Payday loan ACTION ALERT!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

FINALS SUCK!!!

That's all.Goodbye

Obama and the Religious Right

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

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..

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

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

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????

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?

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

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!!!

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

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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