Obama in Powder Springs
Paul A. Lovinggood Gymnasium
John McEachern High School
2400 New Macland Rd.
Powder Springs, GA 30127

Tuesday, July 8th, 2008
Doors Open: 7:30 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public; however, space is limited, and tickets are required. For security reasons, do not bring bags and limit personal items. No signs or banners are permitted.

Ticket distribution locations:

George Allen Hair Salon
103 Spring Rd.
Smyrna, GA 30080
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Los Portales
4485 North Town Square, Ste. 104
Powder Springs, GA 30127
Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Comments (0)

Comments on this Entry:

I was pretty focused on running, so maybe I just missed the Martin campaign's presence at the race, but for all of Rand's faults, his work ethic ain't one of them. Heck, only Vernon and Rand even bothered to make an effort today (and Congressman Lewis of course, because he's not just in the hizzouse, he BUILT IT), which strikes me as pretty pathetic. Were the Obama people there and I missed it? (I saw several folks with the T-shirts, but no one that looked official). The YD's were not the only group registering voters and working the crowd, so I'm pretty disappointed, again, that some other folks seem to have missed the boat, again.

Jim, I'm begging you, GO TO THE COBB BREAKFAST NEXT SATURDAY. That is all.

Comments (5)

Comments on this Entry:

(Kimmiega on Jul 4, 2008 9:01 PM) Rand was also at the Cobb 4th BBQ...fyi

(innerredneckexposed on Jul 4, 2008 9:30 PM) AA: What you complain about is what happens when a candidate doesn't want to run (as in, he gets dragged into it).

(Zaid on Jul 5, 2008 12:35 AM) Perhaps Mr. Martin just isn't in it to win it.

(BamaDem on Jul 5, 2008 1:38 PM) Jim had about ten people at the end of the race holding signs and passing out literature. Rest assured Jim is in it to win it.

(BamaDem on Jul 5, 2008 1:39 PM) Jim had about ten people at the end of the race holding signs and passing out literature. Rest assured Jim is in it to win it.

Essentially, I tried to rate each Bush disaster by two main criteria: its body count and its damage to the country's reputation. So while Bush's awkward groping of German Chancellor Angela Merkel may be personally humiliating to everyone, it doesn't have the same heft as, say, the Iraq War.

Comments (0)

Comments on this Entry:

Today, U.S. Senate candidate Rand Knight received the endorsement of the National Education Association (NEA).

"I am honored to receive this endorsement," Knight said. "I was raised by my mother, a public school teacher, who instilled in me an appreciation of both a good education and of the people who contribute to educating students every day." Rand Knight has a Ph.D. in Ecosystems Analysis and is the first candidate in history with a Ph.D. in any biological science to run for the U.S. Senate.

The Board of Directors of the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) recommended Knight's candidacy to the National Education Association (NEA) Fund for Children and Public Education, who just this week voted on, and unanimously approved, the recommendation to endorse Rand Knight for U.S. Senate in Georgia.

Knight, who proposes to fund education with new revenues created through the development of jobs in areas such as renewable energy and mass transit, took a hard stance on the No Child Left Behind Act. "No Child Left Behind was never fully funded and resulted in millions of Georgia's children being left behind," Knight said. "Teachers are required to teach to a test score and training students to think critically, analytically and independently is not rewarded. Additionally, we're punishing underperforming schools instead of helping them."

Jeff Hubbard, president of the GAE cited Knight's commitment to strengthening public education as one of the key reasons he was endorsed.

"Rand Knight's education positions are forward-looking and address education as a lifelong process," Hubbard said. 'Knight has made clear that education will be at the top of his list of priorities in the U.S. Senate, and he demonstrated a dedication to ensuring everyone in the United States receives the education to which they are entitled. As our next U.S. Senator from Georgia, Rand Knight will sponsor legislation that invests heavily in Early Childhood education. He has fresh ideas and the passion to persuade other legislators to provide our schools with the funding they need to be successful and helping college and post-graduate students finance their education."

Gentlemen, let the games begin...12 days left.

Comments (8)

Comments on this Entry:

(innerredneckexposed on Jul 3, 2008 3:45 PM) Hmm that means in the past few weeks, endorsements from organizations with members goes something like this...Rand Knight 3, everyone else, 0.

(M_Combest on Jul 3, 2008 8:47 PM) Don't say I didn't warn everyone - no one thought Rand had a chance - wonder what Jane Kidd is thinking right aboue now...Funny, she wont return my calls about why she is trying to pressure the AFL-CIO to retract thier endorsement of him. In return, he gets another big one.

(RuralDem on Jul 3, 2008 10:50 PM) M_Combest, There's a different between winning the primary and the general. Not many people think Rand Knight has a chance in the General. I know I don't.

(Sara Wara on Jul 3, 2008 11:32 PM) Am I the only one who still doesn't think he has a real chance in the primary?

(innerredneckexposed on Jul 3, 2008 11:53 PM) I mean I understand why people would say he doesn't have a chance but there comes a point (like when you secure endorsement after endorsement of key parts of the Democratic machine) where you kind of have to go, yea, he has a shot at least.

(RuralDem on Jul 3, 2008 11:58 PM) Well, I think he might have a shot at the primary, though I'd hope the "base" wakes up in time. As far as the General, I think Martin, Cardwell, and even Jones would fare much better than Knight. Lanier would probably do better as well. Saxby's people have to be excited about these endorsements :/ Who cares about beating Saxby, as long as there's a Democratic candidate representing hardcore "progressive" values. who cares about winning? [Yes, that last part is full of sarcasm]

(Zaid on Jul 4, 2008 1:51 AM) "Who cares about beating Saxby, as long as there's a Democratic candidate representing hardcore "progressive" values. who cares about winning? [Yes, that last part is full of sarcasm]" Let's have a spineless, waffling Democrat who doesn't talk about class issues so they're pegged as a social liberal and completely destroyed (Jim Martin)! Yeah, that'll work!

(Zaid on Jul 4, 2008 2:01 AM) And for full disclosure I'm probably voting for Cardwell >_>

Summary: During a segment in which Fox & Friends co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade labeled New York Times reporter Jacques Steinberg and editor Steven Reddicliffe "attack dogs," Fox News featured photos of Steinberg and Reddicliffe that appeared to have been digitally altered -- the journalists' teeth had been yellowed, their facial features exaggerated, and portions of Reddicliffe's hair moved further back on his head.

Comments (11)

Comments on this Entry:

(griftdrift on Jul 3, 2008 1:20 PM) Saw this yesterday. Its really unbeliveable.

(mcantone on Jul 3, 2008 2:18 PM) This is outrageous. Have you been listening to some of the things Steve Doocy has been saying on the air lately? How can they continue to be on the air and discussing the "news?"

(odinseye2k on Jul 3, 2008 2:21 PM) Wow. I wonder when they are going to give Kucinich some bigger elf ears. The one on Reddicliffe isn't even good in the high-res - I can see all of the smudging and airbrushing that was done to move the hairline. Fox News is what happens when you give people with the temperament of bratty seven-year olds a national media outlet. I imagine calling Sen. Feingold or Gen. Clark a "doodie-head" is not far off.

(odinseye2k on Jul 3, 2008 2:27 PM) If you want to know what kind of person Steve Doocy is, just look at his son. The kid's got "fratty douche" written all over him.

(innerredneckexposed on Jul 3, 2008 2:40 PM) You say fratty douche as if it was a bad thing.

(odinseye2k on Jul 3, 2008 2:49 PM) Well, all brothers are not douches, nor all douches brothers. However, I don't have much affection for the combination.

(Sara Wara on Jul 3, 2008 2:55 PM) What's saddest is the terrible photoshopping job that they did. It's not that hard to do very subtle but unfavorable photoshopping of a picture to make someone look tired or old, but this is just comically poor quality.

(mcantone on Jul 3, 2008 6:41 PM) "comically poor quality." That sounds just like Fox News :)

(Amber on Jul 3, 2008 6:47 PM) Ridiculous and stupid, AND they did a terrible job! I bet even I could do better than that.

(M_Combest on Jul 3, 2008 8:43 PM) Unreal - but yet suprisingly believable. I put absolutley nothing past Faux news. nothing.

(Zaid on Jul 4, 2008 1:53 AM) News Station As Tabloid

Atlanta Pride Booth
What: Volunteer with YDG's Stonewall Caucus at our Atlanta Pride Booth
When: Saturday & Sunday July 5th & 6th
Where: Civic Center, Atlanta, GA and the Pride Parade Sunday 1-3

Volunteer with Young Democrats of Georgia's Stonewall Caucus at our booth, or contact Edmund Thornton 404-849-4025

Atlanta Pride Parade
March in the Parade on Sunday at noon, or contact Jason Cecil 404-840-0693

Savannah VR
What: Voter Registration with the Chatham County Young Democrats
When: Friday July 4th 10AM
Where: Democratic Party HQ, 109 W Victory Dr, Savannah
Facebook event link here.

Comments (0)

Comments on this Entry:

As Democrats, we have credibility and the opportunities to engage in conversation with traditionally Democratic constituency groups and potential allies of our community in a way that a non-partisan group can not, will not, or would do, but less effectively can we.

Atlanta Stonewall Announces 2008 Endorsements

Atlanta Stonewall Democrats has completed our 2008 candidate questionnaire process and is proud to announce our 2008 Candidate Endorsements.

State House

Sadie Morgan (D-2)
Earl Giddins (D-34)
Jason Adams (D-35)
Joel Alvarado (D-55)
Keisha Waites (D-61)
Lewanna Heard (D-65)
Stephanie Stuckey Benfield (D-85)
Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D-93)
Pedro "Pete" Marin (D-96)
Allan Burns (D-103)
Margaret Kaiser (D-59)

State Senate

Nan Orrock (D-36)
Tim Riley (D-47)

District Attorney

Gwen Keyes (D-Stone Mountain Circuit)
Jerry Rothschild (D-Eastern Circuit)

Meet some of our endorsed candidates, renew your 2008 membership to Atlanta Stonewall Democrats, and have a great time at our Endorsement Party this Wednesday.

What: Atlanta Stonewall Democrats Endorsement Announcement Party & 2008 Membership Drive
When: Wednesday July 2, 2008 6-8pm
Where: Amsterdam Cafe, 502 Amsterdam Ave NE, Atlanta, GA
Membership for Atlanta Stonewall is only $25 per year. Renew your membership now here:

Hope to see you tonight!

Comments (1)

Comments on this Entry:

(Tim on Jul 3, 2008 8:37 AM) had a great time seeing everyone last night! Was good to see Keisha Waites, Earl Giddens, Jason Adams, Tim Riley, Joel Alvarado, Margaret Kaiser, and Nan aka Allen. Good turnout, good venue, thanks everyone.

I'm heading to all points Second Continental Congress this weekend. We start out in Philadelphia, on through Lancaster, York, and fly home from Baltimore.

Next week I'll probably be headed back to Ann Arbor, Michigan where Republicans dare not run. That's right, in the upcoming city elections not one 'R' appears on the ballot.

Human Rights Hero Nelson Mandela is now free to hit the road without worry. He has been removed from the US Terrorist Watch list...

What about a road trip to Statesboro? The Statesboro Herald sponsors a debate of Democrats running for US Senate. 7PM, Tuesday July 8th at Ogeechee Technical College.

Comments (6)

Comments on this Entry:

(PaulaG on Jul 2, 2008 8:25 AM) Does anyone know where I can get a John Lewis yard sign? I didn't see anything on his reelection website for it.

(innerredneckexposed on Jul 2, 2008 9:26 AM) Paula: The appropriate people have been contacted and the ball has been put into motion to secure you a new piece of lawn ornamentation.

(PaulaG on Jul 2, 2008 12:03 PM) IRE - Muchos gracias!

(RuralDem on Jul 2, 2008 11:33 PM) Speaking of merchandise, anyone got any good Democratic sites where I can get t-shirts and stuff? I tried DemocraticStuff but it doesn't have much. Also, considering there's no county active party near my area, what's the best way to get a yard sign? I'm trying to start a mini collection and would like to get a hold of signs from some of the candidates I like. Usually signing up on the website doesn't do anything sign wise :(

(innerredneckexposed on Jul 2, 2008 11:47 PM) Beg campaigns.

(odinseye2k on Jul 3, 2008 11:35 AM) Can I just say that I finally got the "Pump Ya Brakes" reference (or so I think if it's the Smith/Snoop song). I had thought up until now it implied cutting Mable's brake lines or something way over the top like that. I just tend to think pump your brakes = low pressure, work hard to save yourself. Or skidding on an icy road.

Read: Atlanta airport gun ban is challenged

Comments (1)

Comments on this Entry:

(odinseye2k on Jul 2, 2008 9:59 AM) Well, the kind of guy that feels he needs a gun to protect his candy ass on MARTA isn't going to have the courage to spend a night in prison, I guess. I don't want to come across him in a dark alleyway - he might spook and shoot me.

I've worn various pins and buttons to reflect a mood or tone, and the brave have asked to me explain, which of course I'm happy to do. While in LA I sported my Shirley Chisholm 1972 campaign button. Hey, she was all about the word "change" in the day people.

Today I'm wearing my new favorite accessory, it's a bracelet called " I Read Banned Books". You can get your own here.

Another component of my visual offering is my car which right now is a rolling advertisement for the Obama and Lewis campaigns. Since 2004 my car has sported a personal "mission statement" about Boycotting Chinese made goods. I usually see some one taking a peek at it in traffic, and I've actually met some cool (and weird) people because of it.

I've riffed on this before, but feel compelled in the midst of so much political activity to challenge this group again - in what way are you inciting revolution, or "change" if you must?

Continued reading You say you want a revolution*, well you know.....

Comments (6)

Comments on this Entry:

(griftdrift on Jul 1, 2008 5:22 PM) I had the strangest urge to listen to Rage Against The Machine last night.

(Amber on Jul 1, 2008 5:24 PM) LOVE the banned books bracelet! I'm going to have to get one. I think the biggest way in which I'm "inciting revolution" is by constantly challenging people's assumptions and stereotypes wrt sex work, sex workers, and sex workers' rights. Believe me, this is damn near a full-time job, as the ignorance runs rampant and unabashed. Unless there's a real impediment to me doing so, I call out bullshit on this issue whenever I see/hear it, no matter who its from. Friends, acquaintances, superiors, family members, allies - anyone. Somehow I am brazen and steadfast on calling out BS on this issue in a way that I'm not yet (but aspire to be) on others. Tiny revolutions, on a one-on-one level. I can do those.

(Johnny Lemuria on Jul 1, 2008 6:31 PM) This site is called "Blog for Democracy". Now, call me old-fashioned, but I associate democracy with electoral politics. Electoral politics are not revolutionary, and will not bring about a revolution, except perhaps in reaction to electoral politics. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm all for a revolution. I advocate counter-economics and dual power institutions to further it. I just don't think the answer will be found in the ballot box. Maybe the word you're looking for is reform. Reform, to a degree, may be accomplished with the vote. But that's the question: do you want reform, or do you want a revolution?

(Amber on Jul 1, 2008 8:29 PM) Oh, holy horseshit. I have a feeling this Lemuria person came over here via me (who I believe he found via Ren, as that's where I saw a comment from him earlier today). I feel like I should apologize, for some reason. But look, y'all, now he's here to Tell Us How It Is! Boy oh boy, I can't wait. :P

(Kimmiega on Jul 1, 2008 9:11 PM) Well, apparently "some" of the commentors didn't grown up on the Beatles music.. duh. the title is from a pretty famous tune. And the definition was provided so that no one's undie got in a bunch over a pretty simple concept. I'm all about democracy too but frankly it aint working exactly all that well for us, this admistration wets itself every time they shread another bit of the constitution so spare me the lectures, and the word reform is bullshit nicey nice like pablum, fuck that we need some radical shit to be happening come Jan 09.

(SnowdropExplodes on Jul 2, 2008 3:29 PM) Johnny Lemuria: Perhaps you're unaware of the history of democracy? The Athenian democratic city-state (commonly recognised as the birthplace of democracy) did not practice elective democracy of the type you apparently associate with the term, but instead had a participatory democracy that literally gave everyone a voice, with legal decisions being made by people selected by lot. Obviously, such a system would be unwieldy for a nation the size of the USA (or even for entities of the size of an individual State), but participatory democracy is certainly possible at the local level and can form the basis of a more representative elective democracy at national levels. As to the question posed in the OP, I seek to incite revolution by asking questions, the awkwarder the better, of those who make decisions on behalf of others. I try to present to the world the perception I have of every individual as being of worth, in a world that still assigns value based on moral codes.

Barack Obama's strategists are suggesting that the first African-American presidential nominee of a major political party can parlay increased turnout among black voters into a string of victories in the South.

Given that roughly half of all African-Americans live in the 11 former Confederate states, the idea seems intuitive enough. It's also wrong. Prying Southern electoral votes away from the Republicans is not so simple.

Comments (3)

Comments on this Entry:

(odinseye2k on Jul 1, 2008 2:14 PM) Of course, note that the author is the same one that has advocated abandoning the South in its entirety as a Republican wasteland. Not saying I don't share the sentiment on some days, just reminding to consider the source.

(Zaid on Jul 2, 2008 1:48 AM) I'm sure he could do it if he stops trying to throw minorities under the bus (that is, win the South).

(odinseye2k on Jul 2, 2008 10:00 AM) Sorry, Zaid, your statement does not compute.

Oy Vey Eldrin!

Comments (0)

Comments on this Entry:

Officials in Mr. Obama's campaign say they are bullish on the South, and they have signaled their aggressiveness with early campaign appearances in North Carolina and Virginia, major voter registration drives in the region, and television advertising in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia. . . .

Mr. Obama's Southern strategy relies on significantly increasing black registration and turnout, as he did in the primary season. Mr. Hildebrand said that by some estimates there are 600,000 unregistered black voters in Georgia alone. The higher the black share of the vote, the lower the requirement for garnering white votes. But the Obama camp argues that it can increase its share of the white vote as well by focusing on younger, more progressive whites. (emphasis added)

NYT

Comments (2)

Comments on this Entry:

(HappinessHacker on Jul 1, 2008 10:38 AM) Ralph Reed spoke at the Atlanta Press Club last month and he was very sure McCain would carry Georgia. There were lots of cheerful chuckles in GOP dominated audience. We need to watch the exit polls very carefully to ensure the is no creative counting of our ballots! ~Happiness Hacker

(RuralDem on Jul 1, 2008 3:02 PM) I realize this is probably the wrong topic to post in, but I'm not sure where to post it. http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/shared-blogs/ajc/thinkingright/entries/2008/06/27/count_to_10_and_a_fun_race_for.html It says David Poythress will announce later this month that he's running for Governor in 2010.

U.S. Rep. Paul Broun is trying to return to Congress for a second term, but his past might come back to haunt him.

The Athens Republican declared bankruptcy, didn't pay his taxes and fought with an ex-wife over alimony payments while living in Americus in the late 1970s and early 1980s, according to records unearthed by GOP opponent Barry Fleming's campaign.

In his four previous runs for federal office, rumors circulated, but politicians and journalists considered him a fringe candidate and didn't delve too deep into his past. Sumter County and federal court documents offer detailed information about his transgressions.

Keep it up boys, and we'll have a Democratic Congressman in the 10th yet.

Comments (0)

Comments on this Entry:

For most candidates, this is a critical filing. From Georgia's WIN List:

This early filing will determine the perception of campaigns and candidates across Georgia. Pundits, PACS and state party organizations will use the report to determine which races are viable and where they will invest their resources.

Otherwise, drop your favorite candidate a few dollars today.

Comments (0)

Comments on this Entry: