GOP banishes public from first caucus meeting under new speaker
The House Republican Caucus just convened its first meeting of the 2010 legislative session and its first action was to banish the media and anyone not actually in the caucus.
Caucus rules require that their meetings be open to the public, unless its top leaders vote to close the doors. Those top leaders — new Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge), Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones (R-Milton), Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons), Caucus Chairwoman Donna Sheldon (R-Dacula) and Majority Whip Ed Lindsey (R-Atlanta) — were there.
Despite promises of a new beginning and of openness and transparency, Sheldon announced that anyone not a caucus member had to leave.
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114 comments Add your comment
EJ
January 12th, 2010
11:35 am
What’s good for Pelosi and Reid must be good for the Republicans.
Vote out every incumbent every chance you get.
fishtales
January 12th, 2010
11:37 am
Please elect us! We are one of you! We will fight for you tooth and nail every minute we are on the hill.
Now that I am in office…I want to sincerely tell all of you fine people who elected me…TO GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE SCUM!
ccboe5
January 12th, 2010
11:37 am
Speaker Ralston: “YOU LIE”
Karl Marx
January 12th, 2010
11:38 am
Thus starts the new open era in State Government. No different than any openness promises in the past. It’s time to vote everyone out and replace them with anyone who is not an incumbent.
Mark
January 12th, 2010
11:38 am
You forgot Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones of Milton.
Arthur Blank
January 12th, 2010
11:39 am
Hopefully they are voting to secede Gerogia from the Union, once again. Time to finish the job.
DA
January 12th, 2010
11:39 am
Boy is that a suprise!
Aaron Gould Sheinin
January 12th, 2010
11:43 am
Argh. Mark, you’re right. I’ll add her.
Paul's Johnson
January 12th, 2010
11:43 am
Meet the new boss……….same as the old boss………
bart
January 12th, 2010
11:44 am
When are the people of this state going to realize that voting carte blanche for Republicans is against their interest? With a healthy two party state you will have more openess and more responsiveness to constituents. The Republican majority is ruining education with their draconian cuts, for example. Many of them are openly antagonistic toward “government” schools. Then, you’ve got a bunch of them talking about seceding. Now we’ve got this closed meeting nonsense. It’s pure craziness.
Boooooo...
January 12th, 2010
11:45 am
Sigh.
Kyle's a Cherry Picker
January 12th, 2010
11:46 am
Hi Aaron,
Make sure you get this lil’ nuggett in front of Wingfield. I’ll be interested to read his column on it.
Good luck this session…wear your waders!
New beginnings
January 12th, 2010
11:51 am
Give them a chance. Its the media reporting on the GOP. What do you expect. Its day one back so give them a chance to get things under their belt. I mean it cant be worse then the dumbacrates trying to shove healthcare that is not healthcare down our throats as a means to take every penny we make in taxes right?
Aaron Gould Sheinin
January 12th, 2010
11:53 am
Hey, Cherry Picker, will do!
Daryl Morton
January 12th, 2010
11:58 am
Can we just have the Leadership secede from the union? Then those affected by the decisions made under the Gold Dome, namely us, can do what actually needs to be done.
bt
January 12th, 2010
12:02 pm
Again I must say. “All liars are not politicians,but all politicians are liars”.
CGB
January 12th, 2010
12:04 pm
Come on, there is absolutely nothing unordinary about this – neither Dem’s nor Rep’s have EVER held open caucus meetings for the media, especially when very sensitive matters are being discussed. I imagine this was a very personal & likely a little controversial meeting, with the new leadership team laying out who would be keeping their Committee Chairmanships and who would not. It’s also where they’ll likely be discussing their legislative agenda and priorities over the session. This is standard practice – it would be the equivalent to the CEO’s of a major corporation letting the public sit in during a meeting in which they’re going to discuss their business strategy over the next year-two years, or to discuss “personnel changes” — it doesn’t work like that. Never has and never will.
matchtuff
January 12th, 2010
12:06 pm
Are we surprised. A two timing and suicidal leader before and liars now. Please this is not news lol.
Aaron Gould Sheinin
January 12th, 2010
12:09 pm
Hey, CGB, I didn’t write the caucus rules that says meetings are to open to the public. If they don’t want to have this problem, they should change their rules. But when the rules say it’s meetings automatically are open, their decision to close them is newsworthy.
CGB
January 12th, 2010
12:11 pm
For any Dem’s on here who think this is “outrageous” – you obviously do not recall the dozens of secret meetings that DEM leaders had in the early 2000’s to draw up gerrymandered legislative districts – even resorting to meeting on Saturday & Sunday so that no one would know.
Seriously, don’t get all up in arms over something like this — the purpose of these meetings is for everyone to share their personal opinions and thoughts, which isn’t going to happen if members of the press are in the room.
b6542
January 12th, 2010
12:13 pm
“If elected we will open the health care reform deliberations to CSPAN,………….” OK !?
Carroll
January 12th, 2010
12:14 pm
The Repubs promises on openess are just as empty as Sonny’s promises for a new era on ethics in state government. Sonny’s own land deals and tax breaks provided him by his personal accountant who introduced legislation only ole sonny benefited from shot his promise full of holes. Ralston’s promises ring just as hollow
Yo Momma!
January 12th, 2010
12:15 pm
Oh snap Aaron – tell it!
Art Vandelay
January 12th, 2010
12:18 pm
CGB, this is nothing like a CEO at a major corporation letting the public sit in on board meetings. A corporation is by its very definition a PRIVATE enterprise, whereas the Georgia legislature is filled with supposedly PUBLIC SERVANTS who were elected by the people of this state to do our bidding. Their business strategy and personnel changes are our business, and we have a right to know what they’re doing — supposedly on our behalf. Ha.
bt
January 12th, 2010
12:19 pm
This sounds more like a b–ch seesion. The true forum is AT the ballot box.
bart
January 12th, 2010
12:23 pm
As long as we let them get away with this nonsense, they will continue to do it. To say there’s nothing out of the ordinary for them to do this or the Dems did it or they are just sharing their personal thoughts or whatever, just makes the corruption, secrecy, and ethics violations get worse. It’s time we took control of OUR government. After all, these idiots are our employees!
This is crap
January 12th, 2010
12:25 pm
Well said, Bart.
Fire Frank Wren
January 12th, 2010
12:25 pm
When will we as Southerners learn that the GOP no longer represents Southern values of honesty, family, religion, integrity, empathy, compassion and caring for others, and a sense of community?
ATL Guy
January 12th, 2010
12:26 pm
Hypocrites
Mark
January 12th, 2010
12:33 pm
It has gotten to the point that a political party win and control is more important than the people
jdawg
January 12th, 2010
12:34 pm
And we think Glen Richardson was really bad, I had rather know whats going on down there, than who he is with…what a start…..
Rebecca
January 12th, 2010
12:34 pm
But won’t they look like hypocrites for doing this?
Mark
January 12th, 2010
12:38 pm
When a politician wins they go straight to playing GOD!!! BUT, they could not do it if the people did not have such short memories.
duane
January 12th, 2010
12:39 pm
Wow, a closed door meeting how shocking. This state and country will continue to be crapped on by all politicians until we wake up and realize that despite our racial, cultural, religious and political differences we are all eating from the same s__t sandwich served up time and again from so called leaders. They use the media and related tools to promote the fear and distrust of each other that keep us at odds with each other and away from realizing we all want and need the same things while politicians and the special interest they really serve get richer and more powerful. I could be wrong but the last time Georgia wanted to suceed from the union had to do with their wish to keep slavery legal and profitable for those in power. Be careful folks you are walking down a very slippery slope be careful what you ask for.
Mark
January 12th, 2010
12:39 pm
well said bart
gatorman770
January 12th, 2010
12:42 pm
Damn…following the lead of the Democrats in Washington!
George C,
January 12th, 2010
12:43 pm
Don’t be fooled, folks. CGB is either a lobbyist or one of the newest legislators who has been told that his job is to downplay negative press reports. I dare CGB to reveal his real identity.
Browncoat
January 12th, 2010
12:44 pm
Get rid of them all and support the Independents.
Red
January 12th, 2010
12:45 pm
In all fairness, I’m sure there was a seminar for the caucus on ‘how to get your willie thrilled without getting caught’ or something. After all, for the GOP, it’s more about perception than reality.
wtf
January 12th, 2010
12:49 pm
Well, it’s business as usual under the Gold Dome. The sound bite from yesterday was that House would again become “The People’s House”…except for, apparently, the people aren’t allowed. Nice job Ralston and Jones. Ugh.
rightofcenter
January 12th, 2010
12:51 pm
Mountain, meet Molehill.
Gail
January 12th, 2010
12:53 pm
As earlier stated within, the GOP has long since lost the values of honesty, family, religion, intetrity, empathy and compassion – and especially in PROTECTING and CARING for the VULNERABLE within this state. Our Teachers and children should be lifted up by our State – our stated should not take $ away from Schools, SCHIP, Medicaid, mentally ill, disabled, or the elderly. Take it away from the FAT CATS sitting around doing nothing on these issues.It is amazing that our Lt. Governor’s recorded radio speech yesterday did not address the HORROR’s that have been happening in our state to the vulnerable – for God’s sake the Dept. of Justice just shut down Centrl State in Milledgeville and are dealing with horrrs there at any many other locations. Yet, not dear Sonny nor dear Casey ever make a statement about this on the heels of that kind of info hitting the newpapers – they are silent – and yes they were happening with the “new regime” as well – horrors were still happening. That should be the # 1 priority in this state. THEY DO NOT CARE nor never have. They knew for years this was happening, sat there and did nothing..
Also – did you know that the MAJORITY of the money that was paid to the State of Georgia from the tobacco company settlements was committed to go to stop smoking campaigns as well as finding a cure for cancer reasearch in this fine state? ASK DEAR SONNY PERDUE how much was received from settlements and EXACTLY how much was spent on cancer research & stop smoking classess and true help for people?
Guess what = the majority of it did not go to what is was supposed to go to. Even at budget meetings within the state – they plop in “expected $ from “tobacco/smoking funds” – they are so ignorant that people can publicly access this in their reports – again WHY ISN’t THIS going to cancer research rather that being counted on the “make up for poor financial management???”"”
These “closed door meetings” are representative of who “they truly are” – vote out every Republican known to man in this state. It should not be a hard sell in this state to elect Democrats as Governor or anything eles they wish to run for in the future. The GOP’s legacy is pitiful.
George C.
January 12th, 2010
12:53 pm
Still waiting, CGB. The more that clowns like you defend the status quo, the better Karen Handel looks as a viable candidate to disrupt the good ole boy network.
Republicrat_Slave
January 12th, 2010
12:57 pm
This bunch of usurpers needs to have a “checks-n-balances” Governor overseeing the BS they write up and send out to be law. NOT another “career politician”, but one like State’s Rights Advocate, Ray McBerry. The bull will stop at the end of his veto pen and not another in the race.
GEORGIA FIRST! and to hell with DC and these partisan puppets.
You Distort/We Deride
January 12th, 2010
12:59 pm
As a moderate, I have to tell you, none of this surprises, angers or upsets me. What gores my ox is that the Dems will use this as a way to condemn Republicans, and the Republicans will counter that the Dems are worse, yada yada yada.
When will you fools come to realize that R is D and D is R and the only people being aced out of the equation are YOU AND ME. Those rascals know they can get away with bloody murder, because on election day, half of us will vote R and the other half will vote D.
You ever wonder why the middle class has no voice in Washington…or in Atlanta? It’s because we’re being pitted against each other, and the fat cats are laughing all the way to the bank.
Browncoat
January 12th, 2010
12:59 pm
The Dems and the Repubs are opposite sides of the same coin. If your waiting on salvation from the Democrats, thats a long wait for a train that don’t come.
Yosemite Sam
January 12th, 2010
1:01 pm
Wow! People like Jerry Keen, with half-million dollars in his campaign war chest from insurance companies, etc., vote to make a meeting of the GOP private. Imagine that.
What next GOP
January 12th, 2010
1:09 pm
Karen Handel is the best viable candidate to break up the good ole boys network. It is time for a woman to have a chance to lead Georgia. You know she will improve our children’s education. This shpould be the main topic for funding. If you can read this thank your teacher.
LocalCitizen
January 12th, 2010
1:12 pm
Huh, no surprises. Republicans or Democrats, they are all politicians and lying is their greatest talent!!!
I don’t know why THE PEOPLE is so bent on “I’m a democrat, I’m a republican” idelogy. I vote for whoever does not represent the people, get them out from office and replace them with somebody new. Sooner or later, these politicians will get the message.
Btw, LET US KEEP MORE OF OUR HARD-EARNED MONEY. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHETHER MY FAMILY NEEDS FOOD ON THE TABLE OR HEALTH PROGRAMS? CONSUMING HEALTHY FOOD LEADS TO HEALTHY LIFE!!!!!!
Mark
January 12th, 2010
1:15 pm
They just wanted to appraise the cost of the grease they will need
in order to stick it deeep in us but not enough that they
can’t get re-elected!!!!!!
Mr. Grumpy
January 12th, 2010
1:23 pm
Here’s a simple mathematical formula:
Those Who Vote For, Support, or Agree With Republicans = Suckers
Alabama Communist
January 12th, 2010
1:25 pm
Hot dang! Finally the Repubs are admitting there are a secret society in government!
Voice of Reason
January 12th, 2010
1:26 pm
As long as OUR elected officials are allowed to police themselves, nothing is going to change. Politicians have a knack of telling their prospective constituents what they want to hear at election time, but when they get into office the “GOD” complex sets in. When was the last time you were granted ‘access’ to your Representative? How about the last time they were seen in your district? These people don’t give a crap about the people they supposedly represent. Power and the idea of holding on to it are the most important things in a politicians mind.
There needs to be a state wide referendum for the voters to decide regarding term limits, and abolishing the self policing that happens now. If someone can come up with plans for these 2 things, that would be a start in the right direction.
For those picking sides, politicians ARE politicians. Their underlying MO is the same. The differences are ideological in nature. We here about monopolies in the private sector being illegal. The current govt monopoly will be our downfall if changes aren’t made. These monopolies exist because on an individual basis, they couldn’t think themselves out of a wet paper bag. Politicians and common sense are polar opposites.
You Distort/We Deride
January 12th, 2010
1:27 pm
I think a well-regulated militia needs to be established around the perimeter of the capitol. Not in any way espousing violence, but until the people let the legislators know that they are OUR representatives, and not simply the property of the most lucrative lobbyist arrangement, we’ll continue to get lip service from our reps.
Gail
January 12th, 2010
1:33 pm
You’re all right – Dems or Republicans – when power and money fly into any room or door – JUSTICE, FAIRNESS, and the PEOPLE are thrown out!! Just vote for whomever does RIGHT by the PEOPLE vs. DOES FOR THEMSELVES (notice the “Right” word was not used here)!!!
Voice of Reason
January 12th, 2010
1:35 pm
And speaking of lobbyists, Georgia, IIRC, is one of 10 states that don’t have “limits” on the gratuties that they receive from lobbyists. To combat that problem, enact a law that forbids any gift that has a monetary value attached to it. PERIOD.
Common sense dictates that particular solution, so we can throw it into the trash receptacle.
CGB
January 12th, 2010
1:55 pm
Okay – see if ANY of you can get access to the Democrat caucus meeting where they’re actually discussing substantive issues? It won’t happen. I’m not going to get into a war of words with an AJC reporter whose goal is to bring down elected Republicans, or the handful of you who obviously have no understanding how ALL governments run. Do you think Reid or Pelosi will let you sit on a strategy meeting? No chance, unless you’re Soros or another major contributor maybe. Do you think Roy Barnes will let you sit in on his meetings with legislators if he gets back in office? Won’t happen.
All I’m saying is this – Aaron and a handful of other commenters, are making a mountain out of a molehill. The real indication of “change” in how state government is run will come during the heart of the legislative session, when Democrats can actually get legislation onto the floor and passed, when Republicans don’t have to worry about the Speaker killing their bill in committee, when debate on the floor isn’t prevented. But I doubt the AJC will do anything to sing the praises of the new leadership team in the House when that happens.
Finally, I love the comment above from one supporter of a certain GOP GOV candidate that “she will improve our children’s education” — judging by the candidates own lack of advanced education, I’d be interested to see how she’s qualified to lead major reform in that area?
dh
January 12th, 2010
1:55 pm
Sounds just like the openness and transparency under the Democrats of Capitol Hill. They are all corrupt, vote them all out!
RetiredSoldier
January 12th, 2010
1:57 pm
I love it, the session is hours old and already the same old boo birds have convicted the new leadership of everthing except having common sense. Give the new folks a chance. Do you think the public is allowed in the Dem meeting? This is pure sillines.
HNBC
January 12th, 2010
2:00 pm
So, what else is new? Same old leadership issues as before. The GOP really isn’t going to change.
George C.
January 12th, 2010
2:05 pm
Well, CGB, I see you still don’t have the guts to identify yourself. I’m guessing you are a lobbyist who relishes keeping things the way they are. My name, by the way, is George Clements. Come out of your hiding place, CGB.
Browncoat
January 12th, 2010
2:05 pm
Listen CGB, no need to be condescending, I KNOW how government works, and I don’t like it. Because of how govenment works, we have this political mess.
These politicians make being a politican their occupation, and and like most people, they work to make sure they don’t loose their jobs. As such we are left with this constant political pandering when in reality NOT A ONE of them want real change. Real change would be limiting people to short terms in office so that they do the right thing rather than the thing they need to do to get elected.
GO RIGHT AND NEVER GO WRONG
January 12th, 2010
2:11 pm
What a bunch of crybaby Liberals. We have yet to have an open meeting regarding Healthcare, nor has the stimulus dollars spent been revealed as our President claimed they would be, the open website stating how government spending would be dictated or anything near the TRANSPARENCY that Obama promised has not even sniffed at materializing, yet I don’t see an article or any post from Dems crying about that. One meeting by the caucus, which was the first, where personnel issues were discussed and did not need to be disclosed to the media and we get an article in the AJC and 70+ comments from the liberals crying about it. What a bunch of HYPOCRITES!!!!
Aaron Gould Sheinin
January 12th, 2010
2:14 pm
Hey, Go Right, check this out: http://www.ajc.com/news/cobb/stimulus-reports-missing-255494.html. It’s a story from December about failure of the recipients of stimulus money to disclose it and the failure of the government to offer the reports.
Second, this is not an article in the AJC. It’s a blog post. It’s unlikely to make it into print. Finally, we have no idea if personnel issues were discussed. Where did you get that? The caucus doesn’t really have “personnel.”
Browncoat
January 12th, 2010
2:17 pm
The government is just a body of people, usually, notably, ungoverned.
Cutty
January 12th, 2010
2:18 pm
CGB- What are you talking about? Change in the heart of the legislative session? Cagle is already talking about tax cuts when the state is in the worst economic crisis in generations. And his solutions is to bring in less revenue and cut spending. Where will the spending be cut? Education and services most likely, all the while corporations get tax abatements to move their businesses here. The state doesn’t even know if those tax breaks are working, yet keep doling them out. Forming a budget task force where all the members are from corporations or republican think tanks makes me ask the question: well what do we need elected representatives for? Let’s just turn the state’s books over to Georgia Power.
And don’t preach talking about what people don’t know about their government. The legislature are elected officials who work for the people. Should they have allowed citizens and the media into their caucus meeting? If they had at least it would’ve been perceived as an olive branch that things are changing over there. By not doing so, it just shows more of the same. The majority in power has screwed up and it has to be their mission to change the culture. Saying just trust us isn’t gonna work anymore. Its their job to show things are changing, if not November can’t come soon enough.
Andre
January 12th, 2010
2:25 pm
Somebody earlier said, give them a chance? Give them a chance? GIVE THEM A CHANCE??? They have had plenty of chances and they just keep screwing up everything. Spend their time on making gun laws and trying to figure out how to build more roads, on top of other roads. And forgetting about what made Georgia, the RAIL system. Give them a chance my behind!
Derwood
January 12th, 2010
2:25 pm
Okay people, it is a closed meeting as they have several important items to finalize before eally going to work. Some of the items are:
work day from 10:a.m to 1:00 P.M. with lunch from 10:45A.M. to 12:45 P.M.
2- is it going to be The Varsity Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Mcdonal’s Tuesday and Thursday, or visa-versa.
Now you all need to be ashamed of yourselves. No politicians in local state or federal level would ever do antyhing under handed. You should apologize to them all.
RetiredSoldier
January 12th, 2010
2:41 pm
The rail system? The rail system made Georgia? Please Andre, tell us the “rail” story.
N-GA
January 12th, 2010
2:43 pm
It reminds me of the uproar about VP Cheney meeting with oil industry representatives. We can’t even get the minutes from that meeting….still!
Greg
January 12th, 2010
2:44 pm
@CGB CEOs and politicians… govt and business… two different things. Too stupid to even attempt to comment more on this. There’s no way you would understand it anyway.
Turker Slayer
January 12th, 2010
2:44 pm
All of the above statements are sadly true. Both Dems and Repugs are turning their backs on us, The American Public. I really believe that we need a change of face in Government. What do you think happens after a guy has been in office 20+ years. He doesn’t work for us, he works for whoever pays the highest price for his vote. Its sad but true. Take a look at the financial records of these guys. They don’t earn enough money from their jobs as elected officials to be multi-millionaires. Where do you think that money comes from? I will vote against any incumbent from now on reguardless of their party affliation or promises. Without term limits its our only chance to keep them honest.
RetiredSoldier
January 12th, 2010
2:45 pm
Aaron-
You are really doing aren’t being fair here. Most caucus meetings are closed, Rep and Dem. You make it sound like something terrible is happening. Be honest now and tell the “whole” truth.
RetiredSoldier
January 12th, 2010
2:49 pm
Butchered the above, I meant to say….You really aren’t being fair here
RetiredSoldier
January 12th, 2010
2:50 pm
Enter your comments here
OedipusTax
January 12th, 2010
2:54 pm
As accountability journalism is as dead as Walter Cronkite, I’d like to ask Aaron Gould Sheinin what her membership is in any political party, and who she voted for in 2000, 2004, and 2008 for President of the United States? And will she answer these questions honestly? While today one can find the ingredients of any consumer product on their labels, newspapers refuse to provide their ingredients, somehow claiming impartiality. Such claims are a damnable lie. Once the Atanta Journal Constitution admits their own politcal preferences, only then should any of their journalism be considered as being honest and fair.
I prefer openly partisan magazines and newspapers, such as Mother Jones, The New Republic, or The National Review. At least those publications don’t hide their partisanship, as do most newspapers. Once newspapers admit their own partisanship through honestly publicizing their own party affiliations, will journalism be considered an honest and open profession. Journalists at the AJC are no more honest than any of the politicians they claim to criticize. Truth in packaging laws should be enforced for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. though I believe the results to be painfully obvious to anyone with eyes that can see.
You Distort/We Deride
January 12th, 2010
2:54 pm
As long as your default reaction is “Those damned Republicans” OR “The Democrats do the same thing only worse”, you are part of the problem and have been DUPED.
Wake up folks. The politicians have arranged us in a circular firing squad while they go about their business unencumbered by any true accountability.
You Distort/We Deride
January 12th, 2010
2:57 pm
Oedipus
Add FOX News to your list. They hide behind their banner of “Fair and Balanced” while embracing their partisanship. It works both ways, you know.
Wow
January 12th, 2010
3:03 pm
Never understood why people vote for those who hate government, but want to run it. This is what you get.
Aaron Gould Sheinin
January 12th, 2010
3:04 pm
Uh, Oedipus, I’m a guy, first of all.
Second, I’m not a member of any political party. Why would I tell you for whom I voted?
Aaron Gould Sheinin
January 12th, 2010
3:06 pm
RetiredSoldier, I appreciate your thoughts and I trust you are correct about most caucus meetings being closed. To me, however, this is different because a) their own rules specify they’re open to the public. If they’re not going to honor that, why have the rule? And b) because they’re promising a new way forward and one of their first acts is to go behind closed doors.
Marcos
January 12th, 2010
3:10 pm
“Our” legislature has no business cutting us out. WE put you in office… no matter how much money you took from lobbying organizations… WE pay your salaries… no matter how many lobbyest take you on golf outings… WE can vote you out if you decide you are too good for us and decline us a seat at the table.
Too many of our legislators forget who they work for. Maybe it’s time we showed them.
Bob
January 12th, 2010
3:13 pm
To compare a political party’s caucus to the debate over health care in the U.S. Congress is absolutely absurd.
You Distort/We Deride
January 12th, 2010
3:14 pm
I often say that if the Revolutionary War was to be fought in the 21st century, no one would show up. We have jobs, mortgages, kids in school, credit card debt, Blackberries, cell phones, plasma TV with football games and American Idol to watch.
Nope. We’d still be under British rule if the Revolutionary War was to be fought right now. Not enough time to get away.
RetiredSoldier
January 12th, 2010
3:18 pm
Marcos-
Do you feel that way with the Dems in the legislature? How about in Congress? Pelosi and Reid close their meetings, are you up in arms about that? Me thinks you have selective anger.
aaron humes
January 12th, 2010
3:32 pm
QUESTION: Is it possible that closed caucus meetings might foster better open communications between legislators than if performing for the press?
Or is the press just pissed because they can’t sell more ink by reporting a caucus’ discussion?
Audrey in Georgia
January 12th, 2010
3:38 pm
It does not matter if the door to republicans is open or closed, the answer at the end of the day
is “NO!”
RetiredSoldier
January 12th, 2010
3:40 pm
Amen Aaron and what the heck does that mean Audrey.
George Clements
January 12th, 2010
3:42 pm
Aaron, I admire a) your vigilance and b) your patience in explaining the obvious to those whose ony explanation for something is “the other guys do it, too.” You are right in pointing out that Ralston and his supporters were talking about a new way of doing business in the post-Richardson era, but it appears that — at least from a PR point of view — they goofed here at the opening bell. Maybe they will adjust but I doubt it, which will no doubt please cowardly lobbyists like CGB.
Johnny Dodds
January 12th, 2010
3:42 pm
I thought we lived in a democracy. This sounds EXCTREMELY FACIST TO ME. CALL RALSTON AND JONES AND COMPLAIN! BOMBARD THEIR OFFICES!
forwhy
January 12th, 2010
3:43 pm
I’m so totally gagged with a spoon about this. It’s sooo like 2 hours ago!
Jessica
January 12th, 2010
3:49 pm
The good, hardworking leaders who should run for office don’t. Want to know why I think they don’t: (1) because every mistake they’ve made since kindergarten will be brought to light; (2) they don’t have the money to run because most are hardworking family people who are trying to put kids through college and pay mortgages; (3) most are not well know and well connected so name recognition is an issue (4) Georgians would rather elect career politicians because at least they recognize their name. We get what we elect and we have ourselves to blame. During campaign season we allow them to get away with attacking each other rather than actually discussing plans they have to make Georgia great. We thrive and focus on the latest rumor rather than the real issues that affect Georgians. And then we get angry after the election because the same people who promised us transparency slams the door in our face and tell us..”to the left…to the left”. When we as voters change, our leaders will change. Until then……
Michael
January 12th, 2010
3:50 pm
Same thing for the last few thousands years. It’s called democracy, not plebiscite.
Johnny Dodds
January 12th, 2010
3:50 pm
Amen to Tucker Slayer!!!!
Johnny Dodds
January 12th, 2010
3:57 pm
Both the donkeys and elephants are just that. We need new faces in all facets of government and term limits should apply everywhere. I’m never voting for a major party candidate again. They’ve all let me down. This is just another example of government talking the talk, but not walking the walk. Fascist, corporate pigs, they all are!!!!!
Browncoat
January 12th, 2010
3:59 pm
Michael, we are a Republic, not a Democracy.
Johnny Dodds
January 12th, 2010
4:07 pm
I placed a call to the majority caucus just now at 404-656-5025. Spoke to Linda. She said she was “unaware” that the media was banned from the meeting because there were “all sorts of folks in there.”
WHAT GIVES? This smells fishy.
Aaron Gould Sheinin
January 12th, 2010
4:20 pm
Johnny, tis true, they booted everyone (except staff).
Aaron Gould Sheinin
January 12th, 2010
4:25 pm
Thanks George!
Michael
January 12th, 2010
4:35 pm
Do you even know the difference, or do you just like to hear yourself typing?
Rayovac
January 12th, 2010
4:45 pm
It is obvious who Aaron Gould Sheinin voted for in 2004 and 2008. Those are the only years he has voted.He was not old enough in 2000.
Browncoat
January 12th, 2010
4:47 pm
Ok, in a republic citizens vote for representatives who vote on legislation, and in a Democracy all citizens vote on all legislation. And wow, did I enjoy hearing myself type!
oldtimer
January 12th, 2010
4:56 pm
Good enough for the congress and presidanet, good enough for GA..
OedipusTax
January 12th, 2010
5:17 pm
Aaron, because you would once and for all be honest with us on who you really are. Are you afraid to reveal your own biases and affiliations? You can dance around who you are, feed your ego all you want about being an impartial reporter, and all you’ll do is hide behind a false front. You claim that this is a valid news story to cover, but why not reveal your own background as information? Didn’t your own opinions figure in your choice to cover it in the first place? Are you afraid to admit who you are? I voted for Harry Browne in 2000, George Bush in 2004, and McCain in 2008, one Libertarian and two Republicans. I’ve also voted for George McGovern. I consider myself to be mainly Libertarian. Now, show me that you have the guts to say who you voted for. I bet you don’t have the guts. Only newspaper reporters have the gall to claim impartiality while being some of the most politcally biased people on the planet. They are the people who have demanded of others to reveal their sources, their ingredients, and their backing, while being among the world’s hypocrites for not revealing their own ties, influences, and poltical affiliations. Are you one of the hypocrites? Show us, right now.
stw
January 12th, 2010
5:23 pm
Funny, I have never heard this paper say anything about the closed door “DEALS” made by the dems in order to force feed the Healthcare Deformity Bill !!
RGB
January 12th, 2010
5:31 pm
stw is Right,
I’m s t i l l waiting for the AJC blog on the libs’ closed door policy on healthcare.
Let’s compare: Obama/Reid/Pelosi work to takeover one-fifth of our economy against the will of U.S. citizens while Republicans in Georgia are, what, establishing some housekeeping rules that have little consequence.
1. Where is the blog on Obama’s broken promise for all healthcare debate to be on C-SPAN?
2. Where is the blog on Obama’s broken promise to post everything on the Internet prior to congressional votes?
3. Where is the blog on the Democrat’s broken promise to be transparent?
4. Where is the blog on Obama’s broken promise to eliminate earmarks?
5. Where is the blog on Obama’s broken promise not to have lobbyists in his administration?
The media are complicit, are not doing their job, and would be sued for malpractice if they were physicians.
Mark
January 12th, 2010
5:53 pm
How about a closed door tea party!!!!!
Mark
January 12th, 2010
5:57 pm
All I hear is Obama,Obama what about the Senate and House aren’t they the ones who make the laws,rules and policies and The Pres can sign or veto the bill. Its not like he does the whole process.
This is something people want to jump on because of misinformation and He is the figure head.
RGB
January 12th, 2010
6:01 pm
If the previous poster is indicative of the electorate, then I know precisely why we are in trouble.
The Executive branch (Obama for you) and two houses of Congress are in lockstep with each other.
Say it out loud: L O C K S T E P.
Mark
January 12th, 2010
6:02 pm
Nope
Mark
January 12th, 2010
6:06 pm
RGB you want to be right because your views are to the right.
Have an open mind and don’t be led by the nose.
But I agree they should make all transparent( no arg ).
Mel
January 12th, 2010
6:20 pm
Everyone who cares about openness and response to the people in Georgia government should put this link in your favorites and visit it every time you hear about “a new beginning” or “putting the people over the special interests”.
http://ethics.georgia.gov/Reports/ReportSummary.aspx
Follow the money. Fix the money or fix nothing!
In THIS case, click candidates and go to David Ralston. See for yourself to whom he owes favors.
Mel
January 12th, 2010
6:27 pm
BTW: On this one, “Cagle calls for tax cuts despite budget crisis” the tax cuts are aimed squarely at his big-time campaign contributors.
KM
January 12th, 2010
8:51 pm
Jessica @3:49 pm. Superb post and so true. Explains specifically the crux of our problems with our elected officials.