our weekly political discussion! Tonight we have a special Mother's Day Edition of Kudzu Vine. Tune in for a chat with Regina Thomas and Donzella James, both running for US Congress in Georgia. Other surprises in store, as well.
Tune into Kudzu Vine!
The Sweet Auburn Festival, otherwise known as the National 3 point U-Turn Society (NOTE: If you are considering buying a car to go cruising, neither the Hummer H2 nor any car with 24" rims can make a U-Turn on a standard street, this will cause you to have to go around the block thus defeating the entire point of cruising) seems to be featuring these hanging from the bottoms of cars (for the metaphorically challenged):
I can't believe I missed out on this craze. Guess I will just skip ahead to buying this.
Continue reading "Went to the Sweet Auburn Festival, and all I got was a ball sac for my car." »
Sort of a last minute thing, we ventured out on Saturday night to see Jon Stewart at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. The venue is beautifully design with great acoustics and sound system. It's large enough to draw acts like Jon Stewart, but small enough to feel intimate. I love the place, even if it is in Cobb County.
Stewart, as you would expect, was hysterical. My favorite line from the night:
"People in this country fall into one of two categories: busy or crazy. Because busy is too damn busy, crazy runs the show."
Here are a few phone pics.
This is obviously a sign of the coming apocalypse.
So, how did you spend your stimulus check?
What does McCain's logo say about him?
I'm pretty sure I met this guy at DragonCon
The perfect gift for your graduating senior: a clean carbon slate.
Please join us tonight, Thursday, May 8th at 7:00pm, for our monthly Fulton County Democratic Party meeting.
This month we will honor the volunteers of the historic 2008 Fifth Congressional District Caucus, acknowledge the winning Delegates from the 5th, 6th and 13th Congressional Districts, present reports on state and county candidate qualifying, preview printed materials and resources for the Neighborhood Network Program and meet some of the qualified candidates vying to represent us at all levels of government.
FCDP Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month (except December), at 7:00pm at the Communications Workers of America (Local 3204) Hall at 307 Logan Street SE Atlanta, GA 30312 More information and driving directions may be found at www.fultondems.com.
Over and out.
Since being given the privilege and honor of posting on this site, I'm sure there are times when the lovely and kind blogmistresses probably wish they hadn't given me carte blanche. This is likely one of those times.
I want to address a few things from last night's candidate forum at Front Page News.
Since I've stolen the title from a famous movie, we will start with the "Good".
Location and available space, lots room to circulate inside and out. It appeared to be zero problem that we essentially took over most all of the inside and the bar area outside. I love the free parking. You can't imagine how I hate doing things in mid-town and having to pay to park.
The organizations who worked hard to put this event together, Red Clay and Young Democrats. It's a thankless chore chasing down candidates and doing all the leg work to make these events possible. Take a bow you all did a great job.
The candidates who showed up early, had their literature out, greeted folks who arrived, had staff working the crowd and were in a meet 'n greet kind of mood. Loved the gum provided by Steven Lee.
The candidates who took the time to get dressed for the occasion. Ah yes, you knew that was coming! Snaps and props to these folks who know how to represent. Bobby Saxon, Earl Giddins, Keith Gross, Malik Douglas, RuthE Levy, Rand Knight, Charles Rambo & Patrick Labat. Those of you not mentioned might fall into the "bland" category or in some select cases should now move to the "bad" section.
Continue reading "Candidate Forum-Recap The Good, The Bad and yes the Ugly" »
About 12 Indiana nuns were turned away Tuesday from a polling place by a fellow sister because they didn't have state or federal identification bearing a photograph.Sister Julie McGuire said she was forced to turn away her fellow members of Saint Mary's Convent in South Bend, across the street from the University of Notre Dame, because they had been told earlier that they would need such an ID to vote.
The nuns, all in their 80s or 90s, didn't get one but came to the precinct anyway.
Indiana's photo ID law is the strictest in the country. The Republican-led effort was designed to combat ballot fraud, said supporters, who also have acknowledged that no case involving someone impersonating a voter at the polls has ever been prosecuted in Indiana.
Predictably the ACLU has filed a suit, but since we're also one of the states with a Voter ID Law, this needs to be monitored by us as well.
Shipp: Georgia Democrats seem to be waving white flag
As for the Democrats, an examination of their candidate recruitment efforts leads to no other conclusion than that they have run up the white flag in their attempt to regain control of Peach State politics. Despite big talk from party leaders, Democratic qualifying is the weakest it has ever been. For the first time, the party is leaving uncontested a statewide office (Republican Doug Everett's Public Service Commission seat).
Democrats, led by House Minority Leader DuBose Porter of Dublin, say they have abandoned aggressive tactics centered on attacking Republican shenanigans and corruption under the Gold Dome to focus on grass roots. They claim they are letting the Republicans fight among themselves, while dedicated Democrats quietly toil away, building a statewide network of local leaders. In the new Democratic handbook, "grass roots" may be translated as "laying low."Candidate Recruitment Chair Winfred Dukes should have resigned instead of Virgilio Perez-Pascoe. The next time Dukes stands up to run for anything on the DPG State Committee level, I will personally shout him down. Ineffectual doesn't even begin to describe him.The Democrats of 2008 are reminiscent of the Republicans of 1958. Except the Republicans of a half-century ago usually offered progressively amusing agendas. There's nothing amusing about today's dwindling and lethargic Democrats.
Execution Is First Since Ruling
Georgia executed killer William Earl Lynd last night, ending a more than seven-month nationwide hiatus on capital punishment prompted by the Supreme Court's examination of lethal injection.Lynd's execution at 7:51 p.m. was the first since the court ruled April 16 that the three-drug protocol most commonly used in executions by states and the federal government did not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
"It was not something we wanted to necessarily be first at. It was just the fact that this had been there," Gov. Sonny Perdue (R) said at an earlier news conference, according to the Associated Press.
Do you support the death penalty in this case? How about in general?
One thing this Presidential election cycle has made very clear is that the Democratic Primary Process is broken, and broken bad. There are some interesting alternative plans floating around, but my current favorite is the regional lottery.
Will States Fix the 2012 Primary Process?
What if the presidential primary worked more like a lottery with all the states having a chance at the ultimate prize of voting first in the nominating schedule, ending the coveted tradition of New Hampshire and Iowa leading the pack?That's a simplified version of one of several ideas being considered by top party and state officials, who aim to prevent a repeat of states' helter-skelter scramble for early presidential primary dates in 2008.
Is the race over yet? I'm tired of this. I'm ready to get excited about the convention.
On the Cobb County School Board, Democratic incumbent Betty Gray will face a party challenge from David L. Morgan. Morgan is the state director for an education Political Action Committee called All Children Matter. He is married to state Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan (D-Austell)."I think that we have families that are chronically underserved as relates to their educational opportunities and educational experience. We have to create policy and programs that relate to their educational experience," David Morgan said Thursday afternoon.
** h/t Jules
Anyone know of other spouses running for office?
A little googling about the All Children Matter PAC finds this on their website:
Continue reading "The Spouses are also running for Office" »
OK Madam Chairwoman, can't you do something about one of your US Senate Candidates? Yes, these are your boys.
Can't you give Dale Cardwell a hug? Can't you send him a nice email saying "Dale, you're the best, but stop all the craziness"?
I mean c'mon, he's acting a like a damn 5 year old. He's running around Georgia saying the same damn message "oooh Jim Martin wouldn't endorse me, but now he's in the race" and "Vernon is a criminal". Listen here
My personal opinion is that Jim Martin told Dale he wouldn't get in the race to save himself from laughing hysterically at Dale's request for an endorsement and a check. Dale, did ya forget that you no voted for Jim when he ran for Lt. Governor. Yes, Vernon is a less than desirable person if you were looking to marry your sister off and he has yet to disagree with a tax increase.
But, Dale is throwing a lot of stones and we don't even know what is in his glass house. Dale has zip of record to run on...he's never worked in politics before...he's never legislated anything...he's never lobbied for any cause that we know of...he's never ever participated in any Democratic activity before running...hell, he voted in the Republican primary in 2006. But yet he has the nerve to call out people.
The even funnier thing is that he's calling on folks to endorse him and he didn't even vote for them. What's up with Markie Mark endorsing him when he didn't even help Taylor with a damn vote during the 2006 Primary? Way to go Dale with your loyalty to the Democratic Party of Georgia.
C'mon Dale, really what bill of goods are you trying to sell us Democrats?
I'm soooo over him. Please somebody give him a ladder so he can climb up another tower.
Jane.Make.This.Stop.Now
I thought our people (Dems) were a little slow...but this cracked me up.
David Banks, a Republican, who is running for Cobb County School Board, has the most honest Platforms page ever. Check it out here.
Teh Awesome!
His memoirs page tells a very touching story of how school influenced him:
On the last day of school of the sixth grade, I road my bicycle home with my report card in hand and there were trucks in the yard loaded with all our possessions. They threw my bicycle on top of one of the trucks and told me to get in. So, off to Ben Hill, our new home.The house in Ben Hill compared to our old house was like night and day. It had in-door water, a bathroom with a tub and sink. I never imagined that I would live in such luxury.
I attended Ben Hill Elementary (7th grade - no middle schools then) and my grades went down, but I don't know if it was the dramatic change that I had been through in the move or that it was a much tougher school. At any rate I became interested in music and since I was able to get a job at Mundy's Drug store, I was able to buy a used trumpet and join the school band. I also discovered girls during this time and began to understand the word "crush" also had another meaning. There were some beautiful girls in that 7th grade class.
I did pass the 7th grade so now I am going to high school in the fall with all of my new friends.
Here's a call out to Erik Erickson - help your people before they completely trip over themselves.
Red Clay & Young Dems are hosting a Candidate Meet and Greet tonight in Little 5. Maybe some of our esteemed Senate candidates will be there..
What: Democratic Candidates Meet and Greet Happy Hour
Where: Front Page News on Moreland Ave
When: May 6, 2008 5-8pm
Cost: Your Own Drinks and Food
Link to FPN: http://www.frontpageatlanta.com/
Tickets still available.
Atlanta WAND invites you to their annual Mother's Day for Peace celebration, this year featuring Pulitzer Prize winning author, mother,and advocate for women's rights, Alice Walker. The evening will also honor local activists for peace Jackie Adams and Alice Lovelace.
WHEN: Tonight! Tuesday, May 6, 2008
WHERE: Spelman College, 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, GA 30314
6-7 PM Reception, Camille Cosby Center Lobby
7:15 PM Program, Sisters Chapel
Book Signing will follow.
Call WAND for last minute ticket information: 404 524-5999
Please join Rep. Alisha Thomas-Morgan, Rep. Robbin Shipp, Rep. Sheila Jones, Hon. C.T. Martin, Hon. Ivory L. Young, Hon. H. Lamar Willis, Hon. Yolanda Johnson, Hon. Brenda Muhammad, Hon. Khaatim S. El, Ashley Bell, Angela Brown, Derrick Boazman, Michael Bond, Jason Carter, Stacey G. Evans, Jerry L. Gray, Daniel Halpern, Tharon L. Johnson, Michael Langford, Melissa Mullinax, Tim Santelli, Shelley Senterfitt, Cathy Woolard
(committee in formation)
For a Kick-Off Fundraising Reception Honoring Rashad Taylor, Candidate for House District 55.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
The Loudermilk Center
40 Courtland Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(parking next door in United Way parking deck)
Host Committee: $500
Suggested Minimum Contribution: $100
Make Checks Payable to
Friends of Rashad Taylor
P.O. Box 11078
Atlanta, Georgia 30310
RSVP to Javier Brown at javierabrown@gmail.com
Casey Cagle sent me a letter regarding Sunday alcohol sales.
As a Georgian with strong religious beliefs, I oppose Sunday sales of alcohol for individual religious reasons. However, I recognize we live in a democracy where the wishes of the majority must be respected. For this reason, I have not opposed a referendum that will allow voters to choose whether or not to allow Sunday sales.
With former state Rep. Ron Sailor facing 20 years in prison for money laundering, Lithonia and Conyers residents will vote in a special election May 13 to fill his House seat.Several strong candidates have stepped forward to serve the remaining six months of Sailor's House District 93 term, all of whom are also planning to run for a full two-year term in the July primary. The best choice is Dee Dawkins-Haigler, a Lithonia resident whose credentials range from PTA president to soccer coach to political consultant.
Dawkins-Haigler understands the responsibilities of the General Assembly. While other candidates at last week's community forum focused on issues more relevant to a school board than the General Assembly, Dawkins-Haigler listed several bills awaiting the governor's signature that she deems dangerous to her community. Her list included House Bill 89, which would allow concealed weapons permit holders to bring guns on MARTA and into restaurants that serve alcohol, and House Bill 881, which allows charter schools to open over the objections of local boards of education. Her legislative focus would be Georgia's weak foreclosure laws.
Early voting begins today. This election deserves the close attention of DeKalb and Rockdale voters, who have essentially had no representation in the eight years that Sailor was their representative.
â- Maureen Downey, for the editorial board (mdowney@ajc.com)
GO DEE with ya bad self!!!
Give Dee a little change so she can defend herself against one of her opponents who has decided to go negative.
From: McCainPerdue.com
You asked us for ten questions to pose to Gov. Perdue when you interview him as part of the vice-presidential selection process. We had a hard time, frankly, with the ten question limit. We did not believe that this guy ran a state, or was even a Republican, based on his press clippings but we verified everything with a phone call to Ralph Reed.1. What in the world were you thinking when you proposed the largest tax increase in Georgia's history during your first week in office?
Make certain that Gov. Perdue is also questioned about the large property tax increase he sought. It may be that he just felt Georgia property taxes were too low. You need to form an opinion as to his leadership ability as he couldn't get a Republican legislature to go along with most of the huge increases, although our fellow Republicans did raise taxes by a smaller amount. Perdue prides himself on being a creative thinker so be sure if elected he won't try something dramatic the first week, like demanding a nation-wide property tax or calling for a general increase in taxes "because he can."
2. Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the Spiro T. Agnew Personal Tax Minimization Movement?
Finish this thought: Spiro didn't release tax returns because they didn't exist. Sonny didn't release tax returns because...
Although we revere Vice-president Agnew's commitment to tax reduction, both personal and political, our polling indicates that a significant number of independent voters somehow still cling to the outdated notion that public officials should not do things to preferentially cut their own taxes. (Note: our education program is slowly changing this attitude, as seen by support for tax cuts for the rich.) While Gov. Perdue escaped any fallout from a provision snuck into a bill by his personal tax lawyer and one-time legislative floor leader that resulted in a $100,000 retroactive tax break that applied only to Perdue, he should acknowledge that the U.S. Congress is a bit harder to snooker than the Georgia General Assembly, the Georgia GOP Congressional delegation notwithstanding. (Idea: have Perdue campaign with Wesley Snipes.)
3. Can you assure us that your appointment of big-time developer Stan Thomas to the powerful state Economic Development Board had nothing to do with Mr. Thomas engineering a sweetheart deal on property near Disney World for you?
You should get the governor to pledge that if selected as VP he will not engage in real estate deals with Mr. Thomas. You might need to extend the prohibition to members of Thomas's family, his butler, chauffeur, and masseuse, too. You can't be too careful with them Georgians.
4. Are you willing to put your assets in a blind trust?
It may sound elementary, but Perdue was the first modern Georgia governor who did not place assets in a blind trust. Perdue explained that he needed to run his agribusiness empire because he understood its operation better than anyone. Explore whether he perceives that being vice-president is a full time job, apparently unlike being Georgia's governor. (Idea: suggest some names of people who could run the trust in a manner Perdue would like -- Jack Abramoff should be pardoned by the time Perdue needs to make a selection; so should Scooter Libby.)
5. Do you understand that you cannot intervene with Secret Service personnel matters unlike your meddling with the GBI, the State Patrol, and his personal security detail?
If there is any indication that he will bring the same level of low morale, turnover, internal bickering, and scandal to the Secret Service that he managed to instill in Georgia's law enforcement agencies then he shouldn't be on the VP list. (You might offer Defense, though.) In particular, both Perdue and every member of his family must agree that they will keep their hands off members of the vice-presidential security detail.
Latest IA poll has Clinton and Obama tied within margin of error in NC. The never ending drama continues...
Just who is this televangelist with a soft spot for John McCain? Frank Rich gives the guided tour.
What you'll find is a white televangelist, the Rev. John Hagee, lecturing in front of an enormous diorama. Wielding a pointer, he pokes at the image of a woman with Pamela Anderson-sized breasts, her hand raising a golden chalice. The woman is "the Great Whore," Mr. Hagee explains, and she is drinking "the blood of the Jewish people." Thatâs because the Great Whore represents "the Roman Church," which, in his view, has thirsted for Jewish blood throughout history, from the Crusades to the Holocaust.
More here.
Atlanta WAND invites you to Mother's Day for Peace 2008 with keynote Speaker and Honoree Alice Walker, Pulitzer Prize winning author, mother, and advocate for women's rights.
When: Tuesday, May 6, 2008
6-7pm Reception
Camille Cosby Center Lobby
7:15pm Program
Sisters Chapel
Book Signing will follow
Where: Spelman College
350 Spelman Lane
Atlanta, GA 30314
Cost: Tickets are still available for $50 which includes a 6:00pm food & wine reception in the Cosby Atrium and helps support Atlanta WAND's work for peace. A limited number of "activist" tickets ($10) are offered for the program only that begins at 7:15pm in Sisters Chapel.
Find more information and to purchase tickets online here, or call 404-524-5999.
Former DPG Executive Director and former Chief of Staff to Speaker Tom Murphy, Steve Anthony was the special guest. The guy is a blue dog force of nature who dishes political wisdom and gossip in equal measure. A little anachronistic, but a lot amusing.
Click here to listen.
