Monthly Archive for July, 2007

Interview with “Rebuilding Toombs County” (Becky Moon, Tres Herin, Adam Moore)

Published
by
Wilson
on July 22, 2007
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I am sure you have heard of “Habitat for Humanity” but have you heard of “Rebuilding Toombs-Montogomery County?” The project grew out of the Toombs-Montgomery Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Toombs-Montgomery, an annual training session for out future leaders. “Rebuilding” selects several local homeowners and repairs, renovates and updates their homes, primarily with regard to safety issues e.g. stairway rails, rotten floors, leaking roofs, etc.

“Rebuilding Together” is a national non-profit organization which promotes the rehabilitation of homes for low income owners, particularly the elderly and disabled.

The date this year’s Toombs-Montgomery project is October 20, 2007. The organizers are in the process of selecting homes, planning the work and organizing the volunteers. Churches, civic clubs, businesses, contractors, builders and volunteers generally are encouraged to join the effort. Since this is the first year, the project will last only one day and will provide assistance to 2 to 5 homes.

The project is still looking for groups and people to sign up to do the work, as well as provide and contribute to the purchase of materials.

They are also still evaluating potential homes that need assistance in becoming safe for the occupants.

Sounds like a local “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” If you are interested in being a part of this year’s Rebuilding Toombs-Montogomery call The Chamber of Commerce, 912-537-4466.

 
 Tres Herin [28:19m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (153)

Interview with Jeff Gammage, Author of “China Ghosts”

Published
by
Wilson
on July 21, 2007
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“China Ghosts”is an endearing story about the creation of a family. Jeff is a staff writer for the Philadelphia Enquirer who, together with his wife Christine, has endured the stress of adoption, and the peculiar requirements of a China adoption. China’s One Child Policy virtually forces parents to abandon the second and subsequent children. Parents are required to pay a fee if they violate the policy, thus they chose to abandon the children rather than pay the fee.

As Jeff explains, the culture favors boys over girls. If the first child is a boy, a second and subsequent child stands a good chance of being abandoned, particularly if it is a girl. If the first child is a girl, parents can seek permission from the state for a second child.

Another curiosity about Chinese adoptions, parents don’t pick the child they want to adopt. The Chinese adoption agency picks the child and sends the information about the child to the prospective parents.

New regulations went into effect May 1, 2207.

Apparently, because the adoption program is run or supervised by the State, it is billed as reliable and stable. I guess they have eliminated the problem of the biological parent or parents wanting to get the child back years later.

In 2005 there were about 7900 Chinese adoptions by Americans. China is one of our favorite adoption locales. If you are interested, the best recommendation is to go through a reputable agency.

 
 Jeff Gamage, Author "China Ghosts" [29:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (112)

God Doesn’t Want to be President!

Published
by
Wilson
on July 21, 2007
in Blog
. 2 Comments

I see everyone is getting ready for the Democratic Presidential debate Monday night in the great State of South Carolina. SC seems to be just as “Red” as GA is and I cannot help but note that the morons in their legislature passed a ridiculous law last year (or maybe the year before, I forget) that said only experts that were licensed to practice in the State of South Carolina could testify in the courts of SC. What does this mean? Simply, that the most knowledgeable doctor in the world on heart disease or cancer could not testify in the courts of SC unless he applied to the SC medical board for a SC license. The law was so ridiculous (not to mention unconstitutional) that the Supreme Court of SC immediately issued an order essentially suspending the law. So much for SC, but that is not my purpose.

I just happened to be watching CNN and saw some of the video questions that were submitted for the debate. The discussion was about questions of faith and to what extent a candidate would rely on his faith in making decisions. J. C. Watts made a comment something to the effect that a candidate (and thus an elected official) should certainly rely on his faith for guidance in making decisions for the people. I have no idea what that means other than someone prays, gets an answer and acts upon it. That kind of talk is just plain nuts.

I am scared to death of people of faith making political decisions. I don’t even want someone praying and getting an answer as to what I should do. Why would I want to trust them to get the “right” answer on something as important as the federal budget or health care. I can hear it now: “I vetoed universal health care because God told me he would take care of everyone.” Come on J. C., give me a break.

Sorry, J. C., you just need to mind your church business and leave politics alone. People who think faith/religion has a place in American politics has no understanding of where America came from or what it is about.

I cannot say it better than one of our most philosophical Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. We would all do well to read it, memorize it and live it. Jefferson wrote:

[Sec. 1] Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free; that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens, or civil incapacitations, tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the Holy author of our religion, who being Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either, as it was in his Almighty power to do; that the impious presumption of legislators and rulers, civil as well as ecclesiastical, who being themselves but fallible and uninspired men, have assumed dominion over the faith of others, setting up their own opinions and modes of thinking as the only true and infallible, and as such endeavouring to impose them on others, hath established and maintained false religions over the greatest part of the world, and through all time; that to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves, is sinful and tyrannical; that even the forcing him to support this or that teacher of his own religious persuasion, is depriving him of the comfortable liberty of giving his contributions to the particular pastor, whose morals he would make his pattern, and whose powers he feels most persuasive to righteousness, and is withdrawing from the ministry those temporary rewards, which proceeding from an approbation of their personal conduct, are an additional incitement to earnest and unremitting labours for the instruction of mankind; that our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions, any more than our opinions in physics or geometry; that therefore the proscribing any citizen as unworthy the public confidence by laying upon him an incapacity of being called to offices of trust and emolument, unless he profess or renounce this or that religious opinion, is depriving him injuriously of those privileges and advantages to which in common with his fellow-citizens he has a natural right; that it tends only to corrupt the principles of that religion it is meant to encourage, by bribing with a monopoly of worldly honours and emoluments, those who will externally profess and conform to it; that though indeed these are criminal who do not withstand such temptation, yet neither are those innocent who lay the bait in their way; that to suffer the civil magistrate to intrude his powers into the field of opinion, and to restrain the profession or propagation of principles on supposition of their ill tendency, is a dangerous fallacy, which at once destroys all religious liberty, because he being of course judge of that tendency will make his opinions the rule of judgment, and approve or condemn the sentiments of others only as they shall square with or differ from his own; that it is time enough for the rightful purposes of civil government, for its officers to interfere when principles break out into overt acts against peace and good order; and finally, that truth is great and will prevail if left to herself, that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate, errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them:

[Sec. 2] Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.

[Sec. 3] And though we well know that this assembly elected by the people for the ordinary purposes of legislation only, have no power to restrain the acts of succeeding assemblies, constituted with powers equal to our own, and that therefore to declare this act to be irrevocable would be of no effect in law; yet we are free to declare, and do declare, that the rights hereby asserted are of the natural rights of mankind, and that if any act shall be hereafter passed to repeal the present, or to narrow its operation, such act shall be an infringement of natural right.

Interview with Erick Erickson, Republican Insider, Blogger and Recently Elected Macon City Councilman

Published
by
Wilson
on July 21, 2007
in Podcast
. 0 Comments

This interview with Erick was last Tuesday, the day he was to be elected (without oposition) to the Macon City Council. Congratulations Erick! And remember, you asked for it!

Erick discusses Fred Thompson’s non-candidacy for President and the curse of U. S. Senators being elected President–it doesn’t happen!

Erick thinks the “child pornography” issues against David McDade, the DA in the Genarlow Wilson case are not going any where, and offers some observations about the efforts to get Wilson out of jail.

On the national front, Erick thinks Republicans lost their majority because of corruption and earmarks, as much as because of the war in Iraq. I am not sure I agree, but what do I know. He attributes the low approval rating of Congress to the fact that since taking control in January, Democrats have actually blocked many of Pelosi’s initiatives. News to me. I thought it was the Republicans in the Senate.

He does admit surprise that the President has stuck to his guns on Iraq even in the face of near universal opposition and eroding Republican support. I am not at all surprised. Disappointed? Yes! Disgusted? Yes! Why should I be surprised! If you are surprised, “You don’t know Dick!”

My apologies to Erick for this shortened interview, but at the beginning of this interview we had phone problems and I deleted the 10 minutes of my babbling monologue while it was being fixed. I am sure everyone will appreciate the editing.

 
 Erick Erickson [17:01m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (182)

Interview with Jim Galloway, Journalist and Blogger @ AJC’s Political Insider Online

Published
by
Wilson
on July 20, 2007
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Jim Galloway has been with the AJC for more than 20 years and for someone who was born before MTV and CNN, he appears to have successfully made the jump from mere journalist to blogger. Jim and I cover the spectrum from the quality of investigative reporting to the difference between blogs which focus on providing facts and those that sustain themselves primarily on opinion.

As print news struggles to figure out how to make money online, Jim admits that he is one of the fortunate people actually earning a living in the blogosphere. As we all know, for many it is a hobby, a way to think, hope, believe we have input and effect outcome. The codes of conduct are rarely defined and Jim suggests the marketplace generally ferrets out the worthy from the…others.

Jim knows that blogs have an effect, how significant it is varies from issue to issue. He recalls an occasion when he posted something online questioning the purpose of a bill and by the time he walked over to the Capitol, a legislator had read his post and was ready to discuss it with him.

As someone new to the blogoshpere, I get excited at the potential ordinary citizens have in disbursing necessary information and affecting real issues and decisions, particularly political ones. The difficulty is there is so much out there to read, consider, discard or believe.

Without detracting from the importance of blogs in disseminating information and providing an abundance of opinions, I wonder to what extent blogs change peoples’ opinions rather than just reinforcing their previously held perceptions. Do we tend to look at blogs that we expect to tell us what we want to hear and thereby reinforce our opinions or do we really want to change our opinion if confronted with the right facts? I know there are some network news shows I will not watch because I cannot yell loud enough for the host to hear how stupid I think he/she is. I also have tried on a few (very few) occasions to comment in response to a post in a manner which I hope provokes further discussion and comment. I have rarely gotten much response. Generally, either ignored or a go to hell you moron. I guess one of us should just change channels!

There may be dozens of blogs out there (I am not talking about chat rooms, places where I have not yet dared to venture) that effectively discuss issues, and I just don’t know about them. Are there any? That may depend on the definition of “effectively discuss.”

 
 Jim Galloway [28:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (156)

Interview with Senate Majority Leader Tommie Williams (R-19)

Published
by
Wilson
on July 18, 2007
in Podcast
. 1 Comment

Senate Majority Leader Tommie Williams discusses some thoughts about the newly unveiled Georgia Water Plan from the Water Council. Tommie said he has not read the entire plan but he is aware of controversial issues such as interbasin pumping. As to that issue he says he is in agreement with the Riverkeeper organizations that oppose such methods.

According to Tommie the legislature is prepared to do its own investigation into this issue, not just adopt whatever the Water Council proposes. There is $20 million in the budget to allow for adequate study and development of an alternative proposal. That sounds good, real good.

What I don’t understand is the provision in the 2004 Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Planning Act which provides that if the legislature does not adopt some plan at the 2008 session of the legislature, the Water Council proposal becomes law. I have never understood why the legislature passes legislation that essentially says that if the elected officials can’t decide what to do, so unelected agency or bureaucrat gets to decide the issue. What do we elect them for?

Tommie was quick to point out that there is some question as to whether or not this delegation of responsibility is even constitutional. A court will have to decide that and it may well come to that. I just wonder why nobody thought about that when the Act was passed into law 3 years ago.

This is going to be a big issue folks, pitting environmentalists and the country people against the big city developers that want to pave everything between the north Georgia mountains and Macon. All I can say is the day someone tells me the water under my land is going to be pumped to Atlanta so some rich dude can develop something is the day the Devil Came Down to Georgia.

Tommie also gives us a glimpse of the push in the 2008 legislature to do away with property taxation in favor of a broader sales tax base with fewer exemptions. That would probably mean taxes on services, as well as goods. You know services, like haircuts, mowing lawns and attorney fees.

Tommie did not indicate that the income tax may be eliminated, although some have talked about that as well. I am not sure Tommie has much appreciation for the fact that the sales tax is a regressive tax. Simply, people with low income pay a higher percentage of their income toward the tax than people with higher incomes. Higher sales taxes shifts more of the burden to low income families. Some people think this is fair on the theory that if you don’t want to pay the tax, don’t spend the money. That logic may apply to a boat but not to a bottle of milk for the kid.

It is sure to be a sticky issue.

Tommie also talks about the transportation problem in Metro Atlanta. He seems to agree that building more roads is not going to solve the problem. He told me that some 450,000 people ride MARTA everyday. The problem is the 2 or 3 million that don’t. Tommie threw out 2 suggestions: some sort of perimeter oriented mass transit and trolleys for downtown. Is this what he was thinking about? I was thinking more like a high speed train from Alpharetta to Five Points. Another intractable problem solved!

2008 is going to be something!

 
 Senator Tommie Williams [28:49m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (162)

Interview with Christian Newton, Assistant Mens Golf Coach, University of Alabama

Published
by
Wilson
on July 15, 2007
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Christian grew up in Lyons and Toombs County, graduated from Georgia Southern, but before all that he fell in love with the game of golf. I have known Christian since he was born because his father Ward Newton was a local lawyer who gave me my first job right out of law school in 1976. Ward passed away in 1981 when Christian was only a baby. Ward was like a father figure to me and taught me to be fearless and honest in the practice of law.

I am sorry to say I did not keep close contact with Christian and his brother, Carr, as they grew up. Their mother, Kay, a dear, sweet lady, was fortunate to find another good man and husband in Gill Williams and according to Christian he was blessed to have Gill as a dad as well.

Gill was the one who got Christian interested in golf and he played on the team in high school and at GSU. Now he is teaching at UA (I hope that is what you call it!) and enjoying it. If you listen to the interview, you will hear a fine young man tell how he got on in life.

 
 Christian Newton, Assistant Men's Golf Coach, University of Alabama [27:26m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (151)

Interview with Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director and Founder of IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America)

Published
by
Wilson
on July 14, 2007
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. 0 Comments

Paul and IAVA are vigilant crusaders when it comes to veterans, particularly those who don’t make it back from Bush’s War in one piece, mentally, physically or emotionally. The cry to “Support the Troops” means more than waving a flag or supporting a political candidate or party. We can argue about whether or not our troops have enough body armor or enough armor on the vehicles they drive in Iraq, but we can’t or shouldn’t have much argument about taking care of those vets and their families who have given their lives, their health and their future to do a job the country has asked them to do.

It is simple to acknowledge and thank Paul and IAVA for their efforts. It is something entirely different to pick up the phone or send an email to your Congressman or Senator and let them know you want veterans’ care properly funded. Better yet, give them a donation so they can continue to fight for veterans. We won’t all go to Iraq, but we can do our part to Support the Troops.

America has always called on its soldiers to do the most amazing things. They have always done their best. Unfortunately, America does not have the best record of living up to commitments made to veterans. Revolutionary War Vets and Civil War Vets fought for years just to get paid, much less other benefits. While you might think WWI and WWII changed the way we treated veterans, Vietnam is still a bitter reminder of how politics and war do not equal good treatment for veterans.

Maybe we will do better this time! I certainly hope so. Thanks Paul.

BTW: If you want an idea of politics and war, Google “Support the Troops” and see what comes up first. I guess you really have to pay for that kind of patriotism!

 
 Paul Rieckhoff, Director IAVA [32:35m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (168)

My Apologies…

Published
by
Wilson
on July 13, 2007
in Blog
. 0 Comments

to anyone who has been trying to listen to Jason’s interview. A minor technical error occurred which was the result of the failure of certain neurons to function at the required level to maintain function.

Rusty fixed it!

If it happens again, someone will pay.

Interview with Jason Pye, Political Observer and Georgia Blogger Extraordinaire

Published
by
Wilson
on July 13, 2007
in Podcast
. 0 Comments

Jason is a good choice for the first interview posted on the new site! We cover the field from Speaker Glenn Richardson prediction of the death of blogging, to the curious dissemination of possible child pornography by elected officials in their attempt to skirt the real issues of the Genarlow Wilson case. The do nothingness of Governor Perdue and DuBose Porter’s attempt at a special session for gasoline sales tax relief have their place in the conversation. But the meat of the discussion has to be our mutual observation that the Iraq War is accomplishing nothing but the loss of more young American lives. Last but not least, Jason plugs his choice for the next President of the United States. Listen and find out!!

 
 Jason Pye [30:03m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (179)