Is Georgia’s economic decline cause for action?
NOTE: This column has been updated with new state-level unemployment numbers for August, released at 10 a.m. by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Since 2002, median household income in Georgia has fallen by 14.4 percent. While the national unemployment rate has fallen to 8.1 percent, here in Georgia it stands at 9.2 percent, unchanged since January. It is significantly higher than in Alabama, Florida or Tennessee.
In fact, Georgia’s unemployment rate has now exceeded the national average every month for the last five years, a string of 61 months that shows no sign of ending soon.
And while I don’t have numbers to support it, the data cited above and anecdotal evidence suggest that ambitious, educated young Georgians are today being forced to look outside their state to pursue their dreams. We have long been a net importer of young talent to help drive the Georgia economy; there’s good reason to believe that we have now become a net exporter.
So it seems fair to ask: What’s the plan?
The trends are all in the wrong direction, and as a state and as a metropolitan area we are underperforming the nation and many of our peers. So where’s the plan to reverse those trends? Where’s the vision?
Ten years ago this fall, Sonny Perdue became the first Republican elected governor of this state since Reconstruction. In his eight years in office, he was content to act as a caretaker, more interested in leveraging his office into personal business success than in undertaking any major initiatives. The state Legislature and much of the state’s business community seemed perfectly content to follow his lack of leadership.
Gov. Nathan Deal, elected in 2010, has been more pro-active than Perdue and to his credit took a risk in backing the proposed transportation sales-tax referendum across the state. But since the defeat of that proposal Deal has all but washed his hands of the transportation crisis that continues to threaten economic development. Unless I’ve missed it, there is no sense of urgency, vision or direction coming out of the governor’s office. Like Perdue, he is perfectly comfortable trying to advance the economic interests of individual Georgians, such as the campaign contributor to whom he steered a $4.8 million grant to drill a well at state expense. But a more broad-based prosperity program is apparently not in the works.
Part of it is undoubtedly ideology. Deal, Perdue and their fellow Republicans distrust an activist government (although again, it is interesting to note the occasions in which they manage to set that distrust aside). That ideology also instructs them to put great faith in the power of repeated tax cuts and less aggressive enforcement of regulation to draw growth.
That philosophy has had its impact. Taxes are lower. Per student, inflation-adjusted state spending on education is down 14.8 percent since 2008, the seventh-biggest drop in the country. We have little money to spend on transportation, and the Ogeechee River suffered the biggest fishkill in state history last year, and state officials have yet to act decisively against the culprit.
But after almost a decade of talk about the economic nirvana such a strategy would produce in Georgia, it seems fair to ask: Is it working? Is it — dare we ask — actually counterproductive in a modern economy? And even if we set that politically volatile question aside, is it time for this state’s elected leadership to take an active role in trying to reverse its economic decline, or is the passive attitude of the last 10 years the best we can do?
– Jay Bookman
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
512 comments Add your comment
Political Mongrel
September 21st, 2012
11:11 am
The question is: action by whom? Hopefully not by Georgia’s thumb-fingered, ham-handed, butt-ignorant, delusional legislature. Their decades-long record of fouling up much of what they touch is terrifying.
Rightwing Troll
September 21st, 2012
11:11 am
“Now ………. since most officers allow 10 mph over the posted limit before they stop you that means instead of the 65 mph we now have, that the average will soon be 75 mph which means many will be doing 80 + with “relative” impunity.”
You don’t drive on the perimeter very much do you? You definitely need to stay away from GA 400 then…
stands for decibels
September 21st, 2012
11:11 am
from the linkee @ 11.06:
On whether Muslims regard Islam as a spiritual matter or as an ideology
“We can measure this both by looking at what they say and looking at what they do. Because if members of a religious minority were really believing this … believing that religion is a guiding ideology that should control their actions, then they would be doing things — they would be ignoring the laws, they would be going to the mosque very often. …
“What we find is the level of religiosity, of religious observance among Muslims when they come to the West, tends to fall fairly quickly to approximately the level of religious observance of the people around them. So when Muslims come to France from the Arab countries of North Africa, they tend to become not very religiously observant. About a fifth of them become outright atheist, which is similar to the rate of French Christians, and only about maybe 5 percent of them attend a mosque regularly. When they move to the United States, they become about as religious as American Christians are, which is fairly religious.
“So, yeah, about 47 percent of American Muslims will say, ‘I think of myself as Muslim first and American second,’ but that’s almost exactly the same rate that non-Muslim Americans say, that American Christians say. Just shy of half of American Christians will say, ‘I think of myself as Christian first, and American second.’ So they tend to be loyal to their faith at about the same rate as Christians do in whatever country they arrive in.”
Fred ™
September 21st, 2012
11:11 am
etalife
September 21st, 2012
11:09 am
Perhaps rand is right. Israel gets the most foreign welfare so they should prove they are a good ally.
What has Israel done for America?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Spied on us repeatedly. Here is one example……
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Pollard
n
September 21st, 2012
11:11 am
Over the past decade Georgia has become a totally corrupt regime.
It is a banana republic.
There are practically no honest people left in the leadership of this state.
Ethics are laughed at. Public education has been destroyed.
The only state in the U.S. to prohibit access to state archives and history.
They want the electorate to be malleable simpletons.
Those who are not able read history are doomed to repeat it.
Thulsa Doom
September 21st, 2012
11:11 am
“They ignore Sonny’s crooked land deals.”
Fred,
I’ve heard this before and I’ve looked but I can’t seem to find anything where Deal was convicted of running crooked land deals. I did find something insinuating as much but since it was from a blogger called the last liberal gwinnettian so obviously it had no credibility. Anything you could find detailing a conviction would be greatly appreciated.
“They ignore Nathan’s stealing and payoffs.”
I googled nathan deal stealing and payoffs and couldn’t find anything on this either. If you have something showing where he was either arrested or convicted of stealing and making payoffs then it would be greatly appreciated.
I would imagine that just as you hold the cons to standards of backing up what they say about liberal politicians that we can expect you to back up your claims of Deal stealing and making payoffs with credible links detailing his arrests or convictions for stealing and bribery.
Obambarrassment
September 21st, 2012
11:13 am
getalife,
Since someone took away your boogeymen white racists, you’re using Ayn Rand now?
I think that’s hilarious.
Good luck to you!
Fred ™
September 21st, 2012
11:13 am
EJ Moosa
September 21st, 2012
11:10 am
” keep it short use little words and type slow when I’m talking to you so you can keep up. You are welcome.”
We have to go backwards t keep up with you Fred.
But thanks for trying.
+++++++++++++++++++++
LOl what are you, like 7? I know you are what am I? What is your next repsonse going to be? “My dad can beat up your dad?”
You are so typical of today’s Republican.
GT
September 21st, 2012
11:13 am
Wonder why we have states in the first place?
Rightwing Troll
September 21st, 2012
11:14 am
“When the housing market rebounds, construction in Georgia will be hurt by lack of the same labor.”
We did just fine through the building booms of the 80’s and 90’s without the Mexicans. Americans may not want to pick Tomatoes but they can and will build some houses and offices…
getalife
September 21st, 2012
11:14 am
embarrassment.
The Dem in charge of Atlanta is leading on cuts to cities.
Where is deal on cuts to his State?
Obambarrassment
September 21st, 2012
11:15 am
stands for decibels,
The difference is that our Holy Bible says to make disciples of all the nations….
…but it doesn’t require us to enslave them if they don’t come along.
Subtle but important difference there.
getalife
September 21st, 2012
11:16 am
I still remember the American killed when Israel stormed the ship.
I take that personally.
I am my country first.
Rightwing Troll
September 21st, 2012
11:16 am
“I would imagine that just as you hold the cons to standards of backing up what they say about liberal politicians that we can expect you to back up your claims of Deal stealing and making payoffs with credible links detailing his arrests or convictions for stealing and bribery.”
Give us the name of the last Democratic Governor of GA who resigned from congress while the subject of an ethics investigation who then turned around and declared bankruptcy and defaulted on 2 million dollars in loans. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…
Keep Up the Good Fight!
September 21st, 2012
11:17 am
And did you not see a few weeks ago where the administration were saying that they couldn’t fit Bibi into the president’s schedule?
Apparently Doom, you fail to comprehend a messsage being sent rather than an actual scheduling issue. But continue in your poppycock nonsense claims.
EJ Moosa
September 21st, 2012
11:18 am
Fred,
You seem to be really projecting this morning.
Thulsa Doom
September 21st, 2012
11:18 am
Joe Mama,
We also give aid to plenty of other countries in the Middle East including several of the Arab states so you’re point is without merit. Apparently it doesn’t buy any loyalty or friendship. At least with the Israelis we are getting something for our money.
I think you need to read your own link on the USS Liberty. It was attacked in the middle of the 6 day war and was a mistake. Big difference between a mistake as in friendly fire and intentional terrorist attacks. I’m surprised you seem to equate that with terrorist attacks.
Rightwing Troll
September 21st, 2012
11:18 am
Why should we kiss Israel’s a$$? Other than for votes and campaign contributions.
Mighty Righty
September 21st, 2012
11:19 am
I know this has been around but it bears repeating to remind the mentally challenged that the economic policies of this administration are insane and Obamacare is just flat out nuts!
Quote by Ben Stein:
“Fathom the hypocrisy of a government that requires every citizen to prove they are insured… but not everyone must prove they are a citizen.”
Now add this, “Many of those who refuse, or are unable, to prove they are citizens
will receive free insurance paid for by those who are forced to buy insurance
because they are citizens.”
getalife
September 21st, 2012
11:19 am
embarrasment,
I don’t fiction like rand.
The fiction from you cons on the blogs is enough.
getalife
September 21st, 2012
11:20 am
I don’t think our tax money should go to Israel.
I think Germany should pay them not us.
Erwin's cat
September 21st, 2012
11:21 am
Michael…GA is 7th Nationally in quality of education
Common Sense
September 21st, 2012
11:21 am
Here’s how Obama explains his broken promises….
Today, Ramos repeatedly pressed Obama to acknowledge he had not kept that promise. “I don’t want to get lost in translation,” Ramos said in Spanish. Today’s forum was conducted in Spanish and the questions translated for the president. “You promised… And a promise is a promise. And with all due respect, you didn’t keep that promise.”
“I am happy to take responsibility for the fact that we didn’t get it done,” Obama said. “But I did not make a promise that I would get everything done a hundred percent when I was elected as president. What I promised was that I would work every single day as hard as I can to make sure that everybody in the country, regardless of who they are, what they look like, where they come from, that they would have a fair shot at the American dream. And that promise I kept.”
http://news.yahoo.com/obama-blames-gop-inability-pass-immigration-reform-215329106–abc-news-politics.html
SwamiDave
September 21st, 2012
11:22 am
sfd
“southpaw, it (Medicaid expansion)lowers costs for startups and such. It makes it easier to attract / retain businesses.”
So cost-shifting medical expenses onto GA taxpayers…..and businesses will make it easier to attract & retain those businesses.
Here’s your sign!
Growth comes from the exercise of freedom and opportunity. They work every time they are tried; they work when you do.
-SD
Thulsa Doom
September 21st, 2012
11:22 am
Thulsa
“You can explain your point of view all day long, but it remains
truly bizarre.
Really.”
Granny godzilla,
If you think that U.S. support for Israel is bizarre then so be it. There’s really nothing more to say.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 21st, 2012
11:23 am
Jue Hussein Mama:
I’m glad you brought up the USS Liberty. I have a good personal friend who was an officer on board that day and was wounded.
The bottom line to take away from that incident is the “NEVER AGAIN” mindset of Israel.
They will do ANYTHING to ensure their survival.
Ivan
September 21st, 2012
11:24 am
“Ivan
Actually…you lied and then deflected.
That is if facts matter.
Mr Silly Pants”
More 2nd grade name calling. So cute. I’m sure those kids in the mass graves would’ve been in about the same grade.
But the Republicans just want to be Isreal’s beeyotch……not trying to help those matters at all.
The kids thanks you, Mrs G.
stands for decibels
September 21st, 2012
11:24 am
but it doesn’t require us to enslave them if they don’t come along
“Anyone arrogant enough to reject the verdict of the judge or of the priest who represents the LORD your God must be put to death. Such evil must be purged from Israel. (Deuteronomy 17:12 NLT)”
getalife
September 21st, 2012
11:24 am
common sense,
He could pass immigration reform in his second term like he did the ACA.
It is possible.
Not possible with the gop and they know that fact.
Ronald Reagan Parkway
September 21st, 2012
11:24 am
Just say NO to Mitt Romney!
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 21st, 2012
11:25 am
Rightwing Troll :
My point was it will get worse …………………..
)
Mighty Righty
September 21st, 2012
11:26 am
I can think of a Democrat Senator from Georgia who we voters threw out of office because he confessed he had a “magic coat” that he would hang up and some how money would appear in its pockets. As for allegations about a Republican governor, I don’t think any of those rumors were ever proven.
Regnad Kcin
September 21st, 2012
11:26 am
“Growth comes from the exercise of freedom and opportunity.”
With all due respect – that sentence has no content. It’s not a ploicy, it’s a bumper sticker. Could you give us a fuller explanation of what you are trying to say? Thanks.
stands for decibels
September 21st, 2012
11:27 am
So cost-shifting medical expenses onto GA taxpayers
not even close to what’s in the PPACA.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 21st, 2012
11:29 am
getalife:
1) More than one American was killed.The USS Liberty incident was an attack on a United States
“The combined air and sea attack killed 34 crew members (naval officers, seamen, two Marines, and one civilian), wounded 170 crew members, and severely damaged the ship.”
2) They never “stormed” the ship.
Thulsa Doom
September 21st, 2012
11:29 am
“Apparently Doom, you fail to comprehend a messsage being sent rather than an actual scheduling issue. But continue in your poppycock nonsense claims.”
keep up,
My comprehension is just fine. The Israeli’s are saying that the Obama administration was using the excuse of scheduling as a reason to avoid Netanyahu. And yeah. I get that Obama is being petty and “sending a message” as you say. The fact that they are using a scheduling excuse just furthers his pettiness. Just more “poppycock” and pettiness from the thin skinned one.
“CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, citing Israeli sources, reported that the Israelis were told Obama’s schedule would not permit a meeting even though Israel offered to have Netanyahu travel to Washington.
Obama and Netanyahu are both due to address the United Nations in New York in late September but not at the same time.”
getalife
September 21st, 2012
11:29 am
Lets see, cons bown down for the wealthy, corporations, Israel and the military industrial complex.
You cons look funny bowed down like that.
Get up off your knees, stand up straight and fight for yourself not them silly.
DebbieDoRight - A Do Right Woman
September 21st, 2012
11:30 am
First and foremost, Georgia, mainly Atlanta have got to move away from policies of anything black for black sake and move toward policies that will benefit ALL Georgians!
Honestly, your response makes me realize why Georgia is last in education.
First, the cons holler about Obama’s “redistribution of wealth” comments, THEN you advocate for the exact same thing! The only difference is that you wish to take all of ATLANTA’s “wealth” and redistribute it to the rest of georgia. Classic!!
Lord Help Us
September 21st, 2012
11:30 am
‘They will do ANYTHING to ensure their survival.’
Just curious. Do you fault the Palestinians for taking a similar stance?
Rightwing Troll
September 21st, 2012
11:30 am
“Many of those who refuse, or are unable, to prove they are citizens
will receive free insurance paid for by those who are forced to buy insurance
because they are citizens.”
Which is a mite bit better than how it is now, where they will recieve free services paid for only by those of us who choose to buy insurance and pay taxes.
getalife
September 21st, 2012
11:31 am
scout,
Wrong one scout.
Verbal Kint
September 21st, 2012
11:32 am
For the folks with their head buried in the sand (which is most of the crew commenting on this blog), countdown starts Sunday. Enjoy!:
100 Days Until Taxmageddon
Sunday will mark the start of the 100-day countdown to “Taxmageddon” – the date the largest tax hikes in the history of America will take effect. They will hit families and small businesses in three great waves on January 1, 2013:
First Wave: Expiration of 2001 and 2003 Tax Relief
In 2001 and 2003, the GOP Congress enacted several tax cuts for small business owners, families, and investors (later re-upped by President Obama and Democrat Congress in 2010). The following tax hikes will occur on January 1, 2013:
Personal income tax rates will rise on January 1, 2013. The top income tax rate will rise from 35 to 39.6 percent (this is also the rate at which the majority of small business profits are taxed). The lowest rate will rise from 10 to 15 percent. All the rates in between will also rise. Itemized deductions and personal exemptions will again phase out, which has the same mathematical effect as higher marginal tax rates. The full list of marginal rate hikes is below:
-The 10% bracket rises to a new and expanded 15%
-The 25% bracket rises to 28%
-The 28% bracket rises to 31%
-The 33% bracket rises to 36%
-The 35% bracket rises to 39.6%
Higher taxes on marriage and family coming on January 1, 2013. The “marriage penalty” (narrower tax brackets for married couples) will return from the first dollar of taxable income. The child tax credit will be cut in half from $1000 to $500 per child. The standard deduction will no longer be doubled for married couples relative to the single level.
Middle Class Death Tax returns on January 1, 2013. The death tax is currently 35% with an exemption of $5 million ($10 million for married couples). For those dying on or after January 1 2013, there is a 55 percent top death tax rate on estates over $1 million. A person leaving behind two homes and a retirement account could easily pass along a death tax bill to their loved ones.
Higher tax rates on savers and investors on January 1, 2013. The capital gains tax will rise from 15 percent this year to 23.8 percent in 2013. The top dividends tax will rise from 15 percent this year to 43.4 percent in 2013. This is because of scheduled rate hikes plus Obamacare’s investment surtax.
Second Wave: Obamacare Tax Hikes
There are twenty new or higher taxes in Obamacare. Some have already gone into effect (the tanning tax, the medicine cabinet tax, the HSA withdrawal tax, W-2 health insurance reporting, and the “economic substance doctrine”). Several more will go into effect on January 1, 2013. They include:
The Obamacare Medical Device Tax begins to be assessed on January 1, 2013. Medical device manufacturers employ 409,000 people in 12,000 plants across the country. This law imposes a new 2.3% excise tax on gross sales – even if the company does not earn a profit in a given year. Exempts items retailing for <$100.
The Obamacare Medicare Payroll Tax Hike takes effect on January 1, 2013. The Medicare payroll tax is currently 2.9 percent on all wages and self-employment profits. Starting in 2013, wages and profits exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 in the case of married couples) will face a 3.8 percent rate.
The Obamacare “Special Needs Kids Tax” comes online on January 1, 2013. Imposes a cap on FSAs of $2500 (now unlimited). Indexed to inflation after 2013. There is one group of FSA owners for whom this new cap will be particularly cruel and onerous: parents of special needs children. There are thousands of families with special needs children in the United States, and many of them use FSAs to pay for special needs education. Tuition rates at one leading school that teaches special needs children in Washington, D.C. (National Child Research Center) can easily exceed $14,000 per year. Under tax rules, FSA dollars can be used to pay for this type of special needs education. This Obamacare cap harms these families.
The Obamacare “Haircut” for Medical Itemized Deductions goes into force on January 1, 2013. Currently, those facing high medical expenses are allowed a deduction for medical expenses to the extent that those expenses exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income (AGI). The new provision imposes a threshold of 10 percent of AGI. Waived for 65+ taxpayers in 2013-2016 only.
Third Wave: The Alternative Minimum Tax and Employer Tax Hikes
When Americans prepare to file their tax returns in January of 2013, they’ll be in for a nasty surprise—the AMT won’t be held harmless, and many tax relief provisions will have expired. These tax increases will be in force for BOTH 2012 and 2013. The major items include:
The AMT will ensnare over 31 million families, up from 4 million last year. According to the left-leaning Tax Policy Center, Congress’ failure to index the AMT will lead to an explosion of AMT taxpaying families—rising from 4 million last year to 31 million. These families will have to calculate their tax burdens twice, and pay taxes at the higher level. The AMT was created in 1969 to ensnare a handful of taxpayers.
Full business expensing will disappear. In 2011, businesses can expense half of their purchases of equipment. Starting on 2013 tax returns, all of it will have to be “depreciated” (slowly deducted over many years).
Taxes will be raised on all types of businesses. There are literally scores of tax hikes on business that will take place. The biggest is the loss of the “research and experimentation tax credit,” but there are many, many others. Combining high marginal tax rates with the loss of this tax relief will cost jobs.
Tax Benefits for Education and Teaching Reduced. The deduction for tuition and fees will not be available. Tax credits for education will be limited. Teachers will no longer be able to deduct classroom expenses. Coverdell Education Savings Accounts will be cut. Employer-provided educational assistance is curtailed. The student loan interest deduction will be disallowed for hundreds of thousands of families.
Charitable Contributions from IRAs no longer allowed. Under current law, a retired person with an IRA can contribute up to $100,000 per year directly to a charity from their IRA. This contribution also counts toward an annual “required minimum distribution.” This ability will no longer be there.
Posted by Ryan Ellis on Friday, September 21, 2012 10:19 AM EDT
Read more: http://atr.org/days-taxmageddon-a7203#ixzz277PrGSOb
GT
September 21st, 2012
11:32 am
Rightwing Troll that is the reason the are out of work that is the only thing they can do. “Mexicans” have more versatility than these local guys are want to work more.
stands for decibels
September 21st, 2012
11:32 am
The only difference is that you wish to take all of ATLANTA’s “wealth” and redistribute it to the rest of georgia.
way-ell, Debbie, they ain’t GOT no wealth, see, cuz they’s colored!
/winger
getalife
September 21st, 2012
11:33 am
verbal,
Where is your party on those cuts?
Where is the gop leadership?
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 21st, 2012
11:33 am
They BOTH suck:
Another “LIAR” I guess ……………….. “Show me the directive ! Show me the directive ! I’m betting this one was all VERBAL ………… just like some I received in Nam. But then you have never “been there”.
Headline (ABC): “Soldier’s E-mail Changes House Defense Chair’s Position on Afghanistan”
“Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Sitton knew there was the threat of casualties when he deployed to Afghanistan for his third tour of duty, but he said he was “totally on board with sacrifice for [his] country.”
What he didn’t agree with, though, was his chain of command, who mandated Sitton’s 25-man platoon to take twice-daily patrols through fields littered with explosive devices. The platoon was averaging an amputee a day, Sitton said, and since the patrols didn’t have an end goal, he didn’t see the point of risking such extreme danger.
Sitton was so concerned with his platoon’s safety and morale that in June, he wrote a measured letter to Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Fla., who chairs the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
“I feel myself and my soldiers are being put into unnecessary positions where harm and danger are imminent,” Sitton wrote in an e-mail. ”There is no endstate or purpose for the patrols given to us from our higher chain of command, only that we will be out for a certain time standard.”
“We are walking around aimlessly through grape rows and compounds that are littered with explosives,” he wrote.”
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/09/soldiers-e-mail-changes-house-defense-chairs-position-on-afghanistan/
Fred ™
September 21st, 2012
11:34 am
Thulsa: I know thta was a typo and you meant the Sonny Perdue land deal. I had no problems with google finding it. Here take your choice: http://tinyurl.com/cbfh824
As to Nathan Deal? Yeah you are right he DIDN’T resign his seat in Congress the DAY BEFORE the ethics committee was going to bring him up on charges. Oh wait, he DID. http://tinyurl.com/cw9n54g
I’d give you a link to his wonderful loans and such but I can only post 2 links without tripping the auto snagger Doomy.
Being a Republican didn’t USED to mean that you had to lie and cover up for your crooked ass leaders. As a matter of fact it used to mean the opposite. Once upon a time being a Republican meant you actually stood for honor and integrity. Those times seem to be long past. I’m beginning to find I view folks who say they are Republicans with the same mistrust as I view someone who says they are a Baptist or a Frenchman. That saddens me.
If you have any honor and integrity then it’s time you stood up for it banded together with some like minded folks and took your damn party back. Bruno comes to mind as a partner for you. Kick the asshats like Limbaugh and crowd OUT, dismantle their lying propaganda machine and restore the integrity of the party. You would be surprised at how many folks would “come back.” Get rid of the nutcases like Moosa, and Mighty Righty and such. Let them sit on the fringes where they belong instead of giving them the reins. There is still time, but not much of it. Get back to sound fiscal policies not ignorant, cut all taxes to rich folks and bow down to corporations. People like me WANT to have a sane Republican party back. Hell,I’ll bet you even Jam wants a sane Republican party back over this crazy as hell version that has broken out………
Welcome to the Occupation
September 21st, 2012
11:34 am
Thulsa Doom: “Israel has long been our ally and long been the only stable and advanced democracy in the Middle East and a very loyal friend. Unlike the Arabs they don’t kill our ambassadors, bomb and or attack our various embassies, and commit various other terrorist bombings against us….”
Ever heard of the US Liberty incident, Thulsa?
I think Thulsa needs a little history lesson before he makes categorical assertions about specific groups being angelic and others devilish! Those kinds of statements are HARRDDD to justify!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Liberty_incident
Rightwing Troll
September 21st, 2012
11:34 am
“As for allegations about a Republican governor, I don’t think any of those rumors were ever proven.”
If it quacks like a duck… and also you just have to wonder about someone who constantly finds themselves in the middle of ethical controversy… not wingnuts though… they say “oh hell yeah, give me some more of that”…
Welcome to the Occupation
September 21st, 2012
11:35 am
That should have been USS Liberty, of course.
Earnestly
September 21st, 2012
11:35 am
I can tell you that neither Perdue nor Deal have been benign in their leadership. Before there was a financial crisis, Perdue started the assault on public education which Deal and the legislature have actively, enthusiastically, you might say hysterically continued. That assault has seen 4 billion dollars cut from state education budgets in a decade. This in a state that has always been near the bottom of both education spending and achievement. One result has been “experts” who wouldn’t know a charter school from a pig farm extolling the virtues of charter schools and voucher systems, neither of which are viable for the majority of Georgia’s students. The objective seems to be squeeze school systems until they fail, then say “I told you so”. I guess our hapless leaders feel that if they keep their electorate uneducated, they’ll be more free to concentrate on their real profession; making money for themselves and their friends.
St Simons - (ab)original Georgian
September 21st, 2012
11:35 am
hell yes, shuck the corn, fred.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 21st, 2012
11:36 am
Lord Help Us:
Yes. Just as I fault Islamic Radicals for trying to “survive” mean old America.
Apples and oranges.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 21st, 2012
11:37 am
Welcome to the Occupation:
Please see my 11:23
stands for decibels
September 21st, 2012
11:37 am
The objective seems to be squeeze school systems until they fail, then say “I told you so”.
SEEMS to be?
They BOTH suck
September 21st, 2012
11:37 am
Guess you are still searching for that DOD “directive”, huh?
Mary Elizabeth
September 21st, 2012
11:37 am
Mighty Righty,
“Mary Elizabeth
You are saying ‘facts’ are partisan! I usually take your opinions seriously.”
—————————————————–
I am saying that the following words from “The Daily Caller” are not factual, but are, instead, opinion and that the word, “devastating,” is particularly inflammatory by design (and that that choice of word reflects the intense ideological point-of-view of the founders of that publication:
“President Obama’s policies have been devastating. . .”
Keep Up the Good Fight!
September 21st, 2012
11:37 am
And yeah. I get that Obama is being petty and “sending a message” as you say. The fact that they are using a scheduling excuse just furthers his pettiness
Ahh, so now you are also an expert in foreign affairs and can identify “pettiness” in these matters. Rather pompous of you.
willie lynch
September 21st, 2012
11:37 am
Thulsa Doom
September 21st, 2012
10:17 am
We’re going on 40 years of negotiation. Some influence.
Listening to Netanyahu is like listening to Fox News you already know what’s coming so why bother tuning in. For years it was Arafat is the reason there is no peace. Well Arafat’s been dead for 8 years and things have still not budged.
What’s that definition of insanity?
Common Sense
September 21st, 2012
11:37 am
“Not possible with the gop and they know that fact.”
Have you noticed that it is always someone else’s fault?
So if BHO does not get control of the Senate and the House, the excuse remains the same.
What changes by electing Obama a second term?
And why is the deteriorating economic picture NOT a concern? Read the BLS report Bookman references.
If you think Georgia is the only state with issues, think again.
Rightwing Troll
September 21st, 2012
11:38 am
“People like me WANT to have a sane Republican party back. Hell,I’ll bet you even Jam wants a sane Republican party back over this crazy as hell version that has broken out………”
They don’t want us back because we refuse to be fanatical and wish to live and let live…
USMC
September 21st, 2012
11:38 am
“Is America’s economic decline cause for action?”
Yes!
Vote for Mittens in 2012!
DebbieDoRight - A Do Right Woman
September 21st, 2012
11:39 am
They want the electorate to be malleable simpletons
They’ve “won”!
They will do ANYTHING to ensure their survival.
That’s the problem……
Lord Help Us
September 21st, 2012
11:39 am
‘Yes. Just as I fault Islamic Radicals for trying to “survive” mean old America.
Apples and oranges.’
Both groups will do (as you said, ‘ANYTHING to ensure their survival’). Why does your definition of ‘ANYTHING’ differ? Are you saying Israelis are not radical, but Palestinians are?
They BOTH suck
September 21st, 2012
11:39 am
Scout
Your article doesn’t say a damn thing about a “directive” regarding not being able to carry ammunition.
But keep swinging.
Strikes and foul tips are not home runs.
Earnestly
September 21st, 2012
11:40 am
Amen Fred! There was a time long ago when the term republican was not synonymous with lying scumbag corporate shill.
getalife
September 21st, 2012
11:41 am
Seniors,
You are the 47 % Mitt hates and the gop will steal your programs you paid for all your lives.
Vote out the gop congress.
Four more years.
Thanks.
They BOTH suck
September 21st, 2012
11:42 am
Scout
If you do not like Obama and want to cry about him daily, that is your right to do so.
But unsubstantiated inferences and rhetoric makes you look foolish.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 21st, 2012
11:42 am
Barack “Hussein” & Joseph “Robinette” Biden
vs.
Willard “Mitt” Romney & Paul “Davis” Ryan
Hummmmm ………………
Earnestly
September 21st, 2012
11:42 am
In partisan fairness, there was also a time when the term democrat was not synonymous with weak kneed sissy corporate shill.
Matti
September 21st, 2012
11:43 am
JamVet @ 10:50,
Did you see where Limpbaugh was blaming “feminazis” for shrinkage yesterday?
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/09/20/limbaugh-penises-now-10-percent-smaller-and-shrinking-because-of-feminazis/
Bless his lil’ ol’ heart. He might just need another viag-fueled “boys only” trip to the Dominican Republic to cure that!
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 21st, 2012
11:44 am
BOTH:
Verbal will get you killed as quick as a directive ………….. but then you’ve never been there so you wouldn’t know.
“Some walk the walk and some talk the talk”
Erwin's cat
September 21st, 2012
11:44 am
DDR – Honestly, your response makes me realize why Georgia is last in education
except GA is No.7
Joe Hussein Mama
September 21st, 2012
11:46 am
Doom — “Joe Mama,
“We also give aid to plenty of other countries in the Middle East including several of the Arab states so you’re point is without merit.”
Rejected. Find me another Middle Eastern country that gets $3+ billion in annual aid and access to US intelligence assets. There’s one, but I don’t think you’ll be happy when you figure out which one it is.
“Apparently it doesn’t buy any loyalty or friendship.”
Indeed. The Israeli government has been quite confrontational in the past with our Presidents and with Congress over the amount of aid they receive. You’d think they’d show some appreciation.
“At least with the Israelis we are getting something for our money.”
Like what? Specifics, please.
“I think you need to read your own link on the USS Liberty. It was attacked in the middle of the 6 day war and was a mistake.”
I think you need to read it in the first place, because there are still-living Liberty crewmembers who don’t believe that for a moment.
“Big difference between a mistake as in friendly fire and intentional terrorist attacks. I’m surprised you seem to equate that with terrorist attacks.”
As I said, you need to educate yourself on the circumstances and investigation of the attack, because there are still HUGE holes in the Israeli story.
And just in case you weren’t aware of it, the Israelis had to be threatened to stay out of Desert Storm. The Israelis demanded to be part of the attacking force, but we refused, citing the need to retain the Arab allies, intel and goodwill we had in that fight. When the Israelis threatened to send their aircraft to join in any fight they observed in Iraq, they were told that if any of their air assets entered an active combat zone without the proper IFF squawk code, they’d be shot down as suspected hostiles.
The Israelis then stood down.
Yeah, that’s some real help and support there.
They BOTH suck
September 21st, 2012
11:47 am
Scout
blah, blah, blah
You posted an article last night from your birther based website. DDR and I both picked up on the “directive” part which you used to further your deranged narrative.
You are made because you can’t prove it. Just because you are brainwashed with the bs on WND, don’t put that off on others.
Ben-Jarius
September 21st, 2012
11:47 am
In his radio show yesterday Clark Howard talked about the thousands of jobs in Georgia that are unfilled because the workforce lacks the necessary skills and training. That should be a serious wake up call. We need to move past the political blame game (Jay) and actually do something, like requiring high schools to teach subjects that will actually help the kids get a job once they graduate.
the cat
September 21st, 2012
11:48 am
Fred-another standing O! off to take advil for knees!!!
They BOTH suck
September 21st, 2012
11:49 am
mad
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 21st, 2012
11:49 am
“Some walk the walk ……….. some talk the talk”
“Kept by better men than yourself”
alittlecommonsense
September 21st, 2012
11:49 am
The point of this blog is Jay saying basically ” Georgia is a red state. Georgia is doing bad. Therefore Georgia is doing bad because it is a red state.” Not very good logic huh?
How about we look at not just Georgia, but red states vs blue states overall? Wouldn’t that give a clearer picture of whether a state is better off as red or blue? 50 points of data instead of one?
http://news.investors.com/050812-610481-red-states-beat-blue-on-job-wage-gains.aspx?p=full
They BOTH suck
September 21st, 2012
11:49 am
willingly brainwashed, I might add
What is the latest on the birther front, Scout?
Joe Hussein Mama
September 21st, 2012
11:50 am
0311 — “I’m glad you brought up the USS Liberty. I have a good personal friend who was an officer on board that day and was wounded. The bottom line to take away from that incident is the “NEVER AGAIN” mindset of Israel. They will do ANYTHING to ensure their survival.”
I agree; it does seem that the Israelis can be quite single-minded in pursuit of that goal, but there are still questions about the incident; at least one investigator believes that the Israelis deliberately fired on the ship in order to keep it from inadvertently revealing Israeli troop dispositions and movement along the Egyptian border.
I hope your friend recovered fully.
getalife
September 21st, 2012
11:51 am
“For the fact is that the modern Republican Party just doesn’t have much respect for people who work for other people, no matter how faithfully and well they do their jobs. All the party’s affection is reserved for “job creators,” a k a employers and investors. Leading figures in the party find it hard even to pretend to have any regard for ordinary working families — who, it goes without saying, make up the vast majority of Americans. ” Krugman.
The gop hate you cons.
Vote them out.
Man up.
DebbieDoRight - A Do Right Woman
September 21st, 2012
11:53 am
TBS: Guess you are still searching for that DOD “directive”, huh?
HA!!! Too funny!!
Fred: Being a Republican didn’t USED to mean that you had to lie and cover up for your crooked ass leaders. As a matter of fact it used to mean the opposite. Once upon a time being a Republican meant you actually stood for honor and integrity. Those times seem to be long past. I’m beginning to find I view folks who say they are Republicans with the same mistrust as I view someone who says they are a Baptist or a Frenchman. That saddens me.
You tell ‘em Fred! I posted a few days back that the last good republican was Eisenhower, and a few people said “Oh No! There are still some good republicans!” But I say, “Where are they?”
Did these same good republicans have to sign a “purity pledge” before they could get a dime from the republican party? Did they have to fall in lock step with the rank and file or be ostracized if they weren’t?
Did they have the balls to stand up and say, “THIS AIN’T RIGHT!!” when all of these scurrilous “voter laws” have suddenly popped up since the 08 election? What about all the legislature directly targeted at women and their right to choose? Equal pay for women – any good republican had anyythng to say to that? Or how many republicans voted NO to the “Give GI Joe a JOb” bill; did any of their rank and file castigate them for that? Nope.
If some would just stand up for what’s right, it’ll make a big difference. Some of the ideals of republicans are found in some democrat principles and vice versa — but the fringes have silenced the voice of reason and have become militant and unhinged!
It’s time for a viable third party — truth be told there are more “middle of the roaders” than there are true right or left people. it’s just that now in this time, we only have a choice between the devil and the devils brother Bubba. What choice is that?
yuzeyurbrane
September 21st, 2012
11:53 am
Ben @ 9:42–I agree with what you say but surely you are not arguing that Georgia has reached the point where its education spending has no impact?
Fred ™
September 21st, 2012
11:54 am
Erwin’s cat
September 21st, 2012
11:44 am
DDR – Honestly, your response makes me realize why Georgia is last in education
except GA is No.7
++++++++++++++++++
Can you post a link to that effect please? If you already did I missed it.
They BOTH suck
September 21st, 2012
11:54 am
DDR
He is trying
Bless his heart……………..
Keep Up the Good Fight!
September 21st, 2012
11:56 am
Kept by better men than yourself
Senior Digits, who is your pimp that you keep referring to as keeping you. We can send help.
Mary Elizabeth
September 21st, 2012
11:57 am
Mighty Righty and readers,
Moreover, besides choosing to use the inflammatory word, “devastating,” the “facts” that The Daily Caller does mention (that I had earlier posted) fail to address or to acknowledge the long-standing effects that the Great Recession’s crash have had upon unemployment rates in our nation. To leave out that vital “fact” in presenting a “factual” analysis speaks, again, of the highly partisan and ideological agenda of “The Daily Caller.”
And, I would hope that polling firms would not be in the business of influencing elections toward particular ideological beliefs.
They BOTH suck
September 21st, 2012
11:58 am
Scout
Why did that gentlemen leave the military?
Did it have anything to do with is unwillingness to follow the rules and regulations he signed up to adhere to?
TN_Realist
September 21st, 2012
11:59 am
@ Granny, your 11:07 was on point! Slam Dunk! I recokon Scout just passed over it
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
September 21st, 2012
11:59 am
Joe Hussein Mama:
“I agree; it does seem that the Israelis can be quite single-minded in pursuit of that goal, but there are still questions about the incident; at least one investigator believes that the Israelis deliberately fired on the ship in order to keep it from inadvertently revealing Israeli troop dispositions and movement along the Egyptian border.”
You should hear him tell what happened. They didn’t just “fire” on the USS Liberty …….. they straffed it, napalmed it and torpedoed it …………. during attacks covering about two hours. When life boats were lowered, Israeli patrol boats sank them.
You are absolutely correct in your assessment above and the reason is we (the U.S.) would have stopped their planned surprise attack which was their only chance to win. Therefore, they made the decision to try to sink the ship with all hands lost.
To this day, the U.S. Congress has not held full hearings on the matter. The USS Liberty crew meets annually and they are very bitter ……… obviously.
My friend did fine and served with me during my career with “my federal agency”.
May I recommend this book written by the ship’s officers:
http://www.amazon.com/Assault-Liberty-James-Ennes-Jr/dp/0972311602
They BOTH suck
September 21st, 2012
11:59 am
Keep
That was funny.
Fred ™
September 21st, 2012
12:00 pm
Mary Elizabeth
September 21st, 2012
11:57 am
+++++++++++++++++++++++
You are trying to reason with unreasonable people ME. It doesn’t work. So they will attack you.
Erwin's cat
September 21st, 2012
12:00 pm
Fred…I link it on page 2
http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2012/jan/13/georgia-ranks-no-7-nation-new-education-report/
Mary Elizabeth
September 21st, 2012
12:00 pm
Correction: facts “do mention,” not “does mention”
Matti
September 21st, 2012
12:00 pm
Erwin’s cat wants us all to know he can read, and read Maureen Downey’s column about Georgia earning 7th place in a “quality counts” report issued by the onlibne publication Education Week. Downey’s article does not mention graduation rates, or the fact that students who drop out ususally do not take SATs and those standardized tests in their Senior year that say how well they’ve learned. But hey, if you want to pick a cherry, you can always find a cherry to pick. Somebody please give Erwin’s cat the little gold star he’s earned. Thank you!
Joe Hussein Mama
September 21st, 2012
12:02 pm
0311 — “You should hear him tell what happened. They didn’t just “fire” on the USS Liberty …….. they straffed it, napalmed it and torpedoed it …………. during attacks covering about two hours. When life boats were lowered, Israeli patrol boats sank them.”
Thanks for the amplification, 0311.
So, Doom, you hearing this?
You can take your ‘read your own link” bullspit and stuff it where the sun don’t shine, son. Get yourself up to speed before you shoot your mouth off about something you’re totally ignorant of.
Tool.
Aquagirl
September 21st, 2012
12:02 pm
The Israelis claim their land because their God gave it to them a couple thousand years ago. Let God send ‘em jet fighters and piles of money. At the very least God could influence some of our young tough talkers to emigrate and defend them,instead of demanding other people’s tax dollars be redistributed while they blog their undying defense of Israel.
Thulsa Doom
September 21st, 2012
12:02 pm
Fred,
The R party is not my party, I’m Libertarian but am forced to vote R in some circumstances. I did read a bit on Deal and saw that he did resign while under ethics scrutiny. Now he did that supposedly to begin his run for gov and I suspect just to get away from it. But if we go by that standard there are lots of Congressman and plenty from the Dem side like Rangel who’ve been investigated for ethics allegations.
Looks to me like he has some questionable dealings but no arrests, no convictions, just questionable business arrangements but nothing that can be proven. I just think that if you’re going to make outright allegations of stealing and bribery that you should be able to back it up with a link. And I know you try to be non partisan Fred but it seems of late that you reserve all your criticism for Rs and R pols and none for the Ds. Plenty of corruption, bumper sticker sloganeering, and brain washed folks on the left.
Anyway, I gotta run here in a minute but I will hold con pols feet to the fire when they mess up.