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January 31, 2007

Sad - Molly Ivins dies

Geez, I didn't even know she had breast cancer. Now the AJC will have to find yet another hack column to replace the words of a great liberal gone to join the DNC convention in the sky. Damn! :-(

Posted by Benson at 10:44 PM | Comments (0)

Biden on Obama

Joe Biden on Barack Obama's fine personal hygiene:

Mr. Biden is equally skeptical--albeit in a slightly more backhanded way--about Mr. Obama. "I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy," he said. "I mean, that's a storybook, man."

I cannot improve on the Gawker.com snark: "It is a storybook! Can you imagine living in a world where African-Americans can speak properly, exhibit intelligence, and maintain personal hygiene? It's like something out of science fiction!"

Posted by PaulaG at 11:34 AM | Comments (27)

A meditation on the GA General Assembly

If the Georgia House and Senate were in a bar fight, who would take it?

Georgia State University students Andy Medlin, 21, and Jordan Streiff, 22, will file [video] reports every Tuesday from the Georgia Capitol. The duo won first place for a comedy in the university's Campus MovieFest last year for their film A Meditation on the Speed Limit.

Via PI. Right back 'atcha boys.

Posted by Mel at 9:45 AM | Comments (0)

Good/Bad?

The dilemma of online comments.

Salon's Gary Kamiya has a great (rather long) piece, The readers strike back. How has the two-way communication provided by the internet affected journalism and writing? Are we spiraling into a blandly written future? Or is the democratization of journalism the best things since Tang? Is the blogosphere a "first draft"? Take a few minutes to read the piece, and if you're so inclined, come back here to discuss. While I would never compare this little blog to Salon, I do think we share some of the same joys and frustrations expressed in Mr Kamiya's piece.

Posted by Catherine at 6:12 AM | Comments (0)

January 30, 2007

Fulton County State Committee Elections

Election of all Democratic Party of Georgia State Committee Members from Fulton County will be held on Saturday February 10th, 2007 at 10:00am at the Communications Workers of America Local 3204 Hall.

What: Fulton County State Committee Elections
When: Saturday, February 10th, 2007 at 10:00am
Where: CWA Local 3204 Hall

Note: The postal address for this location is 279 Logan Street SE, Atlanta 30312, but for MapQuest, Google maps and car navigation devices, the address registers as 307 Logan Street SE Atlanta 30312.

(Yes, we know this is the same day as Family Day at the Capitol (see Benson's post below), but since this has been planned for more than two months, a date change is not possible. For those from Fulton County who would like to participate in both events, we will carpool over to the Capitol after the election at around Noon.)

For more information, see below the fold or visit the Fulton County Democrats online.

How does it work?

Any Democrat who is registered to vote in, and a resident of, Fulton County may seek election to a position on the DPG State Committee. However, only Fulton County Post Seat Holders may vote in this election. State Committee terms are four years and election results are subject to residence and voter registration verification.

To ensure geographic diversity throughout the county, Democratic Party of Georgia State Committee Members are elected from Fulton County Commission Districts 3-7.

If you wish to seek one of the 23 Fulton County seats on the State Committee, please arrive on February 10th with at least one form of identification and your voter registration card or a printout of your voter file record from the Georgia Secretary of State's website.

To access your voter file record online, follow this link:
http://www.sos.st ate.ga.us/cgi-bin/Locator.asp

On the day of the election, applicants will also be required to sign an affidavit stating they believe in the goals of the Democratic Party of Georgia, are not a member of any other political party or body (as defined in the Georgia Election Code), and are not currently affiliated with any political group whose ideals, goals, and methods are incompatible with those of the Democratic Party of Georgia.

If they desire, candidates may give a brief (one minute), speech prior to the vote.

What's this State Committee thing all about?

The State Committee is the highest authority and governing body of the Democratic Party of Georgia. Members from Fulton County make up the largest contingent of the committee. Most recently, State Committee Members convened on Saturday, January 27th in Atlanta to elect the new Chair and Executive Officers of the DPG.

The recent election of Fulton County Democrats Sally Rosser, Steve Leeds, William Curry, Nikema Williams and Ben Myers to DPG leadership positions means our county will be well represented at the state party level. But we can't stop there.

Our newly elected leaders can't do it alone and they will need as much time, energy and support as we can offer in the coming years to help restore the Democratic Party of Georgia to prominence. Rebuilding the DPG will be no small task, but we must start now.

Is this for really for me?

Other than the requirements mentioned above, there are no qualifications mandated for volunteers elected to the DPG State Committee. However, to help you decide if this is right for you, here are a few questions you might want to consider:

* Do you have a reasonable amount of free time and resources to devote to: attend yearly meetings of the State Committee, to serve on a sub-committee, or attend events hosted by the Democratic Party of Georgia, some of which might be held in different parts of the state or require paid participation?
* Do you have special skills, talent, experience or training that would benefit a statewide political organization?
* Do you work and play well with others? Can you function as a productive, team oriented member?
* Do you follow current events in local government, politics and policy?
* Are you ready and willing to help our new leadership rebuild the Democratic Party of Georgia in order to elect Democrats to all levels of government?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then serving on the DPG State Committee is for you!

Still have questions?

For more information about DPG State Committee elections or the Fulton County Democratic Party, please contact Executive Director Page Gleason at 404-317-3563 or via email at: alupkg@yahoo.com.

Visit us online at www.fultondems.com!

Posted by Mel at 11:34 AM | Comments (4)

January 29, 2007

BREAKING: Family Day at the Dome, February 10

Save the date: February 10, Georgia Democrats can join their union friends at the state capitol to agitate for real family legislation: raising the minimum wage. From Tasso Knight of UFCW to my inbox to you:

Saturday, Feb 10th, 9-10 a.m on the steps (Washington St. side) of the State Capitol. We will have a
Family Day Rally and press conference, coordinated by the GA AFL-CIO and the Atlanta-N. GA. Labor Council. The legislature will go in to session that Saturday at 10:00a.m.

Our message will be: Raising the Minimum Wage is the best way to show that legislators are Family Friendly.

Remember the fun we had 2 years ago on family day with a march from the stadium to the capitol??? With this just being announced (and I am sure the short notice was intentional) we have less that two weeks to put this together. We look to have at least 200 family, friends, union and coalition members standing with us on this day.

Please spread the word about Family Day at the Capitol (personal or work email list, BLOGS, Democratic Party list serves, etc.) We'll pass along more information as it becomes available.

Thanks for all your help getting this out as soon as possible.

Tasso

Disseminate at will. See you next Saturday!

Posted by Benson at 10:03 PM | Comments (3)

Moratorium on DPG group emails...PLEASE

For the love of God, Yahweh, Mohammed, Buddha, and anything pagan - Please stop sending the group emails to the entire State Committee Membership list. Can we not enjoy 1 week without the group emails on who is a better Democrat?

If you have beef or issue with the original sender then please call him. Please Mr. Original Email Sender, it is time that you STOP sending the entire group your opinion. We earlier showed you respect because of your continued loyalty to the Democratic Party and wanted your input - the elections are over. Send your opinions to the newly elected Party officers. Let the SCM GO!! Find a few SCMs that do not mind the email exchanges and send emails only to that select group.

Let me explain this very slowly: Democrats that believe the DPG should return to 'the Party of Sam Nunn' and Progressive Democrats will never agree. Two differing philosophies that will never merge. So let's all agree to disagree...but please stop with the group emails!!

Posted by Bernita at 2:46 PM | Comments (31)

Let's go to school

This post is sort of like a list of questions about the Democratic Party structure within the state. Now that the election for Chair(woman) is over, it is time to begin to look ahead. While many of you already know this stuff, I am sure that there are some who would be interested in learning about how it works.

1- How often does the DPG Committee meet?

2- Where are these meetings held?

3- What subcommittees exist within the DPG?

4- How are committee assignments handled?

5- Who chairs these committees or how are chairs chosen?

That should be enough to stimulate the creative juices for awhile.

Posted by Peter at 2:32 PM | Comments (3)

One Day After

A message from Virgilio Perez Pascoe, found over at Peach Pulpit:

One Day After

by Virgilio Perez Pascoe

Sunday, 28 January 2007
Yes, it was a long day yesterday! For someone that has never seen this democratic process, it was very enlightening.

1. I learned that ---not everything is at it seems.

* The Unity breakfast was a bit too formal with little discussion as to what elected officials, past and present as well as party leaders, past, present and future, felt we needed to do.. The main theme, as I heard it, was that we should bury the hatchet and move steadily forward--to regain the Legislative and Executive branches of the Georgia Government. There was not enough time for questions and for clarifications. Everybody was friendly and accessible, but there was no time for substantial discussion. A pity! I don´t know how much access the party has to its elected officials at all levels of government, but clearly there should be better mechanisms for frank discussions and for setting priorities. Everyone wants success, the question is what does it look like? and how do we get there?:

* Arriving at the meeting place, I suddenly realized that campaigning for party positions is serious business. Campaign signs were out in the street, inside the rooms, and folks were delivering buttons, stickers, sheets of paper, etc. The contrast with the breakfast was startling to me---it felt to me that the gloves were off.

* The most dramatic moment was the first time we heard the results of the balloting for the Chair. There was real division, here. The funny thing, is that I don´t really understand what the division is about. I guess I will learn soon enough. I better.

2. I also learned that folks who reached out to me after the elections, expect results immediately. After Manuel´s as I was driving back to Cumming (my wife was driving the other car), and receiving some phone calls, I realized that now is the time to get things done. This is what I have decided to do:

* I will call our Chairperson Jane Kidd early Monday morning and ask her what her thoughts are.

* I will call Bernita Smith to find out what it is that made DeKalb win a 60k plurality in the last governor´s election. I want to understand what they are doing right---mostly who are the constituent groups

* I will call Dr. Constance M. Burkes, Chairperson of Dougherty Co. in the southwest of the state to understand why it was that they also beat the Republican party in the last election, even if, by a hair. What have they done, and what are the constituencies there.

* I will call Jon Flack, my County Chairperson, because we live in one of the 100 fastest growing counties in the nation, along with 11 other counties in the State of Georgia, to understand what we need to do there to build a credible Democratic counterpart to the Republican behemoth and rid this county once for all of its regressive reputation.

* I will call the Young Democrats of the State of Georgia, for irrepressible fountains of ideas, hopes and goals.

* I will call Cobb County Democrats to understand how a rapidly growing, and diversifying county, and a Republican stronghold to boot ,has developed its constituent group make up. The one breakfast I attended showed me how diverse, active, and focused various constituencies are in that Party.

* I will call Ben Myers, to see how I can get educated on labor/general employment issues and specific constituent groups there.

3. I will, over the next two weeks, thank the folks who believed in me: a total stranger, who happens to have fallen in love with this State.

4. I have the feeling that I will get plenty of advice from everyone. I need it. I am a reader junkie (yeah, I do disgusting things like take a shower, and my laptop is open, just in case, I hadn´t read something). I may not answer all the time, ´cause I am not that organized, but I listen.

5. There is some excellent Cabernet Franc, made in our own Dahlonega area, that I need to share with Jon Flack. This is, in the spirit of openness and full disclosure.

Posted by PaulaG at 1:05 PM | Comments (5)

Live outside the Columbus Courthouse

Jules is in Columbus, GA in support of some good activists and friends. Today in Columbus, sixteen human rights activists will appear in federal court to put the SOA/WHINSEC on trial. The 16 were arrested on November 19, 2006, after carrying the protest to close the School of the Americas (SOA/WHINSEC) onto the Fort Benning Military Reservation, publicly defying the laws which prevent political speech on military bases and making a bold call for justice and accountability.

She will be keeping us updated all day:
8:10 am - Yes. I was up at 6 and in the procession from the the hotel to the courthouse at 7.30 am. We processed with our white crosses, about about 100 of us.

11:50 am - First two groups have been tried. First time offenders have gotten between 30 and 60 days and no fines. This is considered very lienent, the judge has a bad cold and the speculation is mixed about why he might not be living up to his prior reputation of being a 'hanging judge'.

12:03 pm - The court has broken for lunch and we expect to be let in with the last group about 130. My friend Alice is going to recite Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven" as her statement.
Judge Faircolth apparently was acting like a judge on American Idol by critizing the singing statement from the first defendant. But it seems he didn't hold it against him at sentencing. The volunteer lawyers have done a great job prepparing the defendants
and working with the federal marshalls to keep the harrassment to a mininum. We still can't figure out why ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement - a division of Homeland Security) isn''t here.

4:41 pm - The final update from the courthouse, the last group of five is done. Three of the five got 100 day sentences, one woman got 90 days, and my friend Alice received six months. Alice's case was sentenced completely differently since this is her third offense.

No one was given a fine. The street committee's take is mixed on the reasons for the subdued sentencing. The next update will be on sitting in the courtroom and the statements the defendents made.

In orange jacket, is Mike Vosburg-Casey from Atlanta Open Door Community, Our Lady of Lourdes & Atlanta Peace and Justice | January 29, 2007

Posted by Bernita at 10:00 AM | Comments (1)

Was ist Das?!?

From this morning's AJC, it looks like Sonny and da boys are going after yet ANOTHER program to improve education in GA. Now it is foreign language programs. The thing that got me most, I think, was the hypocrisy displayed by Glenn Richardson.

House Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) has been a supporter of the pilot program in the past. However, Richardson said he's not sure how important it is to teach foreign language in elementary school.

"I had a child that had that, and I don't know it particularly helped him one way or the other," he said. "I would listen to the experts as to why we're doing it.

"I think it's probably more important that we get them to read the English language and do math and social studies."

Some days the Repugs just make it TOO easy for us to point out their foibles. And they called John Kerry a flip-flopper. Richardson displays the absolute worst characteristics of "the other side" (ie. "I got mine, now let's let nobody else get theirs"). Argue the merits of the program all you want...this is most definitely a blow to improving education in this state.

Posted by Peter at 7:13 AM | Comments (8)

January 28, 2007

Proud to be a GA Democrat

I woke up this morning with a feeling of pride. You know like the feeling you have after working on a Habitat for Humanity house - that you were a part of something that benefited the greater good. I was proud to have stood with my fellow State Committee Members to elect a diverse, progressive thinking, and action oriented Party officers. We dun good!

Georgia Republicans please take notice of what the Democratic State Committee members accomplished yesterday. We have assembled a workhorse team that:
* is not dominated by Metro-Atlanta residents. Only 2 officers are from Metro Atlanta, 2 officers are from Clarke County, 1 officer is from an exurban county, Forsyth, 1 officer is from Chatham county, and 1 officer is from South Georgia, Dougherty county.
* represents all of Georgia - North, Southwest, Southeast, West, and Metro.
* knows how to win campaigns in rural south and north Georgia and statewide.
* has support and connections in the business community, diverse communities, PACs, and with our elected officials.
* understand and can utilize technology.
* knows the importance of the grassroots community.

I can not understand how anyone can say that our newly elected officers are "more of the same". This is a 180 degree turnaround. The only group not represented is African-American women. I would suggest that an African-American women caucus co-chaired by Hattie D. and Mary L. would bring their voices to the table.

This is a grassroots oriented team! I have complete confidence that in 2010 Georgia Dems will have a solid ground game in all 159 counties. No doubt about it!

Thanks goes out to every State Committee Member that participated in yesterday's election. Thanks to our Congressional, State, and local elected Democrats that visited with us. Thanks to Carole Porter for allowing Dubose to visit with us on your 23rd marriage anniversary. Calvin, our prayers are with you tomorrow.

Georgia Democrats, this is no longer your grandfather's Party. This is OUR PARTY! Together we will succeed in making a Georgia a better place to live, work, and play.

Posted by Bernita at 1:49 PM | Comments (6)

Kidd already garnering great press

A few of the many positive press reports about new Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Jane Kidd, published today in papers around the state:

New Dem leader seeks to recapture women's vote, AJC

Democrats elect woman to lead party in Georgia, Augusta Chronicle

Ga. Democratic Party elects new chair, Macon Telegraph

And from Friday: Kidd sets goals to improve Dem's chances in state, The Athens Banner-Herald

Posted by Mel at 10:48 AM | Comments (8)

Congratulations!

Below are the results of the Democratic Party of Georgia leadership elections held on Saturday, January 27th at the IBEW Auditorium in Atlanta. It was a packed house (turnout was above 70%), as DPG Committee Members from all over the state convened to elect new officers. Congratulations the newly elected and returning officers of the Democratic Party of Georgia!

Democratic Party of Georgia Executive Officers:

Chair
Jane V. Kidd (Clarke)

First Vice-Chair
Michael Thurmond (Clarke)

Congressional District/County Liaison Vice-Chair
Sally Rosser (Fulton)

Constituency Group Vice-Chair
Virgilio Perez Pascoe (Forsyth)

Candidate Recruitment Vice-Chair
Winfred Dukes (Dougherty)

Secretary
Stephen R. Leeds (Fulton)

Treasurer
Rex Templeton, Jr. (Chatham)

SRO crowd at the IBEW Auditorium | January 27, 2007

Posted by Mel at 10:37 AM | Comments (3)

January 27, 2007

DPG leadership elections today!

UPDATE from sndeak - Jane Kidd is the new Chair of the DPG and Michael Thurmond is the Vice Chair. Sally Rosser is Vice Chair of CD and County Liaison. Virgilio Perez Pascoe is the new Constituency Chair. Winifred Dukes is the Candidate Search Chair.

At long last, the Democratic Party of Georgia leadership elections get underway at 1:00pm today in Atlanta at the IBEW Union Hall.

Several bloggers will be reporting in. Bernita will be live blogging here, Amy will be live blogging at Georgia Women Vote! and we might even see a post or two from GriftDrift playing the wry observer.

UPDATE from Shelby: cameraphoners feel free to send visual updates by MMS to gga07@cellblock.com.

Afterwards, please join the Young Democrats of Georgia (5:30ish???) at Manuel’s Tavern, 602 North Highland Avenue, Atlanta.

It's going to be a very exciting, but very long day. Best of luck and success to all the candidates!

Posted by Mel at 5:08 PM | Comments (15)

Ford & The DLC

Harold Ford is now the Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC). His announcement is below.

January 26, 2007

Dear Friend,

The seriousness of my purpose to win the Senate seat in Tennessee fell narrowly short. But the seriousness of my purpose to help our country and my state of Tennessee promote an agenda of reform, innovation and progress remains as strong as ever. So, today I am writing to let you know that I have accepted an offer to become the Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC), one of the leading Democratic think tanks in the country.

Over the last 15 years, starting with helping Bill Clinton become President in 1992, the DLC has been at the forefront of leading an effort to re-brand and modernize the Democratic Party. I would like to continue this work over the next two years by developing an agenda around a set of ideas and lasting values that address the defining challenges of our time. We need an American agenda – not a partisan agenda – that offers lasting and effective solutions to strengthen our economic competitiveness around the world and defeat global terrorism and keep America safe.

We have an opportunity to build on the gains we made in the 2006 election and shape the debate as we begin the 2008 Presidential contest. But we will only succeed in this endeavor if we win the contest of ideas and convince the American people that we are ready to lead the nation. It is my hope to offer an agenda of national purpose that works toward reviving the American Dream, providing affordable health care to all those who seek it, energy independence over the next decade, balancing our budget and tackling entitlement reform and bringing peace and stability to Iraq and the Middle East.

Public service is at the core of my life. While I will also be working in the private sector and teaching at Vanderbilt University, I will continue to find ways to help the country move boldly and confidently into the future. The DLC will be a part of my life over the next two years, and I invite your thoughts and ideas on how, together, we can positively influence the direction of the Democratic Party and the country over the next two years.

Thank you for your continued support and friendship. If you need to reach me, please call the DLC at (202) 546-0007.

Sincerely,

Harold

Posted by Jen Brock at 9:57 AM | Comments (28)

January 26, 2007

Hicks resigns from DPG 1st Vice Chair race

We are all saddened. But, he says that he will remain active and visible.

Here's the text from his email:

For the sake of our Party and for the sake of unity I humbly submit my resignation for 1st Vice Chair. I do not believe that our Party should once again be split when we are all seeking the same goal: good leadership. It is not as important for me to win as it is more important that we are unified to move Georgia Democrats forward.

Though I am no longer running for office, I submit my commitment to being a part of the solutions for tomorrow. I will remain active and visible. This is Our Party. We must demonstrate strength, unity, and focus to our competitors. Together we can rebuild Our Party on strategic leadership, strong volunteerism base, and a clear message.

Tomorrow’s election results will be the dawn of a new era in the Democratic Party of Georgia. It is critical that you elect leadership that can provide sound judgment, deliver effective messaging, and can help all Democrats win. We need officers we can trust to move us to the next level of effectiveness and just representation.

I would like to sincerely thank those that encouraged me to run, those that have pledged their support, and those that were intending to vote for me. Thank you.

Democratically yours,

Darryl A. Hicks

Posted by Bernita at 2:31 PM | Comments (4)

End of an era

Democrats' 'attack dog' leaves without regrets, from the AJC:

He likes to watch black-and-white reruns of "The Andy Griffith Show," but his tactics would make Aunt Bee and Barney blush.

When Bobby Kahn —- a force in Democratic circles for 25 years —- officially steps off the public stage this weekend, it will mark the end of a seismic era in Georgia politics.

The outgoing chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia has been called everything from a "boy genius" to "captain of the Exxon Valdez" as his party plummeted from absolute power to an also-ran in just two election cycles.

Kahn has over the decades served as executive director of the party, strategist, big-time fund-raiser and, for the last three years, its chairman and attack dog. The pudgy 48-year-old political street brawler made it clear in a recent interview that he has no regrets about his smash-mouth tactics.

"I left it all on the field," he said.

Related link from Shipp: Kahn looks back as Dems change course.

Posted by Mel at 12:32 PM | Comments (6)

Friday Open Thread

What's the carbon footprint of a Twinkie? Tesco aims to find out.

The Maverick, napping.

Diebold out-dumbs itself.

If you’ve been looking for a feminist punk-rock music festival this weekend, you are in luck.

Ten ways to avoid setting off Rusty’s bullshit detector.

Now they’ve gone and done it: Grifty is piiiiisssssed.

Duncan who?

Anything you'd like to share with the group?

Posted by PaulaG at 8:39 AM | Comments (51)

Be a Drum Major for Peace and Justice* this weekend!

Good Morning activists...
Here are a couple ways you can be "Drum Majors" in the struggle for peace and justice. I know how tempting it can be, to curl up with a good book on a cold January Sunday, but please consider doing something to help these organizations. Even if it's a simple as a small contribution, signing a petition or joining their e-mail list.

If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice; say that I was a drum major for peace; I was a drum major for righteousness. --Dr. Martin Luther King

Support the SOA 16
January 28-30, 2007 - SOA 16 Trial and Festival of Hope

On January 29, 2007 sixteen human rights activists will appear in federal court in Columbus, Georgia to put the SOA/WHINSEC on trial. The 16 were arrested on November 19, 2006, after carrying the protest to close the School of the Americas (SOA/WHINSEC) onto the Fort Benning Military Reservation, publicly defying the laws which prevent political speech on military bases and making a bold call for justice and accountability. On Sunday, January 28th we will honor our prisoners of conscience
The festival begins at 7pm
Howard Johnson Presidential Ball Room
Ph: 706-322-6641
1011 Veterans Pkwy
Columbus, GA
Event Sponsored by School of the America's Watch

Don't be distracted
Don't turn away
Don't be overwhelmed
Don't be too busy
Don't delay...
Darfur can't wait."

Those are the powerful words of actress Meryl Streep on recent events in Dafur. Will you join us for the UN Holocaust Remembrance Day to stand for the people of Darfur at our Atlanta rally?

Rally for Darfur
Sunday, January 28, 2007
2-3 p.m.
The Selig Center - 1440 Spring Street
Ample on-site parking. Overflow parking at Puppetry Arts Center
Walking distance Marta Arts Center Station

Featuring
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and
David Rubenstein, National Save Darfur Coalition, Executive Director
For further information on the Rally or the Coalition
contact Noah Levine at 404.870.1604 or Lili Baxter at 404.870.1870
email: gadarfur[at]hotmail.com

At the rally, there will be a "roll call of conscience" where we will ask representatives of each organization present to state their name and their organization's name. The names will be heard one after another to create a
powerful chorus of support for the people of Sudan.
For more info and to add your organization's name to the list, please go to the following website: Shalomatlanta

Since 2003, violence, war, and disease have killed in excess of 200,000 people. Another 2 million – mostly women and children -have been forced to flee their homes.

Posted by Juliana at 7:54 AM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2007

In praise of Young Democrats

Today's story by Kevin Duffy for the AJC, Underdog role OK to Young Democrats, is something of a mixed bag. On balance, it's a positive piece, but knowing many YDs as I do, I found it somewhat condescending and superficial. Duffy's attempt to seem cooler than the kids only translates as snark. For example, instead of reporting that YDG membership has doubled in the last ~~five~~ three years, Duffy chose to compare their numbers to those of Young Republicans, and then to quote everyone who responded that this was "discouraging". Feh.

For more, see Shelby's post on the YDAtl blog.

All I really want to say about this is that in addition to everything else the Young Democrats do for our party, they are our heart. In the four years since I've been engaged in political volunteerism, there have been many, many times when I felt like throwing in the towel and moving on to more productive things. Each time I got to that place, I only had to think of the hard work, great ideas and wonderful energy of the Young Democrats to keep this old Democrat from becoming "discouraged".

Thank you YDs for who you are and for everything you do for us.

Posted by Mel at 12:09 PM | Comments (10)

The real questions for DPG candidates are:

I'm moving the ongoing debate between Chris and JerryT to the front because it is an interesting discussion that has implications on this Saturday's election for DPG officers. Chris and JerryT are both in agreement of wanting to see the Party flourish but are in two different corners on the economics of the process. I think that their comments are pretty much reflective of the split in the Party: Chris' point is that the DPG needs more big money donors and JerryT's point is that we need to engage the small dollar donors.

I believe that the crux of problem is not who we solicit for money. It is the misunderstanding of the true financial costs it takes to run the DPG and the nonexistent economic development and operational plans from the DPG candidates, especially the Chair candidates.

The reality is that it takes around $850,000 - $950,000 in operational costs a year to run the DPG. That's about $500,000 for salaries. Before anyone goes off on how salaries are outrageous, I agree to a point. As a technology person, I personally think that the technology wing has been crapped on at the DPG and more money needs to be spent on salaries there than on people that push paper. But that's just my beef. Then you have benefits - you know even DPG employees must have health and dental benefits. Then you have labor insurance and the rest of the government expenses. Plus legal services - of course if this line item was donated by one of the many law firms then the DPG could save about $100,000 to $150,000 a year. Plus rent, parking, printing, office supplies, and technology expenses. This is an annual budget for only 8-10 people and no salary for the Chair.

Keep in mind that these are annual costs without the DPG investing into any election campaigns.

The biggest revenue generator is the annual JJ Dinner. The JJ dinner historically returns annual revenue of $650,000-$700,000.

Now that we have a framework for the costs and revenues; the primary problem as it relates to Saturday's election is that none of the DPG Chair candidates have remotely quantified how the heck they are going to realistically raise the basic $900,000 a year. But they have included additional proposals for 159 county strategies and websites, real-time voter files, quarterly newsletters and increased communications, increased travel expenses, and other stuff.

Mike Berlon has said he would reexamine salaries, but that won't decrease costs much because slashing in 1 area will not equal the costs associated with his proposals for newer technology, better communications, and satellite offices. Jane Kidd says "as the budget allows, she will expand the DPG’s fundraising operation, adding staff and increasing our universe of donors."; not good if we can't meet the basic budget numbers plus "be competitive in every State House, State Senate, and local race". Carol Jackson doesn't mention the budget; only the need for more communications which I'm guessing will come with a high price tag. Rev. Jim doesn't mention the budget or any new ideas. We haven't heard anything from Hattie Dorsey.

This year's JJ dinner is going to be the wake up call for the DPG. The money generated will be the benchmark on the health and vitality of Georgia's Democratic Party.

Money raised for the JJ Dinner is a "all hands on deck" process. If the next DPG Chair pisses off the elected officials then they are not going to make the necessary phone calls to sell tables. If the next DPG Chair pisses off the big donors then they are not going to buy tables. If the SCM elect officers who have never raised money and/or do not have connections to external donors then the DPG is screwed. If the County Parties do not feel engaged in the process and also do not buy tables or contact donors then the DPG is screwed. And if the Dem activists and volunteers are not engaged and are not solicited then the DPG is again screwed.

I believe that some questions the SCM should really ask themselves are:

1) Which DPG Chair candidate even has a real clue about the financial realities of the DPG and has clearly explained their economic development and operational plans?

2) Has any DPG Chair candidate really explained to the Dem community their financial soundness and capabilities? Not what they did in the past, but what innovative solutions for the future.

3) Should we elect elected officials who also have to raise money for their own personal campaigns - is this not the real conflict issue?

4) Should the SCM members not re-elect officers that have a proven track record of raising money and have connections to external donors; but may have been absent in State Committee meetings.

5) Should the SCM elect new candidates who have zero to very limited connections to external donors and no fundraising track record?

6) Should all candidates submit the costs and potential sources for revenue for each of their new proposals so that the SCM can assess their fundamental knowledge of program development?

7) Do your chosen candidates make you feel secure in their financial capabilities?

8) Can we end our divisiveness and support all newly elected officers on Jan. 28th? Will we be able to trust their leadership and economic development capabilities?

Many have said that the future of the DPG is in the hands of the SCM on Jan. 27th and it is very much so. If we don't elect officers that can increase the Dems financial competitiveness against Republicans than we are doomed as a Party. If the DPG candidates do not offer any new approaches based on the current political environment then our Party can not and will not be able to support future Dem candidates and compete for a better Georgia.

On. Jan. 27th, every time a candidate says "yes, I have lots of free time to travel across Georgia" ask yourself "did they ever explain how they are going to pay for the gas?". If you haven't been given an answer to a basic question like gas expenses then move on to the next candidate.

I heard that Calvin Smyre has a saying "it takes coal to run a train, but it takes gold to run a campaign". The DPG is one big campaign and if we elect officers that confuse zinc with gold then we are the fools.

This is a not a "doom and gloom" post - it's about taking Chris and JerryT's debate and applying it to the fact that something is very much absent in many of the DPG candidates' platforms - economic development and operational plans to move Georgia Democrats forward. Simply put, these absences have created most of the uneasiness and angst amongst activists, Party loyalists, big donors, small donors, and elected officials. We have to be unified to successfully implement the next DPG Chair's economic development and operational plans.

If there is no unity on Jan. 28th then just give the DPG office keys to Glenn Richardson. He can use it to house his mistresses.

One may ask why didn't I mention these absences earlier - it is simple - I'm not running for a DPG office. I seriously considered running but that's a 4 year commitment - geesh I don't have that kind of attention span. I love all Georgia Dems, but I would have to include therapy costs into my economic development plan. This whole "big tent" thing can wear a completely sane person down. God bless the winners.

Posted by Bernita at 4:11 AM | Comments (29)

ATL Rally To Oppose Escalation In Iraq

Support our Brave Troops and their Families by Rallying to Oppose President Bush's Escalation in Iraq

What: Rally / Press Conference to Support a Sensible Policy on Iraq

When: Friday, January 26 at 10:00 a.m.

Where: Georgia State Capitol Steps (facing Washington Street)

Who: U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, Rev. Joseph Lowery, State Rep. Tyrone Brooks, State Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, State Senator Nan Orrock, State Rep. Roberta Abdul-Salaam and other members of the Georgia Legislature.

Why: Any decision to escalate the war in Iraq will have a profound impact on Georgia, on our National Guard and Reserves, and on Americans from across the country.

Contact person for more info: Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield (D-Atlanta). Contact her at 512 Coverdell Office Building, Atlanta, GA 30334; by phone at 404-656-7859 or by e-mail at stuckey@mindspring.com

Posted by Bernita at 3:13 AM | Comments (0)

January 24, 2007

We interrupt the madness...

for Valentines hints...

With Valentines Day just 3 weeks away it's time to think about how to reward your beloved for a year of adoration. There are the usual things: chocolate, perfume, fine lingerie (which is really for you, remember that...); jewelry for her; or him. Flowers of course!

Nothing wrong with all that usual stuff. A little bottle of Chanel, a bauble from Tiffany, that's all good. But, if you're interested in doing something a little different, here are some ideas...

-Chocolate Cherry bread from the best damn food emporium ever!
-Tickets for a stateside getaway to someplace fun and sexy.
-There's always Paris...
-For the gadget lover - this is the must have stuff.
-And you know, if you're going do flowers - really do them.
-Best of all, roast a chicken and watch a movie.

What warms your heart for Valentines Day?

Posted by Catherine at 7:04 PM | Comments (8)

Please Join Us for the YDG DPG Officer Election After Party!

Please join the Young Democrats of Georgia for an After Party immediately following the DPG Officer Elections on Saturday! It’s going to be a long day of speeches and voting for the DPG State Committee Members so we thought it would be a good idea to have an After Party to get together with Democrats from around the state and congratulate the newly elected leaders of the Democratic Party of Georgia!

WHAT: Young Democrats of Georgia DPG Officer Elections After Party
WHEN: Saturday, January 27, 2007, Immediately following the
DPG Officer Elections (5:30ish???)
WHERE: Manuel’s Tavern, 602 North Highland Avenue, Atlanta

This event is open to all Democrats! We look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

Posted by Page at 5:07 PM | Comments (1)

Thank God

Kerry bows out of '08 presidential race

Posted by Jen Brock at 1:24 PM | Comments (2)

I <3 Jim Webb

Like, wow. The guy apparently wrote his own speech last night, and he delivered it like a pro even after only three actual weeks in office. Everyone I was watching with agreed, Jim Webb gave a *great* speech. I mean, even Pat Buchanan liked it. Apparently the best speechwriters money can buy still can't write anything other than the usual simpering drivel for Bush.

Thoughts?

Posted by Benson at 8:00 AM | Comments (12)

January 23, 2007

In Fairness to all DPG Candidates

There were 2 DPG candidates that were not at the forum last Saturday due to medical illnesses beyond their control: Senator Gloria Butler (1st Vice Chair candidate) and Sally Rosser (Congressional District/County Chair Liaison Vice Chair candidate). We, at BfD, are providing both candidates the opportunity to post their messages on this blog.

Here is Sally Rosser's statement:
I understand that Saturday’s forum was a great chance for people to meet, hear and ask questions of the candidates for State Officers of the Democratic Party. I can’t tell you how sorry I am that I missed the event. I never miss a chance to be in a room full of Democrats! I had been looking forward to hearing the other candidates and having the chance to speak about the future of the Party. I had one of the worst bouts with the flu – so much for the flu shot. I feel considerably better thanks to great medical attention and wonderful prescription medication!

I had hoped to take the opportunity on Saturday to speak as a candidate for Congressional District/County Chair Liaison Vice Chair about strengthening our Party through activism and volunteerism at the County Party level. To elect Democrats we need a vibrant, healthy team of Democrats, each contributing their own talents in their own way. The magic team includes the volunteers who knock on doors, put out yard signs, and make phone calls. It includes those who use their personal connections to open doors. It is those who support the Party and candidates financially. It is those who are elected and serve in a position of visibility. It is those who allow us to use their reputation as the community image of the Party. It takes all of these people working together as a team to breathe life into a County Party. It takes this team to spread the Democratic message throughout the community in a positive and consistent way. It takes this team to build our image and sink our roots so deep that we will not moved!

Every volunteer touching the Democratic Party should feel like they are a part of the very best service organization. For you as a volunteer it needs to be easy to find the organization, easy to get in the door, exciting to be there, rewarding to give of your time and talent, productive to you and everyone around you, you should feel the energy and the synergy, it should be fun, interesting and challenging. And when the experience is over your most vivid memory should be the appreciation and respect that you felt every step of the way. This is the way it will be.

This is our Party. It should be a Party of open, honest, transparent communication, the Party that welcomes the diversity that makes it vibrant and healthy and enduring. Every one of you have given so much, are so enormously talented, it has been a true joy to work with you. I wanted to take the day Saturday to say, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is your contributions that have made my job an extraordinary journey. If reelected, I will continue to expand the circle of volunteers who are active in County Parties and support local and Congressional District leadership.

As we move forward to the elections on Saturday let us all treat each other with respect and kindness. Put the rumors aside for a minute and remember where we are, and more importantly where we want to be.

We cannot afford to hurt each other because we do not have the time to heal the wounds once this election is over. This is not an election on rumors. We have wonderful people who have offered their time, energy, talents and reputation to move this Party forward. Look at each of them closely, read their ideas, get excited about the opportunity for change, look into your heart and vote for the candidates that you think will best serve the Democratic Party. Be prepared to offer your whole hearted support and every extra ounce of time and energy to the successful ones. Then buckle your seat belts! We will do unbelievable things together!

Sally Rosser
ssrosser@aol.com

Posted by Bernita at 11:47 PM | Comments (2)

Meanwhile in North Carolina

Democratic Party of North Carolina Chairman Jerry Meek was unanimously re-elected during a meeting of the Democratic Executive Committee held Saturday at Elon University.

From outsider to player in just 2 years
Chairman wins praise by helping reshape party for new challenges:

None of the Democratic Party big boys wanted Jerry Meek to be party chief. Not Gov. Mike Easley. Not former Gov. Jim Hunt. Not then-Sen. John Edwards or members of the congressional delegation.

So it was a surprise two years ago when Meek upset the establishment candidate to become party chairman. As the outsiders' candidate, Meek was given a mandate to shake up the state Democratic Party.

Meek is no longer regarded as the rebel-in-chief. Meek is given high marks by some Democrats for leading the party through its best election in years, for bridging differences between traditional power brokers and the more liberal Howard Dean wing of the party, and for proving to be a competent fundraiser.

"The state party had been run as though we were still a one-party state -- a one-party state where Democrats rule," Meek said in an interview in the Goodwin House, the 1903 house a block from the Capitol that serves as party headquarters.

"The idea was that the party should disappear into the background. We now have a two-party state. The party has to be more savvy about how it uses its resources. It needs to be more aggressive. The party, as an institution, has to have its own voice, because there might be times down the road when we don't have a Democrat in the governor's mansion or we don't have control of the General Assembly."

Meek said he sought to change the party in several respects:

• From a top-down party run by governors to one that is more responsive to local Democratic Party activists. The party has hired three field coordinators, helped counties set up Web pages, stepped up local training on organizing and other skills and instituted monthly conference calls with county chairs.

• From a patronage-based system to an ideological-based system of organization. "People nowadays don't get involved in the party because they have any expectation of getting an appointment to a position," Meek said. Meek said he will push the party to take positions on five or six issues that will likely be considered by the legislature.

• From a party that relied on older, big donors and traditional business interests to one more attuned to young activists, many of whom engage in politics through the Internet.

• From targeting party money primarily in swing districts to spreading some of it into traditionally Republican counties that the party has tended to ignore.

Any of this ringing any bells? It should.

Posted by Mel at 11:14 PM | Comments (33)

Document your SOTU Watch

Party on, people! Sorry for the late notice, but chances are a lot of you are near the computer in preparation for the SotU. If you happen to have company, and one o' them newfangled picture-phones, send pictures and video clips of your get together to sotu07@cellblock.com to share your thoughts/group photos/obscene gestures at the TV. To view the montage, go to http://cellblock.com/watch.htm?id=1403.

Your friendly local Web2.0 shill. :-)

Posted by shelbinator at 8:39 PM | Comments (0)

Scooter on Trial

Is there anything more fun than watching Republicans turn on each other like a bunch of wet cats in a burlap sack? In Act I, Scene i of the I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby trial, we have the accused playing the victim, and turning his vitriol toward the real villain, Karl Rove:

"They're trying to set me up. They want me to be the sacrificial lamb," attorney Theodore Wells said, recalling Libby's end of the conversation. "I will not be sacrificed so Karl Rove can be protected."

Cheney's notes from that meeting underscore Libby's concern, Wells said.
"Not going to protect one staffer and sacrifice the guy that was asked to stick his neck in the meat grinder," the note said, according to Wells.

The description of the White House infighting was a rare glimpse into the secretive workings of Bush's inner circle. It also underscores how hectic and stressful the White House had become when the probe was launched.

By pointing the finger at Rove, whom he referred to as "the lifeblood of the Republican party," Wells sought to cast Libby as a scapegoat.

h/t to JerryT

Posted by PaulaG at 4:56 PM | Comments (3)

The Fugees

Over the weekend, someone commented on Clarkston banning soccer. Although, we all know this isn't a fight over just some field. If you haven't read the New York Times article, please do so. After you do, you'll be compelled in chip in to help the Fugees Family. I've excerpted part of the article below:

Refugees Find Hostility and Hope on Soccer Field
CLARKSTON, Ga., Jan. 20 — Early last summer the mayor of this small town east of Atlanta issued a decree: no more soccer in the town park.

“There will be nothing but baseball and football down there as long as I am mayor,” Lee Swaney, a retired owner of a heating and air-conditioning business, told the local paper. “Those fields weren’t made for soccer.”

In Clarkston, soccer means something different than in most places. As many as half the residents are refugees from war-torn countries around the world. Placed by resettlement agencies in a once mostly white town, they receive 90 days of assistance from the government and then are left to fend for themselves. Soccer is their game.

But to many longtime residents, soccer is a sign of unwanted change, as unfamiliar and threatening as the hijabs worn by the Muslim women in town. It’s not football. It’s not baseball. The fields weren’t made for it. Mayor Swaney even has a name for the sort of folks who play the game: the soccer people.

Caught in the middle is a boys soccer program called the Fugees — short for refugees, though most opponents guess the name refers to the hip-hop band.

The Fugees are indeed all refugees, from the most troubled corners — Afghanistan, Bosnia, Burundi, Congo, Gambia, Iraq, Kosovo, Liberia, Somalia and Sudan. Some have endured unimaginable hardship to get here: squalor in refugee camps, separation from siblings and parents. One saw his father killed in their home.

The Fugees, 9 to 17 years old, play on three teams divided by age. Their story is about children with miserable pasts trying to make good with strangers in a very different and sometimes hostile place. But as a season with the youngest of the three teams revealed, it is also a story about the challenges facing resettled refugees in this country. More than 900,000 have been admitted to the United States since 1993, and their presence seems to bring out the best in some people and the worst in others.

The Fugees’ coach exemplifies the best. A woman volunteering in a league where all the other coaches are men, some of them paid former professionals from Europe, she spends as much time helping her players’ families make new lives here as coaching soccer.

Posted by Jen Brock at 2:40 PM | Comments (9)

Strange bedfellows

In an attempt to keep an eye peeled on the "opposition", I signed up for the Georgia Christian Alliance's (Sadie Fields' joint), newsletter a couple of months ago. Most of the spew that comes out of The House of Fields is barely readable, much less printable. Today's message was different and reminded me of the rare and strange ways in which our causes can sometimes overlap.

Senate strikes restrictions on grassroots activism from lobby reform bill.

The U. S. Senate voted last night to delete a provision (Section 220) from the Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007 (S. 1), a lobby reform bill that threatened grassroots activists with harsh restrictions and punishments. Sen. Robert Bennett (R-UT) introduced Amendment 20 to remove the provision that would have punished grassroots activists with fines and imprisonment for encouraging citizens to be involved in lobbying their Senators and Congressmen. The amendment passed by a vote of 55-43 with 2 not voting.

Senator's Chambliss and Isakson voted for Amendment 20 that stripped the bill of Section 220. We greatly appreciate our GA Senators for standing up for the rights of all citizens to have a voice in their government. If you would like to call their office to thank them - Sen. Chambliss can be reached at 202-224-3521 and Sen. Isakson can be reached at 202-224-3643.

Posted by Mel at 10:03 AM | Comments (3)

Marshall? Barrow? What's wrong with energy?

I had a moment to get on the Internets while on my break at the plant and saw that 4 Democrats voted "no" to the Creating Long Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act. 2 of the 4 Democrats that did not vote for this Act were Jim Marshall and John Barrow. Wow, what gives?

Posted by Bernita at 12:29 AM | Comments (41)

January 22, 2007

Local discussion groups

Okay...I am thrilled with the discussions that have taken place here in the last few days. Yes, there is an election for Chair of the Democratic Party coming up this week. But let's extend a bit here.

How many of us are involved with local discussion groups that deal with progressive political issues? and how many people are involved with those groups? I am in a DFA group that meets once a month (currently) and has 6 members. That is probably going to go up since we just elected a progressive slate of officers at the county level (a FULL slate). It would just be interesting to see.

Posted by Peter at 9:34 PM | Comments (4)

Video from Metro DPG Candidate Forum

Metro Atlanta Democratic Party of Georgia Candidate Forum at Horizon Theatre on January 20, 2007.

All video clips of introductory remarks from participating cadidates are posted here. Individual clips are linked below the flip. Q&A from Chair's panel can be found at the end of this entry.

Thanks to TVjay for shooting, editing and producing DVDs of the forum. A DVD of the entire forum is available to any participating candidate or event host who would like a copy. Please email me to request yours. Include a phone number and (if outside the Metro area), include your postal address. Otherwise, you'll need to pick up your copy at our studio in Midtown.

Chair
Michael R. Berlon (Gwinnett)
Hattie B. Dorsey (Fulton)
Carol Jackson (Habersham)
Jane V. Kidd (Clarke)
Jim Nelson (Chatham)

First Vice-Chair
Gloria S. Butler (DeKalb)
Darryl A. Hicks (Fayette)
Angela Moore (DeKalb)
Michael Thurmond (Clarke)
Doug Stoner (Cobb)

Congressional District/County Liaison Vice-Chair
Randal Mangham (DeKalb)
Sally Rosser (Fulton)
Cheryl Williams (Gwinnett)

Constituency Group Vice-Chair
Virgilio Perez Pascoe (Forsyth)
James Quarterman (Douglas)
Terrence Samuel (Thomas)

Candidate Recruitment Vice-Chair
Winfred Dukes (Dougherty)
Danita P. Knowles (Coffee)

Secretary
Patricia Barlow-Ivry (Habersham)
Stephen R. Leeds (Fulton)

Treasurer
Rex Templeton, Jr. (Chatham)

...........................................

Q&A with DPG Chair Candidates

Q: How will you handle party switchers? ANSWERS>>

Q: For those candidates for Chair not residing in the Metro area, do you anticipate any difficulties managing the staff from afar? ANSWERS>>

Q: How will you ensure that difficult and divisive issues do not split the party? ANSWERS>>

Q: What is your plan to notify all party members about what is happening? ANSWERS>>

Q: How will you ensure a diverse, qualified staff to manage day-to-day operations at the state party? Give us your comments on the matter of salary for position of Chair? Do you think there should be a salary for the Chair? ANSWERS>>

Posted by Mel at 10:49 AM | Comments (9)

The Real Question.

Not are we ready...?

The January 2007 issue of GQ Magazine features a long article about Rahm Emanuel. Kiss The Ring covers Mr Emanuel's journey from the rough Chicago political scene to chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Here's the money quote, in my opinion:

It drove Rahm and Carville nuts. “The thing that stuns me,” Carville says, “is that this is supposed to be a rigged deal—chairman of the party! The congressional leadership, the fund-raisers, people like that are supposed to decide. You [the state-party chairs and DNC members] are supposed to get a call and are told who to vote for! You’re not supposed to really vote on this shit!”

Questions abound of late: Is the country ready for an African American President? A Latino President? A Woman President?

Isn't the better question: Can the country withstand the Presidency of another rich White guy?

Can we continue to let the Carville's, O'Reilly's; Bush's; Murdoch's and Porter's of our country remain in control? In addition to talking about how African Americans, Women, Latinos, LGBT, get more access - let's also talk about how to limit access for the rich white guys.

Posted by Catherine at 5:48 AM | Comments (55)

While we were busy with DPG stuff

A lot of interesting things occurred this weekend in the world of Democrats. Lots of folks seem to want that crazy job called the President of the United States. Get in line folks, everybody is joining the Prez 2008 race.

So Hillary Clinton is IN - and as her email stated apparently she is "In to Win". Hillary says "she wanted to be president because she was “worried about our country” and wanted to “put it back on the right course.”

Sidenote: I received her email on the ol' crackberry during the DPG forum and thought is was one those joke emails. Didn't pay it too much attention since I never signed up for anything "Hillary Clinton" related in my lifetime. Damn those ladies at the Women Campaign School at Yale. Damn them. I bet it's going to be like my "I can't get my email address removed from the John Kerry site for 18 months after he lost" episode.

Note to Hillary's campaign folks: if I want to raise money for her I certainly do not want to be called a "Hillraiser" That is just too dumb!

And Bill Richardson is also IN. Bill has a lot going for himself - his experience as governor, dealing with budgets, health care, the environment, drunken driving, a proponent of renewable energy sources, working to arrange a cease-fire this month between the government of Sudan and rebels in the Darfur region, and meeting several times with officials from North Korea to discuss nuclear weapons.

Another Sidenote: The Political Best-Seller list:
Based on sales from 12/16 through 1/13 2007
1. The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama. (Crown, $25.) The Illinois junior senator proposes that Americans move beyond their political divisions.

"Oh, Oh, Oh," I'm just saying...hahaha

Oh yeah one more funny thing, the Republicans now have Senator Sam Brownback, a Kansas Republican, in the race for Prez 2008. Ya'll bad!!

The NYT asks this

"Thus now seems like an appropriate time for those classic questions: Is America ready for a black president? A female? A Hispanic? What about a combination in a presidential/vice-presidential ticket?"

Posted by Bernita at 12:15 AM | Comments (2)

January 21, 2007

Random Thoughts (I)

I have been reading Friedman's The World is Flat and I got to thinking that there are some things we all can apply to our current political situation, both here in GA and nationally. To successfully achieve the "takeover" that we, as progressives, envision, we have to be able to give up ownership of both ideas and offices, if necessary. As discussion and debate take place and concensus/compromise is achieved, there may be instances when our candidate or our idea gets overturned by someone else. The process of discussion and concensus building is the critical factor that we are searching for.

Open government calls for all individuals to have access to a platform to state their views. We have to be ready to concede defeat if our candidate is bested in an election. We have to be ready to join in support of a candidate who we did not initially support (witness the Cox/Taylor debacle). True, oftimes in elections, things are said and done that hurt (lo, that we could always have clean well-fought elections). If we are to succeed, we have to be able to put those sorts of things behind us. The vindictiveness of "the other side" cannot be allowed to taint our mission.

As for ideas, it is less important "who" gets the credit than it is that the idea gets its airing and, ultimately, acceptance. Once we learn that the process is what makes the progressive agenda work, we will be much better off and much more successful.

I realize that this is sometimes a tough pill to swallow, but it is one that we will have to take before we can hope to gain support and control. Government is supposed to represent the people and that means ALL the people. Only by keeping our eyes on THAT goal can we involve everyone and successfully attain true representative government.

Posted by Peter at 3:15 PM | Comments (4)

Moratorium

This is the last week before the Democratic Party of Georgia leadership elections. Those of you who are engaging in negative campaigning need to give it a rest. From here forward, any negative comment about ANY of the candidates seeking DPG positions will be deleted.

If you have a problem with something a candidate has said or done, you can contact the candidate directly.

I encourage all of you in the lefty blogosphere to follow the same policy this week. Don’t give the haters a venue, especially those who don’t even have a vote in the election, but have hidden agendas and vested interests.

To the haters, if you think tearing down the other guys helps your candidate or helps our party, then there’s little anyone can do to help you. Take your playa hatin elsewhere. I’m sure the Republican blogs will be more than happy to oblige.

Posted by Mel at 12:53 PM | Comments (65)

January 20, 2007

Thank you!

Kisses all around!

The DPG Candidate Forum today was a big success in large part to the organizational skills of Bernita Smith. Many helped, but without her ideas and her drive to make it happen we never would have pulled it off. We here at Blog for Democracy extend our sincere thanks to Bernita, Horizon Theater, Doug Monroe, and Bobbie Paul for helping to make it happen. We couldn't have done it without you! These folks, along with the many organizations and individuals who assisted (I think you know who you are!) deserve a big thanks for helping to keep the discussion going and party moving ahead.

And many thanks to the candidates who participated and all of you who attended. Wasn't it great to be in a roomful of Democrats?

Posted by Catherine at 6:54 PM | Comments (20)

January 19, 2007

DPG Candidate Forum: Metro Atlanta

Please join us for a Democratic Party of Georgia Candidate Forum on January 20, 2007. For DPG State Committee Members from the Metro area, this will be a good opportunity to learn more about each of the candidates running for important DPG leadership positions prior to the election on January 27th.

Everyone is welcome, but DPG State Committee Members who are eligible to vote in the upcoming party elections are especially requested to attend. And if you are considering seeking a DPG State Committee Seat for the first time in February 2007, this forum will be a good introduction to Democratic Party Politics.

What: DPG Candidate Forum
When: Saturday, January 20th at 10:00am
Where: Horizon Theatre
1083 Austin Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
MAP

The theatre is located at the corner of Euclid & Austin Aves. (Little 5 Points) in a beige brick renovated historic school building.

Help us plan for a great event and RSVP NOW.

All candidates running for Democratic Party of Georgia Chair, First, Second and Third Vice Chairs, Secretary and Treasurer will be invited. The event is free, but small donations to the community theatre will be appreciated.

Event Hosts: Fulton County Democratic Party, Cobb County Democratic Party, Young Democrats of Georgia, Young Democrats of Atlanta, Atlanta Stonewall Democrats, Red Clay Democrats, Georgia for Democracy PAC, Blog for Democracy, Georgia Podcast Network, Forsyth County Democratic Party, Clayton County Democratic Party, Dekalb County Democratic Party, Gwinnett County Democratic Party, and Douglas County Democratic Party.

Master of Ceremonies: Doug Monroe.

For more information, contact:

Bernita Smith
bernita[at]bdonasmith.com
404-867-0066

Catherine Smith
catherine[at]georgiafordemocracy.org
404-755-4701

Posted by Mel at 4:24 PM | Comments (2)

DPG Chair Update

After speaking with Donzella James, she said that she is no longer running for DPG Chair. She says that she is only running for the 13th Congressional Chair seat.

and now we are down to 5 people in the front car.

See extended entry for complete list of candidates.
(added by Catherine 1/19/07 3:25PM)

Chair
* Michael R. Berlon (Gwinnett)
* Hattie B. Dorsey (Fulton)
* Carol Jackson (Habersham)
* Jane V. Kidd (Clarke)
* Jim Nelson (Chatham)

First Vice-Chair
* Gloria S. Butler (DeKalb)
* Darryl A. Hicks (Fayette)
* Angela Moore (DeKalb)
* Michael Thurmond (Clarke)
* Doug Stoner (Cobb)

Congressional District/County Liaison Vice-Chair
* Randal Mangham (DeKalb)
* Sally Rosser (Fulton)
* Cheryl Williams (Gwinnett)

Constituency Group Vice-Chair
* Virgilio Perez Pascoe (Forsyth)
* James Quarterman (Douglas)
* Terrence Samuel (Thomas)

Candidate Recruitment Vice-Chair
* Winfred Dukes (Dougherty)
* Danita P. Knowles (Coffee)

Secretary
* Patricia Barlow-Ivry (Habersham)
* Stephen R. Leeds (Fulton)

Treasurer
* Rex Templeton, Jr. (Chatham)

Congressional Chairs (only one candidate)
* District 1 - Dennis W. Marks (Lowndes)
* District 2 - Margaret Tyson (Grady)
* District 3 - Ernest C. Broadwell (Fayette)
* District 4 - Linda Edmonds (DeKalb)
* District 6 - Ben E. Myers (Fulton)
* District 7 - Tasso Knight (Gwinnett)
* District 8 - Keith Moffett (Bibb)
* District 9 - Bob Barton (Lumpkin)
* District 11 - David McLaughlin (Floyd)
* District 12 - Tony Center (Chatham)

5th Congressional District Chair
* William Curry (Fulton)
* Sheila Jones (Fulton)

10th Congressional District Chair
* R. Terry Holley (Columbia)
* Patty Payne (Franklin)

13th Congressional District Chair
* Donzella J. James (Fulton)
* Sukari Scott (Clayton)
* Nikema Williams (Fulton)

Posted by Bernita at 12:40 PM | Comments (0)

Friday Open Thread

House Democrats cross the finish line on their 100-Hour Pledge, with 58 hours to spare.

There are now two go-to sources for answers to your questions about offensive racial stereotypes. Ask a Mexican covers all things Latin, while The Ethnicist picks up the rest of the melting pot.

Colbert takes on Papa Bear. Twice. In one night.

Habeas corpus shmabeas shmorpus.

Mei Lan is on limited exhibit! Also, she can now pee on her own.

Posted by PaulaG at 10:34 AM | Comments (17)

Help save PeachCare for Kids

Voices for Georgia's Children has issued an action alert to help save PeachCare for Kids:

Georgia's PeachCare for Kids program is facing a $131 million federal funding shortfall and could be forced to shut down unless Congress acts quickly to appropriate the necessary funds.

Urge Congress to save healthcare coverage for Georgia's lower-income children immediately. The state may stop the program entirely by March 2007 unless Congress acts within the next several days.

Related link from Political Insider: Democrats to the rescue:

A delegation of state legislators, led by state Rep. Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus) has quietly slipped away to the District of Columbia to meet with newly elected House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — or someone in her office. We haven’t heard how high they were able to reach.

The bipartisan group’s purpose is to get Pelosi’s backing for making a federal funding fix that would fill a $130 million-plus hole in PeachCare, the state’s insurance program for the children of working families.

Posted by Mel at 10:23 AM | Comments (6)

Local blogs

Lawmakers turning to blogs, by Brian Hughes| Morris News Service. Not much of a story really, but Peach Papa sure looks glum.

Posted by Mel at 10:17 AM | Comments (1)

More of the Same

From this morning's AJC, a conceptual plan for improvement of the ROAD systems on Buford Highway and Tara Boulevard. The fixation of the ARC on roads continues.

"The Buford study envisions transforming the road so that it carries more local traffic. Drivers traveling longer distances would be encouraged to use near-by I-85 or Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, which is a limited-access road between I-285 and Holcomb Bridge Road"

The plan further calls for multi-use trails from Griffin to I-75. The estimated cost (I assume in today's dollars) is $500 million. How much of that could be spent on commuter rail from Athens/Lovejoy and we could then encourage commuters to use the bus/train? Our regional thirst for roads, apparently, knows no bounds.

Posted by Peter at 7:50 AM | Comments (0)

January 18, 2007

Amen, Brother Flack

This was posted by Jon Flack on his blog, Peach Pulpit. I am reposting it here because I think many Georgia Democratic State Committee members (SCM) have similar feelings regarding the upcoming DPG elections. I think many SCM are tired of feeling belittled, that our opinions do not matter, and that there are others who know what is best for us.

Our opinions do matter and our votes do count and we are taking this DPG election very seriously. We are not children. We are free-thinking and able bodied adults. Respect us for doing our part in moving the Democratic Party of Georgia forward.

Note to Georgia Democratic Elected Officials and Power Brokers Written by Jon Flack Thursday, 18 January 2007
Dear Sir or Ma'am,

The Democratic Party of Georgia does not exist as a subjugated entity to elected officials. I did not, nor did many others, decide to become a Democrat because of a State Senator or State House Rep.

The Democratic Party should not rise and fall on the relative merits of a few elected officials who view the party apparatus as a means to exert power and influence.

The next time someone like Mr. Butler suggests that only locally elected Democrats can revitalize a county party, I would like them to explain to me what happens in a county that has none.

The "Party" is responsible for cultivating and growing strong candidates. Nobody is suggesting that should change. But let's be very clear about something...

You derive your power and success from us, not despite of us. "Grassroots" stuffs envelopes, knocks on doors, makes phone calls, shakes hands, etc... for you. It's time you loosen your grip and allow us a seat at the table. You have your job, now let us do ours.

That can only happen with a strong and independent state party. The sooner you embrace it, and empower us to help you, the better.

Hugs and Kisses,
Jon

P.S. It's time for folks to sack up and start talking straight. When I get something that says "...someone running for DPG Chair..." it's insulting to me as a voter on the matter. If you don't have the sack to name names, you might as well keep it to yourself.

This passive aggressive shit is getting on my nerves. We are all grown ups here and you only damage your own message if you are unable or willing to stand up and be straight. The time for being coy in this race is over.

Posted by Bernita at 10:02 PM | Comments (13)

March on Washington, etc

Let me take a moment to introduce myself here. You may know me as 'yardman5508", but I have been invited to participate as a semi-regular contributor here. I hope that I will not be too redundant,again but I will attempt to add my scholarly, suburban viewpoint on the news.

Having the business out of the way, Move On has announced that there will be a "peace/anti-war" march and demonstration in Washington on January 27. Check out their site for more info (sorry for not being able to furnish a link yet, but my course on Blogging 101 has not gotten to that chapter yet). Move On is also soliciting funds to help defray the cost of bus transportation for those interested in attending. Just like the old days...get on the bus, travel 20 hours, march, travel 20 hours home. All we are saying, is give peace a chance.

Posted by Peter at 3:08 PM | Comments (3)

Ethics complaint against Speaker Richardson dismissed

InsiderAdvantage is reporting the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee has dismissed the ethics complaint filed against House Speaker Glenn Richardson by outgoing Democratic Partyy Chairman Bobby Kahn, saying it found insufficient probable cause.

Here are the links.

Posted by Mel at 11:04 AM | Comments (18)

Rule of law

U.S. official terrorizes Atlanta firms, by Jay Bookman for the AJC:

Stimson, a deputy assistant secretary of defense, recently complained that major American law firms were daring to provide free, or pro bono, legal assistance to detainees at Guantanamo Bay who otherwise would not have access to legal help. In a particularly outrageous act, Stimson even insinuated that some of the firms might be taking pay for their work from terrorist groups.

Stimson then listed a few of the targeted law firms, including Atlanta-based Alston & Bird and Sutherland Asbill & Brennan.

Posted by Mel at 9:46 AM | Comments (4)

Color Blind

Tonight at the Carter Center, a creative brief on design and diversity hosted by the Atlanta chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts.

What: Color Blind, Diversity Panel & Discussion
Where: The Carter Center, Cyprus Room
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30307
Free parking
When: Thu, Jan 18th at 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Members: $10 / Student Members: $5
Non-Members: $15

January 17, 2007

House Resolution 39

Earlier this week, the US House of Representation voted on a resolution congratulating the University of Florida Gators on their National Championship. It passed 414-1. The lone nay vote? Representative Jack Kingston (R-1st). My former Congressman has done me proud. For once. [Hat tip to Rusty.]

Posted by Jen Brock at 4:33 PM | Comments (3)

The DPG Candidate Roster

As of 2:39 pm today, here is the list of candidates seeking positions within the Democratic Party of Georgia:

Chair:
Mike Berlon - Gwinnett county - male/white - (chair of Gwinnett County Dems and 2004 PSC candidate)
Rev. Jim Nelson - Chatham county - male/white - (2006 1st Congressional District candidate)
Hattie Dorsey - Fulton county - female/black - (current 1st Vice Chair of the Party)
Jane Kidd - Clarke county - female/white - (former State Rep. and 2006 State Senate candidate)
Carol Jackson - Habersham county - female/white - (former State Senator and 2006 State Senate candidate)

1st Vice Chair:

according to the State Bylaws, a gender balance must be preserved between the Chair and 1st Vice Chair positions. Such that, if a man is elected Chair then State Committee members will only be allowed to vote for female 1st Chair candidates and vice versa if a woman is elected as Chair.

Senator Gloria Butler - DeKalb county - female/black - (State Senator)
Angela Moore - DeKalb county - female/black - (2006 Secretary of State candidate)
Darryl Hicks - Fayette county - male/black - (2006 Secretary of State candidate)
Senator Doug Stoner - Cobb county - male/white - (State Senator)
Commissioner Michael Thurmond - Clarke county - male/black - (State Commissioner of Labor)

Congressional District/County Liaison Vice-Chair:
Sally Rosser - Fulton county - female/white - (current Congressional District/County Liaison Vice-Chair)
Cheryl Williams - Gwinnett county - female/white - (Gwinnett County Democrats)
Representative Randal Mangham - DeKalb county - male/black - (State Representative)

Constituency Group Vice-Chair:
Virgilio Perez Pascoe - Forsyth county - male/hispanic - (Forsyth County Democrats)
James Quarterman - Douglas county - male/black - (Douglas County Democrats)
Terrence Samuels - Thomas county - male/black - (current Constituency Group Vice-Chair)

Candidate Recruitment Vice-Chair:
Danita Knowles - Coffee county - female/white - (2006 State Representative candidate)
Representative Winfred Dukes - Dougherty county - male/black - (current Candidate Recruitment Vice-Chair and State Representative)

Secretary:
Patricia Barlow-Ivry - Habersham county - female/black - (Habersham Democrats and former City Councilwoman)
Steve Leeds - Fulton county - male/white - (current Secretary)

Treasurer:
Rex Templeton - Chatham county - male/white - (former Chair of Chatham County Democrats)

Congressional Districts Chair:

1st - Dennis Marks
2nd - Margaret Tyson
3rd - Ernest Broadwell
4th - Lindi Edmonds
5th - Will Curry
5th - Representative Sheila Jones
6th - Ben Myers
7th - Tasso Knight
8th - Keith Moffett
9th - Bob Barton
10th - Terry Holley
10th - Patty Payne
11th - David McLaughlin
12th - Tony Center
13th - Nikema Williams
13th - Donzella J. James
13th - Sukari Scott

RSVP to hear the candidates speak on Saturday, January 20th at the Horizon Theater from 10 am - Noon.

Posted by Bernita at 2:39 PM | Comments (41)

Interlopers in Memphis!

While strictly a non-partisan event, the Media Reform Conference in Memphis this past weekend was decidedly critical of the current administration and the right-wing media that serves it so well. From Bill Moyers and Jesse Jackson on Friday; to Bernie Sanders and Amy Goodman on Saturday; to Jane Fonda and Van Jones on Sunday, the Democrats, progressives, left-leaning, and far left were well represented. NCMR Video and NCMR audio now posted. On several occasions during the sessions I wondered if right-leaning media representatives were among us, taking notes. Sure enough!

Conservative writer and commentator, Cliff Kincaid, has much to say about the conference, and media reform in this piece from the oddly named Family Security Matters. His piece rambles on about the hot-button issues of "fairness" and "security", and makes George Soros sound like the Kaiser Solzay of American media:

In addition to the creation of what he calls a “New World Order” under U.N. auspices, Soros’s causes include abortion, drug legalization, and special rights for immigrants, homosexuals, felons, and prostitutes. An atheist, Soros is promoting the complete breakdown of traditional values and morality in America.

In ending he expresses concern:

This is what passes for “progressivism” these days. It is a clear danger to freedom at home and abroad.

Posted by Catherine at 12:24 PM | Comments (4)

dkosopedia

Those of you who splash around in the dKOS pool might want to help clean this mess up.

All wikis are sort of a work in progress, but even so, this is a random collection of Georgia Democrats, with little or no information about each. What information there is, is outdated or incorrect.

For example, Nan Orrock's bio is a single sentence:"One of the few white democrats of Georgia who deserves to be called a Democrat."

Jim Martin's is also a single sentence: "Jim Martin is the much trusted, low key Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia in 2006."

All that's required to edit a page is to create an account via the little link at upper right of the page.

Posted by Mel at 11:10 AM | Comments (6)

Podcamp

Podcasting and Politics? Discuss.

Posted by Mel at 10:49 AM | Comments (5)

Oh, Oh, Oh, Obama

Oh how so delightful!

Just in case you were sleeping yesterday, here's his video

Here's what you receive when you sign up:

Dear Bernita,

Thank you for signing up to our email list.

Running for President may be a step that I take, but it is a journey I
cannot hope to complete without the energy and talents of people like you. A glance across history and my own past as a community organizer on the streets of Chicago has taught me that sweeping change never comes from one person or program, but always from the will and passion of countless voices, working and fighting and marching towards that better place.

This is your chance to lead that change, and I encourage you to participate and ask others to join our effort.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to continuing our conversation in the weeks and months to come.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

I'm telling you, he's the ONE!!

Posted by Bernita at 12:13 AM | Comments (18)

January 16, 2007

DPG State Committee signatures needed

~~UPDATE: Virgilio only needs one more signature!~~ He has his 30 signatures. Thanks to all who signed!

Tomorrow is the filing deadline for candidates seeking Democratic Party of Georgia leadership positions. Non State Committee Members who wish to run are required to get 30 signatures from current DPG State Committee Members to qualify.

If you are a DPG State Committee Member, please help Mr. Virgilio Perez Pascoe qualify to run for Constituent Group Vice Chair. You can email him at vpepascoe@adelphia.net. More background information may be found here.

Virgilio (pronounced ver-hil-e-o), would be an excellent addition to the DPG leadership team! Please help him qualify.

Posted by Mel at 10:24 AM | Comments (8)

How did your Congressperson Vote this week?

Georgia Association of Educators offers this really cool feature on their website called MegaVote. Once you plug in your info, they provide weekly emails on Congressional Votes and Upcoming Congressional Bills for your Congressperson. I started receiving these emails last year and think this a valuable and informative service. I'm going to make this a weekly post, so sign up on GAE and keep us updated on how your Congressperson voted:

Recent Congressional Votes -
* House: Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act - Vote Passed (299-128, 8 Not Voting) - This House bill is intended to implement the remaining 9/11 Commission homeland security recommendations.
Rep. John Lewis voted YES

* House: Fair Minimum Wage Act - Vote Passed (315-116, 4 Not Voting) - This House bill would raise the minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $7.25 over the next two years.
Rep. John Lewis voted YES

* House: Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act - Vote Passed (253-174, 8 Not Voting) - This House bill would expand federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.
Rep. John Lewis voted YES

* House: Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act - Vote Passed (255-170, 10 Not Voting) - This House bill would require the government to negotiate Medicare prescription drug prices with pharmaceutical companies.
Rep. John Lewis voted YES

Upcoming Votes

* S.1 - Ethics Reform bill - The Senate is scheduled to continue work on this ethics bill that would require the disclosure of earmark sponsorship and tighten lobbying rules.

* H.R.5 - To reduce interest rates for student borrowers - This bill would cut the interest rate on subsidized undergraduate student loans from 6.8% to 3.4%.

* H.R.6 - To end subsidies for big oil and invest in renewable energy - The House is scheduled to take up this bill that would end certain oil company incentives.

Posted by Bernita at 12:13 AM | Comments (4)

January 15, 2007

Bringing Social Media Optimization to the democratic blogosphere

I hate to cross-post myself again, but I want everyone to have the opportunity to check out the Super Cool add-this-post-to-my-bookmarks feature that has been added to the YD Atlanta blog. Everyone with a Blogger blog can do the same thing in about five minutes - I'm more than willing to send the template code to anyone that asks for it. As for other blog providers, I don't know whether it's possible to do it that same way; I'm pretty sure it can't be done like that for y'all using CampaignWindow blogs. The good news is that as long as you can embed JavaScript into your blog posts (and you can do that with CampaignWindow), you can get those same neat icons with only minimal extra effort. An example of how to use the embeddable script I wrote for this purpose is on display on the latest YD Cobb blog post (you'll want to do a "view source" to see how it's done, or I can explain it via e-mail).

The bottom line is that there's nothing standing in the way of every blog in the Georgia Democratic blogosphere from being instantly bookmarkable with minimal (or no!) effort on the part of individual bloggers once things are set up. So go forth, ye denizens of the blogosphere, and be fruitful!

(P.S. If you see any mistakes I made in setting this stuff up, by all means tell me, this is still very much beta software!)

Posted by Benson at 10:14 PM | Comments (3)

MLK

In honor of MLK Day, Sarah sends the following excerpt from a speech given by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on April 4, 1967 (in the midst of the Vietnam War), at Riverside Church in New York City on the subject Beyond Vietnam—A Time to Break Silence. It as as relevant to US actions in Iraq today as it was 40 years ago to US actions in Vietnam.

At this point I should make it clear that while I have tried in these last few minutes to give a voice to the voiceless in Vietnam and to understand the arguments of those who are called "enemy," I am as deeply concerned about our own troops there as anything else. For it occurs to me that what we are submitting them to in Vietnam is not simply the brutalizing process that goes on in any war where armies face each other and seek to destroy. We are adding cynicism to the process of death, for they must know after a short period there that none of the things we claim to be fighting for are really involved. Before long they must know that their government has sent them into a struggle among Vietnamese, and the more sophisticated surely realize that we are on the side of the wealthy, and the secure, while we create a hell for the poor.

Somehow this madness must cease. We must stop now. I speak as a child of God and brother to the suffering poor of Vietnam. I speak for those whose land is being laid waste, whose homes are being destroyed, whose culture is being subverted. I speak for the poor of America who are paying the double price of smashed hopes at home, and death and corruption in Vietnam. I speak as a citizen of the world, for the world as it stands aghast at the path we have taken. I speak as one who loves America, to the leaders of our own nation: The great initiative in this war is ours; the initiative to stop it must be ours.

Posted by Mel at 12:25 PM | Comments (2)

January 14, 2007

Yet more DPG candidate video...

...but including the guys you've never heard of, but maybe wish you had. I've posted the videos to the Cobb County YD's site, but maybe the site stayed idle too long or something, because it hasn't shown up on LeftyBlogs. So here is the video.

Dare I say it, between all these YouTube videos and actual events, I think just about everyone that needs to see Mike Berlon, Jane Kidd, Jim Nelson, and Carol Jackson has. I'm pretty sure Virgilio Perez Pascoe has been overlooked until now though, and being a Hispanic guy from Forsyth County is interesting in and of itself.

Posted by Benson at 4:50 PM | Comments (26)

First installment of Herb Butler TV

I'm going to walk on the wild side and actually embed HerbTV here; it might be converted to a link by the time you get here. (update: well, it sure looks bad on the main page with the embed... so much for that. The link is here.) In any case, if you don't know Herb Butler you HAVE to watch this to begin to get an appreciation for how awesome he is. It's amazing what six decades of being a union member and Democratic voter will do to you. Hey, after the last six decades of BS that have gone on, I'd be mad as hell too! :-) Herb always makes an appearance at the monthly Cobb County breakfast events, and he's the only one you KNOW will be on the schedule somewhere. Enjoy!

Posted by Benson at 10:39 AM | Comments (0)

January 13, 2007

Video from The National Conference for Media Reform

Watch Bill Moyers deliver the opening plenary at the freepress media conference going on now in Memphis.

Audio of all the Friday sessions is now available on the program page.

If you couldn't make the conference like Catherine, Bobby, Ingemar and Susan, this is the next best thing. Live video streams, blog posts, and other updates are posted hourly to the conference site.

Posted by Mel at 11:07 AM | Comments (0)

January 12, 2007

Friday Open Thread

Al Gore banned.

Radical Christians take on history.

Huffington Post wants to hold Presidential debates.

Olbermann on Bush’s (non)credibility.

You are here.

Dodd is in.

What's on your mind?

Posted by PaulaG at 8:31 AM | Comments (3)

Memphis is groovy.

FreePress.net Conference kickoff.

The drive from Atlanta is trouble-free, filled with terrific tunes (Thanks, Old JayDee!), and great conversation. On our way to the Save the Internet Party we stop for a quick bite and run into Danny Glover, in town for his appearance tonight with the Al Green Gospel Choir, The BarKays and more. He was friendly and chatty - greeting anyone who passed by.

The Save the Internet Party was fun. Lotsa loud music, walls of video, and dancing.

I'm off to see Bill Moyers this morning. More later.

Posted by Catherine at 8:29 AM | Comments (4)

January 11, 2007

2008 DNC Convention in Denver

According to CNN's "sources", the DNC has chosen Denver to host the 2008 Democratic Convention. Thoughts?

Posted by Jen Brock at 11:45 AM | Comments (4)

Oops, that's Iraq with a "N" now... It appears we've invaded Iran.

Yup... Is is just me or do you just want to scream "WTF" all the damn time..

U.S.-led forces detain 6 Iranian workers

BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S.-led multinational forces detained six Iranians Thursday at Tehran's diplomatic mission in the northern city of Irbil, Iraqi officials said, as President Bush accused Iran and Syria of aiding militants and promised to "interrupt" the flow of support as part of his new war strategy.

The U.S. military said it had taken six people into custody in the Irbil region but made no mention of a raid on the Iranian consulate.

The forces entered the building about 3 a.m., detaining the Iranians and confiscating computers and documents, two senior local Kurdish officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information. Irbil is a city in the Kurdish-controlled north, 220 miles from Baghdad.

Posted by Juliana at 11:19 AM | Comments (9)

Intra-Party Smackdown

If you're near a computer right now -- and I'm guessing you are, duh -- you should be watching C-SPAN 3. I knew my boy Joe Biden was going to hold some fun hearings on Iraq at Senate Foreign Relations, but right now it's Nebraska Republican Chuck Hagel smacking Secretary Rice around like a teenager out past curfew. Chuck just called Bush's speech last night one of the "most dangerous foreign policy blunders, if it's implemented."

Giddyup. No work gettin' done over in this office. ~~Check c-span.org for the archived show if you miss this.~~ UPDATE: Follow this link to watch the Senate Foreign Relations hearing with Condi Rice in RealPlayer. Zoom ahead to 58:50 for the beginning of Hagel's questions being interrupted by the protester, complete with a quick eye-roll from Condi.

Posted by shelbinator at 11:09 AM | Comments (1)

FreePress.org Media Conference

Heading to Memphis!

I'm off to Memphis today for some media muscle-building! If you're going, drop me an email

January 12-14 The National Conference for Media Reform, Memphis. Keynote speaker Bill Moyers will open the conference Friday 1/12, followed by dozens of sessions on everything from owning your own media to how to challenge an FCC license.

There are lots of sessions, performances, speakers and parties. Check out the Democracy for Memphis gathering Saturday Evening! Maybe I'll see you there?

I hope to be live-blogging or at least doing evening updates.

Posted by Catherine at 7:51 AM | Comments (1)

January 10, 2007

Public Service Announcement

I have read and carefully considered every post and every comment on this blog since its inception. And I have come to one conclusion. Y'all need some remedial spelling help. So, here's a helpful crib sheet for the orthographically impaired* among you. Any other obsessive-compulsive word freaks out there should feel free to add any words I've left out.

HYPOCRITE: one who affects virtues or qualities he or she does not have. See also, HYPOCRITICAL, HYPOCRITICALLY, HYPOCRISY

LOSER: one that loses. Compare to LOOSER: less rigidly fastened.

SEPARATE: to set or keep apart, to make a distinction between.

CONSCIENCE: the sense of moral goodness. Compare to CONSCIOUS: capable of, or marked by thought.

ITS: of or relating to it as a possessor. Compare to IT'S: contraction of it is or it has.

THEIR: relating to themselves as possessors. Compare to THEY'RE: contraction of "they are". Compare to THERE: in or at that place.

WEIRD: strange. Compare to WIERD: not a word.

LICENSE: permission to act.

Finally, one bonus punctuation tip! An ELLIPSIS is a mark indicating an omission, espcially of words or letters. It consists of THREE dots (...) or asterisks (***).

* Any leetspeakers have a pass as long as they don't abuse the privilege.

Posted by PaulaG at 5:56 PM | Comments (11)

5th Anniversary of Bush's Pledge to help America's Children Read

Today marks the 5th Anniversary of the NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT.

In an email from the US Department of Education:

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings today marked the fifth anniversary of the No Child Left Behind Act with a speech and question and answer session with national education and business leaders at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“Anniversaries also remind us that every day, we have to recommit ourselves to the things that are important to us. And when it comes to education policy, this is a critical moment.” Spellings said, “With No Child Left Behind, we set the goal to have every student reading and doing math on grade level by 2014. And it’s working!”

Significant achievement has been made since the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act. Spellings referenced examples of the gains made by our nation’s fourth graders in reading and math according to the 2005 Nation’s Report Card. The same assessment showed that the achievement gap is narrowing in the fourth grade.

The address also reminded the audience of the administration’s efforts over the past five years, why the law was so needed then, and why she and the President are pushing for renewal this year.
“When President Bush first came to Washington back in 2001, the nation was ready for reform,” Spellings said. “The President made No Child Left Behind his first priority, from his first day and his first week in office. And so did members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. Later today, we’ll be back in the Oval Office with the President and Congressional leaders to talk about building on the progress we’ve already made. Renewing NCLB is one of the President’s top priorities and I’m confident that Chairman Kennedy, Senator Enzi, Chairman Miller, and Representative McKeon will continue to be strong supporters.

“To help schools in need of improvement, No Child Left Behind provides resources - including free tutoring for struggling students. And President Bush and the Congress have increased federal K-12 spending by 41 percent over the last five years.

“The truth is, No Child Left Behind helps kids by measuring their progress and holding schools accountable for helping them improve.” Spellings continued, “It helps teachers by providing them with information to better manage their classrooms, and resources to improve and enrich their teaching. And it helps businesses by helping students gain the skills they need to succeed.”

Click here to download their "results" press info

Susank, isn't it time that they remove "we need your child's name to go on the military list" from this bill?

Posted by Bernita at 2:17 PM | Comments (0)

Carter & Clinton Pitch the Progressive Agenda

Baptist Covenant Announced.

The Carter Center yesterday hosted what may be remembered as a turning point for American Baptists. Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton addressed 30 Baptists leaders gathered to announce plans for a Celebration of the New Baptist Covenant tentatively scheduled for January 2008 in Atlanta.

The covenant – endorsed by a racially, geographically and theologically diverse assembly of Baptists – underscores the group’s desire to speak and work together to create an authentic and genuine prophetic Baptist voice in North America. It goes on to reaffirm traditional Baptist values, including sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and its implications for public and private morality. The group has specifically committed themselves to their obligations as Christians to fulfill the biblical mandate to promote peace with justice, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, care for the sick and the marginalized, and promote religious liberty and respect for religious diversity.

Now that's more like it...

Posted by Catherine at 8:24 AM | Comments (13)

January 9, 2007

ATL Police Crackdown on Those Dangerous Jaywalkers

I work really hard to convince my friends in DC, New York, Los Angeles, etc. that Atlanta is not some provincial little nut house. Then something like this happens, and my work is set back months, even years.

On Thursday, just after noon, the Tufts historian Felipe Fernandez-Armesto was arrested by Atlanta police as he crossed the middle of the street between the Hilton and Hyatt hotels. After being thrown on the ground and handcuffed, the former Oxford don was formally arrested, his hands cuffed behind his back. Several policemen pressed hard on his neck and chest, leaving the mild-mannered scholar, who's never gotten so much as a parking ticket, bruised and in pain. He was then taken to the city detention center along with other accused felons and thrown into a filthy jail cell filled with prisoners. He remained incarcerated for eight hours.

Officials demanded bail of over a thousand dollars. To come up up with the money Fernandez-Armesto, the author of nineteen books, had to make an arrangement with a bail bondsman. In court even the prosecutors seemed embarrassed by the incident, which got out of hand when Fernandez-Armesto requested to see the policeman's identification (the policeman was wearing a bomber jacket; to Fernandez-Armesto, a foreigner unfamiliar with American culture, the officer did not look like an officer).

Posted by PaulaG at 1:18 PM | Comments (9)

HB 1 hearings

10:00 am. I'm here at the hearings. It's not really a hearing like you see on C-Span. There's a video camera and a podium with a microphone for the speaker.

The audience is 99% White (that 1% is me) and 75% women; mainly older women.

There seems to be a theme with all the speakers: Pre Abortion - an unplanned pregnancy, not informing anyone until it was too late, afraid of their parents, bad abortion process by either the Midtown Clinic or Planned Parenthood. Post abortion - drugs, alcohol, unhealthy relationships, and finding Jesus.

For some reason these women all believed that an abortion would be a "quick fix to solve their problems".

I'm not sure how long I can listen to these testimonies without calling "bullshit" out loud! I feel their pain, but I don't agree with their sanctimonius right to save Georgia women.

10:15 am - ok this wasn't the start of the hearings. I just sat through the Christian Coalition warmup - YIKES!!! The actual hearing starts at 11 am. Right now, the Christian Coalition is about to have a prayer vigil right here in this room. Anyone who knows me well, knows my strong belief in the separation of church and state.

10:30 am - Now they are singing.

10:54 am - they so know that I'm not "with" them. They just can't figure out who I am "with". It's quite hysterical. I'm laughing my butt off on the inside and wearing this smirk on the outside.

11:02 am - ok they are now praying for State Rep. Bobby Franklin and pray that the rest of the legislators can all stand together. They are 2 Black men in attendance wearing we support "HB 1" stickers. One of the Black guys is actually crying during the prayer. Chile, don't make me slap this fool with the crocodile tears.

11:06 am - oh the other Black guy is State Rep. Melvin Everson (Gwinnett). He's sitting at the podium with Bobby Franklin. Now the crying Black guy is doing the opening prayer. He asked for everyone to stand - I'm not!! I believe in God but I don't believe in opening these hearings with a prayer.

11:08 am - ok where the hell are our people? I don't see any Choice or Planned Parenthood people.

11:09 am - Rep. Melvin Everson believes that "without a shadow of a doubt that this bill is the right thing to do for Georgia". punkass.

11:11 am - now Bobby Franklin is saying that our rights come from God and not from government. And that is why the legislators are in session right now.

11:12 am - ok I see Rashard from Planned Parenthood. I feel safer. Got a little backup if any stuff goes down.

11:13 am - Bobby F. gets a round of applause when he says "I look forward to seeing when HB 1 becomes law in the State of Georgia".

Side Comment - Shelby I moved up from a crackberry today. I'm using a laptop.

11:17 am - ok, ya'll can find me at the Ponce de Leon Police Station cause I'm about to hurt Melvin. That fool just said "can you imagine if the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. was aborted? Where would be without civil rights. We need to right this wrong because too many lives have been lost."

11:24 am - Alveda King, black woman, used to be a State Rep. in Georgia and says that her uncle was MLK, Jr. No shit. Now she is quoting his words. She said that Dr. King accepted an award from Planned Parenthood even though PP has always lied. She said that she has had 2 abortions. But since she has become "Born Again" now she can hear babies crying and screaming in her head. When she was about to have a 3rd abortion, MLK, Jr.'s dad, Big Daddy (her grandaddy), slammed his hand on the table and told her that she wasn't going to kill her baby. *someone google this chick*. She claims that abortion can't be stopped because in America there is a covenant with death. Apparently, this chick uses her relationship in the King Family as her calling card and why people listen to her. Well, she has all these white ladies just a bobbing their heads up and down in agreement with her testimony.

11:37 am - some chick from the Justice Foundation is rambling on about why these women are here today.

11:43 am - this chick claims that if abortion wasn't made legal by our government then they wouldn't have a chosen an abortion.

11:44 am - yeah Maggie Garrett is here and she's sitting next to me.

11:45 am - uh oh Bobby F. just quoted the PP email and said "the abortion industry is saying that we are basing our opinion on junk sciences".

11:46 am - Rep. Tom Knox is here. he supports the bill.

11:47 am - Sandra Kanu (sp?) the original Doe in Doe v. Bolton is now speaking. She claims that she only went to court to get a divorce and get her children out of foster care. Her attorney set up an abortion for her but she fled to Oklahoma. She resents her lawyer for making her name associated with the slaughter of 46 million children. She says that over the past 33 years that she has been a prisoner of that case. She is ANGRY! She said that she never wanted an abortion. That her lawyers lied and wants abortion stopped in her name because she was never crossed examined during the Supreme Court trial.

11:52 am - now we are about to watch a 6 minute video about the death industry. Bobby F. has now switched to calling Choice people, the "death industry"

11:54 am - ok this is soooo wrong. they are showing fetuses and blood and tissue and tiny fingers and tiny skeletons. this is so fucking warped. the audience is weeping and making weird moaning noises. check out this website www.abort73.com - they produced the video.

11:57 am - ok the lights came back on and Melvin and Bobby were crying. they have this "drama" thing working in their favor.

12:05 am - some lady is up giving her testimony. she's very boring - not boring as in her story - boring as in she can't tell an exciting story. end result: she found Jesus and realized that God must stop all the abortions now.

12:10 pm - ok some lady is up testifying and crying. She's so happy that she adopted 2 children and saved them from an abortion death. She says that every time her children have a birthday, she goes through a "prayer season" when she prays for the women that chose adoption over abortion. Now she's telling some story about how some woman who saw the ultrasound screen of her baby right before having an abortion had decided not to have an abortion. This is the same lady that she claims had already had 6 abortions. Oh you should have heard the audience when she said "6 abortions". The Gainesville Crisis Center, where she works, holds a religious retreat for men to help them pre- and post abortions. She says that men who pressure women to have abortions have given up their God given gift to protect women and they are also hurting.

12:18 pm - ok now the drama testifying is about to begin. The stories that are all the same: the blood, the vacuum sound, the pressure from the abortion clinic workers, and the magic of Jesus saving them, and that they will one day hold their babies that they aborted.

12:21 pm - ok I don't mean to sound insenstive, but I'm about to bust a gut laughing. 1. because I saw the warm-up show and these women weren't crying. this woman is now up flooding the microphone with all her tears and just lied by saying "oh I'm so sorry for falling apart but I have never shared these stories until now". Bullshit! I heard her during the warmup show and she sure wasn't crying or sobbing like a nutcase like she is now. Oh she is also now blaming having little teeth in her mouth because she just didn't care about herself after she had an abortion. Mind you this lady looks like she is in her 60's. Now she's going into how she has a dysfunctional family and none of her kids speak to her --- all because she had an abortion in her 20's. Kids that were not alive when she had the abortion. Oh her husband left her too.

12:30 pm - ok these women actually don't even make any sense. Now there is this young girl at the mike telling her story. She says that she is from Lawrenceville and her father is a doctor. She got knocked up at the age of 15, but waited to tell her parents, then she finally told her mom. Well, she and her mom waited forever for the boyfriend to cough up the money for the abortion. Boyfriend never coughed up the money so the mother finally took her to the Midtown Clinic and it was too late to have a cheap abortion. The Midtown Clinic had 150 women there on the day she had an abortion. She became suicidal after the abortion. She says that her boyfriend was traumatized and came back after 4 months and raped her because she shouldn't have aborted the first baby. Well, this time she went to PP in Roswell and they treated her great (yeah she sounded bubbly). Then after high school, she became suicidal and promiscious. You know now she's hanging with the bad kids. But she found the Lord through some youth missions. Now she's telling us the names of the children she aborted. oh the ladies are just a weeping now. Mind you, old girl, didn't have 1 tear in her eyes nor did she mention any baby names during the warmup show. Yeah right. Now she is on a mission to awaken her generation about the lies of an abortion. She is slent no more.

12:44 pm - woohoo the lying is just unbelievable. a new chick is up and says at the age of 17 she had an abortion and right after she had the abortion surgery she walked down the street and back into her high school and went to classes. BULLSHIT!! She is now a Disciple of Christ and is grateful that she can now preach the word of the Lord. She says that her "child was a child and not a choice". Oh the wisdoms she has now - even so much that she is a crisis counselor. first of all this chick said that it has been 7 years since her abortion but then just said "oh my baby would have been 3 years old". eh? now she is quoting King "justice delayed is justice denied". FREAK!

12:53 pm - ok I'm out of here. I'm hungry. Plus, it's the same chicks from the warmup show.

2:00 pm - OK I'm back at office now. Safe from the Jesus freaks. SpaceyGracey, I thought you looked familiar :) I knew I felt some good vibes when you were standing behind me. That other chick that kept standing behind me was sooo creeping me out. Must get a filter on the laptop so that those near me can't see what I'm typing. John Suggs was there in the beginning. Cathy Woolard was also there at the beginning of the freak show.

You guys have no idea how hard hard it was not to shout out "oh bullshit". Especially when the women were lying about not receiving any anesthetic during their abortions. Yeah right. None of the testifiers were 1 abortion women, oh no, these were multiple abortions women who found Jesus after their boozing and slutty days. And if it wasn't for the almighty Jesus saving them then who knows where they would be at today. Puh- leaze!!!

You guys, and you know who I'm talking about, owe me big time!! I need several shots of Tequila to wash out the horrible sounds of women crying and lying.

The 1 thing that is stuck in my head is that chick who said her boyfriend came back after 4 months and raped her and then whispered in her ear "I hope you get pregnant again because this is what you deserve after aborting my first baby". That shit doesn't even make any rational sense. But boy did Bobby and Melvin soak that shit up.

One of our "friends" videotaped the freak show.

When is it our turn to testify???

Shelby, the wifi is free.

In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. ... - oh hell I'm not going to even go there since so many people wrongfully went there today.

UPDATE: My review of the hearings of HB 1 will remain about the hearings.

Posted by Bernita at 10:01 AM | Comments (139)

New Legislative Watch blog launches

Jason Pye and Chris Farris have launched a Georgia Legislative Watch blog at gabills.com.

This is no small task. Many of us have complained about the lack of a single source for tracking legislation throughout the session, but until now, no one has been willing to spend the time and energy to make this happen. Thanks to Jason and Chris for stepping up to take this on. It's a great service to the community.

Read the press release here.

Posted by Mel at 9:46 AM | Comments (3)

Legislative Preview with Rep. Stuckey Benfield

From the mailbag: Represenative Stephanie Stuckey Benfield is hosting a legislative session preview.

Details:
Eggs & Issues Breakfast on Saturday, January 13th: Please come to a breakfast meet and greet this Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at:
This Is It! Restaurant
4065 Memorial Drive (at Covington Hwy.)
Decatur

This will be an opportunity to meet with me informally to share your views about the 2007 session of the Georgia General Assembly. A complimentary breakfast will be served.

On Monday, January 8, members of the Georgia General Assembly will convene for our 2007 legislative session. This is my ninth year in the state House of Representatives, representing DeKalb County from the 85th District, and I consider it a privilege to serve as your voice at the Capitol.

Based on the number of legislative proposals that have already been pre-filed or announced for 2007, lawmakers will once again have our hands full of issues to address when we return to the Capitol. Here are just a few of the proposals to be considered:
• Prohibiting Georgia motorists from using handheld cell phones while driving.
• Increasing the minimum wage in Georgia to $7.25 per hour by January 1, 2008.
• Allowing local counties and cities to decide whether to let grocery stores and convenience stores sell beer and wine on Sundays.
• Expanding the judicial branch of state government to add two Justices to the Supreme Court of Georgia
• Changing the state’s Constitution to mandate that Georgia voters present a government-issued photo ID at the polls.
• Using public funds for private school vouchers. Implementing a 1 percent sales tax to raise revenue for transportation projects.
• Prohibiting governmental agencies from printing public documents in languages other than English.

Another important issue concerns the state’s “certificate of need” laws, regulating medical services. After 18 months of studying the regulations to recommend whether any of them needed to be modified, a Blue Ribbon commission unanimously recommended number of administrative and procedural changes but failed to reach a consensus on the most controversial issue, which is whether to give doctors more flexibility to open ambulatory surgical clinics. As a result, a spirited debate between advocates for physicians and on the hospitals’ side is expected to take place during this legislative session.

I am very concerned by recent public comments by the director of the state Department of Community Health that the PeachCare program is in serious financial peril. This program provides health insurance to 260,000 Georgia children, and the legislature must make it a top priority to restore its economic viability. The state should seek federal assistance to keep this program going if necessary.

One encouraging development recently has been the Perdue administration’s decision to back off from a proposal to eliminate the state healthcare benefits of retired teachers and state employees as a means of dealing with Georgia’s healthcare funding liability. Balancing the state’s books on the backs of these state employees and educators and their families is the last thing the government needs to be doing.

I will continue to work in support of our public schools and toward transportation solutions. Throughout the 2007 session, please contact me with your views on the issues we are addressing. I look forward to hearing from you. Please let me know when I can be of service.

State Representative Stephanie Stuckey Benfield

Rep. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield represents the 85th District (DeKalb County) in the Georgia House of Representatives. Contact her at 512 Coverdell Office Building, Atlanta, GA Â 30334; by phone at 404-656-7859; or by e-mail at stuckey@mindspring.com .

Posted by PaulaG at 8:56 AM | Comments (0)

January 8, 2007

This Just in... First Day of the Georgia General Assembly Session

Rep. Al Williams (Liberty) and new head of the Black Caucus

Reps. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield and Kathy Ashe

Sen. Valencia Seay (Clayton) swearing in.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Provided by Bernita Smith from the Senate Chamber...
See new updates.

10:14 am- I'm blackberry blogging from the press area. Ha who needs those stinking credentials. Now I'm going to go on the floor and take a picture of Nan.

10:25 am- yeah the first vote. Actually they had to approve of the honor roll. My former House Rep, Nan Orrock, has moved up the political food chain and is now in the State Senate. Today is her 1st day as a State Senator. She is sitting on the 3rd row in the 3rd seat and next to Democrat strongholds Kaseem Reid and Valencia Seay. She's looking very senatorial.

Senator Gloria Butler isn't here. She has an excused absence.

10:35 Wow you have to see the lineup on the 1st row left side. It starts with David Adelman (DeKalb), Curt Thompson (DeKalb/Gwinnett), Doug Stoner (Cobb), and newly elected Gail Davenport (Clayton). They are close enough to throw spitballs at Eric Johnson and Casey Cagle when they start passing stupid bills.

Senator Regina Thomas (Chatham) is also on the front row on the right side. She looks outstanding in a beautiful black hat today.

11:10 Just walked into the hall and saw some of the "nice" lobbyists - Maggie Garrett, Shelly Senterfitt, Alice Johnson.

Uh oh, Clayton Sheriff Victor Hill is walking the halls and ready to take out the troublemakers.

Moving on to the House floor.

House Speaker Pro Tem Mark Burkhalter announced that he is wearing braces on his teeth. Something about having a bad bite.

11:35 Karla Drenner is speaking now. She asked for everyone to vote for Bobby Rivers, Jr. For Clerk of the House. Apparently Bobby knows where everything is and how this place functions. Bobby wins with unanimous approval.

Ok I found the Dem trouble corner. It's to the right of Glenn Richardson's podium. In the corner is Nikki Randall and sitting behind her are Robbin Shipp and Georganna Sinkfield. They are already looking like they are having some snarky fun.

FYI: there is a Doctor-of-the-Day program. So if you pass out from listening to Glenn Richardson whining about how great he is, you can go to the nurses office.

12:04 New rules.

No cell phones while someone is speaking on the House floor.

No cell phone cameras unless you get prior approval by Glenn Richardson. Haha come and get me Mr. Speaker.

New committee - Budget and Fiscal Affair Oversight - to look after the budget after the legislators go home. To make sure the budget is being followed as the legislators approved. Um, that's why there is a year round legislative staff and the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget. Apparently the House Repubs don't think the staff knows how to read and comprehend.

New Committee - Code Review committee - will continually review laws and statutes that are outdated and alerts the legislators about which ones to repeal. Ok here's your first one - pickup trucks riders don't need to wear seatbelts. Get a clue Georgia - a pickup truck is defined as a moving vehicle like a car. It is not a specialized form of transportation.

Old rules:
The HAWKS are still alive. Dubose Porter and Jerry Keen are going head-to-head. According to Jerry Keen, the Hawks are still needed because they serve a valuable purpose. He said that more than 80% of the last 2 years they helped the committee chairman to meet quorum. Dubose said he asked all the Dems not to approve the Rules if they keep the Hawks rules. Jerry Keen replied "then that would be dumb". Oh just lovely and friendly banter on the first day.

12:20 pm
New rules
Any Bill or resolution to or affecting the political partisanship of any elected office, state revenues, general taxation, alcoholic beverages, water resources, or hazardous wastes shall not be deemed to be a local or special bill or resolution but shall be treated as a general bill or resolution.
- So there will no longer be any separate bills honoring so and so's favorite person.
- Bob Holmes thinks that this will cause a major traffic jam on the crossover day.

Rule 81: no member of the House shall occupy the floor longer than 20 minutes in debating any question unless otherwise ordered by the Speaker. Any member wishing to speak on any measure shall notify the Speaker prior to the measure being called or during the time the first presenter is speaking on the bill.
- basically Glenn Richardson is going to be a big fat jerk with cutting off Dems from speaking on the floor.
- the Dems are in a frenzy over this rule.

12:48
Ok the House has adjourned and everyone is headed to the Guv's swearing in. Not I.

Ok here's the vote results of the passage of the House Rules: Yeahs - 110 and Nays - 66.

Let's keep in mind that Dubose Porter, Minority Speaker, asked all the Dems to vote Nay. There are 72 Dems - so 6 crossed over. Damnit! Can't we do 1 damn thing TOGETHER as a PARTY?? Geesh Marie. The same crap happened last year.

Let me be the first to inform any Dem who voted with Speaker Glenn instead of their Party: Glenn no likey Democrats, including YOU. You are not going to get any favors from him or other Republicans. If Glenn thinks you are beatable, then he will find his own Republican candidate to run against you in 2008. Make no mistake about Glenn's kindness. You would have better served yourself and your Party by abstaining from that vote.

Update: 2:30 pm - Back at the office and now I can type from a real keyboard. Here's some other stuff that went on:

- Danny Orrock held the Bible for his mom, new Senator Nan Orrock, as she was sworn in. He was such a proud son.
- Kasim Reed's mom held his Bible. She was a proud momma and had both of her boys there. Tracy Reed also showed up to support his brother.
- Mark Burkhalter actually seems like a nice guy. During his speech he mentioned that families with special needs children shouldn't have to fight the government to get help for their children. He even talked about how Georgia needs to cooperate with the Dems in Congress in order for Georgia to get money.
- Mary Long was also at Capitol and holding court with some very nice women.
- Robbin Shipp also has David Lucas sitting in the Dem corner with her. She's going to do fine this session coccooned with all those experienced Dems.
- Oh yeah, you are still allowed to text message on your cellphone while someone is speaking on the floor. Some older Republican actually asked that question and Speaker Glenn looked a little confused because I guess the Wizard hadn't thought of that when he came up with the stupid cellphone ban rule.
- Alisha Thomas Morgan was looking like proud soon to be momma. Looks like she might be having that baby in the next couple of months. Hopefully, she can hold out until after the 40th Day. Can you imagine if her water broke during session - Speaker Glenn probably wouldn't let her talk to inform anyone.
- it's going to be an interesting session. Can't wait for the Glenn and Casey showdowns. I agree with William - it was kind of lonely not seeing MT preside over the Senate.

Posted by Juliana at 2:43 PM | Comments (24)

GPS 2007 kicks off King Week

Thanks to everyone who organized, presented or attended the second annual Georgia Progressive Summit over the weekend at Clark Atlanta University. It was another great success and just keeps getting better. This year about 300 activists from around the state came together in Atlanta to meet, learn and be inspired.

GPS 2007 kicked off what has become two weeks of activities and events surrounding Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday on January 15th and MLK Day (the third Monday in January), which happens to fall on Dr. King's birthday this year.

• Some of this week's events may be found here.

• There's also a full schedule of events next week at Emory University here.

• Sign up for the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service on Monday, January 15th here.

• You can also take a virtual tour of the planned MLK Memorial in Washington DC, or make a contribution to help build the dream here.

Posted by Mel at 12:20 AM | Comments (3)

January 7, 2007

Know, but don't go

Below is a Breaking News alert issued by Planned Parenthood of Georgia this evening. The choice community wants to keep you informed about HB-1, a bill to outlaw all abortions in Georgia, but your presence at the hearing is NOT requested. The community will be boycotting the hearing.

It's shocking but true - a bill calling for a total abortion ban will receive a public hearing on the second day of the legislative session! The General Assembly meeting notice was just posted on Saturday, but apparently, the anti-choice crowd has been planning this for some time. This bill is laced with Georgia Right to Life language, an extremist, religious group that does not represent the majority of voters.

Public Meeting on House Bill 1
Tuesday, January 9th
9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Room 606 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building

If you'd like to read this bill, go here.

Note the use of junk science such as: abortions increase tobacco smoking and reduce the tax base in the language of the bill. The bill would make physicians guilty of a felony and would outlaw abortions even in the case of rape, incest or detriment to the health of the woman. Even having an abortion to save the life of the pregnant woman would be a criminal act.

The hearing on Tuesday seems designed to give the anti-choice crowd lots of media coverage, complete with a rally, prayers, etc. The American Life League, which opposes contraception as well as abortion, will be front and center.
We are mapping out our strategy to deal with this and will send you additional information as it becomes available. MORE TO COME!

Link to the house meeting notices is here.

Posted by Mel at 9:18 PM | Comments (2)

January 6, 2007

AJC Poll

Education heads voters' wish lists, Poll for AJC shows interest in taxes and immigration, too:

Education, taxation and immigration.

Georgians identified those as the most important issues facing Gov. Sonny Perdue and the General Assembly, according to a poll done for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on the eve of the legislative session's Monday kickoff.

Forty percent of voters named education as the top issue for lawmakers, when asked to name the most important concerns in a telephone poll conducted Jan. 2-4 by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc.

Other results from the poll include:

• 65 percent said they believe Perdue is doing a good or excellent job as governor. Only 10 percent rated his performance as poor.

• 62 percent said they favor funding for a commuter rail line between Atlanta and Athens, including stops at Emory University and in Gwinnett County.

• 58 percent said they favor a law requiring all state documents and forms to be printed only in English.

• 75 percent said they favor tax breaks for people and companies that use energy- efficient appliances and vehicles.

• 65 percent favor a proposal to change the state Constitution to require voters to show a picture ID at the polls.

• 61 percent favor a proposal to offer scholarships to special-needs children to allow them to attend the public or private school of their choice.

• 47 percent oppose a proposal to change the state Constitution to make state Supreme Court races partisan contests, rather than non-partisan. Only 28 percent said they support partisan races, while 25 percent said they weren't sure.

Posted by Mel at 9:55 PM | Comments (0)

Good news for Fulton County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2007

Chairman Eaves Brings Business Focus to Fulton County

Fulton County Chairman John Eaves appoints Darryl A. Hicks to serve as his Chief of Staff.

Hicks, who ran for Secretary of State in the 2006 Primary Election comes to Fulton County with twenty years experience in the business world. He has worked for the Atlanta Gas Light Company as an Auditor, Assistant Manager and Customer Service Manager. After ten years with the company, Hicks was named Customer Service Director and was responsible for 1.5 million AGLC customers.

“Fulton County is in transition and a big part of our successes is going to be in building relationships with the business community. Hicks is a former executive and he can directly communicate with the business community to help to shape our agenda,” Eaves said.

“I am honored that Commissioner Eaves would view me as someone that can help him build relationships in the business community and with legislators as well,” Hicks said.

Hicks’ dedication toward good business is unyielding, but so is his passion for community service. He has taken an active role in the community and currently serves on several boards including the Butler Street YMCA, the Center for the Visually Impaired and the Atlanta Metropolitan College Foundation.

Hicks received his BS Degree in Accounting from Morris Brown College and his MBA in Executive Management from Georgia State University and was awarded the “Brook’s Community Award” for his exemplary record in community service and business ethics.

“I look forward to using my customer service skills to continue to improve upon efficiencies within Fulton County Government. We also are excited about building upon the objectives and policies set forth by our predecessors bringing customer service back in focus at Fulton County,” Hicks said.

Darryl and his wife Shirelle have been married for 17 years and they have three children, Jasmine, Raven and Darryl Jr.

Posted by Mel at 9:17 PM | Comments (2)

January 5, 2007

MARTA infill stations just more grabbing at expensive straws

Yes, this is the third post on this topic, but it’s got commentary.

So MARTA’s latest obsession appears to be infill stations, the idea being that plopping another station, say, between Arts Center and Lindbergh will tap a vast reserve of potential riders who don’t want to walk to either station currently. According to the article, such a station might cost $300 million smackers.

The first part of the problem is that MARTA has already grasped at some pretty expensive straws, with mixed results. The Sandy Springs station strikes me as a mistake, since a big part of the strategy was presumably to grab drivers who would otherwise take 400 in, and all of them stop at the North Springs station. Yeah, the new ticket things were needed; I mean, those tokens were so 1960’s, complete with the homeless people using them to score beer money. But one really gets the feeling that MARTA doesn’t really know what it’s doing or what the problems really are.

It turns out that MARTA’s big problems are not that yuppies won’t walk a mile and a half to get to a station (your average yuppie is only marginally more likely to walk half a mile as a mile and a half). Problem 1: MARTA doesn’t have enough rail to reliably keep people off the buses, and no one wants to let it run more rail anywhere useful. Problem 2: Atlanta hates MARTA – people hate it so much they’d rather spend two hours getting from midtown to Windward Parkway on 400 than get on a train or a bus.

If you ask me, $300 million would be a lot better spent addressing another one of MARTA’s problems – the fact that it doesn’t run in those wee hours of the morning just when Drunk Ass Joe Schmoe might actually be willing to pay $1.75 to save $30 in cab fare. Would running a train every half hour, or even every hour, be that difficult and expensive? Heck, throw in a couple of security guys per train to forestall any late night episodes of Bums Gone Wild – that’s chump change.

Or how about this revolutionary idea – quit whacking bus routes? Shocking as it may seem, some people actually DEPEND on MARTA to get to their JOBS, as we find out every time MARTA overreaches and has to discontinue some bus route or other. Going after these hypothetical yuppie riders at the expense of your regular, loyal riders is like Cathy Cox throwing her friends under the bus to try to get some alleged fantasyland swing votes – a stupid, stupid idea.

In MARTA’s defense, it’s not its fault that it has nothing but these mediocre strategic options available. Given the freedom to ride roughshod over all the crybabies in Cobb and Gwinnett and the money a real transit system deserves, it could and would (incompetence and all) make everything better by running more rail and becoming a complete transit system. Unfortunately, that’s never been an option, and it won’t become an option until all 23 lanes of I-75 through Cobb are jam packed six months after they’re opened and some guy goes postal on his fellow drivers in a rage. So in the meantime, sure, build away on those infill stations – what other options have we left MARTA?

Posted by Benson at 10:43 PM | Comments (5)

GPS 2007! Tonight & Tomorrow!

Join progressives from across the state this weekend as we kick-off ten days of action in recognition of the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. The Georgia Progressive Summit 2007 begins tonight with Art As Politic, at Paschal's Restaurant then continues through the day tomorrow at Clark Atlanta University.

What: Art as Politic, Friday (Tonight!)5:00PM-8:00PM

What: GPS 2007 Plenary, Workshops, Call to Action, Saturday, 8:00AM-7:00PM.

Please join us as we learn. Teach. Share. Act.

GPS 2007 FAQ's below.

Georgia Progressive Summit 2007 | Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you always wanted to know about GPS 2007:

Date/Time/Place: Friday, January 5, 2007 5 PM - 8PM at Paschal's Restaurant
Saturday, January 6, 2007 8 AM - 7 PM at Clark Atlanta University
Schedule: Click HERE

Directions: Click HERE

Q. Now just what is this whole GPS thing I keep hearing about?
A. The Georgia Progressive Summit, or GPS, will be the second annual gathering of progressive activists from all over the state for a weekend of knowledge and skills training, networking, and action planning. It will take place Saturday, January 6, 2007, at Clark Atlanta University with an opening event "Art as Politic" Friday, January 5, 2007 at Paschal's Restaurant. Registration is $35, or $15 for student/fixed income/unemployed.

Q. Do I have to know all about progressive issues in order to enjoy this conference?
A. Not at all! The workshops and plenary sessions have been designed with progressive activists of all levels in mind. There will be many opportunities to learn from and share with those who have been in social movements for a long time and relative newcomers.

Q. I'm a student. Is this summit only for older folks?
A. No way! There'll be student led sessions telling like it is on different campuses. But, also at the summit will be some of the giants of our collective progressive history, ready to start passing the torch to YOU!

Q. I've been a progressive since back when people still used the "L" word. Is there anything I can learn here?
A. Absolutely! You should be pleasantly surprised by the diversity and depth of the workshop offerings. We think there should be plenty of interest for everyone. You have EIGHT choices for each of the three rounds of workshops.

Q. Who is speaking and leading the workshops?
A. We have 33 workshops - 18 are 45-minute and 15 are 90-minute sessions - so there are too many to list here.. Workshop leaders include Father Roy Bourgeois, of School of Americas Watch, Bobbie Paul of WAND, Reverand Timothy McDonald III of First Iconium Baptist Church, who were our plenary speakers last year, and dozens of others. Workshop topics include:

* Bridging Georgia’s Housing Divide
* eStrategies: Using the Internet to Teach, Inspire, and Fund
* The Struggle for Peace in Latin America
* Universal Single-Payer, Health Insurance in Georgia’s Future
* Student Activism
* Immigration - Beyond the Rhetoric and on a Path to Real Solutions
* Reducing Community Violence: Improving Firearms Policy
* Using the Media
* Raising the Minimum Wage/Reducing Economic Inequality in Georgia
* Community Organizing 101
* Environmental Inequality: Air Quality & Vulnerable Communities
* Islamophobia
* Strengthing Coalitions: Healing from Oppression in a Human Right Framework

Workshop leaders and participants will represent many great Georgia organizations, such as:

Common Cause Georgia
Georgia Rural Urban Summit (GRUS)
Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition
Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO)
Georgia for Democracy
Atlanta WAND
Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda
Planned Parenthood Georgia
ACLU Georgia
Environmental Community Action (ECO-Action)
Task Force for the Homeless
Georgia Budget Policy Institute
And more!

Q. What about food? I can't concentrate when I'm not fed.
A. The conference fee includes appetizers at Paschal's on Friday evening, and breakfast, lunch, and snacks on Saturday Vegetarian options will be provided both days.

Q. All this for just $35? Really? What a bargain!
A. It's true. We've kept the registration rate low so that everyone who wants to can attend. To do this, we asked those who can pay more to register as Sponsoring Participants for $100 and/or their organization to register as a Sponsoring Organization for $250 (which includes two registrations and use of a display table). It's still a good value for an evening at Paschal's and a full day of activist training, networking, and progressive policy.

Q. What about those people for whom $35 is still too much, like students, those on a fixed income or unemployed folks?
A. We've got you covered with a $15 rate. Hopefully, the food alone will make it worthwhile... not to mention all the food for thought.

Q. I heard that Saturday starts EARLY at 8:00 AM. Is it really worth getting up that early?
A. You bet! We've got a great opening plenary session "Building a Progressive Timeline" that Jerome Scott of Project South and Alice Lovelace of the US Social Forum are facilitating. Some of the leaders from different movements will be joining them onstage sharing with all of us when they first got involved.

Q. OK, I'll make it there in the morning. But should I really stay until the very end... 7 PM!!
A. If you leave early, you'll miss some of the best inspiration to be found in the state of Georgia and perhaps this country: Dr. Joseph E. Lowery. He's delivering the closing Call to Action - and you don't want to miss that!

Q. I have a progressive organization/group/business I would like to promote. Will I get a chance to do that?
A. Sure! The Progressive Marketplace will have tables available to advertise and get the word out about their cause, goods or services. We're almost full, but you may be able to reserve a half table for $30. Don't forget to register, though. Only registered participants can reserve tables.

Q. I'm kind of a procrastinator. Can I just go onsite tonight/Friday or Saturday morning to register?
A. Sure, but priority will be given to those who pre-register. It also helps us even with last minute planning to know that you're coming. You can still pay onsite if you prefer.

Q. Okay, okay. How do I register?
A. Visit our website at www.gps2007.org or go directly to the SIGN UP NOW or REGISTER/DONATE! page. You can register online and pay with a credit card or pay onsite. If you decide to pay onsite, please go ahead and register online to let us know you are coming.

Q. I'm in!
A. See you there!

Posted by Catherine at 11:31 AM | Comments (2)

Lessig on Law, Technology, and Culture

If you are remotely interested in the intersection of law, technology and culture, this video of Stanford Law Professor Larry Lessig's keynote from the Berlin hacker conference 23C3 is worth the bandwidth (it's over an hour long!). But if you can't afford the time or the disk space, at least wait until the five (or so) minute mark to see the sample mash-up videos he shows. They'll be worth your effort - I promise!

Posted by PaulaG at 10:50 AM | Comments (2)

Friday Open Thread

Federal officials have barred a voting machine testing lab after finding that it was not following its quality-control procedures and could not document that it was conducting all the required tests. Yup, those machines are perfectly safe. Sure.

The Democrats weren't kidding around about ending the culture of corruption in Washington.

A sex slavery ring is uncovered in Clayton County. Ugh.

Anyone can join the Connecticut for Lieberman Party! As long as you are a critic of the Senator, a blogger, or anyone named Lieberman. See? Anyone!

Let's hope this isn't a harbinger of things to come in 2007.

It is my very sad duty to inform you that the final episode of The O.C. will air February 22, 2007. God speed, Captain Oats, God speed.

Posted by PaulaG at 8:50 AM | Comments (1)

Sally Rosser is IN for County Party Vice Chair

Yesterday, Sally Rosser, the incumbent Congressional District/County Liaison Vice-Chair, sent her intent to run email to State Committee members. I think it's the best email we have received so far. I like it because of the specificity - "no 50,000 foot elevation - I have a dream ideas" and no "my great ideas are coming in a later email". It’s a very process driven letter, so you know what you're going to get when you vote for her. Well done, Mrs. Rosser.

Here's her email:

Dear Fellow Democrats,
Thank you for allowing me to serve the past two years as the Congressional District/County Liaison Vice-Chair. I have traveled the State, met amazing people, learned from each of you and tried to define my job in a manner that would be helpful and productive. I have learned a great deal and will always be grateful for your patience, dedication, creativity and tenacity. Based on my experience of the past two years, hearing your ideas, and seeing the struggles and successes, there are real, substantive steps we can take together over the next four years. I would like to be a part of making that happen and therefore, I am running again for my current post as Vice Chair. I am asking for your support, your vote and your counsel.

For the past 2 years I have focused on three basic tasks: strategy and planning, communication, and support. I have learned that when all three elements are applied, we, as Democrats, are successful. Moreover, when all three elements exist we work more efficiently, we get more done and we enjoy each other and the process. The commitment of the entire leadership of the Democratic Party to providing County Parties with this level of focus and support is the key to our future. County Parties and Congressional District Chairs must be confident in the support they can expect from the State Party and the communication needs to be open and transparent. Strong Congressional District Chairs and County Party Chairs will create healthy and vibrant County Parties. It is the role of the State Party to empower, support, train, and communicate in a manner that is respectful, helpful and productive. As Vice Chair I am committed to that process.

Over the next four years, I plan to focus on the three elements in the following ways:
Strategy and Planning:
1. The Democratic Party of Georgia needs a detailed strategic plan down to the County Party level. It is impossible for us to reach our potential if we do not know where we are going. It is also impossible to gain the help and commitment of every volunteer if they don’t know where we are going. In the first 90 days I will meet with the Congressional District Chairs and develop a 5 year, statewide plan for the development and growth of county parties. This will be submitted to the Strategic Planning Committee for input and comment. Based on this plan, I will begin work with each of the Congressional District Chairs to develop a plan for their District. The Congressional District Chair will then begin work with the individual counties in developing a County specific plan. It is my goal to have the first ever statewide goals in writing by the end of 2007. Plans are not static. I expect many changes as we move forward and learn from our actions. My role will be to make sure that information is communicated across Districts, resources are shared across Districts and that each District stays on track with the support they need to be successful.

2. This strategic plan needs to set firm, realistic goals that are clear, measurable and time linked and we need to be held accountable to reaching them. These goals need to be long term, need to be developed by a broad base of party members and need to be reevaluated every year. The goals need to identify the resources needed and the source of the support.

3. The State Party can no longer tell County Parties what they need; communication requires us to collaborate on all issues that are in the best interests of Democrats. This will require constant communication, training, support and reevaluation that should be done jointly with County Parties, Congressional District Chairs and the Vice Chair. In the first 60 days of office, I will distribute a survey to all County Chairs, through the Congressional District Chairs, for them to rank their most immediate, short-term, and long term needs. From this survey, we will be able to geographically match needs with resources. We can not afford duplication of valuable resources; mainly our volunteers’ valuable time.

Support:
1. The primary resource that candidates and County Parties need is volunteers. The DPG should exist to support the volunteers and to make them more effective. We need to act and work and allocate resources to empower volunteers by including them in decision making, providing them the support (technical and financial), connecting them to groups with common causes and helping them find and train the candidates of tomorrow. Every volunteer is precious in the process of building a healthy and vibrant organization. Every skill they bring should be treated with respect and nurtured to help us achieve our goals. And every volunteer should know their contribution was an essential part of the success. It is my job to help the County Parties develop a strategic volunteer plan. A plan that examines the County Party’s needs, matches volunteers to task, and can be easily transferred between new leadership. It is also my responsibility to champion a system at the State level that supports this effort, matches people and tasks and helps to keep volunteers engaged and fulfilled.

2. The very basic elements of County Party organization have been invented close to 100 times in Georgia. It is time we made the organizational parts of running a party easy, consistent with other parties and available to individuals interested in starting or revitalizing parties. These tools, from websites to financial software, should and could be immediately available. They should include all of the basic functions for which County Parties are responsible. They should come with training and support. The development of these tools should include volunteers, County Party Chairs and Congressional District Chairs. We have many things that are already developed. We need to use what is good and invent new things where we have none.

3. I have learned that support takes may shapes and each County is has very different needs. In one it revolves around the voter file, in another finding a speaker for a fundraiser, or it can be basic software, administrative training, fundraising ideas, websites, access to information, etc. We need to be flexible enough to find the support, of whatever type, find it fast and provide it in a form that can be easily used. I am committed to making this happen.

4. Another equally important resource that candidates and Count Parties need is money. It is pivotal that we connect local donors to candidates and County Parties. My job would be to champion the building of a resource database that provides donor information by geographic region to each candidate and county party.

Communication:
1. We need regular, structured communication if the Party is to succeed. We need to be out of the Atlanta office and in the field working directly with activists, volunteers, and candidates. As a Vice-Chair, I understand that I am the primary support network for Congressional District Chairs and County Party Chairs and that it is my responsibility to give them the support they need to be successful. I have spent almost all of my time in the field. That is where things are happening. That is where I will focus my time.

2. The organizational relationship between the Vice Chairs, the Congressional District Chair, the County Chairs, the County Affairs person in the State Party office and the GADCC all need clarity and structure. We are a team. Each team member needs to know what position they play, how the plan will be executed and what their individual role is. The full measure of our effectiveness to communicate and work together is apparent in successful candidates and County Parties.

3. Every person who assumes a leadership role or who is an employee of the Party needs to be held accountable for performance. Accountability includes adjusting for complications, learning from mistakes, reallocating resources and making timely and tough decisions. We are in this to win.

4. We can not afford to lose a single committed Democrat because we failed to follow through with a commitment, failed to communicate, failed to thank, failed to notice, or failed to congratulate. What makes this all work is learning to celebrate our successes. How we celebrate reflects our commitment to each other and our cause.

I am committed to you and our cause. I hope you will give me the opportunity to serve you for next 4 years. I am so grateful for the experiences I have had and relationships that grew along the way. I have gained much from your ideas and suggestions. I hope you will continue to share them openly and frequently.

Democratically yours,

Sally S. Rosser
ssrosser@aol.com

Posted by Bernita at 5:46 AM | Comments (4)

January 4, 2007

One New York

Governor Eliot Spitzer delivered his first State of the State Message yesterday, and it was remarkable. You can download the transcript or watch an archived webcast (when it becomes available), here. I watched the speech on C-Span and was completely blown away. Here's just a small sample:

There will be cynics and pessimists who will say we can’t, we shouldn’t and we won’t. Their only job will be to protect the status quo that has worked for them, but not for us. The status quo always has powerful friends. But we in this chamber have our own more powerful friends – we have the men and women of this state who work and struggle each day to give their children a better life than they had. Together, we will prove that even with all the cynicism out there, it’s still possible for all New Yorkers to win; for all their voices to be heard; and for all their potential to be fulfilled.

Update: you can listen to the audio file here.

Posted by Mel at 11:45 AM | Comments (3)

Madam Speaker

Pelosi Basks in Congress' Historic Day

WASHINGTON (AP) - It's a glass ceiling no one else has even cracked, and Nancy Pelosi was crashing through it Thursday, preparing to be sworn in as the nation's first-ever female House speaker.

"Today we make history. Today we change the direction of our country," Pelosi told supporters at a lunch in the Library of Congress.

The 66-year-old San Francisco Democrat began her history-making day running into anti-abortion demonstrators as she went to a prayer service with her husband, Paul, and a daughter at St. Peter's Catholic Church near the Capitol.

Related link: Pelosi ascent in Congress a breakthrough, from AP

Posted by Mel at 11:37 AM | Comments (6)

Save the Date: January 28th, in Columbus GA -Festival of Hope for SOA Watch

On Sunday, January 28th we will honor our prisoners of conscience and those who will be testifying against the SOA/WHINSEC with a Festival of Hope. The festival begins at 7pm and will take place at the Howard Johnson Presidential Ball Room. Most of the pre-trial events will take place at the Howard Johnson and often people choose to stay there.

Howard Johnson's
Ph: 706-322-6641
1011 Veterans Pkwy
Columbus, GA

I was honored to attend this event last year. It was extremely moving to see the Peace and Justice Community gather around these folks. Please consider joining us in Columbus to support them. They are very brave and are willing to put their own liberty and freedom on the line.

The following day, January 29, 2007 sixteen human rights activists will appear in federal court in Columbus to put the SOA/WHINSEC on trial.The sixteen were arrested on November 19, 2006, after carrying the protest to close the School of the Americas (SOA/WHINSEC) onto the Fort Benning Military Reservation, publicly defying the laws which prevent political speech on military bases and making a bold call for justice and accountability.

Also, the SOA Watch team is again organizing Lobby Days at the US Capitol on February 20th in DC. I attended this extraordinary event last year. If you have never been to see your Congresscritter (as in my case) this is a great way to see how your government works. They provide excellent training, and usually you don't have to go alone, you are teamed with a delegation of very knowledgeable citizens, former torture victims and long time activists. It was eye opening. This year should be very exciting visiting with so many new Congress people.

Now if that isn't enough, the founder of SOA Watch, Father Bourgeois will be speaking and leading a session at the Georgia Progressive Summit, this Saturday January 6th.

The sixteen were held at Ft. Benning and charged for "unlawful entry" by the federal court. Fifteen of the sixteen arrested were released after bail money ($500 - $1,000/per person) was posted. One person, Margaret Bryant-Ganer, opted to remain in prison, awaiting trial; she is being held at Muscogee County Jail in Columbus, Georgia. (Photo: Gates of Ft. Benning, by Cally Golding )

The "SOA 16" are:
Margaret Bryant-Gainer, 38, Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia
Tina Busch-Nema, 48, Kirkwood, Missouri
Rev. Don Coleman, 69, a co-pastor at the co-pastor of University Church, from Chicago, Illinois
Valerie Fillenwarth, 64, a homemaker from Indianapolis, Indiana
Phillip Gates, 70, a retired school superintendent from Prescott, Arizona
Alice Gerard, 50, a freelance journalist from Grand Island, New York
Joshua Harris, 30, from San Diego is a graduate student at Claremont University
Melissa Helman, 23, a student from Ashland, Wisconsin
Martina Leforce, 22, Berea, Kentucky
Julienne Oldfield, 69, Syracuse, New York
(Katherine) Whitney Ray, a 17 year old college student from Indianapolis, Indiana
Sheila Salmon, 71, Sebastian, Florida
Nathan Slater, 23, Berea / Edmonton, Kentucky
Mike Vosburg-Casey, a 32 year old piano tuner and chicken farmer from Atlanta, Georgia
Grayman Ward, 20, a fitness equipment specialist from Raleigh, North Carolina
Cathy Webster, 61, a peace activist and grandmother from Chico, California

We invite all human rights activists and SOA Watch supporters to join the SOA 16 in Columbus, Georgia on January 28-30, 2007 for the trials and Festival of Hope.

Posted by Juliana at 11:03 AM | Comments (0)

January 3, 2007

Dear Mr. Shipp

Dear Mr. Shipp,
With all due respect, please dump your current crew of Democratic Party insiders. Whomever gave you the inside scoop for your most recent article has a few things twisted. I offer my opinion based on over 180 minutes of phone conversations and several email exchanges with the leading two candidates for DPG Chair, Mike Berlon and Jane Kidd.

Mike Berlon:
You state that

Mike Berlon, Gwinnett County Democratic chair, is allied with leaders of Georgia's ever-shrinking labor movement. A handful of county chairs are also in his corner.

A more compelling and interesting story line would have been to report that a large number of Berlon’s supporters are relatively new to the State Committee (many were voted into office in 2005 and did not have a vote or voice in selecting Bobby Kahn as Chair). Or you could have pointed out that many of Berlon’s supporters are from the Progressive wing of the Party and many are in the Young Democrats' organization.

You further state that

Berlon's bid is built on the curious notion that the state party should keep Democratic elected officials at arm's length and concentrate strictly on raising cash for the overall "Democratic cause."”. So much so, that “Several elected officials, including Labor Commissioner Mike Thurmond, are hopping mad at the idea of a party that is mainly an independent boosters' club and not an operational campaign organization.

Let me pose this question: when have you ever known of a football booster club to raise money and give money to the chess club? They don’t. So if a Democratic “booster club” raises money who do you think that it will support – doy! Democratic candidates. Can-di-dates – we can’t have elected Democratic officials until we have well funded Democratic candidates.

This fear that you are trying to spread is inaccurate at best. Berlon has said from the beginning that the Democratic Party of Georgia will not suffer and die based on who is in the Governor’s seat. I believe he intends to make the Party a strong organization regardless of any elected person. You do remember how the Party funds dried up after Barnes lost. Well, I believe that Berlon’s point is that Democrats can’t continue this pattern and we need long term financial and organizational plans in place.

And then you go negative by pointing out Berlon’s loss to Mac Barber.

Berlon is presently favored to win the position, though he spent a wad in 2004 on losing a Public Service Commission primary to underfunded Democrat Mac Barber by a whopping 43 percentage points.

That wasn’t necessary. Instead of looking at it as negative, State Committee members can look at the positives: 1) Berlon put his money where his mouth was; 2) he stepped up and challenged a politically entrenched candidate; and 3) he tried to make a difference.

Jane Kidd:
I hint a little sexism in your description of the Honorable Jane Kidd. You state that Jane

is looking for a landing place after she gamely ran for the state Senate in a district openly gerrymandered to end Kidd's political career.

So would you make the same assessment if a man had served one term and ran for another seat and then lost? I’m guessing not. Jane Kidd is a young 40 something professional woman, extremely intelligent, highly motivated, and very political savvy and it is inaccurate to say that her political career is over after one loss.

When Jane speaks about her goals and visions for the Party, her ideas are bright, bold, original and do not hinge on any elected official. So I strongly disagree with your statement that

her detractors fear that she would use the position of state party chair to promote Porter's nascent bid for governor.

Here’s my own feminist spin – I will believe that Dubose Porter is running for Governor when his wife, Carol Porter, says so. Until Carol says so, I’m going to take that as a slow media day induced rumor.

You further state that Jane is

the anti-Berlon candidate in the contest, seeing the party as mainly an instrument of and for elected officials.

I’m going to seriously disagree with your statement. Jane is not the “anti-Berlon” candidate or as my feminist eyes read the “anti-man” candidate. She is Jane Kidd, a candidate for DPG Chair. She is well liked and loved by new and old State Committee members, Progressives, and Young Democrats.

After speaking with both candidates, it is very clear that they both want the same thing - a functional and operational grassroots organization that supports Democratic elected officials and candidates.

As a voting State Committee member, I can clearly tell you what we long for – an open and transparent Party structure. A leader that promotes consensus building with the State Committee members, Executive officers, elected officials, activists, and Democratic voters. A leader who is able to raise money for Party resources. A leader that can construct and effectively communicate the Democratic message throughout Georgia. A leader that is able and willing to build the Party from the grassroots level. A leader that can bridge the old, new, and future Democrats into one unified Party.

Mr. Shipp, we, State Committee members, are long past the Bobby Kahn bashing days and are only looking to elect and support our new Democratic leader. God bless anyone that wants this difficult job. We would appreciate it if the media would stop spreading misinformation about our candidates – it does no one any good.

Sincerely,

Bernita Smith

Posted by Bernita at 4:47 PM | Comments (10)

RIP Mr. Earthlink

Sad news for the Earthlink Company and Georgia Tech:
Garry Betty, the president and chief executive of EarthLink Inc., has died from complications of cancer. He was 49.

Betty, a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, began his career at IBM Corp., and won the IBM President's Excellence Award in 1982 for his work on the original IBM PC.

I have Mindspring/Earthlink as my internet company and when my service went down for a long period I emailed everyone on Earthlink's website about their crappy technical support. Since Betty and I are both alumns of the same fine institution, Georgia Tech, I also emailed him. Within 20 minutes of sending off my complaint email, Mr. Betty personally called me. I was completely shocked. We chatted for a while about Tech, he assisted with my technical problems, moved my problem up the food chain, and even called back to see if the problem was resolved. Now that's a great CEO! From the experience alone, I have been a loyal Earthlink subsriber. I doubt if the head of BellSouth or AT&T would ever call a customer.

RIP Mr. Betty, you were a good guy!

Posted by Bernita at 3:02 PM | Comments (0)

Things to do in Cobb on a Thursday night, 2 Events!

Event 1:
The East Cobb Democratic Alliance presents it's January "At Issue" forum. January 4 - Monthly At-Issue Forum, "The $8.6 Trillion Debt: Tough Choices and Soaring Federal Deficits," with Dr. William Gissy. Dr. William Gissy *, author and Instructor in the Department of Economics and Finance at Kennesaw State University.

Everyone who supports progressive values and candidates is welcome to attend our monthly public forum.

When: Thursday, January 4, 2007, 7:00 PM
Where: Community Bank of the South
3140 Johnson Ferry Rd.
Marietta, GA 30062-5657
(770) 650-6500
Please note this temporary venue change for January!

Event #2.
Cobb Legislative Forum.
When: Thursday, January 4, 2007,
Time: Social hour, 6 to 7 pm
Program and Broadcast on Cobb Cable TV 23, 7 to 9pm
Where:Cobb County Commissioners Meeting Room,
100 Cherokee Street, Marietta, GA

Co-Sponsors: American Association of University Women, Cobb Branch, Marietta/Cobb League of Women Voters, and Junior League of Marietta/Cobb.

*Dr. Gissy holds a B.A. in Theology from Loyola University in New Orleans and a Ph.D. in Economics from Georgia State University in Atlanta. He has published articles in The Atlantic Economic Journal, The Journal of Economics and Finance, Business and Economic Review, Studies in Economic Analysis, International Advances in Economic Research, and The Scandinavian Journal of Development. He was also an invited contributor to The Encyclopedia of Violence, Conflict and Peace, published by Academic Press in 1999. His books include The Economics of Conflict and Peace (Avebury Press, 1997), which he co-edited with Jurgen Brauer (Prof. of Economics, Augusta State University) and The Economics of Money and Banking (Cumming and Hathaway, 1998). He also served as editor-in-chief for the “Proceedings of the Academy of Economics and Finance” in 2000-2002 and served as a grant proposal reviewer for the National Science Foundation. He served on the editorial board Studies in Economic Analysis and International Advances in Economic Research and served as a reviewer for Business and Economic Review, Journal of Economics and Finance and The Journal of Economic Education.

Posted by Juliana at 9:48 AM | Comments (0)

Women in the Halls Event

Planned Parenthood Action Fund of Georgia invites you to join us for another party with a purpose!

Location: Madison Grill
1375 Peachtree Street, Ste. 100, Atlanta, GA 30309
When: Thursday, January 4, 6:30pm
Phone: 404.688.9305 ext. 310

The 2007 state legislative session is upon us, and we are kicking it off in style! Planned Parenthood Action Fund of Georgia and the ACLU of Georgia invite you to a night of food, fun and festivities. And a little civic action, too!

We will recognize State Senator Gloria Butler for her commitment to progressive issues. Women in the Halls seeks to bring more women to the state capitol during the 2007 legislative session to help move proactive legislation forward, and to remind lawmakers that they are responsible to us for the decisions that they make.

We will also celebrate the third year of the ACLU's weekly citizen lobbying program, "By The People Days." The Women in the Halls will join the ACLU every Tuesday for lobby training, updates on pertinent legislation, talking points, and fact sheets. Together, we'll fill the halls and fight for responsible legislation for ALL Georgians!

Admission is free, complimentary appetizers will be served, and a cash bar will be available. We hope to see you there!

Host Committee (as of 12/15):
Kyle Bailey, Melissa Conrad, Stacey Godfrey Evans, Page Gleason, Juliana Illari, Mary Long, Jeanne Montgomery, Amy Morton, Bobbie Paul, Shelley Senterfitt, Dene Shepherd, Kate Shropshire, Bernita Smith, Susan Somach, Midge Sweet, Allen Thornell, Sara Totonchi, Fran Travis, Cathy Woolard, and Robin Zamarripa.

Sponsors:
Carol McDonald-Dixon (Planned Parenthood) and Maggie Garrett (ACLU of Georgia)

Posted by Juliana at 9:47 AM | Comments (0)

January 2, 2007

Rev. Jim is in for DPG Chair

Here's the opening statement from Rev. Jim Nelson's email to State Committee Members sent today:

Winning! That is all that matters. The Democratic Party of Georgia exists solely for the purpose of electing Democratic Candidates to office. The Party does not need to be better organized; it needs to be organized to win. We don’t need to raise money to run the Party; we need to raise money to win elections. Winning should be our only focus. The Democratic Party State Chair needs to have a winning attitude, and to be an excellent communicator who can electrify the rank and file and motivate people to do the work necessary to WIN! in all 159 counties. Without the energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to victory coming from the top, we are doomed to lose. I have the passion, dedication, skills and enthusiasm to move the Democratic Party of Georgia into the 21st Century.

You can read the entire email at his site: www.electjimnelson.blogspot.com.

Posted by Bernita at 5:25 PM | Comments (11)

Technical difficulty

~~Yes, I know the comments are on the blink again. Please stand by. I'm not sure how long they will be down, or what it will take to fix it.~~

OK comments should be fixed now, or at least as fixed as they get around here. But I'm still considering the move to TypePad...

Posted by Mel at 11:31 AM | Comments (3)

Crazy

A tribute to the year that was. Here's hoping 2007 is a little less so.

I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind
There was something so pleasant about that phase.
Even your emotions had an echo
In so much space

And when you're out there
Without care,
Yeah, I was out of touch
But it wasn't because I didn't know enough
I just knew too much

Does that make me crazy
Does that make me crazy
Does that make me crazy
Probably

And I hope that you are having the time of your life
But think twice, that's my only advice
Come on now, who do you, who do you, who do you, who do you think you are,
Ha ha ha bless your soul
You really think you're in control

Well, I think you're crazy
I think you're crazy
I think you're crazy
Just like me

My heroes had the heart to lose their lives out on a limb
And all I remember is thinking, I want to be like them
Ever since I was little, ever since I was little it looked like fun
And it's no coincidence I've come
And I can die when I'm done

Maybe I'm crazy
Maybe you're crazy
Maybe we're crazy
Probably

Posted by Mel at 10:59 AM | Comments (0)

January 1, 2007

2007 - The Year of the Pig!

Happy New Year!

The skies around my neighborhood are filled with firecrackers and cheering to beckon in the new year.

I'm not one for New Years Resolutions but I have made a pact with some friends - this year we will expand our activities beyond politics. We may do some reading... some playing... and definitely more partying!

What's on your to-do list for 2007?

Posted by Catherine at 12:08 AM | Comments (9)

February 2007
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18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28

About

January 31, 2007

Sad - Molly Ivins dies

Biden on Obama

A meditation on the GA General Assembly

Good/Bad?

January 30, 2007

Fulton County State Committee Elections

January 29, 2007

BREAKING: Family Day at the Dome, February 10

Moratorium on DPG group emails...PLEASE

Let's go to school

One Day After

Live outside the Columbus Courthouse

Was ist Das?!?

January 28, 2007

Proud to be a GA Democrat

Kidd already garnering great press

Congratulations!

January 27, 2007

DPG leadership elections today!

Ford & The DLC

January 26, 2007

Hicks resigns from DPG 1st Vice Chair race

End of an era

Friday Open Thread

Be a Drum Major for Peace and Justice* this weekend!

January 25, 2007

In praise of Young Democrats

The real questions for DPG candidates are:

ATL Rally To Oppose Escalation In Iraq

January 24, 2007

We interrupt the madness...

Please Join Us for the YDG DPG Officer Election After Party!

Thank God

I <3 Jim Webb

January 23, 2007

In Fairness to all DPG Candidates

Meanwhile in North Carolina

More video from DPG Metro Candidate Forum

Document your SOTU Watch

Scooter on Trial

The Fugees

Strange bedfellows

Marshall? Barrow? What's wrong with energy?

January 22, 2007

Local discussion groups

Video from Metro DPG Candidate Forum

The Real Question.

While we were busy with DPG stuff

January 21, 2007

Random Thoughts (I)

Moratorium

January 20, 2007

Thank you!

January 19, 2007

DPG Candidate Forum: Metro Atlanta

DPG Chair Update

Friday Open Thread

Help save PeachCare for Kids

Local blogs

More of the Same

January 18, 2007

Amen, Brother Flack

March on Washington, etc

Ethics complaint against Speaker Richardson dismissed

Rule of law

Color Blind

January 17, 2007

House Resolution 39

The DPG Candidate Roster

Interlopers in Memphis!

dkosopedia

Podcamp

Oh, Oh, Oh, Obama

January 16, 2007

DPG State Committee signatures needed

How did your Congressperson Vote this week?

January 15, 2007

Bringing Social Media Optimization to the democratic blogosphere