ACLU Georgia has long been one of the most effective organizations in our state, due in no small part to the hard work of Maggie Garrett. Those of us in the community who have worked with Maggie know her to be a dedicated and capable advocate. There is no one who doesn't think well of her.
In spite of working against difficult odds in the reddest of states, Maggie was relentlessly upbeat and always willing to engage ordinary citizens in the process. In fact, the "We the People" lobby days program, which demystified the process and helped citizens lobby their legislators, was Maggie's invention.
We will miss her terribly, but wish her all the best in her new position with Americans United for the Separation of Church and State in Washington, DC. Today was her first day on the new job. She plans to return to Atlanta periodically during the Legislative Session, at which point we'll have a proper party for her.
She was very quiet about her departure, and hearing rumors today that she had moved, I gave her a call. Some of us have wondered why Maggie is no longer at ACLU Georgia, or for that matter, why there are now ZERO attorneys on staff there. Apparently Executive Director Debbie Seagraves has seen fit to fire or push them out one by one.
Therefore, until the Board of ACLU GA sees fit to replace Ms. Seagraves, our family will make no further contributions to this organization that was once our favorite cause.
Comments (22)
This is terrible news.
It's really a shame.
that is totally sucktastic news
Is Gerry Weber, an attorney, still their legal director?
With NO attorneys, they've got some serious issues.
Boo hiss Debbie Seagraves boo hiss!!!!!!!
But that is totally bitchin' that Maggie is now with Americans United for the Separation of Church and State! Bezerko and I feel great knowing we have this amazing woman working for us!
From what I understand Gary Weber is gone as well. Beth Littrell left several months ago as well.
WTF?
That's true. Gerry Weber left about the same time as Maggie, even though both their names are still listed on the site:
http://www.acluga.org/about.html
Wow, I can't even begin to express the loss this means to common sense under the Gold Dome.
Maggie is a champion and will be SORELY missed next session. All the best Maggie! We miss you terribly.
Oh, but it's cool, we still have the "cure" for the ACLU in this state, the Alliance Defense Fund.
Blech.
Oh, but it's cool, we still have the "cure" for the ACLU in this state, the Alliance Defense Fund.
Blech.
maybe I am confused about the point of the ACLU, why are there no attorneys again? This is as if Doctors without Borders got rid of all their doctors. And installed borders.
Okay ... what Mouth of the South said. How in f--- can you have an ACLU without attorneys?
I mean, seriously? Seriously? Can we just call it the Civil Liberties Tea and Crumpets Discussion Society, and leave it at that? 'Cause I can't see how it can possibly be effective ...
They should hire me.
Why would you only listen to one side of this problem? This is where our country is today - you Blame everything on Hillary or the Dems and many idiots of this southern hemisphere won't read and discern for themselves. What a joke - this is really a travesty - I live in an America (southern America) that doesn't even want me on this earth - but they will listen to the blame game without knowing the truth. If anyone on this blog wants to damage me or send me hate emails - go for it - I have been hit by the best - they live in Tennessee and are so filled with hate - they are still hanging us here! Come on - let me have it. Don't just listen to one side - that's the reason we are in a war, guided by a resident who doesn't have a clue -
Welcome to our blog, TNK! If you've been reading us for more than a day or so, I'm sure you've come to see that we are an opinionated and outspoken bunch.
I know Ms Garrett and have seen her in action on many occasions; have heard her speak eloquently on national radio programs about a number of important issues; and know her to be a steadfast and hardworking attorney.
Additionally, all evidence shows that the ACLU of Georgia does not currently employ any attorneys on staff. As a "Card Carrying Member" this concerns me. As it should anyone in Georgia who is concerned about the protection of constitutional and other rights.
So, if you know of some evidence that differs with what has been stated here -please tell us.
As for your claim that we "Blame everything on Hillary or the Dems" - I don't know where that came from. We are a varied bunch, some support Senator Clinton, some do not. Nearly all of us are true blue Democrats who work hard to promote and support the values of the Democratic Party.
Thanks again for joining the discussion.
That Maggie. Always surly. Kinda lazy. Never presentable. It's amazing she lasted this long.
/sarcasm.
I am confident that MG will craft a worthwhile and probably important career, pretty much wherever she wants to.
Best wishes and much happiness to you Maggie. Thanks for all you've done for Georgia.
That's a fact JT. She sounds very happy at the new job and loves DC. Clearly, this is our loss.
Correction Jen, they should hire you AND me. :-)
I love the ACLU and find it shocking that they would have no lawyers left in a state organization that needs them as badly as this one does. I presume the idea will be to farm all cases out pro bono to ACLU supporters in GA law firms? While that can be effective, not every case that is worthy of litigation by this group is going to be the sort that should or could be handled by outside counsel. You still need a staff attorney to analyze legislation and local law, to act on the fly as violations of civil liberties happen, and to handle small lower profile matters that the big firms won't want to deal with.
While there may be issues with the ACLU, I don't know why anyone should begrudge someone for wanting to further their career and in that line of work that means going national a lot of times.
I mean, no one would say it sucks that Rob Teilhet isn't in the Georgia House anymore if the reason was he got elected to Congress, or whatever...
I don't think anyone is saying it wasn't an amazing opportunity for Maggie - everyone agrees that their lucky to have her!
The point is that the ACLU no longer has any attorneys on staff.
they're, not their.
Sorry, I used all my brain cells earlier.
So where's a boy to wear black tie in May now that this clowning is happening at the ACLU and the HRC is morally adrift... ? :)