PSC newcomer yet to master subtle art of back-scratching
There’s the right way to do these things. And then there’s Tim Echols’ way.
Echols is a member of the state Public Service Commission, charged with regulating the state’s energy utilities, telecom companies and trucking and limousine services. As Kristi Swartz reports in today’s AJC, Echols wrote a letter back in March to Augusta National Golf Club, using official PSC stationery, requesting two tickets to a practice round of the Masters.
“As a statewide elected official, I would welcome the opportunity to visit with constituents and guests in our state,” Echols wrote.
Getting no response to his first letter, Echols stepped up the heat. He wrote another letter, demanding access to the grounds to allow him to inspect limousines being used to service members, players and guests at the tournament, so that he could ensure that they were properly licensed by the PSC.
He still didn’t get in.
If you’re wondering how Echols came up with such a cockamamie approach, I may be able to help you out. You see, before filing to run for the PSC last year, Echols served as campaign manager for then-Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine in his failed run for governor. And Oxendine was renowned for his less-than-subtle use of public office as leverage to get what he wanted.
As Swartz reported in late July, the newly elected Echols has also run up twice as much in expense reimbursements as any other PSC commissioner, spending more than $12,000 on trips that have often been a dubious mix of personal and public business.
“Since he took office in January, Echols’ billings for mileage, hotels and meals have included $1,231.42 for a trip to Savannah to showcase his personal compressed natural gas-fueled car in a St. Patrick’s Day parade; $337.62 to Albany for nuclear waste meetings, which coincided with his daughter’s track meet there; and $79.05 in mileage from his Winterville home to the Woodruff Arts Center because he wore a gold PSC name badge and represented the agency.
There have been additional trips to Brunswick, St. Simons and Ossabaw islands, some of them including members of his family….
That said, Echols has lined up a 10-day trip to France next year to tour some of the country’s 52 nuclear plants and learn how that industry handles spent fuel. He will pay for the trip out of campaign funds rather than expense it.”
Echols defends his blunt approach to the Masters by explaining that he didn’t want to acquire tickets through lobbyists, which might make him beholden to them. That makes a certain strange kind of sense. Indeed, if you look through disclosure forms, you discover that so far this year, Echols has accepted just two meals, worth a total of $66.75, from lobbyists.
On the other hand, Echols’ colleague at the PSC, Lauren “Bubba” McDonald, did wrangle a ticket to a Masters practice round, courtesy of an AT&T lobbyist. So far this year, McDonald has also accepted $1,999.67 in lodging, meals and other goodies from SCANA, a gas marketing company that he was elected to regulate on behalf of the people of Georgia.
SCANA has been even more hospitable to another commissioner, Doug Everett, for whom it has purchased $2,169.96 in lodging, meals and other benefits so far this year.
A third PSC colleague, Stan Wise, isn’t listed as attending the Masters this year but did accept three rounds of golf, for a total of $435, from David Christopher Weaver, a lobbyist for Atlanta Gas Light Co., which the PSC regulates. So far this year, the AGL lobbyist has showered Wise with $1,237.65 in golf, meals and other benefits.
(The fifth PSC member, Chuck Eaton, hasn’t accepted — or perhaps been offered — largesse on that scale.)
And of course, PSC commissioners are hardly alone. Another lobbyist reports spending $990 on tickets, food and lodging to take state Sen. Renee Unterman and her spouse to the Masters, courtesy of Hall, Booth, Smith and Slover, an Atlanta law firm. Two other state legislators are also listed as accepting Masters tickets from lobbyists.
Other entries in the disclosure data base are a little more opaque. One lobbyist reports spending $668 to take two state representatives to an unnamed “golf tournament” on April 7. That happened to be the starting date of the 2011 Masters, which ran April 7-10. Another reported spending $50 to buy “ticket to golf tournament” for House Speaker David Ralston on April 10. (If anybody else knows how to snag a ticket to the final round at Augusta for $50, please let me in on the deal.)
The point is, there’s clearly a “right” way to get your back scratched. If you stay within approved channels, under Georgia law you can legally accept thousands of dollars worth of benefits, even from companies you’re supposed to be regulating. In the words of the Wicked Witch of the West, “these things must be done delicately.”
It’s an approach Echols has yet to master, so to speak.
– Jay Bookman
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277 comments Add your comment
stands for decibels
August 25th, 2011
9:54 am
This thing on?
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
10:01 am
The back-scratching needs to be cut to zero and the whole agency given an enema.
(ir)Rational
August 25th, 2011
10:02 am
Amazing how well they protect us. I’m actually going to have to go with the defense of “don’t blame me, I voted for the Democrat” on this one.
In all honesty though, this kind of crap makes me sick. I actually like the PSC, as sometimes they are the only real way to deal with certain companies (AT&T comes to mind), but the fact that they are elected to regulate these companies should make it automatically illegal for them to accept any bribes, I mean gifts from lobbyists, from these companies. I actually think they should be removed from office for it.
Oh-well. Who is John Galt?
Citizen of the World
August 25th, 2011
10:06 am
There are entitlements — disbursements to the elderly, working poor and disenfranchised — and then there are entitlements — gifts and favors and privileges and tax breaks for the already well connected. Guess which ones the Republicans want to put a stop to?
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
10:07 am
“That said, Echols has lined up a 10-day trip to France next year to tour some of the country’s 52 nuclear plants and learn how that industry handles spent fuel. He will pay for the trip out of campaign funds rather than expense it”
if I was a campaign donor, I think I’d be a bit miffed.
Jay
August 25th, 2011
10:09 am
Well, USinUK, if the speaker can take a $17,000 lobbyist-paid trip to Europe to look at fast trains….
Steve Hodges
August 25th, 2011
10:10 am
I don’t know Mr. Echols or his politics and he clearly made a poor decision. I thought it would be the right thing to do to also expose your readers to the following story excerpts, which I feel you should have included.
…”Echols has since said that he should not have asked for the tickets because of the “appearance of impropriety.” Experts say Echols’ letters broke no laws but agree there’s a concern about appearances.
“It’s clear that he’s trying to use the office as if there’s some royal entitlement to complimentary tickets,” said Emmet Bondurant, an Atlanta lawyer whose specialties include ethics cases.
…Echols’ request for tickets, which cost $36 apiece this year, came more than 11 months after the May 1 cutoff for entry into the ticket lottery.”
Adam
August 25th, 2011
10:11 am
Hmm so he can’t get to the Masters, because he won’t accept lobbyist funds? And he can’t regulate something at the Masters for the same reason?
This is a bit confusing, but I kinda like this guy’s insistence on not accepting lobbyist money. Too bad it means he probably will not last long, and probably be completely ineffective. Maybe he can make that case later, loudly, and publicly, and that might help some sort of lobbyist reform. That’s probably overly optimistic, though.
carlosgvv
August 25th, 2011
10:13 am
When I was growing up in Georgia, years ago, my elders used to regularly say those politicians are “just a bunch of crooks”. Looks like things haven’t changed very much. If I were addressing a class of college freshmen and were asked to impart some advice I would say “for as long as you live look for your politicans to be a bunch of crooks”. Hey, is this a great Country or what!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joe the Plutocrat
August 25th, 2011
10:13 am
I like his chuzpah! finally, we have a politician who wants to eliminate the influence of lobbyists, and shake down constituents (some would say extort). and really, who cares if a lobbyist doled out a couple of “practice round” passes?
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 25th, 2011
10:15 am
Inspections of limos? Who the heck is stiffling the limo industry with all those regulations. Why I bet if we removed those regulations, everyone in GA would be riding in limos what with all the competitive forces.
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
10:17 am
“Well, USinUK, if the speaker can take a $17,000 lobbyist-paid trip to Europe to look at fast trains….”
the new motto for Ga politics:
GA … the only difference to LA is 4 letters
Brosephus
August 25th, 2011
10:20 am
Joe @ 10:13
I think he’s only trying to cut out the middleman (lobbyist). Maybe he thinks he can get a bigger piece of the pie that way.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 25th, 2011
10:22 am
Well there is also Newt’s “campaign trip” to Hawaii…. which coincides with his wedding anniversary.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
10:22 am
Keep,
I had the same thought? Limo inspection? WTF? Seriously, what DOES that have to do with the PSC?
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
10:23 am
And wow, I can’t think that limo inspection is like high priority at the PSC if they are, in fact, the agency that oversees such things.
And wow, I think if I realllllly wanted something I did for a living to get me some benefits, I’d come up with something better than limo inspection.
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
10:23 am
“which coincides with his wedding anniversary.”
I wonder how that account with Tiffanies is holding up
jm
August 25th, 2011
10:24 am
Is Echols a Georgian? No class…. not surprised this guy got turned down for tickets from Augusta.
He must not know anyone.
bill arp
August 25th, 2011
10:24 am
I heard this morning that President Obama seems to think the fault line that caused the earthquake this week was Bushs Fault. Others seem to think it was caused by our founding fathers turning over in their graves all at one time..
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 25th, 2011
10:25 am
Bosch, I suspect that hole inspection is the governors job
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
10:25 am
“which coincides with his wedding anniversary.”
I have to admit. I am guilty of that. I used to go to a conference in DC every year around my anniversary and the OB would go with me, but I only paid for my airplane ticket and room — we paid for the OB’s expenses. We’d make a weekend of it and visit with friends after the conference.
kayaker 71
August 25th, 2011
10:26 am
Lobbyists have been a part of our political scene as long as we have been having a political scene. The GA legislature, whether Democrat or Republican controlled, could eliminate lobbyists with a single vote. Same with the US Congress. This knows no political party. Happens to one as well as another. They like the gifts, bribes and freebies that go along with the job…. and that’s not about to change anytime soon.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
10:27 am
bill arp
August 25th, 2011
10:24 am
I heard this morning that President Obama seems to think the fault line that caused the earthquake this week was Bushs Fault.
OMG would you people PLEASE stop posting this — it was funny like the first hundred times!!!
jm
August 25th, 2011
10:27 am
Hey Jay, 51% blame Bush for the economy.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/62038.html
Unfortunately for Obama, that won’t be the metric he’s measured against in 2012. Instead it will be: are your policies making the economy better. And on that, he gets a 25% approval rating.
AmVet
August 25th, 2011
10:28 am
carlos @10:13, nope not much.
Unless by change you mean that the Georgia GOP has doubled down on corruption, cronyism, malfeasance and scandals.
These guys are major league embarrassments, even for their shameless apologists…
Hoof Hearted
August 25th, 2011
10:29 am
Joe and Bro,
I was thinking the same thing. He’s just cutting out the inefficient middle men (lobbyists) to directly shake down constituents. It’s the “free market” at work!
Doggone/GA
August 25th, 2011
10:30 am
“Lobbyists have been a part of our political scene as long as we have been having a political scene”
They have, and they always will be. Lobbyist actually OUGHT to serve a vital function: helping our legislators understand the issues in their particular filed of knowledge. It’s not LOBBYING that is the problem, it is UNDUE INFLUENCE that is the problem.
Anyone who has every written, or otherwise contacted, a legislator to give them information on an issue has been “guilty” of lobbying.
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
10:31 am
Citizen of the World @ 10:06 (BTW, where is that country on the map?) – there is a big difference between entitlements and political graft. This Republican wants the graft stopped.
Brosephus
August 25th, 2011
10:31 am
Bosch
I’d tell you the reason I heard, but I’d be labeled “racist” for saying such.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 25th, 2011
10:31 am
Bosch, if you got the money to pay for that trip by campaigning or getting elected, you may be a politician.
Jay
August 25th, 2011
10:33 am
kayaker, you can’t outlaw lobbyists. The First Amendment guarantees the right “to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
But you can sure as hell tell them they can’t shower legislators, regulators and state employees with gifts.
Doggone/GA
August 25th, 2011
10:35 am
Jay – I *think* you owe me a coke!
jm
August 25th, 2011
10:35 am
“But you can sure as hell tell them they can’t shower legislators, regulators and state employees with gifts.”
amen
Adam
August 25th, 2011
10:35 am
I heard this morning that President Obama seems to think the fault line that caused the earthquake this week was Bushs Fault. Others seem to think it was caused by our founding fathers turning over in their graves all at one time..
I think the earthquake happened because of tectonic plate movement.
But that’s just me.
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August 25th, 2011
10:35 am
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JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
10:37 am
One of my customers is huge American corporation that everyone would recognize. Their policies prevent corruption. They will go to lunch/dinner on my dime, but that’s it. The same needs to be put in place in government at all levels, fed, state. local.
getalife
August 25th, 2011
10:37 am
cons will never act on corruption.
Just talk.
Doggone/GA
August 25th, 2011
10:38 am
“cons will never act on corruption”
Might I make a slight correction? “cons will never act TO ELIMINATE corruption”
Scooter
August 25th, 2011
10:38 am
And in other news… power corrupts.
Stonethrower
August 25th, 2011
10:39 am
Jay that should read “peaceab$$$$$$$ly to assemble and petition the Government for a redress of grievances!”
kayaker 71
August 25th, 2011
10:39 am
Bookman,
I think that that is what I meant to say. Many thanks.
Butch Cassidy
August 25th, 2011
10:39 am
How is it that whenever there is an article written specifically about Georgia and it’s represenatives, some d bag always has to throw Obama into the discussion? Seriously, I’m not a fan of the man, but could you reserve the Obama banter for articles and commentarry that actually, oh I don’t know, have something to do with Obama?
getalife
August 25th, 2011
10:41 am
Yes, my bad.
If they thought about a better chance for the kids to make a livable wage, they may act to eliminate it one day.
I don’t see that day coming from this generation of cons.
kayaker 71
August 25th, 2011
10:41 am
The most ridiculous part of this thread is that it implies that this kind of behavior is limited to the GOP.
Jay
August 25th, 2011
10:41 am
Butch, see below:
http://blogs.ajc.com/jay-bookman-blog/2011/08/23/georgia-republicans-believe-themselves-invulnerable/
getalife
August 25th, 2011
10:43 am
“The First Amendment guarantees the right “to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.””
Why are lobbyist special and can’t redress grievances like the rest of the people?
Butch Cassidy
August 25th, 2011
10:44 am
Thanks Jay, forgive my rant. Some days I just have a low tolerance for the irrelevant.
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August 25th, 2011
10:44 am
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Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 25th, 2011
10:44 am
of my customers is huge American corporation that everyone would recognize. Their policies prevent corruption.
Ummm….policies like that never “prevent” corruption. They may punish it as a deterrence. Several senior officials at Walmart lost their jobs for taking small “gifts” a few years back if I recall. Other corporations have such similar policies.
Those policies will not “work” effectively when the campaign donations are solicited. But certainly stronger ethics policies, actual investigations (and the budgets to do so) and some actual enforcement with penalties would help deter.
Adam
August 25th, 2011
10:44 am
Seriously, I’m not a fan of the man, but could you reserve the Obama banter for articles and commentarry that actually, oh I don’t know, have something to do with Obama?
You didn’t get the memo that everything is Obama’s fault? It’s a memo in response to the false idea that Obama thinks everything is Bush’s fault. So, you know, revenge will be OURS! or something…
Brosephus
August 25th, 2011
10:45 am
Butch
It’s a combination of Obama Derangement Syndrome and Obama Patella Convulsitis. When someone’s suffering from both of those afflictions, they can’t help it.
Jay
August 25th, 2011
10:45 am
kayaker, I could have — but did not — point out that all five of the PSC commissioners are Republican. In fact, party affiliation was never mentioned.
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
10:46 am
The reason you are not hearing about Dems having the same transgressions, there are hardly any left in state government!!!
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
10:48 am
Stonethrower – WELL SAID.
but, then, it was the Supreme Court that said that corporations are people, too
Doggone/GA
August 25th, 2011
10:49 am
“Why are lobbyist special and can’t redress grievances like the rest of the people?”
Actually, you should as the question the other way around
Brosephus
August 25th, 2011
10:49 am
The reason you are not hearing about Dems having the same transgressions, there are hardly any left in state government!!!
Even knowing that, the Right finds some kind of way to blame Liberals for sh*t that happens in GA instead of holding the very people THEY voted into office responsible. Instead of deflecting blame and such, maybe y’all should look at the quality of people you’re voting into office and quit blaming the opposition for problems that you created on your own.
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
10:49 am
“Obama Patella Convulsitis. ”
OPC.
I luvs it!
Adam
August 25th, 2011
10:49 am
I could have — but did not — point out that all five of the PSC commissioners are Republican. In fact, party affiliation was never mentioned.
I still like the guy for not taking lobbyist money. Even if he is trying real hard to be in the in crowd without accepting any such money.
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
10:49 am
re, my 10:46 – I should have stated – hardly any Dems in state government excluding the house and senate.
AmVet
August 25th, 2011
10:50 am
And with even more disreputable gerrymandering in the works, it’s only going to get worse for we the people but a lot “better” for the faux conservative incumbency protection racket.
How ya liking your Georgia GOP government so far, Reb?
A model of ethical, effective governance, huh?
Doggone/GA
August 25th, 2011
10:50 am
“I still like the guy for not taking lobbyist money. Even if he is trying real hard to be in the in crowd without accepting any such money”
Adam – I suggest you looke up “plausible deniablity”
Brosephus
August 25th, 2011
10:51 am
USinner
PSC newcomer yet to master subtle art of back-scratching – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) (Pro Golf Tour) - www.ProGolfPortal.com - The Professional GOLF Tour Report
August 25th, 2011
10:52 am
[...] PSC newcomer yet to master subtle art of back-scratching – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)As Kristi Swartz reports in today’s AJC, Echols wrote a letter back in March to Augusta National Golf Club, using official PSC stationery, requesting two tickets to a practice round of the Masters. “As a statewide elected official, I would welcome the [...]
larry
August 25th, 2011
10:52 am
Aw, come on everyone , quit picking on the guy. He was just wanting to make sure all the limo’s that were used at Masters were from Georgia. He just didnt want those South Carolina limo thugs nosing into the event.
And i have some ocean front property in Blairsville to sell you.
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
10:54 am
Brosephus – I believe if you asked anyone regadless of political affiliation, excluding those who benefit from graft, if they think laws should be put in place to stop what Jay describes, it would be near 100% yes. The problem is, the people who benefit have to pass the law. Very similar to the 47% not paying federal income tax voting for someone that will result in them having to pay something regardless of income level.
Brosephus
August 25th, 2011
10:55 am
re, my 10:46 – I should have stated – hardly any Dems in state government excluding the house and senate.
Three minutes and already trying to shift the blame. The GOP own’s all of the major elected offices as well as most of the major appointed ones (PSC for example). Until people are ready to take ownership in the problems THEY help create, we’ll keep having this circle jerk over who’s at fault. The big problem for the GOP in GA and other Southern states is that they’ve driven the Democratic Party so far out of office, they can’t blame nobody but themselves when they fail. The GOP damn near controls the entire South. By their own hubris, the Southern US should be the shining example for the rest of the country to follow by 2020. I won’t hold my breath to see that happen.
jm
August 25th, 2011
10:56 am
Be honest folks. GA is about as much a “pay to play” state as TX.
Which is not good for business, the economy, consumers, or anyone else.
Adam
August 25th, 2011
10:56 am
Doggone: Plausible deniability? No need. The guy could easily accept money if he’s just going to do what lobbyists want anyway. Why not? People do it all the time and if they get criticized… well there’s a long history of how to respond and it works. I can’t think of too many people who accepted lobbyist money and that became a reason they DIDN’T get back into office.
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
10:56 am
AmVet – I have zero use for the Public Service Commission. See my post on giving the whole agency an enema. As to the state government in general, I’ll take those Repubs with all their faults any day versus Democrats.
Adam
August 25th, 2011
10:57 am
JohnnyReb: Very similar to the 47% not paying federal income tax voting for someone that will result in them having to pay something regardless of income level
If it’s that simple, why try so hard to tax them more, and try so hard to avoid taxing the top more?
larry
August 25th, 2011
10:58 am
I mean , its no different than a certain Congressman and a certain Lt. Gov. , who are from the same city, going into the Lt. Gov’s office to twist both arms of a certain Revenue commissioner who told said Congressman that he was going to take a program that a said Congressman was benefiting from private.
Poor Bart Graham, his arms are still smarting from all that twisting.
Libertarian
August 25th, 2011
10:59 am
Why couldn’t he acquire tickets like the rest of us?? Buy them on ebay. You can’t push Augusta National around.
Brosephus
August 25th, 2011
10:59 am
Very similar to the 47% not paying federal income tax voting for someone that will result in them having to pay something regardless of income level.
How many of that 47% actually belongs to the super contributors to political campaigns? You should leave well enough alone with that one. If Congress wanted to change that 47%, they could do it anytime they chose to. It has nothing to do with who voted for them.
Peter
August 25th, 2011
10:59 am
These were the same guys that voted any cost over run on the Nuclear power plants out of GA Powers control, we the tax payer and citizen get the bill.
Talk about a free hand out…. Republican’s complain about food stamps, helping the poor, etc…..but they get Millions upon Millions in free welfare from the government.
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
11:01 am
Adam – I don’t understand your question. However, our current situation would be greatly improved by having more income tax paying workers. Having more income tax paying workers who get all that was deducted back in April is nothing more than a shell game. Raising taxes on the rich and even the middle class won’t fix the problem. Everyone needs to be paying their fair share, and fair share is not zero.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
11:01 am
“kayaker, you can’t outlaw lobbyists. ”
That’s unfortunate. Damn Constitution and all.
AmVet
August 25th, 2011
11:01 am
“I’ll take those Repubs with all their faults any day versus Democrats…”
Regardless that they have raised the already high levels of state-wide, self-serving corruption, fraud and criminal behavior since they have gained control of power.
Otay…
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August 25th, 2011
11:02 am
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Bosch
August 25th, 2011
11:03 am
“Raising taxes on the rich and even the middle class won’t fix the problem. Everyone needs to be paying their fair share, and fair share is not zero”
Some people have no idea how a consumer based and driven economy works.
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
11:03 am
“The problem is, the people who benefit have to pass the law. Very similar to the 47% not paying federal income tax voting for someone that will result in them having to pay something regardless of income level.”
um. yeah.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FClGhto1vIg
I believe there’s a message for you in that video
Doggone/GA
August 25th, 2011
11:04 am
“Doggone: Plausible deniability? No need. The guy could easily accept money if he’s just going to do what lobbyists want anyway”
Sure, but then he wouldn’t be able to impress people by saying he DOESN’T take it. THAT is “plausible deniablity” and he seems well on his way to mastering THAT.
Adam
August 25th, 2011
11:06 am
JohnnyReb: However, our current situation would be greatly improved by having more income tax paying workers. Having more income tax paying workers who get all that was deducted back in April is nothing more than a shell game.
So our income situation would be improved by taxing the poor. This is a position.
Raising taxes on the rich and even the middle class won’t fix the problem.
Ah, so raising taxes on the poor is only “getting their skin in the game” but raising taxes on the rich won’t help. I see.
So if we raise the top tax rate back to Clinton levels, that’s a mere 700B over 10 years. Such a piddly amount. But if you take 5 more percent of what the bottom half earn, that’ll fix the problem. And that amount is SURELY greater than the 700B you rejected, right? Want to place a bet on that?
Everyone needs to be paying their fair share, and fair share is not zero.
If you don’t even earn enough to care for your family, yes it is.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
11:08 am
I LOVE GROVER!!! He was my fav. Elmo is just plain stupid.
ty webb
August 25th, 2011
11:09 am
the “bottom 47%” just needs to be allowed/forced to be more “patriotic”.
getalife
August 25th, 2011
11:10 am
Americans failed to stand up to corruption after the collapse.
Perhaps after the next collapse.
It is not even a issue this cycle.
Adam
August 25th, 2011
11:10 am
ty webb: And the top 2%, well they’ve been taxed enough already, what with their 15% effective tax rate. Guess we’ll just have to take more from the poor to give to the rich! It’s the only way!
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
11:10 am
I think I see the problem.
the people who love to sling around the “half of all taxpayers don’t pay income taxes” stat seem to think that that 47% = 47% of the country’s economy. It doesn’t.
Brosephus
August 25th, 2011
11:11 am
the “bottom 47%” just needs to be allowed/forced to be more “patriotic”.
Help them increase their income so that they end up with net liability.
Obozononics
August 25th, 2011
11:12 am
Outlaw lobbyist, set term limits, problem solved…
carlosgvv
August 25th, 2011
11:13 am
AmVet – 10:28
The problem is politicians cannot be shamed or embarrassed because they are incapable of having these feelings.
DannyX
August 25th, 2011
11:13 am
Lol, I hear Echols applied for a 4 million dollar signature loan and was turned down.
Everyone knows there is a 2 million dollar limit. Fool.
Adam
August 25th, 2011
11:15 am
47% = 2.5% of the country’s economy
2% = 80% of the country’s economy.
Which one would you hit up for money?
carlosgvv
August 25th, 2011
11:16 am
“But you can sure as hell tell them they can’t shower legislators, regulators and state employes with gifts”
Jay, you can tell that to them all you like. But, no one seems to be able to find a way to actually make them stop these practicies.
Mary Elizabeth
August 25th, 2011
11:16 am
All for viewing a golf ball on a green runway. . .
So pitiful. . . what we deem valuable. . .
At least, selling one’s soul – for 30 pieces of silver – was for a Master of depth. . .
No wonder we have no understanding of the humble and the poor. . .
AmVet
August 25th, 2011
11:17 am
carlos, only because their blind, ethically-challenged enablers give them a free pass.
One of the many horrific legacies of Reagan was that idiotic and unpatriotic 11th Commandment – “Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow Republican.”
mmm, mmm, mmm, Barack the Liar Obama - BEND OVER, Here comes the CHANGE!
August 25th, 2011
11:18 am
One word fits this – Loser!
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
11:18 am
“47% = 2.5% of the country’s economy
2% = 80% of the country’s economy.
Which one would you hit up for money?”
well, it’s obvious – the bottom 80% – they don’t have anything, anyway, so what’s a little less.
good thing that the economy isn’t driven by consumer spending …
oh. wait.
Paul
August 25th, 2011
11:21 am
Thanks, Jay.
Whenever I get kerfullfled regarding Gov Perry, I read something like this and think “at least it’s just one guy… not the whole darn state apparatus like in Georgia…
and followup from 6:00 pm last night;
“My problem with him vs. Obama is that because he is reliant on his party for support, he has to pretend to believe and think things he doesn’t think or believe. And that won’t cease should he be elected.
Every politician has to do that to a degree. But I can’t recall a politician who has been forced to take it as far as Romney has.”
I used to think the Democratic Party had a lock on hoops for candidates to jump through for the presidential nomination. No more. Republicans have left them in the dust on this.
Puts Romney in perspective. Pres Obama got elected, then did what he thought right, regardless of party power base. The though Romney would not do the same is disturbing.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
11:22 am
USinUK,
Or they seem to think that those 47% are all on welfare.
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
11:23 am
Bosch – 11:22 – or, at the very least, layabouts without a job
Jay
August 25th, 2011
11:23 am
“Puts Romney in perspective. Pres Obama got elected, then did what he thought right, regardless of party power base. The though(t) Romney would not do the same is disturbing.”
Romney COULD not do the same, Paul. In case you hadn’t noticed, the GOP is a lot more ferocious and effective at enforcing party discipline than Democrats could even hope to be.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
11:24 am
“Obama Patella Convulsitis”
Putting that in my lexicon…..now….
jconservative
August 25th, 2011
11:25 am
“But you can sure as hell tell them they can’t shower legislators, regulators and state employees with gifts.”
Yes you can. But if the Georgia General Assembly does that then they will not be showered with gifts. And we all know how the State legislature likes showers.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
11:26 am
“The GOP damn near controls the entire South. By their own hubris, the Southern US should be the shining example for the rest of the country to follow by 2020. I won’t hold my breath to see that happen”
For real, it’s like the Dave R. utopian wonderland we longed for so many years ago….where everyone is conservative and nothing ever goes wrong!
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
11:27 am
“”I’m not a member of any organized political party, I’m a Democrat!”
— Will Rogers
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
11:28 am
Bosch – “it’s like the Dave R. utopian wonderland we longed for so many years ago….where everyone is conservative and nothing ever goes wrong!”
you mean like this:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120789/
Adam
August 25th, 2011
11:28 am
Bosch @ 11:26a
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
11:28 am
“Some people have no idea how a consumer based and driven economy works.”
So taxing the rich does not affect a consumer based economy but taxing the poor will? If that is true, why does the fed take the money from low income workers each payday and not give it back until April? If your theory was true, they should not take the taxes on payday.
Message from Matti
August 25th, 2011
11:29 am
Also, they shouldn’t shower WITH legislators, either. There’s been too much of that as well. (Ewwwww.)
Steve Hodges
August 25th, 2011
11:30 am
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
10:46 am
“The reason you are not hearing about Dems having the same transgressions, there are hardly any left in state government!!!”
*************************************************************
Heh, heh, heh.
Paul
August 25th, 2011
11:32 am
Jay
That was my not very well made point with “left in the dust” and ‘would not do the same.’ It wasn’t just a question of Romney’s integrity vs desire, it’s what he faces within his own party and the doctrinal control they exercise that’s what’s really disturbing.
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
11:33 am
“So taxing the rich does not affect a consumer based economy but taxing the poor will? If that is true, why does the fed take the money from low income workers each payday and not give it back until April? If your theory was true, they should not take the taxes on payday.”
tax INCREASES,
AmVet
August 25th, 2011
11:33 am
For me this is the political equivalent of when Georgia plays Florida. The biggest disappointment is that they can’t both lose…
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/25/rove-levels-palin-accusation/#more-172321
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
11:33 am
“So taxing the rich does not affect a consumer based economy but taxing the poor will?”
Yes. This has been another episode of simple answers to simple questions.
But seriously Reb, it does so because the poor are consumers — they buy stuff just like the rich do, and if you take away bigger relative chunks of their purchasing power, there is even less demand for products.
Adam
August 25th, 2011
11:35 am
JohnnyReb: So taxing the rich does not affect a consumer based economy but taxing the poor will?
Yes.
If that is true, why does the fed take the money from low income workers each payday and not give it back until April? If your theory was true, they should not take the taxes on payday.
Good idea.
Of course, as we all know, good ideas get immediately implemented and retroactively prove themselves.
Jay
August 25th, 2011
11:35 am
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
10:46 am
“The reason you are not hearing about Dems having the same transgressions, there are hardly any left in state government!!!”
*************************************************************
Heh, heh, heh.”
Sure there are. They just changed from D to R, which suddenly means they can do nothing wrong. We can start with the governor’s office and work from there….
PSC newcomer yet to master subtle art of back-scratching – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Today Golf Store
August 25th, 2011
11:39 am
[...] webmaster@technorati.com wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt [...]
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
11:39 am
AmVet,
Everytime I heard anything about Sarah Palin these days, this Luckovich cartoon pops into my head — it pretty much sums up everything you need to know about that Alaskan dingbat:
http://www.cartoonistgroup.com/store/add.php?iid=54412
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
11:40 am
“They just changed from D to R, which suddenly means they can do nothing wrong.”
OH SNAP!!
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
August 25th, 2011
11:42 am
Well, this whole mess just goes to show you need experienced people in these guvmint jobs. They need to be elected again and again and again just to get a handle on how to
take bribesuse lobbyists to get what you want. At least till you can get a handle on things. For instance, I see that our godly Gov. Deal, after being $2 million in the hole when he took office, is almost free of debt after a year or so in office. Heck, this guy could of made a appointment with the Guvner’s office and learned a few things. Even a rank amateur knows you don’t demand nothing of the people at Augusta National. They won’t even let a President play there if they don’t like him. I notice they tend to like Republican Presidents. They can play there about any time.This guy will learn how to get his palm greased. For now it’s just a tiny mistake. Before you know it he’ll be taking free trips around the world and getting free tickets to the Masters and the World Serious and all that stuff.
Have a good Thursday everybody. That is, except for the people that don’t like me. It wouldn’t break my heart if they got a fatal disease or were in a fatal car accident or something like that. Not that I wish bad luck on anybody. I’m a Christian after all.
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
11:42 am
You guys can have some fun with this. It’s a Conservative scorecard where the state is selected and it lists each congressman and shows their individual score for voting conservative. It lists Democrats also. For example, my congressman is David Scott who claims to be a “blue dog” Democrat. That of course only applies during campaigning or when the heat is on. He is tied with Hank Johnson having the lowest conservative voting record at 10%.
http://heritageactionscorecard.com/scorecard/index.html#home
PSC newcomer yet to master subtle art of back-scratching – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Golf Deal Blog
August 25th, 2011
11:42 am
[...] webmaster@technorati.com wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt [...]
godless heathen
August 25th, 2011
11:44 am
“spending more than $12,000 on trips that have often been a dubious mix of personal and public business.”
Who does he think he is, Michelle Obama?
Jefferson
August 25th, 2011
11:44 am
Jay, who you going to call when you get that huge utility bill? You may want your back scratched…
stands for decibels
August 25th, 2011
11:44 am
I think I see the problem.
the people who love to sling around the “half of all taxpayers don’t pay income taxes” stat seem to think that that 47% = 47% of the country’s economy.
Or as the kid said: “I see stupid people.”
Jay
August 25th, 2011
11:46 am
Jefferson, that ship sailed by a LLLOOONNNGGG time ago.
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
11:46 am
“Who does he think he is, Michelle Obama?”
such as?
Paul
August 25th, 2011
11:46 am
JohnnyReb
That matters only if you agree with Heritage’s view of what legislation is ‘conservative.’
Mr. Snarky
August 25th, 2011
11:47 am
It’s good to be a good ol’ boy!
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
11:47 am
dB – “Or as the kid said: “I see stupid people.””
f’real
ty webb
August 25th, 2011
11:47 am
Jay,
let me guess…these ethics(or lack thereof) concerns are some sort of virus that these party switchers either catch upon becoming an “R” or are dormant while they’re “D”’s?
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
11:48 am
Jay, I expected that comment from one of your faithful. Yea, I registered as a Democrat when I was in high school. It didn’t take long for me to see the error.
Jay
August 25th, 2011
11:49 am
A very bad guess, Ty.
Don’t go blowing your beer money on the lottery anytime soon.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
11:50 am
http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/state-utility-commissioners-pursuit-1139795.html
For more on the story…
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
11:50 am
Paul, it ISSSS a Conservative scorecard, Heritage ISSSS a Conservative think tank. It’s not fool proof.
godless heathen
August 25th, 2011
11:50 am
“I think the earthquake happened because of tectonic plate movement.”
I’d go with isostatic rebound, myself.
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
11:52 am
“Yea, I registered as a Democrat when I was in high school.”
you were “registered” before you could vote?
or were you in high school well past the age of 18?
Paul
August 25th, 2011
11:52 am
“when I was in high school”
when I took part in that socialist program of other people paying for my education because somehow 13 years of free education got thought of as a ‘right’….”
Jefferson
August 25th, 2011
11:53 am
Does Hootie give a Hoot about the PSC ?
DebbieDoRight
August 25th, 2011
11:54 am
PSC = Publicly Scr#wing Consumers.
Paul
August 25th, 2011
11:55 am
JohnnyReb
I see your point, but digging down, they view cutting huge amounts from Interior as the True Conservative Position, while others might think conservative would want to, you know, actually conserve our natural resources and lands and their beauty and that to cut such preservation programs is quite unconservative.
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
11:55 am
Paul, I’m an old guy. I completed HS before integration. If there was a private school in Coweta County at the time, I don’t know of it. It would not have mattered, however, as we were to poor to go to anything but government scrool.
PSC newcomer yet to master subtle art of back-scratching – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Golf Today Blog
August 25th, 2011
11:56 am
[...] webmaster@technorati.com wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt [...]
Adam
August 25th, 2011
11:57 am
It’s not fool proof.
Could not have said it better myself.
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
11:57 am
“I’d go with isostatic rebound, myself.”
so, one of the tectonic plates just went through a bad break-up?
Adam
August 25th, 2011
11:58 am
I didn’t know enough in high school to decide which party to register as. I still don’t remember what I picked. The only thing I was told was “if you pick independent you won’t be able to vote in a primary.”
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
August 25th, 2011
11:59 am
Well, I don’t look at it as somebody else paying for my edumacation. I look at it as three years of preparing for life in each grade until the 5th grade turned out to be my senior year.
Dang multiplying table. I could of really been somebody. Course, it would of disqualified me from being a legislator.
Paul
August 25th, 2011
12:00 pm
JohnnyReb
Kinda makes one grateful that all kids, no matter their parents’ circumstances, are provided a free education so they can make the most of life’s opportunities, doesn’t it?
It’s why I have no problem with kids of illegals getting educated. The bottom-line benefit to the country of having kids in school and getting educated can only be good.
USinUK
August 25th, 2011
12:01 pm
Paul – commie-pinko-hippy-socialist!
AmVet
August 25th, 2011
12:01 pm
Bosch, that was great. Thanks.
Paul @11:55, preach it brother.
Neo-cons are NOT conservatives.
In addition to their new-found anti-environmentalism and pro-pollution policies you refer to, I have listed numerous other party-wide positions that confirm this.
Actual American conservatism in the GOP has been mortally wounded for thirty years and is on the very verge of it’s swan song…
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
12:02 pm
Paul – we are big animal lovers and support protecting the environment and maintaining public parks/lands. However, there appears to be too much federal movement on acquiring more public lands especially when those lands have the potential for producing fossil fuels. I’m OK with drilling public land, within reason.
Paul
August 25th, 2011
12:04 pm
“Paul – commie-pinko-hippy-socialist!”
See, Bosch?
I told you it wasn’t lib day!
godless heathen
August 25th, 2011
12:04 pm
bad break-up – Yea something like that.
ty webb
August 25th, 2011
12:05 pm
“free education”
hmmm…me thinks that the property taxpayers of coweta county may just have a few questions about this.
Doggone/GA
August 25th, 2011
12:06 pm
“However, there appears to be too much federal movement on acquiring more public lands especially when those lands have the potential for producing fossil fuels”
Ummmm…if they’re “public lands” doesn’t that mean they are ALREADY owned by the federal government?
DeQuincy
August 25th, 2011
12:06 pm
Jay I would hope the AJC and other local media will remind us of Tim Echols’ shenanigans before the next election. This being the United States of Amnesia, if you don’t we’ll have long forgotten about it and we’ll re-elect this joker. Sleezebag politicians like him count on us having short memories.
Paul
August 25th, 2011
12:07 pm
ty webb
“Free” does not mean ‘it’s magic, there’s no cost” it means, usually, no cost to the recipient.
It’s like when you get a ‘free’ gift. Someone, somewhere paid, it’s just not you.
Unless you know of a group of 12-year-old property barons, that is -
Mary Elizabeth
August 25th, 2011
12:07 pm
Paul @ 12:00 p.m.
Paul, please keep saying that – over and over. “Free education” not only benefits the young “so they can make the most of life’s opportunities,” but it benefits our nation, as a whole.
RB from Gwinnett
August 25th, 2011
12:08 pm
Still can’t find anything to write about Obama, Jay? Perhaps you just aren’t paying any attention?
What did it cost the taxpayers for Michelle and the kids to fly separately to their vacation?
Brosephus
August 25th, 2011
12:08 pm
I think I see the problem.
the people who love to sling around the “half of all taxpayers don’t pay income taxes” stat seem to think that that 47% = 47% of the country’s economy.
Or as the kid said: “I see stupid people.”
md
August 25th, 2011
12:09 pm
Is it just me, or do I constantly hear just about all politicians promising to clean everything up…….and then very few ever do……………….
When their skill set is to master the art of bs, we get what we deserve…………….
Liberal Larry
August 25th, 2011
12:09 pm
Irrefutable evidence that the Republicans are trying to sabotage the economy for the 2012 elections. Several Repugnicans are criticizing Obama’s vacation in a cynical attempt to get him back to Washington to work on the economy.
Adam
August 25th, 2011
12:09 pm
Still can’t find anything to write about Obama, Jay?
Annnnnnnd it’s back to “everything is Obama’s fault.”
Also, the logical fallacy that involves “your issue isn’t important compared to what I think is important. Here’s my important issue. Stop talking about the main topic and talk about what *I* want to talk about.”
ty webb
August 25th, 2011
12:10 pm
Paul,
my point exactly.
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
12:11 pm
Paul – the educating illegals subject is a wide one. I don’t think you would have seen the uproar if the economy was not in the tank.
When in my office, I want to see all the illegals deported. However, I know that is not possible and that if I was on-hand to see the family being hauled away my position would soften considerably. There is no outcome that will satisfy everyone. But I believe most would agree the top priority should be to stop illegal entry. Otherwise, any fix won’t last.
md
August 25th, 2011
12:13 pm
““Free education” not only benefits the young “so they can make the most of life’s opportunities,” but it benefits our nation, as a whole.”
Would be better if they were educated to understand where it comes from……………
Soothsayer
August 25th, 2011
12:13 pm
Now, Jay, don’t you go rockin’ the boat none. That’s just the way things is done ’round heah! We’ve been doin’ it that way long before you got heah and we’ll be doin’ it that way long after you gone.
What’s that? The Ratepayers? Oh, them! Well, they ain’t gonna miss a few more dollars heah and there! After all, things is gettin’ more expensive all the time, ain’t they?
Adam
August 25th, 2011
12:13 pm
ty webb: my point exactly.
No, your POINT is that free ______ is somehow bad.
Let me know how well you life has worked out, having accepted NOTHING from anyone for free. That means you would have had to deny your mother’s milk, and anything they may have paid for to help you, and you didn’t let other people pay for part of your fuel in your car… you paid the extra cost yourself while everyone else paid regular gas prices, and you never used any public roads ever.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:13 pm
Mary Elizabeth,
Twas reading through the posts last night and was quite impressed with your knowledge of Van Gogh. Well, I’m always impressed with your knowledge, but Van Gogh is one of my favs. WAAAAYYYYY ahead of his time.
getalife
August 25th, 2011
12:13 pm
Lets deport the cons that want to default instead jr.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 25th, 2011
12:14 pm
But I believe most would agree the top priority should be to stop illegal entry.
And yet with the efforts that Obama has made that exceed those of the prior Pres, I bet he’s still blaming Obama……
Adam
August 25th, 2011
12:14 pm
Would be better if they were educated to understand where it comes from……………
But they can always CHOOSE to go find that out themselves.
Jefferson
August 25th, 2011
12:14 pm
What it costs for the president’s family to go on vacation is no concern of nobody but the president.
Adam
August 25th, 2011
12:14 pm
LUNCH
Soothsayer
August 25th, 2011
12:17 pm
Meanwhile, over at Wingnut’s blog, they’re discussing the fine points of “tax reform” (i.e., shifting taxes from the rich to the poor) in Georgia and how that’s going to improve unemployment. You don’t want to miss it. And, besides, poor ol’ Wingnut really needs a few posts so he can keep his job!
Brosephus
August 25th, 2011
12:17 pm
JReb
As long as we allow people to enter the US legally with or without visas, we will have a problem with illegals. Unless we lock the borders down like Eastern Germany, we will always have that problem. Unless that’s the idea that people have in mind when they’re saying that we need to control the borders, it’s best to not even trot that meme out.
Mighty Righty
August 25th, 2011
12:17 pm
I know we are all shocked. The idea that elected offcials receive gifts from constituents and businesses. Never heard of such a thing. I do prefer it to stealing from the taxpayers though.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:17 pm
Adam,
How do you make the “big” smiley face?
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:18 pm
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 25th, 2011
12:18 pm
: D Bosch
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:19 pm
“I do prefer it to stealing from the taxpayers though”
So, MR, you don’t mind corporate influence in your democracy instead of you know, regular old democracy?
Mary Elizabeth
August 25th, 2011
12:19 pm
I have paid over $2,000. a year for property taxes – which goes primarily to public schools – and I have not had a child in school for 12 years. That means that I have paid over $24,000. in property taxes to support the “new crop” of oncoming Americans for the last dozen years without its benefitting me personally – except for the knowledge I have accrued over time that “What Benefits One, Benefits All.”
Not to see that is short-sighted – and not to see that will be the undoing of our nation – if we do not wake up to the propaganda of “Divide and Conquer” that is being fed to the more mercenary side of our natures.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:19 pm
Hehehehehe.
stands for decibels
August 25th, 2011
12:19 pm
Off-topic as all get out, but damn. sometimes Rude Pundit is merely funny, and sometimes he hits it out of a pitcher’s ballpark…
Someone Should Smack Marco Rubio with a History Stick
So yesterday, Florida Senator Marco Rubio was speaking at the Reagan Library (motto: “What? No pudding?”) and he said a truly ignorant, stupid ####ing thing about Social Security, Medicare, and other safety net programs: “These programs actually weakened us as a people. You see, almost forever, it was institutions in society that assumed the role of taking care of one another. If someone was sick in your family, you took care of them.”
[...]
You gotta love the fantasy America that Republicans conjure all the time, where the little people live decent lives, helping one another, sharing cups of sugar and loaning each other a few bucks when little Tommy breaks his leg in a bicycle accident; where you could save your money in a little local bank where you knew the tellers and the president and know that the money would be there, security, yes, but private, not social, which is also in the word “socialism.” Ahh, fantasy America is quite a place. Who wouldn’t want to live there?
Of course, real America is filled with unscrupulous ####sucker capitalists who would stab your children in their eyes to take their money. It’s one reason we have recessions and, oh, hell, a Great Depression that destroyed the pleasant little nest eggs that all those little people saved in their little banks so they could help their little neighbors and their little selves. That’d be why we have safety nets. Because people are people, and everyone is not on board with the whole “compassion” thing.
md
August 25th, 2011
12:20 pm
“But they can always CHOOSE to go find that out themselves.”
That would be my preferred method……..but it needs to be understood one way or another……….
Most kids are clueless about the link between taxes and schools…………I’d say that may be a failure of the system……………..as is the lack of any kind of class not preparing for everyday life……like checkbooks, debit cards, savings accounts, etc………..and how they work.
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
12:20 pm
Good Fight – I blame Obama for trying to achieve through regulation what Congress said No to, i.e., The Dream Act. I like what the AZ governor stated – Obama was elected to serve under the law, not a king above the law.
ty webb
August 25th, 2011
12:20 pm
“And yet with the efforts that Obama has made that exceed those of the prior Pres,”
and yet no cries from anyone that obama hates “those people”…
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:22 pm
stands,
And people conveniently forget that Medicare for example is HOW many of us who have done the “taking care of the old folks in the home” gig actually do it. What? They think we just get all that in home health care for freaking free?
Liberal Larry
August 25th, 2011
12:23 pm
In response to the DC earthquake Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee D- Houston is proposing legislation to fund research confirming the linkage between global warming and growing earthquake activity.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:23 pm
I guess Rubio thinks that we care givers grow our own herbs in the back yard and get the local “wise” woman to come and conjure up the potions to make our old folks feel all better!
stands for decibels
August 25th, 2011
12:23 pm
What? They think we just get all that in home health care for freaking free?
why, yes. Yes, I believe they do.
md
August 25th, 2011
12:24 pm
“I have paid over $2,000. a year for property taxes – which goes primarily to public schools – and I have not had a child in school for 12 years. That means that I have paid over $24,000. in property taxes to support the “new crop” of oncoming Americans for the last dozen years without its benefitting me personally – except for the knowledge I have accrued over time that “What Benefits One, Benefits All.” ”
Did you ever convey this to your students?
I don’t know too many schools that teach practical matters…….we all get algebra……but not taxes and how they make society work…………..
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:24 pm
Well, actually I have grown a few herbs in the backyard that could make my old folks feel better, but that’s beside the point.
Manchurian-Kenyan Candidate
August 25th, 2011
12:25 pm
Yup, completely agree. This Republican PSC commissioner ranks almost, but not quite, up to the standards set by our former Democratic Mayor Bill Campbell……just sayin…..for comparison sake…..
AmVet
August 25th, 2011
12:25 pm
Right @12:17, yet we do anyway.
It is called conservative trickle down poverty through corruption costs.
Endless Georgia bank failures paid for by?
Ga Power’s new nuke plants paid for by?
Bribing companies to move here and supposedly create jobs, paid for by?
Outright tax avoidance and cronyism via auto inspecting schemes paid for by?
Wink, wink, nudge, nudge protection of Georgia consumers from insurance commissioners in the pockets of their “regulated” industry.
Ad infinitum, ad nauseum…
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 25th, 2011
12:26 pm
yes Johnny, I knew you would fail to understand limited resources, actual border protections and the nuances of policy to focus on the real criminals…..
Here let me chant it for you: “What part of illegal do you not understand? I blame Obama!” Altogether now….. chant it, rant it and make no sense.
King is a nice touch…. I am surprised she had time to think of that given all those headless bodies all over the place in AZ and the corporate donations from the privatized prison system “hurt” by sensible policies like what Obama has done.
stands for decibels
August 25th, 2011
12:26 pm
Well, actually I have grown a few herbs in the backyard that could make my old folks feel better
We grow an herb in the backyard that makes my old cat feel better.
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
12:26 pm
Brosephus – don’t agree. The Fed government should be tracking and enforcing all those temporary entries they permit. That would be a legitimate fed government function. But instead, the feds waste resources on such things as telling us what to eat. Now don’t come back with the ridiculous argument on inspecting food. I did not state stop inspecting food. The point is, the feds do a poor job on what really matters.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:28 pm
stands,
I actually kicked a home health care worker out of my house recently for lecturing me that I should quit my job in order to better care for my old person. I not so nicely “splained” to the bitch that it is HER JOB to care for my old person, not mine, and if I was neglecting my old person by (”shock”) working, then I wouldn’t have freaking called her to freaking begin with!
Yes, I did!
I mean just damn! So, in her world, I’m supposed to quit my job in order to care for my old person that SHE’S supposed to do, and in the meantime, lose my freaking house because I have no job to pay for it, and then not only will my old person be homeless, but so will my family and puppies!
Paul
August 25th, 2011
12:28 pm
JohnnyReb 12:11
Glad to see the issue viewed not as one standalone issue but as having many components, each requiring a different approach.
md
“Would be better if they were educated to understand where it comes from…”
Your school included a section on property taxes?!!? Or federal supplementals?!!?
“Lets deport the cons that want to default instead jr.”
Now that’s a platform I could get behind!
Bosch
All that
stuff? And you call me sick?
Well…. maybe I am… but you’re a real
http://ak1.ostkcdn.com/images/products/muze/books/0446604666.jpg !
Jefferson
August 25th, 2011
12:29 pm
These failed banks have left their stockholders holding the bag(and the FDIC), why are they not arrested for STEALING when they took big salaries and bonuses and STOLE the equity right in front of the world with their careless and negligent practices.
Doggone/GA
August 25th, 2011
12:30 pm
“I have paid over $2,000. a year for property taxes – which goes primarily to public schools – and I have not had a child in school for 12 years. That means that I have paid over $24,000. in property taxes to support the “new crop” of oncoming Americans for the last dozen years without its benefitting me personally ”
And I’ve been paying in the neighborhood of the same amount for 25+ years and I don’t have HAVE a child.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:30 pm
md,
I HAD a real sick puppy this weekend, but he’s all better now.
Liberal Larry
August 25th, 2011
12:31 pm
“sensible policies like what Obama has done”
Republicans are still trying to lure Obama back to DC in their cynical attempt to get Obama to enact “sensible policies” on the economy that will pave the way to a Repugnican landslide in 2012. So far Obama is not falling for this ruse. He is staying the course on his vacation and is steadfastly refusing to do return to DC to do further damage to the economy.
stands for decibels
August 25th, 2011
12:31 pm
lecturing me that I should quit my job in order to better care for my old person.
wtf? Talk about self-immolation…
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:31 pm
Oh and Paul, sorry, that was for you, not md.
And I meant to add —
“you have NOOOOO idea.”
Bwwwwwwaaaaahahahahahahahahahahaha. Ha.
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
12:32 pm
Bosch – an employee of ours has elderly grandparents in Texas. The family hired health professionals to assist the couple in their home. The health care company called the state who forced the family to put the couple in an assisted living home. Emotions are driving the couple to an earlier death.
md
August 25th, 2011
12:32 pm
“Your school included a section on property taxes?!!? Or federal supplementals?!!?”
No…….and that’s the point. Do yours?
AmVet
August 25th, 2011
12:33 pm
I can hardly wait for Michele Batsh*t to get elected POTUS so I can start enjoying my $2/gallon gas, 5 cent candy bars and my brand new $5,000 car…
Thomas
August 25th, 2011
12:33 pm
Bufffett Invests $5 Billion in Bank of America
hmmm
The clip below is from 2009
A leading bank analyst says the regulators who allowed Bank of America to repay its $45 billion in government bailout funds made a big mistake because the bank may well need that money soon to withstand the next wave of bad loans, the withdrawal of federal subsidies, and the possible reevaluation of assets
Maybe it is facism that doesn’t work-
Mary Elizabeth
August 25th, 2011
12:33 pm
Bosch, thank you.
and
md,
Good point you made that the young should (as they receive public “free” education) be educated to know from where the source of their education comes – without a guilt trip given them, of course, which would do more harm than good.
Value and thrift are well to be part of economics classes in high school, and even in middle school, and knowledge of how one receives one’s “free” public education is well to know. They are young, however, so we must not condemn them if they only know intellectually facts to pass a test, but do not yet know, with mature understanding, so that it makes authentic impact. But, that understanding will come later to them, as they age, and reflect upon that knowledge they were taught when they were young.
JohnnyReb
August 25th, 2011
12:33 pm
It’s to work for me. Regards, even to the misguided!
Liberal Larry
August 25th, 2011
12:34 pm
“I have paid over $2,000. a year for property taxes – which goes primarily to public schools”
You should pay more. You should all pay more. And we need to fund a blue ribbon commission to study why the proposals of previous blue ribbon commissions and panels have not resulted in new educational gains. The APS needs more funding too. They never would have cheated had they been adequately funded. Cheapskates!
Doggone/GA
August 25th, 2011
12:34 pm
“No…….and that’s the point. Do yours?”
Why should they? Children don’t need to know, nor should they care, where the money comes from that pays for their educations. Plus, when they go to work and start paying property taxes…they’ll learn REAL quick.
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:35 pm
AmVet,
And a time machine for EVERYBODY!!
Seriously, does Bachmann advocate for DEFLATION? I mean, I’m no financial expert, and don’t even play on the TV, but even my dumb ass knows that ain’t good.
Midori
August 25th, 2011
12:36 pm
RB -
Your 12:08 came off as really nonsensical, petty and desperate.
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 25th, 2011
12:36 pm
Doggone… I am with you on the property taxes. I also pay HOA fees that in part pay for a lifeguard at the neighborhood pool to watch so the kids don’t drown. I have never used the pool myself nor do I have any kids that might drown. Damn these GA socialists! [Or is my entire neighborhood Democrat....that will be a shock to the 2 politicians that live in my neighborhood unless they were Ds changed to Rs]
ty webb
August 25th, 2011
12:36 pm
Amvet,
yeah she really painted herself into a corner, if elected…should’ve stuck with broad generalities like, oh… I don’t know…”Hope and Change”.
PSC newcomer yet to master subtle art of back-scratching – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Best World Golf
August 25th, 2011
12:36 pm
[...] webmaster@technorati.com wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt [...]
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:36 pm
JohnnyReb,
I am your one-stop shopping counselor for all of your “old folk” caring needs. I’ve seen and done it all.
Liberal Larry
August 25th, 2011
12:37 pm
Liberal Larry Your comment is awaiting moderation.
August 25th, 2011
12:36 pm
Michelle Bachman down to 10% in the most recent Repugnican poll. Democrats visibly upset over Bachman’s poor polling results.
Jefferson
August 25th, 2011
12:37 pm
SS and Medicare are not “free” programs someone should tell the anchor babe. People pay into these programs their whole working lives, they deserve the benifits they paid for and the system’s problems mostly occur from those enriching themselves on the system by overcharging and commiting fraud. Watch the same folks bitchin’ about wellfare hide assets to put their folks in a nursing home – and now they are going to take care of them themselves? This is the poliitcal BS that incites the insecure.
Jm
August 25th, 2011
12:37 pm
If only the consumer federation of America owned a strip club in Atlanta and a really fancy golf club. Then we could get commissioners and politicians to lol out for consumer interests.
Mary Elizabeth
August 25th, 2011
12:37 pm
Doggone @ 12:30
Doggone, and I hope to keep paying for my share for “free” public education, for the “new crop” of oncoming Americans, until I pass from this earth. Hope you are with me on that!
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:37 pm
“Your 12:08 came off as really nonsensical, petty and desperate.”
Just the 12:08?
Midori
August 25th, 2011
12:37 pm
Seriously, does Bachmann advocate for DEFLATION?
a tummy tuck?
Jm
August 25th, 2011
12:38 pm
Thomas 12:33
They didn’t need the money. But they’re fine taking it.
Liberal Larry
August 25th, 2011
12:39 pm
“Seriously, does Bachmann advocate for DEFLATION?”
No. That was Jimmy Carter. Correction. It was stagflation Carter advocated for.
Doggone/GA
August 25th, 2011
12:40 pm
Keep Up – when you are young and self-centered, such things do bother you. They did me. But a little more age brought a little more wisdom, and I’ve come to not mind paying it. It’s just part of supporting the society that helped pay to educate ME.
I think those “it’s MY money and I know better how to spend it” types have just never grown out of the “me, me, me – it’s all about me” mind set. If they’re young, there’s hope they will. If they aren’t, well…maybe there’s no hope for them, and we can only pray we outnumber them in the voting booth.
md
August 25th, 2011
12:41 pm
“Good point you made that the young should (as they receive public “free” education) be educated to know from where the source of their education comes – without a guilt trip given them, of course, which would do more harm than good.”
I see the understanding of “skin in the game” as a benefit……….knowing that their parents work hard to pay those property taxes so they can get a good education may make a world of difference. To know their parents and they themselves have to make sacrifices for their benefit.
And this applies to Doggone’s response as well………….they need to know how the world works………….
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:41 pm
“Watch the same folks bitchin’ about wellfare hide assets to put their folks in a nursing home – and now they are going to take care of them themselves?”
Oh, DON’T get me started on that. We had a poster the other day (on of the wingnut variety) who was all appauled that their inheritance was sucked out by — paying for grandma’s health care — who just wouldn’t die soon enough!
THE NERVE OF HER!!
Doggone/GA
August 25th, 2011
12:41 pm
“Hope you are with me on that!”
I am indeed!
AmVet
August 25th, 2011
12:42 pm
ty, there will, no doubt, be even grander lunacy that escapes her lips.
The campaign is gonna give her endless opportunities to say more jawdroppingly stupid things. And her handlers are gonna make George’s look like they had nary a worry.
People like her make for bad government but for good spectacle…
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:43 pm
In other words Jefferson, if you gripe about the single payer system or lambast Obamacare, it is quite obvious you have never cared for an elderly relative.
They have no idea what they are asking for.
Paul
August 25th, 2011
12:43 pm
Bosch
I was hopin’ you’d get the puppy allusion -
Keep Up the Good Fight!
August 25th, 2011
12:46 pm
Bosch, don’t you think that when grandma stops earning enough and has to dip into those assets that there ought to be a “market solution” as part of the 2d amendment?
Doggone — I agree there is a lot that we contribute to collectively that we may not use now, but we may use later or which still benefits us indirectly like education. My home has greater value because I live in an area with good public schools (or at least they used to be good
)
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:46 pm
Paul,
Of course, and speaking of, mine are in dire need of attention which require my assistance.
Jay
August 25th, 2011
12:48 pm
fresh sheets
Thulsa Doom
August 25th, 2011
12:48 pm
I see the topic has morphed into public education. I don’t have kids and have to pay taxes to educate other people’s kids. No problem. Everyone else paid taxes to educate me when I was a kid and my parents were early 20 somethings. Despite the problems we have in our education system the costs of not educating kids at public expense vastly outweigh the costs of educating them. I think 95% of us on here understand that.
Mary Elizabeth
August 25th, 2011
12:51 pm
Let me reiterate that there is a movement in this nation to make people perceive that it is all about “me” in the name of “self-sufficiency” and that movement will primarily benefit the very top of wealth in this nation.
We were formed as an egalitarian nation and we should remain that – in spite of the money interests that are trying to move this nation Libertarian, for their own purposes. As I wrote last evening, Thomas Jefferson was a strong advocate for “free” public education and he was a strong advocate that wealth not be centralized to a very top, small group of people within our nation; thus, he penned these words in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. . .”
Bosch
August 25th, 2011
12:51 pm
“and has to dip into those assets that there ought to be a “market solution” as part of the 2d amendment?”
There is Keep. It’s called the system we have now. If you want to care for grandma yourself and keep her money, or your inheritance, then you take care of her yourself, in your home.
But, in my case, the only inheritance was a collection of strange colored glass bottles.
If you don’t, then you send her to a nursing home and you lose your inheritance. And, people should know — you don’t just SEND grandma to a nursing home. It’s harder to get an old person in a nursing home than it is for a Republican to admit to a tax raise.
The decision isn’t rocket science.
saywhat?
August 25th, 2011
12:53 pm
Jay wrote: kayaker, you can’t outlaw lobbyists. The First Amendment guarantees the right “to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
But you can sure as hell tell them they can’t shower legislators, regulators and state employees with gifts.”
But Jay, I thought the current Dupremes said money is speech, and corporations are people. Not allowing company/industry lobbyists to shower gifts upon politicos denies those people (corporations) their free speech(bribery) rights. That would be un-American.
Talking Head
August 25th, 2011
12:58 pm
“We were formed as an egalitarian nation and we should remain that – in spite of the money interests that are trying to move this nation Libertarian, for their own purposes.”
The first part of your post I can agree with. We were formed as an egalitarian nation, but only in the sense that as Jefferson said, “all men are created equal.” Where you and I differ is that our outcomes from our own decisions seperate us, and based on those decisions we are all unequal, and that’s the way it should be.
Stevie Ray
August 25th, 2011
12:58 pm
Jay, do current GA legislators have to work within travel budgets and ethics rules that cap or otherwise clarify (without uncertainty) acceptable perks, expenditures and limits on acceptance of lobbyist funds? I’m in the dark here….most corporations have “integrity by-laws” that control the amount that employees can accept from outside vendors et al…Is this area that grey with respect to these guys?
Jay
August 25th, 2011
1:01 pm
Stevie Ray, there are no limits under Georgia law. I’ve been writing for 20 years in favor of at least a $100 limit, but the legislators and lobbyists have no interest whatsoever in adopting one.
The only restriction is that at least it has to be reported, although there are loopholes even in that.
Stevie Ray
August 25th, 2011
1:01 pm
Also, it’s easy to heap ill-will on Supreme Court for Citizens ruling. However, it seems to me that their primary function is to interpret the laws where grey areas may exist. If this ruling causes the amount of anxiety (politicians do benefit so their uproad likely a ruse), Congress should change the subject law up to and including constitution…Am I wrong?
Stevie Ray
August 25th, 2011
1:03 pm
Thanks Jay….could this be subject to referendum?
Jay
August 25th, 2011
1:06 pm
No, Stevie. Georgia law also has no referendum mechanism.
Jm
August 25th, 2011
1:10 pm
Afl CIO head: labor to ditch dems (politico)
How ironic
Fire him
August 25th, 2011
1:11 pm
Certainly there are dozens/hundreds/thousands/tens of thousands of qualified (and more ethical) people to fill this position.
Talking Head
August 25th, 2011
1:17 pm
As long as we have this convoluted and overly complex tax code system in place, you can bet your bottom dollar that every politician will be involved in unethical practices.
Disgusted
August 25th, 2011
1:18 pm
lecturing me that I should quit my job in order to better care for my old person.
And I had one who scolded me for continuing to work so that I could have a roof over my head and for not getting my wife a stairlift (”you can get a used one for $200 or $300.”) When I checked on the Internet, I discovered that the things cost over $3,000 in used condition, and that’s uninstalled.
It didn’t keep her from billing Medicare $107 for each 20 minute visit. She’s no longer with us, but that didn’t keep me from pondering the execution of about 90% of these parasites in the medical industry. And people remain ignorant enough to believe that the current medical industry is just fine and dandy and that we don’t need none of that there Obamacare because it’s Socialized Medicine. I guess if I could earn $321 per hour in the current set-up, without a college degree and even without a nursing license, I’d be fighting Obamacare tooth and nail too.
Stevie Ray
August 25th, 2011
1:19 pm
One more question Jay. Do you really see a difference to how the parties carry on relative to lobbyists, ethics, fundraising, contradictions (amazing how much time is expended identifying same) and the general debate techniques (namely name calling and using suspect data to support points)? I listen and read an equal amount of opinons supporting both parties and after awhile, I can’t tell the difference…
Jay
August 25th, 2011
1:26 pm
No, Stevie, I don’t. Politicians of both parties are equally susceptible. For the first 10 years I was pushing limits on lobbyist gifts, it was Dems refusing to take action. Now it’s the Reps. Same game, different players.
If there is a difference, I think Georgia Republican voters may be quicker to defend their own politicians against criticism, on the theory that at least they’re not Democrats. That’s my perception, anyway.
mike
August 25th, 2011
1:28 pm
I also can’t understand the references to the President within the context of this article. Must be sad to live everyday obsessing about that man in the White House. BTW the people of Georgia elected Echols. This is just going back to the time in Georgia when there was the real old boy system. They did not believe in ethics during that time. Now you have the same mentality in office these days. Do you expect these folks to behave any different.
James
August 25th, 2011
1:30 pm
Good article Jay. For once I agree with you.
Mary Elizabeth
August 25th, 2011
1:41 pm
Talking Head @ 12:58
“Where you and I differ is that our outcomes from our own decisions seperate us, and based on those decisions we are all unequal, and that’s the way it should be.”
————————————————
We probably do not disagree as much as you may think. It is your use of the word “unequal” in your statement, above, that I have difficulty with. I will explain. I agree that we must, each, take responsibility for the individual decisions that we make and the results that those decisions will afford us. However, in a larger sense, each of us will forever remain human beings, a gift from the Creator, regardless of how our individual fates unfold, as determined sometimes by ourselves, and at other times determined by forces outside of ourselves, over which we have little control.
————————————————————————————————
Jefferson continued in the Declaration of Independence to write “. . .endowed with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Lliberty, and the pursuit of Happiness, that to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
—————————————————————————————————–
The explanation of that part of the Declaration is given, below, from “The World Book Encyclopedia,” 1988.
“The signers of the Declaration believed it was obvious that “all men” are created equal and have rights that cannot be taken away from them. By “all men,” the signers meant people of every race and both sexes. The rights to “Life” included the right to defend oneself against physical attack and against unjust government. The right to “Liberty” included the right to criticize the government, to worship freely, and to form a government that protects liberty. The “pursuit of Happiness” meant the right to own property and to have it safeguarded. It also meant the right to strive for the good of all people, not only for one’s personal happiiness.”
jj
August 25th, 2011
1:42 pm
Unregulated natural gas in GA, around 70 cents per therm.
Market price for natural gas at the Henry Hub 39.4 cents per therm
Regulated natural gas in IL, around 45 cents per therm.
If natural gas is about 35% cheaper in the most corrupt state in the country, how much money do you think all the “gas marketers” have really spent on these crooks?
Adam
August 25th, 2011
1:48 pm
md: I don’t know too many schools that teach practical matters…….we all get algebra……but not taxes and how they make society work……
You know…………………………………………. I do remember this being taught in history…………………….. and…………………. civics…………………….. classes ………………………..throughout school. If you never…………………… heard this in school………………………… perhaps that is a local……………………. teaching problem…………..
md
August 25th, 2011
2:51 pm
Nice smartasss response Adam………….yeh, I got generalities too……but not practical first hand info.
You?
PMC
August 25th, 2011
2:54 pm
pretty standard politician fare really.
No one would get into politics if they couldn’t boss people around and try to get perks.
Politics has ZERO to do with public service.
PMC
August 25th, 2011
2:54 pm
Not really that shocking that Echols would work with a creep like Oxendine.
PMC
August 25th, 2011
2:57 pm
Just warms my heart a bit to know that Augusta National doesn’t discriminate between bossy pompous politicians and bossy pompous other public figures.
I’ll always love going out and walking that course without people like Echols.
Missy
August 25th, 2011
3:01 pm
I wouldn’t pi$$ off Billy Payne too much.
Politcal whores
August 25th, 2011
3:10 pm
Both sides of the aisle are guilty. Throw the bums out. They work for themselves not for the good of the Republic.
Where's My Party?
August 25th, 2011
3:53 pm
At least ask for real badges and not practice round tickets, good grief.
Adam
August 25th, 2011
4:01 pm
You don’t need to know exactly WHO’S taxes pay for your schooling, the best point to make is that TAXES pay for it, indicating it’s NOT free. It is paid for by someone. If you want to know more than that, you can ask.
But that’s the point, students DO know their education isn’t “free.” Unless throughout school no one talked about what taxes pay for, which wouldn’t surprise me in a private school bent on educating children towards destruction of the government. But not in public school unless the teachers, all of them, forget to teach it for TWELVE YEARS.
GT
August 25th, 2011
4:25 pm
Jay
August 25th, 2011
10:33 am
kayaker, you can’t outlaw lobbyists. The First Amendment guarantees the right “to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
How do free tickets to influence the politician have any protection in our constitution? Was Garland Pinholster protected in his sexual advances in one of those amendments too? They get some strange birds in the PSC.
TRUTH
August 25th, 2011
4:43 pm
Jay HE WORKED FOR OXENDINE!!! Why are we surprised?
Politi Cal
August 25th, 2011
4:45 pm
He’s proved, alas, that he is a typical Georgia Republicrat. They’re all the same, whatevey party, color, sex, or religion they may be. Same sad story. God, it’s disgusting.
Hmmmmmmmmm
August 25th, 2011
4:51 pm
What a man will do for the game of Golf…..
Erin Andrew's Landing Strip
August 25th, 2011
5:13 pm
The reason Echols asked for practice round badges rather than badges to the actual tournament is simple. Fans are allowed to bring cameras during practice rounds. For Echols, it’s all about making himself look good and setting himself up for a run for higher office. If he had made it to the practice round, rest assured we would have seen pictures of himself posted on his Facebook page.
GT
August 25th, 2011
5:42 pm
Augusta that week is a hang out for national Republicans. Echols could get a little face time with the power makers of that party, maybe a few checks for this war crest. Probably a few of those powerbrokers were riding around in those illegal limos. “Obama’s fault, loose on the limos loose on the Mexicans, the man just can’t be trusted, now give me those tickets I got a job to do.”
Bama Bill
August 25th, 2011
5:56 pm
Just a bunch of “sleeze bags” who don’t understand servant leadership – they are all going for power, control and wealth !
GT
August 25th, 2011
6:03 pm
“Mr. Smith goes to Washington” I would have loved to see a story 20 years later and the Jimmy Stewart character had bought in to the Washington corruption like most of these egomaniacs do. He probably would be seen riding around in an illegal limo, the secretary and a few other ladies, heading for a hot party. They just got though signing a bill for illegal immigrates being shot a dawn and they are all going to celebrate the night away in Georgetown. Then go watch the executions, a prefect end to a perfect night for a Republican want a be.
Paddy O
August 25th, 2011
6:59 pm
Echols is obviously fairly corrupt and ethically bankrupt. I really miss Angela Speir.
Paddy O
August 25th, 2011
7:04 pm
GT- I tend to hope he would avoid the temptation of corruption.