Ethics reform campaign ends up in trashbin
Today is the 30th day of the 2012 Georgia General Assembly, the day when proposed legislation must be passed by either the House or Senate or be banished to the trashcan for the rest of the session.
House Bill 1105, which would have put a limit of $100 on the value of “gifts” that lobbyists may give to legislators, is destined for that trashcan. From the moment the bill was introduced, House Speaker David Ralston made certain it was going nowhere by assigning it to the House Rules Committee, where it could be kept safely contained, like an crazy old aunt locked up in the basement. Today it dies.
A similar chain of events has played out on the other side of the Capitol, where Senate Bill 391 also would have put a limit of $100 on the value of “gifts” that could be given legally by lobbyists to legislators.
Unlike the speaker of the House, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle publicly claims to support legislation limiting lobbyist “gifts.” He just has a very odd way of demonstrating that support.
Like his counterpart in the House, Cagle has ensured that SB 391 would never see the light of day by assigning it to his own chamber’s Rules Committee, where it has continued to sit untouched ever since.
The whole thing has become downright embarrassing: Every one of Georgia’s neighboring states has enacted either a ban or severe restriction on lobbyist “gifts,” but not Georgia. In fact, Georgia is one of only three states in the country with no restriction on that form of commerce.
In addition, public opinion polls show overwhelming support for a “gift” ban or restriction. Georgia citizens instinctively understand the danger that such “gift-giving” poses to honest government, and they want it to end. The consensus is so broad and widespread that as the year began, a coalition of groups from across the political spectrum, including Common Cause and Georgia Tea Party Patriots, made it their goal to outlaw expensive goodies.
Even with all that, neither of the bills introduced were given even the small courtesy of a subcommittee hearing.
While that’s a disappointment in its own right, it also reflects two larger realities. First, it tells you just how deep the sense of entitlement now runs among many, but certainly not all, of the people elected to represent us under the Gold Dome. They have come to believe that by virtue of their success and power they deserve such “gifts,” and they truly do not understand why others would try to deny them the rewards of their office.
Second and more importantly, it tells you a lot about who our legislators are truly serving. The willingness of legislative leaders to publicly thumb their noses at voter opinion so they can continue taking “gifts” from special interests suggests an attitude that plays out more subtly, but more harmfully, across a wide range of issues, from utility regulation to consumer protection to special tax giveaways to the well-connected.
We may elect these people and pay their salaries, but when crunch time comes, we’re not the ones they are trying to protect and serve.
– Jay Bookman
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414 comments Add your comment
Keep Up--Te gusta losing woofinpoofs?
March 7th, 2012
12:09 pm
As usual, what is “necessary” for state employees somehow is not required for our state legislators.
Ernest T. Bass
March 7th, 2012
12:14 pm
This is the Newt Gingrich state.
What did you expect really ?
Keep Up--Te gusta losing woofinpoofs?
March 7th, 2012
12:16 pm
Ernest, perhaps leadership from the Governor on ethics?…… oh wait, dangnabbit.
Brosephus Lite™ - All the sarcasm, half the words
March 7th, 2012
12:17 pm
The whole thing has become downright embarrassing: Every one of Georgia’s neighboring states has enacted either a ban or severe restriction on lobbyist “gifts,” but not Georgia. In fact, Georgia is one of only three states in the country with no restriction on that form of commerce.
That’s bulls**t… Georgia is merely rolling out the red carpet as a business-friendly state that is open to ALL forms of commerce, even those that appear quite sketchy elsewhere. The legislators are only refusing to allow government regulation to limit their free market potential. What else would you expect from GOP leadership?
//dripping sarc//
Peadawg
March 7th, 2012
12:19 pm
“We may elect these people and pay their salaries, but when crunch time comes, we’re not the ones they are trying to protect and serve.”
I hope you’re not just now realizing that…
CJ
March 7th, 2012
12:20 pm
Great piece Jay!
Also, thanks for your efforts in this regard. I, for one, took your advice and made the calls. Sorry it didn’t help.
Hope you’ll come back to it again next year.
Brosephus Lite™ - All the sarcasm, half the words
March 7th, 2012
12:21 pm
We may elect these people and pay their salaries, but when crunch time comes, we’re not the ones they are trying to protect and serve.
Ummm, you’ve got them confused with the police. Law enforcement operates by protect and serve. Legislators operate by protect and get served.
arnold
March 7th, 2012
12:22 pm
What political party controls out local government? Is there any correlation to big business and money? Inquiring minds would like to know.
stands for decibels
March 7th, 2012
12:24 pm
Second and more importantly, it tells you a lot about who our legislators are truly serving. The willingness of legislative leaders to publicly thumb their noses at voter opinion
Never got one reply, not even an auto-reply, from any of the six individuals I’d emailed personally, with hand-composed (not copy/pasted from some advocacy website) message politely pointing out that both Kyle and Jay supported this legislation.
I know they get a lot of emails, but not one acknowledgement? Not even from my own state “representatives”? Jeez.
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
March 7th, 2012
12:25 pm
Well, if Bookman and his ilk don’t stop. those poor folks down at the statehouse are going to starve to death or else rummage thru the garbage cans to find something to eat. It’s done come to a sorry pass when a guy can’t accept a five-course meal from a Lobbyist or take his family overseas on a Lobbyist’s dime. I mean, ethics is OK, but why would anybody run for a house seat paying maybe $20,000 a year if it wasn’t for the Fringe Benefits? Let’s have some Christian Compassion here. Or at least let the people wanting this Ethics Reform pass a collection plate for these fine public servants that don’t want nothing for theirselfs but only want to help us.
That’s my opinion and it’s very true. Ethics is fine and dandy, but not if it’s going to cost somebody alot of money. Let’s be reasonable here.
Jefferson
March 7th, 2012
12:27 pm
Prison for any politician taking bribes or the sort.
Stonethrower
March 7th, 2012
12:27 pm
“We may elect these people and pay their salaries, but when crunch time comes, we’re not the ones they are trying to protect and serve.”
but we will continue to elect these people (local and national) and nothing will change. They know it and we know it.
O'ByteMe - Fake-Irish Goon
March 7th, 2012
12:28 pm
But … but… but… they have an R after their name!! Doesn’t that mean they’re exactly the right person for the job?!?
scrappy
March 7th, 2012
12:28 pm
Is anyone really shocked by this? I’m not.
Do we think the sheeple that vote in this state will do anything about it, except to continue to vote for the person with a R next to their name? Again, no.
Result – more of the same, year after year.
At least GA is consistent. Embarrassing, but consistent!
Brosephus Lite™ - All the sarcasm, half the words
March 7th, 2012
12:28 pm
dB
I did not receive any replies either. I don’t remember the final total of emails that I sent, but I sent emails to leadership in both houses and both parties as well as my local reps. I’m pretty much sickened by the entire thing. Hell, I got a response from Rep. Westmoreland about 2-3 wks ago from an email I sent him during the debt ceiling debate. B@stards don’t have a problem ringing my phone off the hook and filling my mailbox with garbage when they need my vote. However, when it’s time for communication to go in the opposite direction, it’s as if I don’t exist. F’em all with a splintered wooden bat wrapped with rusty barbed wire.
stands for decibels
March 7th, 2012
12:29 pm
but why would anybody run for a house seat paying maybe $20,000 a year
and another thing. What’d it cost us taxpayers to have legislators paid at least in the neighborhood of the professional class they’re supposed to be? What kind of yahoos think it’s a good idea to treat an industrialized nation’s provincial officials like those of a third-world craphole, where they have to look for baksheesh to feed their own families?
What’s Latin for “Penny Wise, Pound Foolish”? That oughta be the state motto; that oughta be on the damn flag.
Guy
March 7th, 2012
12:29 pm
I wonder where your column is lamabasting Obama and Pelosi for talking up transparency and ethics, and then being opaque and without ethics? Their politicization of the Justice Department goes far beyond anything Bush ever did, yet he was slaughtered in the press about it, while no one mentions it with Obama. But you’ll go after obscure politicians on the other side for less. Is there anything in your head that is fair and non-partisan?
stands for decibels
March 7th, 2012
12:30 pm
F’em all with a splintered wooden bat wrapped with rusty barbed wire.
You forgot “…with sand for lube.” Please make a note of it.
Thulsa Doom
March 7th, 2012
12:32 pm
“Let’s be reasonable here.”- Redneck convert
That’s the best parody I’ve ever seen from RC- a lib’s plea to be reasonable.
Normal: Commie Pinko, Queer, Atheist, B@stard, Liberal Union Thug!!!
March 7th, 2012
12:36 pm
It’s just another version of the “Golden Goose” fable, but this time, at least, they have learned not to kill it…
getalife
March 7th, 2012
12:37 pm
The gop reforming ethics is a horrible idea.
They would make it worse like citizen united.
Peadawg
March 7th, 2012
12:37 pm
Jay, you need to do a new column to reeeaaaally get us going. For the most part, everybody’s agreed on your first 3 columns of the day. Booooring.
Brosephus Lite™ - All the sarcasm, half the words
March 7th, 2012
12:38 pm
dB
My bad on forgetting about the sand. Duly noted for next time. Also, I’m with you on the pay. Give them a professional salary, but make them work like professionals too. No more of the 40 day session shenanigans if the salary goes up.
jconservative
March 7th, 2012
12:38 pm
“Georgia citizens instinctively understand the danger that such “gift-giving” poses to honest government, and they want it to end.”
No they do not. If they did they would vote against incumbents. People in Georgia vote for, not against, incumbents.
—————-
Redneck – one of your best.
They BOTH suck
March 7th, 2012
12:39 pm
The article the AJC ran on a Sunday a few months back that dealt with lobbyist and gifts was great in terms of info but sad in terms of who we are dealing with at the Golden Dome.
Individuals in both Parties seemed more than happy to be on record telling you how they were not bought and all the dinners and drinks were basically “get to know you sessions”
Mighty Righty
March 7th, 2012
12:40 pm
Guy
March 7th, 2012
12:29 pm
Good point. Jay just can’t stand the fact that this is a Republicn state. His job is to defend the defensless left or one percenter Cox may fire him. This article is not about ethics. It is about bad Republicans.
getalife
March 7th, 2012
12:40 pm
Add reckless on ethics and family values to the gop list.
St Simons - we're on Island time
March 7th, 2012
12:41 pm
Party on Ga Republicans!! See you down here this weekend!
They BOTH suck
March 7th, 2012
12:41 pm
Peadawg…………. You looking for a rumble?
hahahaha
Granny Godzilla - Union Thugette
March 7th, 2012
12:43 pm
“Their politicization of the Justice Department goes far beyond anything Bush ever did”
Funniest post so far.
Peadawg
March 7th, 2012
12:44 pm
Bring it!
getalife
March 7th, 2012
12:45 pm
Zero tolerence and max. prison sentences would help.
They BOTH suck
March 7th, 2012
12:46 pm
Off topic but guess who is back on the scene?
http://news.yahoo.com/joe-plumber-snags-gop-nod-ohio-congressional-election-150402015–abc-news.html
stands for decibels
March 7th, 2012
12:48 pm
FYI, here’s the specs on those deflector shields in use by Messrs Guy, Mighty & Thulsa.
getalife
March 7th, 2012
12:51 pm
“Axelrod: If Romney Can’t Condemn Limbaugh, ‘How Can He Stand Up To Ahmadinejad?’ Aol.
The gop are reckless and weak on national security.
Stevie Ray
March 7th, 2012
12:52 pm
JAY,
Funny how it appears the same, or similar reforms being attempted in DC will likely fare similarly. Please keep hammering away.
Today, I can say I’m truly embarrassed to be a Georgia where a myriad of citizens casts votes for the most glowing example of all that is wrong with our system…Newt Gingrich…all at once he is arrogant (almost in BO’s league here), presumptuous, corrupt (below the belt censor or what ever..left in shame), and dishonest.
Brosephus Lite™ - All the sarcasm, half the words
March 7th, 2012
12:57 pm
dB
Protection 18/24??? Nah, that ship doesn’t hold a candle to the deflection going on around here. Those guys gotta be somewhere near 46/50 range.
Brosephus Lite™ - All the sarcasm, half the words
March 7th, 2012
12:59 pm
Stevie Ray
Only today?? Surely you can’t be serious.
Iconoclast
March 7th, 2012
1:01 pm
One thing is for certain: Georgia thrives in spite of its leadership, not because of it. The largely partisan voting blocs are too fickle to do what is necessary and kick high-level incumbency to the curb (so they can become government affairs consultants, aka lobbyists).
St Simons - we're on Island time
March 7th, 2012
1:02 pm
where will the pahhtay be? the Southern Co boat? Insurance boat?
Or the Bankers boat, if they haven’t come and got it yet?
Lt. you-know-who likes the Cloister.
Jus say “jaysus” in the microphone and it’ll all be Ok. Let em eat cake.
Brosephus Lite™ - All the sarcasm, half the words
March 7th, 2012
1:03 pm
Looks like GA’s trying to ship their brand of politics across the state line. Does that make it interstate commerce and therefore subject to federal regulation?
http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/jury-acquits-all-6-1376191.html
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A jury acquitted a casino owner, three current or former state lawmakers and two other defendants on all counts Wednesday in a high-profile federal case that alleged the legislators were being bribed to legalize gambling in the state.
JamVet
March 7th, 2012
1:09 pm
These reprehensible Georgia Republicans are merely following the lead of their GOP betters in Washington DC.
Brazenly corrupt – see Deal, Nathan – unapologetically self-serving – see Deal, Nathan – and waging a highly effective, four decades long war on America’s middle class families.
Because to stand up for we the people – the supreme power and authority in government – and against their BIG business, multinational paymasters, with NO loyalty to this country, is fiscally liberal.
And these men are true conservatives…
JamVet
March 7th, 2012
1:13 pm
Good point. Righty just loves the fact that this is a hugely corrupted Republican state. His job is to defend the malfeasant right wing. His post is not about ethics. It is about – forever and at all costs – protecting and enabling corrupt, immoral Republicans.
DebbieDoRight - Feminazi, Planned Parenthood Goon, And Anti-LimpBalls Supporter
March 7th, 2012
1:13 pm
but we will continue to elect these people (local and national) and nothing will change. They know it and we know it.
However, we WILL feel better because at least we didn’t elect “that other guy”. We humans are so predictable.
Guy Incognito (not just another Guy)
March 7th, 2012
1:17 pm
Bro Lite
Yes he is serious, and please stop calling him “Surely”
stands for decibels
March 7th, 2012
1:17 pm
I was thinking of humorously amending my screen name this afternoon, but…
Feminazi, Planned Parenthood Goon, And Anti-LimpBalls Supporter
I can’t possibly top that.
Granny Godzilla - Union Thugette
March 7th, 2012
1:20 pm
Enter your comments here
Stevie Ray
March 7th, 2012
1:22 pm
BRO,
It’s easy to be in denial (no just a river in Egypt) until something like this or actions per our brilliant state legislatures make the news.
Granny Godzilla - Union Thugette
March 7th, 2012
1:22 pm
Debbie
too cute!
Michael
March 7th, 2012
1:26 pm
Let’s give every Georgian a no bid contract with the State and our economy will improve in a heart beat.
DebbieDoRight - Feminazi, Planned Parenthood Goon, And Anti-LimpBalls Supporter
March 7th, 2012
1:26 pm
Individuals in both Parties seemed more than happy to be on record telling you how they were not bought and all the dinners and drinks were basically “get to know you sessions”
Reminds me of a saying at Hosea ____’s Funeral (famous civil rights workers / Ga congressman and started that “Feed The Hungry” thingy):
He always campaigned as he was UNbought and UNpaid. He forgot to mention however that he could be “rented”
Jefferson
March 7th, 2012
1:26 pm
In order to pass a new law, some old one should have to be written off.
TaxPayer
March 7th, 2012
1:28 pm
Their constituency has spoked. They has elected them and now they is free to do unto others because that is what a Republican does. All the elected Republican has to do with their constituency is throw out a few words come election time like “God Bless” and “Family Values” and “They’s worst than Us” and “They’s out to get Me” and that sort of thing and it does its intended job on the faithful flock. How else could Nathan Deal, Newt Gingrich, et al, command such a loyal following.
DebbieDoRight - Feminazi, Planned Parenthood Goon, And Anti-LimpBalls Supporter
March 7th, 2012
1:29 pm
Thanks dB and Granny G!
Keep Up--Te gusta losing woofinpoofs?
March 7th, 2012
1:31 pm
In order to pass a new law, some old one should have to be written off
And that makes about as much sense as saying “in order to construct a new road, an old one should have to be closed”
Guy Incognito (not just another Guy)
March 7th, 2012
1:32 pm
Jefferson @ 1:26
Words of wisdom!
DebbieDoRight - Feminazi, Planned Parenthood Goon, And Anti-LimpBalls Supporter
March 7th, 2012
1:33 pm
TP – You forgot their old standards, (that keeps on giving):
Immigration Reform (They’re taking ALL the jobs that nobody wants to do!!!)
Gay Marriage (From Gingrich: “They’re ruining the sanctity of marriage!!”)
And last but not least………….
Abortion Reform: (A 30 Second Fetus can feel PAIN!!! We know because we talked to one!)
Guy Incognito (not just another Guy)
March 7th, 2012
1:34 pm
Keep
And your 1:31 is the same as comparing Rush’s words with Maher’s
n
March 7th, 2012
1:35 pm
Maybe a better outcome if the AJC had used it’s bully pulpit and went on a real crusade, ala Ralph McGill, Bill Shipp. Banner headlines, front page exposes, OUTRAGE. Nothing will ever change until the media regains it’s courage and raises hell. I guess it’s just not good for the corporate image to make waves.
Logical Dude - slut and ho
March 7th, 2012
1:35 pm
I would have been pleasantly surprised if this even got out of committee for a vote.
Of course, as Jay and Kyle expected, the bill got squashed quickly and quietly.
I expected as much from the (insert comparison to person’s working for sex)’s who can’t seem to get enough of the (insert comparison to person looking for the sex worker) lobbyist money.
godless heathen©
March 7th, 2012
1:37 pm
State government should be run ethically without any kickbacks or bribes like the Democrats run the City of Atlanta. Bill Campbell for Governor!
Guy Incognito (not just another Guy)
March 7th, 2012
1:38 pm
“No one may carry an ice cream cone in their back pocket if it is Sunday.”
Forgive me Keep……….here is a GA law which MUST stay on the books. Thin of the horror if it were taken off
OMG!!!
0311/8541/5811/1811
March 7th, 2012
1:38 pm
Jay:
On this one we agree. Keep at it !
Keep Up--Te gusta losing woofinpoofs?
March 7th, 2012
1:38 pm
Guy, you want to try making sense and not playing some tired absured Maher card….. I already have that free space on the bingo card.
A Pimp Called Slick Back
March 7th, 2012
1:39 pm
A Pimp Called SlickBack is sensing some frustration at the instigation of some much needed extra funds for the governing party.
A Pimp Called SlickBack recognizes this frustration because folks like you don’t understand the game.
These politicians have the game down pat. They tell ya’ll what you want to hear, (not unlike myself in my current occupation); fill you up with all types of lies and promises (again like myself); then the first chance they get……
They make ya’ll walk the stroll so that they can have more money in THEIR pocket and a couple of cadillacs on the side for their extra honeys; (again just like me).
A Pimp Called SlickBack want ya’ll to know –
Don’t hate the player, hate the game.
0311/8541/5811/1811
March 7th, 2012
1:39 pm
Guy Incognito (not just another Guy) :
“No one may carry an ice cream cone in their back pocket if it is Sunday.”
Thou forgetest the U.S. Constitution says a president has ten days to consider a bill sent by Congress ………. Sunday’s excepted …………….
Guy Incognito (not just another Guy)
March 7th, 2012
1:43 pm
Keep
Wow..you REALLY missed the point.
Your comparison was way off target just as those comparing Maher’s words were castigated for making an uneaqual comparison
Bless Your Heart………………..hey, an ambulance is going by. Better go catch it!
JamVet
March 7th, 2012
1:44 pm
State government should be run ethically without any kickbacks or bribes
They know that their constituents don’t care enough to say boo, much less raise hell.
Hell, look at the con comments here so far.
Like their elected heroes, they don’t even see this as a problem.
For gawdsakes, they gleefully elected Nathan Deal as the very head of the state government and their political party.
The man who made the list of 15 most corrupt members of the United States Congress.
And who skedaddled out of town, before the obsequious, said congress could pursue investigations and ultimately hold him accountable to the rule of law.
Georgia politics have gone from plain old awful and corrupt to beyond disgraceful.
Well done, “conservatives”…
Keep Up--Te gusta losing woofinpoofs?
March 7th, 2012
1:47 pm
Guy, you do look foolish. Did I say there were no laws that could not be removed? The proposition was that 1 law had to be removed for each one passed (without clarity as to whether that was each section of a bill or “numbered). SO what you are foolishly saying in a very absurd and ignorant manner is that there are so many laws like the one you currently cite that we would “never” run out.
Really, if that is your argument, you may want to consider seeking a refund for any education you may have paid for since high school. Your money was apparently wasted.
0311/8541/5811/1811
March 7th, 2012
1:48 pm
JamVet:
“Jay:
On this one we agree. Keep at it ! “
Guy Incognito (not just another Guy)
March 7th, 2012
1:51 pm
“is that there are so many laws like the one you currently cite that we would “never” run out.”
Oh yeah, that’s EXACTLY what I meant
I’m so stunned by your litigatory style that I can’t even respond. Your intellect is dizzying, but since i’m running low on herb, I’ll read your stuff to catch a buzz
JamVet
March 7th, 2012
1:52 pm
Scout, good. Now write/email/call these men and tell them that this is NOT acceptable and that you hold them responsible.
It may not help, but it may.
And remember,
In great attempts it is glorious even to fail. ~Cassius Longinus
And what is a greater attempt that to teach these men that they work for US, not Southern Company, Home Depot, Aflac and Coca Cola?
TaxPayer
March 7th, 2012
1:53 pm
“Jay:
On this one we agree. Keep at it ! “
Jay,
Make those Georgia Republicans change their evil ways so scout can feel better about voting for them again next time.
DebbieDoRight - Feminazi, Planned Parenthood Goon, And Anti-LimpBalls Supporter
March 7th, 2012
1:55 pm
For gawdsakes, they gleefully elected Nathan Deal as the very head of the state government and their political party. The man who made the list of 15 most corrupt members of the United States Congress.
They not only voted for him, they were HAPPY when he was elected!! And did you notice how “NOT WORD FROM A REPUBLICAN” neither in the house or the state senate was spoken when Deal “miraculously” came out of over a million dollar bankruptcy just shy of a YEAR after becoming Governor?
The funny part about this whole thing, is that it seems like, just as a wife with a philandering husband, the people of georgia WANT to be lied to. The really, truly don’t want to know or hear the truth.
PS: They’d vote for a 3 legged brain dead cow as long as it had an “R” behind its name!!!
TaxPayer
March 7th, 2012
1:56 pm
Litigatory! There’s a “word” for ya. Probably the result of a little too much herb.
Guy Incognito (not just another Guy)
March 7th, 2012
1:59 pm
I have my own Dictionary:-)
Jefferson
March 7th, 2012
1:59 pm
Keep — you take yourself way too serious, think outside the box sometimes…
DebbieDoRight - Feminazi, Planned Parenthood Goon, And Anti-LimpBalls Supporter
March 7th, 2012
2:00 pm
Sorry for all typos!!! Have this very nosey old lady who keeps looking over my shoulder!
I’m scared she might be jm in drag…….
Keep Up--Te gusta losing woofinpoofs?
March 7th, 2012
2:00 pm
Yes Guy, I understand what you are saying and I am saying you look foolish and ignorant. You may continue to demonstrate that repeatedly. In the 2011 legislative session 187 house bills were signed by the Gov, 3 house resolutions, 61 senate bills and 7 senate resolutions. One bill does not equal one law. In fact a bill may cover amending a number of statutes.
And let’s remember, the foolish Republicans can barely cite a consitutional source for their bills without having to identify which laws they would take off to pass a new law.
As I said it makes about as much sense as saying you must close a road to build a new one. I am sure you can find a few roads that no longer make sense but its a silly requirement.
But you keep being silly and repeat it over and over.
Keep Up--Te gusta losing woofinpoofs?
March 7th, 2012
2:01 pm
Jefferson, sorry but the Republicans have all to often adopted a silly bumper sticker slogan for the brain dead as a party platform. Drill baby drill is just part of that stupidity.
Jefferson
March 7th, 2012
2:02 pm
I go another — the state reps and senators should only meet once every 3 years, to minimize the damage…
Guy Incognito (not just another Guy)
March 7th, 2012
2:02 pm
Jefferson
We agree twice in the same day:-) Oh the wonders of the blog.
Time to go, but it’s been fun
Mike
March 7th, 2012
2:03 pm
Expecting politicians and/or Lawyers to police themselves….I doubt it.
Peadawg
March 7th, 2012
2:03 pm
Keep Up–Te gusta losing woofinpoofs?
March 7th, 2012
2:01 pm
As was “Hope and Change”.
Peadawg
March 7th, 2012
2:04 pm
And “Yes we can”
JamVet
March 7th, 2012
2:06 pm
Debbie, in their bizarre hatred of progress/liberalism/21st century realities, they keep sliding farther and farther backwards in their self-made, reactionary abyss of failure and ugliness.
They apparently have convinced themselves that everything was perfect up until about 1954.
Look at how the worst of them have spit on combat veterans like Max Cleland and John Kerry. Look how many more of them think it is cool.
Look at how they denigrate entire races and ethnicities. And feign not being able to figure out why they are essentially an All White, “Christian” Only Party, just like their Democratic forebears in the deep south were back in those 1950s.
Look at how the trickle downers have gleefully decimated tens of thousands of working class Georgia families by destroying collective bargaining and mandating that people work for slave wages.
It is really shocking, and frankly heartbreaking, to see what has become of the once Grand Old Party…
0311/8541/5811/1811
March 7th, 2012
2:08 pm
TaxPayer/JamVet:
……….. and the Dems. are as bad ? Especially in the U.S. Congress ?
Sorry, but I spent 11 in Washington and I know the drill. They are ALL guilty.
0311/8541/5811/1811
March 7th, 2012
2:08 pm
Excuse me: “11 years”
Keep Up--Te gusta losing woofinpoofs?
March 7th, 2012
2:09 pm
Jefferson, doubling down? So tell me, does technology stop during those 3 years? Does the world freeze? A great number of laws are outdated and outrun by the market and technology quickly. For example, privacy laws. But I realize you probably have not really looked at the issue to comprehend how laws fit into regulations and regulatory authority and how these issues need to be addressed. But again, keep up the bumper stickering approach.
And Pea, one day you will understand sound bites and slogans and distinctions from policy. Good luck to you.
carlosgvv
March 7th, 2012
2:12 pm
How many times have I said here that Big Business owns the Republican Party? And, how many times have some of you trashed me for saying that? How much clearer do the Republicans have to make it that they could not possibly care less about you? Or, do you just enjoy having your political heros spit in your face?
Peadawg
March 7th, 2012
2:14 pm
Keep, you mentioned bumper sticker slogans. “Hope and Change” and “Yes we can” were everywhere in 2008.
detritusUSA
March 7th, 2012
2:21 pm
No such thing as an ethical politician, but since republicans have been running this state for so long, I’ll put it like this: ethical republican is an oxymoron.
In that vein, I just checked farm subsidies for our former governor. From 1995-2010, he received $249,482.00 and his city of residence was listed as Atlanta, GA. Gee, and he was governor at the time! I wonder how many of our republican representatives are arguing for smaller government while receiving farm subsidies?
ragnar danneskjold
March 7th, 2012
2:27 pm
Trash bin is a good place for it. I evaluate legislatures by their efficacy in promoting a business-friendly environment, not by the capacity of the individual legislators to compete with Clergy. You know the crooks by the way they divert taxpayer monies to businesses, a la Solyndra.
DebbieDoRight - Feminazi, Planned Parenthood Goon, And Anti-LimpBalls Supporter
March 7th, 2012
2:28 pm
JamVet – Yes I know. What makes me sick to my stomache is their utter lack of REASONING.
It’s like they can’t reason out a problem and/or situation without having their “talking points” handed to them first.
Good example is the “LimpBalls is an ENTERTAINER!! What he was saying is NOT a war against women but ENTERTAINMENT”. But these same people will then rail against rappers and rockers for “misogynistic lyrics!”
It’s amazing to me how their brains works.
They can say, with a straight face, “War Against Religious Freedom”; and then in the same breath say, “We don’t want a Mosque near US!!”
I have decided to stay away from ALL the crazies/logically impaired, on the right.
This a.m. the guy downstairs in the building’s bistro was blarring LimpBalls on his radio. I had no idea he listened to him.
I politely put back the items I was getting ready to buy and walked out. I will no longer support ignorance in any form anymore.
Paul
March 7th, 2012
2:28 pm
It’s a battle, Jay, not the war.
Live to fight another day. Editorials and columns during election campaigns and questions during public events can be nicely embarrassing.
Finn McCool (Class Warfare = Stopping Rich People from TAKING MORE of OUR MONEY)
March 7th, 2012
2:32 pm
The real way to hold down gas prices
http://www.salon.com/2012/03/07/the_real_way_to_hold_down_gas_prices/
Reigning in the speculators. Republicans don’t want to see this right now! Not now!
JamVet
March 7th, 2012
2:32 pm
I wonder how many of our republican representatives are arguing for smaller government while receiving farm subsidies?
Ask, Bachmann, Michelle…
I evaluate legislatures by their efficacy in becoming subservient to businesses and their bribe money.
Which is why I oppose any sensible, reasonable ethics legislation, like those losers in those other 47 states have…
Jefferson
March 7th, 2012
2:33 pm
Keep – not to be taken literally — the thought is the state lawmakers don’t “think” things through, they just run out and make laws to whoever or whatever is the panderer at the moment…much of the times creating new problems worse that the ones they sought to solve…
DebbieDoRight - Feminazi, Planned Parenthood Goon, And Anti-LimpBalls Supporter
March 7th, 2012
2:34 pm
Pea – You DO understand the difference between a political bumper sticker and a political platform/idea don’t you? Don’t you?
PS: (this is NOT a comment aimed at Peadawg) All you guys are forever falling back on “Atlanta” as corrupt, yet you consistently refrain from saying one word about Gwinette County’s RAMPANT corruption.
I find that strange, since Atlanta is just one city that was corrupt yet Gwinette’s whole COUNTY violates ethics daily. I wonder why you gusy never bring up Gwinette? Any thoughts on that?
JamVet
March 7th, 2012
2:34 pm
DDR, good for you!
And being the uppity Hebe that I am, I would have politely informed that gentleman that I do not sahre my hard earned money with people who support hateful, women-bashing bigots.
And just smiled and walked out.