We may think it's bad here in Georgia, but here is a look at the ten worst-selling real estate markets in the nation. Anyone own property in Miami? If so, don't plan on selling for a while.

Posted by Jason at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

[UPDATE 4/30/2008] In Judge Wade Crumbley's court today the hearing did not yet bring closure to the issue. Observers have reported that "It appears Judge Crumbley is leaning toward finding in Mathis' favor," or that Judge Crumbley acknowledges that "the law, as written, would require Mathis to resign her current post."

There is no (as yet) known case law or acts of the legislature that would repeal this 1987 local legislation. It is possible that a Supreme Court appeal could determine its constitutionality. Yet, reports from observers indicate the decision could go either way.

Both Mathis' and the county's attorneys stated they have no intention to appeal this court''s decision. Barring another party filing an appeal, this ruling will stand. Attorneys for both sides were given opportunity to submit further briefs by tomorrow morning. Judge Crumbley stated he will render an opinion by noon on May 1st.

[Original Post] On Wednesday at 1:30pm Judge Wade Crumbley will hear the case filed by Elizabeth "BJ" Mathis against Henry County. See post Mathis Sues Henry County.

Earlier today the County filed a response to Mathis' suit. Read it here.

This case opens so many cans of worms the only conclusions available lead to a boondoggle created by Mathis in a last ditch effort to save her political career.

The worst case senario would include extending this farce to the Supreme Court for resolution of Mathis' claim the local legislation violates the Georgia Constitution. Just think of the cost to taxpayers! Depending on that ruling the county could face a mid-term, off year special election should the November election be nullified. More cost to taxpayers!

Of course, the best case would include Judge Crumbley UPHOLDING THE LAW and forcing Mathis to resign her commission seat - meaning the charlatan would soon be out of public life.

Posted by Larry Stanley at 09:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

The following is from Senate Pro-Tem Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) on recent hiring of John Thompson as the new Clayton County school superintendent.

I was outraged to finally see the contract with Clayton County’s new part-time School Superintendent. Even though he was declared “unqualified” by the accrediting agency, he will now receive $285,000 and a car and driver for 133 work days a year. Think about that. That is more than $2,100 a day plus benefits! Think about what that could have done if it was spent in the classroom. Some legislators, including most of the Clayton County delegation, actively opposed my attempt to give each child in these schools a $4,500 scholarship each and every year. They did it because of pressure from the same people that elected the present School Board.

Defenders of the status quo like to argue for ‘local control’. I agree. But you cannot ignore behavior like we see in Clayton. Local control isn’t government – it’s parents and taxpayers. Therefore, I believe the debate about Clayton’s schools needs to turn to ‘choice’. Should we give parents control of their own tax dollars that are spent on their child’s education? Or should we leave it with a Board that hires a Superintendent at $250 an hour? Should we let parents decide whether they should go to a local school that is not accredited or an independent school that is accredited? Should we force children to attend a school that threatens their ability to go to college and earn a higher income the rest of their lives? Or should we allow students to escape to a better school? School choice is the civil rights battle of the 21st Century.

Clayton County citizens need to demand vouchers. And they should demand them from any candidate running for the State Senate or House of Representatives. Before you vote in the July 15 primary, find out whether they think this School Board should spend their money or whether the parents should have that right.

Posted by Jason at 06:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

John Oxendine's campaign website has gone live. You can visit it here.

Also, this video appears on the front page of the site:

Posted by Jason at 06:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The two advisers appointed by Gov. Sonny Perdue to work with the Clayton County School Board have quit:

Calling the Clayton County School Board dysfunctional and unable to save its accreditation, two governor-appointed advisers have resigned.

James E. Bostic Jr. and William "Brad" Bryant, two state Board of Education members appointed to help Clayton, announced this morning they would no longer work with the Clayton County School Board.

They said they will continue their work on two audits being conducted by the state and assist the new superintendent, John W. Thompson.

Bostic and Bryant cited policy violations and the refusal of the board to "put the children's interest above their personal interest."

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools gave the district until Sept. 1 to meet nine mandates or lose accreditation.

The first mandate is to establish a capable board. That is unlikely to occur, Bostic and Bryant said.

Posted by Jason at 05:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Don't look now, but Ron Paul's new book, The Revolution: A Manifesto, is #1 on Amazon.com.

I hear that Dr. Paul will also be on the Regular Guys some time this week.

H/T: The Corner @ NRO

Posted by Jason at 04:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tom Price may be considering a run for the Senate in 2010:

Assuming Price is re-elected in 2008, pressure on him to run for the Republican nomination for Senate in 2010 if Isakson runs for Governor will be enormous. North Fulton County officials will want to have the same clout and access they now have with Isakson, an area resident, with any new Georgia Senator.

Price, a longtime Roswell resident, fits the bill.
[...]
When quizzed about a Senate run, his closest aides say he will most likely get in the race. One senior Price operative said, “We are looking at it. We are evaluating it. I will say this: If we get in, we’ll win.”

Price himself was diplomatic when asked about the 2010 race, saying only, “I would certainly review all of our options if that scenario played out.” He did not deny interest.

H/T: Peach Pundit

Posted by Jason at 04:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal seems like a class act:

H/T: Below the Beltway

Posted by Jason at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here is video of Bob Barr on taxes and spending:

Posted by Jason at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Walking Small has qualified for a second term as Clayton County Sheriff:

The first person to qualify Monday for the 2008 Clayton County election was Sheriff Victor Hill, said officials.

Hill, a first-term incumbent, qualified for re-election to that office, said Clayton Democratic Party Chairman Kevin Thomas. Garland Watkins, a former deputy under Hill, also qualified to run.

H/T: Peach Pundit

Posted by Jason at 05:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Who are the most overrated and underrated presidents in US history. Below the Beltway, Reason: Hit & Run and the Club for Growth have this going, and I figured I'd chime in with my two cents as well:

1. You may nominate up to three Presidents in each category.

2. Three points will be awarded to your first selection, two to your second and one to your third. If you do not state an order of preference, each nominee will receive two points.

3. Nominations should be emailed to me by clicking here .Or you can leave them in the comments section below.

4. If you indicated whether you are an American citizen or not, that would be helpful. Equally, if you felt like including your own political leaning (conservative, liberal, libertarian, socialist etc) then that could also be useful. It’s far from required however. You may also, of course, give your reasons and I’ll endeavour to publish a representative sample of those too. All personal information will, obviously, also be kept confidential… (So, yeah, US government employees can vote too!)

5. The closing date for submissions is on or around Sunday May 11th.

6. Remember: you are not choosing the best or worst Presidents, but those whom you think history and pundits have over-rated and under-rated respectively.

7. If you have a blog yourself, let me know the URL and I’ll include a link to your site when the results are published.

8. That is all. Again, email me! (debatableland-AT-googlemail.com)

Underrated:
- Grover Cleveland
- Calvin Coolidge
- Warren Harding

Who would be on your list?

Posted by Jason at 04:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Hillary Clinton has no problem with spending your money:

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) has requested nearly $2.3 billion in federal earmarks for 2009, almost three times the largest amount received by a single senator this year.
[...]
The total amount Clinton requested greatly surpasses the $837 million secured last year by Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi, the ranking Republican on the Appropriations Committee who took home the largest dollar amount of earmarks in the current fiscal year’s spending bills. In those bills, Clinton secured $342 million in earmarks.

Clinton’s huge earmark requests have some speculating that the former first lady is preparing for a soft landing should she lose the Democratic primary to Obama and refocus her energy on winning a third Senate term.

Posted by Jason at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Mac Collins will not run for Congress this year:

Former congressman Mac Collins, who ran a close race against U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall two years ago and had said he was considering another bid this year, won't be running, he said Monday.

"I'm just going to sit this one out," Collins said in a voice mail left at The Telegraph. Collins said he had no comment beyond that.

H/T: Political Insider

Posted by Jason at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Bob Barr recently sat down with reason.tv to discuss his reasons for running for President and the damage done to civil liberties under the Bush Administration and other some other issues:

Posted by Jason at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cato @ Liberty has the latest on the making of Atlas Shrugged:

Scott Holleran at Box Office Mojo is all over the Atlas Shrugged movie project. A few days ago he talked to Michael Burns, vice chairman of Lionsgate, the studio that is planning to make the film. He confirmed that Angelina Jolie will star as Dagny Taggart. Burns says John Galt should not be played by a movie star but by an actor with “an incredibly remarkable face, a face that just pops out at you,” to which his Randian interviewer responds, “A face with no fear, no pain, no guilt?”
[...]
[Director Vadim] Perelman told Holleran that the budget would be about $70 million, that they’re still working on the script and the casting, that he hopes to start shooting later this year, and that the look of the movie would be the Forties.

Posted by Jason at 07:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The Supreme Court has upheld Indiana's voter ID law:

The Supreme Court ruled Monday that states can require voters to produce photo identification without violating their constitutional rights, validating Republican-inspired voter ID laws such as Georgia's.

In a splintered 6-3 ruling, the court upheld Indiana's strict photo ID requirement, which Democrats and civil rights groups said would deter poor, older and minority voters from casting ballots. Its backers said it was needed to prevent fraud.
[...]
The law "is amply justified by the valid interest in protecting 'the integrity and reliability of the electoral process,'" Justice John Paul Stevens said in an opinion that was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Anthony Kennedy. Stevens was a dissenter in Bush v. Gore in 2000.

Justices Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas also agreed with the outcome, but wrote separately.

Justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and David Souter dissented, just as they did in 2000.

Posted by Jason at 07:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Read the text of Elizabeth "BJ" Mathis' Superior Court challenge here.

Several issues come immediately to mind. First is the Oath of Office taken by all commissioners, in which they specifically swear to uphold the Constitution and laws of the State of Georgia. In the most liberal sense, the vow does not include subverting the law or twisting legal maneuvers to fulfill a personal ambition.

Next, of course is the matter of the lawsuit. Mathis was formerly presented a letter from the Elections Board stating her ineligibility to qualify for Chairman of the County Commission. The letter restates the requirement for resignation from her current commission seat, referencing

According to Code Section 21-2-6 and the clearance from the United States Department of Justice of House Bill 847.

The suit asks for

Expedited final hearing to determine whether she has qualified for the election.

Consider the Constitutionality and scope of the local legislation.

If an expedited hearing cannot be granted [before Friday, May 2] Plaintiff asks the Court to "prevent irreparable harm" by injunction preventing the County from following the law.

In Georgia when a municipality or county with authority enacts ordinances (local law) it is legal and defensible to "add to" but not "take away" from existing state law. The state Constitution, Article 2, covers candidates who are also elected officials. Henry County ordinances cover employees who seek to become candidates. The 1987 legislation was written specifically to apply to the Henry County Board of Commissioners, and "adds to" the requirements for seeking or holding a seat on the board.

Mathis has been the source of her own undoing. She has found numerous ways to tap the county budget toward building a platform and rewarding her supporters. It is called Nash Farm. On April 8th the full board voted to rename the county park and implement a long term use plan contrary to Mathis' singular control.

The 1987 legislation further protects citizens from a sitting commissioner using the office and its privileges to mount a political campaign for "another office." While remaining in office, said commissioner would have unlimited access to the press, including the county's PR department's email Update and televised board meetings. Said commissioner would maintain a voting authority in regard to continued projects and zoning and other matters that could benefit supporters. The county coffers would remain open for many abuses. The legislation further negates the necessity for mid-term or off-year special elections that could arise from conflicting terms of office. In 1987 the board of commissioners sought to protect the citizens and taxpayers - a concept that Mathis cannot grasp.

Tommy Smith, candidate for Tax Commissioner, took a leave of absence. Keith McBrayer, candidate for Sheriff, took a leave of absence. Jim Cox, candidate for Sheriff took a leave of absence. Rich Jefarres, candidate for District 2 commissioner, resigned his position in Locust Grove. Can Mathis continue to flaunt her own importance and 'right' to violate the law while other people of honest integrity must obey it? Is she better or just different?

The costs of Mathis' attorneys must be her own personal expense. However, the matter of constitutionality will not be decided by a local Superior Court judge. The Court of Appeals will be the final arbiter in that matter. One must wonder if her county commissioner's salary is sufficient to cover mounting legal fees. One must wonder which of her "ongoing projects" will produce a benefactor whose donations to The Mathis Legal Fund will allow the charade to continue.

Even if some judge will render an opinion, he would necessarily be saying (1) local legislation is moot, (2) the DOJ process is moot, and (3) he will open the door to eventual nullification of the election when the Supreme Court finally decides the matter.

Judges tend to like a clean legacy. This one looks like the redneck saying, "Hey y'all, watch this" as he does something really stupid. Somebody's gonna get hurt!

Finally we must consider the cost to Henry taxpayers. While this lawsuit drags on and outside legal counsel must defend against Mathis' personal ambitions, what cost must we bear to suffer her ego?

Posted by Larry Stanley at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)

The so-called "economic stimulus" checks have begun to hit bank accounts:

The Treasury Department will begin sending rebates via electronic direct deposit Monday, and the Internal Revenue Service will start mailing checks May 9. President Bush said the $110 billion that 130 million households should receive by summer would help offset high gasoline and food prices and "give our economy a boost to help us pull out of the economic slowdown."
[...]
Nearly 7.7 million households are expected to receive money this week, and 130 million by summer. Individuals with a taxable income of less than $75,000 and couples with less than $150,000 are eligible for up to $600 per person, $1,200 per couple and $300 per child.
[...]
A Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll found that 34 percent of eligible taxpayers were keen to use their rebates to wipe out debt, and that 31 percent wanted to bolster their savings. Only 18 percent of respondents said they planned to spend the money.

Posted by Jason at 07:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

This is upcoming event information for State Sen. John Douglas.

The Senator John Douglas 2008 reelection campaign is pleased to announce that Lt Governor Casey Cagle will visit Henry County to host a fund raiser for Senator John Douglas on May 15 from 5-7pm. The event will take place at the lakeside pavilion owned by Ray Lambert just off Hwy 42 south of McDonough.

Lt Governor Cagle released this statement in preparation for the visit and coming campaign:

"John Douglas is the hardest working, most effective Senator the 17th Senate District has seen in many, many years. He is effective, steady and reliable for conservative Republicans and I urge you to return him to the state senate for another term."

More details on the Henry County fund raiser to follow.

Other fund raising events on the schedule or being planned include May 22 in Atlanta jointly with Senator Cecil Staton, June 4 in conjunction with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce summer meetings at St Simons Island, and events in Griffin and Social Circle, dates and hosts to be announced shortly.

A total of five events are currently planned and more will be conducted if necessary.

Posted by Jason at 06:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Gerald Prante asks if Hillary Clinton failed economics and takes a shot at Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue in the process:

Clinton and McCain are supporting a temporary repeal of the federal gas tax (18.4 cents), which is bad tax policy for a variety of reasons. But Clinton is going a step further. She must have went to the Sonny Perdue school of economics because she not only wants the gas tax repealed, but she is supporting essentially price controls by saying that she would force the price at the pump to fall by 18.4 cents, or else the Federal Trade Commission would come after station owners. Clinton is essentially assuming that the price elasticity of demand for gasoline is perfectly inelastic. Yes, that's the same Clinton who says we need a cap-and-trade system (an implicit tax on energy consumption) to reduce consumption of energy. But if demand is perfectly inelastic as she seems to be assuming in her gas tax relief proposal, then such a cap-and-trade provision wouldn't save the planet at all. (That's because a cap-and-trade provision assumes people respond to higher prices by reducing consumption. She assumes no response in the market for gasoline.)

Posted by Jason at 04:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Are voters becoming skeptical of Obama?:

Hillary Rodham Clinton has a better chance than Barack Obama of beating Republican John McCain, according to a new Associated Press-Ipsos poll that bolsters her argument that she is more electable in the fall than her rival for the Democratic nomination.

The survey released Monday gives Clinton a fresh talking point as she works to convince pivotal undecided superdelegates to side with her in the drawn-out Democratic primary fight.

Clinton, who won the Pennsylvania primary last week, has gained ground this month in a hypothetical head-to-head match up with the GOP nominee-in-waiting; she now leads McCain, 50 percent to 41 percent, while Obama remains virtually tied with McCain, 46 percent to 44 percent.

Posted by Jason at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

[Update - 4/28] Commissioner Mathis attempted to qualify for Chairman of the Henry County Board of Commissioners this morning but refused when presented a letter quoting state law from the Henry County Board of Elections.

According to an eyewitness, she was threatening to leave and immediately file a lawsuit against the county.

[Original Post] On April 8th The Henry board of commissioners voted to seek legal opinion about a 1987 local act that passed the legislature, was signed by the governor -- but procedural law was ignored, and it was never sent to the Department of Justice for clearance. Since the legislation (Ga. L. 1987, p. 4464) sat for 21 years without DOJ clearance it was not enforceable.

Even though former District 3 commissioner Jason Harper (now Chairman) and District 2 commissioner Gary Freedman duked it out in litigation over this same local legislation, it was found to be moot. Former state attorney general Mike Bowers' opinion at the time (2004) was that the board of commissioner (governing authority) should forward the local legislation to DOJ without delay.

Read Kudos to the Board previously posted at this site.

After the morning meeting I was informed that Chairman Harper was approached by a citizen who insisted the matter not be stalled by seeking further unenforceable opinions. The citizen had already grown weary of non-action and contacted the DOJ and ACLU independently. Chairman Harper agreed to immediately “send the1987 local act and the BOC resolution to the DOJ.”

As the mind-boggling jumble of legal machinations twirled in limbo at the county attorney's office, the county's outside legal counsel for elections matters rendered an opinion: The local act would certainly be cleared by DOJ and the county board of elections should proceed as if the decision was already given. To do otherwise could ultimately result in the election's total nullification.

Today at about 3:45pm the Department of Justice cleared the local act and notified county officials. The state Constitution provides for elected officials seeking other offices. But this act specifically states:

2.1 No person shall be eligible to seek election to, or serve as a member of the board of commissioners, if such person holds or is seeking election to any other federal, state or local office.

The only sitting commissioner seeking "another office" is Elizabeth "BJ" Mathis. Yard signs are already in place. Supporters have consistently ranted about the injustice of Truth about Nash Farm. (The Battlefield website is blatant campaign advertising!) SPLOST funds for roads surrounding a proposed shopping mall are on the agenda. Her campaign for Chairman has been in place for over two years.... Now, she must resign her seat as District 2 commissioner before qualifying next Monday.

Mathis' only other option is to file a Superior Court lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the law. That would mean filing against Henry County - and costing taxpayers mega-bucks to defend against dishonorable political ambitions.

The 1987 local act is now Georgia law and completely enforceable. The Henry board of elections will stand by the Letter of Clearance from DOJ.

Posted by Larry Stanley at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (46)

I read about something like this in reason this month. It appears that Florida is trying to one up Georgia in Stupid Government Tricks:

Metal replicas of bull testicles have become trendy bumper ornaments in some parts of the Sunshine State, but state Sen. Carey Baker is campaigning to ban the orbs.

Baker acknowledged that Florida lawmakers have more pressing issues, including huge revenue shortfalls, but said the state needs to draw a line on what's obscene before more objectionable adornments appear.

State Sen. Steve Geller argued against Baker's bill.

"I find it shocking that we should be telling people that have the metallic bull testicles ... you're now going to have points on your license for this," said Geller.

Geller was in the minority. Baker's bill to fine drivers $60 for displaying the ornaments passed the Senate. It's now up to the House, but there's only a slim chance that members of that chamber would pass the measure before the session ends this coming Friday.

Posted by Jason at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Amanda was just listening to the new Thrice record with me. She went their show last night in Atlanta and was showing me some of the songs they played. Now, I've liked this band for years. They are talented musicians and Dustin Kensrue is an excellent lyricist. He has used pulled some of the writings of C.S. Lewis and E.E. Cummings into some of of their songs and his own stuff is very intelligent.

She told me that one of the songs, "Broken Lungs," was about 9/11. I was paying attention to the lyrics. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I said, "Dustin Kensrue is a Truther? That's disappointing."

Here is the song, you can find the lyrics here:

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

This guy has to be the worst politician that has ever lived:

U.S. Congressional candidate Tony Zirkle is facing criticism from one of his primary opponents, and a host of people on the Internet, for speaking at an event over the weekend that celebrated Adolf Hitler’s birthday.

Zirkle confirmed to The News-Dispatch on Monday he spoke Sunday in Chicago at a meeting of the Nationalist Socialist Workers Party, whose symbol is a swastika.

When asked if he was a Nazi or sympathized with Nazis or white supremacists, Zirkle replied he didn’t know enough about the group to either favor it or oppose it.

“This is just a great opportunity for me to witness,” he said, referring to his message and his Christian belief.

He also told WIMS radio in Michigan City that he didn’t believe the event he attended included people necessarily of the Nazi mindset, pointing out the name isn’t Nazi, but Nationalist Socialist Workers Party.

H/T: Below the Beltway

Posted by Jason at 09:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Miami has already taken Michigan's Jake Long as the number one pick and signed him to a long term deal. There is no telling who will go second. It could be Darren McFadden from Arkansas or Chris Long from Virginia or Glenn Dorsey from LSU.

The Falcons have 11 draft picks, including the third overall pick in the draft. They want Dorsey, but if he is picked by the Rams, who have the second pick in the draft, they'll probably pick Matt Ryan. The AJC has the Falcons doing just that in their mock draft.

There are some Georgia Bulldogs that could be picked I would expect to see Thomas Brown, Kelin Johnson, Marcus Howard, Brandon Coutu and maybe Sean Bailey to go late today or tomorrow.

[UPDATE] Here is how the draft is going:
First Round
1. Miami - Jake Long (OT/Michigan)
2. St. Louis - Chris Long (DE/Virginia)
3. Atlanta - Matt Ryan (QB/Boston College)
4. Oakland - Darren McFadden (RB/Arkansas)
5. Kansas City - Glenn Dorsey (DT/LSU)
6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston (DE/Ohio State)
7. New Orleans - Sedrick Ellis (DT/USC)
8. Jacksonville - Derrick Harvey (DE/Florida)
9. Cincinnati - Keith Rivers (OLB/USC)
10. New England - Jerod Mayo (MLB/Tennessee)
11. Buffalo - Leodis McKelvin (CB/Troy State)
12. Denver - Ryan Clady (OT/Boise State)
13. Carolina - Jonathan Stewart (RB/Oregon)
14. Chicago - Chris Williams (OT/Vanderbilt)
15. Kansas City - Branden Albert (G/Virginia)
16. Arizona - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB/Tenn. State)
17. Detriot - Gosder Cherilus (OT/Boston College)
18. Baltimore - Joe Flacco (QB/Delaware)
19. Carolina- Jeff Otah (OT/Pitt)
20. Tampa Bay - Aqib Talib (CB/Kansas)
21. Atlanta - Sam Baker (OT/USC)
22. Dallas - Felix Jones (RB/Arkansas)
23. Pittsburgh - Rashard Mendenhall (RB/Illinois)
24. Tennessee - Chris Johnson (RB/East Carolina)
25. Dallas - Mike Jenkins (CB/South Florida)
26. Houston - Duane Brown (OT/Virginia Tech)
27. San Diego - Antoine Cason (CB/Arizona)
28. Seattle - Lawrence Jackson (DE/USC)
29. San Francisco - Kentwan Balmer (DT/North Carolina)
30. New York Jets- Dustin Keller (TE/Perdue)
31. New York Giants - Kenny Phillips (S/Miami)

There were too many trades to keep up with.

You can follow the rest of the draft here. I'll post the rest of the Falcons picks for the day later, as well as any Georgia Bulldogs that are picked.

Some quick first-round notes:
- Seven offensive tackles were taken.
- No wide receivers were taken.
- USC has the most picks with four.
- Six players from SEC schools went in the first round.
- Six players from ACC schools.
- Four players from the Big 12 were taken in the first-round.
- Five runnings backs, two from Arkansas, were taken.

Posted by Jason at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Alan Keyes failed to receive the presidential nomination of the Constitution Party. Keyes, after failing to even so much as make a dent in the GOP race, left the Republican Party to seek the nomination of the Constitution Party. The website for his run even displays an upside down dead GOP elephant.

The Constitution Party chose Chuck Baldwin as its nominee. However, he will not appear on the ballot in Georgia.

Posted by Jason at 02:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Insanity reigns in Clayton County as the board hires a new superintendent that SACS says is not qualified:

The majority of the 40 citizens in attendance – including state Sen. Roberta Abdul-Salaam (D-Riverdale) – shouted at the board and demanded a chance to speak out against the hiring of corrective superintendent John W. Thompson.
[...]
The board refused to hear comments from the audience, instructed police to intervene and voted 5-0 to hire Thompson. Board members Michelle Strong, David Ashe, Sandra Scott, Yolanda Everett and Lois Baines-Hunter approved the contract.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools gave the district nine mandates to meet by Sept. 1 or lose accreditation. Those mandates include hiring a permanent superintendent and establishing a capable board. This would be the first school district in the United States to lose accreditation in the past 40 years. A loss of accreditation could mean difficulty getting into colleges or universities, obtaining pre-kindergarten funding and a drop in property values.

"They need to go," Abdul-Salaam said after the meeting. "If SACS says hire a permanent superintendent, in what world or universe do you hire a corrective superintendent? If SACS says the man is not qualified, in what world do you hire the man?"

The head of SACS and two state board of education members appointed by the governor to help Clayton have all said Thompson is not qualified to save the district's accreditation.

I realize that whoever takes this job is going to have a lot to deal with, but this seems like an awful lot of money for someone who, according to the head of SACS, isn't even qualified for the job.

Meanwhile, the Governor's appointees that have worked with Clayton to keep the system from losing accreditation say there is no chance that will not happen.

Posted by Jason at 02:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Amanda and I caught this the other day. It is an I-Team investigation into restaurants that put red snapper or grouper on the menu but you actually get something get some different.

The first part of the investigation is disappointing because RuSans, one of our favorite restaurants in Atlanta, was featured. At least they owned up to it when confronted about it. One guy refused to talk about it. Another said they got red snapper and showed Randy Travis part of the package that clearly read tilapia.

Having worked in restaurants, I can tell you that you'd probably never eat at one again if you knew some of the stuff that went down in the kitchen. Stuff like this is only the tip of the iceberg.

You can watch the first part here and the second here.

Posted by Jason at 09:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

There are other solutions that will lessen the burden carried by taxpayers that could solve our traffic problems. Some market-based solutions have been tried with success in other parts of the country. The 91 Express Lanes in Orange County, California are one example. The 91 Express Lanes is a toll road that was built by a private company at no cost to taxpayers. It serves more than 40,000 commuters a day with congestion-free lanes and market-based prices. While commuters can take their chances with traffic in the "regular" lanes, those taking the 91 Express Lanes drive by in congestion-free traffic. Since they were opened in December 1995, the lanes have saved more than 32 million hours of commuting time and have added $480 million to the economy.

Here is my column for this week. I'm back after getting bumped last week because of global warming. I wrote against the need for a new tax dedicated to transportation and about market alternatives.

My sources in this editorial are Randal O'Toole, who was gracious enough to speak with me, and his new study published by the Cato Institute.

Also, this episode from reason.tv provided information about the 91 Express Lanes:

Posted by Jason at 06:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Since there are some folks from Clayton County that visit this blog on a regular basis, I wanted to point out a potential alternative to the Clayton County School System through distance education.

Ashworth University, a distance education school based in the metro-Atlanta area, will be holding an open house on Saturday at Southlake Mall from 10am to 5pm.

Posted by Jason at 09:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

My bride-to-be wants to get married in Las Vegas by Elvis.

Uhhhh, I am NOT down with that.

Posted by Jason at 05:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

House Speaker Glenn Richardson and former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr have been added to the list of speakers for this event.

The Georgia chapter of Americans for Prosperity will be holding their annual Defending the American Dream Summit on May 3rd (9 am to 2 pm) at the 755 Club inside Turner Field.

They have a great list of speakes lined up:
- Grover Norquist from Americans for Tax Reform
- Congressman Tom Price
- Congressman Phil Gingrey
- Karen Handel, Georgia's Secretary of State
- State Sen. Chip Rogers
- House Speaker Glenn Richardson
- Bob Barr, former Georgia Congressman

The cost for the summit is $29 for an individual or $15 for a student. You can register here. It should be a great time. Please try to make it out.

Posted by Jason at 04:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

A new poll says the Islamic world overwhelming hates the United States due to our foreign policy, not our values or freedoms.

You can view the poll in its entirety here.

Posted by Jason at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

My review of John Adams has the distinct honor of being listed in the daily news over at the Club for Growth.

Posted by Jason at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Paul Broun has been endorsed by the Club for Growth:

The Club for Growth PAC endorsed Republican Representative Paul Broun in Georgia’s Tenth Congressional District.

Although Rep. Broun has only been in Congress nine months, he has already shown himself to be a conservative stalwart on economic issues. He received a 100% on the Club for Growth’s RePORK Card, voting against all pork projects for which he was present, and has recently taken a self-imposed moratorium on earmarks. Broun is also a strong supporter of tax cuts, limited government, and free market policies.

“In his short time in Congress, Paul Broun has proven himself to be a valuable member of the Republican Caucus and the Republican Study Committee,” said Club for Growth President Pat Toomey. “He has stood steadfast against wasteful government spending and big-government initiatives even if it meant voting against his Party. The Club for Growth PAC will do whatever it takes to help Rep. Broun earn a full term.”

Word is that NRCC internals show Broun with a huge lead.

[UPDATE] Pat Toomey, President of the Club for Growth and a former Congressman, says the Club is prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure Broun's re-election.

Posted by Jason at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The Clayton school board has voted to hire a man DEEMED NOT QUALIFIED BY THE ACCREDITING BODY! The group hat determines accreditation has said he is not qualified! That should be the end of the story! But nothing coming out of Clayton County should suprise anyone:

Last month, Mark A. Elgart, president and chief executive officer of the association, declared neither Thompson nor the other Clayton finalist at the time could get the job done.
"The characteristics of the individuals they are looking at are not the characteristics they should be looking at," Elgart said last month. "We have serious reservations about their ability to retain the district's accreditation."

Reached at his home, Thompson's wife, Yvonne, said she was surprised to hear the news and the couple was unaware that Thompson was offered the job.

Posted by Joshua Patterson at 11:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

John Oxendine has filed the paper to accept contributions for a potential run for Governor in 2010:

Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine filed his paperwork Wednesday to begin raising money to run for governor in 2010. The Republican made clear he plans to campaign on tax cuts.

“As a Georgia taxpayer, I am disappointed the tax breaks we were all promised were not passed by the General Assembly,” Oxendine said in a press release. “On April 30, I, as so many of my fellow Georgians do year after year, will be paying the annual birthday ad-valorem tax on my automobile.

“I would hope the governor and the Legislature could also help the taxpayer by agreeing on the tax breaks which have been proposed.”

Posted by Jason at 06:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Today is Tax Freedom Day. You won't see people making a big deal out of this it like they do on Earth Day, which was yesterday.

As of today, Americans have earned enough to pay their tax tax obligations at the local, state and national level.

Posted by Jason at 11:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Here is my review of John Adams that appears in today's Covington News.

Posted by Jason at 06:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

This is ridiculous. Peachtree City is legislating a man of out of his right to earn a living:

The heavy proliferation of tattoos — at least 63 upon last check — makes it very clear that Rodney Pendleton isn't exactly your average Peachtree City business owner. But he wants city leaders to get to know him before judging him and others who choose to decorate themselves with body art.

He suspects preconceived stereotypes are what fueled ordinances the City Council passed recently that could doom the tattoo parlor he opened this month at the Peachtree Crossings East shopping center, just behind the Chick-fil-A and McDonald's. Pendleton and his brother, Dave, own Area 54 Tattoos, the city's first ink emporium.
[...]
Chief among the rules the city established is the stipulation that a licensed doctor must perform the tattoos or be present for direct supervision. This figures to be a costly measure, Pendleton said.

Other regulations deal with shop cleanliness and hours of operation.

Council members cited possible health risks such as HIV and hepatitis — as well as an adverse effect on city property values — in unanimously passing the measures during a February meeting.
[...]
However, a spokeswoman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday there have been no known cases in the United States linking the spread of HIV or hepatitis directly through tattoo parlors.

Posted by Jason at 10:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Today is the Pennsylvania Democratic primary. Hillary Clinton has a lead in the polls, Real Clear Politics puts her lead at 6.1%. Some observers believe that Clinton must win by double digits in order to justify remaining in the race.

CNN has an excellent guide to today's race. Vote totals can be viewed here starting at 7pm.

Another race that I will follow tonight is the special election in Mississippi's 1st Congressional District. Our friend Chris Perkins is working for Greg Davis, the only Republican in the race. Davis has already won the primary for November, but this is to fill the unexpired term of Roger Wicker, who took Trent Lott's place in the United States Senate.

[6:55pm] If the exit polls that are up on the Drudge Report are any indication, Hillary Clinton is in for a long night. they show Clinton with only a four point lead over Obama, 52% to 47%. You can read more on the exit polls here.

[8:01pm] Polls closed at 8pm, not 7pm.

[8:14pm] No winner has been declared, that is not good news for Clinton.

[8:17pm] Here is some potentially good news for McCain: "The Arizona senator stands to win supporters of both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama if their candidate does not win."

[8:18pm] This is weird: "The Uniformed Division of the Secret Service is confiscating all food and drink as members of the media file in to cover Hillary Clinton's election night party."

[8:22pm] You can track congressional race in Mississippi here.

[8:23pm] Bob Novak says that Rob Portman, a former Congressman from Ohio and current director of the Office of Management and Budget, will be McCain's running mate.

[8:59pm] NBC is calling Pennsylvania for Clinton.

[9:00pm] Clinton leads Obama 53% to 47% with five percent of precincts reporting.

[9:02pm] The Associated Press is calling Pennsylvania for Clinton.

[10:28pm] Things are very close in Mississippi. Davis (R) trails Childers (D) by more than 300 votes. This race is "non-partisan" and there are more than two candidates on the ballot, but only two of them are significant. If neither candidate wins 50%, it will go to a runoff on May 13th. This is a district that has been a safe Republican seat for a while. Wicker won it with 66% in 2006.

Posted by Jason at 06:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Reason.tv was at demonstration calling for a national moratorium on mortgage foreclosures, among other things. You need to see the inane comments from some of these people yourself. Damn, just...damn.

Posted by Jason at 06:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

The following is a statement from Senate Pro-Tem Eric Johnson on the failed T-SPLOST (SR 845) votes that took place on Sine Die and his reasons for voting against the proposal.

Recent reports have hinted that “Senate leadership” may have voted against T-SPLOST (SR 845) because the Governor opposed it. That is incorrect. And there are reports of political revenge by “business interests” against those who voted against higher taxes for roads. I hope that this is incorrect, too.

While I cannot speak for other Senators, I believe that they were opposed for the same reason I was – it amounted to ‘taxation without representation’. That issue started a revolution 232 years ago and I believe it would have started another one if it had passed.

When SR 845 left the Senate on February 20, it passed 51-4. It would have allowed any county to add an additional one penny sales tax for transportation needs. Like other Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes (SPLOST), it would be for specific projects for a limited time and require voter approval. I voted “YES”.

On April 4, with literally 4 minutes left on the last day of the session, the Senate was presented with a new version that allowed a large group of counties to decide on regional road projects and then voted on by every county in the region. If a county voted against it, but it passed regionally, that county’s taxes were raised anyway. That was obviously unacceptable to many Senators, including me.

As a proposed Constitutional amendment, it required a 2/3 vote. It passed comfortably in the House, but failed in the Senate by 3 votes. 14 of 34 Republican Senators, including their 4 top leaders, and 4 Democrat Senators, including the Minority Leader, voted against the final version of the bill. The bill was reconsidered and failed again by the same vote.

I represent a portion of a large county (Chatham) and two smaller counties (Bryan and Liberty). Under the provisions of SR 845, Chatham County voters could outnumber the two smaller counties and force their taxes to increase. That is political suicide. It also isn’t fair. I make no apologies.

I want to help with traffic relief. I voted for T-SPLOST. But I couldn’t support what we were faced with at the last minute. I also believe that, if SR 845 had passed and been on the ballot for voter confirmation, it would have been defeated. We can come back and give local communities the ability to raise their own taxes if they want, but we should never allow someone to raise it against their will.

Sen. Eric Johnson
President Pro Tempore

Posted by Jason at 06:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bob Levy, co-counsel and financier of District of Columbia v. Heller, writes about guns and private property over at the Cato Institute:

Private property does not belong to the public. Employing a large staff, providing services to lots of customers, or permitting public access to a parking lot is not sufficient to transform private property into public. The litmus test for private property is ownership.

The owner of the property should be able to determine — for good reasons, bad reasons, or no reason at all — whether to admit gun owners, non-gun owners, neither or both. Customers, employees and guests who object may go elsewhere. That's the controlling principle.

Posted by Jason at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Doug Craig and Garrett Hayes talked with Bob Barr on Saturday. Among the topics discussed were education, the FairTax, flag burning and DoMA.

You can stream the interview here or directly download it here.

By the way, Doug and Garrett host a radio show every Saturday on 1320 AM in Griffin.

Posted by Jason at 05:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Andre at Georgia Politics Unfiltered has fundraising numbers for the most recent quarter for Georgia's Congressional races.

In related news, Rep. Paul Broun will get the backing of all Republican members of Georgia's Congressional delegation in his upcoming primary against challenger Barry Fleming. That's not surprising after Fleming essentially attacked the delegation for backing a bill pushed by Broun.

Also, State Sen. Regina Thomas may challenge Rep. John Barrow in the Democratic primary.

Posted by Jason at 04:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As if the Georgia Department of Transportation needed any more problems, board member Garland Pinholster is being investigated for sexual harassment:

Just a week after the chairman of the state Transportation Board quit and revealed a romantic relationship with the head of the department, Channel 2 Action News has learned that his replacement is the subject of a sexual harassment investigation.

The chief counsel for the DOT confirms that a complaint was received last week which is now under investigation.

The DOT's lawyer will not confirm that the subject of the investigation is Garland Pinholster -- who moved up to acting chairman of the agency when the chairman Mike Evans resigned last week. Evans quit to pursue a relationship with DOT chief Gena Abraham.

A source familiar with the sexual harrassment investigation confirmed to WSB-TV Channel 2 reporter Richard Belcher that it is Pinholster, and the accusers are DOT employees.
[...]
Pinholster stepped down as the acting head of the board on Monday. He was replaced by William Kuhlke.

Posted by Jason at 04:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

The GDOT board is deciding the fate of Gena Abraham over her relationship with now former Chairman Mike Evans:

The board called a special meeting for 10 a.m. Monday to finish business left undone when last week's two-day meeting devolved into closed sessions digesting the personal lives of the department's top leaders. The chief question now is whether, if Abraham decides to stay, the board will decide to keep her.

One key issue is whether Abraham retains the credibility as a hard-charging, by-the-book enforcer of the rules to effectively carry out her reforms.

Evans and her other supporters have painted her as a historic change agent brought in to reverse a 50-year culture at DOT of over-promising projects and slack adherence to the rules. They say she remains effective and must stay.

An "intimate" relationship between an employee and a superior in the worker's chain of command is forbidden by DOT policy, and it is unclear how long Abraham was out of conformity with that policy. She has refused to comment publicly.

Evans has refused to say when the relationship actually got romantic, saying that was personal matter. Gov. Sonny Perdue, who also continues to support Abraham, has said a relationship between two people comes on gradually, not like turning on a light switch.

I think most everyone wants to see Abraham finish what she has started and that may be why she keeps her job.

I'll update this as soon as I hear what action the board takes.

[4:08pm] Abraham was reprimanded by the GDOT board by an 8 to 3 vote. A motion was made to remove Abraham, but it did not receive a second the motion did receive a second.

[9:51pm] From IA:

Board Member Dana Lemon, who did not support Abraham in the original election last October, offered a motion to ask for Abraham's resignation. That was seconded by Sam Wellborn, who also did not support Abraham last October.

Posted by Jason at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

From GPPF's Friday Facts:

- Then: “The war against illegal plunder has been fought since the beginning of the world. But how is... legal plunder to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some persons what belongs to them, and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong. See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime. Then abolish this law without delay... If such a law is not abolished immediately it will spread, multiply and develop into a system.” – Frederic Bastiat

- Now: “The truth is, in order to get things like universal health care and a revamped education system, then someone is going to have to give up a piece of their pie so that someone else can have more.” – Michelle Obama

By the way, the quote from Frederic Bastiat is from The Law. Read it. You can buy it here or read it for free here.

Posted by Jason at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Kyle King is not too happy with Lynn Westmoreland over this:

Congratulations, Lynn. By being a sniveling little prisspot, you just managed to take a team that finished No. 2 in the country last year and figures to be a strong contender for the 2008 national title and reduced it to the status of a mid-major. Nice job, dipwad.

I understand that a great many of you who are reading this are principled playoff proponents who dislike the B.C.S. I respect that point of view. However, there is no way this kind of nonsense is going to do anything but make us look like a bunch of sore losers and petty wimps.

The Bulldogs didn't have a gripe about not getting into the national championship game; the Red and Black didn't win their conference title, Louisiana State and Oklahoma legitimately leapfrogged them on the final weekend, and, if the 'Dawgs had just scored one touchdown in a night game at home against a team that went 6-6 and didn't go to a bowl game, Georgia would have had its shot at L.S.U. on the first weekend in December, with a national championship game berth on the line. (Had Georgia won the head-to-head tiebreaker for the Eastern Division's slot in the conference title tilt, the Classic City Canines would have met Louisiana State with a chance to advance to play Ohio State. Sounds to me like we settled it on the field.)

The Warriors likewise didn't have a gripe because they played an atrocious schedule and their unworthiness was confirmed in New Orleans when, um, you know.

The Broncos have a gripe. Boise State had a case to make for the 2006 national crown and B.S.U. need not fear a post-Sugar Bowl backlash against non-B.C.S. teams because the Broncos face legitimate slates. If Congressman Simpson wants to pursue this, I think he's probably wasting his time, but his constituents might conscientiously have an argument.

We don't, and, even if we did, we were the No. 2 team in the dadgum country! Aside from occasional outbursts of idiocy from, um, you know, no one is doubting the Bulldogs as contenders.

Posted by Jason at 12:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Georgia State will have a football team beginning in 2010:

Georgia State President Carl Patton announced today (April 17) that the university will begin football. His announcement received an enthusiastic response from the large crowd of faculty, staff, students and alumni gathered at the Georgia State Student Center.

The Panthers, who will play at the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Level (formally known as NCAA Division I-AA), will kick off their inaugural season in 2010 and will play their home games at the Georgia Dome.
[...]
Shortly after joining the football-sponsoring Colonial Athletic Association in 2005, Georgia State conducted a feasibility study that showed that alumni, students, faculty and staff were in support of adding a football program.

In April of ’07, the school hired former National Football League player and coach Dan Reeves as its football consultant. Reeves helped secure more than $1 million in pledges for a football program.

Last October, the Mandatory Student Fee Committee unanimously approved an increase in the student athletic fee, and shortly after that the Fiscal Advisory Committee to the President also endorsed the proposed increase. Thus, with overwhelming campus support, Patton forwarded the request to the Board of Regents for approval, which officially came April 15.

Posted by Jason at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today is the anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American war for independence and the "shot heard round the world."

This was sent in by Green Death last year. It is a great description of what happened on April 19, 1775:

Today is an important anniversary for this country, this community of people I call my countrymen. For on this day a band of radicals shot and killed government officials who were merely doing their job. These government employees were attempting to maintain the peace and ensure that law and order would not be disturbed by these radicals and their friends.

Instead of complying with the requests of the properly appointed government official, these radicals - who had a significant history of violence and destruction of property - laid in wait for the government employees. The radicals - using firearms that were illegal for them to possess - shot and killed several of the government employees.

Understandably, the government officials returned fire and killed or wounded several of their attackers. The exact number of the radicals killed was never determined exactly; most got away.

- The radicals? The Minutemen
- The government employees? King George III’s soldiers
- The place? Lexington and Concord
- The date? April 19, 1775
- The mission of the government employees? Confiscation of firearms being stockpiled by the Colonists.

April 19th is a proud and great day for this Country. We should celebrate this day and the freedoms won by our brave forefathers who fought many a battle to ensure our liberty. The battles of Lexington and Concord were fought because the government was attempting to confiscate firearms.

All you will hear about today is Waco, Oklahoma City or Virginia Tech. When someone brings up those anniversaries - it is the duty of all well educated people to remind others of the battles at the Green in Lexington and the Old North Bridge in Concord. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Posted by Jason at 10:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

John Adams is available for pre-order at Amazon, as are National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets and The Dirty Dozen: How Twelve Supreme Court Cases Radically Expanded Government and Eroded Freedom.

My wishlist just keeps growing.

Posted by Jason at 12:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A friend forwarded this along:

On Thursday, April 3, the McDonough City Council will begin discussions concerning a change in the signage ordinances during their workshop session beginning at 7:00 p.m. This matter was tabled from a previous council meeting in order to investigate ways to gain more public opinion since the issue appeared to be the cause of varying opinions in the community. Although the recommended changes involve a number of items, the main focus seems to be the limitations to be placed on the display of the Confederate flag at the memorial statue in the McDonough Square.
[...]
A point of contention between many opponents of the ordinance change is that if the monument is a memorial to the Confederate dead, why should the flag be restricted from being displayed. “This is a Confederate city with a Confederate memorial statue,” continues McBerry. “How can this not be allowed?”

However, I don't see how McDonough is a "Confederate city." The Confederacy began in 1861 and ended in 1865. It may have been a city inside a state that was part of the Confederacy, but McDonough was established in 1823, which is more than 40 years before Georgia seceded from the Union.

I guess it all depends on what Mr. McBerry's meaning of "is" is.

Posted by Jason at 11:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (45)

I made an offer on a home in this neighborhood, I think it was even on the same street, last summer. Glad to hear that no one was hurt.

Posted by Jason at 06:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

No column for me tomorrow. The Covington News is running a series on "climate change" that bumped the column I had written for tomorrow to next Friday. I also will be writing a review of John Adams for the paper that should run on Wednesday....so, two columns next week.

Posted by Jason at 10:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

The following is an editorial written by State Sen. John Douglas on House Bill 89. I believe it will be running in most of the papers in the 17th District and the AJC.

Governor Perdue, please sign House Bill 89, the concealed weapons bill that will better allow law abiding Georgians to defend themselves and their families.

Many vocal opponents of the second amendment are in a lather over the prospect of Governor Sonny Perdue signing the recently passed personal protection bill which would expand the places law abiding, concealed weapons permit holders can take their weapons.

I was the Senator who added the amendment to HB 89 which brought mass transit and restaurants into the bill. When I spoke on the Senate floor to ask for approval of the amendment, I cited several examples of situations where legally held guns were available to stop violence and where they were not. At Lubby's Cafeteria in Killeen, Texas on October 16, 1991 a deranged man drove his truck into a plate glass window of the restaurant, got out and began shooting diners. In the crowd was a member of the US Olympic Shooting team who had weapons in her car, but under Texas law, could not bring them into the establishment. She saw both of her parents and 22 others killed that day while she could not get to her guns.

In Colorado Springs, CO in December, 2007, a gunman killed two unarmed teenage girls in the parking lot of a church. When he entered the church ready to replicate previous mass murders, he encountered an armed church member who immediately killed him with no other injuries occurring in the facility.

The story of Virginia Tech is well known, many dead students and faculty members who had no access to protection while the police did their best to get to the scene. Compare that to Appalachian State University on January 16, 2002 where two students were able to get to their cars and their guns, returned, captured the gunman and held him for police. Three people died there compared to more than two dozen at VA Tech.

There are few if any examples of gun free zones or areas creating crime free zones. City after city that has tried to take weapons from law abiding citizens have seen crime rates rise. Even whole counties, like Australia one year after law abiding citizens were required to turn in guns has seen significant rises in crimes such as murder, home invasions and armed robberies. When a criminal knows or suspects his victim is not going to be armed, he is more likely to attack, not less likely. It's just that simple.

The General Assembly can legislate all day long, but there is nothing the we can do to force criminals to obey the law. There is much we can do to force law abiding citizens to obey the law simply because they will. While honest Georgians will do as we say, criminals will continue on their way ignoring our laws. The result: criminals will continue to use guns for violence while hard working, honest citizens will find themselves unprotected. Law enforcement in Georgia does a wonderful job but they can not be everywhere all the time.

Governor Perdue, we have nothing to fear from law abiding, honest Georgians. Give us the chance to protect ourselves and our families in a violent time. Give us the means to hold off criminals until law enforcement arrives. Give honest Georgians HB 89.

Senator John Douglas
GA Senate District 17

Posted by Jason at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

Did Obama make an offensive hand gesture to Clinton?:

H/T: Red State

Posted by Jason at 08:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

This is kind of an update on yesterday's post about an investigation into an earmark by Rep. Don Young (R-AK). The earmark in question, it is being referred to as the "Coconut Road” earmark, was changed after it was approved by both chambers of Congress and signed by President Bush.

The Club for Growth and Citizens Against Government Waste (and here) have been following action in the Senate today on an amendment to a technical corrections bill by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK).

Andy Roth at the CFG writes that Coburn's amendment would initiate an investigation into the "Coconut Road" earmark and likely the $40,000 in campaign contributions that Young, who represents Alaska, received from a developer pushing the project, which is in Florida.

The New York Times has a good article about the project:

The Republican congressman [Connie Mack] whose district does include Coconut Road says he did not seek the money. County authorities have twice voted not to use it, until Mr. Young and the district congressman wrote letters warning that a refusal could jeopardize future federal money for the county.

It seems open and shut, right? Wrong. House Democrats, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with help from Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) are threatening to kill the bill, which is, as CAGW points out, is "crammed with new earmarks and additional money for previous earmarks!!" Boxer is reported to admit that, "I think it’s very possible people ought to go to jail here.”

Like I said yesterday and wrote in my column a few weeks ago, the process of earmarking is shrouded in secrecy and because of that it welcomes corruption. If this were investigated, it could bring what goes on behind the scenes to the forefront and it would show that Democrats have done absolutely nothing to clean up Washington.

[UPDATE] Coburn's amendment to create a bicameral special committee to investigate to investigate the "Coconut Road" earmark failed by a vote of 49 to 43, it needed 60 votes to pass.

Boxer's amendment to send the matter to the Justice Department passed 63 to 29.

You can read more here.

Posted by Jason at 04:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Things at GDOT keeping getting more odd:

State Transportation Board chairman Mike Evans announced today he will resign from the board.

Evans said that over the last month and he and Department of Transportation Commissioner Gena Abraham have developed a relationship that they both want to be more than friendship.

No decision was made or announced on Abraham's future with the department. The board called a special meeting for Monday, but did not state a purpose.
[...]
An email Evans sent to some members of the House and Senate says, in part: "My heart is heavy today because I know that in tendering my resignation, I am also disappointing a great number of people who have supported me throughout the years, in particular during my re-election to the board this year. ...I will spend the rest of my days trying to restore their trust and in gaining their forgiveness for having stepped down at this point in my term."

[UPDATE] IA has more to the story. Gena Abraham's future with GDOT could be in question. She reportedly offered her resignation to the board.

Posted by Jason at 04:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Don't dance around the Jefferson Memorial at midnight:

It is just before midnight at the Jefferson Memorial, and as the celebrants dance in honor of the founding father's birthday, wind whips across the Tidal Basin and spotlights gleam off the towering bronze statue in the echoing sanctum of the monument.

Suddenly, in a video and audio recording of the event, a shadow looms and a voice commands: "You gotta go. Leave. You're acting disorderly."

"Why?" a voice asks. There is a commotion. Protest. Cursing. A woman, a former ambassador's daughter, is handcuffed, arrested and taken away. And within moments, an event that participants say was a simple libertarian celebration of Thomas Jefferson's birthday turns into a tense encounter between police and the public.

God forbid we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion. The people cannot be all, and always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented, in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet under such misconceptions, it is lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty. ... What country before ever existed a century and half without a rebellion? And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

[UPDATE] Others are taking issue with the "Jefferson Scholar" comments.

Posted by Jason at 10:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Democrats in the US Senate want an investigation over an earmark requested by Rep. Don Young (R-AK), a unapologetic defender of his pork:

The Senate may seek a federal investigation into a 2005 earmark on a highway funding bill that was mysteriously altered after Congress approved the measure but before President Bush signed it.

The $10 million earmark, originally designated for improvements to Interstate 75 in Lee and Collier Counties in Florida, was changed to direct the money to build an interchange in Lee County, an apparently violation of congressional rules.

"This wasn't an ordinary earmark," Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York, said, defending the decision by Democratic leaders to invite the Justice Department to probe internal congressional practices. "It was the specific circumstances here that are highly unusual."
[...]
Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, who was then the chairman of the transportation committee and chief author of the bill, says he asked for the initial project money during the 2005 congressional session for "widening and improvements for I-75 in Collier and Lee counties."

But before the bill got to the President's desk for his signature, the wording of the earmark was changed and the $10 million was redirected to build the "Coconut Road interchange I-75, Lee County."

Democrats widely believe Young directed someone to change the language. They note that as the bill was moving through Congress, Young received $40,000 in campaign contributions from local business leaders who stood to gain from a new highway interchange at that location.

If Senate leaders want the DoJ to investigate Young, they should go ahead and investigate nearly $30,000 in campaign contributions to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which is headed by Chuck Schumer, and Hillary Clinton by Alan Gerry, who was seeking a $1 million earmark for the hippie museum at Woodstock.

My point is that there is plenty of this type of questionable behavior going on in Congress and those pointing fingers in this case are just as guilty. And I'm not defending Don Young. He is corrupt and I hope the people of Alaska boot him from office, but he only an example of the corruption.

Posted by Jason at 10:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Stephen Bainbridge speaks the truth about Obama:

When I think about Obama, I am reminded of Richard Epstein’s observation that in order to remain politically viable modern socialists no longer advocate direct government ownership of production. Instead, modern socialism operates on two different levels: “At a personal level, it speaks to the alienation of the individual, stressing the need for caring and sharing and the politics of meaning. At a regulatory level, it seeks to identify specific sectors in which there is a market failure and then to subject them to various forms of government regulation.” Sounds a lot like Obama’s stump speech to me.

Posted by Jason at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Insider Advantage plays a game of "what if" with the 2010 election:

US Sen. Johnny Isakson (R) will be up for re-election, but the Peach State rumor mill is rife with speculation that he will step down after one term in the Senate and return to Georgia to seek the governorship. Isakson himself will only say he expects to be on the ballot in 2010, but not for which office, suggesting at a minimum that he is pondering a gubernatorial campaign. He is appearing around the state, but his speeches focus on his Washington job, including his much-discussed proposal to allow tax credits for new home buyers and a health-care proposal that would shift the cost of medical insurance from employers to the federal government, neither a state government issue.

If Isakson does opt for the governorship, the likelihood is that Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle (R), who has gubernatorial ambitions, would probably not run, due to Isakson’s popularity. However, says Dick Pettys, editor of InsiderAdvantage, SPR’s sister publication, “Nobody gave [Cagle] a shot against Ralph Reed” in the 2006 lieutenant governor’s race.
[...]
If Isakson does run for governor, it will set in motion a series of vacancies in other offices, with lawmakers in both parties try to move up to a higher office, creating more open seats, and more competitive races, down the line.

There is already a growing line of potential Republican contenders for Isakson’s US Senate seat, including state House Majority Leader Jerry Keen, state Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, and US Reps. Phil Gingrey, Jack Kingston and Lynn Westmoreland. There is even a possibility that Gov. Sonny Perdue (R), with term-limited enforced unemployment staring him in the face, might decide to run for the Senate. If Perdue does run for the Senate, he would probably be stronger than any of the congressmen, given his continued popularity and statewide name ID.

I wouldn't count Cagle out of the Senate race in 2010, but that depends on how the next two sessions of the legislature go.

[UPDATE] IA also reports that Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine will form an exploratory committee to run for Governor in 2010.

Posted by Jason at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)

I was linked in this post about Bob Barr at a blog called Conservative Superiority (and here as well). There is one point in the post that I need to address, not necessarily for anyone other than myself.

The post cites Mr. Barr's visit to the North Carolina Libertarian Party this past weekend, where he pitched his potential candidacy for the Libertarian nomination:

The delegates applauded at the end of Barr’s speech, but afterwards it was clear that many of those attending the two-day state convention still viewed the Republican-turned-Libertarian with a good deal of skepticism. When a presidential preference straw poll was taken the next day, Barr got only one vote, compared to 17 for longtime LP activist Mary Ruwart, three for Massachusetts physicist George Phillies and two for Las Vegas oddsmaker Wayne Allen Root. (Ruwart is something of a “favorite daughter” among Libertarians in North Carolina, where she lived for four years before moving to Texas last year.) Like Barr, ex-Democrat Mike Gravel got just one vote in the straw poll.

Simply put, they never gave him a chance. For example, four years removed from Congress, Barr has done everything but wear sackcloth and ashes for his vote on the PATRIOT Act. He told Reason that he regretted voting for it and even went as far as working with the ACLU on privacy issues. But purists aren't convinced and they probably never will be.

I am convinced that Mr. Barr's conversion is sincere and I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt. However, I understand that he needs to answer some questions from skeptical Libertarians. I am convinced that he will confront the issues head on when, and if, he decides to seek the nomination. He has conceded that he made mistakes, but this has fallen on deaf ears to some in the Libertarian Party.

We'll see what happens in May. I'm convinced that Mr. Barr will take the nomination, though probably not on the first ballot.

Posted by Jason at 11:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This is for you, Josh:

Posted by Jason at 05:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Tax Foundation offers a brief history of the income tax.

Posted by Jason at 04:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A constitutional amendment has been introduced in Congress that would limit federal spending:

Reps. John Campbell (R-CA) and Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) have offered a constitutional amendment that would forbid federal spending from growing faster than the economy (as defined by the nominal gross domestic product). Both lawmakers should be applauded for acknowledging that runaway spending – rather than low tax revenues – is the chief budget problem, and that spending caps are a strong solution. Had spending been limited to the overall economic growth rate since 2001, the budget would have been in surplus last year.

Spending caps will finally force lawmakers to set priorities and make trade-offs. Today, without such spending limits, Congress has strong political incentives to give into every spending request without searching for responsible offsets or making any hard decisions. Because interest groups will continue pressuring them to spend, lawmakers need a budget process that helps them say no. By offering a constitutional amendment rather than a statutory reform, Reps. Campbell and Hensarling set a high bar for enactment, but would create a cap less prone to legislative gaming (it could be waived only during wartime or with a two-thirds supermajority vote in Congress).

Posted by Jason at 04:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

John McCain has proposed a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax:

To help people weather the downturn immediately, McCain urged Congress to institute a "gas-tax holiday" by suspending the 18.4 cent federal gas tax and 24.4 cent diesel tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day. He also renewed his call for the United States to stop adding to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and thus lessen to some extent the worldwide demand for oil.

Combined, he said, the two proposals would reduce gas prices, which would have a trickle-down effect, and "help to spread relief across the American economy."

McQ over at QandO points to some comments from Shell's chairman:

And unless companies like Shell are allowed to produce more oil from domestic sources, the industry will have to import more and prices will stay high, he said. Although critics have been blasting the oil companies for record profits, Hofmeister said oil companies can't be faulted for prices that hit a statewide average of $3.80 a gallon, another record, for self-serve regular.

Posted by Jason at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

Dan Mitchell from the Cato Institute compares the flat tax and the national retail sales tax to the income tax this video from the Center for Freedom and Prosperity:

Posted by Jason at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Make sure you tune into Boortz today because the AJC is running an editorial by Bruce Bartlett against the FairTax:

Consequently, this is the time of year when Americans are especially sympathetic to tax reform. Among these is the so-called FairTax, which would replace all federal taxes with a national retail sales tax. Among the biggest selling points for this plan is the total elimination of tax filing, its supporters claim. People will simply pay their taxes as they buy things.

This sounds pretty good to millions of Americans who believe that the FairTax is the silver bullet that will slay the tax vampire once and for all. Unfortunately, it is my experience that almost no one understands how the FairTax really works or anything about the nature of tax collection.
[...]
[U]nless every state replaces its income tax with its own version of the FairTax, the vast majority of Americans are still going to have to file tax returns every year, keep all the records necessary for doing so and potentially suffer audits.

For another thing, the cost of everything you buy — including many, many items not now covered by state sales taxes — is going to rise by 23 percent, the FairTax rate. This includes things like new homes and medical care. It even includes the cost of local government services other than education, which the FairTax considers to be ordinary "consumption." This means that police and fire protection and road maintenance, among other things, will be taxable by the federal government. Local governments will have to send checks to Washington for 23 percent of their cost — a cost that will be passed on in the form of higher local taxes.

FairTax supporters implausibly claim that no one will have to pay more for anything once embedded federal income taxes are removed from the prices of goods and services. But this can only happen if producer costs instantly fall by 23 percent. And this can happen only if all workers take a 23 percent pay cut, since wages are the biggest cost of production. How likely is that to happen?

Posted by Jason at 08:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Anybody out there have Netflix? I'm on there. Add me as a friend and suggest some movies. My queue doesn't have much on it right now.

[UPDATE] I have rediscovered StrongBad.

Posted by Jason at 05:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Andrew over at the Club for Growth has some thoughts about the portrayal of Thomas Jefferson in the HBO miniseries, John Adams:

I have been mesmerized by the HBO mini-series, John Adams. Stephen Dillane, the actor who plays Thomas Jefferson, should win an Emmy for his performance.

His portrayal helps you understand how strongly Jefferson felt about defending liberty. In his interactions with Adams and the other Founding Fathers, you can tell he wears his beliefs on his sleeve, but constrains himself to convey them in a polite, but serious, manner. Adams, on the other hand, is more outlandish and blind to etiquette.

One particular scene that I enjoyed occurred during last night's episode. Jefferson and Adams were talking about the deplorable Alien and Sedition Acts at the dinner table. Jefferson told Adams that the Hamilton-led Federalists were a "reign of witches" and that President Adams, who was enabling them, was trampling on the Constitution. The conversion was rich with passion by both men who wanted desperately to preserve the fragile, young country's existence. Yet their methods for doing so couldn't have been more opposing.

We already have much reverence for the Founding Fathers, but I particularly am in awe of Jefferson, more so than ever. He defended liberty at every turn, under great pressure, against men who wanted to destroy his career and reputation. Unfortunately, the mini-series ends next week after only seven episodes. I want more.

As an aside, I have to add that I do love how Alexander Hamilton has been portrayed to be the son-of-a-bitch that he really was.

Posted by Jason at 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

I just cannot believe this:

H/T: Grayson @ Peach Pundit

Posted by Jason at 02:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I wholeheartedly agree with this:

While none of the three top Republicans can hold his head up in light of this mostly failed session, the biggest obstacle in this trilogy is Richardson, whose ham-handed approach to lawmaking only impeded the people's business. Richardson may be a troglodyte, but he's Hiram's troglodyte, and his constituents likely will re-elect him. The House should replace him as speaker. Unless this happens, Georgia can expect to see a replay of 2008 when 2009 session rolls around.

Posted by Jason at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Thomas Jefferson, the American Sphinx, was born on this day in 1743.

[UPDATE] Going though my morning blogs, I see that Radley Balko writes that a group was harassed last night at the Jefferson Memorial while celebrating the anniversary Jfferson's birthday.

Posted by Jason at 08:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Here is "Come All You Weary" by Thrice.

Posted by Jason at 08:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here is video of Bob Barr on Washington Journal from a couple of days ago:

Posted by Jason at 01:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Senator Johnny Isakson has announced his intention to run for governor. More details here.

Consider this a weekend open thread.

Posted by Joshua Patterson at 12:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

An internal poll shows Bob Barr with 7%:

In a survey commissioned last week by the Bob Barr 2008 Presidential Exploratory Committee, seven percent of likely voters responded that they would vote for the former Georgia congressman for president if he were on the ballot in November. Shortly after Ross Perot announced he was re-entering the presidential race in October 1992, he polled at seven percent. Barr is considering whether to seek the nomination of the Libertarian Party for president.

According to the latest poll, Barr enjoys 36 percent name recognition. When questions were asked reminding voters about Barr’s role in the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton, and about the reasons why Barr left the Republican Party to join the Libertarian Party, Barr’s seven percent rose to nine percent against Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain. He polled at eleven percent against Hillary Clinton and John McCain.

Posted by Jason at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

I wonder how this will play out:

The public corruption probe under the Gold Dome appears to be widening.

InsiderAdvantage now has learned that as many as 15 FBI agents are assigned to the case, which involves alleged wrongdoing not only in the legislative branch but in the executive branch, as well, where contracts awarded by various state agencies have come under scrutiny.

“This is serious,” said a highly reliable source who is familiar with the investigation."

To be sure, federal corruption probes in other Southern states have been fraught with controversy, particularly in Alabama, where former Gov. Don Siegelman was released from prison after a federal appeals court determined there was sufficient cause to revisit the circumstances of his conviction. Political motivation on the part of Republican-appointed U.S. Attorneys was alleged.

The Georgia case looks different, our source said, citing, among other things, the statement by U.S. Attorney David Nahmias that an investigation is ongoing and his warning to lawbreakers that they should come forward before investigators come knocking on their doors.

“I don’t believe they (several of the elected officials who are under close scrutiny) even realize that they are under investigation,” the source continued. “They are so used to how they operate that they can’t imagine that they could ever have done anything wrong.”

Posted by Jason at 11:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

According to a new Rasmussen poll, only 29% of Americans support a single-payer healthcare system, 46% of those polled believe that the quality of healthcare under a nationalized system would decrease. Also, 42% believe that the cost of healthcare would go up under government control.

Recently, Michael Tanner at the Cato Institute examined various healthcare programs around the world, as well as how they are rated and ranked by the World Health Organization:

[The WHO] study bases its conclusions on such highly subjective measures as "fairness" and criteria that are not strictly related to a country's health care system, such as "tobacco control.” For example, the WHO report penalizes the United States for not having a sufficiently progressive tax system, not providing all citizens with health insurance, and having a general paucity of social welfare programs. Indeed, much of the poor performance of the United States is due to its ranking of 54th in the category of fairness. The United States is actually penalized for adopting Health Savings Accounts and because, according to the WHO, patients pay too much out of pocket. Such judgments clearly reflect a particular political point of view, rather than a neutral measure of health care quality. Notably, the WHO report ranks the United States number one in the world in responsiveness to patients' needs in Institute found that those exogenous factors choice of provider, dignity, autonomy, timely, and confidentiality.

Posted by Jason at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

My column hasn't appeared online this morning, though it is in the print edition. I am posting it here in its entirety. If the link comes up later, I'll post it. You can get links to previous columns here.

The 2008 session of the Georgia General Assembly is over.

The session was nothing short of a failure as the legislature left divided, bringing back memories of the 2007 session, as House Speaker Glenn Richardson and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle made their disagreements known throughout the day.

The main point of contention between Richardson and Cagle was tax reform. The two sides agreed on limiting backdoor tax increases at the local level through caps on property assessments and eliminating the state’s portion of the property tax.

Richardson wanted to scrap the car ad-valorem tax. Cagle countered with a proposal that would cut the income tax by 10 percent over five years and argued that the state would still owe local governments their portion of the car ad-valorem.

House and Senate conferees negotiated through the last day of the session. However, Richardson refused to back down from his proposal and berated Cagle, who was not in the room at the time, during a House/Senate conference committee.

Around 11 o’clock in the evening, Richardson announced to House members that tax reform and any hopes for a tax cut were dead.

“You can henceforth, when you go home on the tag tax, tell everybody that it has a new name, it's called the Cagle birthday tax. And every time they pay it they can think of Casey Cagle because Casey Cagle solely and exclusively left it on for them and I hope Georgians by the 9 million will thank him tomorrow and will flood him with e-mails and tell him we're sick of Casey Cagle. Time to get a new Lieutenant Governor in this state,” Richardson classlessly thundered from the House floor.

Not long after Richardson’s embarrassing tirade, he called for a vote on tax increase for transportation (SR 845), which was approved by the House but fell three votes short in the Senate. Apparently, the Speaker does not understand that Georgians are already overtaxed as it is and that it is not sound policy to raise taxes, especially during uncertain economic times.

Both men believed their plan would stimulate the economy. Only one of them was right, and that was Casey Cagle.

Gerald Prante from the Tax Foundation, a non-profit organization that educates voters on tax policy, analyzed both proposals. On the repeal of the tag tax Prante wrote, “[I]n the short run Georgia's economy would probably not get much of a boost from a cut in the car tax.”

Prante viewed the income tax cut as much more favorable to Georgia’s economy, adding that a cut in the income tax would increase economic output, provided that cuts in spending are made as well.

The Georgia Public Policy Foundation published a similar statement by Berry College economic professor E. Frank Stephenson in a recent commentary. Stephenson wrote, “The economic merit of a broad-based income tax cut is that it creates significant incentives for improved economic prosperity.”

It can only be good for the economy when taxpayers can keep more of their money and when government is cutting spending. Cagle was definitely on the right path.

There were some important pieces of legislation that passed before the legislature adjourned. One of them was the Transparency in Government Act (SB 300). This bill would provide for the creation of a website that would allow taxpayers to see how government is spending their money. A similar bill was vetoed by Gov. Perdue last year.

The Budget Act (SB 12) is another bill that provides for more transparency in government. This legislation provides for zero-base budgeting to be applied during the budget process. Zero-based budgeting potentially allows appropriators to go through needs of departments in state government and eliminate waste or outdated programs.
House Bill 89 expanded rights for gun owners. Individuals with a concealed carry license may now carry in state parks, on mass transit and in restaurants that serve alcohol.

The legislature also approved SR 996, a constitutional amendment on tax allocation districts (TAD). This amendment was offered after the Georgia Supreme Court ruled in February that it was unconstitutional to use school property tax revenues for any other purpose than education. Georgian will vote on the measure in November. I would encourage readers to vote against this measure and keep education dollars in the schools and keep public funds out of the hands of developers.

The water crisis was on the minds of legislators. Both chambers of the General Assembly passed the statewide water plan early in the session. However, funding for new reservoirs was an issue as well. The Water Conservation and Drought Relief Act (SB 342) was passed to assist local governments that would subsidize permit costs to build new or to improve existing reservoirs.

Any bills not passed on Sine Die, the last day of the session, must be re-introduced next year. No doubt transportation funding will be an issue, as special interest groups will again attempt to hammer a tax increase through the legislature. Sunday sales will almost certainly come up again as well.

I am just glad it is over and I am hoping some sense of sanity can be restored to Georgia after witnessing the disaster that was the 2008 session of the Georgia General Assembly.

Posted by Jason at 07:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Here is video of Bob Barr on Hannity & Colmes:

Posted by Jason at 11:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

State Rep. Ben Harbin continues his role as Porkmaster as local assistance grants (the Georgia version of earmarks) are added on in conference committee, hidden from public view until an hour before the budget is voted on:

The spending included 470 local assistance grants that were not revealed to the public until hours before the 2008 legislative session ended. The $6 million in grants were just about the last thing budget-writers add to budget before approving it on the final day of the session.

In addition, lawmakers sprinkled millions of dollars in big-ticket items such as local construction projects throughout the budget, many in the districts of prominent lawmakers such as Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram), House Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons Island) and Senate Majority Leader Tommie Williams (R-Lyons).

The budget for fiscal 2009, which begins July 1, includes more than $1 billion in local construction projects.

Even Gov. Sonny Perdue, who has not been on the best terms with House leaders, got $2 million for a new library in his home Houston County and $7.3 million for a local horse barn and practice ring.

House Appropriations Chairman Ben Harbin (R-Evans), who helped secure money for his hometown Little League program as well as more than $75 million in projects at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, defended the local spending.

"That money belongs to the taxpayers, and if we can get it into those communities, and it benefits those communities, it benefits the whole state," Harbin said.

Here is an example of some of the projects paid for by your tax dollars:

This year many communities received money to promote tourism, improve parks and restore old buildings. For instance, Jeff Davis County in rural Southeast Georgia got $10,000 in the budget to promote local tourism. The county is represented in the Senate by Williams, and in the House by Majority Caucus Chairman Jay Roberts (R-Ocilla). Alma, another Southeast Georgia town and home to Republican Rep. Tommy Smith, got $8,000 to replace seats at a local theater. Douglasville got $20,000 to help with economic development and tourism. Tybee Island got $30,000 for a theater restoration project.

LAGs aren't the only problem, as the article notes. The budget was full of pork projects in other parts of the budget. And, like I wrote above. The process of adding these projects was not subject to any public scrutiny, as Georgia Republican appropriators used similar tactic of their Democratic counterparts on the national level by inserting the projects in the budget in conference, this was something floated by House Majority Leader Jerry Keen before the 2008 session. This prevents amendments from the floor that could potentially strike some of the more frivolous projects.

There is no transparency in the budget process and Republicans in the state legislature are working to make sure it stays that way.

Posted by Jason at 08:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Erick has posted the 2008 Legislative Superlatives over at Peach Pundit. I think the Office Space references are hilarious.

We need something humorous after this session.

Posted by Jason at 06:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here is a twist in the Clayton County school fiasco:

A state investigation found all Clayton County school board members live in their districts —including a member removed last month for allegedly living in Cobb County.

Norreese Haynes lived in Morrow, but kept an apartment in Marietta while he attended classes at the University of Phoenix, an investigation by the secretary of state's office determined.

"There is no substantive evidence that Norreese Haynes changed his domicile or residence in violation of his position as an elected member of the Clayton County board of education," wrote Chris Harvey, deputy inspector general.

The school board removed Haynes from his District 8 seat March 3 after a Clayton police investigation found he lived in Marietta for at least two years
[...]
Clayton County Police Chief Jeffrey Turner and Clayton Commission Chairman Eldrin Bell said Thursday they had not seen the state report, but maintain Haynes did not live in Clayton.

"I stand behind what my chief has done," Bell said. "We have adequate documentation that Haynes did not live in the Clayton County house he certified with the school board and elections office."

Haynes filed a suit to reclaim his seat and is scheduled to appear in Clayton County Superior Court on May 5.

Posted by Jason at 04:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The California Supreme Court rejected an appeal by the City of San Francisco to ban handguns:

The ordinance, Proposition H, would have forbidden San Francisco residents to possess handguns, exempting only law enforcement officers and others who needed guns for professional purposes. It would have also prohibited the manufacture, sale or distribution of any type of firearms or ammunition in San Francisco.

Lower courts ruled that the measure interfered with a statewide system of gun regulation, which bars certain types of weapons and allows others. The rulings did not address the scope of the constitutional right to bear arms under the Second Amendment, the focus of a pending U.S. Supreme Court case involving a handgun ban in Washington, D.C.
[...]
Upholding a judge's June 2006 ruling, the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco said state law left room for some municipal gun control - such as bans on the sale or possession of firearms on public fairgrounds - but "when it comes to regulating firearms, local governments are well advised to tread lightly."
[...]
The court also said a 1999 state law banning the sale of the cheap pistols known as Saturday-night specials, and setting safety standards for legal firearms, implicitly prohibited local governments from outlawing all handguns.

The appeals judges also refused San Francisco's request to allow enforcement of Prop. H's ban on the manufacturer or sale of rifles and shotguns, saying the city must first rewrite the measure to narrow its scope.

H/T: Of Arms and the Law

Posted by Jason at 11:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Here is the video of the Governor's press conference from this afternoon:

Posted by Jason at 07:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Bob Barr was on Your World with Neil Cavuto this afternoon:

Posted by Jason at 07:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bob Barr will be on Hannity & Colmes tomorrow night at 9pm.

Posted by Jason at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

According to Erick Erickson, Gov. Sonny Perdue, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Speaker Glenn Richardson will all be at a press conference in about forty minutes:

Governor Sonny Perdue will sign legislation and discuss the 2008 Legislative Session TODAY, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.

He’ll be joined by the Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House. This could get interesting.

Posted by Jason at 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

“The reason we don’t have sales on Sunday is because of Baptists.” - Neal Boortz

[UPDATE] The Club for Growth has a better "Quote of the Day" from Michelle Obama. Mrs. Obama said, "The truth is, in order to get things like universal health care and a revamped education system, then someone is going to have to give up a piece of their pie so that someone else can have more."

That is a perfect example of the phrase made famous by Karl Marx: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need."

Posted by Jason at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

There are more reports of mismanagement at GDOT:

“There are going to be more financial disclosures - significant disclosures,” a source who spoke on condition of anonymity told InsiderAdvantage. “The state auditors have been in there and thrown up their hands. They say we need some outside auditors.”

According to the source, the problem - or at least one of the problems - involves federal funding, but he said he wasn’t at liberty to go further.
[...]
[State Sen. Eric] Johnson said it may be a good thing the Legislature couldn’t agree on a local option sales tax for transportation, which failed by three votes in the Senate on the session’s final night last Friday.

“I think there’s more bad news to come out of DOT. People will be on their hands and knees thanking God Almighty it (the proposed T-SPLOST) wasn’t on the ballot,” he said. He did not elaborate.

Late last year after taking office, new DOT Commissioner Gena Abraham revealed to the governor, top legislative officials and the public that the agency is in such a disarray it doesn’t know how many projects it has, its computers don’t all talk to one another and that road-building projects have been vastly over-promised to local governments.

Posted by Jason at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

It would appear that Commissioner “BJ” Mathis’ credibility – and line of credit - has fallen among the members of the board of commissioners. At least, the days of rubber-stamping her agendas and schemes appear to be over. Having lost the ability to snooker the board members, her campaign strategies will surely suffer.

At today’s 9:00am meeting of the Henry Board of Commissioners, three Resolutions came up for a vote. These were items of importance and swift action was taken to the benefit of all citizens.

Item VII. Resolution authorizing the transfer of proceeds for the Drug Education and Prevention Programs.

The department was put into place by Commissioner Mathis, who won approval by telling the board it would be cost-neutral. (The initial proposal even included a $25,697 savings to the General Fund, so an immediate $20,000 raise for the department’s head was not anticipated.) The department’s function is to expand the role currently provided by the Juvenile Court. But commissioners were assured today that fund raising efforts among local churches and area businesses would eventually provide cost savings to the county.

The expanded services would not be limited to drug prevention and education, but would include, as county manager Magnaghi said, “Saving people and saving lives” through full time counseling and drug assessment services. The litany of functions included counseling for children and legal-age adults whose parents simply cannot manage them, youth drivers’ education, youth shoplifters and adult shoplifters. The list did not include actually addressing Drug Education and Prevention Programs.

Although a fervent and heart wrenching tirade was offered by the county manager, and a few positive statements were made by Commissioners Mathis and Holder, the arguments against social programming as a reason to expand county government were marshaled by Commissioner Bowman. In his words, the county would be “throwing money at a problem” without exploring options to work within the existing structure of the Juvenile Court. An extra $200,000 is not cost-neutral!

The resolution received extended comment and questioning, and ended in a tie vote (it did not pass) with Commissioners Bowman, Basler and Chairman Harper dissenting. Funding for Mathis’ (vote buying) social agenda must now undergo thorough review and justification for every dollar she requests.

Item X. Resolution requesting review by the Georgia Attorney General

After the morning meeting I was informed that Chairman Harper was approached by a citizen who insisted the matter not be stalled by seeking further unenforceable opinions from the Attorney General. The citizen had already grown weary of non-action and contacted the DOJ and ACLU independently. Chairman Harper agreed to immediately “send the1987 local act and the BOC resolution to the DOJ.”

An expedited DOJ clearance would mean that Commissioner Mathis must resign her District 2 seat in order to qualify or seek office of Chairman.

Item XI. Resolution regarding Nash Farm

Paved walking paths
Playgrounds installed as at other parks
Paved parking as at other parks
Equestrian trails
Bicycle trails
Designated “battlefield” area for grown men to play dress-up and shoot blanks

I call this “Three For Three” on behalf of the citizens. Kudos.

Posted by Larry Stanley at 09:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

Neal Boortz has given his take on Bob Barr's candidacy:

Here they go again .. all those emails from people who are upset with (1) Bob Barr running for president on the Libertarian Party ballot; and (2) my support for the Libertarian Party. (I'm a lifetime member.) These people are concerned that Barr's candidacy are going to give us another Ross Perot situation ... where votes for Perot essentially put Bill Clinton into office.

Frankly ... I'm really not going to be upset if the Republicans get their hats handed to them in this election. During the Bush years the only bright moments for the Republican Party were tax cuts and fighting Islamic fascism. Beyond that, what have they done? Well, they doubled the size and the cost of the federal government for one. How's that for a record of accomplishment. In 2007 Republicans were the pork champions in Washington; more pork spending than Democrats. Oh yeah --- let me get my checkbook out and make a huge contribution to the Republican Party right now.

The way things look right now, if Bob Barr is the Libertarian nominee .. and if he will pledge to continue to take the battle to, and not run from the Islamic fascists ... they he will have my vote. If the Democrats win ... so be it. We've become a nanny nation anyway. Might as well make it official. Remember .. this is the "I want my mommy" election. We're turning America into a giant assisted care living center. What sense does it make to continue to support a party that is helping this along?

Bottom line .. the Republicans haven't earned another shot at this.

[UPDATE] Political Insider has some audio from the interview dealing with the topic of immigration.

Posted by Jason at 04:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

The Georgia chapter of Americans for Prosperity will be holding their annual Defending the American Dream Summit on May 3rd (9 am to 2 pm) at the 755 Club inside Turner Field.

They have a great list of speakes lined up:
- Grover Norquist from Americans for Tax Reform
- Congressman Tom Price
- Congressman Phil Gingrey
- Karen Handel, Georgia's Secretary of State
- State Sen. Chip Rogers

The cost for the summit is $29 for an individual or $15 for a student. You can register here. It should be a great time. Please try to make it out.

Posted by Jason at 04:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The National Taxpayers Union released their annual Taxpayers' Friend Award. This is an annual report put out that gives members of Congress a grade on various economic issues like taxes, trade, regulation and spending.

Five members of the Georgia delegation from House made the list this year. Nathan Deal and Lynn Westmoreland both scored a 90%, tops in the Georgia delegation. John Linder scored an 89%. Tom Price scored an 88%. And Phil Gingrey scored an 86%.

Notice that neither one of our Senators made the list.

You can view the full rankings for both chambers of Congress here.

Posted by Jason at 04:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

President Bush opposes the welfare package for real estate agents being pushed by Johnny Isakson:

The Bush administration opposes the foreclosure purchase tax credit, though it's been circumspect in its public statements. In an unusual step, the White House did not issue an official policy statement as it does with most important legislation.

"Some of the proposals we've seen might have the potential to distort the market," said Treasury Department spokesman Andrew DeSouza.

While people entering the housing market would benefit from the $7,000 credit, as would lenders owning big stocks of unoccupied, foreclosed homes, it would do nothing for people who have already lost their homes or are threatened with foreclosure.

H/T: Political Insider

Posted by Jason at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Bob Barr was on WSB this evening discussing his potential run for the presidency. During the interview, Barr emphasized excessive government spending and questioned the military actions in Iraq.

Posted by Jason at 09:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

[UPDATE 4/6/2008]

Mathis Campaign Website

Why am I running for Chairman of the Board of Commissioners? It's simple. I'm doing it.

1065 Jodeco Road, Stockbridge GA

[Original Post]
Dirty politicans are nothing new to Henry County. A little cash will make people do bad things; a little power will surely inflate the ego. In this campaign season the truth will unfold about developments in Henry District Two that involve a proposed shopping mall, a huge high-denisty development and a retail/residential development already under way. The allocation of SPLOST funds for roads that serve campaign contributors surely has the appearance of wrongdoing. Worse still is personal financial interest of a sitting commissioner in a development, the details of which explain consistent and questionable voting.

It has been said that Elizabeth "BJ" Mathis has used Nash Farm to build a political base and a platform for her candidacy for chairman. The Queen Bee syndrome has again proved that Mathis will subvert county policy and other board members. In a private agreement Mathis told James Hamm of Keep Henry County Beautiful (and Director of Peach State Recycling) that

Keep Henry Beautiful could set up shop at Nash Farm - in the renovated Museum & Exhibit Center And...
She [Mathis] would erect a sign (at county expense) designating their new digs

As it turned out neither the county attorney, the county manager nor any other commissioner even knew that a private organization would move into Nash Farm by this weekend. However, the Director of Parks & Recreation knew because "the order" was given by a commissioner. Needless to say Mathis' political strategy was halted... on the eve of another Nash Fiasco. Kudos to the board for policing its own!

Let's not overlook the huge high-density development on the southwest side of the Clayton County Airport. Remember the airport is in Henry County, but last year the Clayton county commission attempted to expand the airport to the northeast. To abate Henry's objections Eldrin Bell offered a limited-time offer for access to the pending development. As time on Bell's proposal ran out Mathis pushed and received zoning for the development. (Ref: ACP Capital LLC, Location address:1065 Jodeco Road. Mailing address available from the Georgia Secretary of State, is listed to William Abbate)

What is so unusual? The Henry Water Authority advised the commissioners in writing that sewer would not be available for three years due to lack of capacity. But Mathis' benefactor had $100 million in borrowed money on the table, so Her Highness again violated county policy. The zoning should never have been sought or approved. Next Mathis began to push on HCWSA director and engineers to expedite sewer lines to the development. Again she was told that capacity was the problem and her demands could not be met. This story continues to unfold. This is a perfect example of back-scratching among commissioners - allowing and supporting anything Her Highness desires.

Let's not forget the Jodeco Bridge, which is now going to soak Henry Countians for about $70 million. This project has been sacred to Mathis since Shailendria Group announced a mall on Jodeco Road. (Remember that Shailendria said the bridge was a requirement for him to proceed - and Mathis sent a letter to Georgia DOT prioritizing the bridge over adding lanes to I-75) Her Highness dedicated SPLOST III funds for three roads that will service that proposed mall. For the record, Jodeco Road WILL NOT be widened past the new development east of the current bridge. The Campground Road Connector WILL NOT include four lanes, but only two. Remember Mathis' priorities next time she talks about traffic mitigation!

Speaking of the new development already under way on Jodeco. Three county sources have now told me to "check out the other commissioners" for monetary interests with this developer. It appears now, and full research is pending, that another commissioner will benefit financially.

Follow the money. As one source said, "Commission votes are a key factor here. 'He' must save Mathis in order to save himself."

We are seeing how the money trail explains the difficulty in securing anything positive at Nash Farm OR Department of Justice clearance for local legislation that requires a sitting commissioner to step down before seeking (qualifying) another seat like chairman. The Queen Bee has figured out the game - Money Talks.

Posted by Larry Stanley at 08:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)

Check it out at fredforchairman.com!

You can sign up for campaign updates by scrolling to the bottom of the page and entering your email address.

Posted by Joshua Patterson at 04:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Jacob Sullum over at Reason has information on a new study that deals with smoking bans:

A new study reported in the Journal of Public Economics finds that smoking bans are associated with increases in alcohol-related traffic deaths. "We observe an increase in fatal accidents involving alcohol following bans on smoking in bars that is not observed in places without bans," the researchers report. They surmise that drinkers respond to bans by driving further to find bars where they're allowed to light up, either because the bars are in a different jurisdiction or because they have outdoor seating

[UPDATE] There is more on this story over at Fox News.

Posted by Jason at 04:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

No more Barr Code, at least for now:

The Barr Code blog is on hiatus. Bob Barr has formed an exploratory committee to gauge voter interest in his presidential candidacy as a Libertarian.

Posted by Jason at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is "Carpal Tunnel of Love" by Fall Out Boy. It's a funny video.

Posted by Jason at 06:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

According to ABC, Condoleeza Rice wants to be on the ticket:

ABCNews’ Mary Bruce Reports: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is actively courting the vice presidential nomination, Republican strategist Dan Senor said.

“Condi Rice has been actively, actually in recent weeks, campaigning for this,” Senor said this morning on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos.”

According to Senor, Rice has been cozying up to the Republican elite.

“There's this ritual in Washington: The Americans for Tax Reform, which is headed by Grover Norquist, he holds a weekly meeting of conservative leaders -- about 100, 150 people, sort of inside, chattering, class types,” Senor said. “They all typically get briefings from political conservative leaders. Ten days ago, they had an interesting visit -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice -- the first time a secretary of state has visited the Wednesday meeting.”

Posted by Jason at 10:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

The Washington Post tackles five NAFTA myths:

2 NAFTA has put countless Americans out of work.

Not really. Obama claims that NAFTA has destroyed a million American jobs. Suppose he's right. Total employment still rose by 27 million jobs between 1993 and 2007, to 137.6 million, and the unemployment rate has fallen. At worst, then, NAFTA has cost only a tiny minority of American workers their jobs. And even that is a one-sided view. As Mexico opened its economy to U.S. trade and investment, NAFTA created new American jobs, too.

NAFTA critics also decry the trade deficit with Mexico, but at $70 billion a year, it accounts for only 0.5 percent of the U.S. economy. These figures should quiet NAFTA foes, who point to lost jobs and stagnant manufacturing wages, as well as boosters, who trumpet claims of rising output and record-high exports. The fact is, NAFTA has had only a fractional impact on these trends. Mexico's biggest impact on the U.S. labor market is not through trade, but through immigration. And the money that Mexican migrants send home contributes more to the Mexican economy than foreign direct investment does.

[UPDATE] I've had this article bookmarked for a while. This is an op-ed from economist Gregory Mankiw on trade agreements from The New York Times. It's a great read.

Posted by Jason at 10:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you are wondering whether a certain piece of legislation made it through on Sine Die, then check this article over at the AJC. The article only covers some of the controversial or more talked about bills and resolutions.

I'll go ahead and throw this one out there...SB 458 did not pass.

Posted by Jason at 10:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here is video of Bob Barr announcing the formation of his exploratory committee at the Heartland Libertarian Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

H/T: Doug Mataconis

Posted by Jason at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Charlton Heston, an actor and gun rights advocate, has died:

The actor died Saturday night at his home in Beverly Hills with his wife Lydia at his side, family spokesman Bill Powers said.

Powers declined to comment on the cause of death or provide further details.

"Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played," Heston's family said in a statement. "No one could ask for a fuller life than his. No man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country."

Heston revealed in 2002 that he had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease, saying, "I must reconcile courage and surrender in equal measure."

Posted by Jason at 09:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Georgia Carry sent out this press release celebrating the passage of HB 89 by the Georgia General Assembly.

A post from the GCO website reads:

HB89 is on its way to the Governor to sign. For the first time in our lifetimes, Georgia Firearms Licensees will be able to carry in restaurants that serve alcohol, State Parks (and the buildings thereon), Wildlife Management Areas, and on mass transit. This victory would not have possible without GCO members Sen. John Douglas, and of course Rep. Timothy Bearden and their without their personal efforts and leadership. In the darkest days when everyone wanted HB89 to go away, these patriots would not surrender or quit. They are reason why HB89 passed.

Posted by Jason at 08:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

BobBarr2008.com is live.

Here is Mr. Barr's announcement:

News articles on the announcement:
- CNN Political Ticker
- The Hill
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- Associated Press
- New York Times
- Marietta Daily Journal

Posted by Jason at 04:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Here is the audio of House Speaker Glenn Richardson blasting Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle during the session yesterday. You can download the classless comments here (1.6 MB)

Here is the transcript:

The chair has a report for you on tax reform. I want to tell you that we've now passed the eleven o'clock hour out of abundance of caution trying to hope against hope the Senate would allow Georgians to have tax reform.

We passed a conference committee out that we had signed in the House and given to the Senate that they declined to sign. Only a few moments ago, the Senate indicated that the Lieutenant Governor of this state, Casey Cagle, would not allow a vote on tax reform in the Senate that let Georgians decide.

You can henceforth, when you go home on the tag tax, tell everybody that it has a new name, it's called the Cagle birthday tax. And every time they pay it they can think of Casey Cagle because Casey Cagle solely and exclusively left it on for them and I hope Georgians by the 9 million will thank him tomorrow and will flood him with e-mails and tell him "we're sick of Casey Cagle. Time to get a new Lieutenant Governor in this state."

Well, his obstructionist tactics served no useful purpose this session. He has been obstructionist on water, education, transportation, trauma care and all issues important to the people of this state, and he has stopped meaningful chance for tax reform for the people of this state and it's time we call it what it is.

We're gonna try to do one or two other little things, but tax reform, and all the work that was put into it, is now dead.

If the legislature had cut ad valorem tax the state would have had to subsidize the portion of the ad valorem tax owed to local governments. That would have likely result in a tax increase somewhere else along the line.

Cagle may have wanted the income tax cut because it could be vetoed by the Governor, who has cold to the idea of allowing Georgians to keep more of their hard earned money. Perdue isn't up for re-election and Cagle could have just passed blame off. Remember the Speaker's ad valorem tax cut was a constitutional amendment and wasn't subject to a veto.

Posted by Jason at 08:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Today is G-Day in Athens, the annual spring football game for the Georgia Bulldogs. You can view the rosters for the game here.

The game begins at 2pm and can be watched live on CSS or you can listen to the game on WSB Radio.

Posted by Jason at 08:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Here is the audio of Bob Barr on The Sean Hannity Show discussing his potential run for the Libertarian Party nomination.

You can download it here (11.6 MB).

Posted by Jason at 06:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today is Sine Die, the last day of the session for the Georgia General Assembly. I'll be live-blogging this afternoon on into this evening about happenings under the Gold Dome, mainly on the House side because that is where the fireworks will happen.

Insider Advantage gives us a good idea of what is at stake today, as does the AJC.

Check back for updates later.

[11:30am] House and Senate conferees have reached an agreement on the $21.2 billion budget for FY 2009.

[11:31am] House and Senate conferees are still working on the T-SPLOST proposal. House conferees are not going to be content until they get a tax increase. The Senate will determine the fate of the T-SPLOST proposal on whether or not a tax cut agreement can be reached. Senate leaders are not going to go for both a repeal of the car ad valorem tax and a ten percent cut in the income tax. That’s not to say they oppose it philosophically, I think they may believe that it may be too much too fast. It’s still too early to tell whether we’ll get a tax cut. I’m optimistic, but a lot can go down between now and midnight.

[11:35am] The Macon Telegraph says that the future of the tax cut is dim. I blame this on House leadership. The cut proposed by Cagle is much better in terms economic impact, but Richardson and company are basically saying that it’s his way or Georgians get nothing.

[4:08pm] Georgia Carry has sent out a couple of e-mails on HB 257 and HB 89 over the last couple days. Word on the street is that HB 89 has been signed off on by conferees and will likely be passed by the legislature. I'm not entirely sure what is in it, but it'll be enough for the NRA to claim a victory.

[5:14pm] The House has passed SB 12, the Budget Act, sponsored by State Sen. David Shafer. This bill would provide for zero-based budgeting in the spending process. SB 12 passed 143 to 21.

[5:22pm] The House is going through some agree/disagrees. These are some outstanding pieces of legislation that need details worked out between the two legislative bodies in order to get final passage.

[5:26pm] Pot flavored candy is destroying the fabric of America so much that the Georgia General Assembly needs to ban it. The Senate substitute for HB 280 passed 120 to 37.

[5:29pm] State Rep. Bobby Franklin tried to amend a bill about dog collars to include a ban on abortion. His amendment failed 152 to 2.

[5:30pm] The FY 2009 budget just went on the desk of legislators. Georgia laws says that the budget must sit for an hour. You can view the budget here. This budget includes $6 million in local assistance grants, which are earmarks for specific projects (not all of them are pork, but most are).

[5:38pm] Here is the AJC article on the budget. It highlights the 2.5% raise for teachers and pork for various legislative leaders.

[5:49pm] Quote of the Day: “I’m tired of men in the Capitol playing vaginal politics." - State Rep. Jill Chambers

[5:56pm] On the floor now is HB 978, which deals with the seizing of vehicles owned by a driver that has never been licensed.

[6:00pm] HB 978 passed 115 to 44.

[6:25pm] I'm waiting for some of more controversial bills to come out. My internet connection acting weird due to the storms that are moving through the area.

[6:34pm] The House is in recess until 7:15pm.

[6:42pm] If you've been watching the House session online, then you've noticed that House Majority Leader Jerry Keen is presiding. That is because House Speaker Glenn Richardson and Speaker Pro-Tem Mark Burkhalter are part of the conference committing negotiating with the Senate over the tax cut.

[7:15pm] They're back. Keen is back at the helm.

[7:26pm] Here is the latest I've heard on a couple of issues. A deal is close on the T-SPLOST tax increase. I have also heard that a tax cut isn't looking good right now. Senate leaders have claimed that they would not consider the T-SPLOST without the tax cut. Let's see if they keep their word.

[7:32pm] The FY 2009 budget (HB 990) was just introduced on the floor and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Ben Harbin is taking to the well to discuss the bill.

[7:55pm] The FY 2009 budget passed by a vote of 151 to 4. House legislators voting against the bill were Bobby Franklin (R), Billy Mitchell (D), Alan Powell (D) and Martin Scott (R).

[8:05pm] Speaker Richardson is now presiding over the House.

[8:05pm] State Rep. Steve Davis writes that the 216 Group is no more. That's a bummer.

[8:09pm] By the way, the Senate unanimously approved the budget earlier today

[8:19pm] The House has passed the Senate substitute of HB 881, which establishes the Georgia Charter Schools Commission. It passed 114 to 40.

[8:20pm] I can't read the article, but this can't be good. Insider Advantage shows the headline on the tax cut as a comment from House Speaker Glenn Richardson to Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle. Richardson apparently told Cagle to "stand up and be a man." Richardson and House leaders have claimed that Cagle is holding up tax reform.

[8:55pm] It has been uneventful for the last hour or so.

[9:03pm] State Rep. Jill Chambers just moved that the House agree to the conference report to SB 300, the Transparency in Transparency in Government Act. The purpose of the bill is to "provide for the creation of and maintenance by the department of a website which provides public access to certain state expenditure information." This is similar to HB 91, a bill the Governor vetoed. The House overrode that veto and Senate never took it up. The compromised on the this bill instead.

[9:06pm] SB 300 passed 161 to 0.

[9:11pm] State Rep. Ed Setzler is questioning some provisions of SB 430, which deals with comparing DNA of suspects of felony crimes. Setzler maintains that DNA collected from individuals, no matter if it's a misdemeanor of a felony, will be compared to a national database of violent criminals. His concerns are very valid.

[9:14pm] SB 430 has passed 103 to 50.

[9:21pm] HB 89 is on the floor. This is the zombie gun bill. Rep. Bearden took no questions and the Speaker moved on to the vote.

[9:22pm] HB 89 passed by a vote of 106 to 56.

[9:24pm] Here comes another supplemental calendar.

[9:25pm] The Jim Galloway with the AJC has some information on HB 89.

[9:37pm] SB 433, hospital CON reform, has passed the Senate.

[9:38pm] SB 393 is being debated on the floor. This bill would prevent a tax on transactions in pawn shops. Some Democrats are making a big issue out of it because supposedly some pawn shops charge a 300% interest rate and couple of other reasons. It's kind of pointless for them to make that argument. It's a private transaction. There is no coercion involved so government has no reason to intervene.

[9:42pm] SB 393 failed to pass, 88 to 65.

[9:43pm] SB 458 was just sent back the House Rules Committee.

[10:01pm] The House just approved the conference report for HB 1245. This deals with indigent defense issues.

[10:03pm] HB 89 passed the Senate by a vote of 40 to 15.

[10:04pm] The storm is beginning to pickup here.

[10:07pm] House Rules is meeting again.

[10:10pm] Gwinnett County gets alcohol sales for the stadium for the new AAA baseball team with the passage of HB 1280.

[10:18pm] Maybe thirty minutes ago, the Speaker tried to pass through some uncontested resolutions. One of them was SR 996. This is a constitutional amendment that would settle issues with Tax Allocation Districts (TAD) that were ruled constitutional by the Georgia Supreme Court in February. SR 996 was taken off the uncontested list and will be voted on separately.

[10:21pm] The Speaker is still blaming the Senate for the lack of tax reform. He is calling the most recent offer from the Senate "cockamamie" and went on blast Cagle. Richardson said, "It doesn't look like Casey Cagle is gonna let the people of Georgia have tax reform."

[10:26pm] Watch out for the drunk interns on the Senate floor.

[10:29pm] Some of the legislators that are retiring spoke at the well. The last one, State Rep. Jimmy Lord, simply said, "Bye." He got a standing ovation.

[10:33pm] SR 996 is on the floor. I had the bill number wrong earlier. This is a constitutional amendment, 120 votes are needed for passage.

[10:37pm] This bill makes me nervous. There is a lot of talk about blight and redevelopment, and Georgia has a weak eminent domain law.

[10:38pm] State Rep. Steve Davis is speaking on the floor. He correctly says that HR 996 would redirect public funds for private uses.

[10:43pm] The AJC has an article up over the spat between the Richardson and Cagle over the tax reform issue.

[10:56pm] HR 996 passed by a vote of 129 to 38. The bill clearly gives the opportunity for local governments to "enter into contracts for any period not exceeding 30 years with private persons, firms, corporations, and business entities."

[11:02pm] State Rep. Stan Watson (D) is saying his goodbye to the House. He is running for DeKalb CEO (currently held by Vernon Jones, who is running for Senate) this year.

[11:04pm] Richardson is ranting against Cagle again. Richardson said that the car tag has a new name the "Cagle Birthday tax." Richardson said, "I hope Georgians by the 9 million will thank him tomorrow and flood him with e-mails and tell him we're sick of Casey Cagle. It's time to get a new Lt. Governor in this state."

[11:05pm] Richardson: "Tax reform, and all the work that was put in it, is now dead." He also added that the statewide trauma network is dead as well.

[11:08pm] A deal on the transportation tax increase has been reached. We'll see if the Senate lives up to their word.

[11:11pm] The House is disagreeing, SB 340, on a point sanctuary cities bill.

[11:34pm] The House is about to vote on SB 342, the Water Conservation and Drought Relief Act. This would fund some new public reservoirs. The Speaker came to the floor and took another shot at Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle.

[11:39pm] SB 342 passed by a vote of 111 to 39.

[11:40pm] Tax Man Smith just moved to consider the conference committee report on SR 845, the transportation sales tax.

[11:45pm] HR 845 still gives taxing power to RDCs, not to local governments.

[11:47pm] Enabling legislation for this legislation is forthcoming.

[11:48pm] State Rep. Tom Graves pointed out that the tax reform legislation is dead, but the House was still going to enact a tax increase. Richardson got upset by it being called a tax increase, which it is. He took a shot a Grover Norquist with Americans for Tax Reform and said that legislators that opposed the tax increase are "killing the system." No, that would be you, Mr. Speaker. Georgians are overtaxed as it is. Their tax burden has not gone down under Republican control and if the Speaker has his way, it'll go up.

[11:49pm] SR 845 has passed by a vote of 134 to 34.

[11:54pm] HB 1035, the enabling legislation for SR 845, passed by a vote of 138 to 28.

[11:55pm] I'm headed over to the Senate to see what is going down.

[11:58pm] SR 845 did not receive the required majority to pass a constitutional amendment in the Senate.

[11:59pm] Cagle: "It looks like the Speaker just Sine Died."

[12:00am] SB 342 passed the Senate by a vote of 37 to 6.

[12:02am] Both the House and Senate have adjourned.

Posted by Jason at 07:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

"Barr has made his issues with the Bush administration known since his departure from Congress. He has criticized Congress and President Bush over runaway spending and fiscal irresponsibility and has become a fierce critic of the so-called USA Patriot Act, despite voting for the legislation while in Congress. He believes that the legislation is being used too broadly, including many cases that do not involve terrorism in any way, such as the use of the Patriot Act in the recent investigation of New York Governor Elliot Spitzer."

Here is my column for this week. Bob Barr for President? I hope so.

You can get links to previous columns here.

Posted by Jason at 06:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Did anyone else catch Bob Barr on the radio with Sean Hannity? Hannity discussed the rumor that has been the rounds about Barr seeking the Libertarian Party nomination for President.

Hannity asked Barr directly if he was planning to run. Barr said he was "seriously considering" it and would make a decision soon. The longer the interview got, the less friendly Hannity was (I know...big surprise there). Hannity implied that if Barr cost McCain the election that everything that happened after it would be on Bob Barr.

If you were listening in then you know that Barr sounded like a candidate. I thought he came off really well.

I'm trying to find audio or transcript of the interview. I'll have it posted as soon as possible.

[UPDATE] This is from Dave Weigel over at Reason:

When former Rep. Bob Barr arrives in Kansas City on Saturday for the Heartland Libertarian Conference, organizers expect him to launch an exploratory committee for the Libertarian Party presidential nomination. Barr is meeting with his political team on Friday to firm up plans. Right now, he's expected to fly into the city at about noon Saturday and address the conference in the early afternoon.

The Barr launch is getting to be an open secret among conference-goers. Advocacy Ink, the firm that handles Barr's public relations, is advertising the speech to local and national reporters. Mike Ferguson, the de jure organizer of the conference, is scrambling to deal with a crush of new media requests.

"It doesn't take much to put two and two together," said Ferguson. "You don't do this unless you're making the announcement."

Posted by Jason at 05:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Mike Crotts visited the Senate Wednesday afternoon. Nothing unusual about that as former Senators often visit. Normal procedure is for the Lt. Governor to halt business for a moment to recognize them publicly when they go in the Senate chamber.

The visit was unusual in several ways. Casey did not bother to mention Crotts' presence, the first time that has happened during his tenure. Secondly, Crotts actually came into the chamber and gave out business like campaign cards to other Senators. A number of the cards were later seen in the trash cans of the Senate and several snide comments were made around the chamber.

Finally, he left the chamber for the halls and worked the lobbyists, begging for money and support in his delusional campaign to return to the Senate. Many later said they had no intention of supporting him and wondered out loud at his nerve and etiquette-breaking actions in the capitol. The common refrain inside and out of the Senate was he didn't do anything when he was there 12 years and there was no reason to expect he would be different now. He had his chance and his time is past.

Posted by Jason at 05:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (27)

Dear Local Candidates,
Please include a donation link on your webpage. I would be more than willing to donate to your campaign, in fact, I want to donate to your campaign. But I am not going to write a check, place it in an envelope, buy a stamp, then drive to the post office. You can use PayPal, you can set it up in about 5 minutes. Please allow me to donate to your campaign.
Thanks,
Joshua Patterson

Posted by Joshua Patterson at 02:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

One thing that the 2008 Congressional Pig Book shows is that Republicans still lead the way in pork:

Republicans in Congress, trying to appear tightfisted with taxpayer dollars this election year, found yesterday that some in their ranks led a list of "pork" spenders in a watchdog group's analysis of government waste.
[...]
But according to the survey, individual Republicans pushed the most pork last year. In addition, the three House Republicans sponsoring legislation calling for a moratorium all engaged in the practice, the report said.
[...]
Republicans have attacked Democratic Representative John Murtha for delivering a pile of special-interest funds to his western Pennsylvania district.

According to the report, however, two House Republicans bested Murtha: Roger Wicker of Mississippi, who recently became a senator, and Representative Bill Young of Florida. The two scored $176.3 million and $169.5 million in earmarks respectively, beating Murtha's $159.1 million.

In the Senate, the top three big spenders were Republicans, who together scored about $1.8 billion in home-state projects. Those senators were Thad Cochran, the senior Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Richard Shelby of Alabama, and Ted Stevens of Alaska, who was roundly criticized a few years back for winning approval of a "bridge to nowhere" and has been reported to be the target of a federal corruption probe.

All the top spenders are members of the House and Senate Appropriations committees, which dole out federal dollars.

Posted by Jason at 07:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jesse Ventura is not planning a run for president:

Ventura said he is not planning on running for president because of the difficulty third party candidates have in securing ballot access.

"Am I going to run? Too difficult," he said. "Because they make an independent like me jump through 50 different hoops because every state has different things you have to do to qualify to get on the ballot."

Posted by Jason at 04:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Citizens Against Government Waste has released the 2008 Congressional Pig Book that lists 11,610 pork projects totaling $17.2 billion.

A few of the interesting projects are:

• $3 million for The First Tee
• $1,950,000 for the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service
• $460,752 for hops research
• $211,509 for olive fruit fly research in Paris, France
• $196,000 for the renovation and transformation of a Post Office in Las Vegas
• $188,000 for the Lobster Institute in Maine
• $148,950 for the Montana Sheep Institute

Here is some video from CNN about the release.

Posted by Jason at 04:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

An al-Qaeda operative calls 9/11 conspiracy theories "non-sense":

H/T: Doug Mataconis

Posted by Jason at 04:10 PM | Permalink

The State Senate acted on the tax cut yesterday after the State House made changes:

Cagle responded later by ruling the House amendments to Richardson's own bill not germane and by allowing the Senate to strip off the newly-added House amendments to the second bill. Both now return to the House.
[...]
In the Senate, Cagle was asked by Finance Chairman Chip Rogers to rule whether the amendments were germane. He ruled they weren't and that was that.
[...]
The Senate voted 39-10 to put the bill back the way it was when it passed the Senate.

You can read the full artilce for an explanation of what the House did yesterday or you can scroll down a couple of posts.

Posted by Jason at 06:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

For those of you who know Chris Perkins, the candidate he is working for in Mississippi won the runoff last night:

In the 1st Congressional District - an open seat vacated when former U.S. Rep. Roger Wicker, R-Tupelo, was appointed to serve the unexpired term of former U.S. Sen. Trent Lott - Democratic nominee Travis Childers of Booneville will meet Republican nominee Greg Davis in the general election along with independent Wally Pang and Green Party candidate John M. Wages Jr.

Childers, the Prentiss County chancery clerk, faced veteran state Rep. Steve Holland of Plantersville in the Democratic 2nd primary showdown. Childers led the ticket in the March 11 Democratic primary.

In the 1st District's Republican primary, Davis won a bruising, hard-fought and extremely close runoff with former Tupelo mayor and former Tennessee Valley Authority chairman Glenn McCullough Jr. of Tupelo. McCullough had led the ticket in the March 11 GOP primary.

Davis is mayor of Southaven and a former state legislator.

In that race, Davis pounded McCullough's TVA management and particularly the agency's entertainment expenses while McCullough raised questions about Davis' mayoral city-reimbursed expenditures.

Posted by Jason at 06:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The State House today passed the 10% cut in the income tax that was pushed by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle...but that's not all, they also tacked the repeal of the car ad valorem tax back on to the legislation. The two proposal combined cut taxes nearly $2 billion:

On HR 1246, Richardson’s original tax relief plan - from which the Senate had deleted the provision to ax the tag tax - the House amended the Senate bill to restore that tax cut but to limit it only to those who can prove they are legal residents. That reduces the price tag from $700 million to $500 million. The measure also will no longer include the governor’s proposal to eliminate the state’s quarter-mill property tax.

The measure is a constitutional amendment that would need voter ratification. It includes the another provision which limits property reassessments to 2008 values except for increases of up to 2 percent for residential property and up to 3 percent for commercial property. Both the Speaker's bill and the Senate bill included such a freeze, although the Senate version allowed slightly higher increases.

On HB 1244, the House-passed bill which the Senate used for its proposal to cut income tax rates by 10 percent, the House moved the effective date forward from 2008 to 2011.

“I ask you to join me in putting this squarely where it needs to be and let’s break this logjam and give the people of the state of Georgia much-needed tax reform,” he said.

11 Alive reports that the State House inserted language that requires that voters approve the repeal of the ad valorem tax before the income tax cut can go into effect.

Posted by Jason at 04:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel is blogging as she travels with Governor Perdue and the Georgia delegation in China. You can read about the trip here.

Posted by Jason at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)