UPDATE: GOP-led House defeats resolution honoring Obama
UPDATE: The Georgia House has voted 68-70 not to approve a resolution honoring President Barack Obama and making him an honorary member of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus.
The vote on HR 673 came after two days of negotiations between Democrats who saw the resolution as similar to many they’ve approved honoring Republicans over the years, and Republicans who wanted no part of celebrating Obama’s “vision.”
It left Democrats angry and some Republicans shaking their heads. House Minority Leader DuBose Porter (D-Dublin), using a common parliamentary maneuver, asked that the vote be reconsidered, which could happen as early as Friday.
Immediately after the vote, Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simon’s Island), said the vote was predictable given the unwillingness of Democrats to budget on the wording of the resolution.
It seemed like a simple idea, at first: state Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur) wanted the state’s lawmakers to commemorate Obama and make him an honorary member of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus.
Jones introduced the resolution, SR 177, in the Senate, which carries no power of law but merely praises the new president and gives him a lifetime membership to the Black Caucus.
Like dozens of similar resolutions approved without thought each year, Jones’ was read and immediately adopted in the Senate. That’s what normally happens in the House, too. But when the House version, HR 673, was introduced on Tuesday, things didn’t go as planned.
Rep. Austin Scott (R-Tifton) objected.
Timing was partially the reason. Rep. Melvin Everson (R-Snellville) had just moments before blistered Obama from the well because the administration was considering requiring military veterans to use private insurance companies for health care (a proposal the president later pulled).
Everson leaves the well and the Obama resolution is the next thing read by the House clerk. Scott asked Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) for clarification as to what the resolution said and, after a few awkward moments, Richardson had the resolution held for a day.
That was Tuesday.
Now, it’s Thursday, and the resolution has yet to be approved or even reconsidered. And, Scott said, he still opposes it and promised to vote against it.
Why? Because he does not believe Obama deserves to be honored as the resolution says.
For Scott, this is the offending passage:
“WHEREAS, throughout his political career, President Barack Obama has enjoyed an unimpeachable reputation for integrity, vision, and passion for public service, and no one could be more worthy of special honor and recognition by the members of this body and the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus than this extraordinary leader.”
Scott wants to remove “of this body” so it’s only the Black Caucus honoring Obama, and not the full House.
“If the Black Caucus wants to adopt that resolution, that’s fine,” Scott said in an interview on Thursday. “If they want it to be ‘this body,’ then it becomes different.”
But Scott said he was not responsible for the resolution being carried over on Tuesday, although he warned that if those who support the resolution won’t change the language, “we will vote on it.” And, given the GOP majority in the House, the ultimate outcome was closer than it had to be.
The whole situation is a mess, said Rep. Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus), the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and the president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
“It’s a most unfortunate thing,” Smyre before Thursday’s vote. Smyre will be in Washington on Friday to meet with Obama about the economic stimulus legislation.
“It’s merely a ‘commend’ and a ‘membership’ resolution,” Smyre said. “It’s taken on a life of its own.”
Smyre said the Legislature adopts these kinds of resolutions all the time. One example was HR 7 in 2005, which commended President George W. Bush for his response to Hurricane Katrina.
That one passed without a problem.
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135 comments Add your comment
Clay
March 19th, 2009
2:20 pm
I have never understood why elected officials waste time even proposing these stupid resolutions. “I’d like to commend the women’s field hockey team from south Macon for a good season.” It’s all crap. Focus on big problems until they’re solved and then go home. Same for the folks at the federal level. Jack Kingston voted against Florida being commended for winning the national title. That’s great and all, but the only reason he did it was because he is a Georgia fan. Everyone should have voted against it because it is stupid to waste time with junk resolutions. If I were an elected official I would vote against these things every single time. No more resolutions!
Earn It
March 19th, 2009
2:20 pm
Why don’t we let the President earn that recognition, say, after he has actually been in office for a while and his decisions and actions warrant some recognition. Just because Obama is black and got elected President does not immediately warrant this recognition . . .
Alan
March 19th, 2009
2:22 pm
Will the racist Emanuel allow someone in the “Black Caucus” even if he (Obama) is literally 50% white? Pretty funny how all the thugs out there forget that he is actually more white then black. I wonder what would happen if we had a “white” caucus?.
Rodney Champion
March 19th, 2009
2:23 pm
If this is all the Legislature has to do, maybe they should leave early. This “statement” and others like it are useless and not worthy of debate or vote.
Dee
March 19th, 2009
2:28 pm
This doesn’t suprise me since Georgia is such a ‘Good Ole Boys’ States. Whatever it takes to deepen a racial divide. All old dogs go to pasture eventually.
Chuck
March 19th, 2009
2:28 pm
Useless waste of time. It’s a shame they even took time to argue about it.
Jay
March 19th, 2009
2:31 pm
The legislature is about 80% white. I’d say we DO have a “white” caucus.
Alex
March 19th, 2009
2:32 pm
Dee, your “kind” is not liked very often because of the constant crime and troubles you cause. Has nothing to do with the Government.
What a Joke!
March 19th, 2009
2:36 pm
“President George W. Bush was commended for his (non) response to Hurricane Katrina.” What a joke!!! Overt southern racists are alive and well!! Fortunately, the Republican party is becoming extinct.
Fletch
March 19th, 2009
2:37 pm
“WHEREAS, throughout his political career, President Barack Obama has enjoyed an unimpeachable reputation for integrity, vision, and passion for public service, and no one could be more worthy of special honor and recognition by the members of this body and the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus than this extraordinary leader.”
- were they referring to the 1/4 term he served in the Senate and did nothing? He has not done anything yet and nobody seems to understand that. I am from Chicago and he did nothing but pal around with Blagojevich, Rezko among other felons.
Fletch
March 19th, 2009
2:39 pm
Dee – are you literate? Georgia is a State – singular. Dogs don’t go to pasture – horses and cows do. Did you take the Corrine Brown course on coherent communication?
Louisa
March 19th, 2009
2:42 pm
I would respect people more if they would just come right out and say they are racist instead of hiding behind their position. This has nothing to do with the language in the resolution, it has everything to do with honoring a black man. Rep Scott please understand one thing you may hide your feelings from everyone but you cannot hide from yourself. You honor the worst president in the history of the U.S. for his non response to Katrina but you have an issue with President Obama. Why? The GA House needs to wake up and realize that the Presiden is black, you don’t like and it irritates you. How many times have you referred to President Obama as President Obama and not just Obama? Think about it.
Fletch
March 19th, 2009
2:45 pm
“WHEREAS, throughout his political career, President Barack Obama has enjoyed an unimpeachable reputation for integrity, vision, and passion for public service, and no one could be more worthy of special honor and recognition by the members of this body and the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus than this extraordinary leader.”
Um…he hasn’t done anything yet. He spent 1/4 of one term in the Senate. Why don’t we wait till he does something before we start honoring this guy? Just because they like someone does not mean that they get governmental honor titles. Grow up people.
sharon
March 19th, 2009
2:45 pm
Alan how can you say Obama is 50% white and then turn around and say he is more white than black? (WTF) Alex, I don’t know what type of fantasy land you’re been living in, but I got a news flash for you: people of all races and socioeconomic levels commit crimes. Get your a–out of the sand and snap back to reality you ignorant MF.
AH
March 19th, 2009
2:48 pm
Great so we can all just say it, Sen. Emanuel Jones and Rep. Calvin Smyre are both racist and now we can respect them more based on Louisa’s recommendation. I feel better now.
Fletch
March 19th, 2009
2:48 pm
Louisa – get a book or better yet, read this newspaper. Who has honored Bush for his Katrina response? Provide one example please. The simple fact is that Obama has done nothing yet. They are not “dishonoring” him, they are just not “honoring” him. It has nothing to do with him being black; I think we all know that he is black by now.
Dudley
March 19th, 2009
2:51 pm
Well it’s official…We are still a redneck and racist state doing our best to preach the Bible but not live it! Our legislators have always been well behind the rest of the nation and this proves we are still in last place! I am sure Mississippi is getting a great laugh. President Bush??? Hurricane Katrina???? Hahahahaha
It is time
March 19th, 2009
2:51 pm
It is time to furlough the state reps…
Alex
March 19th, 2009
2:52 pm
He is just as much white as he is black. However, to the thugs out there who think Obama is black, would this even be a story if he was 100% white? Blacks will bust out the race card as often as possible. Because he was “blocked” the thugs right away say it’s only because he is black. Unreal.
To "Earn It"
March 19th, 2009
2:55 pm
So, “Earn It” –
I guess President Bush really EARNED HR7 for the flawless way in which he handled Katrina. Please!
Also “Alan” –
There is a “white” caucus … it’s called the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives!
If President Obama’s election has shown us anything it’s that the vast majority of people in this country are ready to embrace intelligence and pragmatism. Which is why reprobates like “Earn It” and “Alan” are now on the outside looking in.
Pick up a book or a magazine (other than “Guns and Ammo”) sometime, since it’s probably too late for either of you to go back to school. Dummies like you two are exactly why most folks view the South as a perpetual rerun of the movie “Deliverance.”
Buck O'Fama
March 19th, 2009
2:55 pm
This isn’t (or shouldn’t be) about the man’s race. Rather, it should be about Georgia legislators will to give honor to an incompetent president. The man is driving us into third world status and we want to award him for that? Seems like we GA citizens have a little voting to do. Hey GA legislators………get back to work
Bob J
March 19th, 2009
2:57 pm
Time well tell is the resolution is worthy of passage. We are not all racist we just want this man to earn his keep. It was a great accomplishment, but it does not make him a great president. He did little in Illinois, the US Senate, and right now is more into his image than his policies or politics. Hence the NCAA BRacket and Jay Leno or Fallen or who ever it is. He his trying to great image rather than help America. For isntant he intends to cut the national debt only after rasing it!!! 2 Steps Backward to take one step forward. Sound Familiar this is why he doesnt seserve the vote! BY the way I donated to his campaign, and did nto vote for McCain or Obama, call me a Racist if you like. Your a racist for assuming and judging me that b/c I am white I disagree with this.
The Voice
March 19th, 2009
2:58 pm
Louisa….how long have you been hiding your racist feelings. Come on now…let them out….you can do it. Let us all know how much you hate “whitey”, let us know that you are constantly being kept down by the white man, let us know that the fact the black on black crime is the white man’s fault. Yeah its true….he didn’t want the resolution adopted because he is black. He is also racist, a liar, and has never held a non government job in his life. I will be very suprised if the country can survive 4 years of this socalist moron.
James
March 19th, 2009
3:00 pm
I am a racist and don’t care what the liberal north thinks.
Reggie
March 19th, 2009
3:00 pm
Georgia = Bass Ackwards! George Bush is rewarded for his Katrina Response? Was Scott on the floor that day?
Lawyer14
March 19th, 2009
3:01 pm
I’m black, I voted for Obama and I would have voted against anything that is a waste of time. This clearly is. The motivations behind the opposition probably includes some racist undertones but regardless, this is a waste of time. Now what exactly are they doing under the gold dome to improve GA???
Audrey in Georgia
March 19th, 2009
3:01 pm
This is a nice gesture, but a “Black Caucus” is outdated and almost useless. Besides, when
President Obama was a candidate, the “Black Caucus ” did not support him. Their
allegiance was with Hillary for some strange reason. Focus on jobs, education, transportation & healthcare! I know it is easier to stray to simpler items, but try! Your constituents expect more. President Obama has earned a lifetime membership!
you to solve
GOP lawmaker blocking resolution honoring Obama | Gold Dome Live
March 19th, 2009
3:02 pm
[...] GOP lawmaker blocking resolution honoring Obama | Gold Dome Live [...]
reservoirDAWG
March 19th, 2009
3:05 pm
Who cares?
Ryno
March 19th, 2009
3:06 pm
Honestly – just throw them a bone and let them have their little celebration.
Just make sure you keep blocking their “tax and spend” policies and make sure they don’t increase funding for handout programs.
JB
March 19th, 2009
3:09 pm
Rep. Everson, please get off you soap box. We understand how you feel about the vets. President Obama is not perfect but, seems to be doing a better job than some of the previous president, you also notice that he later pulled that idea…you get it. It was just an ideal. You need to direct you energy on more important matters for the poeple of Snellville and surrounding areas.
I'm from the North
March 19th, 2009
3:12 pm
Is this idiot in the Georgia House getting a stimulus check from Obamalamazipedoda…..and they call us racist….hahahahahahahahahahaha
Atlanta_Tiger_Fan
March 19th, 2009
3:20 pm
Good job blocking this. He has done nothing yet other than win an election.
sidney
March 19th, 2009
3:26 pm
I hope one day black people will understand that they alone could NOT have elected obama president.It took 61% of the white vote.At the rate he is performing his job ,I dont think he will do that good in the next election.
gbal
March 19th, 2009
3:32 pm
You honor someone for accomplishments. He has not accomplished anything yet. If Successful in the position in which he was placed then he should be considered honorable and receive honors. Right now he has done nothing to deserve honoring. I hope he does or else he really makes us voters look like jokes.
Honey Pie
March 19th, 2009
3:33 pm
I love how these always end up being race issues. Oh yeah Alex…thugs come in all colors…Just look in your own bloodline.
Out of Order
March 19th, 2009
3:36 pm
First of all, Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur)has real issues he need to be spending his time on. I know of people from his district that have called and e-mailed his office with real issues and he has never returned a call or responded.
Second, while Gov Purdue is attempting to remove the Voting Rights laws in GA that protect the powerless (because Obama was elected and now there is no more prejudice per many white repub politicians) Sen Jones is on some butt kissing mission to Obama. He needs to be voted out of office, not for the Obama thing but for not helping his constituency.
Third, there are many people that want to see Obama fail because if he succeed in 1/3 of the biggest problems that this country has it will make people that have been in power all this time look pretty bad, so there is no way this state’s political leaders want Obama to do well.
gbal
March 19th, 2009
3:36 pm
An another thing – spend thr time in office discussing an passing meaningful things. With the state of our country and state I would think there are better things to discuss. This is about as bad as BO taking the situation so lightly that he appears publicly on Late Night and at ESPN filling out B-Ball brackets. What is his deal folks? And we supported him???
Carlos Ortega
March 19th, 2009
3:38 pm
Here I am, a person that looks white and speak as whites. WE Spanish have an agenda! It tickles us to see how white hates and are so worried about the advancement of blacks. While they worry about blacks we keep coming across the border. Guess who is going help us elect the first Spanish President of the USA? You got it, blacks that you hate on.
Weirdos
March 19th, 2009
3:39 pm
These blogs make me realize that all my white co-worker’s smile until their red faces turn pink but are thinking: F**K HIS BLACK ASS, LMAO!!!
Michael
March 19th, 2009
3:45 pm
this has nothing to do with the “advancement of blacks”. How come when anyone has a different view than Obama (who is the most liberal president we have ever had) they are automatically branded a racist? What a joke, that word doesn’t even mean anything to me anymore.
b nice
March 19th, 2009
3:49 pm
I would rather Obama do well than to see Georgia fail. Georgia sucks. Especially being the lowest in education. Perdue sucks as a governor.
Benny
March 19th, 2009
3:53 pm
Alan why don’t you just OFF yourself.
It’s obvious you’re into touting Pres. Obama’s “whiteness” to make yourself feel better. What an idiot..he’s “more White than Black” now?? It’s quite obvious you obtained that good ol’ boy Georgia eductation, because last time I checked, 50% meant in equal portions.
But I will tell you this, for all arguments we know what Barack is, ask him he’ll tell you. Look at his existence and experience..it is a BLACK one. Look at his face, his hair, his hands, his swagger. And not that that even matters; but YOU made it matter.
gee
March 19th, 2009
4:00 pm
what the hell is this vote for can these people do some work I have heard nothing but BS from this house
The days of black this black are over black caucus needs to sit down and get some work done. They need to tell black kids to read books, stop throwing trash all around the place look after their area they live in and stop walking around trying to be a rapper.
Nobody should get mad because i am black and I live in an area I know most of them young boys will end up in jail or working at burger King when they are fifty and bitter and blame everybody but themselves.
Sarah
March 19th, 2009
4:00 pm
I really like how most people on here are claiming that he hasn’t done anything to earn this type of honor yet. Um, how about keeping this country from completely collapsing from the 8 years of being plundered by Bush’s cronies? I consider that fact that we can all keep our lights on a major accomplishment given that Bush and his bunch of b@%*ards did their best to kill the middle class in America.
Also, way to push an even bigger wedge between the state of Georgia and the Obama Administration. Keep pissing the guy off and see just how much love GA gets from the feds. This state and its “representatives” gets dumber every day.
GAgirl
March 19th, 2009
4:02 pm
When we no longer need a caucus for “Blacks” then we will have succeeded. Fairness is for everyone . . . we need to rid ouselves of race specific groups, act normally and move on.
Honey Pie
March 19th, 2009
4:08 pm
Gee…self hate going on? Sounds like you are projecting what you get from your kids………
Staci
March 19th, 2009
4:09 pm
Focus on getting things done that will benefit Georgia and its residents. Stop wasting time on ceremonious frivolities! If some a commendation is standard fare – then pass it so you can move on to REAL business. Stop wasting time and money to argue about the inclusion of a couple of words.
I don't remember
March 19th, 2009
4:10 pm
I don’t remember, when a president first few days were scrutinized the way Pres. Obama first few days. I don’t care if you are a racist, black , white or purple. The woes of the economic conditions are felt by most. Leaving the people who need the most help in the majority. I have read some of the sacrastism about African Americans’ struggle, well here’s your opportunity to face some of the challenges that AA face.
Manny
March 19th, 2009
4:11 pm
The very fact the Barack Obama was elected President of the United States is enough of an accomplishment to earn him a lifetime membership into the Georgia Black Caucus. You all realize that he is black, right?
It’s not that they’re giving him an esteem that is unfitting.
Oh, and I’ll leave the entire argument of race-specific groups to those with a certain opinion yea-or-nay on that one.
John
March 19th, 2009
4:12 pm
Nothing has been accomplished in this legislative session. Georgia is really making a name for itself. Only the GOP od GA would want to make a stand on such a mundane issue. If the bar was set with the Bush response to Katrina the best thing for the GOP to do is vote yes and move on.
Reality
March 19th, 2009
4:13 pm
Even if Obama does not get elected it gives me great pleasure to watch and listen to you Georgia hillbillies moan, gripe and pitch a fit for the next four years. Turning red are you? Your two-facedness is the reason why blacks constantly show thier as###. Have you of the superior tribe learned anything yet?
Honey Pie
March 19th, 2009
4:18 pm
Reality :you are funny to me..great point!!!! They feed into it……
Brad
March 19th, 2009
4:19 pm
I love Lamp!!!!!
Ward
March 19th, 2009
4:19 pm
Gosh, I sure hope Obama is feeling honored enough (what with being, like, Leader of the Free World and all) in spite of this unforgivable slight. *sniffles*
I don't remember
March 19th, 2009
4:20 pm
unemployment is almost 10%-GA is still a AT WILL State…people are losing there homes….our school system is at the bottom…….Your advance student is only average or below average in other states…..this good self righteous Christians(conservatives) went out and bought guns insteading of praying….conservatives’ mistakes are forgivable, but if you don’t fit in thier perfect little world you are forever condemn. BS….it not perfect world and we make mistakes and this country has to fix their mistakes and stop covering up with wasteful arguments and start telling the harsh trues….
Brad
March 19th, 2009
4:21 pm
Have you seen my baseball?
Jamal Jackson
March 19th, 2009
4:36 pm
Louisa, the reason many refer to obama without the title is because he is not the president of the United States of America. he is president to the racist black people that voted for him (many illegally) and the stupid white people with unwarranted black guilt. Its funny, the blacks keep calling the white people the racist when the blacks are walking around with shirts that say “my president is black’ blah blah blah. YOU ALL ARE THE RACEST!!! The dude is nothing more than #44 passing time and taking the money of the working class. he is no leader and sure as hell not the president of this great nation.
Jamie
March 19th, 2009
4:37 pm
This is such a waste of time. Shouldn’t the state legislature be focusing on ways to prevent hardworking Georgians from losing their jobs? I’m embarrassed for our state, and I hope President Obama will encourage our lawmakers to spend their time on more important issues. We can honor the president AFTER he fulfills all his promises. Until then, start working on what matters!
Timmy T
March 19th, 2009
4:38 pm
W was the greatest president of all time. Sucks that the worst president of all time will follow. obuma is a thug and he’s not even American.
P-Low
March 19th, 2009
4:38 pm
Alan,
You already do have one. It started at Plymouth Rock.
P-Low
March 19th, 2009
4:39 pm
What a bunch of idiots.
TheAntiMe
March 19th, 2009
4:39 pm
Politics as usual. It’s a crime that our elected representatives are too busy trying to stick it to each other that they seem to have very little, if any, regard for the people for whom they were elected to represent. Some things never change.
josh
March 19th, 2009
4:41 pm
i’m actually shocked they called themselves the “black” caucus and not the “african-american” caucus. calling people black is apparently insulting, yet calling people white is fine. if you’re from africa, i’ll call you african-american if you wish. if you were born here, you’re an american to me, black or white.
Tiko12
March 19th, 2009
4:43 pm
I’ve been living in Georgia for 2 years now and I still can’t believe how racist this state is. I’m a white male from Ohio and we never had problems with race. White people love President Obama in Akron. This man hasn’t harmed anyone yet the right-wing conservatives continue to criticize him every chance they get. Although I don’t believe in Socialism – I do believe in helping people when in need. This country is hurting because of greed and hate. I pray for you Georgia.
Unbelievable
March 19th, 2009
4:43 pm
WOW! First, Obama has been in office for 8 weeks and he is scrutinized on everything he does. If the press could be in the bathroom to critic the way he takes a dump, they would and people would comment on how right or wrong he does that. He hasn’t had enough time to fix all that ailes the US and for you who pass judgement on him…I would like to see how well you could do in turning a country around with a failing economy, rising unemployment, etc. in 8 weeks.
Secondly, the man has not been in office long enough to be honored for anything except being elected. Let’s see how things are after 6 months to a year. And if this is all GA government has time to do then they really need to quit and let someone who gives a damn about this state get in and do some work.
Finally, you all need to let the race thing go. The man is bi-racial, though society has labeled him black. None-the-less, he is a human being with flaws like the rest of us. He didn’t screw things up because of his color. Hell, it was screwed up before he got into office.
angry as hell
March 19th, 2009
4:47 pm
Does the legislators not have anything more important to worry about? How about working on some real issues that people really give a ____ about; such as crime, unemployment, health care, and most importantly of all, education. Our schools rank next to last in the USA and they worry about honoring someone, what a disgrace.
Amanda
March 19th, 2009
4:49 pm
Amazing that they managed to honor that idiot Bush for Katrina and he didn’t even do anything!! Simply amazing! Let go of your sour grapes elephants and do the right thing.
Hera
March 19th, 2009
4:51 pm
There are so many more important things to do than “name post offices”, name roads (Cynthia McKinney Highway), name this, name that. And, then we have Official Georgia Chicken Week, Peach Week, Cherry Week, Pinetree Week and all kinds of stupid “recognitions” that are meaningless. Hey, Elected Spenders, stop wasting my tax dollars on this foolishness.
As to this one in particular. If the State of Georgia wants to honor a President I think waiting more than 58 days to decide if the guy deserves to be honored is a reasonable idea. So far BO has outspent all the USA budgets for the past 200 years in his first few weeks in office. I have a real wait and see approach if he deserves any honors or if we should tax his Presidential salary and PERKS at Ms. Pelosi’s 90%.
Amanda
March 19th, 2009
4:55 pm
What is wrong with you redneck idiots who keep saying President Obama is not an American citizen? Last time I looked, Hawaii was a part of the United States unless something has changed in the lasat few years!! Most of you people who make these comments probably consider yourselves good Christian bible thumpers, but let me tell you something….JC would be ashamed of how you act and what you say. I was taught that he died for all of our sins not just white peoples!!
Business Owner
March 19th, 2009
4:56 pm
This is a pointless proposition that was put on the agenda by an oudated group that serves no real purpose. I’m glad it got voted down. Obama has done nothing but caused harm so far. Stimulus is a waste, he is expanding the war just not in Iraq, and all the time the liberals march along cheering. Removing every incentive for business owners like myself to try to do better will not help the economy and will not change anything except making it so I cannot support myself either.
To all those saying its racist maybe you should notice its not the house trying to honor him its the black caucus. They are not honoring him for doing anything except being black so therefore they are the racist ones.
josh
March 19th, 2009
4:57 pm
Amanda,
Get in the kitchen and cook me some supper!
josh
March 19th, 2009
4:58 pm
Well said, business owner. Common sense is the worst enemy of a liberal.
Elizabeth Ann
March 19th, 2009
5:03 pm
What is a thug?
vlscpa
March 19th, 2009
5:06 pm
The last analogy is all wrong. This move would have been like commending Obama for CAUSING Hurrican Katrina, and he’s done far worse to our system, our economy, and our future than any little piddling hurricane could have done. Bully for those Republicans.
Jerry in Lithonia
March 19th, 2009
5:08 pm
It is so very interesting to read the comments by what I believe to be the people of Georgia regardless of their racial or ethnic background.
It is so very sad the people of Georgia have the kind of attitudes that can praise in one voice and curse with the same voice.
What is for sure is Georgia like much of America is not the melting pot of the pass but the salad of the present.
We are all reconized as being part of this salad I call America and no one person regardless of color is any better or worse than the next.
Please continue the hate and perhaps we can destroy not only this state but the nation and world as we know it.
When I think of what we are experiencing in this state and contury and people can find time to be critical about nothing.
We all spend the same dollar for the goods and service we all need and more of us from white collar to no collar employees are finding we don’t have employment to take care of our families.
Please keep up the negative action and comments and we will continue to be in the same condition we are currently in.
Georgia look for the future so we all can prosper.
Honey Pie
March 19th, 2009
5:10 pm
To blacks and whites on here posting their racist agendas please remember when you point one finger…four more are point back at you…
Michael
March 19th, 2009
5:11 pm
The “Black” Caucus is a racist group. And this idea is a waste of time. Please go home early and save us some money you overpaid losers.
Miranda
March 19th, 2009
5:13 pm
Poor rethugs and poor “Deliverance” outcasts….so sad that their little make believe world has come crashing down. The President of the United States of America is a black man…..and the inbreds just can’t deal with it. Such pitiful, hee haw, inbred trash…..oh well, this numbnuts are dying out anyway….and they know it.
mullet13
March 19th, 2009
5:15 pm
The dumb ass republicans should learn to pick their battles…their choice is going to come back to bite them, hopefully on something of consequence.
andyk
March 19th, 2009
5:18 pm
So they WILL pass a Bill honoring Bush for his handling of KATRINA, but will not honor Obama? Do they not see that this will be seen as racism, pure and simple?
Glenn
March 19th, 2009
5:28 pm
The Black Cacuss is the most racist organization in Georgia. What color must you be to belong to it? You can belong to the NAACP if you are white.
SMH
March 19th, 2009
5:46 pm
Ryno, did you know the majority of the recipients of these so called “handout” programs are of the Caucasian race? Don’t believe me? Look it up!
Proud Nativist
March 19th, 2009
5:49 pm
It won’t be 4 years of putting up with this IDIOT! Either one of his MANY indiscretions will come to light or he’ll get a sudden fatal case of lead poisoning.
David
March 19th, 2009
5:51 pm
Lot of the comments here lead me to conclude that reading them wasn’t worth my time either, i.e, throwing around words like jackass, dimwit, idiot, etc., in referring to the President. So much for civil discourse.
Kelvin
March 19th, 2009
5:52 pm
Ahh, Republicans. Come for the tax cuts, stay for the racism and incompetence!
JSC
March 19th, 2009
6:05 pm
This makes me proud to be a native Georgian! But, I’m sure they’ll keep voting until the vote is rescinded.
gee
March 19th, 2009
6:07 pm
Audrey from georgia second that opinion none of them supported Obama even the ones in washington. Fix Rockbrigde rd Memorial drive, north stone mountain lithionia rd stone mtn village.
instead voting on stupidity.
kim smith
March 19th, 2009
6:08 pm
Ok, all the nonsense with “earning it” is crap. He’s earned a membership to the BLACK caucus, as a senator..
We pass these things all the time, it’s half the day at the legislature football teams, beauty queens school kids, boy scouts, girl scouts, and not to mention the 30 minute preachers and their opinions…
That’s not the point, the point is Austin is running for Gov and wants all the haters to vote for him, and apparently he thinks there are more of them than folks who support the president.
Chris Hudson
March 19th, 2009
6:10 pm
Reading this blog is evidence to me. People from both sides of the political aisle are selfish and hateful. YOu continue to be divided and these politicans you all love so much will ruin this country. They ALL want power and don’t give a rats a** about anyone but themselves. Wake up everyone or it will be too late. Republicans and Democrats are all the same (save 10% of them). They all want us divided and fighting. This keeps them in power. Stop judging your fellow man and do what Jesus would do.
Bring Me the Head of Deforest Kelley
March 19th, 2009
6:20 pm
Meanwhile…
Atlanta’s gridlock remains among the worst in the nation. Its transit system is collapsing because of the state’s disinterest. Unemployment is up to 9.3%. The amount of vacant housing shows little sign of falling.
But despite all these problems, the state house spends 3 days arguing about language for a resolution that will solve none of the above.
Both sides of the aisle are arguing this thing to death. Who will show the leadership to drop it and move on to something more important?
Jon
March 19th, 2009
6:42 pm
If the Georgia legislature commended former President Bush’s response to Katrina but refused to pass a simple resolution regarding President Obama, then they’re either stupid or just brain dead.
scott
March 19th, 2009
6:49 pm
Why is it always a race thing? Get over yourself black people. He is the single worst thing to happen to our economy, society and security in 230 years. He just happens to be half black. Yeah, I am a racist because I support fiscal responsibility and conservative values.
vuduchld
March 19th, 2009
6:53 pm
Frankly, I’m sick and tired of both Democrats and Republicans in the Ga legislature! These people are complete idiots who should be shoveling dog**** for a living. This bunch is totally useless, do us all a favor please”: ALL OF YOU RANCID SCUMBAGS JUMP OFF THE HIGHEST BUILDING IN THE CITY. I say replace them with cartoon characters like Elmer Fudd, at least then we can begin the task of solving problems!!
steve
March 19th, 2009
7:07 pm
why would we honor President Obama? Georgia didn’t vote for him and frankly the black caucus has more pressing things to worry about like the sky high AIDS rate among the black community, the pervasive drug abuse and gang violence we see on the news every night and the out of control illegitimate birth rate among the black community.
Mark
March 19th, 2009
7:30 pm
Yobama is too busy filling out his NCAA pool and appearing on Jay Leno to be worthy of anything!
The Professor
March 19th, 2009
7:44 pm
To all my Christian Brothers and Sisters on this blog.
1 John 4:20
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
Chris
March 19th, 2009
7:46 pm
Great job AJC, every single time there is a comment section on ANY story, it always turns to race. Oh well, any way to drive viewership up to pay the bills.
Dave
March 19th, 2009
8:20 pm
Representative Scott is dead on. If the Black Caucus wants to honor the 1/2 Caucasian President – let’em. But they don’t represent or speak for the entire Georgia House of Representatives that represent the majority of Georgians who voted against the man, his ideas, and now his policies. Oh, and Dee – Delta, Greyhound and Amtrak run everyday out of this great state; pick one.
Pop
March 19th, 2009
8:29 pm
Doesn’t suprise me at all. Georgia is run by the 2009 version of the 1948 Dixiecrats of Strom Thurman fame. Rich, racist, white boys(mostly bi-sexual), who control the infrastructure, contracts, and any large money making industry in this backwards state. Just more of the same; it’’s just a different day.