Ralston’s ethics proposal would be a significant step forward
It took public pressure from GOP and Democratic primary voters and a few years of cajoling (and, yes, lobbying), but the ethics reform package unveiled today by Speaker David Ralston represents a significant step toward better governance in Georgia.
I’ve given the two bills Ralston introduced a once-over, and my initial impression is that they are a serious effort toward addressing public concerns about special interests’ inordinate influence over the lawmaking process. The package includes:
- an outright ban on lobbyist gifts to all elected public officials in Georgia, at both the state and local levels of government, with only a couple of relatively narrow exceptions (more on those later);
- a broader definition of “lobbyist” to require registration of more people who seek to influence lawmakers;
- the restoration of the state ethics commission’s rule-making authority, which is critical if enforcement of ethics laws are to have any teeth;
- the elimination of filing requirements for local elected officials who raise or spend less than $2,500 for their campaigns, a move designed to lessen the backlog at the resource-poor ethics commission (but no firm pledge to increase the commission’s budget);
- a provision to discourage “gotcha” ethics complaints by one campaign against another by requiring anyone who files an ethics complaint to state whether they are acting on any other person’s behalf, with false statements punishable by law; and
- a requirement for campaign contributions made between Jan. 1 and the beginning of a legislative session to be reported within five business days of the session’s opening — currently, any campaign contribution made after Dec. 31 does not have to be reported until July (contributions cannot be made during the session).
The rule-making piece is important; better funding to upgrade the commission’s unreliable technology would also be very helpful and may yet come through the budget process. The additional disclosure requirements for campaign contributions made on the eve of the session is a pleasant surprise.
Any criticisms of the package are likely to focus on two areas. First, the exceptions to the gift ban for some travel expenses “that directly relate to the official duties of that public officer or the office of that public officer,” as well as for food and beverages if they are provided to all members of the General Assembly, the House, the Senate, party caucuses, or standing committees and subcommittees.
The travel exception must be scrutinized as this bill advances — and, if it’s passed, policed aggressively by the ethics commission — to ensure it’s not abused. It is worth noting that the exception does not apply to recreational activities: no sports or concert tickets, no hunting or greens fees. The exception for food and beverages arguably is a big one: It’s reasonable in my view not to outlaw, say, a catered reception put on by a local chamber of commerce. But letting a company take all the members of a relevant committee to Bone’s? On the other hand, given that there should be far fewer lobbyist gifts reported, those kinds of gifts will stand out in reports even more than now — so maybe public scrutiny of them will suffice. Maybe.
Second, the broader definition of the word “lobbyist” is bound to strike some people as an attempt to require the registration (including a $300 fee) of anyone who walks into the Capitol during the legislative session. I don’t think that was the intent: There are some folks around the Capitol who ought to qualify as lobbyists but who manage to go unregistered. But it’s worth thinking about which kinds of people might be ensnared, intentionally or not, by that broader definition.
On the whole, and as someone who has criticized repeatedly the lack of legislative action on this issue, I think this is a very positive step forward by Ralston and the other House leaders. The key now will be seeing that the House and Senate agree on a package of reforms without watering it down or engaging in a game of one-upmanship designed to burnish each chamber’s ethics-reform credentials without actually getting a bill passed.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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105 comments Add your comment
Dumb and Dumber
January 29th, 2013
5:25 pm
Getting the Georgia House and Senate to even agree on how to spell “ethics” would be a significant step forward. Actually passing a bill that passes the laugh test and then then funding an independent ethics watchdog would be nothing short of amazing.
Dare we hope?
Jefferson
January 29th, 2013
5:30 pm
They should have a take nothing approach. This seems like a step in the right direction. Bone’s should require better customers than the lawmakers.
Rafe Hollister preparing for an Obamanist America
January 29th, 2013
5:36 pm
Sounds good, but doesn’t all ethics reform. We later learn what the built in cracks allow. Ethics legislation is never an end to unethical behavior, that requires ethical people, but if it gets us higher on the mythical list of ethical state governments that would be nice.
The Libs love to point out those studies that show Georgia State Government as unethical, even though the studies rank ethics legislation/rules rather than unethical behavior. So, good for Mr. Ralston, if he helps improve the appearance of propriety.
Road Scholar
January 29th, 2013
5:43 pm
Good article, Kyle. As for gifts , also exclude the elected officials wife and family members. No pass throughs!
What are the penalties for violating this?
As for trips, have the head of the senate/house approve the travel before hand. These are not spur of the moment trips. When I worked, I had to get prior approval of the state approving my non regular travel. Why not them?
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 29th, 2013
5:50 pm
Can you say PAYGO?
Oh yeah, we’re talking about Republicans, they’ll do what they say, never mind.
Kyle Wingfield
January 29th, 2013
5:54 pm
I get the sense that the broader definition of “lobbyist” is really ticking off a number of the very same people who have been pushing for these reforms. As I indicated in the OP, we need to have clarity about exactly who would and wouldn’t be affected by the broader definition — and it it’s too broad, the definition needs to be adjusted. There’s no need to ensnare every individual citizen who shows up at the Capitol to petition his or her government — and no excuse for any provision that effectively does so.
Hillbilly D
January 29th, 2013
6:01 pm
Ralston is smarter than people think he is. He knows broading the definition of “lobbyist” is what will get a lot of attention and it’ll serve as a smoke screen for behind the scenes dealing. Ralston knows the best defense is a good offense and the way to get what he wants is to up the ante. Pretty good poker move.
I’ll be surprised if anything more than a feel good bill gets passed, if even that does, before it’s all said and done. I’ve seen this same scenario, many times before. The devil is always in the details. Doesn’t matter what they pass, unless they enforce it, which they haven’t in my lifetime.
Dave
January 29th, 2013
6:05 pm
First, sounds good if Ralston really means what he says. I didn’t think anyone over there was capable of actual reform. Second, as to who is a lobbyist, how about anyone that’s getting paid as a definition?
Kyle Wingfield
January 29th, 2013
6:08 pm
Hillbilly @ 6:01: If that’s all that’s going on here, then you’re right about the poker move. But until it becomes clear that the bad provisions are non-negotiable from Ralston’s point of view, I’ll consider them no different from bad provisions of other bills that get changed during the legislative process. That is, after all, why we don’t let a single person write a bill and make it law without letting other people scrutinize and improve it.
But if those bad provisions are non-negotiable, then those who think the entire thing is an elaborate ruse or seeks to punish some political enemies may have a point.
Hillbilly D
January 29th, 2013
6:10 pm
Kyle
Fair enough but like I said, this sort of thing has been going on for the last 30 or so years. I’ve got to see results before I believe anything. Some of us are more familiar with Ralston than others, too.
Kyle Wingfield
January 29th, 2013
6:12 pm
Dave @ 6:05: Income is part of the current definition; it would be removed under the new, broader definition.
The question, I think, is this one: Is the broader definition an attempt to include some people the public would probably consider a lobbyist but who aren’t registered, or is it an attempt to discourage ordinary citizens from coming and speaking their minds? If it’s the former, then I’d have to think the new definition could be refined to avoid unintended problems. If it’s the latter, then you’d have to question the motives of those who want that part in the bill.
@@
January 29th, 2013
6:12 pm
Second, the broader definition of the word “lobbyist” is bound to strike some people as an attempt to require the registration (including a $300 fee) of anyone who walks into the Capitol during the legislative session.
I don’t mean to sound cynical, but what’s to stop some bag man from meeting some legislator(s) in a dark alley somewhere?
Most of the influence peddling in Clayton County has always been done off-site and out-a-sight.
Centrist
January 29th, 2013
6:44 pm
Certainly better than anything that has been around for before. Past loopholes have had aircraft carriers sailed through, so now only yachts will fit.
I give credit to the majority party who enjoy most of the current lobbying benefits for limiting them. Further tightening of the travel, food, and beverage benefits will certainly be needed.
Serious Robuck
January 29th, 2013
6:51 pm
Republicans generally oppose anything Obama supports. Period.
I’m a liberal Georgia Democrat and as a corollary, I’m very skeptical of anything David Ralston might offer as any sort of step forward. I’ll be very happy to be proved wrong, but I don’t trust Ralston and his odious, corrupt crowd of thugs to do right, ever.
saywhat?
January 29th, 2013
6:57 pm
“The key now will be seeing that the House and Senate agree on” (1) “a package of reforms without watering it down or” (2) “engaging in a game of one-upmanship designed to burnish each chamber’s ethics-reform credentials without actually getting a bill passed.”
————————————————–
My bet is on number two. How ironicly delicious.
saywhat?
January 29th, 2013
6:58 pm
oops, “ironically”
Matz
January 29th, 2013
7:01 pm
As citizens of Georgia, we have every right to show up at the Capitol and “lobby” our representatives. Many of us consider it a duty. If more people paid attention to what these crooks are actually doing down there, they might actually do something useful for a change, instead of grandstanding on non-issues and slipping gravy to each other in back-room deals during closed-door “committee” meetings. I challenge each of you to spend a day down there watching and listening, and if you’re concerned about an issue, ask your legislator to come out and speak with you. They DO that (unless they’re gutless little chickensquirts).
As for the non-citizens (like that Norquist creep), outside organizations (funded by those Koch creeps who don’t live here) and those that represent fringe special interests, yes they should register. Those fringe special interest groups get way more attention than you or I because they lurk, grease, bully, bribe, and threaten. If you’re not there too, witnessing this nonsense and calling them out on it, what incentives do our “representatives” have to conduct themselves with integrity? It’s not like it comes naturally to them!
Georgia , The "New Mississippi"
January 29th, 2013
7:02 pm
These GOP Johnny Reb legislators never voluntarily do what they know is right. It is an inbred lack of basic human morals passed on from one generation to the next.
saywhat?
January 29th, 2013
7:02 pm
When one is 12 inches below the surface in a pool filled with feces, urine, and the bloated dead bodies of unidentifiable animals, lowering the level of the pool by 6 inches, while technically “progress”, doesn’t really make much of a practical difference.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 29th, 2013
7:04 pm
This will be the first thing the dummycrats strike down once they move in enough illegal aliens and win some elections in Georgia. In about hunnerd years or so.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 29th, 2013
7:11 pm
Well, maybe not “shock,” since the new president of CNN Worldwide has made no secret of his intention to shake up the ratings-challenged cable network from top to bottom.
Arranging the anchor desks on the Titanic, glug, glug, glug.
Water’s cold ain’t it?
Michael H. Smith
January 29th, 2013
7:11 pm
•a broader definition of “lobbyist” to require registration of more people who seek to influence lawmakers;
The unintended consequences may be the fees for registration being equally as broad as the definition.
I hope a difference in fees charged for registration is made between those for “professional lobbyists”and those for your average “non-business affiliated individual citizen activist”.
As always the devil is in the details and I remain unconvinced that this bill if it becomes law, will stop corrupt people from accepting what can been seen by many as bribes.
@@
January 29th, 2013
7:11 pm
Okay, this was funny. Among Obama’s proposal on immigration reform:
■Families headed by same-sex couples are treated as other families: The White House’s proposal “treats same-sex families as families by giving U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents the ability to seek a visa on the basis of a permanent relationship with a same-sex partner.” Republicans on the Gang of Eight have treated this issue as unimportant. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said same-sex couples are “not of paramount importance,” while Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) asked sarcastically, “Why don’t we just put legalized abortion in there and round it all out?”
I’ve never known Lindsey Graham to have a sense of humor.
Hillbilly D
January 29th, 2013
7:15 pm
These GOP Johnny Reb legislators never voluntarily do what they know is right.
When did Tom Murphy ever let any ethics legislation pass? This isn’t anything new or the domain of either party. It’s what results of a one party state, which we’ve had for over 150 years.
saywhat?
January 29th, 2013
7:17 pm
Silly @@, Lindsey was just deflecting from the fact that he is really gay. Gay people have wonderful senses of humor.Its why we call them gay.
Hillbilly D
January 29th, 2013
7:17 pm
@@
Saw your comments in the other thread. I’m puzzled as to what use you have for dead rodents. (IWH)
Michael H. Smith
January 29th, 2013
7:26 pm
It really isn’t funny @@. This little tyrant has no authority to send congress a bill as he stated he intents to do. In fact, immigration is out of bound for the executive branch of our government. Immigration is an area germane only to Congress. Obama truly wants to sabotage any righteous immigration law.
For the record, I listened to Marco Rubio today and I can say with no hesitation that I am in lockstep with Senator Rubio’s immigration views and positions. He has immigration law as close to perfect as it will ever be written.
Obama should shut up, stay out of this debate, let the Congress write the law, go play golf and sign the bill when it reaches him like a real President would.
@@
January 29th, 2013
7:27 pm
Off-topic.
I was reading an article yesterday where two lesbians had used sperm donated by a guy who advertised on Craigslist. The insemination was done at home with some kit that’s made available.
Anyhoo, the women parted company. The custodial parent filed for welfare. Upon review, the state discovered the paternity of the child and went after the guy for child support.
Moral of the story? Don’t spill your seed on Craigslist.
Life can get complicated.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 29th, 2013
7:28 pm
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Tuesday declined to voice support for Democratic legislation that would ban assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips.
hairy must have been body snatched by the NRA!
Quick, let’s get some tax cut legislation out of committee.
Michael H. Smith
January 29th, 2013
7:32 pm
Nah, old Harry remembers what happened the last time his party past a gun ban.
Harry may be a lot of things but he ain’t altogether politically stupid or politically suicidal.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 29th, 2013
7:33 pm
MHS – There is another ajc blog up that has obozo has the champion border patrol agent of the world and, get this, just itching to check papers and deport illegals.
Where would the dummycrats be without The Lie?
@@
January 29th, 2013
7:34 pm
Michael:
He has immigration law as close to perfect as it will ever be written.
Obama should shut up, stay out of this debate, let the Congress write the law, go play golf and sign the bill when it reaches him like a real President would.
I agree.
Obama’s always playing to an audience. Graham was mocking his performance. I thought it was funny. Sue me!
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 29th, 2013
7:34 pm
I guess there could two obozo’s.
Bruno
January 29th, 2013
7:34 pm
Hey Matz, hope you’re doing well. Keep up the good fight for all the lazy people like me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gDhR1R3S0s
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 29th, 2013
7:36 pm
I guess there could be two obozo’s, sigh.
Bruno
January 29th, 2013
7:36 pm
Moral of the story? Don’t spill your seed on Craigslist.
Jeez—NOW you tell me, @@.
Hillbilly D
January 29th, 2013
7:38 pm
Bruno
That’s probably more info than we needed.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 29th, 2013
7:40 pm
I’m gonna leave “matz” alone, as long as he’s calling them chickensquirts instead of me a chickensquirt, it’s a welcome change and I’m good with it.
Bruno
January 29th, 2013
7:47 pm
Aesop–Matz is a she.
@@
January 29th, 2013
7:49 pm
Senators announced their principles for comprehensive immigration reform, which are very much in line with the principles I’ve proposed and campaigned on for the last few years.
Intentionally vague. What was he proposing when the dems held both houses? Nothing.
bluecoat
January 29th, 2013
7:57 pm
cold and deep said the Texan.
@@
January 29th, 2013
8:02 pm
CAIRO — Egypt’s military chief warned Tuesday of a potential “collapse of the state” after a fourth night of violent street battles between protesters and Egyptian security forces in Cairo and other major cities, heightening the prospect that the country’s military might be forced to intervene.
A military coup?
I’ll take it.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 29th, 2013
8:04 pm
I suppose. No knock but I always wondered if you and amvet were one in the same.
Bruno
January 29th, 2013
8:08 pm
Yeah, you’re right, Aesop. Our political outlooks and writing style are so similar that it would be easy to mix us up.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 29th, 2013
8:09 pm
amvet always was complex, to say the least.
Hillbilly D
January 29th, 2013
8:11 pm
http://www.fresnobee.com/2013/01/05/3123404/ruben-navarrette-jr-latinos-obamas.html
@@
January 29th, 2013
8:22 pm
Hillbilly:
It’s another example of how Obama gets a pass. When Bush was authorizing raids, the other side was up in arms….calling him inhumane. Unbeknownst to most, Obama has been targeting the low-skilled, service industry illegals, leaving the higher-skilled illegals to go about their business unharmed.
Hillbilly D
January 29th, 2013
8:24 pm
@@
Navarette has been on that for about the last 6 months.
@@
January 29th, 2013
8:49 pm
Hillbilly:
Another one.
Yesterday, I dropped this off at the neighbor fella’s place:
The special inspector general for the Troubled Asset Relief Program said Treasury approved all 18 requests it received last year to raise pay for executives at American International Group, General Motors and Ally Financial. Of those requests, 14 were for $100,000 or more; the largest raise was $1 million.
Treasury also allowed pay packages totaling $5 million or more for nearly a quarter of the executives at those firms, the report says.
The report says Treasury bypassed rules under the 2008 bailout that limited pay.
http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Treasury-OKd-big-raises-for-bailout-firms-4230637.php
Not a peep.
Well, the neighbor, in his usual snarky way, asked if I NOW supported government dictating CEOs salaries. My response?
“No…I didn’t support the bailouts. It was your side that wanted to put restrictions on CEOs pay.”
No response.
@@
January 29th, 2013
8:52 pm
It’s kinda like living in Bizarro World.
“Us do opposite of all Earthly things! Us hate beauty! Us love ugliness! Is big crime to make anything perfect on Bizarro World!”
Dusty
January 29th, 2013
9:05 pm
Well, we elected these Georgia officials and we might as well give them a chance at doing the right thing. Sounds like Ralston is trying to get something together that makes sense. If you don’t like parts of it, then tell ‘em about. But to throw down everything they produce without even a good read doesn’t sound like cooperation.
Washington is almost beyond my benevolence but I think there is hope for the government of Georgia. They live right here with us. It’s their Georgia too.. “They’re not heavy. They’re our neighbors.!” (Or somethng like that.)
ODD OWL
January 30th, 2013
1:02 am
The Georgia Republican party is corrupt to its wormy core… If the Georgia voters were ethical, they would recall or impeach all Republican elected officials, remove them from office and indict them for corruption and bribery…
Pizzaman
January 30th, 2013
1:45 am
I don’t believe any Republican has ever done anything of “significance”!
Rafe Hollister preparing for an Obamanist America
January 30th, 2013
7:23 am
I don’t believe any Republican has ever done anything of “significance”!
Pizzaman, they are too busy trying to protect the state and nation from the harm caused by Democrat legislation.
Travis McGee
January 30th, 2013
7:36 am
Ralston can be bold and magnanimous is his proposal knowing it stands zero chance of making it through. These ol’ boys are not going to give up the goodies — the food, the drinks, the trips, the power — these are what makes it all worthwhile.
Forgettaboutit!
South Georgia Retiree
January 30th, 2013
7:56 am
This would be real reform: No local or state elected politician, appointed person, or employed person could accept anything from a lobbyist or anyone seeking favors unless the giver offers the same thing publicly to any other Georgia citizen. That includes meals because these lobbyists are seeking selfish support for their cause, and even a hamburger has strings attached. This would stop all the absurd gift-giving for favors. These folks are elected and appointed to improve government, not to corrupt it, which is what they are doing today.
Also, the state ethics commission needs to be given teeth and money to seek out and prosecute those who violate ethics rules and laws. Like other state functions, the legislature and governor have diminished this agency and essentially taken away its powers of enforcement.
This is a simple fix and could stop the craziness that goes on every day in the capitol.
southpaw
January 30th, 2013
8:02 am
Pizzaman, how many examples do you want?
I’ll start with one. Ever hear of Abraham Lincoln? He presided over an awful war and tried to unify the country as quickly as possible after the war was over.
Let me know if that’s not enough.
indigo
January 30th, 2013
8:29 am
You may be certain this proposal has loopholes big enough to drive a Mack truck thru.
Does anyone honestly believe Georgia politicians have any interest in ethical behavior?
jd
January 30th, 2013
8:34 am
Pizzaman — Teddy Roosevelt was another and Dwight Eisenhower — both would be called pinko progressives by the TPs and other wingnuts
Btw, $300 to exercise First amendment rights — that’s more expensive than the fee charged to exercise 2nd amendment rights — so where are those liberty loving folks screaming indignation that our rights are being trampled?
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
January 30th, 2013
8:39 am
Keep squeezing the balloon, ethics “reformers”. As long as the government spends as much as it does and has its tentacles sunk so deep into our everyday lives, there will be lobbyists, and politicians willing to listen and do their bidding.
Government is the problem.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 30th, 2013
9:03 am
The economy contracted from October through December for the first time since the recession…… The surprise contraction could raise fears about the economy’s ability to handle tax increases that took effect in January and looming spending cuts.
And this will get further revised downward, just like it always does.
How you liking those tax hikes now?
the red herring
January 30th, 2013
9:08 am
Don’t hold your breath on meaningful ethics reform in Georgia but it is sorely needed. Any spending by outside influence on legislators should be stopped. To say we are gonna allow catered meals to large groups of legislators but not allow trips to Bones is a double standard. Neither should be acceptable—-sorta like the pot calling the kettle black. And oh yes–definitely families & friends of legislators should be mentioned in the bill as well. Also the same standards should apply to all local governments/county/city/etc.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 30th, 2013
9:41 am
CHICAGO (CBS) – A teenage girl–an honor student who had just performed at President Obama’s inaugural–was gunned down Tuesday afternoon in the Kenwood neighborhood, just blocks from the high school she attended.
Aren’t we all impressed with how well the gun control measures enacted by liberals are working? Notice how in lockstep Chicago they apparently don’t care if they protect their children or not, seeing how murders like this have been happening just as long as the dummycrats have been running Chicago?
Why don’t they do something serious about this?
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 30th, 2013
9:45 am
The dummycrats in Chicago will make monumental efforts towards harassing their political opponents, why do they not harass the blood thirsty punks running wild in their streets?
Rafe Hollister preparing for an Obamanist America
January 30th, 2013
9:53 am
Yep, those on the left who think that the GOP should just give in to Barry Obama, since he won after all, and let him do as he pleases should look at Chicago, Detroit, Oakland, and Stockton, CA to see where that winds up.
Joanie Scott
January 30th, 2013
11:02 am
The definition of lobbyist in this legation who must pay a registration fee and make regular filings as such include unpaid persons who provide pro bono services who wish to communicate with legislators other than own. Whether intended or in unintended, this definition includes citizens who are merely attempting to petition their government. Do we now define as a “Lobbyist” as a woman with a disabled child who volunteers for a group that wishes to promote legislation that would help her child? According to Speaker Ralston’s definition of Lobbyist, yes, we do. Do we now define as a “Lobbyist” a pastor who wishes to ask legislators to consider the moral ramifications of a particular piece of legislation? Again, according to speaker Ralston, yes, we do. Will unpaid local political citizen watchdogs who blog or write newsletters in their own community be required to pay a $300 registration fee and file regular statements with the Ethics Commission if they want to meet with members of their County delegation who may not be their own Representative? If Speaker Ralston gets his way, you bet. This is an affront to not only the 1st Amendment but the whole concept of the citizens tight to petition their government. speaker Ralston’s definition of Lobbyist must be rejected.
Thomas Heyward Jr
January 30th, 2013
11:12 am
David Ralston is a Georgia Lawyer.
.
He wouldn’t know what an ethic was.
Banderson
January 30th, 2013
12:17 pm
I think real, meaningful ethics reform is something both parties can agree on. Neither wants it. On another subject, how about that vent today (voted up by the vent-votin’ cons) claiming Einstein was a Christian. You can’t make this stuff up.
ad
January 30th, 2013
12:18 pm
Aesop – you make a good case for national gun controls. It’s too easy for people in Chicago to go to Indiana and buy guns. Glad to have you on the gun control bandwagon.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
January 30th, 2013
12:43 pm
In addition to your comments, Kyle, I think that this is a far better proposal than I expected out of anyone under the Gold Dome.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
January 30th, 2013
1:06 pm
Now maybe it’s time to talk about President Incompetent’s shrinking GDP?
wallbanger
January 30th, 2013
1:13 pm
All the rules in the world won’t stop those who just have no morals or internal compass anyway. I doubt seriously if anyone in politics now is there to be a “public servant”. More likely, they are they are the gifts. We just need to realize it. And they make their own laws, so they are pretty much above them even if something does slip by.
Dusty
January 30th, 2013
1:35 pm
Look, folks, some of you need to open your minds a bit. We elected these people. We did because we have a constitution that allows us to have representative leaders in states and the whole country. They represent us!
In Georgia we are trying to rid ourselves of the vices in lobbying. We know that nobody is perfect but our representatives are trying to set stronger standards to follow. Could we not give them credit for that? What kind of government do you want if you condemn every legislator as criminal? One enforcer??
Pointing out proven mistakes or criminal activity is one thing. To vociferously condemn everybody in our state government as crooked is wrong. If you have proof? OK. Otherwise, it is prudent to make sure you are not making false judgments.
Remember: In our country, you are innocent until proven guilty.. Get the proof or get off the backs of decent people trying to run our state. .
indigo
January 30th, 2013
1:41 pm
Dusty – 1:35 “decent people trying to run our state”
Well, that certainly doesn’t describe Georgia.
So, what state are you talking about?
Jefferson
January 30th, 2013
1:48 pm
“Are you stupid or what ?”
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
January 30th, 2013
1:53 pm
I’ll start with one. Ever hear of Abraham Lincoln?
That Republican party is long gone.
No way Honest Abe is a Republican today.
Zero chance.
Dusty
January 30th, 2013
1:55 pm
Indigo
I live right here in Georgia and proud to be here. Obviously you live in some other state. If you want a fine place, we welcome you to the fine & fair Georgia. Even liberals may come (if they must!).
Dusty
January 30th, 2013
1:59 pm
Cheesy,
Glad to hear you know about Lincoln. He freed the slaves.
Just wanted to let you know. You seem to be a “slave” of the Democratic Party. No free thinking!
Dusty
January 30th, 2013
2:16 pm
Did anyone see Luckovich’s cartoon today? He shows Ralston (in a pink checked suit!) holding up a proposed gift ban to Santa Claus.
Too bad we can’t propose a gift ban to President Obama. He wants to give healthcare, jobs, homes, education, food to one and all. What fun, a free for all. Nobody has to pay!!
I think I’ll start learning Chinese just in case. Wonder if I can get that free?
Hillbilly D
January 30th, 2013
2:48 pm
We elected these people.
Been a good while since anybody I voted for has made it to the Gold Dome.
He freed the slaves.
Actually he didn’t.
See Kyle doesn’t have a new column up yet. Hope things are okay in his neck of the woods, It’s a nasty day out there.
southpaw
January 30th, 2013
2:51 pm
Cheesy @1:53
So which Republican Party did Pizzaman have in mind? Since pizzas are Cheesy, but not very Gritty, I’m guessing that Pizzaman isn’t your sockpuppet. If I’m wrong, you might as well answer my post as Pizzaman, rather than Cheesy Grits. And if I’m not wrong, are you telepathic and reading Pizzaman’s mind? If not, you may want to let Pizzaman answer for himself.
News flash: Even though the Republican party has changed over the years, it hasn’t gone out of existence ever since its founding in the 1850s, much as you might like for it to do so.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
January 30th, 2013
2:59 pm
Would Lincoln be a member of the GOP in 2013?
Probably not.
His idea of the power of the Federal government in opposition to Constitutional principles would probably fit in very well with today’s Democrats, however.
yuzeyurbrane
January 30th, 2013
3:25 pm
Kyle, I think you are being naive to not see the expansion of lobbyist definition to be what it is intended to be: a poison pill to kill the bill. That combined with the exception for Ralston’s favorite extracurricular activity, travel, cast doubt on his sincerity. The problem with the lobbyist defn. being proposed to include almost any volunteer activity for community groups is that these groups have nothing to do with the problem–namely, giving money and money substitutes to politicians for their votes. The community groups usually have little or no cash to throw a politician’s way and rely on the force of persuasion and possible repercussions at the polls. Isn’t that what free speech in the political sphere is all about? Community groups certainly don’t have $300 a head to pay for all their volunteers but we know that Ga. Power and other fat cats easily pay this and more.
Dusty
January 30th, 2013
4:17 pm
Hillbilly
You have got to get your people in the Gold dome. I’ll come up there and vote for YOU.
Lincoln emancipated some people but not all slaves. I just throw ‘em all together. He hasn’t complained yet.
North Atlanta is surviving with raindrops the size of buckets. So much for the drought.
Hillbilly D
January 30th, 2013
4:28 pm
Dusty
The Emancipation Proclamation applied only to slaves in Southern states, in areas under Confederate control, not to slaves in Union states or in Southern states in areas under Union control. It was just a PR move. What slaves were freed in that time period, freed themselves.
Dusty
January 30th, 2013
4:37 pm
Hillbilly,
I’ve heard that history. When and how did ALL the slaves in the USA get freedom? That I don’t know except we don’t have any. A few countries still do.
Heard a good discussion of slavery today. As always, that little plum “we are all slaves to something” came up. . Yeah, sure, but I bet real slaves know the diffference.
Hillbilly D
January 30th, 2013
4:46 pm
Dusty
The 13th Amendment freed the slaves. It was ratified December 6, 1865.
Dusty
January 30th, 2013
4:53 pm
Hillbilly,
I think I’d better get out the history books. I should have known that one.
I’ll tell the family I’m not slaving anymore., like making them biscuits. I’ve got a strong case.
@@
January 30th, 2013
5:01 pm
I’m lost when it comes to Kyle’s schedule.
Couldn’t help but laugh at Jay Carney today…he was all over the place trying to explain this contraction.
Then I listened to an exchange on NPR, and some guy was echoing Carney up to and until Steve Inskeep pressed him further. Then?
“It’s really not clear.”
Thanks for clearing that up, fella
schnirt
Hillbilly D
January 30th, 2013
5:03 pm
“It’s really not clear.”
That applies to most conversations that I have in the real world. (IWH)
captguitarman
January 30th, 2013
5:06 pm
The good news is that getting a bill at all is a step in the right direction and something to build upon. Lots and lots of things will need to be fixed, and there may be provisions in the Senate bill that need to in a final bill.
But there isLots of work to do because the bad news is that, whether Ralston intended to be transparent about his feelings on this issue or not, he was. And, you can picture him sitting alone in his office, frowning and brooding over the draft of the bill, busily editing it and giving it the full red pen treatment, and muttering to himself . . . .”They want ethics reform do they? Well, I’ll give ‘em some ethics reform that they will never forget, reform that they’ll wish they had never asked for . . . .”
Dusty
January 30th, 2013
5:13 pm
Kyle’s got a schedule?
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 30th, 2013
5:50 pm
Isn’t it about time for bookman to write a hysterical “tornadoes is from global warming” screed? Oh yeah, I forgot, she doesn’t write her own articles, the DNC does. Maybe we should notify headquarters to hook us up with a scaremonger or two.
Kyle Wingfield
January 30th, 2013
6:04 pm
All: I’m fine, just been busy working on things today. (And Hillbilly: As far as I know, everyone from up my way is fine; thanks for asking.)
Question Man
January 30th, 2013
6:30 pm
Even if Ralston’s proposal is a significant step, is it significant enough?
Shine
January 30th, 2013
6:49 pm
You can believe pot belly aint going to introduce a thing that cuts into his feedbag. Ban it all…………
bluecoat
January 30th, 2013
7:01 pm
You never know what you can buy with a corn dog.
indigo
January 30th, 2013
7:07 pm
Aesop – 5:50
So, you think 70+ degrees and tornados are common in January?
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 30th, 2013
7:27 pm
According to the Farmers Almanac it was 62 degrees on 12/29/1988, 61 on 12/29/1987, 68 in 1974 and 67 in 1968 so yes, in fact I do thinks it’s common.
December 1990
There were 35 tornadoes confirmed in the US in December. Two tornadoes in Mississippi killed two people on December 21.
Hillbilly D
January 30th, 2013
7:43 pm
Tornadoes can hit in this area, any month of the year, although spring is the most common time.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 30th, 2013
7:48 pm
Welp, now I’m rooting for the 49′ers -
Niners CB says openly gay players would not be welcomed on the team
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
January 30th, 2013
11:07 pm
60% of Americans are quite obviously mentally retarded.
Politico
January 30th, 2013
11:13 pm
“60% of Americans are quite obviously mentally retarded.”
Like a 10 step program LLB, you have taken the first step to admitting you represent that 60%.
Good luck as you embark on your journey to overcome your illness and imbalance.
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
January 30th, 2013
11:57 pm
No, sockpuppet, I’m part of the 40% who think Obozo’s deficits, debt, record poverty, and record unemployment are bad things.
Ethics quandary at the Gold Dome: What’s a lobbyist? | Kyle Wingfield
February 4th, 2013
5:02 am
[...] these gifts. To Ralston’s credit, he responded to public pressure by revealing this past week two mostly good bills. Among other changes, his bills would ban nearly all lobbyist gifts to state and local officials; [...]