Roy Barnes follows suit, will endorse Kasim Reed
The December race for mayor of Atlanta and 2010 contest for governor merge tomorrow as former Gov. Roy Barnes endorses former state senator Kasim Reed in his runoff contest against Councilwoman Mary Norwood.
A press conference has been scheduled for 2 p.m. by the Reed campaign. Location to be announced.
The announcement this evening comes hours after City Council President Lisa Borders’ endorsement of Reed.
Does this endorsement matter? Of course. Barnes has cachet among African-American voters for his 2001 decision to remove the Confederate battle emblem from its prominent spot on the state flag. But it clearly creates a mutual obligation that would benefit Barnes next July, come the Democratic primary for governor.
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121 comments Add your comment
Montrell
November 11th, 2009
9:39 pm
Good move—Kasim will win the race easy now with Lisa’s endorsement. Roy Barnes is jumping in on the bandwagon and knows if he’s going to get elected governor, he needs the African-American votes! He better send a lot of benefits back to the African-American community if we vote for him. He catered too much to the white groups last time when he lost.
Taylor
November 11th, 2009
9:44 pm
I wonder why no respectable public officials have endorsed Mary Norwood. From what I hear, she pays good money for her endorsements:
http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2009/11/02/able-mable-pockets-1500-from-norwood/
http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/borders-charges-former-rival-177008.html
Voice of Reason
November 11th, 2009
9:46 pm
Kasim Reed is on quite a role here. Expect Norwood to get desperate and ramp up the attacks. My question is what has Mrs. Norwood done other than support the furloughs and close most of the recreation centers around town?
Chadwick
November 11th, 2009
9:51 pm
Roy Barnes must really believe in Kasim Reed to step out there like this when he has a campaign of his own to run. Who knew Mr. Reed had all these resources. I’m still trying to figure out why no one who has worked with Mary Norwood is willing to support her publicly. No one who understands the job is willing to endorse her candidacy…not a good sign.
About mayoral runoff, reed, endorse, kasim, atlanta, borders, mary - Find me About
November 11th, 2009
10:09 pm
[...] The December race for mayor of Atlanta and 2010 contest for governor merge tomorrow as former Gov. Roy Barnes endorses former state senator KasimReed in his runoff contest against Councilwoman Mary Norwood. A press conference has been scheduled for 2 …Read Original Story: Roy Barnes follows suit, will endorse Kasim Reed – Atlanta Journal Consti… [...]
Stuart
November 11th, 2009
10:12 pm
Norwood better think of something quickly. Buying chicken dinners at the Beautiful and paying off knaves like Ralph Long, Able Mable and Glenn Thomas won’t win this race.
Victoria
November 11th, 2009
10:15 pm
I hope Kasim Reed wins this thing. I was disgusted at how Mary Norwood voted to furlough police and then had the nerve to show up to the vigils of murdered Atlantans. She’s bad news.
PoliticOracle
November 11th, 2009
10:16 pm
@WTF
Are you the same commenter from earlier? I thought you said you weren’t gonna inject race into the conversation anymore.
Basically what you’re saying is, white leaders are feckless and corrupt too because they are overwhemingly supporting Reed. Norwood has to garner the support of any of her council colleagues (white or black), state legislators (white or black). In fact, she only has the support of Able Mable, an avowed community organizer, that expressed openly her disdain for whites in 2003 and Ralph Long, a Johnny come lately, whose wife has contributed money to the Kasim Reed campaign.
If you Norwood supporters would stop trying to tear down Reed and do something build up your candidate, she’d probably get back in the game before Thanksgiving. I know Many of my friends that support Norwood are hoping for low African American turnout, not only is this sad, it’s a poor strategy. In my studies at the institute of politics at American University, one of the first lessons in campaign politics it to never rely on low turnout. Strategy says run like you’re 15points down in the polls and as if turnout will be at its highest. I guess Norwood’s working with a bunch of amatuers. This is not South Georgia, this Atlanta.
Joe
November 11th, 2009
10:36 pm
What a surprise! What’s next Jim…you’re gonna tell us it’s raining again in Atlanta?
The DNC has picked their candidate(s).
Sadly, those candidates will work only for each other.
And now, the people of Atlanta should pick their candidate…and that’s the one who will truly work for THE PEOPLE OF ATLANTA!
VOTE FOR CHANGE!
VOTE FOR MARY NORWOOD!
She’ll work for a better Atlanta…while the rest will only work to better themselves (at our great expense)!
Truth be told
November 11th, 2009
10:37 pm
These endorsements by Borders, Martin and Barnes are straight party politics and nothing more. They are endorsing a fellow democrat in hopes of beating an independent candidate. It has nothing to do with the candidates merit. They would endorse a yellow dog if it was the Democratic candidate.
The question voters should ask themselves is, where were Borders, Martin, Barnes and Reed while little Mary was working to make the city work for the neglected and marginalized neighborhoods in Atlanta.
THEY WERE NO WHERE TO BE SEEN. They only take an interest in the people’s issues at election time.
Mary has been a true servant to the people who elected her and she has done her job faithfully. She has earned and deserves a promotion – party politics be damned.
Cassie
November 11th, 2009
10:45 pm
Atlanta Progressive News endorsed Mary Norwood:
http://www.atlantaprogressivenews.com/news/0518.html
They list several of her strengths as a candidate, stating that she “has spent almost twenty years developing solid relationships with neighborhood leaders, seniors, and community organizations in every geographic area of Atlanta…and she is the most independent from the current political regime…
…Norwood has returned almost all of APN’s phonecalls since we first contacted her in 2006 regarding her McMansion Moratorium. As we continue to talk to dozens of people all across the City–especially in impoverished areas like Southeast Atlanta–people are saying the same thing: *We tried calling everyone, but Mary returned our calls; Mary is the only one who did something.*”
I encourage people to read the full endorsement.
The Same Blogger by Any Other Name
November 11th, 2009
10:50 pm
Me thinks that four of you are the same person with the same line of hooey.
InkyStinky
November 11th, 2009
10:53 pm
This is all very interesting. Many of Atlanta’s poorest citizens, many of whom are African American and live without internet access, seem to support Mary Norwood.I wish that the AJC would do a story about the curious way that class affiliations and resentments WITHIN the African-American community are working in this year’s mayoral election. Many of the poorest black Atlantans are firmly behind Norwood’s candidacy. They don’t believe that Atlanta’s black political elite have served them well the past 35+ years.
Something Smells Fishy
November 11th, 2009
11:08 pm
Not a big deal, Lisa Borders is a joke just as much as Roy Barnes. Only reason Barnes is jumping the bandwagon is he knows he has hardly a crumb of a chance of winning Governor. I hear Mary Norwood has a possibly bigger endorsement about to come!!! Zell Miller!
intersting
November 11th, 2009
11:09 pm
This is interesting. This race is about a class system the black elite and the poorest of the poor. poor blacks have not benefited from 30 years of black leadership only lip service this is not right don’t count mary out yet endorsements don’t mean a thing if people don’t get to the polls
Larry
November 11th, 2009
11:13 pm
Kasim Reed will insure Atlanta’s ever increasingly fast collapse will come far sooner than later; but, he and his cronies will get rich. Barnes is worthless as a leader or “endorser”.
Keith
November 11th, 2009
11:28 pm
Roy has always been a race panderer
Jen
November 11th, 2009
11:30 pm
Hurry up, Zell! Go Mary Go! Change is good and now is a good time for change. Vote Mary Norwood.
Teej
November 11th, 2009
11:33 pm
Politics should not be the arguement. The question should be which of these people can manage this city?? The race discussion is disgusting. You people perpetuate the racial divide in this country rather than affect it. Those voting for the mayor should be concerned with who can make a positive change in what is supposed to be one of the best large cities in the US instead of who will benefit which racial group the most…..No wonder why folks move to the suburbs…
Chris Mathews is covered in his own spittle because he is drinking, again.
November 11th, 2009
11:42 pm
I am voting for hope and change. I am supporting Norwood.
Cleve
November 11th, 2009
11:46 pm
I will vote for whatever govenor will let us vote to change the flag back the way it was, do democrats and black politicians not have anything better else to do that worry about what the flag looks like? I’m sure there are lots of other big issues to deal with. If Mississippi got to vote on theirs then how hard is it for us do get to do the same?
DLink
November 11th, 2009
11:51 pm
A Barnes endorsement would change my vote. I’m busy working on school structures, and building Vocation ed, here. Pitiful. I try to trust Roy on GA’s best interests. He’s running for Guv next year, right? I trust Roy Barnes when I’m busy building things… YOU decide.
Race is still an issue
November 11th, 2009
11:53 pm
You know what I’m gonna help norwood out and I’m going to pull the race card. The city of Atlanta has been filled with idiots and corruption. Where is that 100 million that is not accounted for yes 100 million $’s. I gave shirley franklin a chance and look how that went. Vote norwood and follow obama in change considering a white person has not been at the head of Atlanta for a long time.
John
November 12th, 2009
12:56 am
Can anyone provide a good response as to why would a person that is running for mayor state that she does not know where money in the city budget went when that person was a member of the city council? Every member of city council should have some idea of how a city budget works and take some accountability for learning about it. My support goes to Mr. Reed. Mrs. Norwood is not qualified to run this great city and buying chicken dinners is a shameful act by any candidate.
Race is still an issue
November 12th, 2009
1:08 am
I can give you a reason why norwood does not know where the money went because she wasn’t the mayor. How is norwood at fault again for the budget shortfall
Jonn is a moron
November 12th, 2009
1:11 am
John, you make no good points
John
November 12th, 2009
1:13 am
The issue comes down to who is best qualified to handle the issues that face our fair city. Previous Mayors Allen and Massell presided over a city government that at that time did not consider or take in consideration all of Atlanta’s citizens. Mayor Jackson and Young brought the city into the modern era while dealing with a diverse and growing populaion. Mayor’s Campbell and Franklin had to deal with a modern southern city with major infrastructure issues and budget problems. The new mayor needs to be qualified and have a vision for the city that takes moves it past the budget and crime issues, continue to rebuild and improve a aging infrastructure while focusing on educating the children of the city for the future businesses that will call Atlanta home. If the candidate you are considering has all of this…. then he or she deserves your vote……
Madison
November 12th, 2009
1:18 am
Voice of Reason, You are such a moron. It’s on a roll not on a role. You deserve Reed and I hope you get him. I love to laugh at how badly the city of Atlanta is run and hey make sure the mayor is black, that must give you a lot of pride as the city sinks into the mire!.Yo Bro.!
Teela
November 12th, 2009
1:22 am
ROTF!!! re: Chris Matthews is covered in his own spittle because he’s drinking,again.
LOL!…Good God, that is the best one yet! LOL!
Ok….there are some really mean losers here…well, not actually losers, we don’t know the end result of the voting in Dec….but!
Mary Norwood has been in and through our neighbors for many, many years. And we have a very rough neighborhood. SW Atlanta. I am white and I wouldn’t be walking down a LOT of our streets in Capitol View….especially Dill Avenue….LOL!
But Mary has and does…and I doubt that Borders or Reed even have…except in a fast moving car with the windows rolled up! LOL~
With a police escort.
I don’t know where this crap about ‘chicken dinners’ comes from…there is a lot of urban myths here on this board, but for crying out loud….
I don’t give a damn about Barnes/Borders/Martin’s endorsements. They are pathetic politicians.
But if Zell Miller gives her an endorsement….now, that would be interesting.
Sparta_Bubba
November 12th, 2009
1:53 am
Yes I expect ole Crazy Zell will endorse Miss Mary. You know how those Republicans stick together through thick and thin. It wouldn’t surprise me if W, that excellent government official stopped chopping brush long enough to also endorse Miss Mary.
Sparta_Bubba
November 12th, 2009
1:56 am
We may also hear from Crazy Joe Lieberman and Sarah Palin, they always support whatever Republican jumps up.
jadar2
November 12th, 2009
2:59 am
This city is in need of a major change and the former Mayors have not been able to get the job done.
We have a serious crime problem and as a parent of a student at GA State I am concerned with the crime. It is a black issue! Black on white crime far out numbers white on black crime in this city. I want a Mayor that will clean up this city, and do something with the homeless. Why is my college daughter having to walk past the homeless to get from one class to another? Its appauling! This cities crime is worse now than it has ever been going back to the Andrew Young error. We need change, a fresh face. Not a politician that is backed by all the formers, the ones who have made this city unsafe and embarrasing. PLEASE vote for change. Mary Norwood
Dave The Wave
November 12th, 2009
3:11 am
Roy knows it is the Race Card that has the most clout in Atlanta mayoral race runoffs – not qualifications or party. He needs those black voters when he is on the ballot and he will do anything to get them. A little shoe polish, watermellon and tap dancing might even be warranted from time to time in his race …
Jim Davis
November 12th, 2009
3:50 am
What do expect from this oportunist! He’s just campaigning for his own election.
He doesn’t care anything about Atlanta. He’ll say whatever he has to to get elected. Exhibit “A”: “Electe me and I’ll do away with the Adverlorum Tax”!
Paid you tag bill lately? Still there ain’t it!
Dick
November 12th, 2009
6:22 am
I thought, okay honestly hoped Lying Roy had ridden off into the sunset with Markie “Poo bear” Taylor. I get so ^*HH(**(&&*(78797 tired of the race card being played and most of the time it is the same race playing thh card. If I was for Reed and Roy endorsed him, I would vote for the other person.
Matchtuff
November 12th, 2009
6:24 am
I want to know how you are independent but attend the Republican convention. I called Mary’s office when I heard she attended a convention either last year or the time before to get a straight answer and have not received a call back. I voted for her but can’t understand whether she was always suppose to be independent or did she go independent a yr or 2 before this race. I want the answer and I am going to call her office one more time to see if I can get it. A SWAT resident
The Late Maynord Jackson
November 12th, 2009
6:34 am
You go Roy, thanks from all the JACKSON FRIENDS & FAMILY.
Barky Obummer
November 12th, 2009
6:38 am
Why would anyone give a rat’s ass about what democrackkk Roy Barnes endorses? He’s a nasty
loiwyer whose time has passed…we are tired of democrackkk SLAVERY!
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
November 12th, 2009
6:55 am
Mary Bush Norwood did not simply “attend” a Republican convention, she was an ELECTED DELEGATE to a Republican convention – an “honored” and coveted position within the ranks of the supporters in Atlanta of George W. Bush, Richard Nixon, and Sarah Palin…AND, only AFTER she claimed the inability to recall whether she voted for her cousin, George W. Bush, did she lie into the camera and falsely claim to have voted for Bill Clinton BEFORE she was elected as a Republican DELEGATE, and that she voted for Al Gore AFTER she was elected as DELEGATE to a Republican convention.
G-d is watching each and every one of us in Atlanta. Who shall spit in G-d’s “eye” and cast his or her holy vote for a known, infamous liar and expect any blessings to come of it?
Kasim Reed is endorsed by Lisa Borders, which is good. She was my candidate; but Reed is also endorsed by Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, a transparent genius and transcendent soul.
Kasim is unfledged, to be sure, but he is young and we can watch him grow in the job as Atlanta’a Mayor.
Norwood is an obvious liar. Let us not curse our city by voting for her.
paintman
November 12th, 2009
7:14 am
Seems like Roy ( the idiot) Barnes still has not learned his lesson. Pandering to ANY group will not get you where u would like to be–Ask McCain.
James
November 12th, 2009
7:15 am
Montrell: You sound like a black racist.
paintman
November 12th, 2009
7:26 am
Atlanta was a craphole before Franklin, it was a craphole during Franklin and it will be a craphole after Franklin–no matter who the mayor is. Its the residents, stupid. The culture is the issue, there is a reason the ZOOS have fences and walls. Ya’ll can have ATL. I’ll take the peace of the burbs.
Yep
November 12th, 2009
7:34 am
This is not new. Roy’s chief fundraiser has been on Reed’s payroll for a year. The Barnes house was split. Marie with Borders and Roy with Reed. With Borders endorsing, the Barnes house can now go public. This does bring money, but will not directely impact voting decisions. Same is true for Martin, who Reed quietly backed in the U.S. Senate race. As for the Borders endorsement, her finance team will go to Reed– but her vote will split among Norwood and Reed.
This race still depends– and only depends– on turnout. Mary is still winning that part of the game. Her voter is a much more consistent voter, not to mention the new voters driven out because they think there’s a solid chance for a “northsider” to win.
Angus
November 12th, 2009
7:37 am
Thank you paintman for your insightful response.
Which culture do you not like? We have many.
You’re from the burbs…..so is it blacks or gays that you are afraid of?
Blake in Atlanta
November 12th, 2009
7:48 am
Go Mary……..take it white
Bobby
November 12th, 2009
7:53 am
To my knowledge Barnes is not a City of Atlanta resident. Therefore, like me, who also does not live in Atlanta, he should keep his mouth shut about Atlanta electoral issues. However, as I am a resident of Georgia and a Democrat, King Roy can rest assured I’m voting against him in the Democratic primary for Governor and if he wins that one, I’ll be voting Republican in favor of whoever is his challenger.
Snake
November 12th, 2009
8:02 am
PoliticOracle how do I get a job like yours? Do I get a concession at the airport if Reed wins?
Roy B a Crook
November 12th, 2009
8:02 am
Crooks endorsing crooks, what has become of Georgia? Fat boy Roy was driven out of office for his crimes, like giving a million dollars of Ga 400 toll road money to his cronies at Atlantic Station, and giving 100 million dollars of Medicaid money to his out of state scum bag lawyer pals. IMHO, Roy and all his ilk should be in prison, but the best we can hope for is a heart attack for him and his cronies.
Dilly Dally
November 12th, 2009
8:07 am
I’m waiting on Oprah’s endorsement before I decide. Kasim? Sounds like a muslim name.
willy jonesie
November 12th, 2009
8:24 am
praise god for giving us the Divine Sean P Diddy Combs! He shall annoint our next mayor – remember do not spit in the eye of God’s favorite rapper, for surely you shall burn in the fire of hell if you do not heed the wise advise of diddy. Amen and Praise be to the Father of Puffs.
Robert
November 12th, 2009
8:25 am
Atlanta vs. Washington, DC – Two cities were black americans are the majority, but the surrounding suburbs control what happens in the two cities (i.e., commuter taxes, crime, etc.) are like night and day. For example Atlanta is home to people (Black & White) who think the civil war is still going on and believe the “South Will Rise Again.” They will not let go of the past. Wanna-Be Black leaders and Sons of Confederate Soldiers are both wrong for “fanning the flame of hatred” which has affected the outcome of the election process for the Mayor of Atlanta, GA. This is a tragedy for all people who live and work in Atlanta. Mary Norwood is best qualified to lead Atlanta. Kasim Reed is not qualified because Atlanta needs a “complete makeover” to move from the past and into the future. The citizens of Atlanta demand “change” and need a Mayor who represents all of Atlanta (Black & White). City Hall needs leadership and the color of the Mayor’s skin is not important.
"You Can't Handle the Truth!"
November 12th, 2009
8:32 am
Barnes supports Reed..then I support Norwood. Really it does not matter. The ATL cesspool will continue to waffle along. Increased taxes are turning the tide of the resurgence of money moving back into the city limits. It all makes a perfect Democratic world where the political leaders can blame “the man.” When actually, they are the man. Fortunately for Dems, their audience is not smart enough to analyze the situation. Bad assumptions lead to piss poor planning (life). Learn to fish maggots and quit looking for a handout!!!!
WTF
November 12th, 2009
8:32 am
@PoliticOracle – not me from earlier.. I guess someone else has those initials. Guess I’ll have to change my handle. Still a Mary Norwood supporter, but stupid comments and misalignment of people’s names only weaken an argument. I’ll stand by the fact that I want change and am tired of a City that does not serve its Citizens. I don’t think Reed is able to overcome that political mess at all. In my opinion, Reed winning will be a continuation of the inept malfeasance we have had to endure for the last 30 years. Again, race is not the issue. I voted Obama and would love it if we had a better selection of diversity representing this City. Reed is too connected to the “old guard” in Atlanta politics and that is why he does not have my vote.
PEOPLE WAKE THE HELL UP!!!
November 12th, 2009
8:40 am
Jadar2…. you need to wake the hell up!!! How can you say that it is Black issues that are causing the problems in this city? The comment right simply states that you are a racist… NOTHING BUT AN IGNORANT BIGOT!!! It is a fact that crimes that are more “media worthy” will be exposed to the public, and majority of those crimes that are being reported are crimes about different class systems. There are plenty Black on Black crimes and White on White crimes that happen everyday… but they all aren’t media worthy!!!
2nd… if you are so concerned about your daughter being exposed to the homeless… SEND HER SHELTERED ASS TO ANOTHER DAMN SCHOOL!!! Georgia State University is located downtown and owns a great percentage of the buildings downtown, therefore, those kids are going to be exposed to any and everything that happens downtown… A PUBLIC DOMAIN!!! That’s what happens when is school is located in a highly urbanized area. These homeless people have nowhere else to go so of course they are going to go places where a lot of people are at to find sources to survive… FOOD, SPARE CHANGE AND COMPASSIONATE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE WILLING TO HELP INSTEAD OF MAKING THEM FEEL LIKE ILLEGAL ALIENS!!!
You are a real ignorant bigot, and each and everyone else on here that post ignorant comments such as one’s race is one as well. I am a Black male and I could honestly care less about Reed nor Norwood because neither one of them will help help the one class of people that you just exploited as second class citizens, the homeless.
Do me a favor and have your daughter take some damn online classes so you won’t be on here complaining again about her encounters with the GENERAL PUBLIC!!!
Change In America
November 12th, 2009
8:55 am
I will vote for Reed this woman Mary Norwood reminds me of Sarah Palin,
Mary Norwood close the recreation center down in the city of Atlanta, and also furloughs the police dept. Mary Norwood be in council all these years and the city is still mess up..Mary Norwood why did you stop them for closen some of the Fire Station down. Mary Norwood your record shows that you have done nothing for the city.
twinkie1cat
November 12th, 2009
8:56 am
Heads up Atlanta. An endorsement from Roy Barnes should be a kiss of death. Barnes abused the teachers, cut our raises, took our tenure, stole our paraprofessionals, talked bad about us on the news. He blamed the problem with the schools on the victims of administrative corruption, the teachers. He tried to undo all the good that Zell Miller did for the schools. All of this was because he had problems in high school himself. (This came from someone who went to school with him.)Plus he is from Cobb County and we all know that Cobb is no friend of minorities.
The ONLY thing good he did was removal of the confederate flag and that was because it was threatening the tourism industry. It was not from any consideration for the African-American community. We were about to lose some MAJOR conventions. That is why he was a one term governor! The flaggers alone did not defeat him. It was the teachers who felt even a Republican would be better than Roy Barnes! An endorsement from Roy should be held in about the same regard as an endorsement from the KKK. The Democrats would be wise NOT to run him for governor either. He is trying to manipulate the African-American community, which shows he is nothing but a Cobb County racist.
Change In America
November 12th, 2009
8:59 am
I will vote Reed for mayor, because Mary Norwood have not show me anything she done for Atlanta, Mary Norwood help close 20 recreation center down in some of the neighborhood that needed. Norwood also forloughs the police dept. Norwood been in city council for so many years and this city is still mess up with her. She reminds me of Sarah Palin, Mary Norwood is a undercover Republican.
Flagboy
November 12th, 2009
9:00 am
King Roy really stuck his neck out on this one!
Derwood
November 12th, 2009
9:01 am
“people wake the hell up”
————————
Now why hold back, tell us exactly what is one your mind if you would.
Don’t hold it in, it can cause ulcers.
Robert DeWitt Malpus Westberry III
November 12th, 2009
9:02 am
It is important to consider that there has not been a white mayor in Atlanta in 35 years. White people are tired of not being represented in the Atlanta Mayor’s office and we demand equality. We want our share of kickbacks, airport concessions, construction projects, minority business (we’ll work on a way to sort that one out) favoritism and political corruption. We also demand an equal chance to allow the infrastructure of the city to decay, traffic to worsen, crime to go up, school and education quality to go down, tourism to falter, drugs and prostitution to rule, and most of all, inept management to seep into every sector of the city governance. We need a white mayor so we can point out to all the world that white people are incompetent and corrupt too! We demand our chance! Vote White person for mayor of Atlanta!
J. J.
November 12th, 2009
9:03 am
Mean, mean, GA voters…Get a life and forget the meanness. Hypocrits and fakes are all.
WTF
November 12th, 2009
9:04 am
@PEOPLE WAKE THE HELL UP!!! – Seriously, that’s your answer is just “deal with it”? Maybe some of the organizations that are funded to help homeless just aren’t working. Maybe I do give and am tierd of being harassed cause sometimes I really don’t have anything to give on me at the time – yet I get called many racial names becuase I’m white and someone I must atone for that. Maybe I bust my ass daily and rarely get help from anyone and expect that someone should do the same. Get over your self-righteous attitude and stop coddling these defunt organizations that just warehouse homeless people instead of helping them get back to a functional (whatever that may be for them) life, contributing to society. Harrasing people accosting citizens is a crime, homeless or not. It detracts from the quality of life, convention and business that has all but deserted Downtown and infact is not really a humane way of life for that homless person.
"You Can't Handle the Truth!"
November 12th, 2009
9:05 am
Change in America..What do you mean by “Norwood reminds you of Sarah Palin?” Please take the time and present your analyis. Somehow, I believe that it will be very superficial..
Shirley
November 12th, 2009
9:05 am
Atlanta should be WAY BEYOND THE BLACK/WHITE ISSUE. Where do they think they are? This is Atlanta, not Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana! Atlanta is not stuck in the 1950s, or shouldn’t be. Vote for the best candidate, not for the best COLOR candidate. The black politicos in Atlanta have always had problems with the color of a candidate’s skin and have cared less about the content of his or her character. Go down to the reflecting pool. Dr. King and Coretta are about to flip over again!
"You Can't Handle the Truth!"
November 12th, 2009
9:11 am
Shirley,
One must remember that COLOR is an issue. It is the center of gravity for black ministers, leaders, and politicians. It is very comparable to union leaders. There has to be conflict to rally the masses..
Dick Whitman
November 12th, 2009
9:16 am
Does anybody really care about issues anymore. ? This is 2009 please let us progress. Atlanta’s future depends on it. There are some crazy and not well thought out statements being put forward.
Change In Atlanta
November 12th, 2009
9:16 am
This is crazy that these racist white people saying that it time for a white mayor you dont for what color you are you vote for who can do a better job. I am a white man and I am voting for Reed because he qualify and Mary Norwood have help mess this city up and not all Shirley Franklin it was the staff in the city hall look at Mary Norwood record she close city recreation center down. Mary Norwood eating fried chicken is disgussing. I am white and I am going to vote for Reed
paintman is soooo ignorant and stupid
November 12th, 2009
9:22 am
We don’t want you here in the ATL – stay far far away, as a matter of fact – you can leave the country…or better yet, another planet maybe? Yes!!
Change In Atlanta
November 12th, 2009
9:34 am
Look these same racist people on here talking about Roy Barnes, he can support anybody he want to and I bet these racist people are Republicans. It a shame that I have read these negative comments about black people and I am a white person who is supporting Reed do that make me a reacist person.Mary Norwood cant even speak correctly on Tv. Norwood is not to be trusted you would see at the end. Reed is the best candidate and I hope Midtown would come out and support Kashim Reed and I am getting the votes out in Midtown.
Steve
November 12th, 2009
9:35 am
LMAO. Is anyone surprised at this? Just status quo. Another black mayor in the biggest ghetto city of the world. Heck, we even have our very own ghetto housewives for the world to see. Any wonder that people in other cities look at Atlanta and laugh. We currently have a Mayor who has never been able to handle the budget. She is ignorant and a racist. Now we will just have more of the same with Mohammed the Muslim. Gotta love this great city. LMAO.
Jackalope
November 12th, 2009
9:40 am
Shocker! (sarcasm).
He’s running for Gov and needs the GA black vote. No other reason than a pure political move.
Captain Midnight
November 12th, 2009
9:40 am
@ Change in Atlanta. Brother, you ain’t white. I don’t know who you think you’re foolin. “Mary Norwood have help”,”saying that it time”, “disgussing”. Omg, I should just copy and paste your whole post.
LMFAO!
Captain Midnight
November 12th, 2009
9:43 am
Oh God, one more..”Mary Norwood cant even speak correctly on Tv”. I’m laughing so hard I can’t breath. LMMFAO!!
Roy B a Crook
November 12th, 2009
9:44 am
Off with King Roy’s crooked head…..
Steve
November 12th, 2009
9:46 am
I agree. Change in Atlanta white????? LMAO. No way.
Because he qualify? How about “Because he qualified”?
Eating fried chicken is disgussing???? Yeah right, you’re white. LMAO.
PEOPLE WAKE THE HELL UP!!!
November 12th, 2009
9:47 am
@WTF… No I am not saying deal with it. What I am saying it regardless of how you look at the homeless they are HUMAN BEINGS as well. It’s funny how you people look at these people as they are, but if you were in the same predicament, you would be in a heavily populated as well trying to find resources to survive. Yes, I do think it is wrong for residents, students and tourists to be so-called harassed, but to call it harassment is very far fetched. I am sure that their are aggressive ones downtown that does that, but majority of these people that claim that they are being harrassed are people that does not have any history of being within a urbanized area to be exposed to “street life.” Of course they are going to go crazy when a homeless person approaches them… because they never experienced to know that they only mean well, they only witnessed things like that on tv. Tourist come to town… majority of them are from locations that does not have a homeless problem and seeing these things are horrific to them! Students… some of them been so sheltered they don’t know what they hell is really going on in our society.
“Mother, I seen a real life homeless person today and he was playing the guitar for money.”
You people need to grow the hell up!!! I’ll be thirty-one tomorrow and I’ve been living on my own since I was seventeen by the way of California and North Carolina. As a teenager I’ve worked at Turner Field and gave my tip money to homeless people waiting outside of the stadium asking people for their change. As a young adult living downtown in a loft I have went out of my way to buy a homeless couple I have grown to know since my stint of employment at Turner Field to make sure they have something to eat. And now of a single father of a even year old I make sure my son is exposed to our every day problems that are a part of OUR society. Instead of sitting around and nothing doing sh!t… TAKE an initiative effort to make a difference to correct the issue that you recognize as a problem! We all can become homeless at any moment within our lives for any particular reason. I currently reside in Decatur, but I am constantly downtown trying to find those that I grew up knowing over the years to find out if they have something to eat… so WTF, WTF are you doing to help improve metro Atlanta?!?!
Also… you being White doesn’t have sh!t to do with it!! The problem here is that you are simply a damn bigot who is trying to hide his hatred towards anothers social class and color!!! GO READ A DAMN BOOK AND EDUCATE YOURSELF!!! All you damn racial and social bigots need to WAKE THE HELL UP!!!
"You Can't Handle the Truth!"
November 12th, 2009
9:48 am
Change in Atlanta..I see your point now. I cannot believe that Norwood supported fiscal prioritization and closed the recreation center “down.” The “eating fried chicken” just takes me over the cliff. REED has my vote also..
The Outsider
November 12th, 2009
9:50 am
Very unlikely blacks (certainly not many) will vote white when given a “black” option. Atlanta is like California. It’s full of minorities and liberal whites (we won’t even get into midtown – no joke intended), that deserve each other. I would not take an Atlanta loft if it was given to me. Sadly, Atlanta, like most urban areas is lost. A good mayor may slow, not stop the bleeding.
Geoffrey Muhammed
November 12th, 2009
9:53 am
As a Proud African American and a fellow Muslim brother of Kasim Reed, I proudly endorse Mary Norwood. Yes, Mary Norwood. I believe it is time for a change in this fine city. I love Atlanta and I am sick of seeing all the negativity in City Hall. Also, the State Government is not willing to work with Atlanta due to all this crap. If we have Mary Norwood in City Hall, I am sure she can win back a lot of the potential state funding we have lost due to previous corruption in City Hall.
Andrew
November 12th, 2009
9:56 am
Well, looks like ole Roy is already trying to sew up the black vote for his run for Governor.
All American
November 12th, 2009
9:58 am
Maybe Bill Campbell could run again………never mind, he is a convicted felon.
"You Can't Handle the Truth!"
November 12th, 2009
9:59 am
Well said Mr Muhammed..your blog’s theme hinges on what I lot of the previous writers have talked around – credibility. Once it’s gone, the money and support goes away.
Roy B a Crook
November 12th, 2009
9:59 am
Reed is a MUSLIM! OMG, the crooked city is doomed, imho.
Roy B a Crook
November 12th, 2009
10:02 am
Let us discuss the most important issue of the day, Ending Unsightly Camel Toe: New warning on ‘perfect vaginas’
Labioplasty involves cutting excess tissue that protrudes from the vagina
Women are undergoing surgery to create perfect genitalia amid a “shocking” lack of information on the potential risks of the procedure, a report says.
Research published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology also questions the very notion of aesthetically pleasing genitals.
Operations to improve the appearance of the sex organs for both psychological and physical reasons are on the rise.
Raul
November 12th, 2009
10:05 am
WHO CARES! ROY BARNES SUCKS ANYWAYS! I PRAY WE DON’T HAVE ANOTHER MUSLIM IN AN OFFICE OF POWER. MAY GOD BLESS OUR STATE AND NATION. JESUS IS THE ANSWER PEOPLE.
Tucker Maxxxx
November 12th, 2009
10:07 am
it must be serious to go for the labioplasty. Maybe to the point that someone sufficated..
Peter Paul
November 12th, 2009
10:10 am
President Obama won by being on the right side of the issues; he stepped up the level of political discourse. I would like to see Reed and Norwood present a cogent argument detailing their plan to increase efficiency, compassion, and prosperity for rich and poor alike. Which one will influence leaders in the Metro Atlanta area to work together on issues like transportation (an expanded and funded MARTA)and health care (fully funded hospitals and clinics)?
Change In Atlanta
November 12th, 2009
10:16 am
Look racist people I am white and I vote for whoever I want to and Mary Norwood is not going to get my vote. Mary Norwood help close the recreation center down in the city. Mary Norwood is a undercover Republican
ATL
November 12th, 2009
10:18 am
The city needs a Mayor who can account for the city money, who can manage the city,I don’t understand why this is a black or white issue….why is about race, Blacks we don’t own the city of atlanta, whites don’t either, it’s about whos right for the job and who can best serve the city.
Yall need to get off this Atlanta is a black city, a whole lot of blacks have move out of atlanta, and the same go for the whites too.
We do need new leadership the city of atlanta is in need, from what I see under black leaders the city has fallen and in a bad shape, not saying a Black mayor could bring about a diffrent, but our past black mayors all have lied, took pay off, laid off city worker, polices, firefighters, help cover up crimes,can’t account for city money, on cascade down by 285 IS THE ONLY NICE BLACK LOOKING AREA,
NO CITY MONEY HAS BEEN UP IN MLK WEST SIDE, SIMPSON RD OR BANKHEAD. WE HAVE MORE ABANDED BUILDING AND APARTMENTS IN THESE AREA,I HAVE NEVER SEEN NOT ONE BLACK MAYOR TAKE AND INTEREST IN THESE AREAS, AND HAVE OF YOU ON THIS BLOG DON’T EVEN LIVE NEAR THESE STREETS. THIS CITY NEEDS HELP EVERYWHERE,AND NO I DON’T TRUST REED HE’S GOT THE BACKING OF NOTING BUT CROOKS AND I SURE DON’T TRUST BARNES.
NORWOOD NEEDS TO STEP UP MORE AND COVER THE WHOLE CITY IF SHE WANTS TO BE MAYOR.
Lauren
November 12th, 2009
10:19 am
Can someone please tell me why you believe Mary Norwood represents change when she served on the City Council for 8 years? She continues to throw stones at the city without being in any way accountable for her lack of action for 8 years. Nothing about her is change.
"You Can't Handle the Truth!"
November 12th, 2009
10:24 am
Peter Paul..President Obama ran on “Change.” Anything of detail has not come to fruition. I give him credit for being idealistic. The people bought it and he is a four year Prez..
zeke
November 12th, 2009
10:25 am
Roy Barnes is simply a democrat hack! Catering to poor and low incomes minorities because he cannot win votes from intelligent minorities or caucasians! We had him onces! What a farce! DO not do it again!
Captain Midnight
November 12th, 2009
10:30 am
@Change in Atlanta “Mary Norwood is a undercover” Dude you’re embarressing yourself.
Peter Paul
November 12th, 2009
10:31 am
To You Can’t Handle the Truth: President Obama was against the Iraq war from the beginning. He promised health care reform. We are leaving Iraq and Congress has moved farther on health care reform than ever before; and that’s the TRUTH!
Change In Atlanta
November 12th, 2009
10:32 am
Thank you Lauren I was trying to tell these racist people that Mary Norwood been on Council for 8 years and this city is still a mess. If Reed dont get election life goes on but we will see if Norwood do a good job. Georgia is the only state dont sale Liquid on Sunday want yall argue over this issue. Mary Norwood going to African American neighborhood to get votes but did she go to the African American neighborhood and say we are not shutting down these recreation center no she didnt she help close them down rite along with Shirley Franklin what about the fire station in African American neighborhood she didnt go to the rescue for the fire station. Mary Norwood get a Grade D+ for nothing she have done. Mary Norwood is not to be trusted.
Bill White
November 12th, 2009
10:36 am
I will never forget how Roy lied to good people like me and my aunt who loves the Georgia Confederate flag. It’s pride, pure and simple. The Civil War was not about slavery. It was about a big Washington-based government telling the South how to do business. I heard plenty of African-Americans including my Bible study partner Roosevelt say this.
Roy insulted all of us throughout the South and he should never return to power. This endorsement is total pandering to far, far leftists like Kasim Reed, Andy Young and Ludacris. Oh and don’t even tell me that I don’t care for the African-American community. Your Herman Cain is an exceptional man who should be in office. Where’s that Alan Keyes fella? People like that could clean up Atlanta, but the MSM would drive them out of town in a second. So, y’all are left with Mary Norwood. I’m praying for her, but I can tell from my shed here that this is going to be a tough fight. You have that slick backed Jim Martin, King Roy and the Borders girl gunning for lefty Reed. This should be interesting.
Reed Rules
November 12th, 2009
10:38 am
With the endorsement of Lisa and barnes, Kasim has the election wrapped up! Now, he needs to be working the council to get them on board so the city can improve all these problems with crime, potholes, sewers, etc.
Captain Midnight
November 12th, 2009
10:39 am
“If Reed dont get election” I can’t stand it. Can’t stop laughing..need air..
Yet another endorsement for Kasim Reed — from Roy Barnes | Fresh Loaf
November 12th, 2009
10:40 am
[...] the mayoral hopeful is getting the stamp of approval from former Gov. Roy Barnes, the AJC’s Jim Galloway reported last night. A press conference is scheduled for 2 [...]
Badnews!
November 12th, 2009
10:48 am
Yes, vote for Reed because I want to see another Bill Campbell, a former lawyer, as Mayor of Atlanta. I want to see more mismanagement, cronyism, nepotism, corruption, indictments and convictions. Yes, like the good old days….Oops, never mind!! Go Mary!!! Like Obama, it’s time for a change. Folks, it is not about race, it is about class, respectablity and community/city pride. My vote is for my sweet vanilla sista, Mary Norwood!