
"Come to me, all of you who are frustrated and have had a bellyful, and I will give you zest." (Matthew 28:11, The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John by Clarence Jordan)
Friday, November 30, 2007
Only One Pie in California

Kudos to Some New Macon Council Members

While there's no requirement that newly elected members of council start attending meeting prior to taking office, it certainly seems like it would make the transition easier for the city and for the new members. So, big props to those who have chosen to begin serving even before they are "official." I think this bodes well for the council's future work.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
A Suggestion from a Soldier
What if we in the progressive blogosphere collected phone cards for soldiers this holiday season and then sent them to some of our brave men and women deployed in Iraq?
What do you think?
Tell Emily to Take a Hike: A Verse for Bill Shipp
Holy cow. Based on Bill Shipp's last two columns, I'm shocked that I found neither paramedics nor Emily Post on hand when I arrived at the DPG headquarters on the Saturday after Thanksgiving for a Platform Committee meeting. Shocked, that despite the holiday weekend and Georgia/Georgia Tech game that afternoon, the majority of the committee managed to join the meeting either on the phone or in person. Stunned that on that Saturday, there were canvassers in the DPG office, part of the new Grassroots Georgia effort that has already garnered nearly fifty grand for the Party from critical low-dollar donors-a source we have rarely tapped. Flabbergasted that when I returned to on Tuesday at 5 p.m. there were people with clipboards, scripts and maps headed out to metro neighborhoods. They were probably just going out to give lessons on manners. It's not possible that they were actually going out to update our brand new voter file system or invite people to volunteer and give to the Party. And, then, surely the AJC was mistaken when they reported that, yesterday, fifty-five of our seventy-three democratic lawmakers bothered to attend a work session on the Speaker's hugely unpopular tax plan. They were even accused of doling out "rough treatment." Georgia democrats, the original alley fighters of politics, could not possibly be preparing to kick some GOP behind, could we?
After all, on Sunday, Shipp said the Party appears "about to flatline," and yesterday he declared us "perpetually polite losers." And, Dr. Green had some questions, and since she asked so nicely, I thought I'd take a crack at the quiz. Just remember, I'm answering for myself here, not on behalf of the Party.
1. Who constitutes Georgia's slate of Democratic leaders?
There are too many to list, but I'd start with folks like President Jimmy Carter, Gov. Roy Barnes, Sen. Sam Nunn and the list of Statesmen and women could go on, and move to some of our currently elected like Commissioner Mike Thurmond, General Thurbert Baker, Rep. DuBose Porter, Rep. Kathy Ashe, Sen. Valenica Seay, Sen. Robert Brown, Sen. David Adleman, Rep. Nikki Randall and the list goes on and on.
And then there are locally elected democrats like our school board president in Bibb County, Lynn Farmer, our newly elected Mayor Robert Reichert, our newly elected Macon City Councilwomen, Lauren Benedict, and, let me not forget to add incumbent City Councilman Mike Cranford-who actually switched back to the democratic party in the last election. Yes, some of them are actually switching back to us...
And folks like Sheriff John Cary Bittick and Sheriff Jerry Modena. Did you know that the majority of Georgia sheriffs are democrats? They are.
And, then there are the people whose names you may not know, volunteers like Steve Leeds, who works tirelessly to help the Party and democratic causes in general, Sally Rosser, who has sweated blood working to birth brand new county parties and support congressional district chairs, Jason Carter, who help launch Democrats Work, a national initiative, Melita Easters, who co-founded Georgia's WIN List, Shyam Reddy, who ran for SOS and helped found Red Clay Democrats, Kyle Bailey, who is active with Stonewall Dems and seemingly everything else, and I should not leave out Jane Kidd, our chair who has already burned a set of tires traveling the state, speaking to groups-like the Georgia Chamber-where democrats have feared to tread. I could go on and on and on. You can access a list of the "official party leadership" here.
And don't forget to add yourself, Dr. Green. The DPG is a "we" not a "they." If you're a Georgia democrat, then it's your party, too, and you are part of the leadership.
Surfice to say, I'd stand our leaders up beside Glenn Richardson, Sonny Perdue and crew any day of the week.
2. What are they doing except saying 'DONATE'?
There's actually a whole lot going on, but even I know that all political strategy does not belong on a blog. But, here are a few examples: the Grassroots Georgia Program (the canvassers I mentioned above) is but one example of a new initiative. You can learn some more on the brand new website. We have been busy planning for he JJ Dinner and have invited all of the presidential candidates to joins us on Jan. 30th, right before our primary. You should come; it will be a blast and it's a deal until Dec. 1. Speaking of leaders, we'll also be honoring Sen. Max Cleland and Sen. John Lewis at this special event.
Committees are meeting, planning is taking place, candidates are being recruited, money is being raised, county parties are forming, formed and functioning-though we need more. The Party has taken a very active roll in the two special elections that happened this year in Georgia, most recently helping Bonnie Byrd Gardner with her race. I'm talking substantive help with mail, canvassing etc. And, while she did not win, if we are going to gain ground in Georgia those are precisely the kinds of races we need to invest in. Jane Kidd went herself to knock on doors with Bonnie, along with teams of canvassers from the Party. YD's helped, too, as did the unions.
And, I could go on, but again, the Party is not a "they," it's a "we." So, if you're a Georgia democrat, it's your party. I challenge you to get involved, if you're not, and help make a difference.
3. Why is there seemingly nobody with credibility opposing Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-GA?
There's no question that this race is a problem for us. I posted about it earlier this week. It's not easy to convince someone to run against a sitting senator. Political races are expensive both in terms of cash and personal time commitment. So, if you know someone who is credible, has great name id, could partially self-fund and can take the next year off to run-please send them over. Perhaps you?
4. Why do we hear nothing from the Democratic Party of Georgia on the rubber-stamp Republican government we have?
I personally support the shift to positive messaging for Georgia Democrats. We cannot win elections-and should not win elections-unless we make a compelling argument for why we should be allowed to lead. That means telling folks what we will do, not just why they're bad. I think people get tired of just hearing us beat on the r's.
5. Why was there no uproar among Democrats when SR 3033 (2005) was passed by the General Assembly to urge Georgia lawmakers to support blindly all Bush nominees?
Here's where you find out that I'm honest-I don't know what this is, but I promise I will find out. But, I do think "blind" and "Bush" should always be in the same sentance.
6. Why is there seemingly no statewide Democratic organization even though Democrats have a good chance to elect the new president?
There are actually at least two statewide democratic organizations-the DPG with our affiliate county parties and congressional district organizations and the Georgia Association of Democratic County Party Chairs. Expanding and strengthening this network is part of the 159 County Strategy. We are working to grow where there are no local groups and deepen our roots where there are such groups. The DNC helps fund grassroots development through the 50 State Strategy, and that means meeting measurable goals.
Even though I'm ever the optimist, unless hell freezes over, the outcome of the presidential election will not hinge on Georgia, but we have critical down-ballot races that it will impact and that we must work hard to win. We need your help.
7. Why was there no Democratic outcry regarding Sonny Perdue's land deals?
This was all over all the papers, in ads, on the radio, messaged every thirty seconds, practically, during the 2006 election cycle. I thought if I heard the word Oakey Woods once more I would scream. We were swimming in ink on this. You're right, what he did and is doing is horrible. We all but served warrants. But I don't know how you missed the messaging on this one.
"I could not find a dazzling e-mail address for the Georgia Democratic Party, so I am sending this to others who may know how to get through.
"The Democrats of Georgia have tucked their heads for too long. Those of us who care can do very little without a very strong state party.
"People are waiting. People are tired of DONATE, DONATE! There's nothing happening. - E. Ruth Green, Ph.D."
Here's the link for the email addresses and other contact information for the Party. Perhaps not dazzling, but functional, all the same.
There are a whole lot of us who are not "tucking our heads," but instead are doing all we can do to make our Party stronger. Is it perfect? Far, far from it. Is it frustrating? Often. We have a huge task in front of us, and need every single shoulder at the wheel, including yours. We are making progress, building a foundation for growth and success in elections. So, Bill, don't call 911 just yet, and tell Emily to take a hike. I assure you, there's a great deal happening, not all of it polite.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Buzz!
And he wants the republicans to pledge to stay in Iraq for the long term.
Forever?
This is why I am a democrat.
Let's see what they say. Thompson didn't give it to him. (We're going to win) Paul didn't give it to him. McCain says we never lost a battle in Vietnam. I'm not sure whether McCain did or didn't. Tancredo says we are threatened by radical Islam. I don't think he answered either.
Sorry, Buzz, I'm not sure you got a taker.
Mike Huckabee is So Going to Win Iowa
Mike Huckabee is SO going to win Iowa, and probably the whole shootin' match.
We need to focus on who on our team has the capacity to stand up to Mr. "I started at age 14 working and worked my way though college. Because I was able to get an education, I am standing on this stage, otherwise I might be picking lettuce..."
Somehow, Hillary Clinton's name does not jump to mind.
GOP Candidates Mum on Moms
And I have to say, I was shocked. At least from what they've got on their sites, it seems like the Republicans aren't very interested in women. Granted, all issues are, in one way or another, women's issues. But I'm looking for something specific about the ones we tend to deal with a lot more than our husbands, partners and significant others.
As for the Democrats, they all have places on their websites to address the so-called "women's issues." John Edwards has his Promise for American Women. Chris Dodd wrote the Family and Medical Leave Act. Hillary Clinton is calling herself a "Champion for Women." Joe Biden has a whole section on his website called "Empowering Women to Take Charge."
So I assumed that the GOP candidates would have similar topics on their sites.
I'm still looking.
Well, what I'd say about that is that if they don't care about us, then we don't vote for them. I suppose their platform on women's issues is that they will, in the most paternalistic way possible, "protect us." Oh, joy.
Pretty Pointed

You can sign the pledge here at America Belongs to Us 2008.
Will CNN Have the Guts to Ask This One?
New Poll: Clinton Trails All Five Republicans in General Election
This is not the first poll that has pointed to Clinton's general election problems. Her negatives have always been high. She has had consistent problems with making the "electability" argument. We have three supreme court justices on the line, folks. Don't we need to nominate the candidate who has the best shot at actually defeating the republican nominee? Looks to me as if either Edwards or Obama would stand a better shot than Clinton.
What Are We Going to Do About Saxby? (Updated)
I know nothing about Josh Lanier other than what I have read on his website and on Tondees. My question is, "how if the money rolling in?" And, I'd like to know a little more about him. He lacks name ID, and that's expensive to create.
Regarding Dale Cardwell, I think that democrats may look back on that race as a missed opportunity. I have my issues with him, as I wrote earlier this month. But, to unseat an incumbent, you need a candidate who is not a typical politician. I like Dale's "fighting for the little guy" thing, and I like some of his positions, but as I have told him, I just get completely derailed when his answer to "what is your top issue" continues to be "to secure our borders." He says that he has polling that shows that's a top issue for Georgia voters. I have my doubts about his numbers. First, I don't know whether he is referring to a poll he commissioned or a public poll of some sort. I suspect it's the latter, and I suspect that the numbers are skewed. When we polled issues for a legislative race in Middle Georgia, illegal immigration was no where near the top issue for general election voters. It wasn't even in the top three. So, this may be a burning issue somewhere in Georgia, but not in my town. So, what about Cardwell now? He needs to raise a whole lot of money fast and refine his message or he is probably not going to be viable, even to win the primary.
And, then there's Vernon Jones. Look, without getting deep into it, let me just say that despite the theme music from "Rocky" that opens his site, given his history, Saxby would have to seriously do a Foley for Jones to have any chance of beating him. I just don't see it happening.
But he's the most likely candidate to win the primary.
Maggie Martinez has also thrown her hat into the ring but seems to have an even bigger hill to climb in terms of name recognition. Again, I know little about this candidate, and I'm in the "tuned in" category of voters. And, then there are the issues with her website. But it would be fun to watch her and Cardwell debate immigration policy.
So, what do we do? I think democrats are waiting for a savior, and I see none in site. Frankly, based on this field, I think that we have members of the state legislature who would make more viable candidates.
Update: Yesterday, I left Rand Knight off this post, unintentionally. Here's a link to his site. Again, I need to know more about him. Anyone else I missed?
Monday, November 26, 2007
Georgia Democrats Set to Lead
Eggs at Issue
My Opinion: This is the kind of thing that really infuriates me. With issues like the war, our broken healthcare system, education, the economy, and so on and so on…Tricking the voting public with wedge issues like this makes me sick. The only thing worse than using a wedge issue to manipulate the voting public, is a wedge issue that will take take away personal rights of women…This is an infuriating story.
This is a national issue for the next election cycle as republicans seek to put this on the ballot in critical states. It's wedge issue politics, and I agree with Catherine: the only thing worse than a wedge is a wedge that tramples on women's most basic rights.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Get Your Hands Off My Eggs
Mixed in with the water fight and the tax fight, during the next legislative session, Georgia women are going to be literally fighting for control of our eggs. Georgia republicans-with the help of two democratic co-sponsors-will try to pass legislation to put "The Personhood Amendment" or "Human Life Amendment" on the ballot in Georgia in November of 2008.
"The Human Life Amendment," is a constitutional amendment defining life as beginning at the moment of fertilization and offering constitutional protections to the fetus. This bill was introduced in March by a a bipartisan group of legislators that included democrats Hardie Davis and Rick Crawford. This bill, if passed, will not only impact a women's right to choose whether or not to have an abortion, but could also limit access to certain types of birth control, including the "morning after pill" and some types of IUD's. As a proposed constitutional amendment, this is clearly a wedge issue that Republicans are seeking to place on the 2008 ballot. It is the top legislative priority for Georgia Right to Life.
Some Georgia democrats are anti-choice, and some are pro-choice. There is room in our party for people who hold both positions. But this legislation is particularly horrid and would have uncertain legal implications for women if it were passed. Most of all, I can't understand why elected democrats would buy into a republican scheme to put this wedge issue on the ballot in 2008. This just doesn't make any sense.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Paging All Georgia Democrats: What Do You Believe?
One of our first tasks is to gather the ideas of Georgia Democrats-to ask what is it we believe? What do we stand for. A month or so ago, I posted on this and got some excellent responses. Focusing on values and principles, rather than positions or programs, I want to again invite your ideas.
Why are you a Democrat? What are the fundamental values and principles that make us who we are?
This is cross-posted at Tondee's Tavern.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
A Message From Rosalynn Carter
Dear Amy,
As you may know, on March 1st, a tornado ripped through Americus, which is just down the road from Plains, where Jimmy and I live. The destruction was massive, but the community has rallied and rebuilding is ongoing.
Sumter Regional Hospital <http://www.gha.org/directory/directory/Sumter1.JPG> The hospital that serves our area - Sumter Regional Hospital - was totally destroyed that day. Insurance money won't begin to cover all that it will take to rebuild our hospital. The good news is that we all have a chance to pitch in to help with just a few clicks of a mouse.
Siemens is holding a contest to give away a new MRI machine to a hospital in America that needs it. A new MRI machine costs almost $1 million, and I can tell you that Sumter Regional Hospital has a great need for it. It would mean a lot to me and our community if you would go to www.winanmri.com <http://www.winanmri.com/> , watch the powerful two-minute video called "Blown Away - Sumter Regional Hospital," and vote for our hometown Hospital.
Right now, we are in first place, but the second place hospital is just outside of Buffalo, an area with a much larger population than southwest Georgia! You will see that many hospitals, including other great hospitals in Georgia, have posted videos. Many of them are deserving, but I hope you will take the two minutes to hear our story and help us.
You can vote once a day, every day. Please vote often and forward this message to your family and friends asking them to do the same. The last day to vote is December 31st.
Our grandson, Jason, started Democrats Work because of a deep belief that Democrats can and should do more to help improve their communities in tangible ways every single day. I know you've been involved with Democrats Work because you feel the same way. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to help a community in need, and I am grateful for your support.
On behalf of my whole family, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Rosalynn Carter
----------------
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
For These Four Things

Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Oprah Gifts Macon
And, since you asked, HARPO is paying the tax on the gifts for the 300 guests, and recipients simply will have to pay tax on the tax paid on their behalf. Got that Glenn? Also, Oprah loved Macon so much that there will be another show about Macon next week. No more gifts, but she will be highlighting some of the places she visited while she was here. You can't buy that kind of PR, and all for nearly half of us Maconites tuning in to Oprah every day.
Here's the list of gifts Oprah gave:
Samsung Progressive HD Camcorder SC-HMX10C
Approximate value: $799.99
800-SAMSUNG; www.samsung.com
Available at major retailers including Amazon.com,
Circuit City, Sears, CompUSA
UGG® Australia Classic Crochet Tall Boot
Approximate value: $120
888-432-8530; www.uggaustralia.com and Nordstrom
stores: www.nordstrom.com
TOYWATCH Crystal and Colored Crystal Watch
Approximate value: $150-$1500
877-998-8600; www.toywatchusa.com
Also available at Bloomingdales stores nationwide
www.bloomingdales.com
Perfect Endings Cupcakes from Williams-Sonoma
Approximate value: $59 (Set of 9)
800-541-2233; www.williams-sonoma.com
Melamine Bowls, Measuring Cups and Spoons
from Williams-Sonoma
Approximate value: Bowls $32 (Set of 3); Measuring
Cups and Spoons $18 Set (Cups $14, Spoons $8)
800-541-2233; www.williams-sonoma.com
The Artisan® Stand Mixer from KitchenAid Home
Appliances
Approximate value: $349.99
For each pink Stand Mixer purchased and registered,
KitchenAid will donate $50 to Susan G. Komen for the
Cure.
800-541-6390; www.shopKitchenAid.com
The Discovery Channel's Planet Earth DVD Set
Approximate value: $59.95
800-725-4586; www.discoverystore.com
Kai Body Butter and Body Buffer
Approximate value: Body Butter $55; Body Buffer $28
www.kaifragrance.com
Also available at Embrace in Hinsdale, IL: 877-361-7223,
www.embraceyourstyle.com and www.eluxury.com ,
877-890-7171
CLARISONIC Skin Care System
Approximate value: $195/system
888-5-CLARISonic (888-525-2747);
www.clarisonic.com
Claus Porto Soaps from Lafco New York
Approximate value: $42 (Set of 3)
800-362-3677; www.lafcony.com
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Approximate value: $24.95
Available wherever books are sold or online at
www.penguin.com
Breville Ikon Panini Press from Williams-Sonoma
Approximate value: $99.95
800-541-2233; www.williams-sonoma.com
HDTV Refrigerator with Weather and Info Center from
LG Electronics Model LSC27991
Approximate value: $3,799
www.LGUSA.com
Ciao Bella Blood Orange Sorbetto
Approximate value: $4.99/pint at select grocery stores
800-3-GELATO (1-800-343-5286);
www.ciaobellagelato.com
Rachel Pally Swing Turtleneck and Sailor Pants
Approximate value: Swing Turtleneck $141;
Sailor Pants $194
www.rachelpally.com ; Nordstroms stores
www.nordstroms.com and www.shopbop.com
Scrabble Premier Edition from Hasbro
Approximate value: $70
888-836-7025; www.scrabble.com
United Artists 90th Anniversary Prestige Collection
Approximate value: $869.98
www.unitedartists90.com
Available in stores December 11. Pre-order at
www.Amazon.com , www.BestBuy.com and
www.Borders.com
Shaklee Get Clean™ Starter Kit
Approximate value: $89.60
800-670-6251; www.shaklee.com
O’s Guide to Life
Approximate value: $29.95
Available wherever books are sold or online at
www.oxmoorhouse.com
Josh Groban's Noel CD
Available wherever music is sold and online at
www.joshgroban.com
Richardson Shows His Hand
- By waiting to finalize the plan, he is giving the opposition less time to organize an effective response. Smart.
- His "shotgun" approach-targeting every service industry and every local taxing authority-has created a lot of enemies and a whole lot of people who will be perfectly happy to trade silence for the opportunity to protect their own interest.
- In Macon last week, faced with increasing opposition from municipalities and county governments, Richardson began to show his hand.
- Now, Richardson says that he may just focus on taken tax authority away from school boards.
- That's both brilliant and evil. Brilliant because he's likely to win that battle. Evil because if he wins, public schools are DOA.
- That's fine with him. Richardson has repeatedly expressed his dislike for local boards of education, even questioning the value of their existence.
- By letting city and county governments off the hook, Richardson is betting they will stay out the his fight with school boards-and he's probably making a good bet. The "public schools lobby" will fight alone.
- Richardson and his cohorts have repeatedly spanked the "public schools lobby." We've lost battle after battle with the republican-led General Assembly. Think about it: we lost the 65% "solution" battle, the Charter Schools/Charter Systems battle, the SB 10 battle. Yep, they've pretty much beaten us at every turn.
- By focusing on school boards, he tosses red meat to republicans-Cagle and Perdue will have a hard time opposing this scaled-back plan. Why?
- Because the only way to implement a true state-wide voucher system is for all the education funding to be centralized in Atlanta.
- The goal is not to just disempower school boards, but to dismantle public schools.
This is going to be an expensive battle for public school advocates, one that we will not win unless we fight differently than we have in the past. An organized, well-funded plan is needed to defeat this legislation and keep the Glenntax off the 2008 ballot.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Bush Limited Edition Holiday Calendar
Dear Amy,
As a strong supporter of our President and our Party, I wanted to make sure you had the first opportunity to have an official 2008 RNC calendar featuring President Bush.
The images in the calendar span the entire seven years of George's Presidency. I hope they will remind you of what's great about our country and how high the stakes are for America in the upcoming elections.
To receive your limited edition 2008 RNC calendar, please make an online gift of $25 or more to the RNC today.
Amy, grassroots leaders like you are the backbone of the Republican Party. Your continuing commitment to the RNC is critical to keeping the White House in Republican hands and regaining our majorities in the U.S. House and Senate in the 2008 elections.
So please take a moment to make a secure online contribution of $25 or more today and you will receive your calendar from the RNC in a few days. Thank you for your ongoing support of our President and our cause.
Best wishes,
Laura Bush
Right. It's is a little insulting, isn't it, that they assume that because of where I live, where I shop and what kind of car I drive, that I must be a "strong supporter of the President and our Party?"
Amazing, isn't it, that anyone would enjoy reflecting on these seven long years? I was going to break down and buy the calendar for some of my friends as a yearlong reminder to vote for a Democrat in November of 2008, but then I realized that the RNC didn't exactly choose the pictures I had in mind. Plus, why buy theirs when I can make my own?
Here's my version of the George W. Bush 2008 Commemorative Calendar:
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Who Should Be President of Macon City Council?
Saturday, November 17, 2007
What Women Want

We may have a female Speaker of the House and a viable female candidate for President, but the typical women in the workforce badly needs some time off. Even when women work, they still tend to shoulder a greater share of the household, childcare and eldercare responsibilities than men do. Even when we're not working, we're working, and even when we have "leisure time," we worry about what we ought to be doing. No wonder more women than men suffer from chronic illnesses like diabetes and depression. And how sad that, despite all this working, a substantial percentage of women cannot afford to go to the doctor or get prescriptions filled.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, only one in five women take a vacation once every six years. Plus, researchers from Ohio State University have found that even when women do get a break from work, they have trouble relaxing and tend to combine leisure activities with other tasks and responsibilities. The co-author of the study, Liana Sayer, said, "The meanings of free time for men's and women's lives are quite different. Especially for wives and mothers, it appears free time is still combined with other activities or responsibilities."Interestingly, married women with children were twice as likely to feel rushed than single women without children. But men who are married with children do not feel any more rushed than single men without children." That will come as a surprise to no women I know.
And, women are worse for the wear. The Kaiser Family Foundation's report, Women and Health Care: A National Profile nearly four in ten women (38%) have a chronic condition such as diabetes, asthma or hypertension that requires ongoing medical attention, compared to 30% of men. One in four women (23%) reported they have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety, over twice the rate for men (11%). When it comes to quality of care, over one-third (37%) of women in fair or poor health say that they delayed or went without medical care in the past year due to costs, and one-third (34%) did not fill a prescription because they couldn't afford it. Nearly 12% of women not only care for children, but also for their sick and aging relatives. Among those, a whopping 46% have a chronic illness of their own and 29% provide more than 40 hours per week of care. And 20% of these caregivers have no health insurance.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Elizabeth Edwards in Macon Tonight
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Only Edwards and Dodd Repond to Political Courage Test
Where Are the Women's Voices?
There are a few female political bloggers in Georgia-me, the women over at Blog for Democracy, Spacey Gracey, who else?
Clinton Slides in Iowa: New Poll
Bibb Substitute Teacher Strips In Front of Fourth Graders
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Edwards Within Striking Distance: Mike Miller

Go, John, go!!! In the past two weeks, two highly respected polls (Zogby last week and now CBS/NY Times) have reported that Clinton's support is declining in Iowa and Edwards is steadily improving his numbers. According to the highly respected CBS/New York Times Iowa poll released yesterday, Clinton's lead in Iowa has all but evaporated in the past couple of weeks and John Edwards is in striking distance of the lead!
In fact, he may already be in the lead - Clinton's lead over Edwards is now well-within the statistical margin of error!
Here are the numbers:
Clinton 25%
Edwards 23%
Obama 22%
And a whopping 33% of her supporters reported that they "liked her with reservations."
Edwards's "favorables" with his supporters were also stronger than Clinton's were with hers. 71% of Edwards supporters reported that they "strongly favor" him. Only 66% of Clinton supporters reported that they "strongly favor" her.
Experience clearly divides the candidates: 8 in 10 say Clinton is "prepared for being president," 68% said Edwards is prepared for the job, but just over half think that Obama has not. However, Clinton is viewed by many likely caucus-goers as pandering and dishonest: 47% think Clinton says what she believes, but 48% think she only says what she thinks people want to hear. The CBS/NY Times poll notes that "Of the top three candidates, only Edwards is viewed as both being prepared for the job of President and as someone who says what he believes."
Overall, Edwards tops all candidates with the highest "favorable rating," with 73% of likely caucus-goers reporting that they view Edwards favorably. Also, the Clinton complaint that she's being unfairly attacked has gotten little traction, as 25% say she is not being attacked and 34% say that she is being attacked fairly.
I have previously reported on the importance of "second-choice" votes on caucus night. You will recall that candidates need at least 15% in a local caucus to be eligible for delegates. Supporters of candidates who do not receive 15% will then have the opportunity to support one of the remaining candidates. According to this poll, only Edwards, Clinton and Obama meet the 15% threshold. As I have oft stated, the "second choice" votes are critical to victory. Edwards is the winner there. Among likely caucus-goers who identify themselves as either Richardson, Bidden, Dodd, Kucinich or Gravel supporters, 30% chose Edwards as their second choice, 27% chose Obama as their second choice, and only 14% chose Clinton as their second choice.
Stay tuned. And don't miss the CNN debate tomorrow night - it's getting hot in Iowa.
Elizabeth Edwards in Macon This Friday
“When I think of strength and grace, I think of Elizabeth’s undefeatable spirit. She is simply one of the most honest, most deeply inspiring people I have ever met.”
—Sheryl Crow
Please join us for a reception with
Elizabeth Edwards
at the residence of
Friday, November 16th, 20075:00 PM
Event Chair: $2,300 (Private Reception)Host: $1,000Friend: $250*Maximum contribution per individual is $4,600,$2,300 for the primary and $2,300 for the general
Marie & Roy Barnes, Lauren Benedict, Manley Brown, Robert Brown, Melanie & Chuck Byrd, Franklin Henson, Lisa & Wendell Horne, Beverly & Alvin Leaphart, Kathy McArthur & Waldo Floyd, Steve Leeds, Debbie & Michael Moore, Amy & Daryl Morton, Carol & DuBose Porter, Kim & Carl Reynolds, Kim & Terrell Sandefur, Valencia Seay, Sacha & Mark Taylor, Deeann & Rex Templeton, David Thompson, Scott Thompson
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Liz Pavle at 919-636-3211 or LPavle@johnedwards.com
John Edwards for President
The Worst Sort of Push Poll
Fox News Was Here This Morning
The vouchers for special needs children in Georgia are controversial, and were just implemented in July. At this point, there is really no track record to judge. The state is essentially experimenting with our most vulnerable students. Plus, there is a concern about whether the local school system will continue to be responsible for the results with these students, even if they do not have control over the quality of instruction.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
I'm Just Not Sure Hillary's Going to Want This Endorsement
Drake goes on to say, if forced to choose, Hillary Clinton is a better alternative than Giuliani. Why? Well, Clinton, he says, is pro-choice, not pro-abortion like Giuliani, and while she is "tolerant" of homosexuality, "she does not like homosexuals but wants them to have their freedom." Giuliani, Drake says, "is not only tolerant, he is active. Giuliani "has even gone so far to be a cross-dresser," Drake said, and marched in a gay-pride parade. "I cannot imagine Hillary, for example, dressing up like a man and marching in a gay-pride parade." Okay, then.
Note to Hillary: Do not send this guy out to surrogate for you.
It Always Makes Me Feel Good About Macon
Monday, November 12, 2007
Oh, Good. That's Just Peachy.
Seriously, though, could this horrid tax plan be a red herring? I've thought for some time that there was such fierce opposition to this tax plan that it surely had no chance of success. Even the Governor and the Lt. Governor have signaled their opposition. And, the experts say the numbers just don't work. But, here's what the proposal could do. It could keep the focus of the legislative session on Richardson, something he might want if he's going to run for governor. Also, with all the lobbyists busy fighting the good fight on this issue, any number of peculiarly heinous pieces of legislation could slip by without the scrutiny they deserve. After all, there are only so many issues you can fight at once. And, if the proposal fails to get the votes needed to be on the ballot next November, then Glenn gets to campaign on "they wouldn't even let you vote on it...they didn't trust voters to decide." Just peachy.
Oh, by the way, who are the lobbyists going to hire to keep lobbyist services from being taxable? And, all those perks they give legislators, will they be able to keep the tickets and trips off the tax books?
So, Dale was in Macon Today
Salute to a Young Sailor
This is Really, Really Funny
Today in Macon: Cardwell Turns the Spotlight on Chambliss

Sunday, November 11, 2007
Special Guest Post from Michael Miller
Volunteering on a presidential campaign has it's perks, and one of the best is getting to meet great, committed people from all over the country. I met Michael Miller, an attorney from New York City, and his lovely daughter Danielle when a group of us traveled to Iowa for John Edwards in August. It turns out that Michael is quite a good writer and often sends updates on the campaign from his NYC perspective. He's agreed to allow me to repost his reflections here. Here's today's post, followed by a brief, but impressive bio of Miller:
SPEAKING OF SWEET - WHAT A SWEET ENDORSEMENT by Michael Miller

Sen. John Edwards speaking to supporters after getting the endorsement of Caucus for Priorities, Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) (Charlie Neibergall - AP)
Probably the sweetest endorsement yet, on Friday November 9, 2007 in Des Moines, Iowa, John Edwards received the endorsement of Caucus for Priorities, a 10,000-member strong grassroots organization of Iowa caucus-goers launched by Ben & Jerry's co-founder Ben Cohen. The group praised Edwards for his plans to root out wasteful Pentagon spending while investing in priorities like universal health care and education. Executive Director Peggy Huppert explained why the group chose Edwards over Senator Clinton: "She didn't answer any questions 'yes' or 'no,'" said Huppert. "She has a refusal to commit to anything."
Cohen, chairman of the Iowa organization and founder of the national Priorities Action Fund, joined Edwards at a news conference to announce his endorsement.
Cohen said nearly all of the Democratic candidates had courted support from the group. Members of the organization have become a fixture at campaign events, where they hand out brightly colored pens, frosted cookies and stickers, all featuring a pie chart that details Washington spending.
Peggy Huppert, Caucus for Priorities director, said that over the past two years the group's staff and volunteers attended 550 campaign events and asked more than 250 questions of the candidates.
"Now we plan to turn our persuasion and education efforts toward making caucus night a victory for John Edwards," she said. "10,000 caucus-goers can tip the scales in a tight contest."
Feel the love!
Brief Bio:
Michael Miller is a leading figure in the New York legal community, with a New York City law practice. Among his many activities, Mr. Miller has served as president of the New York County Lawyers’ Association, was a member of the American Bar Association (ABA)’s House of Delegates, and, is currently a member of the Executive Committee of the New York State Bar Association. Mr. Miller’s professional life is committed to public service and pro bono work, which includes diverse activities both locally and in the international arena. He has developed award-winning pro bono programs to assist children and families in distress in New York. He has served in very challenging circumstances as an Election Supervisor in war-torn Bosnia shortly after the Dayton Accords. Under the auspices of the Central and Eastern Europe Legal Initiative, Mr. Miller interviewed Kosovar refugees for evidence of war crimes, evidence which assisted the work of the International War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague.
Mr. Miller was also a leading figure in the legal relief effort in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. He personally interviewed, counseled and consoled numerous victims’ grieving family members and assisted with their legal needs – which included securing death certificates and entitlements to which issuance of a death certificate was an essential prerequisite. He supervised other volunteers, coordinated daily de-briefings with mental health professionals and helped refine the program to better serve the victims’ families.
Mr. Miller also developed an Adopt-A-Family Program to assist the families of firefighters, police officers and other uniformed service personnel who perished on September 11.
Among his many awards for this work, Mr. Miller received the ABA’s 2002 Pro Bono Award, a 2001 Pro Bono Award from the National Law Journal, and a 2002 Hero of the Profession Award from the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
The NYC-Macon Connection
So, since last Sunday, Randy and Jeremy have been hanging out in Macon, meeting people, talking, filming and doing a little research. They're headed back to NYC tomorrow, in time to see their last film begin showing at the Museum of Modern Art. Both Randy and Jeremy are NYU graduates, and they have already impressed critics with their first documentary, Off the Grid:Life on the Mesa. Off the Grid is one of five independent films nominated for a prestigious Gotham Award in the category of "Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You." The awards will be presented on Tuesday, Nov. 27th, and I'm pulling for Randy and Jeremy. Will they end up making a film about Macon? Who knows, but they are absolutely charming, talented and genuinely interested in our unique community. It's been a pleasure to have them in town. If you'd like to catch a glimpse of their work, click below to view the trailer for Off the Grid.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Oxendine and Estrada Dining Fine in Macon


Is Race the Third Rail?
Our school system is facing a vote on a controversial redistricting plan. Race is an issue in that plan, and we can't talk about it openly. But we must.
Yesterday, Phil Dodson wrote a column for the Telegraph suggesting that the next City Council President be an African American, and today he's drawn fire. He makes the not-so-subtle suggestion that unless Council elects Miriam Paris then they are "just a bunch of politicians out to improve their lot." I like Miriam, but I think that Dodson's conclusion is a stretch. Also, in the article, when he says that Lauren Benedict has actively sought the President's spot, he's just dead wrong.
And, over the last two weeks, I've watched as two wonderful women, Dr. Catherine Meeks and City Councilwomen Nancy White, touched the third rail, and there were plenty of people waiting to point and chatter. I know these women. They are both good people. They are often part of the solution. Neither deserved the filleting they got.
Today, Joni Woolf, a women who seems to grow more wise every day, who has been part of this community for a long time, wrote the following letter to the editor of the Telegraph. She says what I want to say, far more eloquently than I can:
Denying history no way to press forward
During the past several weeks I have read with interest the columns and letters related to the torturous and unresolved status of race relations in our community and in our culture. They bring to mind a quote from the legendary Mississippi writer, William Faulkner, who said, "The past is never dead. It's not even past."
As a culture accustomed to living "in the moment," we simply cannot accept that reality. Everything begins anew, right now, today. We love that expression, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life." Well that may be, but we all have histories, and for blacks in this community and throughout the South (and some of the North), modern black history did not begin the day school integration became the law of the land. And to say that blacks have had equal opportunity ever since Brown v. Board of Education is to deny all of the history that went before that decision, and much that has transpired since.
We are all the sum total, not only of our own experiences, but of the experiences of our parents and grandparents - experiences that were repeated over and over and became family lore; experiences that short-changed generations of parents and grandparents and great-grandparents who were not allowed to learn to read and write and study at our schools and universities, based simply on the color of their skin. These are realities. Passing a new law that says we all go to school together does not automatically give us all equal footing at the starting gate.
Race is an uncomfortable topic for most of us. We would rather believe that everything is fine (and if it's not, it's their fault); that we are comfortable with things the way they are, and just forget the centuries of violence and injustice that destroyed the hopes and dreams of generations of black Americans before today's "equal playing ground" arrived. We may not like to talk about it. And we may keep denying our own culpability in the patterns of racism that still permeate much of our culture. Our denials don't change the reality: The past is never dead. It's not even past. It's time we looked it in the face. Then, perhaps, we can move on.
Joni Woolf is a Macon resident.
Elizabeth Edwards is Coming to Macon


Thursday, November 8, 2007
Where Do Presidential Candidates Stand on Poverty?
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
A Message From Cathy Cox
Monday, November 5, 2007
A Note From Tom Crawford
"...it's not that unusual for the lake levels to be down that far. Lake Chatuge was built by the TVA back in the 1930s for the generation of electricity, not as a source of drinking water, so the lake levels go up and down all the time with the region's power needs. There have been numerous dry summers over the past 20 years where a lot of water was released to run the hydroelectric generators and the lake levels dropped to something similar to what you saw last weekend. Not that I'm trying to minimize the negative impact of the current drought, of course."
Thanks for the background information, Tom. I guess sometimes a picture doesn't actually tell the whole story.
This is Important: Action Needed Now

Sunday, November 4, 2007
If David Corr Wins, Will Motley Crew Play the Inaugural?

Saturday, November 3, 2007
Looks Like a Rough Landing
Michelman Says Clinton is Playing Victim
http://openleft.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2199 We've Come a Long Way, by Kate Michelman Remember the commercial: We've come a long way baby. Well, have we? That's the question American women need to ask themselves. We earn 77 cents for every dollar a man makes. We are 48% more likely to live in poverty than men. 17 million adult women lack health insurance. Millions of us struggle to balance jobs and the needs of our families. A long way? Not nearly long enough. But now that we have the first viable female candidate for President of the United States, things will get better for women, right? Her candidacy will positively affect public perception regarding women in politics and business - and that change will benefit all women - even the women struggling in dead end jobs, scrapping by on minimum wage, raising their families on their own? Not so fast. As women take a second look at the candidates, now that attention is focusing more on the issues and how each of the candidates would lead, how they would make decisions; now that making a choice is becoming real, less about celebrity, more about being president, legitimate questions are being raised about Senator Clinton. And we're all learning something. When unchallenged, in a comfortable, controlled situation, Senator Clinton embraces her political elevation into the "boys club." She is quick to assure listeners she is plenty tough enough, that she's battled tested, ready to play be the same rules as the boys. But when she's challenged, when legitimate questions are asked, questions she should be prepared to answer and discuss, she is just as quick to raise the white flag and look for a change in the rules. She then calls questioning, 'attacking;' she calls debate among her peers, 'piling on.' It's a political strategy, no doubt focus grouped and poll tested: make it look unseemly that this group of men would question her and hold her accountable for her record. It's trying to have it both ways; walk the fence, something Senator Clinton's good at. At one minute the strong woman ready to lead, the next, she's the woman under attack, disingenuously playing the victim card as a means of trying to avoid giving honest, direct answers to legitimate questions. As a woman who's been in the public eye and experienced scrutiny, as a woman who knows how hard it can be for women to earn their seat at the leadership table, how hard women have to work just to get the same opportunities, this distresses me. It is not presidential. Any serious candidate for president should have to answer tough questions and defend their record. Any serious candidate for president should make their views clear and let the American people know where they stand on issues. And any serious candidate for president should be held to the same standard - whether man or woman. Have we have come a long way? Well, far enough to know better than to use our gender as a shield when the questions get too hot.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Not-So-Well Care
WellCare Faces Lawsuits, Calls To End Enrollment
By CAROL GENTRY, The Tampa Tribune
Published: October 31, 2007
Previous Coverage:
10/30/07: State Halts Expansion Of Troubled WellCare
<http://www.tbo.com/news/metro/MGBFD6P5F8F.html>
10/27/07: Investors Continue WellCare Exodus
<http://www.tbo.com/news/money/MGBIFBSF98F.html>
10/26/07: WellCare Stock Plunges In Wake Of Raid
<http://www2.tbo.com/content/2007/oct/26/na-wellcare-stock-plunges-in-wa
ke-of-raid/>
10/25/07: FBI Agents Raid WellCare
<http://www.tbo.com/news/nationworld/MGBRPJ6R68F.html>
TAMPA - As its share price continued to slide, WellCare Health Plans
dealt Tuesday with a flurry of other problems, led by a halt to its expansion plans in Florida.
It was the sixth day since a coordinated raid by federal and state agents on the Tampa headquarters of the insurer, which has 2.3 million
members in its drug and HMO-style plans - all of them Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
None of the agencies involved in the investigation has said what they
were looking for that day, or why. Neither has the company. But that
doesn't halt speculation, or the rush to the courthouse.
On Tuesday, a New Jersey investor filed suit in Tampa - at least the
fourth federal case so far - that accuses the officers and directors of
falsely inflating financial results to promote a run-up in the stock
price, and then cashing in on their stock options to become
millionaires.
The suit, Rosky v. Farha, names every current member of the board except
former Sen. Bob Graham. He has been on the board only a short time and was not at last week's quarterly meeting, which was interrupted by 200 agents from the FBI, state Medicaid fraud unit and Medicare inspector
>general's office. Todd Farha is WellCare's chairman and chief executive
officer.
WellCare filed a form with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
Tuesday afternoon saying that the investor who sued lacks standing to
pursue the case. The statement did not address the accusations of
financial misstatements or unjust enrichment.
A more immediate problem for WellCare cropped up Monday night when the
Agency for Health Care Administration said it was placing a hold on the
company's request for expansion in the state, pending the outcome of the
investigation. AHCA provided details on the expansion plans Tuesday, releasing letters that outlined the company's requests.
WellCare had asked to begin enrolling Medicaid beneficiaries in an additional 11 counties in Florida.
Already the largest Medicaid contractor in Florida, WellCare
subsidiaries Staywell and Healthease had planned to begin enrolling low-income people in Citrus, Lake and Hendry counties on Dec. 1 and in Hernando and Sumter counties Jan. 1. Healthease planned to move into
five counties in North Florida and Indian River County on the Atlantic
coast in coming months.
Currently WellCare has Medicaid permission to operate in 34 counties in
Florida.
WellCare also sought permission to expand its enrollment in Duval
County, where the state is conducting a Medicaid Reform project, from a maximum of 3,500 to 6,000 people. That action, too, is on hold.
In announcing the moratorium on WellCare's expansion Monday night, AHCA
Secretary Andrew Agwunobi said in a release that he was taking 'precautionary measures.' He asked that beneficiaries and health care
providers call 1-888-419-3456 if they had concerns about any Medicaid
managed-care plan.
The release also said the agency's inspector general and Medicaid director would review the state's managed-care contracting policies to
see whether they needed strengthening. AHCA spokesman Doc Kokol said
Tuesday that this, too, was merely a precaution, that there was no reason to assume that the questions about WellCare had anything to do with its contract.
Meanwhile, about 2,000 miles north of the company's base, the leader of a consumer group called on federal Medicare officials to stop
automatically assigning low-income beneficiaries into WellCare drug and
HMO plans across the country until the unspecified allegations of financial impropriety are resolved.
'This is something that's pressing for both beneficiaries and
taxpayers,' said Judith Stein of Willimantic, Conn., executive director of the non-profit Washington-based group Center for Medicare Advocacy. WellCare received more than $4 billion from taxpayers last year.
The people about whom Stein is concerned are low-income Medicare beneficiaries who are assigned to a drug plan when they don't select one
on their own. Of the 1.1 million WellCare members from Medicare, about 452,000 arrived at the company through auto-enrollment, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. CMS calls the process 'auto-facilitation.'
About 38,000 of the auto-enrolled Medicare beneficiaries live in Florida, according to CMS data. Florida's Medicaid program also uses auto-enrollment for many in the state program for low-income families.
Stein says it doesn't make sense for CMS to add more money to the hundreds of millions of dollars it sends the company each month while
Its own inspector general and others are investigating how the money is used.
CMS had no immediate response to Stein's request.
R
Both Florida and Georgia Medicaid programs - WellCare's two largest
customers - also auto-enroll. A Florida consumer group, Community Health
Action Information Network, said Medicaid should halt auto-assignment pending the outcome of the investigation, but spokesmen for both state Medicaid plans said they have no plans to do so.
On Tuesday, the company's stock continued its slide, falling $6.58, or
23 percent, to $22.04. The shares had reached above $120 last week but
plummeted after the Oct. 24 raid by federal and state officials.
Reporter Carol Gentry can be reached at cgentry@tampatrib.com or (813)
>259-7624.
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