LWVGA ballot guide Part 4

Statewide Ballot Referendums:
1) Shall the Act be approved which provides a homestead exemption for the full value of the homestead with respect to all ad valorem taxes for the unremarried surviving spouse of a peace officer or firefighter who was killed in the line of duty? (HB 81, passed in 2006)
EXPLANATION: Exempts the un­remarried surviving spouse of a peace officer or firefighter who was killed in the line of duty from all ad valorem taxes. This will not affect any special assessments assigned to the property, however, and the exemption will have to be applied for in­person.
PROS: Provides a generous benefit to those whose spouses serve in the public interest and sacrifice their lives serving the community as firefighters or peace officers.
CONS: Very narrowly tailored with a small impact on Georgians overall. The referendum is potentially difficult to enforce as written because it does not specify if the benefit is applicable to officers and firefighters in other states if the surviving spouse moves to Georgia and related scenarios. Further, if the widowed spouse remarries, he/she will not be eligible for the exemption even if he/she is raising the children of the fallen firefighter or officer. Any other employee of the state or local government who is killed in the line of duty is not given this benefit.

Glynn Peace press release

Since the Brunswick News seems disinclined to print anything about this event, I'm putting it here:
"PRE-MEMORIAL" SERVICE PLANNED
FOR FUTURE IRAQ WAR DEAD

GlynnPeace, a Glynn County group working to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq and bring home U.S. troops stationed there, is planning to commemorate the U.S. soldiers who will die in Iraq in the time between November 1st of this year and when George Bush leaves office on January 20, 2009.

The action will take place from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Gloucester Street in downtown Brunswick, in front of the Federal Building (main Post Office), in which Georgia's First District Congressman, Jack Kingston, has an office. Participants will ring a bell for each of the 2030 U.S. soldiers who will die in Iraq while Bush remains in office and cross them off one by one on posters of simulated faces. The number of projected dead, based on figures obtained from the Iraq Casualties web site (http://icasualties.org/oif/), is 2.5 per day. This average was calculated prior to the increase in casualties in October.

GlynnPeace is inviting all those who want to end the Iraq War and bring U.S. troops home quickly to join them in this "pre-memorial" event. More information may be obtained by calling 262-1274 or e-mailing glynnpeace@bellsouth.net or visiting http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-glynnpeace.

According to organizer Robert Randall, "George Bush has promised that U.S. troops will stay in Iraq as long as he is President. That's another 812 days beginning November 1st. In that time, using conservative casualty rates, we know there will be at least another 2030 U.S. dead, 13,000 U.S. wounded, 27,000 Iraqi dead, and more than $154 billion more dollars wasted. All this just so we can continue to strengthen the radical jihadists and make ourselves less safe!"

In the proposal for this public event, which has been circulated nationally, GlynnPeace adopted November 1st, which is celebrated in some Christian traditions as All Saints Day, as "a most appropriate day for commemorating, ahead of time, those whose names are not yet known, but who will most certainly be sacrificed to George Bush's war in Iraq." The organization is also using the occasion to point out "the very real cost if 'we the people' fail, six days later, to change the leadership of the U.S. Congress." Nov. 7th is election day for all members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including Georgia's First Congressional District, which includes Glynn County.

In a one hour meeting on September 28th with a six-person GlynnPeace delegation, Rev. Nelson, the Democratic candidate for the First District House seat currently held by Kingston, endorsed a GlynnPeace resolution which states "the time has come to end the United States' occupation of Iraq and bring our troops home." The full text of the "Resolution To Withdraw U.S. Troops From Iraq" is online at http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-glynnpeace.

A GlynnPeace delegation had previously met with Kingston, who asserted his support for the Bush Iraq policy and refused to endorse the GlynnPeace resolution. At its October 4th meeting, GlynnPeace adopted a position paper which endorsed Jim Nelson's candidacy for Congress.

"The bottom line," said Randall, "is that Kingston supports the war and will continue the killing, whereas Nelson opposes it. To help end the war, we need to work to change our Representative in Congress."

GlynnPeace member Kelly Dobbin said simply, "I am voting for Jim Nelson because it is time for a change in Washington. Jack Kingston ran on term limits over a decade ago. Time is up."


-Truth is, I said more than that, but y'all know I'm not one for stating anything too simply. I will not be able to make it to this event, as my work on the island precludes a lunch-time jaunt over to Brunswick. I hope some of you can go out to show your support. Here's my suggestion for a protest sign: Side one: "Support the Troops" Side Two: "Bring them Home!"-

Jim Nelson @ GA Democratic Convention

Finally, video of Jim's convention speech (if it works).

Glynn Dems fundraisers Huge Success!

Both the Friday Night Fish Fry and the Saturday Morning Political Breakfasts were rousing successes by all accounts. I attended the Fish Fry, but was not able to drag myself out of bed in time to get to the breakfast at 8 AM Saturday. You're all shocked, I know. I can report that Jim Nelson gave a great speech, as usual at the Fish Fry. We also got the expected jolt from Rev. Williams speech, just a little later than expected. Between admissions and the 50/50 drawing, The Glynn County Democratic Party raised hundreds of dollars (I'll have an exact figure after the next meeting). More importantly, these events helped create a real sense of community. We are not alone! We know we have a tough fight ahead of us, but we also know that we can do our part to change the political landscape. America has had enough of the status quo. Tell your friends to vote on November 7th (especially if they're democrats)!

LWVGA ballot guide Part 3

3) Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide for special motor vehicle license plates for stated purposes, including dedications for the ultimate use of agencies, funds or nonprofit corporations where it is found that there will be a benefit to the state? (HR 1564, passed in 2006)
EXPLANATION: Empowers the General Assembly to provide for several new special motor vehicle license plates for optional purchase and authorize our lawmakers to dedicate some or all of the revenue from the sale of these special tags for programs relating to the plate's subject. The dedicated revenue may go to an agency, fund, or nonprofit corporation for the ultimate use of a nonprofit corporation if found to be a benefit to both the state and the nonprofit.
PROS: Raises funds and visibility for many important causes and the organizations that address those specific causes with legislative authorization only. Currently, each license plate proceeds have to be enabled with a statewide referendum.
CONS: There would be little flexibility to amend the list of special interest license plates and their beneficiary organizations. Further, many groups on the list represent only one side of an issue or problem. The LWVGA encourages voters to view the full list of approved plates and the organizations that will receive funds from their sale (see below). Finally, in instances where the state places earmarks on dedicated funds it also has the right to remove those earmarks, as was the case with the HazardousWaste Trust Fund.
LWVGA Position: The language that will appear on the ballot does not give voters all the information such as what tags were approved by the General Assembly or what organizations will receive funds raised by the tags. The incomplete language on the ballot does not offer the voter full information on what the elector is ratifying. Further, the League opposes earmarks on dedicated funding. A complete list of the special tags that were approved by the General Assembly and the organizations that will receive funds from the sale of the plates is available at www.lwvga.org or at www.legis.state.ga.us, search HR 1053.

Adam wins the pennant!

I may be a Cubs fan, but I was rooting for the Cards last night, as GA alum Adam Wainwright threw the final out to win the National League pennant for the St. Louis Cardinals. I've shouted it in Wrigley Field and I'll type it now: STUPID METS!!!
Congratulations Adam! Good Luck against Detroit. We're all pulling for you.
Adam Wainwright pitching in the World Series: priceless.

LWV ballot guide: Part 2

2) Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to provide that the tradition of hunting and fishing and the taking of fish and wildlife shall be preserved for the people and shall be managed by law and regulation for the public good? (SR 67, passed in 2005)
EXPLANATION: Provides formal recognition of hunting and fishing as traditions in the state.
PROS: Constitutionally recognizes hunting and fishing as traditions in Georgia and could be interpreted or used in future instances to mandate funding for wildlife resource management to preserve these activities.
CONS: Georgia law already provides funding for wildlife resource management for hunting and fishing and it is unknown what impact or additional protections may be offered if these activities are constitutionally recognized.
From League of Women Voters of Georgia Ballot Guide


Another redundant amendment!

League of Women Voters Guide

This is the first of many posts including excerpts from the League of Women Voters Guide for Georgia. The guide is long, so I'm going to do this one point at a time.

Constitutional Amendments:
1) Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to prohibit the use of eminent domain by certain non­elected authorities and to prohibit the contested use of eminent domain except for public use as defined by general law? (HR 1306, passed in 2006)
EXPLANATION: Confines the government's use of eminent domain to public use only and it would prohibit non­elected authorities (such as local development authorities) from exercising the power of eminent domain, thereby ensuring that only elected officials are vested with that authority.
PROS: Provides stated protections for private property owners in the state Constitution to limit the power of eminent domain specifically to instances relating to redevelopment projects deemed for

Senator Isakson on Military Commissions Act

A while back, I sent an email to our senators expressing my dismay over the expansion of presidential powers represented by the Military Commissions Act. The following is from an email Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) just sent out:
"Dear Ms. Dobbin :

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Military Commissions Act of 2006. I am glad to hear your thoughts on the issue, and I appreciate the opportunity to respond.

The U.S. Supreme Court decision Hamdan vs. Rumsfeld invalidated the U.S. military commissions that were being used to prosecute enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay . It also put the U.S. terrorist interrogation program in jeopardy by holding that the Geneva Convention applies to treatment of unlawful enemy combatants. This decision prompted Congress to pass legislation to authorize military tribunals for enemy combatants. The Senate passed S.3930 to allow the United States to interrogate and try enemy combatants at Guantanamo by military tribunal, while also respecting the Geneva Convention. The bill permits necessary interrogation to continue by making explicit that interrogators can only be prosecuted under the War Crimes Act for grave breaches, including practices such as torture, murder and rape.

S. 3930 was the result of extensive negotiations between members of Congress and the Administration. One of the key points of this debate was whether to grant habeas corpus rights to enemy combatants. I voted against an amendment that would have granted such rights because I believe the right of habeas corpus is reserved only for U.S. citizens. Additionally, enemy combatants are already provided the right to challenge their detention through the Combat Status Review Tribunals, which are based on the Geneva Convention.

Another key issue in this debate was whether to add a "sunset" provision, or an expiration date, to the bill of December 31, 2011. I voted against this amendment because it is inappropriate to put an expiration date on a piece of legislation that is so critical to the Global War on Terror. I am committed to ensuring that the President of the United States has the tools he needs for as long as he needs them to prosecute those who would do us harm.

The passage of this legislation is an important milestone in defeating terrorism. September 11 th , 2001, changed the way in which we must respond to our enemies in the War on Terror, but it did not change our belief in humane treatment. We must be able to detain enemy combatants, and we must be allowed to obtain the information that will save the lives of innocent Americans. Those awaiting trial at Guantanamo Bay are intent on hurting and destroying Americans. I am pleased that we now have the tools to bring them to justice.

Thank you again for contacting me, and I hope you will not hesitate to call on me in the future if I can be of assistance to you.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson
United States Senator"

That sort of thinking is why I voted for Denise Majette two years ago. I think I'm gonna be sick.

Political Breakfast

DEMOCRATIC
POLITICAL BREAKFAST
Glynn County Democratic Party

Everyone is invited to come hear a rousing political speech by
Mike Thurmond, Candidate for Labor Commissioner

Eddie’s Country Buffet
(Located on New Jesup Hwy, #341, just west of I-95)

8:00AM Saturday morning, October 21, 2006

Cost is $10.00 at the door
Contact Venus Holmes, 264-9164, to let her know.

Randy Newman Political Science from 1972

For anyone who might have gotten the impression that Mr. Newman was being extremely topical when he sang "Political Science" on the Colbert Report last night. Here's video of Randy singing the very same song in 1972. Irony never gets old.

Wallace let Kingston falsely claim CREW is a "partisan 527 organization"

This post from Media Matters shows Jack Kingston as the lying GOP mouthpiece that he is.
"Kingston misrepresented CREW while baselessly suggesting that CREW may have been complicit in a scheme to benefit Democrats by withholding from the media incriminating emails that former Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL) allegedly sent to underage congressional pages under shortly before the midterm elections."
See Jack Sweat.

Tennessee 51, Georgia 33

What a game! Total roller coaster ride, with the Dawgs feeling woozy at the end. Don't feel too bad doggies. Your coaching staff is still way better looking than ours.

Glynn Dems Fish Fry

The Glynn County Democratic Party Fundraiser and meeting of the candidates, will be held Friday nite, Oct.20,2006, from 6-9 pm, at the Two Way Fish Camp's restaurant called Mudcat Charlies, just south of Darien along the east side of U.S. 17.

Tickets are $25 bought in advance.

Checks are payable to the Glynn County Democratic Party.

The tickets will be mailed to your home address, so be sure to send it with your check.

Thank you for your support in the past and we hope to see you on October 20.

Checks should be sent to:

Glynn County Democratic Party
P.O. Box 776
Brunswick, Ga 31521-0776

Update: If you don't trust the mail or just want to wait to pay, you can pay at the door.

Nelson/Kingston debate

Here is a comment I posted over on the Veterans for Kingston blog. No surprise, they felt that Jack won just about every point and anyone who supports Nelson or questions the war must hate our troops. Luckily, it was pretty evident that we outnumbered them Monday night. Smiling ear to ear about that one.
Haven't had time to put together my own post about the debate yet. Wish I'd felt more fired up about it.



About English becoming the official language: Would that mean that our public officials would need to learn to speak it properly? First thing that popped into my head when Kingston mentioned it.

I was at the debate, too. Didn't quite see it the same way (shocker, I know). I actually thought the whole thing was pretty boring. I didn't feel that the questions posed were particularly insightful or helpful to either candidate. I've definitely seen Jim perform better. He missed a few opportunities to call Jack on some points. For instance, Jack kept talking about teaching the Iraqis about the "rule of law." I happen to think we should lead by example when it comes to the rule of law. I don't believe that the recent legislation further expanding presidential powers and overriding habeas corpus is very respectful of the rule of law.
Overall, I felt that Jim narrowly won the debate. He backed up his assertions with plenty of facts. He even countered some of Jack's facts with more detailed empirical evidence (shortfalls in spending on veteran's benefits). I did think they were both respectful. I would like to apologize for the "enthusiasm" (CGCC's words, not mine) of other Nelson supporters. However, noone from the Nelson camp was standing outside the auditorium trying to hand out campaign materials. Can't say the same for Kingston.
One more thing: Jim's reference to Jesus being in favor of universal health care. He explained that he was referring to the fact that Jesus healed those who came to him, without asking for credentials, payment, or anything else. That is the bible Jim Nelson's been reading.

Chris Wallace Interviews Bill Clinton Pt 3

I miss him! Even if Hillary wins, it won't be the same.

Chris Wallace Interviews Bill Clinton Pt 2

More of the only U.S. president to get my vote so far (turned 18 in '91) kickin' some Fox News ass!

Chris Wallace Interviews Bill Clinton Pt 1

I'm going to put up all three parts of this interview. If, like me, you avoid Fox News as much as possible, you might have missed this. Wish the rest of the Democrats would find the kind of backbone BC displays here.