T-SPLOST ballot language misleading

Passage of the proposed one-penny regional sales tax in late July is critically important to the economic well-being of metro Atlanta and Georgia. However, even those high stakes don’t justify the unfair description that voters will see printed on the July ballot, which claims that the proposal “provides for local transportation projects to create jobs and reduce traffic congestion with citizen oversight.”

Opponents of the transportation tax, including the tea-party movement, have criticized that wording as “marketing language” that “improperly promotes a ballot question.” And they’re absolutely right. That’s exactly what it does.

Unfortunately, under longstanding Georgia law and court rulings, state officials are given a great deal of discretion in how ballot questions and proposed constitutional amendments can be worded.

In a 1974 case, Sears v. State, the Supreme Court of Georgia tried to warn the Legislature against the temptation “to interject its own value judgments concerning the amendments into the ballot language and thus to propagandize the voters in the very voting booth, in denigration of the integrity of the ballot.”

The justices also ruled that in the case they had under review, the Legislature had indeed yielded to that temptation. But they refused to rule that such ballot-box propagandizing was illegal or unconstitutional. The standard they set instead required that the wording of a ballot question must merely “be adequate to enable the voters to ascertain on which amendment they are voting.”

In other words, if the wording is accurate enough to let voters distinguish which question they’re being asked to decide, that’s good enough. The courts want nothing to do with determining whether the wording is fair.

Given that history, any legal challenge to the ballot wording is likely to be difficult. Georgia voters instead are forced to rely on the sense of fair play among state officials, in this case Secretary of State Brian Kemp, whose office drafted the preamble.

Even supporters of the T-SPLOST have to admit that the ballot language fails the test of fairness and accuracy and is an attempt to influence the outcome of the election. In a better world, that language would be changed to present a more balanced description of the ballot question, and state law would be changed to require such balanced language in all future elections.

But don’t hold your breath. The power to slant ballot language, however unfair, will not be surrendered easily by those in power.

– Jay Bookman

206 comments Add your comment

Jm-pass TSPLOST silly people

June 22nd, 2012
1:12 pm

Mehh

Get ‘er done

Jm-pass TSPLOST silly people

June 22nd, 2012
1:13 pm

November 2012: outsource Obama

And create real jobs. :)

Jm-pass TSPLOST silly people

June 22nd, 2012
1:15 pm

Reducing congestion: your road to freedom

Joe Hussein Mama

June 22nd, 2012
1:16 pm

Jay, can you link us to the complete wording of the ballot question, please?

Erwin's cat

June 22nd, 2012
1:17 pm

I thought Amendment 1 (i think) last year was just as misleading

a blanket non compete labeled as “making GA competitive” or some such nonsense

Mr. Holmes

June 22nd, 2012
1:17 pm

Point well taken. Another example of the difference between Left & Right in this country; your colleague blogger on the other side of the aisle would never post an item like this, whose entire purpose is to cede a fairly important point to the political “opposition.”

When the Right does grudgingly concede a point (and “grudgingly” does not begin to do justice to the emotional dissonance this experience causes) it always quickly followed by a rationalization and/or a “t!t for tat” justification. Kudos to Jay for supplying neither.

Senior Citizen Kane

June 22nd, 2012
1:19 pm

They should take a chunk of the money and give substantial tax breaks to companies that have at least 20% of their employees telecommuting. Get people off the road!

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
1:20 pm

Jay, I applaud your fair-mindedness, but given how our Republic has survived after who-knows-how-many stupid “Protect Yer Traditional Marriage” ballot atrocities, somehow I think we’ll manage this TSPLOSTian business.

(and being the cynical bastage I am, I still don’t think it’ll pass.)

Normal Free...Pro Human Rights Thug...And liking it!

June 22nd, 2012
1:20 pm

““provides for local transportation projects to create jobs and reduce traffic congestion with citizen oversight.””

Hmmmmm…well let’s see…why wouldn’t they like the wording? “Create jobs”…can’t have that…might make Obama look good. “Reduce traffic congestion”…can’t have that…might pizz off the oil companies. “Citizen oversight”…can’t have that…might lose me some power.

Nope…looks like a no brainer. If it’s going to help the people of Georgia, it can’t be good…

Jay

June 22nd, 2012
1:21 pm

Erwin, that’s an excellent and egregious example.

And JHM, the preamble to the question is as printed above. The question itself, written into the law by the Legislature, will state:

“Shall _______ County’s transportation system and the transportation network in this region and the state be improved by providing for a 1 percent special district transportation sales and use tax for the purpose of transportation projects and programs for a period of ten years?”

Aquagirl

June 22nd, 2012
1:22 pm

Every ballot question I can recall resembled push polling. Some were near incomprehensible.

carlosgvv

June 22nd, 2012
1:22 pm

“forced to rely on the sense of fair play among state officials”

That’s about as reasurring as being forced to rely on the reason and open mindedness of fundamentalist Christians.

barking frog

June 22nd, 2012
1:26 pm

Courts are required to rule
in the light most favorable
to the government…

Fly-On-The-Wall

June 22nd, 2012
1:27 pm

Well all we have to do is follow the money and we’ll find out why it is being worded this way. I sure hope our esteemed legislators are not planning on pulling those funds into the General Fund so they can play.

josef

June 22nd, 2012
1:28 pm

IMAM

And, you, Parse-On Brownlow, should know, eh? :-)

Anyway, will catch up later. This one actually does pique my linguist’s nerve. However, I’m more interested in reading what y’all say.

Mr_B

June 22nd, 2012
1:28 pm

Pretty much in the same vein as the insertion of the word “Jobs” or “Family” in any kind of insane tax cut or socially Neanderthal bill passed by the Republican House of Representatives.

The wording for the proposed charter school amendment with be equally misleading.

Jm-pass TSPLOST silly people

June 22nd, 2012
1:28 pm

Re jay’s 1:21

Seems reasonably worded to me

Get ‘er done! Learn to enjoy driving again.

Jm-pass TSPLOST silly people

June 22nd, 2012
1:31 pm

Obama is against transparency and oversight when it comes to his own affairs

Boooo

Mr_B

June 22nd, 2012
1:32 pm

“That’s about as reasurring as being forced to rely on the reason and open mindedness of fundamentalist Christians.”

Penalty for gratuitous denigration of religious affiliation without logical connection to the thread topic. 15 yards and repeat the down.

Joe Hussein Mama

June 22nd, 2012
1:32 pm

Jay, thank you.

The ballot question itself seems fairly worded, but the preamble certainly seems to be some salesman-like language.

Keep Up the Good Fight!

June 22nd, 2012
1:35 pm

Reminds me of recent ballot measures on restrictive covnenants in employment agreements. “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to make Georgia more economically competitive by authorizing legislation to uphold reasonable competitive agreements?” Utter nonsense and misleading. It was actually trying to do the opposite

Butch Cassidy

June 22nd, 2012
1:35 pm

I just saw the AJC headline saying that gas was expected to drop below $3.00 a gallon. Is Newt back in the running?

barking frog

June 22nd, 2012
1:35 pm

Maybe they will build a freeway to nathan’s back door, at least from the one
to zell’s back door, if it passes.

too little time

June 22nd, 2012
1:38 pm

“I thought Amendment 1 (i think) last year was just as misleading

a blanket non compete labeled as “making GA competitive” or some such nonsense”

Yep, and within ONE WEEK of that abomination becoming law, my employer stuck a 2-year noncompete contract in front of me with a “sign it or resign”. Thanks for screwing me, people of Georgia.

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
1:39 pm

nitpick time.

…providing for a 1 percent special district transportation sales and use tax …

Any Fair Tax fans want to tell me where they kinda screwed up, propagandizing-wize, here?

(TSPLOSTers done left some cash on the table. Literally.)

j$

June 22nd, 2012
1:42 pm

Hopefully T-SPOLST will pass and the proceeds given to MARTA.

They need to get their annual “December Holiday” party reinstated.

Adam

June 22nd, 2012
1:44 pm

Not sure if anyone mention edit yet, but the Supreme Court has ruled that you can say any profanity you want on television, as well as be nude on television, so long as you are an individual and not barred from doing so by the network or other private corporation rules.

Adam

June 22nd, 2012
1:44 pm

mentioned it* not mention edit. Jeez.

Keep Up the Good Fight!

June 22nd, 2012
1:45 pm

Ahhh, what would a discussion of TSPOLST be without irrational and deceptive swipes at MARTA. Oy vey….. years from now, some posters will still be predictable in their nonsense.

Joe Hussein Mama

June 22nd, 2012
1:46 pm

Adam — “Not sure if anyone mention edit yet, but the Supreme Court has ruled that you can say any profanity you want on television, as well as be nude on television, so long as you are an individual and not barred from doing so by the network or other private corporation rules.”

That wasn’t how I read the decision, but admittedly, I only glanced at it.

Doggone/GA

June 22nd, 2012
1:47 pm

“so long as you are an individual and not barred from doing so by the network or other private corporation rules.”

In other words, they can still bleep you if they choose…but the FCC can’t come after them if they don’t.

0311/8541/5811/1811/1801

June 22nd, 2012
1:48 pm

0311/8541/5811/1811/1801

June 22nd, 2012
1:48 pm

Ooops ! Was that “fair” ?

kayaker 71

June 22nd, 2012
1:49 pm

T-SPLOST funds are supposed to be used to aid every segment of our community regardless of race, political leaning or financial status. If would could trust those who hold the purse strings to this money to be fair, just and non biased in how the money is spent, it would be easier to vote for this bill.

0311/8541/5811/1811/1801

June 22nd, 2012
1:49 pm

Adam:

…………… and if someone uses that same profanity say ………. in front of your wife and young daughter ?

0311/8541/5811/1811/1801

June 22nd, 2012
1:50 pm

kayaker 71

You can’t ……………… that’s why there is a “Johns Creek”, Georgia.

godless heathen

June 22nd, 2012
1:50 pm

Reminds me of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Now who could oppose that! We’ll see who is protected and what’s affordable.

Normal Free...Pro Human Rights Thug...And liking it!

June 22nd, 2012
1:51 pm

When you think about it…if tsplost does pass and opens the way to the high speed rail projects that are supposed to go from Louisville through Atlanta, and Atlanta to Charlotte, and maybe bring back the Nancy Hanks to Savannah, it might bring back those great train songs of the day. Like this one…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CEUamp2xYo

Senior Citizen Kane

June 22nd, 2012
1:53 pm

Uh-oh, bad news for Gummint Motors. Every Chevy Cruz ever sold in the U.S. has been recalled.

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
1:56 pm

I guess what I am really not seeing (by implication, as with the creation of jobs) in the proposal is “citizen oversight”.

0311/8541/5811/1811/1801

June 22nd, 2012
1:56 pm

Normal Free…Pro Human Rights Thug…And liking it! :

Or ……………………….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BVgeEHfuG0

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
1:57 pm

Every Chevy Cruz ever sold in the U.S. has been recalled.

oh noes. No car has ever been recalled before.

This is the end, beautiful friend, the end…

TaxPayer

June 22nd, 2012
1:57 pm

And remember folks, vote no to not voting against a 1 cent tax for nothing related to improving your transportation needs.

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
1:58 pm

if you were wondering…

Owners will begin getting recall notices in mid-July. A fix of the problem will take about a half hour at a Chevrolet dealership, GM said.

Senior Citizen Kane

June 22nd, 2012
1:59 pm

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
1:57 pm

Every Chevy Cruz ever sold in the U.S. has been recalled.

oh noes. No car has ever been recalled before.

This is the end, beautiful friend, the end…

Well, if they get in trouble they can always ask Saab for help.

Butch Cassidy

June 22nd, 2012
2:00 pm

Senior Citizen Kane – “Uh-oh, bad news for Gummint Motors. Every Chevy Cruz ever sold in the U.S. has been recalled.”

Yes, to replace an engine sheild. Let us know when the death talley gets high enough for us to care.

TaxPayer

June 22nd, 2012
2:00 pm

I would vote yes for MARTA rail running from Dahlonega to Columbus and from Six Flags to Savannah, etc.

Senior Citizen Kane

June 22nd, 2012
2:01 pm

A fix of the problem will take about a half hour at a Chevrolet dealership, GM said.

Good luck with that. Most dealerships can’t check your tire pressure in 30 minutes.

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
2:02 pm

they can always ask Saab for help.

You mean tell a Saab story?

Butch Cassidy

June 22nd, 2012
2:03 pm

Senior Citizen Kane – “Most dealerships can’t check your tire pressure in 30 minutes.”

As long as your shopping for non talking points, Nissan just had a recall on the Juke not too long ago. You want us to quake in our boots for them as well?

Senior Citizen Kane

June 22nd, 2012
2:04 pm

You want us to quake in our boots for them as well?

No, they didn’t get any of my tax money.

Adam

June 22nd, 2012
2:05 pm

Scout: and if someone uses that same profanity say ………. in front of your wife and young daughter ?

Free speech. What am I supposed to do about that if I don’t like it. Westboro Baptist Church says a lot of nasty things when they picket military funerals. And they DO IT because they KNOW that if you do anything at all about it, they can sue you and win.

Doggone had it right: If your contract or work rules or whatever say you can’t be nude on TV or can’t be profane on TV, or if you have to sign something to that effect before you go on, that’s enforceable. But the FCC can’t blanket enforce network rules for it.

Butch Cassidy

June 22nd, 2012
2:05 pm

Senior Citizen Kane – No, they didn’t get any of my tax money.”

Exactly how much of YOUR tax money did GM get?

Keep Up the Good Fight!

June 22nd, 2012
2:05 pm

Oh my….my non-GM car has had 3 recalls….. I am sure you can blame Obama for that too. :lol:

Oscar

June 22nd, 2012
2:06 pm

Looks me like this is building more roads which will just lead to more sprawl. I plan to vote no.

j$

June 22nd, 2012
2:06 pm

Anonymous sources from MARTA report they are looking into building a direct line between Turner Field and Helen.

Adam

June 22nd, 2012
2:06 pm

You mean tell a Saab story?

WAH-WAHHHHH

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
2:07 pm

Seriously, SC Kane. It’s an engine shield. It’s no biggie; a lot of people will probably ignore it.

On those rare occasions when I have set foot in an auto-dealership service department, I’m usually dazzled by the surroundings. (my indie mechanic is a no-frills, no-BS kind of guy; his waiting area’s the size of a walk-in closet.)

Senior Citizen Kane

June 22nd, 2012
2:07 pm

Oh my….my non-GM car has had 3 recalls….. I am sure you can blame Obama for that too.

No, I’d rather blame him for the $20 price of GM stock.

Jm-pass TSPLOST silly people

June 22nd, 2012
2:08 pm

Scout – the valid argument to me on voting no goes like this:

We elect people to go ahead and make these decisions and prioritize spending, and Georgians already pay enough in taxes

So if we elect a bunch of worthless rubes who can’t prioritize infrastructure spending, our problem

But all things considered, it would be good to have more infrastructure, so I’d vote yes in the end

I’d also vote to end the state income tax, butthat probably wont happen

GA republicans are generally worthless bums, just like their democrat brethren

massachusetts refugee 10.167.4.48

June 22nd, 2012
2:08 pm

vote no, unless you don’t mind your dollars lining politician’s pockets.

Adam

June 22nd, 2012
2:08 pm

Senior Citizen Kane

June 22nd, 2012
2:09 pm

Decibels, the recall is to prevent engine fires. I don’t think too many people will ignore it.

Butch Cassidy

June 22nd, 2012
2:11 pm

sfd – “Seriously, SC Kane. It’s an engine shield. It’s no biggie; a lot of people will probably ignore it.”

Apparently SC Kane is upset that approximately $21.42 of his tax dollars went toward the bailout. That’s at least a weeks supply of PBR, so I understand his anger.

Senior Citizen Kane

June 22nd, 2012
2:12 pm

Butch, $21.42 isn’t even close to a week’s supply of PBR for me.

Butch Cassidy

June 22nd, 2012
2:14 pm

SC Kane – “Butch, $21.42 isn’t even close to a week’s supply of PBR for me.”

LOL, I mispoke. for $21.42 you should be able to get at least a months supply.

Senior Citizen Kane

June 22nd, 2012
2:14 pm

But seriously folks….Recalls of this magnitude are never good for a company’s stock. They cost a lot of money. GM is already selling at $20 a share — it needs to be $51 for the taxpayers to break even. We should all be concerned. I actually want GM to succeed.

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
2:15 pm

I’d also vote to end the state income tax, butthat

Well, I *wouldn’t*, d-bag.

0311/8541/5811/1811/1801

June 22nd, 2012
2:16 pm

Jm-pass TSPLOST silly people :

Some truth there.

Adam:

Political speech is free speech ………….. certain curse words are not. If you don’t believe me, go to the next Braves game, use certain curse words (the “F” word) in front of minors and see what happens.

P.S. If all else fails, I would hope you would at least get “in their face” and sucker them into throwing the first punch ……………… :o

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
2:17 pm

sorry, Adam @ 2.08, I’d already gone this-a-way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFvxGdiMYwM

yuzeyurbrane

June 22nd, 2012
2:17 pm

Jay, do you realize you are taking the Tea Party position here?

HDB

June 22nd, 2012
2:17 pm

Most of the Chevy Cruzes are built OVERSEAS….and they only have ONE domestic plant…in Ohio!!

from wiki….

“Cruze production sites include Gunsan, Jeonbuk, South Korea;[12], Saint Petersburg, Russia;[13] Shenyang, China;[14] and Halol, India;[15] Hanoi, Vietnam since April 2010 in complete knock-down (CKD) form,[16][17] Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan from May 2010;[18] Rayong, Thailand after December 2010,[19], and São Caetano do Sul, Brazil from 2011.[20] Holden’s localized hatchback version of the Cruze to be built at the Elizabeth, South Australia factory from late 2011 will join the Cruze sedan manufactured there since March 2011.[21] GM in the United States has upgraded the existing plant in Lordstown, Ohio to manufacture the Cruze, investing more than US$350 million.”

Wonder how many were made overseas rather than being built here??

Sagegirl

June 22nd, 2012
2:17 pm

Just vote NO.

Joe Hussein Mama

June 22nd, 2012
2:18 pm

Adam — “Westboro Baptist Church says a lot of nasty things when they picket military funerals. And they DO IT because they KNOW that if you do anything at all about it, they can sue you and win.”

Sorry you and your family got wet, Mr. Phelps, but you just happened to show up on the day the sprinklers were scheduled to be running. Perhaps you’d like to reschedule your protest for a different day? :D

TaxPayer

June 22nd, 2012
2:18 pm

I didn’t care too much for bailing out AIG myself but even it was a drop in the bucket compared to the Bush waste in Iraq looking for WMDs. How much did those non-existent WMDs cost us taxpayers? Will we get payback in the form of cheaper oil from Exxon?

Mighty Righty

June 22nd, 2012
2:18 pm

The voters are not as stupid the T Splost proponents think. It will not pass. They can call a sewer hole a gold mine but most voters know a sewer hole when they see it.

USMC

June 22nd, 2012
2:19 pm

Obama’s Leftwing “Sexual Identity” fanatics in the White House… Give Ronnie the Finger! LOL!
(at least there is still humor to fall back on)

Activists Take Out Frustration on … Ronald Reagan
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/activists-take-out-frustration-ronald-reagan_647733.html

LOTS OF CLASS! :-)

Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)

June 22nd, 2012
2:19 pm

Well, I say any fool that votes for this TSPLOST deserves to get flim-flammed. Giving politicians extra money to spend is like feeding dessert to a bunch of hogs. The hogs will love it and all you’ll get is extra crap to clean up. All I can be sure of right now is, you can bet this jm on here has something to gain from this boondoggle or he wouldn’t be pushing it so hard with his blog name.

And that’s all I got to say about that. Have a good p.m. everybody.

TaxPayer

June 22nd, 2012
2:20 pm

Jay, do you realize you are taking the Tea Party position here?

He must have done it in order to appease the cons and their complaints about Jay’s partisanship.

Adam

June 22nd, 2012
2:20 pm

If you don’t believe me, go to the next Braves game, use certain curse words (the “F” word) in front of minors and see what happens.

That’s not on TV, and not on private property.

0311/8541/5811/1811/1801

June 22nd, 2012
2:21 pm

Joe Hussein Mama @ 2:18

More than one way to skin a cat !

Mighty Righty

June 22nd, 2012
2:21 pm

Last Friday, an attaché of important gay people from Philadelphia made a trip to Washington D.C. as invited guests of President Barack Obama for the White House’s first-ever gay pride reception. There, they danced to the sounds of a Marine Corps band; they dined on crab cakes and canapés; they hand-delivered letters from concerned citizens like this 18-year old who has had four people close to him gunned down, and noted rhyming raconteur CA Conrad; and some of them took advantage of photo opportunities to give the late President Ronald Reagan the middle finger.

What a class group we have in the white house. Nice.

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
2:21 pm

I don’t think too many people will ignore it.

Depends on how they word it. (hey, we’re on topic again!)

0311/8541/5811/1811/1801

June 22nd, 2012
2:22 pm

Adam:

True ………. I wasn’t arguing that. I was just meant not all words are free speech in all situations.

Thankgoodness the SCOTUS still has a little common sense left.

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
2:23 pm

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
2:25 pm

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
2:26 pm

the cat

June 22nd, 2012
2:26 pm

Good grief-the “story” about the folks at the WH giving Raygun the finger must be on Hannity, Rush or somewhere. Big Whoop. I did the same thing the last time I toured. Were you offended then?

USMC

June 22nd, 2012
2:27 pm

“Jay, do you realize you are taking the Tea Party position here?”–

I actually saw a Tea Party flag proudly planted in the front yard of a home in LITTLE 5 POINTS (Candler Park) of all places … might be rubbing off on Jay… LOL!

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
2:27 pm

LOTS OF CLASS!

[...]

What a class group

[and from downstairs]

Now this is classy …

Shamelessly repeat talking points fed to me? I’m on it, Massuh Drudge!

carlosgvv

June 22nd, 2012
2:28 pm

Mr. B – 1:32

It’s called making a point by using a compairson. Don’t they teach you anything in your Christian Acadamy?

Mighty Righty

June 22nd, 2012
2:30 pm

California wants to build a mass transit high speed rail from where there are no people to where there are no people. Sounds perfect. Maybe the T Splost folks can get them to build it here.

USMC

June 22nd, 2012
2:31 pm

“Good grief-the “story” about the folks at the WH giving Raygun the finger must be on Hannity, Rush or somewhere. Big Whoop. I did the same thing the last time I toured. Were you offended then?”

Who cares what “show” it was “ON”… It happened, foolish one. that’s the point.
It shows a real lack of class which we have come to expect in Today’s Socialist/DemocRat Party.

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
2:31 pm

JamVet

June 22nd, 2012
2:31 pm

Speaking of classless POSes, Fred Phelps is the kind of arch-conservative “Christian” that our arch-conservative “Christians” here relate to…

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
2:32 pm

Don’t they teach you anything in your Christian Acadamy?

Carlos, you feeling ok?

You’ve been snapping out at just about anyone who gently ribs you these past coupla days, is the reason I ask.

Butch Cassidy

June 22nd, 2012
2:33 pm

MIghty Righty – “California wants to build a mass transit high speed rail from where there are no people to where there are no people. Sounds perfect. Maybe the T Splost folks can get them to build it here.”

Yeah, it was from Barstow to Las Vegas. I’m not sure how old you are, but there are slightly more than “no people” in both cities. I don’t support the project myself, but you sir, are off the deep end.

the cat

June 22nd, 2012
2:33 pm

USMC-it never ceases to amaze me when a story is repeated over and over and over by the same delusional ones and then they are so PROUD to post the link! Woohoo! Get out much???

TaxPayer

June 22nd, 2012
2:34 pm

USMC would never give Obama the finger because that would demonstrate a lack of class. :smile:

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
2:34 pm

It happened, foolish one.

It probably happens every frickin’ day, to every portrait, super-geniusy-one.

(Except Taft. Everyone pities ol’ Fatso.)

USMC

June 22nd, 2012
2:34 pm

“Shamelessly repeat talking points fed to me? I’m on it, Massuh Drudge!”–USNC2

“Shamelessly”??? Stands has got her girdle in a knot.
More Angry hate-speech from Jay’s little teacher’s pet, Stands for decibels.
What a joke! LOL!

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
2:34 pm

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
2:35 pm

Behavior of endearment:

Jeez, you too, TC?

TaxPayer

June 22nd, 2012
2:35 pm

Today’s GOP is the new Rodney Dangerfield and they get what they deserve, no respect.

Mighty Righty

June 22nd, 2012
2:35 pm

the cat

June 22nd, 2012
2:26 pm
I did the same thing the last time I toured. Were you offended then?

You didn’t have enough class to warrant an invitation? Shame.

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
2:36 pm

Stands has got her girdle in a knot

USMC’s insult-humorist consultant has been in a coma since the Eisenhower administration.

TaxPayer

June 22nd, 2012
2:37 pm

Y’all go easy on USMC. I think she’s about to blow.

JamVet

June 22nd, 2012
2:37 pm

Happy birthday Elizabeth Warren.

Give these fake conservatives what they have worked very hard for – pain this November.

G Mare 71(PLEASE VOTE NO ON TSPLOST)

June 22nd, 2012
2:37 pm

Please vote NO! Wow, never thought I would agree with cons on here!!

the cat

June 22nd, 2012
2:38 pm

mrighty-thanks to shrub not protecting this country on his watch-one has to jump through hoops and receive security clearance to tour the WH. So no-not invited but very honored to be there.

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
2:38 pm

” I did the same thing the last time I toured. Were you offended then?”

Would you be offended if someone did that to your mother or her portrait – you know, just trying to gauge where you are on the do unto to others as you’d have them do to your continuum?

Jm-pass TSPLOST silly people

June 22nd, 2012
2:40 pm

Without infrastructure investment, Atlanta will become the most miserable city to live in, in America

Then again some of you probably already think that

So why not double down?….

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
2:40 pm

If you don’t believe me, go to the next Braves game, use certain curse words (the “F” word) in front of minors and see what happens.

Huh? I hear that after about every sixth or seventh at-bat on my TeeVee.

the cat

June 22nd, 2012
2:40 pm

Towncrier-I did not know Raygun was your mother! Do tell.

Jay

June 22nd, 2012
2:41 pm

Crier, re: Joe Williams.

Agreed. He should be fired, not suspended.

the cat

June 22nd, 2012
2:41 pm

Back on topic- I will be voting No!

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
2:42 pm

“Jeez, you too, TC?”

Sorry…I don’t give the finger to anyone; haven’t for many years. It is vulgar and disrespectful in my opinion (like calling someone as a****** – just stop and think about what such a statement literally means…it is hatred towards another person).

the cat

June 22nd, 2012
2:42 pm

I saw Joe Williams headline briefly and honestly thought he had been hacked by The Onion. What an idiot.

Road Scholar

June 22nd, 2012
2:43 pm

If you spend $8 B in an area in 10 years, no jobs would be created or maintained? Cripes, no wonder unemployment is over 8%!

No congestion relief? If you spend $0 would that solve congestion? Air Quality? Yeah, sure.

Safety improvements? Let em die! Or get maimed!

Sorry for the graphic description, but if no one cares…

Joe Hussein Mama

June 22nd, 2012
2:44 pm

B. Cassidy — “Yeah, it was from Barstow to Las Vegas.”

This will streamline and increase efficiency in Vegas’ business process of separating soldiers and Marines from their pay.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barstow,_California

UNCLE SAMANTHA

June 22nd, 2012
2:44 pm

i remember a GREEN AMENDMENT when ZELL MILLER was govenor that touted saving the trees in georgia………….. of course it passed ………… but then we found out it was only a tax break to GP, The Railroads and Southern Co as a tax break so they didn’t have to pay taxes on standing timber on their land………………..

it then forced small counties that lost that tax to increase it on their residents

that is why i vote no on this crap

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
2:46 pm

Sorry…I don’t give the finger to anyone; haven’t for many years.

And I have? My point was that this story has been regurgitated here by all the usual suspects, it’s kind of ridiculous to have to see it, what was it, a fourth time by you as well?

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
2:50 pm

“Agreed. He should be fired, not suspended.”

Thanks for that, Jay. Question for you: don’t you think it would be great if we could all just openly and freely talk about race in America (rather than dance around the subject) and get out all of the hurt, frustration, bitterness, misconceptions, misunderstandings and attitudes as a way of coming together? To me, Obama would have been a great person to initiate that since he is mulatto but, alas, It really needs to happen I think – maybe starting at a grassroots level with moderated town hall meetings. Maybe a movement would result.

Doggone/GA

June 22nd, 2012
2:51 pm

OT: Dick Cheney’s daughter and her partner got married. Congrats to them both!

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
2:51 pm

“My point was that this story has been regurgitated here by all the usual suspects, it’s kind of ridiculous to have to see it, what was it, a fourth time by you as well?”

My apologies…I didn’t see those other posts before I submitted mine else I wouldn’t have done it.

Adam

June 22nd, 2012
2:52 pm

Watching the Joe Williams clip, still haven’t heard the remarks quoted. It’s a 10 minute long clip and I clicked on it halfway and now have to wait for it to load up to that poitn again :(

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
2:54 pm

My apologies…I didn’t see those other posts before I submitted mine else I wouldn’t have done it.

well, if I went overboard, I apologize as well. you seem like a reasonable sort.

(although I’d ix-nay use of the term “ulatto-may” in favor of “mixed-race” if I were you.)

JamVet

June 22nd, 2012
2:56 pm

What exactly was it that this Joe Williams said?

Mighty Righty

June 22nd, 2012
2:57 pm

Full blown panic has set in with the Obamanistas. First many in Hollywood has let it be known they have had enough of Obama begging for money like a homeless person. Now they have a web site asking for your Birthday presents and Wedding gifts to be given to the Obama campaign. They are asking you to regiser your wedding on their web site. They are running scared. The pigs are in panic.

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
2:59 pm

Now they have a web site asking for your Birthday presents and Wedding gifts to be given to the Obama campaign

Yawn. Already covered.

Better trolls, please.

Jay

June 22nd, 2012
3:00 pm

And as to the Reagan thing, I have no idea what occurred, if anything. I do know that the gay community harbors a lot of anger at Reagan for doing little or nothing during the ’80s to research the causes of AIDS, an indifference that may have cost thousands of lives.

Adam

June 22nd, 2012
3:00 pm

Watched the segment. He said that Romney was very comfortable around “people like him” and then said the Fox and Friends crowd were “white folks that were very much relaxed around him.” I see why Politico would suspend. I do not see why he should be fired over it. Much MUCH worse has been said on just about any network you can think of with ZERO repercussions except for apology demands.

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
3:01 pm

By the way, if I’m ever so lonely and hard-up for attention that I’m reduced to repeatedly dumping off-topic, left-wing-friendly copy-pastes over at Kyle’s joint in hopes of ticking off conservatives?

Make it something quick and relatively painless. It’s all I ask.

UNCLE SAMANTHA

June 22nd, 2012
3:02 pm

They BOTH suck

June 22nd, 2012
3:03 pm

Adam

Just because “worse” was said doesn’t mean that a firing shouldn’t occur.

It was out of line. Politico’s choice, but way way out of line to say the least

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:06 pm

“I do know that the gay community harbors a lot of anger at Reagan for doing little or nothing during the ’80s to research the causes of AIDS, an indifference that may have cost thousands of lives.”

That is one explanation I guess. But to be fair, I don’t think AIDs was even observed as a distinct pathology until the early 80s and (if memory serves) its cause was discovered by a French doctor in 1986 – not a lot of lag time.

Talking Head

June 22nd, 2012
3:06 pm

Does T-SPLOST create more East to West avenues of travel? I would hope so, the North to South doesn’t seem to be working.

j$

June 22nd, 2012
3:06 pm

“Give me your tired, your poor

your wedding gifts

your birthday presents

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”

Obama 2012

JamVet

June 22nd, 2012
3:08 pm

Reagan got hundreds of thousands of innocent people around the globe killed.

For the most part, he was a terrible president.

Tricky Dick was right: Ronnie was “shallow” and of “limited mental capacity”…

The beginning of the dumbing down of the GOP…

Jay

June 22nd, 2012
3:08 pm

Adam, that statement was only part of the Williams’ ouevre.

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:08 pm

“He said that Romney was very comfortable around “people like him” and then said the Fox and Friends crowd were “white folks that were very much relaxed around him.”

It exposed a certain amount of bigotry on his part and, while I don’t entire blame him for coming to have such feelings, I believe at this point he really needs to deal with them and realize that most whites today are truly not bigoted or racist.

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:12 pm

“Adam, that statement was only part of the Williams’ ouevre.”

Yes:

“That comment alone may have been brushed off if Williams hadn’t also jumped on Twitter and made a joke about Mitt Romney’s p*nis.”

http://www.inquisitr.com/260782/politico-suspends-joe-williams-for-making-mitt-romney-white-folks-comment/

Jm-pass TSPLOST silly people

June 22nd, 2012
3:12 pm

Joe Williams should be able to play jazz forever

If he will just live that long

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:14 pm

“Reagan got hundreds of thousands of innocent people around the globe killed…Tricky Dick was right: Ronnie was “shallow” and of “limited mental capacity”…The beginning of the dumbing down of the GOP…”

And yet you still want to say LBJ was a “decent” president. Who moderates your posts?

MrLiberty

June 22nd, 2012
3:15 pm

A better, more accurate description:

“provides for local transportation boondoggle to create wealthy developers and enhnace government power with absolutely no accountability.”

Just vote NO. You know they are just going to screw this one up too…and then want even more money when the costs go through the roof, they can’t pay to operate most of these things, and then need more money for maintenance later on.

the cat

June 22nd, 2012
3:16 pm

What did he say about Mitt’s penis?

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:17 pm

“What did he say about Mitt’s penis?”

TMI…do some research if you are that interested.

JamVet

June 22nd, 2012
3:18 pm

So you agree that Ronnie is guilty of those charges, TC.

Good, you’re making progress…

the cat

June 22nd, 2012
3:20 pm

Well dang-I was hoping for some 12 year old type humor but it doesn’t say what he said in the article.

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:23 pm

“So you agree that Ronnie is guilty of those charges, TC.”

Where did I say that? I was merely pointing out that, whatever the truth about Reagan is, you appear as the pot calling the kettle black (in your expressed support of a president almost no one thinks was good – I mean, what incumbent president doesn’t run for reelection?).

JamVet

June 22nd, 2012
3:23 pm

“He said that Romney was very comfortable around “people like him” and then said the Fox and Friends crowd were “white folks that were very much relaxed around him.”

That’s it???

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:24 pm

“Well dang-I was hoping for some 12 year old type humor but it doesn’t say what he said in the article.”

Are you out if high school yet? Seriously – you don’t know how to find it on the Internet?

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:25 pm

“That’s it???”

No…please read some of the other posts, including one by Jay.

the cat

June 22nd, 2012
3:26 pm

Towncrier-not exactly a subject I should google at work. KWIM?

Mighty Righty

June 22nd, 2012
3:28 pm

Joe Hussein Mama

June 22nd, 2012
2:44 pm
B. Cassidy — “Yeah, it was from Barstow to Las Vegas.”

Joe the train is to begin in Victorville which is some 80 plus miles East of LA and then the non stop leg to Vegas would be 180 more miles. The theory is that people would be willing to drive to Victorville, pay to park their car and take the train the rest of the way to Vegas. Having been a life long Californian with many friends and relatives there I know of no one who thinks this is a sensible idea. The 80 miles depends on where one lives. The trip to the train station could easily be well over one hundred miles.

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:29 pm

“Towncrier-not exactly a subject I should google at work. KWIM?”

Can you not visit a site like Breitbart? No doubt they probably have something there since they are always so ready to expose the flaws of liberals.

JamVet

June 22nd, 2012
3:29 pm

TC, you don’t have to say it. That you don’t disagree says it all.

And no other quotes from Mr. Williams?

Nothing?

At all?

So far this guy is not even in Herman Cain’s league…

HDB

June 22nd, 2012
3:30 pm

Towncrier/Jay….

Joe Williams shouldn’t get fired…nor suspended!! If you saw Romney in Philadelphia around black people, you’d have seen that Williams was ACCURATE in his statement! It’s not a racist point…for many people are only comfortable around people like them….but since Romney is running for PRESIDENT, he has to be able to address ALL of his constituents…and it’s quite evident that he has issues when dealing with the minority constituents that he would have to serve!! What hasn’t Romney had interviews on Telemundo, Univision, NewsOne or BET?? Romney only sticks to Fox News…..and we all know what the primary demographics of a FOX viewer is…….

Gale

June 22nd, 2012
3:31 pm

I have yet to see real plans for this tax money. If it is to fund fiascos like what they are doing at Ashford-Dunwoody and I285, I for darn sure don’t want to give them more money. I cannot believe there has been no serious accident there yet.

josef

June 22nd, 2012
3:32 pm

JAY

” I do know that the gay community harbors a lot of anger at Reagan for doing little or nothing during the ’80s to research the causes of AIDS, an indifference that may have cost thousands of lives.”

Nyah…don’t reckon that was it, do you?

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
3:37 pm

Nyah…don’t reckon that was it, do you?

Carry a grudge?

Uncork a bottle of the Good Stuff on the day RR died?

Who’d ever do such a thing?

josef

June 22nd, 2012
3:38 pm

CARLOS

What’s with the comment to Mr B on the Christian School? Duh…he’s a public school teacher…

I make a lot of cracks about you needing to get help, but I’m beginning to make the suggestion in a more serious vein…seriously, Mec, that pier is only so long…

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
3:39 pm

But seriously–josef, JV, anyone else… since LBJ’s decision not to seek a second term came up courtesy of our Towncrier, I’m just wondering–do you have memories of him making that announcement on TV in 1968?

I do. Was a young lad of course, but even then I “got” that the man seemed wracked with guilt over what he’d done in Vietnam. (Or maybe I’m just projecting what I learned later, and didn’t really get that at all.)

Erwin's cat

June 22nd, 2012
3:40 pm

cout – “More than one way to skin a cat !”

hey now!

JamVet

June 22nd, 2012
3:41 pm

Gale, your is the very first negative thing I have read about that interchange.

It cost MUCH less money to implement and is wildly popular and extremely effective.

Am I missing something here?

n

June 22nd, 2012
3:42 pm

I don’t often disagree with you Jay, but do in this case.

Raise the gas tax.
Cars should pay for roads. Politicians should make the tough calls.
There aren’t that many hybrid/electric cars on the roads and won’t be if the prices don’t come down. I certainly can’t afford one without going into major long-term debt.
They cost as much as my house did 30 years ago.

Where has all that gas tax money been going anyhow? We’re talking millions. Where does it all go?
Why can’t the DOT function? What has changed in the past few years that they can’t do their job?
They sure aren’t mowing along the state highways or resurfacing much at all. Everything is run down looking.
If the gas tax isn’t enough to pay for what needs to be done, raise it. Increase the dedicated revenue stream.
Don’t make poor people pay even more tax on groceries to pay for asphalt or politicians’ pet projects
People who drive cars should pay for the roads,not people who can’t even afford a car..
With billions of dollars from T-SPLOST in play, there is infinite potential for “high profit margins” for road builders, developers and insiders, and their crony networks.
The weasel words on the preamble just reinforce the perception that something is fishy about this whole process.
Do they think we are idiots?
[yes]

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:43 pm

“Joe Williams shouldn’t get fired…nor suspended!! If you saw Romney in Philadelphia around black people, you’d have seen that Williams was ACCURATE in his statement!”

I would agree to some extent if that was all he had said. But check out his tweets and then come back and tell me what you think.

“Romney only sticks to Fox News…..and we all know what the primary demographics of a FOX viewer is…….”

That is not so different from Obama early on in his campaign (by not appearing on FOX) if you’d be honest. Obama, like Romney, preferred non-hostile venues. Yet Romney has appeared on Leno, appeared on FTN this past Sunday and is slated to address the NAACP soon (as he did in 2008). I am sure other non-FOX appearances will be forthcoming.

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:45 pm

“And no other quotes from Mr. Williams? Nothing? At all?”

For a man who spouts a lot of opinions and judgments, you sure seem to be lacking reading and research skills. Or you are just deliberately obnoxious.

Erwin's cat

June 22nd, 2012
3:46 pm

HDB – When the General election is in full swing, I have no doubt that Romney will branch out…and to his defense (if you want to call it that) to me he never looks comfortable no matter the surroundings…which may have to do with some of the persecutions he has experienced for being a Mormon

josef

June 22nd, 2012
3:46 pm

SFD

I do remember it and remember it well. I also remember well “LBJ, LBJ! How many boys have you killed today?” Only years later was I able to see that announcement and grant what you say may well have been at work. At the time, I was just relieved to be rid of him…

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:47 pm

“Nyah…don’t reckon that was it, do you?”

See my response to Jay’s post, josef. If there was anger, it was probably a bit misplaced.

Jay

June 22nd, 2012
3:48 pm

n, in a perfect world, I’d agree with you. Raising the gasoline tax ought to be the primary means of funding transportation. But you’d never get the Legislature to take such a step, and even if they did you’d never see any of that money used for transit, both for political reasons and because the state constitution limits gas-tax money to roads and bridges.

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:50 pm

“I also remember well “LBJ, LBJ! How many boys have you killed today?”

JV does not remember this.

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
3:51 pm

the state constitution limits gas-tax money to roads and bridges.

Jay, has anyone ever even bothered to try to change this abomination, this crime against nature, by proposing a corrective ballot initiative? Did it ever get out of committee?

HDB

June 22nd, 2012
3:52 pm

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:43 pm

There have been WORSE tweets about Obama by conservatives….plus, Williams was kinda funny…if you understood what his point was!! A person that has elevators for his CARS…but didn’t want the ADA to cover elevators for people….what would be a proper prejorative that could be spouted in 140 charaacters or less?? I’VE been called worse!!

BlahBlahBlah

June 22nd, 2012
3:52 pm

Voting NO is the only way to go. They can’t be trusted. This will be another permanent tax if enacted, and those in power can’t be trusted to do the right thing with the money. Look no further than the approx. $1 billion local slush fund baked into the proposal. Many of the towns/cities etc. haven’t even said what they plan to do with the money.

NO NO NO NO NO send them back to the drawing board.

stands for decibels

June 22nd, 2012
3:52 pm

JV does not remember this.

hmm… I’d bet my home equity you’re wrong about that.

But, I’m headin’ upstairs for a very short spell, we gots SHEETZ.

JamVet

June 22nd, 2012
3:53 pm

TC, why do you struggle so mightily to provide basic, easily obtained, verifiable evidence when challenged to do so?

BTW, I’m still chuckling over that merciless expose at your expense yesterday by the very reasoned and reasonable Paul…

josef

June 22nd, 2012
3:55 pm

TOWNCRIER

I’m not out to play the pity card here, but if you were a not young gay man at that time you cannot even begin to fathom the hatred we felt toward him and now toward his legacy. The mere mention of his name is a reminder. I cannot and will never forgive him and curse his name each time I hear it.

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
3:57 pm

“There have been WORSE tweets about Obama by conservatives….plus, Williams was kinda funny…if you understood what his point was!! ”

No doubt…but not publicly by conservative JOURNALISTS (who weren’t also subsequently suspended or fired). I guess you forgot that journalists are supposed to aim at objectivity.

HDB

June 22nd, 2012
3:58 pm

Erwin’s cat

June 22nd, 2012
3:46 pm

If Romney’s attempt of “branching out” goes like it did when he was in Philadelphia….or with NALEO in Orlando this past week….he’s got a LOT of work to do! The “persecutions” Romney’s had couldn’t even come to what many minorities are facing every day!! Joe Williams was accurate..and he’s being called out on reporting the realities of the situation!!

n

June 22nd, 2012
3:58 pm

I clearly see your point Jay.
But sometimes I fear things must really hit the skids before politicians are held accountable for their errors, omissions, laziness, and false theology (no tax increases!).
They will never be held accountable, or made to do their jobs, if the public grants them a gigantic blank check.
They can continue to worship at the altar of Grover Norquist, while disclaiming any responsibility for the T-SPLOST, and evading the governing that they are paid to do.
It is endless hipocracy i

josef

June 22nd, 2012
3:58 pm

TC

Your memory does not serve. You speak of the general community and its awareness. I really don’t feel like rehashing it here and now, there’s still way to much anger there.

n

June 22nd, 2012
3:59 pm

JamVet

June 22nd, 2012
3:59 pm

stands @3:52, the man is a fool for wring such drivel.

Among his many blogging failures, speaking stupidly and intentionally misrepresenting others here is one of William’s more egregious failings.

This all goes back to his racist rants about Trayvon Martin. And he’s had a hard on for yours truly, ever since.

As Paul noted yesterday, he does not debate.

He dances. Ala Elaine on Seinfeld.

To the music that others play.

Dance, little sister, dance…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY3g_c8QUas

They BOTH suck

June 22nd, 2012
4:04 pm

jammn upstairs

Bruno style

Gale

June 22nd, 2012
4:08 pm

JamVet; I guess you have not tried to make a right turn off the highway, needing to get to the left turn lane at the next light, and found it impossible due to the constant stream of traffic coming across the overpass at rush hour. I stopped exiting there. There was nothing wrong the way it was from my commute. I don’t know what they were “fixing”.

They BOTH suck

June 22nd, 2012
4:09 pm

Jam

I would to agree. At times he wants to pin one down with his line of questioning, but will tap dance around questions without any answer or until he can get you to accept “HIS” version of the question only then he might provide an answer

josef

June 22nd, 2012
4:11 pm

It’s FNM, and thanks, IMAM, it couldn’t have come at a better moment…

Erwin's cat

June 22nd, 2012
4:14 pm

HDB – “The “persecutions” Romney’s had couldn’t even come to what many minorities are facing every day!! Joe Williams was accurate.”

I wouldn’t go so far as to say some persecution is better or not as bad as others…it’s all bad ..period…fact is neither you or I have any idea what he has endured

Williams was accurate talking about Romney’s penis?…you really gonna stand by that?

n

June 22nd, 2012
4:15 pm

Everyone has left, but here, again is I, Claudius, knowing his end was near and all the scheming lowlife and potential tyrants around him would come into power, and abuse it horribly; finally leading to the restoration of the Republic and rationality:

“Let all the poisons that lurk in the mud hatch out!”

Erwin's cat

June 22nd, 2012
4:18 pm

I’ll show my ignorance…I had no idea, as in zero that the gay community hated Reagan, muchless as much as they apparently do

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
4:19 pm

“I’m not out to play the pity card here, but if you were a not young gay man at that time you cannot even begin to fathom the hatred we felt toward him and now toward his legacy.”

Why? AIDS wasn’t “discovered” until 1981 as far as I know and it’s cause was found by a french doctor 5 years later. What were you expecting a president to do, exactly – move heaven and earth to find a cure for a newly discovered pathology? Did he infect people with the virus? Was he a biochemist or research doctor? It almost seems like the gay community has made him a bogeyman. Was he against homosexuality on moral grounds? Yes. Did that stand in the way of his administration funding AIDS research? No. Food for thought (from Brent Bozell):

‘AIDS funding skyrocketed in the 1980s, almost doubling each year from 1983 – when the media started blaring headlines – from $44 million to $103 million, $205 million, $508 million, $922 million, and then $1.6 billion in 1988. Reagan’s secretary of Health and Human Services in1983, Margaret Heckler, declared AIDS her department’s “number one priority.” While the House of Representatives was Democrat-dominated throughout the 1980s, which Democrats would quickly explain was the source of that skyrocketing AIDS funding, Reagan clearly signed the spending bills that funded the war on AIDS.”

KT

June 22nd, 2012
4:29 pm

The careful and honest wording of the ballot should re-assure those on the fence that the pols will be careful and honest with our money once they get their hands on it. *wink*

Towncrier

June 22nd, 2012
4:30 pm

“This all goes back to his racist rants about Trayvon Martin. And he’s had a hard on for yours truly, ever since.”

I’m your huckleberry, JV. Tell you what: I will here and now make you a public wager. If you can prove that I made “racist rants” about Martin (and it should not be hard to do since it is all public record online here), I will forever absent myself from this blog. If, however. I can prove you to be lying on this point then you must agree to absent yourself forever. What say you? Like I said before to you some months back, PUT UP OR SHUT UP.

As for the rest of the nonsense you posted, can you debate issues with anyone like me without childishly resorting to youtube links?

BADA BING

June 22nd, 2012
4:31 pm

What did you expect Ronnie to do about AIDS? It is 30 years later and there is no cure. Maybe they should have closed the SF bathhouses, maybe people should have shown self control. I remember nothing about the 80s except the ME ME ME generation and partying.

They BOTH suck

June 22nd, 2012
4:35 pm

“remember nothing about the 80s ”

Maybe you should have not been partying so much

bada bing

:-)

Road Scholar

June 22nd, 2012
6:15 pm

Jay: How do owners of electric and hybrids pay their fair share? Gas tax?

Moderate Line

June 22nd, 2012
7:20 pm

Opponents of the transportation tax, including the tea-party movement, have criticized that wording as “marketing language” that “improperly promotes a ballot question.” And they’re absolutely right. That’s exactly what it does.
++++
This is an excellent point Jay. They make it sound like voting against apple pie.

That is why I never vote for any of these amendments unless I know exactly what it is. It also show that citizens voting directly for laws has it flaws because we have to rely on politicians to right the amendment clearly.

Mighty Righty

June 23rd, 2012
7:42 am

To paraphrase General George Patton, Fixed rail mass transit are monuments to man’s stupidity.”

Bernie

June 24th, 2012
2:14 pm

I would be willing to vote for this PUPPY, if we could get that guy ” MR. STAN STILL ” to submit to one of those Republican Led ” INVASIVE ULTRASOUNDS” live on YOUTUBE, with (2) two aspirins between his knees and with EYES CLOSED.

Restless in GA

June 24th, 2012
3:05 pm

This is why it is important to be informed of the issues before going to the ballots to cast your vote. As a resident of Atlanta who is concerned about the transportation infrastructure that is currently in place I have used http://www.UntieAtlanta.com to get informed of the various issues regarding the Regional Transportaton Referendum. With 52% of funds going to transit and 48% of funds going to road improvement projects and jobs being created this referendum sounds like a good bet for the city of Atlanta.

Proud to be me

June 24th, 2012
7:16 pm

State government is like the Federal government . . . once they get the money it is a free-for-all as to where the money goes. I guess if it creates a handful of jobs and eliminates a small percentage of congestion (to the point the everyday commuters can’t even tell the difference)and the politicians appoint cousin Billy Bob and son-in-law Jimmy James to oversee where the $’s go, etc. then I’m sure we should all vote Yes for SPLOST. After all it is for the good of Atlanta.

Proud to be me

June 24th, 2012
7:22 pm

HDB June 22nd, 2012
3:30 pm

HDB . . Romney hasn’t been on those tv stations because they don’t want him on there . . they’re too liberalized!!! They don’t want to make Obama look worse than he is!!

HDB

June 24th, 2012
9:17 pm

Proud to be me

June 24th, 2012
7:22 pm

Romney hasn’t been on those tv stations because HE doesn’t want him to go there! Romney doesn’t want to look worse than he already is!!

Fixed that statement!! His appearance in Philly speaks volumes……and his ad with Asians portraying Hispanics says a lot about the man……..

Retired

June 28th, 2012
1:40 pm

T-SPLOST provides only a description of each of the projects. Try to find a detailed map, or even a general map, of what a project will do.

There are NONE! But, they want us to vote for it and start paying now. All of these projects have a financial “hit” to you. Not just the tax itself, but, a financial hit to property you own near where the project is to go through.

Pay the tax and then have your property value(s) drop like a rock. I don’t think so.

Vote NO on T-SPLOST.