Obama resolution revived; black caucus walks out
Loading ...That move, which prevented an up or down vote on the House floor, angered black lawmakers, who staged a brief walk out. As the members of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus were leaving the House chamber, Richardson ordered the doors to the chamber be shut and locked, preventing anyone from coming or going.
Richardson often does this, especially before the morning devotional, but also when lawmakers leave the floor when guests are being recognized or honored in the chamber.
The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Keith Heard (D-Athens), commends Obama and makes him an honorary member of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. An identical resolution, SR 177, was introduced and approved without incident in the Senate. But when Heard went to introduce his resolution on Tuesday, Rep. Austin Scott (R-Tifton) raised questions about it, leading Richardson to postpone its consideration.
Then, Thursday, the House voted to kill the resolution, 68-70. It takes 91 votes to pass. But House Minority Leader DuBose Porter (D-Dublin), using a common parliamentary maneuver, asked that the House reconsider the vote today.
Prior to this morning’s vote, some Republican lawmakers sought to defuse the situation. But as Heard and Porter gathered with Richardson near his podium, both Heard and Richardson were pointing fingers at each other, portending trouble to come.
When the time came for the reconsideration vote, Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simon’s Island) urged his GOP colleagues to vote in favor of reconsidering the resolution, and suggested that it be sent to the Rules Committee where a compromise could be sought.
But members of the Legislative Black Caucus seemed to be in no mood to compromise. Several argued with Richardson that the resolution ought to be considered on the floor immediately. But Richardson said it is his prerogative to send resolutions to committee for consideration and confirmed that he often does so.
But Richardson appeared taken aback when Heard told him, in front of the entire chamber, that House Minority Caucus Chairman Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus) was meeting with Obama this morning in the White House. Heard said Smyre had hoped to deliver the approved resolution to the president, but that the House’s action on Thursday to reject the resolution prevented that.
“I didn’t know that,” Richardson said. “That’s the first time anyone has informed me.”
In the 143-2 vote, only Reps. Mark Hatfield (R-Waycross) and Rep. Bobby Franklin (R-Marietta) voted against reconsideration.
After Richardson sent the resolution to the Rules Committee, about a dozen black lawmakers left the chamber. In a hastily arranged press conference, Heard said they understand there are only three or four words that are causing the consternation.
“We have passed thousands of these,” Heard said. “If the language is so minor, why are we changing it? We will continue to press on.”
Sen. Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur), the chairman of the Black Caucus, said the move by the GOP leadership of the House smacks of racism. Rep. Al Williams (D-Midway) said the state was returning to the days of segregationist Gov. Lester Maddox.
By the time Heard and his colleagues returned to the House chamber, Richardson had unlocked the doors.
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90 comments Add your comment
Please
March 20th, 2009
10:58 am
Why the h$#% are our lawmakers wasting ANY time on this at all. Let it go and focus on more important matters . . . like the ECONOMY! The Black Caucas members have much more important matters to spend time on and leave it to Emanual Jones to play the race card just because this matter isn’t getting pushed through . . .
bubba
March 20th, 2009
11:14 am
This is what our elected officials are worried about.Please drop the trivial B.S and get on issues that help people. If this is all our state government can come up with, then they should furlough themselves and keep state workers on the job.
Lee Raines
March 20th, 2009
11:20 am
Why would the legislature even consider such an ill-advised motion? Barak Obvama is a disgrace to the American people, adn now has been snubbed by one of our most violent enemies, Iran. The legislature should have m,uch more important things to consider and enact than a “praise” to Obama.
Kristi
March 20th, 2009
11:23 am
Why are the Republican circus members making Georgia look like idiots? What do they care if Obama is an honorary member of the Black Caucus? The House Republicans passed a resolution honoring the “fine” job Bush did in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. If that’s not a joke or a blatant lie then nothing is. I just don’t understand why the House Republican’s would take a stand against this. Oh well, I guess they are going to get back to raising my property taxes or funding only abstinence programs or some other idealogical nonsense that is going to do nothing to better the Georgia citizens.
Bob
March 20th, 2009
11:24 am
A letter of praise to our first socialist president is sending the wrong message. Stop wasting time with
this and get on with business of saving jobs and taxpayer money.
OMG
March 20th, 2009
11:29 am
Pass the resolution or kill the bill right now. Georgia’s economy is going south and our law makers are fighting over this. I have made up my mind I will be running for office in the next election.
luangtom
March 20th, 2009
11:31 am
I have a dream……that these fools will get back to the business at hand and leave the racism card off the table and get down to saving jobs, saving homes and saving families.
J David Raiteri
March 20th, 2009
11:35 am
Article omits important fact that segregationist governor Lestor Maddox was an avoid Democrat. AJC omits that relevant fact. Ga Democrats wrote the Jim Crow laws of the state.
reservoirDAWG
March 20th, 2009
11:38 am
How have we elected these idiots?
Kristi
March 20th, 2009
11:39 am
Wow Raiteri. Yeah they called themselves Democrats back then but left the party over idealogical fissures. The main issue: Democrats support of civil rights legislation. Where did all those Democrats go? They are the foundation of the current Republican Party in Georgia. Please don’t pretend you have any idea of the historical political evolution of this state. I have a degree in it and would be glad to give you a lesson sometime.
Adittohead
March 20th, 2009
11:39 am
CAN WE really EXPECT THE GEORGIA LEGISLATURE TO ACT ANY MORE RESPONSIBLE THAN MEMBERS OD THE U.S. CONGRESS.-??Nooooooo
Adittohead
March 20th, 2009
11:43 am
Ms. Kristi….Wasn’t U.S. democrat Senator Robert (KKK) Byrd a Grand Dragon in the Klan….You, my dear, are reWriting history of the south & segregation.
Adittohead
March 20th, 2009
11:49 am
Ms. Kristi….It was Southern Democrats who opposed the Civil Rights Bill of LBJ in 1964. Senator Al Gore,Sr. of Tennessee opposed Civil Rights Bill of LBJ…FACT CHECK YOUR HISTORY
Kristi
March 20th, 2009
11:50 am
You are abolutely right. Robert Byrd was a member of the KKK. I wasn’t speaking of West Virginia, I was speaking of Georgia. Just to be clear, I am an independant who does not have a political affiliation. I also am not speaking of the United States Congress but of Georgia. My only concern is the wellbeing of this state and what is not being done to protect our citizens.
Doug C.
March 20th, 2009
11:57 am
The way resolutions work in the General Assembly, 99.5 % of these are passed without debate, delay, or discussion… If you think that this is a monumental waste of time, you have no one but Austin Scott and Glenn Richardson to thank for unnecessarily making an issue about his and dragging it out.
Roger in Woodstock
March 20th, 2009
12:01 pm
Glenn Richardson is only looking out for Glenn Richardson. He is a poser who is preparing to run for Governor next year. You won’t get my vote, Glenn.
Downtowner
March 20th, 2009
12:02 pm
Some Georgia history that apparently some here need to know: in 1948 when Democratic Harry Truman first proposed to end racial segregation (Jim Crow laws), Southern Democrats bolted and formed their own party called “the Dixiecrats” and supported Strom Thurmond for President. They also supported Senator Harry Byrd from West Virginia (not Georgia!!) for President. They haven’t changed since and have NOTHING to do with the present Democratic party. I won’t comment on the present Republicans…
lakeman
March 20th, 2009
12:13 pm
what dont these idiots get down to serious business, like paying all their back taxes that they owe the feds and the state….we are represented by fools that are only interested in feathering their own nests….
recovering south GA
March 20th, 2009
12:27 pm
Mark Hatfield and Waycross one more time behing times and and showing their true colors.
Justin
March 20th, 2009
12:34 pm
It’s a pointless vote yes but symbolic of the level of hatred in the Republican party that caused them to lose the majority nationwide. They lost relevance when they became personal rights advocates only for the unborn, spending hawks only against helping individuals, and advocates only big businesses that lined their pockets. I realize this applies to both parties in some form…but GA Republicans are the total personification of a nation of out of touch conservatives. The fact that they’re relegated to these small pockets of power in one of the most backward states in the country should be a sign their ideology has failed. The fact that the Republicans are taking a stand against making Obama an honorary member of the Black Caucus while the Ad Valorem/Registration Tax shell game breezed through is simply an amazing feat of political theater.
GA Republicans may be all about “small government” but they should realize that regardless of size if the gov’t is inefficient, it will result in massive waste. They should be battling out why the hell GA schools consistently fall to the bottom of all lists despite huge HOPE in flows. They should be debating how we’ve handed big business every tax break feasible and yet they consistently ditch GA, hire away our top grads, or just play tax break negotiation with other states. Or they should figure out why we’re #2 in the country in bank failures, #4 in mortgage fraud, #3 in empty homes. Until I find my way out of this “fine” state, I’ll be voting against every incumbent regardless of political affiliation.
Chris
March 20th, 2009
12:39 pm
So what did the Georgia Legislative White Caucus do? Oh, that’s right…
Chris
March 20th, 2009
12:48 pm
they do stuff like this all the time – it’s almost procedural – they do it commending President Bush, they do it congratulating sports teams that win championships. Every legislature does this kind of thing – including the General Assembly and Congress.
I don’t know what’s more appalling – the fact that there are people in the Assembly stonewalling this or that there are people who would walk out over it. HEY OLD PEOPLE – GET OVER THE 60s! Most of us under the age of 30 don’t care about race.
Finally – Kristi is correct in her narrative of GA Politics. She is not “rewriting history” Every southern state reacted differently to national Civil Rights issues – so comparing WV and TN to GA politics is like trying to compare 9/11 to Iraq or Iran….wait…..never mind bad example. It’s like trying to say that because Tim Tebow is a QB in the SEC then clearly that means Matt Stafford wants to live in the Phillipines and build houses.
Finally Mr. Adittohead – you are correct in your statement that Southern Democrats opposed Civil Rights legislation of LBJ. However your assumption is incorrect. The Southern Democrats (including those in GA like Lester Maddox) opposed the direction the national party was going. When their opposition failed they bolted the party and supported Wallace for President. In their absence a power vacuum formed within the Democratic Party across the south (much like is happening now with the national Republican party – no clearcut leadership or direction) The poor, minorities, and a lot of other folks decided to become Democrats in the south and aligned their policies with those of the national party – more liberal and pro-minority/civil rights. The angry former Southern Democrats after their own experiment with “Segregation now – segregation forever!” really didn’t have anywhere to go so they joined the Republican movement – not so much because they liked the way Republicans thought but because there weren’t any black people there anymore. They then shifted their political ideologies to a more conservative approach (a thermidorean reaction to the policies of FDR, Truman, Kennedy, and LBJ) and justified fiscal conservativism largely because it opposed social spending – which largely benefited minority groups. So in the end, the old southern democrats got what they wanted – and that was oppose black people. They just changed their name to do it. At the state/local level, however, conservatives still referred to themselves as Democrats for a good long while – even up into this century. This is why you still see mostly people labeled as “democrats” being elected as mayors, sheriffs, and city councilmen across the state – even though they are fiscal/social conservatives. It is only recently that they are changing their party affiliation (easy to do in GA without official party registration/affiliation & open primaries) to fit more in line with the national parties. The most prominent symbol of this shift is Zell Miller – who for years was a Southern Democrat (although not a racist – not all southern democrats are racists just as not all muslims are terrorists). but then essentially supported all things Republican once he entered national politics – even giving a fiery speech at the Republican National Convention in 2004 I believe it was and then going after Chris Matthews – who as we all know is the poster child for liberal Democrat.
Anyway – hope you enjoyed your history lesson.
NICK
March 20th, 2009
12:51 pm
WTF? F the Black Caucus. They are nothing but a bunch of bitch$ who will start screaming racism when this measure fails…
Chris
March 20th, 2009
12:52 pm
i’d like to point out that this is two different people posting as Chris at 12:39 & 12:48
Fletch
March 20th, 2009
12:59 pm
I sure do wish they would get back to work – both sides. My HR department notified me that I will be losing $300 per paycheck for the “making work pay” tax adjustment – american reinvestment act. If they don’t get to work, it is going to get much worse…
Pompano
March 20th, 2009
1:03 pm
This is one of those issues I would not have cared a thing about until Jones & Williams pathetically played the race card. Now I hope the Resoluton fails.
When will these idiots realize that they only hurt their cause when they pull this crap? Of course, the AJC loves to put a racial spin on every news article – so I guess it does assure them that their quotes will end up in print here.
Chris
March 20th, 2009
1:04 pm
Fletch that stinks – sorry to hear that for you. It’s easy for us to all bandy about that ONLY 5% of people will see an increase until that 5% is you. Better days will be ahead for you and hopefully this is only temporary.
ATLgirl
March 20th, 2009
1:06 pm
Returning to the present decade: the legislature routinely passes this kind of resolution all the time. For the Republicans to make such a stink about it is absurd and makes Georgia look like it’s still the 1950s.
Enoch
March 20th, 2009
1:07 pm
Time for the black caucus to stop playing the race card like a cheap Kazoo and let our legislature get back to business. These guys are posers and fakes, appearing to represent the interests of their race blinded constituents but only preying on their fears and hatreds. There is not a dime’s worth of difference between the white racist leaders of the fifties ( Democrats all) and the black racists of the Black Caucus today.
Pedro
March 20th, 2009
1:12 pm
This is a simple matter of politics as usual and both sides are doing what they do – creating press for themselves. But, why is W still getting bashed on Katrina by a political science guru? For telling Brownie he did a hell of a job? He at least showed up, which was more than Kathleen Blanco and Ray Nagin. And he didn’t order the shooting of looters as Blanco did. Why wasn’t she the dipstick in that fingerpoint? I guess if you’re a poli-sci major you are already steeped in the liberal juice. You need a real job. Maybe you should run and straighten things out? Right.
Bryan
March 20th, 2009
1:13 pm
This bill may be of no consequence — but it does have significance for how we work as a country. Sure, this bill in itself is nothing –it’s just congratulating a guy for winning an election. But the refusal to do so is significant both to our political problems and to the Republican party’s increasing irrelevance. (And I say that as a sad conservative.)
It’s like shaking hands after a ballgame — win or lose, the game is over and everyone walks off the field like a gentleman. The handshake itself doesn’t change the result — but refusing to do it, putting up a stink, treating your opponent as though he is beneath your dignity just because he was on the other side of the field…these things define us as people.
They can also define us a nation and a political party. If we really can’t shake hands — if we really can’t agree to do something meaningless and gentlemanly because we so despise the other side of the aisle (or want our “base” to despise them) — then we’re just not who we thought we were.
Dee
March 20th, 2009
1:25 pm
Who cares about the black caucus. I’m glad the bill was shut down and I’m calling my rep. to vote against it so it does not pass. They only stand for exclusion and preference.
Harvey
March 20th, 2009
1:28 pm
As you can see the rascism Republicans in Georgia will try anything to try and disgrace our country and president. American take a good look at the Republican, these are the same people kids who grew up in the “Jim Crow” period doing the 50’s and 60’s. Back then they tried to stop progress but they fail and they are going to fail this time. It’s just a matter of time that a backlash will occur. I would say 80% of american want to move on and forget this dark period in our country, or maybe we can e-communicate those right wing republican and sent them to Alaska and we can get on with the people business. American now you see what happen to the KKK in the south, they all ran to the republican party and they have disgrace american and what it stan for. Well if they hate the persiden so much, why are taking the stimmus money. AMERICAN WE MUST TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY FROM THE RIGHT WING REBUBLICN AND OUSTED THEM FROM PUBLIC OFFICE BECAUSE THEY ARE BEGANNING TO BE A PAIN IN THE REAR. Georgia let’s make the next election a true election by kicking out all of those racism republican.
Bite me
March 20th, 2009
1:42 pm
Instead of locking the doors to keep them from leaving can we please let the Black Caucus race victim parade leave and then lock the doors.
Dee
March 20th, 2009
1:45 pm
Americans believe in what can we do for our county. Black caucus believes in what can America do for us.
Voting for Glen Richardson
March 20th, 2009
1:45 pm
Keep up the Great work Glenn, You definitely will have my and many other votes if you can clean up the Democratic “race” agenda!
Question
March 20th, 2009
1:48 pm
Where is the “White Caucus” located in Washington and our State Capitol?
WM
March 20th, 2009
1:49 pm
Have any of you actually read the resolution? I highly doubt it, but if so please tell me what Obama has done to merit that tpye of praise mentioned in the resolution other than being the first bi-racial man elected. But I digress…trying to get liberals to think logically & understand facts is like trying to fit a round object in a square hole. Can’t be done.
Eric
March 20th, 2009
1:52 pm
It’s a resolution you @$$ everyone Republicans and Democratic in the Georgia General Assembly introduces them every freaking day.
jonesy
March 20th, 2009
1:56 pm
folks, it’s pretty apparent what happened here: a handful of republicans threw a monkey wrench in the works, trying to bait the black caucus, knowing that the black caucus would appear to overreact.
BravesFan79
March 20th, 2009
2:03 pm
Funny how all the blacks say Ga is “behind the times” and the “ol south”….. well WTF do u call Africa?? Thousands of years go by… and there STILL living in mud houses and raping babies to cure their AIDS!?? I think our leadership in the US is just fine without ya.
Go fix your own violent sht hole black areas (clayon, decatur, south atlanta) before you try and tell everyone else how “backwards” they are!
CT
March 20th, 2009
2:04 pm
Harvey: At least make it appear as though you proofread that lunacy before posting it.
Csquared
March 20th, 2009
2:05 pm
and tell me again why the rest of the legislature cares who is a member, honorary or not, of the Black Caucus? It doesn’t affect them one whit and it’s like Bryan at 1:13 said, this is inconsequential, but it shows your attitude. I didn’t see any problem with the Caucus voting for the Bush resolutions. It’s how you react and how you act that you’re going to get judged on. The GA legislature should have just let this go and then figure out how to get stimulus money that the state needs and yet another Republican Gov decided he wanted to play politics with.
this doesn’t hurt most of them, they’ve got their govt job. but for the 9.3% of Georgians unemployed, they don’t have time for this C%$P.
BravesFan79
March 20th, 2009
2:08 pm
Can you believe these liberal fools voted Obama as more important than Jesus??
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/michael-m-bates/2009/02/20/harris-hero-poll-obama-first-jesus-second
Business Owner
March 20th, 2009
2:18 pm
Everyone seems to be missing the point…
It was not racism that led to this. The wording chosen was the issue. The state house does not want to honor Obama which makes sense considering most of the state’s population and a huge majority of the state itself by county did not vote for him. If its such a big deal for the black caucus then they can just change those few words as was suggested. If its that big a deal that they not change them to try to have it represent the whole state house then let it get voted down.
Oh and to those calling GA backward… tell that to the people in Illionois where corruption in politics seems to be the name of the game, or in Berkely, CA who went against the Marines and tried to stop recruiters, or finally in Washington that are spending our country into bankruptcy and telling us its change.
Miranda
March 20th, 2009
2:24 pm
These “Deliverance” characters are so full of hate for the BLA-ACK President of the United States, they would rather kill their own child than actually be civil regarding this little matter. These racist nitwits are so full of it. They do hundreds of these simple resolutions all the time, but NOW its an issue. Please…..they are so azz backwards. If it wasn’t for Atlanta, Georgia would be Arkansas’s twin.
My Two Cents
March 20th, 2009
2:31 pm
If the Black Caucus wants to leave so be it. For heaven sake, please do the people’s business like you were elected to do. Oops! I forgot every time you people get together we need to be very afraid of how we are going to be further taxed!!!
GT fan
March 20th, 2009
2:36 pm
Poor picked on blacks. Clayton County has been such a breath of fresh air to this state.
Business Owner
March 20th, 2009
2:38 pm
Miranda made a fitting comment kinda… Only difference is without Atlanta the state would be much safer cause most of the violent crime occurs in Atlanta, the state would be ranked higher in education because its Atlanta’s schools that do so poorly, and the state would have a lot more funding because a lot of it goes to fix problems in Atlanta.
Oh and the state would have more republican representatives because the people that work and don’t have their hand out in this state are republicans. Kinda like the rest of the country really. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the last election… http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/whats_the_deal_with_prof_joseph_olsons.html
Notice the crime rate, total area, and total population. You find a way to explain why I should want to fit in with the liberal parts of the country and I will.
Hellsbane
March 20th, 2009
2:41 pm
[quote]WHEREAS, throughout his political career, President Barack Obama has enjoyed an unimpeachable reputation for integrity, vision, and passion for public service[/quote]
Given that language, i would object too. Unimpeachable reputation? Please!
OMG
March 20th, 2009
2:43 pm
Harvey, Harvey, Harvey……Before you start your nonsense can you plase learn proper english. Not all republicans are racist.
Business Owner
March 20th, 2009
2:43 pm
I had some fun with the last comment at 2:38… Let’s see if anyone catches it. Though the last sentence is still true cause I’d rather be a place you call backward or racist or whatever than most of the places Obama carried the vote. I’m sure many others would agree including those that live in those places.
OneFreeMan
March 20th, 2009
2:47 pm
President Barack Obama will NEVER get the support southern republicans and very few southern democrats will support him. It is againt the southern creed for a Man like President Obama to be in this posistion.
Look for southern legislators to attempt to leave the Union.
I guess yall think, he is out of his place…he’s uppity.
Everytime you guys try to keep the country in the past, you just end up being left behind.
See Ya, in the 21st Century.
Bat Boy
March 20th, 2009
2:49 pm
Why is it that when we opposes a resolution endorsing Obama that we are racists? Do we have four years of this race baiting nonsense to look forward to. I don’t give a fig that he is black. What I do care about is ten years of trilllion dollar deficits, even before he takes over health care. I do care that he is going to jack up taxes and channel money from the productive sectors of our economy to the unproductive ones. I do care that he rushes so quickly to launch legislation that neither he nor anyone else has even read (please see the “surprise” AIG bonuses) It’s not about race, Stupid.
I don’t want the state legislature to approve the actions of this president. I could care less if he is an honorary member of the black caucus.
Although, as far as I know, he has paid all of his taxes;he may not qualify for membership.
Mike
March 20th, 2009
2:51 pm
The U.S government was wrong to force backwards states like Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, etc. to remain in the Union. The truth is these places will probably always be mired in racism and religious and market fundamentalism and will never be anything more than a drag on the rest of the country. Fortunately, the political divisions couldn’t be more well-defined geographically – we really are living in two different countries. It’s time the federal government just accepted this fact and expelled the *Confederate* states from the Union. As Bill Maher said, on second thought, you can go.
Tom
March 20th, 2009
2:53 pm
I think its very childish for both sides to act this way….Austin Scott did nothing but piss people off and try to make a name for himself. Yes, resolutions like these pass without hesitation…usually. Every once in a while something like this does happen and its very unfortunate.
Who cares if Obama is a member of the Black Caucus? After all, he is black therefore he does fit the criteria….I think its rediculous to argue about something like this when our State is in such trouble! This really makes our State look even more crappy than it already is.
Gus
March 20th, 2009
3:02 pm
Typical black people. Next thing you know Shirley girl will be wanting to name a street after the prezbo. And yes, it would be a blessing to get the Great State of Georgia out of the Union. We confederates want our freedom.
Nice Comment Prez
March 20th, 2009
3:06 pm
Sure, let President Obama in the GA Black Caucus he’ll fit right in . . .
Appearing on “The Tonight Show” Thursday, the president told host Jay Leno he’d been practicing at the White House’s bowling alley but wasn’t happy with his score of 129. Then he remarked: “It was like the Special Olympics or something.”
OMG
March 20th, 2009
3:10 pm
Lets prasie someone (white or black or even hispanic) that makes comments on national television comparing his bowling score to that of a special olympian…..come one people lets move on from the race issue it is not about race. It is about the morals that one has.
Audrey in Georgia
March 20th, 2009
3:47 pm
Please get the resolution passed to honor OUR PRESIDENT, MR. BARACK OBAMA !!!!
The President should be given a lifetime membership to the Georgia caucus, not the black,
white, or hispanic caucus. Please start thinking inclusive, not exclusive.
william
March 20th, 2009
4:09 pm
Mike
March 20th, 2009
2:51 pm
I am all for it….when can we do it? Then you will have no leadership! Just like the carpetbaggers, you have no respect. The
reservoirDAWG
March 20th, 2009
4:14 pm
I’d make a comment but Bat Boy pretty much summed it up.
Audrey, this state will never support Barry Obama.
Georgia Taxpayer
March 20th, 2009
4:17 pm
We have 22 legislators who are not paying their taxes on time..we have a Black Caucus(why I thought everybody wanted to be included not excluded) who want to pass a resolution to make the President of The United States a part of their little group and meanwhile the taxpayers of Georgia are trying how to feed their kids and put gas in their cars so they can go to a job they may not have next week. Take a look at yourselves, we should replace the Gold Dome with a circus tent you are failing to serve the people of this state. Either be productive and do your jobs or go home and let someone else do it.
Steve
March 20th, 2009
4:18 pm
What did members of the White Caucus have to say about this?
.
Just a question
March 20th, 2009
4:21 pm
If we made Obama an honorary member of the Black Caucus, but did not go on record approving him, would that still be racist?
Audrey in Georgia
March 20th, 2009
4:30 pm
It does not matter whether you supported the Barack Obama, he is still OUR PRESIDENT!!!!!!
Steve, I think members of the White Caucus are a little upset because they were not
included.
RoadRanger
March 20th, 2009
4:46 pm
Perhaps the resolution should be reworded so that Georgia Black Caucus members can honor the black half of President Obama and the remaining members (the White Caucus?) can honor the white half of the president. This “separate but equal” de facto approach may seem a tad antiquated, but it makes better sense than excessive bickering over this vital piece of legislation.
Coming from Florida
March 20th, 2009
6:02 pm
Bryan, thanks for summing up the REAL issue. Coming from Florida, being here for 5 years, Georgia and its race relations have really let me down. I guess I should have paid more attention in my history classes. The mere fact that this would be an issue is very disappointing. Reading the comments on this blog has only confirmed what I’ve been thinking for a few years now. I must truly make a decision…. leave and move back to a place that is much more progressive, or stay and make a difference in the a place that is unapologetically racist.
Mike
March 20th, 2009
6:32 pm
‘Coming from Florida’….do you need a roadmap and some gas money?
Coming from Florida
March 20th, 2009
6:35 pm
Hey Mike….
because of your stupid ass comment, I’ll be staying awhile. You stupid racist!!!
Mike
March 20th, 2009
8:18 pm
I AM A PROUD BLACK MALE, and proud of Obama’s accomplishment. Although I think its speaks greater of this country than it does one man. WHO CARES ABOUT A DANG RESOLUTION!!! A piece of paper for him to add to the stacks of other such honors. Doesn’t this State Congress have RISING UNEMPLOYMENT and FINANCIAL issues to deal with????? Common sense would have told any third grader it wasnt going to pass in one of the few States he DIDNT CARRY. This is simple too stupid and pathetic of an issue. Only idiots walked out. Stay out.
Mike (2)
March 20th, 2009
8:21 pm
PROUD BLACK MALE is not the same Mike from FL. Just clarifying.
Luton Moore
March 20th, 2009
8:47 pm
Boy, that’s a real important piece of legislative business. Why not wait until the Messiah’s actually accomplished something? Most of these Blacks are race hustlers anyway, walking around with chips on their shoulders.
Matt
March 20th, 2009
8:56 pm
“and proud of Obama’s accomplishment.” If getting elected is that accomplishment, I certainly hope that that is not the only thing he accomplishes in the next four years.
Margo
March 20th, 2009
8:58 pm
The thing that makes me really angry, and always has is that even though my race was the first to be murdered by hitler,(not a typo), I do not bring it up. Can you imagine if there was a Congressional Nazi Caucus or a Congressional White Caucus or a Congressional Lesbian Caucus or a Congressional Native American Caucus, Congressional Penis Caucus…These people are just plain creepy to segregate themselves by color. I have a label for them…Congressional Ignorant/Racist/Hateful/Stoooopid/ Meanspirited and very disliked d/t immaturity Caucus. Amen.
Matt
March 20th, 2009
9:11 pm
Margo, Agreed.
obama will never have the full respect of the Office of the President as long as long as his followers continue to prop him up using the crutch of racism.
Mike (2)
March 20th, 2009
9:19 pm
Thank you Margo and Matt. My people have from the every beginning felt as though he can walk on water. They were actually playing Gospel Music at my polling place (no lie)…..until I told them it was not appropriate. Jesus himself back to save us all. He ran with YES WE CAN…..now I’m from Missouri…SHOW ME DMN IT!! i am not hating on Obama because I think he is bright man, far more intelligent than the last one. But some of my people see color and think its salvation. Sadd.
Bill
March 20th, 2009
9:46 pm
Where’s the WHITE Caucus? Oh, I forgot, that’s racist.
Bill
March 20th, 2009
9:47 pm
Georgia isn’t racist, but we do call a spade a spade. Truth Hurts!
Bill
March 20th, 2009
9:48 pm
And if you be a spade, then da truth be hurtin.
Bill
March 20th, 2009
9:50 pm
So when kayla kleevage was gettin farked with a fake tattoo of the Ace of Spades by a black man, was that racist? Please advise.
Bill
March 20th, 2009
9:53 pm
again I ask, if Kayla Kleevage was getting farked on film by a Black Man, with an Ace of spades on her arse, IS THAT RACIST? Enquiring minds want to know.
JJ
March 20th, 2009
10:48 pm
No politician should be given any kind of recognition until he/she has proven that their plan is successful. It is way too early to tell if this “econonmic plan” will work. These “officials” at the State (who work for us) should wait a few years before evaluating the outcome. I remember years ago a street being named for a Georgia politician, then she embarassed herself and Georgia every time she opened her mouth. Honor a politician after they have proven themselves. And yes there are dozens of these done each year to the point that they are overdone. Is it really a big honor to receive something that is handed out without much comment? Almost like saying “who cares”, it will end up on a desk under the utility bills.
These politicians forget who they work for and why they are in their positions. They are quick to vote for a raise for themselves while others are losing jobs, losing pay, and being furloughed.
hughglass
March 21st, 2009
7:08 am
I hope they stay out for good. As a compromise, how about this august body naming the messiah a half a member.
Dian
March 21st, 2009
9:07 am
What is really sad is that many inthis part of the country considers themselves to be followers of Christ. The disrespect and hatred that has shown itself here is why Jesus said not everyone who says “Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of God.” Ask yourself would Jesus speak your words. I say not. Jesus was a man of balance. He respected all people. He would be among those who are considered outsiders. There are those here in Georgia and in the country that have made it clear by their words and actions that they are not living by the standards set down by the person they claim to follow. The Bible says to pray for those in leadership and to give respect to those to whom repsect is due. That means President Obama whether you voted for or agree with him is due our support and respect. It is time for all those who call themselves Christians to reject the darkness of Rush Limabugh and follow the light of Christ.
reg373
March 21st, 2009
4:12 pm
You’d think on the taxpayer’s payroll, they might be solving problems instead of bickering over toothless resolutions… — cool site; Balkingpoints ; global forum & incredible satellite view of earth
No word yet on Obama resolution | Gold Dome Live
March 23rd, 2009
10:03 am
[...] Last we left this issue, the House voted on Friday to reconsider the bill and sent it to the Rules Committee for negotiations. It cannot come back to the floor without the Rules Committee adding it to the debate calendar. [...]
Michelle
March 23rd, 2009
3:06 pm
After reading these posts I understand why the Georgia legislature is so mired in (yes) backwater politics. It is a RESOLUTION people. This would not have been an issue at all if the Republicans had not made it one. I am sure the Black Caucus voted on resolutions that most of them did not agree with however POLITICAL ETIQUETTE dictated their agreements. From the comments I have read the Black Caucus is not the ONLY ones playing the RACE card. And for those of you worried about tax increases please review your tax returns. Also with all the education most of you claim to have I am sure your 401K’s are still intact. In that case, the GA Republican controlled body keep doing what you are doing. We are so PROUD.
NormWilson
March 25th, 2009
1:49 pm
Typical, don’t give them exactly what they feel they’re entitled to and the throw a tantrum, kind of like a two year old might do.
Time running out for Obama resolution | Gold Dome Live
April 1st, 2009
10:58 am
[...] little resolution, you might recall, caused a firestorm over the past few weeks. It’s the privileged resolution sponsored by Rep. Keith Heard [...]