"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, February 29, 2008
Nominate Your Favorite Female Blogger
This is great timing. March is Women's History Month, and tomorrow, I get to speak to the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women about political blogging. I hope more women will decide to make their voices heard!
Will They Get Clinton's Goat?

Wajir elders resolved to file an official complaint with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, dropping earlier plans to hold a protest after Friday prayers. They said they would also convene a traditional Somali court to investigate the matter. It can impose fines that are payable in cattle, goats or camels."We will go ahead with this case whether Senator Clinton or Democratic party leaders turn up or not," said Mohamed Ibrahim, a member of the clan that hosted Obama during his trip. "But this whole thing can be avoided if only an apology is made."
Thursday, February 28, 2008
John Barrow Endorses Obama
Congressman John Barrow Endorses <http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/gGggHZ> Barack Obama
By Sam Graham-Felsen
Chicago, IL – Today, United States Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) endorsed Barack Obama, citing his success in the Georgia primary and his proven track record of bringing change that matters to working families. ...
Pinch Me
Live Blogging Georgia Dems Press Avail
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The Beverly Hills Bill
Now, Sen. Cecil Staton (Mr. Voter ID himself) is leading the charge to significantly expand the role of the Secretary of State's office to include responsibility for the posting of legal notices on the web. Except, in addition to being in your hometown newspaper, the notices are already posted on the web-right here. But never mind that minor detail. Staton and other sponsors of SB391 are hoping to hand the contract for the new web-based service to Global Notice a company based in wait for it, wait for it: Beverly Hills, California. Of course, the company had to be from California because obviously no one is Georgia has the capacity to offer such a service-expect they already do. The Beverly Hills based company will keep 90% of the profits while returning 10% to local communities. Generous, don't you think? Now, those fees are paid to local newspapers by attorneys and others required to post notices in the official legal organ of a local community. I'd say that this bill is a not-so-thinly-veiled smack at Rep. DuBose Porter who owns several papers in rural Georgia if the truth were not a bit plainer. Global Notice has made $1,000 campaign contributions to both Staton and Rogers, two of the sponsors of the legislation. Here's part of what Charles Richardson with the Telegraph had to say:
Here's the deal. This bill is designed to shift payments from newspapers to another private company. That company would take 90 percent of the profits and put them the bank. The other 10 percent would be remitted back to counties and municipalities. Instead of dealing with local folks they know and trust, a phantom company comes along, not to make a better mousetrap, but to steal one, courtesy of our big government lawmakers.Why would they want to push this through? It's simple. They are doing the bidding for a company out of Beverly Hills, Calif., called Global Notice that is in the business of providing Web sites for official postings. Being a company lackey in the General Assembly has become quite lucrative. Staton and Rogers have each received $1,000 contributions from Global Notice. All Sen. Heath received was a cheap dinner at Agave. Far be it from us to suggest a quid pro quo arrangement, but any other explanation defies logic. Make up your minds for yourselves.
I have but one question left: Will the Beverly Hills company have to collect Glenn's sales tax on their services?
It's Official
Monday, February 25, 2008
WSJ: Clinton Aide Compares Obama to Jackson
By the way, I understand that after their initial non-denial, the Clinton campaign has now officially denied their staff having released this photograph of Obama. Good. I hope that's true because if Clinton's staff had anything to do with the boneheaded decision to circulate the photograph, I suspect it will be discovered.
Clinton Has Crossed the Line
Just In Case They Try Again
Sunday, February 24, 2008
No One Should Be Surprised
In fact, no one should be surprised. In the worst of times, we reach for hope, not for a list of programs. It is our nature-part of our survival instinct. Barack Obama is no messiah. He's a senator from Illinois with a gift for oratory and the sharpest, smartest political machine in modern history. In important ways, it's not even about Obama-it is about the "we" and the "hope" in the message. He has successfully engaged a new generation of voters and effectively made the argument for why democrats should be allowed to lead. There are no skies opening, no angels singing, just the power of we, the message of hope and the promise of change. That's enough.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
No Joke
Erickson's remarks were ridiculous on their face, clearly designed to ignite the controversy that followed, and therein lies the problem. Macon is the smallest big town in Georgia. We all know one another and many of us work together, without regard to political affiliation, to try to make this community a better place to live. Because he chose to run for a position on City Council, Erickson is no longer "just" a political blogger. He is a leader in the community, and his public remarks-that have been and will continue to be reproduced without any clarification-reflect on the community he represents. (Think Jack Ellis.) When he hurls insults at "progressives" all in "good fun," he's not just talking about some nameless, faceless person out there somewhere, he's talking about a neighbor, someone he now represents. And that's no joke.
Friday, February 22, 2008
BREAKING: Official Delegate Numbers for Georgia
Here are the totals as released by the DPG:
Statewide At-large Delegates
Obama: 13
Clinton: 6
Statewide Pledged Party Leaders/Elected Officials
Obama: 7
Clinton: 4
Congressional District 1
Obama: 2
Clinton: 1
Congressional District 2*
Obama: 3
Clinton: 2
Congressional District 3
Obama: 3
Clinton: 1
Congressional District 4
Obama: 5
Clinton: 1
Congressional District 5
Obama: 5
Clinton: 2
Congressional District 6
Obama: 2
Clinton: 1
Congressional District 7
Obama: 3
Clinton: 1
Congressional District 8
Obama: 3
Clinton: 1
Congressional District 9
Obama: 1
Clinton: 2
Congressional District 10
Obama: 2
Clinton: 2
Congressional District 11
Obama: 2
Clinton: 1
Congressional District 12
Obama: 4
Clinton: 1
Congressional District 13
Obama: 5
Clinton: 1
TOTAL:
Obama:60
Clinton: 27
Georgia also has 13 unpledged "superdelegates" and two unpledged add-on delegates. The delegates from each congressional district will be elected at caucuses held in each congressional district on April 19, 2008. The district caucuses are open to the public, and any Democrat can run for a delegate position or vote in the caucus.
Georgia's 19 at-large delegates and 11 statewide pledged party leader and elected official delegates will be elected by the Democratic Party of Georgia's state committee at a meeting to be held in late spring.
*Delegate counts for the Second Congressional District are preliminary, until a vote-by-vote review is completed.
Uh Oh
When this story initially broke on Wednesday, I was intrigued by the headline and but less impressed with the content. It seemed like a re-circulated old allegation, and the sourcing, though thin, seemed to point to a Republican leak. I couldn't figure out why loyal Republicans would be going after their nominee-unless they knew a bomb was ticking that could explode post-convention and doom his candidacy. Then, perhaps, it would be better to explode it now, in the "liberal" Times and hope for enough distance to avoid real damage to his candidacy. Toss in the likelihood that Republicans, even the cautious conservatives, would rally behind him if attacked by the "liberal media," and all in all, it would be a win for McCain.
But, I don't think that the architects of this leak counted on McCain contradicting his own sworn statements in his lengthy and specific denial yesterday. Americans are a forgiving people and have a short memory. The exception? We really don't like hypocrisy and lies. Just like Bill Clinton's infamous "it depends on what 'is', 'is' ", this part of the McCain story has teeth. His campaign has responded by saying that it really is not a contradiction. I'm pretty sure that most third graders who can pass a reading comprehension test would disagree. Check the story and see what you think.
The Next Sundance? Don't Miss MAGA

Calling All Delegates!!!
Here's the info for the training:
If you are interested in being a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Denver from August 25-28, 2008, a delegate training session will be held on February 23, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., at the offices of the Boston Law Firm, 300 Mulberry Street, Suite 601, Macon, Georgia, 31201. At that session, potential delegates will learn the ins and outs of running to be a delegate to the Convention. The delegate election caucus will be held on April 19, 2008, at 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
www.catsforobama.com
A Hundred Versus a Million
By making a contribution to Sen. Obama today, you can help make history and send a message that the keys to the White House belong to the people of this country, not to a few wealthy elite. Click here to make your contribution. And, don't forget to watch the debate tonight on CNN at 8 pm.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
There Does Need to be More Sex In Marriage, But...
This is a gimmick to be sure-not just a gimmick to convey a message to his congregation, but a gimmick that has succeeded in drawing national media attention. And, it's a dangerous prescription for abusive or patriarchical relationships. But, as always, sex sells. But here's the deal-while I hate the blend of commercialism and sensationalism with religion, he kinda sorta has a point. I see countless married couples who rarely, if ever, have sex. There are lots of reasons, and it's often a symptom of deeper intimacy issues, but for many, they have simply gotten out of the habit. In our culture, kids, jobs, volunteer work-a million things-take priority over couples taking care of their own relationship, and a symptom of that is less physical intimacy-and sex is important in marriage. It's not the only thing, but it is a thing.
I've Been in Obama-Land!
Gremlins
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Bill, Meet Tivo; Tivo, Meet Bill
In the final campaign push, she's tried to humanize her mother and father. She told students at Omaha's Creighton University that her father built their night around ABC-TV's "Grey's Anatomy."
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Sources Say
I am, of course, joking, but Erickson, Benedict, Ellington and Schlesinger are together in Athens this weekend at the newly elected officials training, and appear to have a little too much time on their hands.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Big Boost for Obama
This is a very big deal. Last year, much to the disappointment of Edwards supporters like me, SEIU, chose to endorse no candidate-and they could have continued to play it safe. Seems to me, Obama has convinced them that he will be the nominee. The support of SEIU national will not only allow members in the upcoming states to provide "boots on the ground" for Obama, but it will also allow members from around the country to travel to other states to provide important support. Plus, this endorsement seems to undercut the idea that Clinton is the favorite of the working class. Both in terms of real support and perception, this endorsement is a big boost for Sen. Obama.
174 Ways to Leave Your Lover
Of course, since we're experimenting, we want to choose schools as the first subject. What else is new? We need stable, adequate funding for our schools, and local communities shouldn't have to rely on a politician elected by a few thousand voters in some far away district to determine how much money is needed for our local schools.
And the state will have to develop a whole new enforcement department to make sure your lawn guy is collecting sales tax from you and then sending it to the state.
So, let's summarize: more taxes, more government, less stable funding, higher consumer cost, not business friendly.
Doesn't seem very conservative to me.
Here's my prediction. If this passes, it will be the demise of the Georgia GOP. They will be out of power within two cycles.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Richardson Defies Georgia Right to Life

In response to a question about whether he would ensure that HB1 and HR536 got to the floor of the House for a vote. (These two measures, one a constitutional amendment defining life as beginning at the moment of fertilization, make abortion illegal and establish criminal penalties.) Richardson reportedly said that he has no intention of having a floor vote on either bill. He said that his concern is for living children.
I agree with him, but the trouble for Richardson is that Georgia Right to Life does not. They would consider every fertilized egg a living child. Somehow I anticipate a statement from the Speaker about how he has been misquoted and misunderstood.
Don't They Get Cable TV in Wisconsin?
This is a classic campaign strategy, but usually reserved for a candidate who has ground to make up. Challenge your opponent to debate, and if they decline, turn it into a negative ad. Only, here, when there have already been 18 debates, it's a little hard to swallow. Clinton may well end up as the nominee, but right now, on the heels of eight straight losses, the resignation of her campaign manager and her deputy campaign manager and the reports of financial woes (woes that won't be helped by last night's results), going up on air with this negative ad just makes her look weak.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Hoe Lee Cow
Most thought Obama would win tonight's contests, but I don't think anyone predicted the margin of these victories and the degree to which Obama would cut into Clintons base. He won Latino voters. He won rich, poor and middle class. He won men. He won women. He won young and old, black and white. Wow. Just wow.
I got an email from Clinton's Georgia staff today, and it said this about Sen. Obama: "Senator Obama? No he can't." The problem for Sen. Clinton is that Obama has never argued that "he" can. He has repeatedly made the case that "we" can, and it the power of "we" that has inspired. It is his ability to convince people that, together, we can do this that fuels his momenteum.
You have to love a primary night that has analysists saying things like, "Republican turnout is way down again." And, "Obama could make states like Virgina competitive in November."
Virginia has voted Republican since Kennedy.
Dry Drunk
In comments about the current debate on whether to allow Sunday liquor sales, Sen. Eric Johnson said, "There doesn't seem to be a compelling reason to chip away at the Sabbath." Sunday is the Sabbath in his religious tradition, and in mine, but it is not the Sabbath for all Georgians. Even if it were, it is the responsibility of communities of faith, not the legislature, to encourage their members to observe the Sabbath. That he, as a legislator, couches it in these terms makes it evident that he is not merely trying to legislate morality. He and others, including Lt. Gov. Cagle, are trying to legislate the practices and beliefs of their specific faith and doing so for political gain, believing that their evangelical base will be more likely to vote for them if they oppose Sunday sales. The use of political power to further a specific religious practice in order to maintain political power just doesn't sound all that righteous to me.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Who ARE These People??
Richardson Skirts Barnes Appointee
And they don't get to hand-pick their judge, in this case Richardson's former business partner, Judge James Osborne, a Perdue appointee. By the way, had the Richardson used the front door rather than the back door of the court house, his divorce hearing would have been in front of Judge Tommy Beavers, a Barnes appointee.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Guess Who I Met Last Night?
And, so it was that last night I got to meet Coach Dean Smith, and it was very cool.
When former Floridian Lauren Benedict called me this morning, I gushed about meeting Coach Smith, and she said, "Who's that?" I gasped. "He's the Dean of college basketball! He coached UNC for years. He recruited and coached the likes of Sam Perkins, Jimmy Black, Phil Ford, James Worthy, oh, and Michael Jordan. How can you not know who Dean Smith is???" Did I mention she's from Florida? Do they have college basketball in Florida?
Back to the point. I rarely fawn over celebrities, political or otherwise, but this was different. Growing up, I spent many an hour sitting in the living room with my father watching Smith coach the UNC Tar Heels. When I was very young, I shed real tears when UNC lost a conference game to then arch rival USC. (Yes, there was a time when the University of South Carolina was in the ACC.) If there were two sports figures my father taught me to revere, one was Dean Smith and the other was Hank Aaron-in that order. And, last night, there was the Dean of College Basketball, standing three feet from me. There was a certain synergy about the whole situation. It was my father who taught me to revere Coach Smith, and it was the working class values of my parents, in particular my father, that shaped my political leanings and activism. Probably, I would not have been in that place at all but for my father's influence, so to meet one of his heroes there seems just about right. I wish he could've been there, too.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Mellencamp to McCain: Stop Using My Songs
No wonder those Republicans were booing him yesterday. Or, maybe McCain knows the secret to success - Romney said he'd never live in a pink house, and look what happened to his campaign, fifty million dollar 'loan' not withstanding.Well there's people and more people, What do they know know know, Go to work in some high rise, And vacation down at the gulf of mexico, Ohhh yeah And there's winners, and there's losers, But they aint no big deal, cuz the simple man baby pays for the thrills,The bills and the pills that kill
Thursday, February 7, 2008
The Price of Power - Or Not
Forget age and birth place requirements. To become President, it appears one must also be a millionaire. Even those (viable) candidates who did not loan their campaigns huge chunks of cash have significant family treasure. There's nothing wrong with rich people running for office. I do wonder about how folks manage to accrue personal fortunes while serving in Congress. (I guess you marry Teresa.) While I am not interested in having a President who has been unsuccessful in their own business or professional life, I think that we would all be a lot better off if the doors to power were not coin operated.
A new narrative?
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Sweet News for Georgia Democrats
Have a million+ people ever voted in a Democratic primary in Georgia? (Really, I am seriously asking that question. Has this ever happened before, in a primary, even when Democrats were in power?) And, don't start saying that we turned out more voters in the 2004 primary, too. This time, there was a hotly contested race on the Republican side. If I were a Republican "operative," I would be really, really worried about implications for the general, especially for state and local offices.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Georgian Named to Obama LGBT Steering Committee
I May Not Have to Surrender My Feminist Card After All...
Barack Obama, like John Edwards, is redefining what is possible and in so doing he's changing us, each one of us. Many who had given up on politics are re-engaging. Many who had grown tolerant of the intolerable are now ready to demand more and not just from themselves but others. And many who had given up believing that the ideals of equality, dignity and justice would ever again be as politically important as money and power, now believe again. And this too is why I'm endorsing Senator Barack Obama.
Well said.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
For My "Edwards" Friends
Saturday, February 2, 2008
School Choice or Choice Schools?
I don't think that there is a 'quick fix' for our schools and certainly not one that has a catchy title like "graduation coaches" or "parental recruiters." Here's a quick rule of thumb-if it can fit on one of those slick political mailers, it's probably not worth a damn. The real "fixes" involve funding what you say you think is really important, reducing the paperwork for teachers so that they can actually teach, decreasing reliance on these bubble-me-in tests to measure progress, doing all we can do to attract and retain great teachers-and then supporting them by allowing them to control their own classrooms. With HB 881, we may get more school choice, but I doubt that we will really get more choice schools-and isn't that what we're really after?
Friday, February 1, 2008
I'm Not Alone
It's Obama for Me
During the day, I talked with someone else who was undecided, and he said, "Well, let me ask you this, who do you think your boys will support (they're 22,23)." I said, "Obama, for sure." I didn't even have to ask them. He said, "Mine, too. Maybe we better follow our kids lead." Sure enough, I checked that with my sons today, and they both will now vote for Obama. I asked my son, Tyler, "why Obama?" He said that he was going to vote for the candidate he believed in. We had been talking about delegate counts and percentages, and he just stopped me and said, "I'm not going to try to calculate who to vote for; I'm just going to do what I think is the right thing. I want to vote for someone whose face I want on the television if the worst happens, for a person I trust." I told him that I was leaning toward Obama as well, for a variety of reasons, but I thought I would just sit back and not endorse anyone before Tuesday. It was the safer thing to do. "Since when," he said, "have you taught us to play it safe?" With that, he had thrown down the gauntlet for his mom. It was time to step up or shut up.
And so, just as I am proud to have supported John and Elizabeth Edwards who embraced a bold agenda for change; now, I am pleased to support another powerful agent for change, Sen. Barack Obama. Sen. Obama has inspired and engaged a new generation of Democratic voters who will help build Democratic majorities in November and in the future. Plus, in Georgia, between now and November, I will be working hard to elect wonderful Democratic women to state and local office. I want the candidate at the top of the ticket who best helps those women win their elections. Without question, that candidate is now, Barack Obama.