A MAD DEMOCRAT

All Children Matter and Democratic Candidates Part 2

2008-08-01T14:39:00.003-04:00

I think the discussion needs to keep going about All Children Matter. It has come to my attention that some candidates are "claiming" they didn't know All Children Matter would send out mailings for them. If anyone believes that, I have some swamp land to sell them. I have never been a candidate for public office and only heard of ACM about 2 months ago and even I knew they would send mailings out for the candidates who responded to the questionnaire and were "endorsed." The question still remains, why did these candidates even respond?

Let's make up a new scenario. What if Georgia Right to Life sent questionnaires to all candidates who qualified for the state legislature and if they filled them out and interviewed they would get the same support as long as they were "open minded" and let's even go any further if they were open to limitations on abortions. Democrats and Pro-Choice activists would be outraged and the blogosphere would be lit up with the issue.

Although I'm disappointed by incumbents that were supported by the group, I am deeply troubled by new candidates who fell into the trap of bowing to special interests before the polls even close. We must hold our candidates and elected officials accountable for their actions.

All Children Matter and Democratic Candidates

2008-07-31T14:22:00.003-04:00

The AJC reported today an issue that has been bothering me for a while. All Children Matter is a group that is led by Republicans that encourage candidates and elected officials to support school vouchers. They have dumped thousands of dollars into our democratic candidates coffers.

I have a few issues with the way the process has worked.

1. The group did independent expenditures for campaigns as well as campaign donations. The only way they were able to do that is if the candidate responded to the questionnaire that was sent to them. Why are our democratic candidates getting in bed with republican led voucher groups and where is GAE on this issue?

2. Are they trying to infiltrate the Democratic Caucus so that when these people get in office, they will be sympathetic to their issues?

I think we should hold our candidates and elected officials accountable on this matter.

Since everyone is on this full disclosure kick I must give mine. I worked against Joel Alvarado in State House District 55 in the primary and he was an All Children Matter's candidate as well as Rahn Mayo. I am also actively supporting Ralph Long in the Primary Runoff against Keisha Waites who is another All Children Matter's candidate however this issue is bigger than a handful of candidates. If they actively get involved in state races, what is next? School Board races on all level?

Note to candidates

2008-05-23T00:29:00.002-04:00

Dear Candidates,

When you are placing yard signs in your various districts, please make sure you do not put them in abandoned homes, particularly ones that are boarded up or the yards are overgrown. Also refrain from placing them in abandoned lots where you can barely see the sign because the grass hasn't been cut in years.

It makes you look as if you aren't in tune with the needs of your community. With the mortgage crises and foreclosures as well as the lack of basic services in certain communities, you just become known as a career politician who is insensitive and doesn't really care what is going on in your communities. If you want to really win votes, cut some abandoned lots or go and board up some houses that are abandoned and only God knows what is going on in them.

The DPG and the voter file ..

2008-03-03T20:17:00.002-05:00

There has been a lot of discussion about the DPG's new policy to not offer its voter file to candidates challenging incumbents but I really don't see what the big deal is. I agree that it may protect incumbents but I'm not sure if that is a bad thing. Let's say Markel Hutchins decided to challenge John Barrow or Jim Marshall. I feel its better to protect these incumbents and give them a slight advantage to prevent knuckle-heads from getting in a race and siphoning resources that should be used to protect their seat in November. Does the DCCC, DNC, DSCC, or DLCC let candidates challenging Democratic incumbents come into the office for fundraising calls? I don't think so. They are about protecting incumbents.

You are also accepting the premise that if a candidate can't get the voter file from the DPG that they can't get good voter data to run a campaign. How many incumbents actually buy their data from the DPG versus someone who sells it on a consultant basis?

Yes it's true that the party is cutting into potential revenue but is it really that significant. I think we have new leadership in the party and we should give them the benefit of the doubt and see how everything turns out.

Experience AND Inspiration

2008-02-22T16:11:00.003-05:00

Roseanne Barr has in interesting piece on the huffington post today entitled Experience Vs Inspiration. Its quite obvious Roseanne is a supporter of Hillary Clinton and I have no problem with that.

Let me say first, that I respect Roseanne and admire her work as an entertainer. I'm probably one of the biggest Roseanne fans out and I'm still waiting to get the rest of her seasons on DVD. However there is a huge fallacy in her argument that Senator Clinton is more experienced than Obama.

Senator Obama has been an elected official for over 10 years compared to Clinton's 8. Before that, he was a community organizer on the Southside of Chicago fighting for working families. Senator Clinton sat on the board of walmart.

Senator Obama does have the ability to inspire others. He is bringing thousands of new voters into the fold (which may make the difference in downballot elections). So how can we turn that away?

The question isn't, who is the most experienced, the question is which experience is best for working families and which experience will help beat John Mccain.

I think it's time for Tavis Smiley to go kick rocks...

2008-02-22T15:44:00.003-05:00

Senator Obama has taken heat recently by Commentator Tavis Smiley for not attending ~~his yearly day long promo for his books~~ The State of the Black Union.

Although I enjoy watching the State of The Black Union on C-SPAN, I find it quite pointless. It's a group of liberal academics who sit around and talk about issues concerning the African American community. Sen. Obama is in for the fight of his life in Texas and Ohio and needs to spend all of his time there campaigning. If Mr. Smiley REALLY cares about issues concenring the black community, he would care about our candidates working towards winning the presidency and extending our majority in Congress instead of pimping candidates to line his own pockets.

Below is an excerpt from a Washington Post blog that has quotes from both parties:

"Obama followed up with a letter to Smiley, dated Feb. 13. In it, Obama explained why he declined the invitation, saying that he needed to campaign in states that Clinton must win to in order to topple her candidacy. "I will be on the campaign trail every day in states like Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin talking directly to voters about the causes that are at the heart of my campaign and the State of the Black Union forum such as affordable housing, economic opportunity, civil rights and foreign policy," Obama said in his letter. He had offered to have his wife, Michelle, speak in his stead at the State of the Black Union, but Smiley had declined. "I ask that you reconsider," Obama wrote. "Michelle is a powerful voice for the type of reach change America is hungry for."
Smiley responded in a commentary on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, condemning Obama's decision with his usual strong, passionate, rapid-fire delivery. He recounted the gist of his statement in the interview. "I think it is a miscalculation on his part not to appear and a missed opportunity.""I love Barack Obama and I love black people," Smiley said. "I celebrate his past accomplishments and I celebrate his future aspirations. I never wanted to stand in the path of his growth."However, he said, "My job is to ask the critical question, to raise these issues and keep these guys focused. There are some people who are disappointed that I'm not jumping up and down saying, 'Vote for Barack Obama.' That's not my role as a journalist. That's not what I do."

Smiley has acknowledged that he has received criticism as well as death threats. While I don't agree with death threats, I think he should receive criticism. Someone needs to tell him to go kick rocks.

The Case for Obama

2008-02-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

I have been a supporter of John Edwards since the day after the 2004 election. I supported him because I felt like we needed a change in Washington. We needed someone who wasn't too entrenched with Washington Lobbyists to turn the place upside down. Senator Edwards is one of those few public servants who I feel "get it." From predatory lending to health care, Edwards was the first to jump on these issues and shape the debate of the party.

When Senator Edwards dropped out of the race, I was taken aback! Who should I support now? I actually went back and looked at the candidates on the issues before I made a decision and I started leaning towards one candidate. I watched the debate and started leaning towards another.

Then I started thinking about past elections. Although I was just in elementary school, I clearly remember the 1992 presidential election. That's the first presidential election I actually remember and I recall a young man that accepted our nomination from a place called Hope and I remember the excitement that I felt for this candidate at 7 years old. That man, Bill Clinton, went on to become President and change this country. I want kids all around this country to get the feeling that I did. I moved to the near present and started reflecting about sitting in the Fleet Center in Boston in 2004 and the night before John Kerry accepted the nomination, I remember a country boy from South Carolina assuring us that Hope is on the way. That speech touched me dearly and Senator Edwards has had my support since.

As the old folks used to say back home in Birmingham, Alabama, "I need someone to Hope me!" I need a president that knows the policy end of the Oval Office and will be ready to make the tough decisions but I also need someone that can assure American's fears in this tumultuous time.

From the Iraq War to Education, Barack Obama is the best and most progressive candidate left to beat the Republicans on every issue.

Although I have already voted for John Edwards, my support goes to Senator Barack Obama in hopes that he becomes the next President of The United States of America.

A Unified Party

2008-02-01T14:55:00.000-05:00

The past week has been interesting. First we had the departure of Senator John Edwards from the presidential race. Of course this saddened me as well as many others. Senator Edwards has fought for all Americans and has continuously shaped the debate of the primary.

Last night's CNN debate was great! we saw our two potential nominees have an open discussion of the issues that didn't leave anyone bitter and didn't give the Republicans ammunition for the general election.

Although we don't have a nominee yet, I feel like we are at the right place to go forward to beat any Republican in November.

After watching the debate last night, I wonder if someone pulled the coattails of the 3 candidates and told them that they need to get their act together and work toward the common cause.

Grady CEO Resigned

2008-01-29T14:00:00.000-05:00

The AJC is reporting that Grady CEO Otis Story has resigned. Mr. Story is the 4th CEO since 2005. Rep. Pam Stephenson who also serves as chair of the Grady Board will be the interim CEO. This is a troubling time for Grady and I hope the new leadership (Board and CEO) will work to making sure critical services such as the dialysis unit and the pharmacy are not cut.

On another note about Grady, it is time for the legislature to stop playing politics and cough up the money. The board approved its restructuring plan and at this point has done its part. It's now time for Fulton County, Dekalb County, and the state to do what they need to to ensure this hospital stays afloat.

Hopefully the last time I will talk about Obama and Race.

2008-01-23T21:22:00.000-05:00

Obviously race has become a major issue in this campaign and I'm quite sick of it so I have a few things to say.

I find it INSULTING that people want to degrade African Americans who are not supporting Sen. Obama.

The basis of the criticism is pure hypocrisy. How does ANYONE have the testicular fortitude to say anything about a person whose decision to support a candidate is not based on race. Let's look at this scenario....

Average Joe is a white male and decides to support Senator Obama. A Clinton or Edwards supporter criticized Joe for not supporting a white candidate and called him a "nigger lover." The media outlets, bloggers, and activists would go crazy and DEMAND apologies from the campaign as well as the supporter.

I also have issue with the ignorance of supporting Sen Obama just because he is black. I REFUSE to choose a candidate just because of race. There are more important things to look at including elect ability, character, and if the candidate is speaking about issues that are important to me. Too many times have I seen elected officials and activists, including many African Americans who have SOLD US OUT on too many issues that affect us such as payday lending, affordable housing, public housing, gentrification, police brutality, education, and access to affordable health care, to blindly give them my support. For example, I also wouldn't expect myself or any other African American to support George Bush's nominee to the supreme court just because he is black. (Not to call anyone out but it's something to think about)

I would love to see a Black president in the near future, but its more important to me to win and bring about the change that I think will most benefit everyone and Senator Obama is respectfully not my choice.

As a good friend said recently, "What is HOPE? Hope essentially is the by-product of the absence of a definitive PLAN. (i.e. "Lets HOPE we make it to church on time this week...I HOPE the Lakers win tomorrow...I HOPE Obama isn't the democratic nominee") Something Obama's campaign clearly lacks - a plan"

You know, I never marched with King and my parents were in diapers around that time so they didn't either but I do think I remember hearing him say something about judging someone by "the content of their character and not the color of their skin" but what do I know, I'm just a young buck who is wet behind his ears and has a slavery mentality..

I do challenge everyone before they go to the voting booth to look at a few things...
1. What are the platforms of each candidate? Which one most represents you
2. Who is most likely to beat a republican and help down ballot races as well (US Senate and House, governors, and State Legislature races)

If you can honestly answer that your candidate does this, then I can respect you and your choice, but if you can't respect mine, go kick rocks.

Delegate breakdown

2008-01-10T13:04:00.000-05:00

Here is a current breakdown of the delegate count for both parties

Democrats (2025 needed)
Clinton - 183
Obama- 78
Edwards - 52
Kucinich - 1

Republicans (1191 needed)

Romney 30
Huckabee- 21
Mccain- 10
Thompson- 6
Paul-2
Guliani- 1

The only thing that this tells us is that the primaries are far from over. There is no candidate that is anywhere near the votes needed to win the nomination. I think the next month will be interesting as the candidates criss cross the country seeking delegates.

With Richardson out, the Nevada race just got more interesting. I am wondering if the Clinton Campaign is trying to usurp the nominating process and will name Governor Richardson as her running mate soon in an attempt to trump all other campaigns. If that is the case, this is how I see the next few weeks playing out...

Clinton names Richardson as VP.
Clinton Skips South Carolina and focuses on Nevada
After the South Carolina, Edwards joins Obama as a ticket,
The campaigns come into Georgia California and other Feb 5 states campaigning stronger than ever and the central theme will still be "change vs. experience"

My question is, if this happens, which ticket benefits? Do we go all the way through the primary not knowing who our nominee is? Will that cause a knockdown dragout fight on the convention floor then Al Gore is nominated from the floor? (I come up with these scenarios at 4am when i'm battling insomnia)

Why I think John Edwards can still win the nomination

2008-01-04T00:24:00.000-05:00

John Edwards has been polling in 3rd place for months and was often seen as a second tier candidate. Senator Edwards was outspent by Senator Clinton and still managed to beat her in the Iowa Caucuses. A former first lady who had the "establishment" supporting her as well as the former POTUS as well as Secretary of State campaigning for her to be beat by a former Senator who many pundits wrote off is AMAZING!!!

I believe that Senator Clinton will spend a lot of her money attacking Senator Obama in the next few days before the New Hampshire Primary. If Edwards continues a positive message, he may be able to siphon votes from both candidate and make a surprising show in New Hampshire and particularly South Carolina.

Alot of people are supporting Obama because he is black. This is more than about race. This is about electing the person that most represents your values. I must say this as I have been saying for a while as well, HOPE doesn't put food on the table, HOPE doesn't give you a fair mortage, HOPE doesn't give you universal healthcare.

Many people talk about Obama and the black vote, I'm still supporting a candidate who talks about issues that affect African Americans.

Fw: New poll out just now that will show Edwards in a more decisive position in Iowa than ever before!!!

2007-12-31T19:15:00.001-05:00

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----
From: "Your OneCorps Chapter" <julie4jre@comcast.net>

Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:30:47
To:javierabrown@gmail.com
Subject: New poll out just now that will show Edwards in a more decisive position in Iowa than ever before!!!

<http://onecorps.com/>

New poll out just now that will show Edwards in a more decisive position in Iowa than ever before!!!

A Happy New Year It'll Be!!!
From the IA/Southern Political Report story:
"Critically, Edwards was the second choice of 62% of those who supported other candidates that did not receive the required 15% of the vote. Clinton was the second choice of 21% and Obama of 17%.
Using the reallocation methodology InsiderAdvantage used in 2004 - which correctly indicated a fairly comfortable win for John Kerry - our new poll reveals that, if the caucuses were held today, the reallocated final outcome would be:
Edwards: 41%
Clinton: 34%
Obama: 25%
Full story/data here: http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/ <http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/>

Julie Simon

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John Edwards Theme of the Week: The Big Mo!!!!!!!

2007-12-19T13:10:00.000-05:00

Yes Ladies and Gentleman, John Edwards has momentum!!!!

It has been a pretty exciting week for the Edwards campai gn. The Senator appears on the cover of Newsweek magazine. He's featured in an article as "The Sleeper" candidate. Edwards has strong support in the rural precincts in Iowa and "under Iowa's arcane caucus rules, a precinct where 25 people show up to vote gets the same number of delegates as a place that packs in 2,500"

On Monday, Iowa first Lady, Mari Culver, endorsed John Edwards and hit the campaign trail with him.

Yesterday, Insider Advantage released a poll putting Senator Edwards in the lead in Iowa with 30% with Sens. Clinton and Obama trailing respectively. Senator Edwards is also the top "second choice" candidate. (Iowa party rules calls for caucus goers whose candidate does not receive 15% to choose another candidate.

With 15 days left until the Iowa caucuses, this is exactly what the Edwards campaign needs for that extra push to victory.

Tis the season....

2007-12-14T12:00:00.001-05:00

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas so to get in the holiday spirit I am posting a clip for what I think is the best Oprah episode ever. Christmas Eve 1990, The Winans Family appeared on Oprah for a Christmas special... Enjoy

Michael Vick, Shirley Franklin, Our Children....

2007-12-14T00:30:00.000-05:00

"Michael especially was a role model for the City's underprivileged children. To them, Michael was much more than just a football player. He gave those kids hope."

These are the words Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin wrote in a letter to Judge Henry E. Hudson in defense of Michael Vick.

Mayor Franklin is right. Vick was/is a role model to children in Atlanta and that is why it is important that we must not send the wrong message to our children. The message should continue to be, "You do the crime, You do the time" no matter how much money or fame you have.

Despite anyone's opinion of this case the fact remains that Michael Vick broke the law and must suffer the consequences.

It was disheartening to read that the Mayor is getting involved in this issue. Maybe instead of supporting common criminals, she can write letters and speak out on more important issues such as police corruption, the Atlanta Housing Authority Fiasco, the Beltline's effect on low income residents, or Grady.

I find it deplorable for the leader of our city to event get involved in this garbage.

The People's Hearing on Grady

2007-09-03T21:58:00.000-04:00

The Grady Coalition is sponsoring
The People's Hearing on Grady
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Grady Hospital's
Steiner Auditorium
6pm to 8pm

All Grady employees, patients and concerned community members need to attend this hearing to speak out and make a plan to make sure that Grady stays open and is properly funded.

We Are ALL Grady!

Did you know? (What the AJC Won't tell you)

2007-09-02T16:00:00.000-04:00

• The State DECREASED Grady’s funding this year by $60 million?
• Charity care at Grady INCREASED by $73 million this year?
• County funding has essentially unchanged for years..it’s been FLAT?
• Over 25% of Georgia’s doctors are trained at Grady?
• 900,00 patients visit Grady annually?
• Grady has the largest outpatient dialysis unit in the State?
• Grady is THE hospital when it comes to emergency preparedness (biological and natural disaster)?

Grady has $133 million LESS this year while the number of uninsured continues to climb. The Grady Board is not the problem The problem is the MONEY!

The surrounding counties that utilize Grady need to PAY THEIR BILLS to Grady.

The STATE of GEORGIA which uses Grady as THE Safety Net Health System for all of Georgia needs to FUND GRADY!!

Fulton and Dekalb Counties cannot and should not have to foot the bill for Grady. The Governor and the State Legislature needs to support our Grady Safety Net.
We Are ALL Grady!

Asa Grant Hilliard III 1933 - 2007

2007-08-14T00:10:00.000-04:00

Dr. Asa Hilliard passed away Sunday due to malaria while in Egypt. Dr. Hilliard was a giant in many aspects of Academia, particularly in the African American Studies field. Dr. Hilliard was the Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Urban Education at Georgia State University. He will be missed greatly and his accomplishments will not be forgotten.

Michael Vick and Lindsay Lohan

2007-07-25T22:04:00.000-04:00

By now, everyone has heard of the Michael Vick dogfighting issue. First let me say, dogfighting is wrong and if Michael Vick was involved, I have no sympathy for him.

I do find it disturbing that Lindsay Lohan is once again in the news after being arrested for driving with a suspended license, driving under the influence, and possession of cocaine. The fact that she has REPEATEDLY put others lives in danger and has faced no real consequences pisses me off. Where are the MADD and other activists on this issue? People can protest because of dogfighting but not when someone puts others lives at risk. Why isn't there an organized movement to protest her new movie coming out? Does anyone see the disparities here??

Genarlow Wilson candlelight vigil

2007-07-19T20:55:00.001-04:00

I'm at a candlelight/prayer vigil right now for Genarlow Wilson at the State Capitol. We are gathering and praying every hour on the hour. Stop by the steps of the State Capitol for a while to congregate and pray. Genarlow's case is going before the Supreme Court tomorrow morning at 10. If you plan on attending, get there early. The doors will be closed at 9:45
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George Bush Doesn't Care about Poor People

2007-07-13T19:12:00.001-04:00

One in 8 Americans currently lives in poverty. George Bush is ignoring all 37 million of them. We need to stop ignoring poverty—and make ending it a national priority

John Edwards is launching the Road to One America Tour next week to shine a light on the 37 million Americans who live in poverty.

You can help raise awareness simply by texting the word "TOUR" to 30644

Next week during the tour John Edwards will send exclusive audio updates from the road about the people he meets with and the towns he visits to help raise awareness. All you need to do to receive these exclusive updates directly from John is:

Text the word "TOUR" to 30644

- Team Edwards

I'm supporting John Edwards, Will You?

2007-06-19T14:57:00.001-04:00

I have voiced my support for John Edwards since he announced his candidacy for president. The next week is very important for any campaign. The FEC deadline is just 11 days away and John Edwards needs your help. Can you contribute to his campaign. Every penny helps. If everyone on in my online network (facebook, myspace, etc.) just donates $5 or $10 dollars, we can easily raise $10,000 for Senator Edwards by the June 30th. I'm a firm believer in the Senator's message and think that he can eat any republican in 2008.

Click here to contribute

Mike Jacobs....no surprise so what's next

2007-06-19T14:12:00.001-04:00

Everyone has heard about Mike Jacobs switching parties by now. That was no surprise and I won't even discuss his reasons. My only question is, who is running against him in '08?

Genarlow Wilson Prayer Vigil

2007-06-14T11:34:00.000-04:00

Join State Senator Vincent Fort along with,
Sen. Emmanuel Jones, SCLC, Rainbow/Push Coalition, GA Coalition for the People's Agenda, NAACP, GABEO, and others for a Prayer Vigil For Genarlow Wilson

When: Today, June 14, 2007
Where: State Capitol Steps
Time: 6:00 PM

For more information, contact Senator Vincent Fort's office at 404-656-6091

I'm sorry... I couldn't resist...

2007-06-12T14:22:00.002-04:00

UPDATE: Genarlow Wilson not so free after all

2007-06-11T17:45:00.000-04:00

As Everyone probably knows by now, Attorney General Thurbert Baker is appealing the decision to free Genarlow.

Of course, I'm mad as Hell, but I'm not surprised at all. Thurbert, when will you take off the tap shoes and top hat (not a dig at his bad hairpiece) and start doing what's right?

I just left a press conference with Rev. Joseph Lowery, Rev. James Orange, Ms. Janice Mathis of Rainbow/Push, Mr. Edward Dubose of Georgia NAACP, B.J. Bernstein (Genarlow's attorney), Sens. Gail Davenport and Vincent Fort, and Reps. Tyrone Brooks and Randall Mangham where everyone took a vote of No-Confidence of Attorney General Baker and had in hand a letter asking for his resignation.

Random Sidenote: Hillary Clinton Boasts Baker as one of her Georgia Supporters. I'm not sure if that is such a good idea.

Genarlow Wilson Freed!!!

2007-06-11T13:55:00.000-04:00

Monroe County Superior Court Judge Thomas Wilson reduced 21 year old Genarlow Wilson's sentence to a misdemeanor today and hopefully will be freed within 48 hours. I'm glad that a judge finally stepped in and did something about this since our "do-nothing" legislature was too busy showing their backsides to get any real legislation passed this year.

Justice Has been Served!

2007-06-09T14:47:00.000-04:00

For once, the justice system works!!!!

Legislative Action Alert-Crohn's and Colitis Foundation

2007-06-07T16:06:00.000-04:00

The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America just sent out this legislative Action Alert for support of increasing the the budget of the NIH. Below I included some information about Crohn's and Colitis and the action alert follows it.

Taken from `Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Enhancement Act'.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

The Congress finds as follows:

(1) Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are serious inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

(2) Crohn's disease may occur in any section of the gastrointestinal tract but is predominately found in the lower part of the small intestine and the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the innermost lining of the colon. Complete removal of the colon in patients with ulcerative colitis can potentially alleviate and cure symptoms.

(3) Because Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis behave similarly, they are collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease. Both diseases present a variety of symptoms, including severe diarrhea; abdominal pain with cramps; fever; and rectal bleeding. There is no known cause of inflammatory bowel disease, or medical cure.

(4) It is estimated that up to 1,400,000 people in the United States suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, 30 percent of whom are diagnosed during their childhood years.

(5) Children with inflammatory bowel disease miss school activities because of bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain, and many adults who had onset of inflammatory bowel disease as children had delayed puberty and impaired growth and have never reached their full genetic growth potential.

(6) Inflammatory bowel disease patients are at high risk for developing colorectal cancer.

(7) The total annual medical costs for inflammatory bowel disease patients is estimated at more than $2,000,000,000.

SUPPORT AN INCREASE IN FUNDING
FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

The House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education is expected to mark-up its FY08 funding bill this week. This bill provides annual appropriations for biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

All Crohn's & Colitis Foundation advocates are encouraged to contact the members of the House Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee and ask that the FY08 bill provide a 6.7% funding increase for NIH. In addition, please contact your own member of the House of Representatives and ask them to encourage the members of the Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee to provide a 6.7% increase for NIH.

This increase would halt the erosion of the nation's medical research enterprise, and enable investigators to accelerate the momentum of discovery for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. The 6.7% proposed increase has been endorsed by hundreds of the nation's leading medical research organizations and patient advocacy groups -- including the Foundation.

The members of the House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee are listed below. If you do not know who your specific Representative is, please go to www.congress.org and enter your zip code. Phone numbers for all congressional offices are also listed on www.congress.org. Calling works best, but if you prefer to communicate via e-mail, you can do so through www.congress.org.

Some tips for calling congressional offices:

1. Ask to speak with the legislator's Health Aide.
2. Introduce yourself and explain what IBD is and how it impacts you and your family.
3. Emphasize how important research is to improving the quality of life for IBD patients.
4. Specifically ask the legislator to support a 6.7% increase for the NIH in FY08. If that member is not on the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, ask him/her to communicate their support for a 6.7% increase to the Subcommittee.
5. Give the aide your contact information and ask to be kept informed of the legislator's actions on your request.

Thank you! Please keep us informed at advocacy@ccfa.org of the e-mails you have sent, and the responses you have received.

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE LABOR-
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES-
EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE

Representatives and phone numbers:

Chairman: David R. Obey (D-WI): 202-225-3365
Nita M. Lowey (D-NY): 202-225-6506
Rosa DeLauro (D-CT): 202-225-3661
Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (D-IL): 202-225-0773
Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI): 202-225-4911
Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA): 202-225-1766
Barbara Lee (D-CA): 202-225-2661
Tom Udall (D-NM): 202-225-6190
Michael Honda (D-CA): 202-225-2631
Betty McCollum (D-MN): 202-225-6631
Tim Ryan (D-OH): 202-225-5261

Ranking Member James Walsh (R-NY): 202-225-3701
Ralph Regula (R-OH): 202-225-3876
John E. Peterson (R-PA): 202-225-5121
Dave Weldon (R-FL): 202-225-3671
Michael K. Simpson (R-ID): 202-225-5531
Dennis Rehberg (R-MT): 202 225-3211

Paypal vs Click and Pledge

2007-05-31T22:09:00.000-04:00

Ok. Does anyone have a preference of paypal or click and pledge for campaign websites?

Thanks!

Fw: Volunteers Needed!

2007-04-23T21:11:00.000-04:00

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----
From: "Mike Cantone, Field Director" <mikec@democraticpartyofgeorgia.org>
Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 21:11:07
To:javierabrown@gmail.com
Subject: Volunteers Needed!

<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xvt6b4bab.0.4low76bab.sgom86bab.15959&ts=S0242&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.democraticpartyofgeorgia.org%2F>

Volunteers Needed for Democratic Action!

The Democratic Party of Georgia is putting a call out to all interested volunteers.

The best way to turn Georgia blue again is to get involved with the DPG!

Upcoming volunteer opportunities include:

** Phone Banking in the 10th Congressional District**

- The special election for the 10th CD will be held on June 19th. In a special election turnout is usually very low, making it crucial to turn out our Democratic base. The DPG will be calling Democrats in the district, to remind them to vote on June 19th. (click here: <mailto:volunteer@democraticpartyofgeorgia.org?subject=10th%20District%20Phonebanking> to volunteer)

** Data Entry**

- The Democratic Party of Georgia strives to be the voice for all Democrats in Georgia. A major function of the DPG is to keep track of Democratic voters, so we can turn them out during election years. The DPG needs help entering data, from the 10th Congressional race, into the voter-file. (click here: <mailto:volunteer@democraticpartyofgeorgia.org?subject=Data%20Entry> to volunteer)

If you are interested in volunteering, please email volunteer@democraticpartyofgeorgia.org: <mailto:volunteer@democraticpartyofgeorgia.org> or call Ted Terry at 404-870-8201.

** Apply for a Summer Internship **

- Intern at the DPG and help turn Georgia blue again!

- Interns will have the opportunity to help build the DPG from the local level up and gain valuable experience in Field, Communications, Tech and Finance.
If you are interested in internship opportunities, please email intern@democraticpartyofgeorgia.org: <mailto:intern@democraticpartyofgeorgia.org> or call Ted Terry at 404-870-8201.

I look forward to the great work we are going to accomplish together.

Mike Cantone

Field Director, Democratic Party of Georgia

Paid for by the Democratic Party of Georgia, 1100 Spring St. NW, Suite 408, Atlanta, GA 30309.
Jane Kidd, Chair; Michael Thurmond, Vice-Chair; Rex Templeton, Treasurer.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

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Still at the capitol

2007-04-20T21:50:00.001-04:00

Now I'm listening to Dubose Porter speak in favor of the Private cities bill. Are we even a party anymore?
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Mike Jacobs. WTF!

2007-04-20T19:54:00.001-04:00

I'm sitting in the capitol listening to Mike Jacobs support a SCHOOL VOUCHER bill!!! Geesh! Who is going to run against this guy?
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East Point Community Meeting

2007-04-09T22:53:00.000-04:00

Senator Vincent Fort invites you to a
Community Meeting
About
Georgia Power Gas Pipeline
SHAME ON GEORGIA POWER!!!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
7:00 PM
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
2870 Headland Drive
East Point, GA 30344
Find out what Georgia Power doesn’t want you to know about how the pipeline will hurt your property values and quality of life.
• Come and get the latest updated information

• If approached by Georgia Power, don’t be rushed to sell your home!!! Don’t be intimidated!! Don’t let them low ball you with a bad price for your property!!!

• Don’t Sign Anything

For More information Contact Senator Vincent Fort’s office at 404-656-5091

Payday loan ACTION ALERT!!!!

2007-03-21T20:28:00.000-04:00

By now everyone has probably heard of the hb163, the payday loan bill. I am not going to repeat everyone else's arguments of why this is a bad bill. It will be up for reconsideration in the house next week and we need to contact these Democrats and tell them to vote against this bill and let them know that we are watching them. Below are the Democrats that are supporting this bill and if we contact them enough this week, we may be able to sway a few votes.

Tyrone Brooks 404.656.6372
Keith Heard 404-656-0220
Mike Jacobs 404-656-0325
Joe Heckstall 404-656-0220
Lynmore James 404-656-0116
Sheila Jones 404-656-0323
Pedro Marin 404-656-0314
Billy Mitchell 404-656-0116
Ron Sailor 404-656-0287
"Able" Mable Thomas 404-656-0314
Al Williams 404-656-6372

Let them know that we are watching their votes and we need them to stand up for everyday Georgians by saying "NO" to the payday loan industry.

Confederate History Month

2007-03-19T11:27:00.001-04:00

By now I hope everyone has heard of the bill in the Georgia Senate to create a Confederate History Month. I was prompted to write this post after reading other blogger's comments about the Bill.

I think this is a horrible bill and I'm scared that this is moving forward.

The historical context of the confederacy has a serious racist background. The confederacy represents a divided nation that split due to slavery. After the civil war ended as well as reconstruction, the idea of such a strong pride of the confederacy died down. At the beginning of height of the Civil Rights Movement, there was an emergence of the Confederate flag as well as the idea of the Confederate states. This was a symbol of rebelling against the idea of equality for blacks.

Now the Republican-led Georgia General Assembly is race baiting with the idea of commemorating this dark side of American history. I think its deplorable that anyone would even consider an entire month to celebrate this. I'm hoping at least 8 republicans vote against this. If the General Assembly passes this, I think they would have to concurrently pass a resolution apologizing for slavery.

Another factor we must examine is the financial impact of something like this. There will be calls from numerous civil rights organizations to boycott Georgia. On the bright side, this may energize the Black community in a remarkable way. We may see turnout in 2008 explode and make a serious impact in many elections.

How A Democrat can beat Saxby in '08

2007-03-09T14:44:00.000-05:00

I think we have a good chance to start chipping away at the Republican gains in Georgia in 2008 but we must start today. I think we need a member of Congress to run against Saxby. Preferably Jim Marshall but I think that Sanford Bishop and John Barrow will work too.

We need them to meet with the house leadership and come up with the funding gap for Peachcare. Then they have a big press conference with the party leadership and a bunch of kids and parents in the background.

The line to be used in the media should be something like "While the Georgia Legislature decided to take a recess and ignore thousands of innocent children, we were fighting to make sure that every child in Georgia has access to healthcare". We use this issue in working family homes throughout the state to show that Democrats have the same values as everyday Georgians.

We also need a presidential candidate with an actual pulse who will not kill every Democratic candidate in Georgia.

The 10th district race is also very important for 2008. If we make this seat competitive now, we lay the groundwork for an excellent field campaign for other races to come.

We also need our safe congressmen to campaign like they are in for the fight of their lives. If they campaign hard, they can energize our base in those districts and increase voter turnout.
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Alabama Centennial By Naomi Long Madgett

2007-02-11T00:55:00.000-05:00

In honor of Black History Month and the struggle for civil rights in America, I must post one of my favorite poems.

ALABAMA CENTENNIAL, by Naomi Long Madgett

They said, "Wait." Well, I waited.
For a hundred years I waited
In cotton fields, kitchens, balconies,
In bread lines, at back doors, on chain gangs,
In stinking "colored" toilets
And crowded ghettos,
Outside of schools and voting booths.
And some said, "Later."
And some said, "Never!"

Then a new wind blew, and a new voice
Rode its wings with quiet urgency,
Strong, determined, sure.

"No," it said. "Not 'never,' not 'later."
Not even 'soon.'
Now.
Walk!"

And other voices echoed the freedom words,
"Walk together, children, don't get weary,"
Whispered them, sang them, prayed them, shouted them.
"Walk!"
And I walked the streets of Montgomery
Until a link in the chain of patient acquiescence broke.

Then again: Sit down!
And I sat down at the counters of Greensboro.
Ride! And I rode the bus for freedom.
Kneel! And I went down on my knees in prayer and faith.
March! And I'll march until the last chain falls
Singing, "We shall overcome."

Not all the dogs and hoses in Birmingham
Nor all the clubs and guns in Selma
Can turn this tide.
Not all the jails can hold these young black faces
From their destiny of manhood,
Of equality, of dignity,
Of the American Dream
A hundred years past due.
Now!

[From Star by Star by Naomi Long Madgett.]

Why Blacks won't necessarily back Obama

2007-02-07T19:39:00.000-05:00

Mr. Earl Ofari Hutchinson has written an impressive article at The Christian Science Monitor about why Black voters won't necessarily support Barack Obama's campaign for POTUS. Below is an excerpt. I think he brings up some good points and starts a dialouge about Black voters and Obama that isn't dealing with Sen. Obama's "Blackness"

Why blacks won't necessarily back Obama
As recent history proves, political interests trump race.
By Earl Ofari Hutchinson

LOS ANGELES - Political interests trump race. That's the hard lesson likely 2008 presidential candidate Barack Obama will soon learn. Those who think black voters will automatically support one of their own need to think again. Recent history proves that point.

A survey in January 1996 showed that the so-called black president, Bill Clinton, nosed out Jesse Jackson and Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan in popularity among blacks. Eight years later, when Al Sharpton made his presidential foray in the South Carolina Democratic primary, he barely nudged out eventual Democratic presidential contender John Kerry among black voters. State and national black leaders put their muscle behind Senator Kerry or John Edwards.
In the 2006 midterm elections, Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, pro football great Lynn Swann in Pennsylvania, and Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele – all Republicans – banked heavily on getting black voter support to beat their white Democratic opponents in state races. They failed miserably.

Blacks were enraptured with President Clinton and have supported white Democrats for good reason. They believed these seasoned politicians would deliver on their promise to fight for jobs, education, and healthcare. And they either held office or were good bets to win. Interests and electability trumped color.

The same rules apply to Senator Obama. Blacks may puff their chests with pride at the prospect of him breaking racial barriers, but they'll shttp://www2.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=9820158till judge him on two crucial questions. Can he deliver on bread and butter issues? And can he win?

(Click Here for the Entire Article)

Norwood Declines Further Hospital Treatment, Returns to Augusta Home

2007-02-07T16:58:00.000-05:00

Congressman Norwood's Office has issued a Press Release stating that he has refused further treatment for lung cancer and will return home and set up hospice care. My prayers are with his family, friends, and staff.

Focus on Prevention Rally!

2007-02-07T15:25:00.000-05:00

This was taken from Bernita over at BFD.

Planned Parenthood of Georgia
Put Prevention First!

What: 2007 Legislative Lobby Day, Press Conference, and Rally

When: Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Where: 9AM: Meet & Energize-State Capitol, Room 230

10AM: Press Conference & Rally-Steps of the Capitol

11AM: Lobby Training & Legislative Briefing-State Capitol, Room 230

11:30AM: Lobby your Legislators!!

RSVP: Rashad Taylor at 404-688-9305x317 or email at rashad.taylor@ppfa.org

My take on Joe Biden

2007-02-05T23:14:00.000-05:00

Ok...I hope I only have to write/discuss this once. Everyone has been talking about Joe Biden and his Obama Goof. Let's really look at this....

Did he say the wrong thing? Yes. Was it intentional Yes. Can it be construed to be condescending? Yes Do I give a damn? No

What I belive the Senator meant to say was that Barack Obama is the first mainstream candidate who can articulate the Party's message without sounding like the "Black Candidate" or looking like a radical leftist.

I think we should look beyond that mishap and just work as a party on building a message and policy to win in '08.

What Black Men Think.

2006-12-14T11:53:00.000-05:00

I found this youtube clip on Blackprof.com I think its an interesting video and addresses a few misconceptions about black men. I think everyone should watch it.

AHHHH

2006-12-11T19:38:00.001-05:00

FINALS SUCK!!!

That's all.Goodbye

Obama and the Religious Right

2006-12-02T00:23:00.000-05:00

Sen Barack Obama (D-Illinois) recently spoke at the Saddleback Church (one of the largest "evangelical churches" in the country) on the issues of HIV/AIDS prevention for World Aids Day.

Below is an excerpt from the CNN article.

LAKE FOREST, California (AP) -- Potential presidential candidate Barack Obama stood before one of the country's largest evangelical churches Friday and declared that condoms should be made more widely available to fight AIDS.

The Democratic senator's appearance at Saddleback megachurch was a source of dispute among evangelical leaders, with some of the most conservative saying that a politician who supports abortion rights should not have been allowed to speak at such a prominent church.

Obama urged unity despite political differences to fight the disease that has killed 25 million people since the first case was reported in 1981. About 40 million currently are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Click Here for the Entire Article (By the way, If anyone can show me how to create a post where I could link the entire blogpost with the article here I would greatly appreciate it)

Although there were some issues with him speaking at the church, the event was overall a success. If Obama can speak to the Republangelicals (yes I made that up but I think its an appropriate term) this makes him an even more viable candidate. He was able to talk about his faith and not run to the right on the issue. He still discussed the need for easier access to condoms and how theoretically abstinence, until marriage that is, should be the only way, we have to come back to reality. I personally have nothing but respect for anyone who has the... hmmm "testicular fortitude" to get in front of a large evangelical group and talk about safe sex. I also support any candidate who believes in coming off of George Bush's fantasy island and talk about more than abstinence only prevention methods and start talking about promoting the use of condoms

World Aids Day

2006-12-01T14:50:00.000-05:00

Today is World Aids Day and I would be remiss if I let the day go by without passing on these facts.

We are in the third decade of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Approximately 65 million people worldwide have become infected, including over 25 million who have already died. Half of those newly infected today are under age 25. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is on track to be one of the worst epidemics in human history and, millions more people could become infected by the end of this decade alone, if more is not done. But HIV is preventable.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 500,000 Americans with AIDS have already died and that 1 million more are currently living with HIV/AIDS..
Young people, especially young women and people of color, have been particularly affected by the epidemic. Young African Americans represented 66% of AIDS cases reported among 13-19 years olds in 2003; Latino teens represented 21%.

Although African-Americans and Latinos represented 13% and 14% of the U.S. population, respectively, in 2004, they accounted for 49% and 20% of new AIDS diagnoses.
Advances in treatment have dramatically decreased the number of people who have died of AIDS since the peak in the mid-1990's. However, the number of deaths among people with AIDS has remained relatively steady in recent years.
As many as one-quarter of those infected with HIV do not know they are HIV- positive.
Young people ages 15-24 accounted for over 40% of new HIV infections among adults as of the end of 2005.

So get tested, talk openly to your partner about HIV/AIDs an STDs, and use protection ALWAYS.

Since AIDS is such an important issue, I will dedicate at least one blog entry a month on the issue. My hope is to start a dialogue about the issue.

Bill Frist is out..

2006-11-30T02:42:00.000-05:00

Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist announced today that he is not running for President in '08 (See Frist Says He Does Not Intend To Run for President in 2008 ) Wch ith George Allen losing his election, he is basically out as a candidate for President as well. I wonder what southerner on the Republican side will run. Alabama Governor, Bob Riley, was considered a potential candidate but due to Democrat Jim Folsom Jr. Winning the Lt. Governor's race, I seriously doubt Riley would run and leave the possibilty of handing the governorship over to a Democrat. I wouldn't be suprised if Judge Roy "nutjob" Moore throws his hat in the ring. I think the Christian Coalition was taken out to the wood shed and whipped badly this year and he would run for vindication.

Everyone has heard Newt Gingrich's name float around and I've heard Sonny Perdue's as well (See Sonny Perdue for President????) . I had a conversation over Thanksgiving that I've been seriously thinking about all day. If Newt Gingrich runs, does this hurt Clinton's chance in the primary. If Gingrich is in the race, will Democrats start thinking about the Clinton scandals and wonder if Hillary can beat him in the General or will it energize her campaign more?

I don't see another viable candidate in Tennesee or Florida. I doubt Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour would run. South Caroline Governor Mark Sanford said he will absolutely not run. None of the Southern Senators strike me as a presidential candidate.

Personally I want to see Roy Moore Run and everyone else from the South sits out this round. When he loses, he makes a public announcement refusing to endorse the nominee and the GOP loses more of the evangelical vote.

The only other scenario in the GOP Primary that I would love to see is Condi Rice run. There will be multiple stories about her being dubya's mistress. Can we say conflict of interest? A President appointing someone they have an affair with to a cabinet level position...Secretary of State at that. I don't think Mcgreevy has anything on this affair..It just reminds me of something else.

I'm Moving

2006-11-21T17:57:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

I have officially moved to a new site.. You can check out the new A Mad Democrat blog at www.amaddemocrat.com. Feel free to to email with your suggestions on how I can make the blog better

A Change in my blog

2006-11-21T00:24:00.000-05:00

Pretty soon my blog will undergo a serious makeover including a domain name change. While I am changing the look of my blog, I am also looking to change the content.

My plan is to develop new goals of the blog. It will still be political in nature and I plan on covering major issues in Georgia but I want to also steer the blog in another direction. I want to talk more about social issues as well particularly those pertaining to the African American community. I want the content to become more interesting and grasp a more widespread audience. there will be more frequent posts, hopefully daily. I am trying to develop a system and format to go by where my blog will attract the normaly lefty blog readers but also attract a new breed of blog readers and bridge the gap between the blogosphere and the African American community.

Any suggestions?

Sonny Perdue for President????

2006-11-20T12:55:00.000-05:00

At the end of the 2004 elections, I read an interesting article ( I must have deleted it because now I can't find it) about Perdue running for President in 2008. Now you have right winged blogs and the AJC discussing the possibility of Perdue in '08. I really believe Perdue is going to run so my questions are:
1. How long is it before we hear his announcement?

2. Do you think he has a chance of winning the nomination?

There are 2 things that really stick out that make me think he is going to run. He made at least 1 trip to Iowa during the campaign and just weeks before the election he was visiting the church of the Head Neo-con In Charge, Jerry Falwell. He's also taken the ethanol pledge I think that it would suck for Dems in Georgia if he runs and gets the nomination, vp nomination, or campaigns heavily for the nominee. I think he has a great shot at winning the nomination. At this point, he is the anti-McCain and Guliani and Bill Frist screwed up with the Right over the stem cell debate. Before anyone starts, I have seen comments on other blogs and i declare may a virus that causes your computer explode strike anyone if they comment about people from the South being intellectually challenged.

Is anyone challenging Pelosi?

2006-11-15T20:29:00.000-05:00

Ok,

So there has been a big hoopla over current House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi supporting Congressman Murtha for House Majority Leader over Congressman Steny Hoyer. First I have to admit I am a supporter of Congressman Hoyer for Majority Leader.

My real question is why is no one else running for the Speaker of the House position. There were so many moderate and conservative Dems on the campaign trail vowing that they would not support Pelosi or that they would "keep their powder dry" on the endorsement of someone as Speaker of the House.

I'm really surprised that the Blue Dogs didn't put up a candidate to run against her but I guess stranger things have happened.

My Post Election Blog

2006-11-13T21:53:00.000-05:00

The election came with mixed emotions. Democrats did great Nationally but in Georgia some things were a little disappointing. On the bright side all statewide Democratic incumbents won with the exception of public service commissioner David Burgess and he is in a runoff. John Eaves was elected chair of the Fulton county commission and Robb Pitts retained his seat on the commission as well. We didn't lose any US House Seats either. The State House and the State Senate races weren't horrible either. We didn't take them back of course but it wasn't a complete butt kicking.

I am proud at some of our candidates and I tip my hat to them. To Jim Martin, you ran one hell of a race. I was disappointed to see you lose but I feel good knowing that your campaign gave their all.

To Denise Majette, after reading your emails, I understand the problems that happened and cannot blame you for some of the shortcomings of the campaign.

To the State Party, particularly Pat, Annie, and Tahir. I understand the hard work you all put in this season and no matter what anyone else says I think you all did a great job. After all, you aren't miracle workers and it will take time to rebuild the party. We really can't expect huge victories over night. To the DCCC, I saw all of the independent expenditures that you all made on behalf of John Barrow and Jim Marshall and thank you for investing in Georgia.

To the statewide candidates that won, Congratulations! You are our party and now it rests on your shoulders.

To all of the new Dems in the House and Senate, good luck better you than me in that type of environment.

To Alisha Thomas-Morgan, thank you for being who you are and standing up against many people for what is right. I listened to you on WAOK on Election Day and I don't think I could have articulated my views any better than you did.

To those who blame Cathy Cox for Mark Taylor's defeat, I think you should take a look at GA election law and realize that her hands were tied and anyway how can one person be responsible for a defeat like that, let's be real the big guy lost in a big way we just need to suck it up and move on.

To the College Dems in the AUC, thanks for your hard work on the campaign invasion in Harold Ford, we worked hard and played hard.

In closing I must say it feels great to be a Democrat and I must leave you with a quote from Congresswoman Cynthia Mckinney's Concession Speech "Electronic Voting is a threat to our Democracy"

RUMSFELD IS GONE!!!

2006-11-08T12:58:00.000-05:00

Ok before I can blog about the election I have to say that there is reaking News that Rumsfeld is Resigning as Sec. of Defense. I guess Democrats beat up on him too bad this election. I AM SO HAPPY TO BE A DEMOCRAT!!!!!

Election Day

2006-11-07T17:15:00.000-05:00

I'm out campaigning for John Eaves today. Despite the rain people are still going out to vote. Almost every house I go to, the person answers the door with an "I voted" sticker on. Despite the cold wet weather, I'm excited!!!
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SEX!!!!

2006-11-07T12:31:00.000-05:00

Now that I have your attention, Don't FORGET TO VOTE TODAY!!!!

When are tv ads annoying?

2006-11-03T00:25:00.000-05:00

Ok. I know that its less than a week before the election and maybe I'm just burnt out from reading and watching so much political stuff but I just have to discuss this.

So its 11:52 pm and I'm doing my nightly ritual of lying in the bed and watching roseanne until I fall asleep when I see the new sonny ad with zell miller. Who really wants to see a political ad at that time of night. Honestly at this time, the last thing I care about is politics. I just want to watch roseanne and designing women in peace so I can get my 5 hours of sleep before my day begin.

What do you think? Have I had a political overload or do I have a valid point?
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Georgia Invades Tennessee

2006-10-16T16:22:00.000-04:00

Join College Students from Georgia and the entire South as we invade Tennessee for the Harold Ford for US Senate Campaign. Students will be leaving Atlanta Friday and will be returning Sunday. Hotels and transportation will be covered by College Democrats of America. Take part in a historic race that will help Democrats take back the US Senate. If you are interested, please email Javier Brown at javierabrown@gmail.com or call at 678-683-6089 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE so hotel reservations can be made.

THANKS!!!

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON PEOPLE?

2006-09-19T17:42:00.000-04:00

Here we go again. The AJC is reporting that Mark Taylor has a new proposal. The Death penalty for repeat child molesters. I do agree that child molesters are sick and twisted individuals but do we even have to get on the death penalty debate?

It's beyond disgusted now... I'm pissed.

Congressman Barrow responds to Max Burns Ad

2006-09-16T00:30:00.000-04:00

Congressman Barrow responds to Max Burns Ad claiming that he supports Amnesty for Illegal Immigrants. I think it's a great ad. What do you think?

Former Texas Governor Ann Richards Dies

2006-09-13T23:23:00.000-04:00

Washington Post is Reporting the former Texas Governor Ann Richards passed away today after a battle with esophogeal cancer. They have a great article that I encourage everyone to read.

Who Gives a flip if Cathy Cox will be at the State Convention

2006-09-11T22:36:00.000-04:00

Ok.

It's really stupid to sit around and discuss whether or not Cathy Cox knew or didn't know the date of the State Convention. Honestly people, she is not the nominee so does it really matter if she will be in attendance. How many votes will be gained from Cathy Cox making an appearance to a room full of the core activists of the party. Let her take her vacation with her family

GEESH People!!!

I'm disgusted

2006-09-07T19:09:00.000-04:00

If you haven't seen Mark Taylor's new ad, you can click here and see it for yourself. Maybe I'm too liberal (although I don't really consider myself a liberal) but this commercial makes me want to vomit. Is ending parole really a great part of a campaign platform. I just think that we can come up with a more comprehensive approach to solving crime than locking people up for years without any type of rehabilitation.

Are we still Democrats people?

Alabama Lawmaker tells Christian Coaltion to "Go Straight to Hell"

2006-08-15T11:59:00.000-04:00

And today my friends.. I am proud to say I am from Alabama.

The Birmingham News is reporting that State Rep. Alvin Holmes (D-Montgomery). Told the Christian Coalition to go straight to Hell.

Below is an excerpt from the article.

MONTGOMERY - The Christian Coalition of Alabama claims allegiance with heaven, but a Montgomery lawmaker on Monday told the group's leader to go some place warm and fiery.

Rep. Alvin Holmes, D-Montgomery, responding to the group's annual political questionnaire, asked the Coalition President John Giles to first answer questions about casino-interest money the group received and other matters.

"Until you answer these three questions, Go straight to hell," Holmes wrote

Click here for the entire article.

John Edwards Calls for immediate Iraq withdrawal.

2006-08-14T12:09:00.000-04:00

Ok I know this post is late but I couln't go by without posting this. The Associated Press is reporting that Sen. John Edwards was in New Hampshire last week and called for an Immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq. The former senator from North Carolina told reporters America should "make it clear (to Iraqis) we are leaving, and the best way is to start leaving. We should take 40,000 combat troops out now."

I believe that the best thing we can do is to start gradually withdrawing to A. Ensure more cooperation for coalition forces and B. Ensure that the Iraqi Government begins to take more control of the situation.

Black America Must Confront AIDS

2006-08-14T11:56:00.000-04:00

This is a must read Washington Post Op-ED by Julian Bond.

By Julian Bond
Monday, August 14, 2006; Page A13

It's been 25 years since we first learned of a disease that was killing a handful of white, gay men in a few of our nation's largest cities -- a disease that later became known as AIDS. But lulled by media images that portrayed AIDS mainly as a white, gay disease, we looked the other way: Those people weren't our people. AIDS was not our problem. It had not entered our house.

We had our own problems to deal with, so we let those people deal with their problem. But that was a quarter-century ago, and a lot has changed. Now, in 2006, almost 40 million people worldwide have HIV, and 25 million are dead. And most of those who have died and are dying are black. That's not just because of the devastation the pandemic has wreaked upon Africa.

The face of AIDS in the United States is primarily black as well. The majority of new HIV infections here are black, the majority of people who die from AIDS here are black and the people most at risk of contracting this virus in the United States are black. AIDS is now in our house. It's now our problem, and we must come up with solutions.

This week, a historic contingent of black leaders will attend the 16th International AIDS Conference in Toronto to put AIDS in our community at the top of the national agenda. All of black America must do the same. Every African American must stand with us, take ownership of AIDS and fight this epidemic with every resource we have.

I realize that what we are proposing may seem an overwhelming task. But we know it can be done. When AIDS hit the gay community, its members couldn't afford to wait for the government to save them; instead they worked to save themselves -- in part by using tactics and strategies out of our civil rights playbook. AIDS is a major civil rights issue of our time.

We cannot wait for the government to come and rescue us either -- that help may never come. Part of our response must be to eliminate the rabid homophobia that lives in our schools, our homes and especially our churches. Our inability to talk about sex, and more specifically homosexuality, is the single greatest barrier to the prevention of HIV transmission in our community. Intolerance has driven our gay friends and neighbors into the shadows. Men leading double lives -- on the "down low" -- put our women at extreme risk.

We must also overcome our resistance to safer sex practices that can help prevent the spread of AIDS, and we must ensure that our young people know exactly what AIDS is and how to protect themselves against it.

For black America, the time to deliver is now. We're calling on leaders to lead. The AIDS story in the United States is partly one of a failure to lead. Prominent blacks -- from traditional ministers and civil rights leaders to hip-hop artists and Hollywood celebrities -- must immediately join this national call to action to end the AIDS epidemic in black America.

We're calling on black America to engage in a coordinated campaign with concrete, measurable goals and objectives and real deadlines. Each of us must identify strategies and activities that match our unique niches and capabilities.

We must build a new sense of urgency in black America, so that no one accepts the idea that the presence of HIV and AIDS is inevitable.

We're calling on black America to get informed about the science and facts about AIDS. Knowledge is a powerful weapon in this war.

We're calling on black Americans to get screened and find out their HIV status. I have -- it took 20 minutes and was bloodless and painless. Knowing your HIV status and the status of your partner can save your life.

We're calling for a massive effort to address the disproportionate impact this epidemic is having on black youth, women, injecting drug users and men who have sex with men.

We must also pressure our government and elected officials -- at local, state and national levels -- to be far more responsible partners than they have been. We must lift the federal ban on funding for needle exchange programs, which have been proven to slow the spread of AIDS. We must also work with elected officials to promote comprehensive, age-appropriate, culturally competent AIDS prevention efforts that give young people the tools they need to protect themselves.

We must heed Martin Luther King Jr.'s warning, originally meant for others but right for us now: "Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."

The writer is a professor at American University and the University of Virginia and chairman of the board of the NAACP.

The Primary is over.. My questions for the Georgia Democratic Candidates

2006-08-09T13:16:00.000-04:00

Everyone is using today to talk about Run-off Results. Instead, I am choosing to use today to ask our nominees a series of questions to prepare for November.

1. Who is the Field Director for the campaign.

2. If you don't have a field staff or director, do you plan on hiring one?

3. Will the actual campaign be developing and executing their own comprehensive field plan independent of the state party and outside organizations?

4. Will you try to run to the right on issues to avoid the debate on serious matters and principles of our party?

5. How many volunteers and interns do you have now and do you plan on recruiting any more any time soon.

6. Do you have any plans for Voter Education Registration and Mobilization on college campuses?

7. What are your plans for targeting and GOTV in the African American Communities.

8. Does your campaign hae a staff that is diverse in race, age, gender, and sexual orientation?

9. Do you plan on making any unified apperances in the near future with the entire slate of statewide Democratic nominees.

10. How seriously do you take the blogosphere and how actively do you plan to participate in it?

I think these are serious questions that each campaign needs to be asking in staff meetings right now.

What would Jesus do?- He wouldn't pass anti-panhandling laws to punish the poor

2006-08-07T21:32:00.000-04:00

John Sugg writes an impressive article in Creative loafing on Poverty and Homelessness in Atlanta. I think Everyone should read it. Tell me what you think.

As I was dashing to downtown's Commerce Club a few weeks ago to meet with people of power, I met a young woman with her own powerful, if sad, message.

"You got some fancy nice shoes," the woman said, pointing at my pretty standard penny loafers, admittedly shined to brilliance. She had a speech impediment, and I'd guess she was retarded. A stoop forced her to spend a lot of her life looking at other people's shoes. I asked her name, and she said something like "Tish," but it was hard to understand.

It was clear that Tish was a street person, and, while waiting for the "Walk" light, I anticipated the pitch for a handout. It didn't come. I bemusedly asked, "Are you going to ask for money?" She shyly replied, "Just lose it if you gave me some."

Click here for the rest of the Article.

Mckinney was right about Congress.org

2006-08-06T19:47:00.000-04:00

Everyone has been saying that Congresswoman Mckinney lied about her rating on Congress.org but the truth is, she didn't. If you read the Press Release by her campaign or listen to the debate, she talks about legislative effectiveness within the Georgia Democratic Delegation. She was the only one to have a bill passed this session out of the Democratic Delegation from Georgia giving her the highest ranking on legislative effectiveness. But you don't have to take my word for it, You can See for Yourself

Hank Johnson- A racist and bigot?

2006-08-05T20:28:00.000-04:00

Since we're talking about Middle East policy I will say that the abundant number of contributors to Ms. Mckinney's campaign have Palestinian and Arabic surnames now I could accuse her of being under the control of terrorists

This is what Hank Johnson said in a debate on Thursday night. Am I the only person who thinks that this is the most racist and bigoted statement I have heard from a candidate. Can we really count on him to represent Georgia well in DC? No matter what your take is on Middle East Policy, it is outrageous and despicable to imply that every person of Arabic or Palestinian Descent is a terrorist. I would expect this from a Republican but definitely not a Democrat. Here is a link to the video as well as the clip itself.

Commissioner Homer Hartage Takes ACTION!

2006-08-03T21:49:00.000-04:00

Commissioner Homer Hartage Takes ACTION!

Hillary Clinton is my kind of Democrat

2006-07-30T00:55:00.000-04:00

New York Times is reporting on a Congressional trip to Estonia, Senator Clinton challenged Senator John Mccain and others to a vodka drinking contest.

MY KIND OF DEMOCRAT!!!!

Kim Burrell "Thank you Lord"

2006-07-21T23:56:00.000-04:00

Kevin Edwards, District 56 Candidate; Another "Young Gun?"

2006-07-03T19:33:00.000-04:00

Newsmaker's Journal
The Atlanta Voice
Monday, July 3, 2006

Kevin Edwards,

District 56 Candidate

Another “Young Gun”?
By Maynard Eaton

In the past this column has passionately touted the political potential of “young guns” like State Senator Kasim Reed, Atlanta Councilman Ivory Young, Rep. Ron Sailor, Jr., and Rep. “Able” Mabel Thomas among others. They have all since matured into quality, effective elected leaders who are making the sort of difference we can be proud of.

Now, I’m convinced that 34-year-old, developer and businessman Kevin Edwards is positioned and prepared to emerge as a quintessential public servant as well. He’s got the requisite skills, savvy and smarts – now the dynamic Mechanicsville resident has to win. “I have nothing to gain financially by being in politics,” says the owner of Edwards Financial Group. “I’m making good money, but I just have compassion and a deep desire to help people. Like the late, great [state legislator Rev.] Hosea Williams—I will be un-bought and un-bossed.”

Edwards lost his first bid for elective office last November to Atlanta City Council veteran Cleta Winslow, whose victory was cemented by Mayor Shirley Franklin’s formidable political machine. Arguably the best candidate did not win.

“I keep running for office because I know I can get in there and make a difference; get the proper services we need, get the proper funding we need for our schools, get the proper services for our elderly and make sure people are being treated fairly,” says the former senior budget analyst for the City of Atlanta. “My grandmother lives in the Pittsburgh community, and I am tired of seeing drug deals going down on her corner. I’m tired of seeing the people next door not having food to eat. I’m just tired of my people living the way they live. Some of the areas I’m trying to represent are worse then a Third World country. I want to make sure my people get their just due, and that is just not happening.”

Edwards, who builds single family homes, promises to be a vigorous “voice for change” in a district that is now about 60 percent African American, and cuts through the heart of Atlanta. It starts south of University Avenue and Capitol View and Capitol View Manor. It comes up Metropolitan Parkway – including Adair Park, parts of Pittsburgh and Mechanicsville. It then includes the Atlanta University Center area and downtown. It also includes a portion of Vine City, my neighborhood of Home Park, Atlantic Station, Georgia Tech and Georgia State. It ends up on the northern end with Ansley Park and Sherwood Forest.

Although the demographics are seemingly there for a young black man to win the District 56 race, Edwards admits it is going to be “a hard fought battle” because he faces an entrenched and likeable opponent in Rep. Kathy Ashe who has held the seat since 1991 although the makeup of the House district has changed considerably because the federal court recently redrew the state’s political map.

“I’m not a stranger in any part of the district,” says Ashe, a former Republican. “It’s changed every time there has been a change in maps and in our reapportionment system that happens frequently. I actually see those changes as great opportunities to make new friends and learn about new issues. I really care about the folks I represent.”

But Edwards argues that Ashe cannot possibly fathom or grasp the depth of despair that grips much of her new constituency.

“Her community is much different then the majority of the district,” Edwards asserts. “The majority of the district is impoverished, uneducated and beset by a lot of unique problems that only a person who has lived in the community or knows about those kind of low income communities can help solve. The current representation does not match the people that comprise the district.

“It’s not the person I am running against,” he says respectively of Ashe. “It’s about having someone like me who knows the problems and what is going on in the community. It is knowing how to touch people of similar descent. Where she lives only represents 30 percent of the district. We really need representation that represents us.”

Kathy Ashe has served her district pretty well for 15 years, but the district’s demographics have now changed dramatically. It now may also be the time for a dramatic change in leadership and new, more perceptive representation for t

Time to crossover and vote the GOP

2006-06-22T15:34:00.000-04:00

Time to crossover and vote the GOP
Cathy Cox is only the latest Democrat to tell us she loves us and then take the HOV lane to Bainbridge on gay marriage.

By CHRISTIE AYOTTE
Southern Voice
Friday, June 16, 2006

MY DAD WOULD cackle with glee if he knew what I have been doing for the past few weeks.

His daughter, the die-hard liberal lesbian, has spent her free time trying to convince her buddies to vote Republican in the next election? No, really, this is the best Father’s Day gift ever for a 20-year Army veteran and devout Republican.

And yet, while a mass crossover would constitute an undeserved gift to Republican State Sen. Casey Cagle in his bid to become Georgia’s next lieutenant governor, I have come to believe it is the smartest thing gay voters could possibly do in the July 18 primary.

I am really talking about the governor’s race, of course, though I am not going to rehash the whole thing. Short version: Democratic hopeful Cathy Cox, the current secretary of state, initially told gay Georgians she supported civil unions; now she thinks a special session to “resolve” the gay marriage “issue” is a fantastic idea.

Cox is only the latest Democrat willing to come into our homes, tell us how much they love us, cluck over how unfortunate it is that we have no rights, take our campaign contributions — and then take the HOV lane to Bainbridge when our unpopularity starts to feel contagious.

So with the July primaries coming up, gay voters can (a) vote for the Democrats anyway in the hope they will change; (b) write-in someone; (c) stay home; or (d) vote Republican. (Note: primaries exist to narrow the candidates for the two major parties only, so you can’t vote third party this summer.)

Believe it or not, the correct answer is “(d)” — vote Republican. Here’s why the other options don’t work, in reverse order:

(c): Staying home is not the political statement you think it is.

Approximately four dorks like me will look at the voter returns and see that turnout was surprisingly low in certain districts, but I promise we don’t think, “Wow, these voters were making a dramatic political statement!”

We think, “What a bunch of apathetic losers in that district!” Then the next candidates who buy the voter file do not mail you any literature because they think you do not vote. Option (c) hurts us.

(b): Your write-in votes do not count.

If you are unclear about this, check out the current lawsuit over the Atlanta City Council’s District 6 seat. Lesbian incumbent Anne Fauver won the fall race over gay challenger Steve Brodie by five votes because the Fulton Board of Elections decided to throw away the nine write-in ballots that were cast in the race.

Had the votes been counted toward the total, neither candidate would have had more than 50 percent, there would have been a run-off, and then who knows who would be representing District 6.

And guess what? No one knows or cares whom those nine people voted for, either, except perhaps the elections staffers. So option (b) feels good, but it does not get us anywhere.

(a): Rewarding bad behavior is foolish.

The Democratic Party in Georgia has behaved very badly. So our response to that is to reward them with our votes? Dr. Phil and your therapist would say that option (a) is not in your best interest.

THAT BRINGS US TO the Republicans, and potentially the most dangerous race on the ballot this election cycle: the battle between Cagle and Ralph Reed in the GOP primary for lieutenant governor.

Reed, the former Christian Coalition head, is under investigation for ties to Jack Abramoff, and he has been implicated in a huge casino lobbying scandal, yet he still manages to run about even with Cagle in the polls.

The man is a political genius, and that’s why we need to keep him out of office. A Ralph Reed victory would have a dangerous impact here and on the national level, and it is the fastest route to making Georgia Democrats take a hard right in November.

Only one group gets a free pass when it comes to crossover voting: Those who live in the Georgia House districts where gay candidates Allen Thornell and Karla Drenner are on the ballot. They need your votes, so don’t switch to the GOP primary this time around.

The rest of us should use our votes to keep Reed out of the State Capitol this July 18. At least then we will get something for our votes. That’s more than we can say about voting Democrat.

Surviving the AUC/HBCU Life

2006-06-02T23:32:00.000-04:00

Surviving the AUC/HBCU Life

This is related to politics but I still had to blog this.

Kevin Edwards for State Representative District #56

2006-05-26T16:30:00.000-04:00

Kevin Edwards is a candidate for Georgia State Representative #56. He lives in the Mechanicsville neighborhood.

He is running because he believes we deserve a representative who understands and has a connection to our community- a representative who cares about our community. He wants to go to the Capitol to ensure that our neighborhoods are not left behind any longer. You can count on him to always fight for you.

Over the next several weeks, he will be calling and knocking on doors in our neighborhoods. Until he gets to your home, feel free to call him at home to discuss any issues or concerns you may have. His home number is 404-396-0083.

In the Democratic Primary on July 18, He needs your vote because he is the only REAL Democrat in the race!

OUR Priorities....

*Access to quality, affordable, health care and prescription drugs.
*Increase in the minimum wage
*Increased funding for public schools in the inner city.
*Job training programs
*Lower natural gas prices
*Safer streets
*Cleaner environment

About Kevin Edwards....

*President, The Edwards Financial Group
*Member, NAACP
*Board Member, Youth Task Force
*Member, Urban League
*Former Budget Analys, City of Atlanta

Committee to Elect Kevin Edwards
502 Pryor Street
Unit 305
Atlanta, GA 30312

My support of the DPG

2006-05-22T14:27:00.000-04:00

First let me give a disclaimer. I don't have a stable source of internet so I don't post everyday. I post as often as possible and that's why you will see multiple posts in one day and none for more days.

Ok..
Alot of people have been real critical of the State Party and I often wonder if they look at the bigger picture.

1. 4 years ago the State Party was an entirely different apparatus. After the 2002 elections, they had to stop and completely rebuild.

2. With Democrats losing Nationally and still having trouble regaining its footing, How well do you really expect a conservative state like Georgia to do right now.

3. Decades of Republican Think Tanks planning for a nation wide takeover can not be fought against and won overnight. Democrats need Policy Think Tanks of their own planning policy and strategies to prepare for a stronger comeback

4. Georgia has over 150 counties. Maybe we should stop looking at the Atlanta Metro Area and look at the advancements taking place statewide.

I know everyone won't agree with me but oh well.

Dnc and Ray Nagin

2006-05-22T14:11:00.000-04:00

Drudge Report is reporting that they have sources that say that the DNC intervened in the New Orleans Mayoral Race in Support of Mitch Landrieu. The DNC is denying the reports and saying that that don't get involved in primaries.

ok here's my take on the issue .. it may not be politically correct but I don't really care.

Hell, someone should have intervened. Although I'm a huge critic of the Bush Administration, the Katrina disaster was not just his fault. Ray Nagin knew for years that if a hurricane of that magnitude would cause that type of destruction for the city. Did He have an adequate plan? I think not. While many were in the superdome suffering, He was in a nice hotel suite living the good life.

Then he has the AUDACITY, to praise President Bush in his victory speech at a time when Democrats are trying to capitalize on his errors and his administration. People supported him because they wanted another black mayor of New Orleans. Race doesn't mean anything when you aren't concerned about the poor, children, elderly and working class.

I'm sick of these Top-hat wearin tap dancing mayors creating a smoke screne to make it seem like they are black and in support of policies that help lack people. I've said it before and I'll say it again... With Democrats like these, who needs republicans.

A Look at the Beltline

2006-04-29T14:48:00.000-04:00

Atlanta is on the verge of a major redevelopment that will change this city for generations. Plans for the proposed Belt Line, a twenty-two mile loop around the city, are moving ahead. The Belt Line is a transportation and green space project that will spark redevelopment in the cities most blighted areas.

Proponents of the beltline cite the many benefits that the city would reap from this project. First, the new rail system will give a much-needed relief to the traffic gridlock throughout the city. In addition, the green space and redevelopments would e poised to beautify some of the cities poorest and most polluted areas. Lastly, the development would help generate a larger tax base to help fill the city’s coffers.

Beltline opponents argue that the poor and the neighborhood interests have been neglected. With redevelopment comes an increase in property values. In turn, the burden is placed on the poor to deal with higher property taxes, rent, and mortgages. Those who have had to endure with these blighted areas for years will not benefit from the project. Sadly, they will be forced to leave their neighborhoods because they will no longer be able to afford to live there.

Regardless of the ramifications of this project, the Belt Line is a major undertaking that will transform Atlanta.

Qualifying is over!

2006-04-29T14:32:00.000-04:00

Qualifying is over and now its time for the primary season. Here are a few races that I think are going to be interesing during the primary

-Governor of Course
State Senate District 36
State Senate District 44
State Senate District 10
House District 44
House District 56
House District 59
House District 65
House Distrit 84

and Fulton County Commission Chair.

Watch how these races go. I believe some campaigns will e interesting and some will have a couple of surprises.

Goodbye Delay

2006-04-03T23:03:00.000-04:00

This has been the best news I've heard in years!!!

Sources: DeLay to leave House re-election race
Former majority leader to announce move Tuesday

From Dana Bash
CNN

Monday, April 3, 2006; Posted: 10:39 p.m. EDT (02:39 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. Tom DeLay will drop out of his re-election race, two Republican congressional sources told CNN Monday.

DeLay was forced to step down as House majority leader last year after being indicted in his home state of Texas.

Clicke here for full article

Plight Deepens for Black Men, Studies Warn

2006-04-03T12:50:00.000-04:00

I don't know anything to say but "WOW"

March 20, 2006
Plight Deepens for Black Men, Studies Warn
New York Times
By ERIK ECKHOLM

BALTIMORE - Black men in the United States face a far more dire situation than is portrayed by common employment and education statistics, a flurry of new scholarly studies warn, and it has worsened in recent years even as an economic boom and a welfare overhaul have brought gains to black women and other groups.

Focusing more closely than ever on the life patterns of young black men, the new studies, by experts at Columbia, Princeton, Harvard and other institutions, show that the huge pool of poorly educated black men are becoming ever more disconnected from the mainstream society, and to a far greater degree than comparable white or Hispanic men.

Especially in the country's inner cities, the studies show, finishing high school is the exception, legal work is scarcer than ever and prison is almost routine, with incarceration rates climbing for blacks even as urban crime rates have declined.

Although the problems afflicting poor black men have been known for decades, the new data paint a more extensive and sobering picture of the challenges they face.

"There's something very different happening with young black men, and it's something we can no longer ignore," said Ronald B. Mincy, professor of social work at Columbia University and editor of "Black Males Left Behind" (Urban Institute Press, 2006).

"Over the last two decades, the economy did great," Mr. Mincy said, "and low-skilled women, helped by public policy, latched onto it. But young black men were falling farther back."

Many of the new studies go beyond the traditional approaches to looking at the plight of black men, especially when it comes to determining the scope of joblessness. For example, official unemployment rates can be misleading because they do not include those not seeking work or incarcerated.

"If you look at the numbers, the 1990's was a bad decade for young black men, even though it had the best labor market in 30 years," said Harry J. Holzer, an economist at Georgetown University and co-author, with Peter Edelman and Paul Offner, of "Reconnecting Disadvantaged Young Men" (Urban Institute Press, 2006).

In response to the worsening situation for young black men, a growing number of programs are placing as much importance on teaching life skills - like parenting, conflict resolution and character building - as they are on teaching job skills.

These were among the recent findings:

¶The share of young black men without jobs has climbed relentlessly, with only a slight pause during the economic peak of the late 1990's. In 2000, 65 percent of black male high school dropouts in their 20's were jobless - that is, unable to find work, not seeking it or incarcerated. By 2004, the share had grown to 72 percent, compared with 34 percent of white and 19 percent of Hispanic dropouts. Even when high school graduates were included, half of black men in their 20's were jobless in 2004, up from 46 percent in 2000.

¶Incarceration rates climbed in the 1990's and reached historic highs in the past few years. In 1995, 16 percent of black men in their 20's who did not attend college were in jail or prison; by 2004, 21 percent were incarcerated. By their mid-30's, 6 in 10 black men who had dropped out of school had spent time in prison.

¶In the inner cities, more than half of all black men do not finish high school.

None of the litany of problems that young black men face was news to a group of men from the airless neighborhoods of Baltimore who recently described their experiences.

One of them, Curtis E. Brannon, told a story so commonplace it hardly bears notice here. He quit school in 10th grade to sell drugs, fathered four children with three mothers, and spent several stretches in jail for drug possession, parole violations and other crimes.

"I was with the street life, but now I feel like I've got to get myself together," Mr. Brannon said recently in the row-house flat he shares with his girlfriend and four children. "You get tired of incarceration."

Mr. Brannon, 28, said he planned to look for work, perhaps as a mover, and he noted optimistically that he had not been locked up in six months.

A group of men, including Mr. Brannon, gathered at the Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development, one of several private agencies trying to help men build character along with workplace skills.

The clients readily admit to their own bad choices but say they also fight a pervasive sense of hopelessness.

"It hurts to get that boot in the face all the time," said Steve Diggs, 34. "I've had a lot of charges but only a few convictions," he said of his criminal record.

Mr. Diggs is now trying to strike out on his own, developing a party space for rentals, but he needs help with business skills.

"I don't understand," said William Baker, 47. "If a man wants to change, why won't society give him a chance to prove he's a changed person?" Mr. Baker has a lot of record to overcome, he admits, not least his recent 15-year stay in the state penitentiary for armed robbery.

Mr. Baker led a visitor down the Pennsylvania Avenue strip he wants to escape - past idlers, addicts and hustlers, storefront churches and fortresslike liquor stores - and described a life that seemed inevitable.

He sold marijuana for his parents, he said, left school in the sixth grade and later dealt heroin and cocaine. He was for decades addicted to heroin, he said, easily keeping the habit during three terms in prison. But during his last long stay, he also studied hard to get a G.E.D. and an associate's degree.

Now out for 18 months, Mr. Baker is living in a home for recovering drug addicts. He is working a $10-an-hour warehouse job while he ponders how to make a living from his real passion, drawing and graphic arts.

"I don't want to be a criminal at 50," Mr. Baker said.

According to census data, there are about five million black men ages 20 to 39 in the United States.

Terrible schools, absent parents, racism, the decline in blue collar jobs and a subculture that glorifies swagger over work have all been cited as causes of the deepening ruin of black youths. Scholars - and the young men themselves - agree that all of these issues must be addressed.

Joseph T. Jones, director of the fatherhood and work skills center here, puts the breakdown of families at the core.

"Many of these men grew up fatherless, and they never had good role models," said Mr. Jones, who overcame addiction and prison time. "No one around them knows how to navigate the mainstream society."

All the negative trends are associated with poor schooling, studies have shown, and progress has been slight in recent years. Federal data tend to understate dropout rates among the poor, in part because imprisoned youths are not counted.

Closer studies reveal that in inner cities across the country, more than half of all black men still do not finish high school, said Gary Orfield, an education expert at Harvard and editor of "Dropouts in America" (Harvard Education Press, 2004).

"We're pumping out boys with no honest alternative," Mr. Orfield said in an interview, "and of course their neighborhoods offer many other alternatives."

Dropout rates for Hispanic youths are as bad or worse but are not associated with nearly as much unemployment or crime, the data show.

With the shift from factory jobs, unskilled workers of all races have lost ground, but none more so than blacks. By 2004, 50 percent of black men in their 20's who lacked a college education were jobless, as were 72 percent of high school dropouts, according to data compiled by Bruce Western, a sociologist at Princeton and author of the forthcoming book "Punishment and Inequality in America" (Russell Sage Press). These are more than double the rates for white and Hispanic men.

Mr. Holzer of Georgetown and his co-authors cite two factors that have curbed black employment in particular.

First, the high rate of incarceration and attendant flood of former offenders into neighborhoods have become major impediments. Men with criminal records tend to be shunned by employers, and young blacks with clean records suffer by association, studies have found.

Arrests of black men climbed steeply during the crack epidemic of the 1980's, but since then the political shift toward harsher punishments, more than any trends in crime, has accounted for the continued growth in the prison population, Mr. Western said.

By their mid-30's, 30 percent of black men with no more than a high school education have served time in prison, and 60 percent of dropouts have, Mr. Western said.

Among black dropouts in their late 20's, more are in prison on a given day - 34 percent - than are working - 30 percent - according to an analysis of 2000 census data by Steven Raphael of the University of California, Berkeley.

The second special factor is related to an otherwise successful policy: the stricter enforcement of child support. Improved collection of money from absent fathers has been a pillar of welfare overhaul. But the system can leave young men feeling overwhelmed with debt and deter them from seeking legal work, since a large share of any earnings could be seized.

About half of all black men in their late 20's and early 30's who did not go to college are noncustodial fathers, according to Mr. Holzer. From the fathers' viewpoint, support obligations "amount to a tax on earnings," he said.

Some fathers give up, while others find casual work. "The work is sporadic, not the kind that leads to advancement or provides unemployment insurance," Mr. Holzer said. "It's nothing like having a real job."

The recent studies identified a range of government programs and experiments, especially education and training efforts like the Job Corps, that had shown success and could be scaled up.

Scholars call for intensive new efforts to give children a better start, including support for parents and extra schooling for children.

They call for teaching skills to prisoners and helping them re-enter society more productively, and for less automatic incarceration of minor offenders.

In a society where higher education is vital to economic success, Mr. Mincy of Columbia said, programs to help more men enter and succeed in college may hold promise. But he lamented the dearth of policies and resources to aid single men.

"We spent $50 billion in efforts that produced the turnaround for poor women," Mr. Mincy said. "We are not even beginning to think about the men's problem on similar orders of magnitude."

Justice 4 Two Sisters

2006-04-01T22:37:00.000-05:00

Justice 4 Two Sisters

Duke lacrosse in turmoil after alleged rape

2006-04-01T22:33:00.000-05:00

Below is a story reported by the Daily Press About a Rape incident at Duke. You know, I'm against the death penalty but if we can torture prisoners why can't these sorry sons of bitches be tortured... My suggestion is castration without anesthesia!!!

Duke lacrosse in turmoil after alleged rape
STAFF, WIRE SERVICE REPORTS «
March 28, 2006
DNA samples from 46 Duke lacrosse team members in the investigation of an alleged rape arrived Monday at a North Carolina crime lab, which agreed to work quickly on the case.

An exotic dancer told police she and another dancer were hired March 14 to perform at a small bachelor party, but found themselves surrounded by dozens of men at a house.

Click Here for Full story

Also Check out Justice for Two sisters A blog dedicated to this incident

Neal Boortz has crossed the line

2006-03-31T14:49:00.000-05:00

OK. He definitely just crossed the line. I am applalled by this. His radio show needs to be shut down NOW. Her actions did not warrant this racist and sexist comment and I'm mad as Hell

Boortz: Rep. McKinney "looks like a ghetto slut"

On the March 31 broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio program, Neal Boortz said that Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) "looks like a ghetto slut." Boortz was commenting on a March 29 incident in which McKinney allegedly struck a police officer at a Capitol Hill security checkpoint. Boortz said that McKinney's "new hair-do" makes her look "like a ghetto slut," like "an explosion at a Brillo pad factory," like "Tina Turner peeing on an electric fence," and like "a shih tzu." McKinney is the first African-American woman elected to Congress from Georgia.

Boortz: Rep. McKinney "looks like a ghetto slut"

Another battle is brewing

2006-03-30T21:09:00.000-05:00

So yeah...There is smoke in the city with the YDG Elections Again.

It looks like the President and VP Programs elections are going to be interesting. I guess another battle is brewing but I don't have anything to do with it. I'll be spending my saturday in prayer and meditation. Something that I've learned to do recently. It reduces stress and the flare ups from my illness. It's just too much for me.

Serve Across America

2006-03-29T17:18:00.000-05:00

Dear State and Chapter Leaders,

CDA is excited to present a new national program called Serve Across America aimed at improving our local communities and exemplifying the Democratic commitment to values. We are encouraging every chapter and state federation to commit to a community service program during the week of April 17 – 21. In this email you will find a list of suggested community service program ideas that can be altered and implemented in your respective communities. You can also craft a new program and make this your own! It doesn’t matter how ambitious the program, we just encourage you to put your face in the community as agents of positive change!!!

So what do you need to do? Rather quickly, meet with your officers and membership to determine a community service program that can be executed during the week of April 17 – 21. Then, make proper arrangements for that event. We suggest wearing your Democratic T-shirts and publicizing your event like crazy! Make sure that your campus and local media outlets are aware of your efforts so that we can receive maximum coverage. Then, email serveamerica@collegedems.com by April 12, 2006 with your proposed community service project, number of participants, and the total number of hours you will spend on your project. Nationally, CDA will publicize the combined efforts of our chapters across the country truly serving America!!!

Please don't hesitate to contact us with questions!

Anna Ruth Williams

National Programs Director, College Democrats of America

LaToia Jones

Executive Director, College Democrats of America

Community Service Program Ideas

Indiana Federation of College Democrats

The Indiana Federation has been organizing senior Medicare tutorials. They take a computer into senior centers to help senior
citizens navigate through the maze of Medicare questions they have.

Cal Poly Democrats

The Cal Poly Democrats recruited teams of 3-10 people (from residence halls, Greeks, other clubs, and of course Dems). The teams met on campus at 1:00 p.m. to receive a food list (items the food bank requested). They then had 3 hours to go door-to-door locally to ask people for the food items.

UNLV College Democrats

UNLV College Democrats participate in a "Spring Cleaning" program at the end of every semester. They organize with a local shelter that accepts clothing and then they plaster the campus with flyers asking students to please donate clothes that they are going to throw away to the shelter. This works well since people throw away so much when going home for the summer.

In the Fall, they collect toys for needy families. Their chapter teams up with a member of Congress or the Senate and raise money to provide the families a XMAS.

They also do walks for Breast Cancer and AIDS. Again, they have a member of Congress or Senate sponsor their chapter and they wear the member’s shirts while walking so they get the publicity.

Bard College Democrats

The Bard College Democrats assisted with Hurricane Katrina relief. A bunch of our chapter members headed down to New Orleans over winter break, with great success. ACORN and COMMON GROUND are very good groups for organizing such trips.

Auburn University College Democrats

For the last two years, Auburn has tied in with the local chapter of the East Alabama AIDS Coalition to sponsor a family in need. Members got together to knit and crochet scarves and hats. Members who didn't know how to knit or crochet were tutored by other members. These items were sold on days leading up to December 1st, National AIDS Awareness Day, and were distributed with small ribbons for students to wear. Proceeds from this sale went to purchase toys and clothing for the sponsored family to ensure that they were well provided for during the holiday season. When our members came together to wrap the purchased gifts, we had a speaker from the AIDS coalition speak to those present about preventing the spread of AIDS.

MG Democrats Rally

2006-03-29T17:14:00.000-05:00

Middle Georgia Democratic Rally

Saturday, April 1, 2006 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Fountain Park, Warner Robins*

Join other Middle Georgia Democrats for a day of fun and food (FREE BBQ!)

Meet and talk with candidates for federal, state and local offices

Bring a chair and your shades, and enjoy the entertainment provided by Middle Georgia talent!

Discussion of the Issues

Entertainment

MEET THE CANDIDATES

* Greg Hecht * Jim Martin * for Lt. Governor

* Guy Drexinger * for Insurance Commissioner

* Carlotta Harrell * for State School Superintendent

* Denise Majette for State School Superintendent

* Gail Buckner * Daryl Hicks * Scott Holcomb *

* Angela Moore * Shyam Reddy *

Candidates for Secretary of State

* Rev. Jim Nelson * Candidate for U.S. Representative of Georgia’s First Congressional District

* Lauren Benedict (HD 140) * Scott Taylor (HD 146) *

* Dee Yearty (SD 20) *

Candidates for the Georgia Legislature

*Meet John Barrow, U.S. Representative of Georgia’s 12th Congressional District, and many more GREAT DEMOCRATS! *

Come out and get involved - Because Democracy is not a spectator sport.

*FROM I-75, EXIT AT 144 AND PROCEED EAST ON RUSSELL PARKWAY 6.4 MILES TO KIMBERLY DR. (CVS IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE, BENNETT’S DISCOUNT LIQUORS ON THE LEFT). TURN LEFT ON KIMBERLY AND PROCEED ABOUT 0.8 MILE. PARK IS ON THE LEFT.

SPONSORED BY RUSSELL BOSTON, CHAIR, THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT; MIDDLE GEORGIA DEMOCRATIC WOMEN; HOUSTON, PEACH AND BIBB COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEES

For further details, contact Betty Pearsall at (478) 328-1201 or Elayne Greenberg at (478) 328-1352

Majette to Run for School Chief

2006-03-21T13:53:00.000-05:00

Former U.S. Rep. Denise Majette, who lost her bid for the U.S. Senate in 2004, announced Tuesday that she is running for state schools superintendent.

Majette said Georgia's students continue to rank among the worst in the nation when it comes to test scores.

Majette a candidate for state superintendent

A MAD Democrat

2006-03-13T17:00:00.000-05:00

I am appalled at the attempt by the State Democratic Party to prevent Rev. Steve Small from qualifying in the Primary for Jefferson County Commissioner.
As a party loyalist, I support my party in most decisions that it makes however I support this decision as much as I do Satan Himself. This goes against every principle of our party and is embarrassing to say the least.
In 2002, Small waged awrite in campaign against Sheila Smoot. State Party By-laws prohibit people from qualifying for years after not supporting the democratic nominee. Did Mr. Turnham and Mr. Reed forget this when they allowed others to qualify such as Gerald Dial, Hinton Mitchem, Lowell Barron, Fred Horn, Nathan Mathis, Harry Lyons, and Roger Monroe.
This is a public relations nightmare for our party. The party has stepped into a primary and disrupted the democratic process. I wonder if they would be doing this if Smoot were not vulnerable in this election.
I challenge the state party as well as Smoot to have the intestinal fortitude to allow Small to run and allow democracy to thrive within our party.
Today I am ashamed of my party and for the first time embarrassed to say that I am a democrat.

Council members blast Franklin over NASCAR offer

2006-03-06T19:57:00.000-05:00

By TY TAGAMI
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/06/06

Several members of Atlanta City Council lashed out at Mayor Shirley Franklin on Monday for proposing to give NASCAR millions of dollars without asking them first.

Last week, it was revealed that the city had sent NASCAR Chief Executive Officer Brian France a letter with an offer of government-backed bonds to cover the cost of constructing a hall of fame here.

Councilwoman Felicia Moore and three colleagues — C.T. Martin, Natalyn Archibong and Anne Fauver — all said they were not informed until after the fact about Franklin's Feb. 23 letter offering $77 million. The four council members together represent about a third of the city's population — about 100,000 Atlantans.

"The mayor often boasts of her administration's openness and transparency in government, but in this case it was closed and behind the backs of" four council members, Moore said at Monday's council meeting.

Nine members of the council, plus council President Lisa Borders, signed the letter. It talked of the city's "commitment" to attracting the hall of fame and proposed government-backed financing totalling $102 million, which included $25 million from the state.

Martin said the letter "obligated" the city to give NASCAR taxpayer money, and said there should have been open debate and deliberation followed by a vote.

Borders responded to the criticism by saying the letter was merely "a demonstration of support" for NASCAR and did not commit the city to spending money.

These are the latest complaints about a secretive bidding process that was run by a consortium of business and government leaders.

The two lead groups, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Central Atlanta Progress, refused to provide documents about the process, contending they were not subject to state open records law.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution filed suit in Fulton County Superior Court. The newspaper won in the fall, but the decision was appealed last month with the outcome pending in the spring.

Law prof seeks meaning of rap

2006-03-04T21:12:00.000-05:00

Law prof seeks meaning of rap
Story Image 1
[Amar Bains/The Daily Pennsylvanian]
Rutgers law professor Imani Perry speaks about the artistic merit of hip hop and how it relates to modern racism.
By alex ullman
March 1, 2006

Underneath its often vulgar exterior, hip hop examines relevant topics in an intellectual light, according to one law professor.

Almost 50 people gathered at the Penn Bookstore last night to hear Rutgers University law professor Imani Perry discuss hip hop. Perry is the author of the book Prophets of the Hood: Politics and Poetics in Hip Hop.

Taking an intellectual look at popular culture, Perry challenged society to look beyond the "fluttery fashion of hip hop times" and to engage the music as an art form.

She said that beyond the ostensible "immorality, vulgarity and conspicuous consumption" of the stereotypical rapper there exists an image of an independent and outspoken modern person that has the "potential to humanize."

When she first heard rap group the Sugarhill Gang in 1979, Perry said she knew that there was something special about hip-hop music. She combined this inspiration with her Harvard training as a historian of American civilization to dissect rap lyrics and hip hop and reveal the music as a valid art form within the context of modern society.

Just as jazz and blues evolved from the black American experience in the 19th century, hip hop is the voice for the "post-civil rights era," Perry said. Today, she said, we live in a society where racism is socially rejected but still exists in practice.

According to Perry, hip hop can provide modern listeners with a means to face issues of racial inequality.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, she said, hip hop as an art form and a means of communication can help overcome the problems of rebuilding Louisiana communities.

"Sometimes you've got to knock down to get up," Perry said, quoting rap artist and New Orleans native Mystikal.

Second-year biomedical doctoral student Christa Heyward that Perry's speech helped her engage with hip hop in ways that she had not previously considered.

"I didn't have a lot of exposure to hip hop growing up, but [Perry] allowed me to pick up on many elements of the artistry of hip hop and its culture," Heyward said.

HIV hitting blacks harder

2006-02-07T17:26:00.000-05:00

DENVER, Colorado (Reuters) -- Just over half of new infections with the AIDS virus in the United States are in blacks, U.S. researchers reported.

A study of detailed data from 33 states shows that of 156,000 new cases of HIV infection between 2001 and 2004, 51 percent were in non-Hispanic blacks -- although blacks made up just 13 percent of the population in those states.

"The rates are extremely high for African-Americans," Tonji Durant of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who led the study, told a news conference.

The rate of new infections declined in black women and in many black men -- with the exception of men having sex with other men, Durant's team reported.

"Despite reductions in diagnoses among African American men and women, HIV continues to pose a major health threat," the CDC said in a statement.

"Despite possible signs of success, HIV continues to exact a disproportionate and devastating toll on African Americans."

Durant and colleagues found that the rate of HIV diagnosis fell by 6.8 percent annually among black women and 4.4 percent annually among black men between 2001 and 2004.

The HIV diagnosis rate even fell by 9.7 percent every year on average among black male users of injected drugs, the CDC study found.

Blacks still had a substantially higher infection rate than other ethnic groups, the CDC team told the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections being held in Denver.

"For African-American men, it is seven times the rate of white men and for African-American women it is 21 times the rate of whites," Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of the National Center for HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis, said in an interview.

CDC officials noted the declines were in the number of new diagnoses -- not necessarily new infections.
Improving awareness

Fenton said public health experts need to work harder to make people aware that AIDS is still an epidemic, to inform them about the benefits of getting tested and to let them know there are treatments available that can keep them healthy, even if there is no cure.

"Some of the factors which are preventing them from getting tested are stigma and fear," Fenton said. People fear rejection from family and friends if they test positive for HIV.

"They hear that these treatments are expensive and wonder how they could possibly afford it," he added.

"What we need is a long-term and sustained effort."

Fenton said the entertainment industry, media and other community figures could be put to better use, and better options made available for people to get the often-expensive HIV drugs.

The human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS is spread by homosexual and heterosexual sex, by sharing needles with someone who is infected, or via blood transfusions. Infected mothers can pass the virus to their babies.

The virus infects close to 40 million people worldwide and more than 1 million people in the United States.

The CDC estimates that 40,000 Americans become infected with HIV each year.

A second study presented at the same conference found that 32 percent of black men in Baltimore who had sex with other men, which includes homosexual and bisexual activity, were infected with HIV.

More than 9 percent of the 891 men became infected with HIV during the year of the study.

Copyright 2006 Reuters. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

RIP Coretta Scott King

2006-01-31T23:44:00.000-05:00

Today we mourn the loss of what I would like to call the "First Lady" of the Civil Rights Movement. Mrs. King was more than just the woman behind the man but an integral part of the Movement. Mrs. King was the support at home that is necessary for a public servant while she remained on the forefront of the movement. After the death of Dr. King, Mrs. King continued in his legacy.

As the 109th Congress confirms Associate Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, we must not forget the legacy of the King family. We must continue the fight for social justice and equality. We must continue the fight for education, health care and jobs for our people. And we must fight this Culture of Corruption which is doing nothing but hurting our people more. Together America can do better and we must do better in the name of Rev. and Mrs King.

SOTU

2006-01-31T20:54:00.000-05:00

This will just be my random comments as I watch the state of the Union

Atlanta council seat hangs on court decision

2005-12-21T02:42:00.000-05:00

By TY TAGAMI
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/21/05

It's been more than a month since Atlanta voters went to the polls, yet the outcome of one city council race still hangs in the balance.

Anne Fauver, who has represented the area around Piedmont Park for the past four years, beat challenger Steve Brodie by five votes. Brodie, however, is demanding a run-off election, asserting in court that Fauver did not win a majority of all votes cast.
The outcome hinges on what constitutes a countable vote. Under state law, a write-in vote for city council does not count if it is cast for someone who is not a certified write-in candidate. To become an official write-in candidate in Atlanta, a person must file paperwork with the city clerk and notify the public with an ad in the Fulton County Daily Report, a legal newspaper. No one did so in the District 6 race.

In oral arguments in Fulton County Superior Court Tuesday, a special judge heard lawyers for both candidates assail and defend the constitutionality of the state law on write-in votes.

The law is in question because nine voters in the District 6 election chose to mark the write-in portion of their ballots, instead of selecting Fauver or Brodie. In accordance with law, Fulton County election officials did not count those nine votes in the total, and calculated Fauver had a majority of all votes cast. But Brodie notes that if those nine votes are counted toward the total, then Fauver has only 49.97 percent of the vote.

If no candidate garners a majority, then a run-off election is required under Georgia law.

Attorney Michael Coleman, arguing for Brodie, said those nine voters were cheated of their right to vote. "The failure to count a write-in vote is tantamount to taking a vote away," he said, adding that the Georgia Legislature violated the state constitution when it required that votes for people who aren't candidates be ignored.

But Robert Highsmith, an attorney for Fauver, argued that the state constitution delegated to the Legislature the authority to dictate how elections are decided. The Legislature passed a law requiring that the outcome of city council races be decided by majority vote, so the basic assertion of Brodie's camp — that Fauver did not win by a majority — is not a constitutional question, Highsmith said.

"Nowhere in the constitution is a majority vote required," he said.

One election expert said the case poses an interesting question: if citizens essentially throw their votes away by casting ballots for someone who isn't a candidate, should their votes be counted? "It's an odd situation that voting for someone who has no chance of winning effects the outcome of the race," Emory law assistant professor Michael Kang said. He predicted that if the case reached the federal level, Brodie would have a hard time winning because the federal courts tend toward pragmatism in election law. He said they consider it more important to count votes for viable candidates and to conclusively decide elections than to count protest votes.

There is pressure to decide the case quickly. The winner of the election is scheduled to be sworn in Jan. 3. The special judge assigned the case, retired DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Hilton M. Fuller, said he hoped to have a decision by next week. He gave no indication Tuesday how he would rule.

The losing side could appeal the decision to the Georgia Supreme Court.

From the office of Congressman John D. Dingell

2005-12-16T12:46:00.000-05:00

Congressman John D. Dingell
US Congress Seal
Serving Michigan's 15th Congressional District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Adam Benson or Michael Robbins
Wednesday, December 15, 2005 202/225-4071
202/271-8587

Dingell’s HOLIDAY Jingle for O’Reilly and House GOP

Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (MI-15) recited the following poem on the floor of the US House of Representatives concerning House Resolution 579, which expressed the sense of the House of Representatives that the symbols and traditions of Christmas should be protected. “Preserving Christmas” has been a frequent topic for conservative talk show hosts, including Fox News’s Bill O’Reilly:

‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the House

No bills were passed ‘bout which Fox News could grouse;

Tax cuts for the wealthy were passed with great cheer,

So vacations in St. Barts soon would be near;

Katrina kids were nestled all snug in motel beds,

While visions of school and home danced in their heads;

In Iraq our soldiers needed supplies and a plan,

Plus nuclear weapons were being built in Iran;

Gas prices shot up, consumer confidence fell;

Americans feared we were on a fast track to…well…

Wait--- we need a distraction--- something divisive and wily;

A fabrication straight from the mouth of O’Reilly

We can pretend that Christmas is under attack

Hold a vote to save it--- then pat ourselves on the back;

Silent Night, First Noel, Away in the Manger

Wake up Congress, they’re in no danger!

This time of year we see Christmas every where we go,

From churches, to homes, to schools, and yes…even Costco;

What we have is an attempt to divide and destroy,

When this is the season to unite us with joy

At Christmas time we’re taught to unite,

We don’t need a made-up reason to fight

So on O’Reilly, on Hannity, on Coulter, and those right wing blogs;

You should just sit back, relax…have a few egg nogs!

‘Tis the holiday season: enjoy it a pinch

With all our real problems, do we honestly need another Grinch?

So to my friends and my colleagues I say with delight,

A merry Christmas to all,

and to Bill O’Reilly…Happy Holidays.

# # #

This is even scarier

2005-12-13T23:57:00.000-05:00

Ha Ha!!!

2005-12-13T23:56:00.000-05:00