Your morning jolt: Why Roy Barnes can’t afford a runoff
Topics below include: Roy Barnes, Republican Governors Association, Fox News, polling, Eddie Long, Politifact, and Ralph Reed.
The same thought has been knocking around in my head, but Larry Peterson at the Savannah Morning News got to it first:
The Miami of Ohio football team and Georgia Democrats have something in common, and that should worry Roy Barnes.
Miami has never won an overtime game and Georgia Democrats have never won a statewide runoff.
Of course, different conditions trigger overtime and runoffs. A tie extends a football game into overtime; a runoff occurs when no one draws a majority of the votes.
But chronic inability to win overtime games and runoffs may have similar influences on strategy. That is, if Barnes faces the likelihood of a runoff, he may be tempted to make aggressive – even risky – moves to avoid one.
***
Longtime Atlanta PR man Charlie Hayslett passed along this product of an e-mail chain from a cousin:
“I just got an automated call conducting a poll for political races in Georgia. Since it was [automated], no way I could tell them they were talking to Mississippi, so I took the poll and voted for all the Republicans.
“Wonder how much money some organization is paying the polling company to poll the wrong state?”
***
Say what you will about the Eddie Long scandal – over the weekend, it drove dozens of journalists into church. The Washington Post included this tidbit about the scene at New Missionary Baptist that we haven’t seen anywhere else:
Parishioners said they worry the Long is under attack and some members seemed to assume a war footing Sunday morning, praying and singing and doing the Atlanta Braves tomahawk chop before Long came out.
A diversion of late-inning prayer helps explain the Braves’ September swoon.
***
The Athens Banner-Herald had this over the weekend:
The 19-year-old son of U.S. Rep. Paul Broun was arrested Friday night in downtown Athens and charged with driving under the influence of drugs, the third time in two years Paul Collins Broun III has faced drug or alcohol charges.
***
The Sunday morning news shows carried two new ads in the Georgia race for governor – one by the Republican Governors Association, on behalf of Nathan Deal, and another by Democrat Roy Barnes. Neither ad has been posted on YouTube.
The first reader to send a clip of either one would get a free Political Insider T-shirt – if such a thing existed.
***
Politifact Georgia this morning examines whether Democratic nominee for governor Roy Barnes is sticking to a pledge to run a campaign that doesn’t get down in the mud.
***
The connection between Fox News and Republicans is rich and deep. And may be posing problems for other news organizations. From Politico.com:
With the exception of Mitt Romney, Fox now has deals with every major potential Republican presidential candidate not currently in elected office.
The matter is of no small consequence, since it’s uncertain how other news organizations can cover the early stages of the presidential race when some of the main GOP contenders are contractually forbidden to appear on any TV network besides Fox.
***
Another Fox News connection: Former Sonny Perdue aide Nick Ayers was named the power player of the week by the conservative cable TV network this weekend:
Those jaded liberals at Media Matters think its worth noting that News Corp., the parent company of Fox, gave $1 million to the RGA this summer — implying that Fox is merely talking up its investment. Tsk.
***
More from the gubernatorial front: Roy Barnes chased the church vote in Brunswick over the weekend. From the Savannah Morning News:
The Democratic nominee for governor laid out components of a jobs program that he promised to present in full this week, and he assured the crowd of about 40 that churches would figure into it.
Barnes said he would create faith-based partnerships to help educate children and prepare workers. Churches and other faith-based organizations would help provide for children in foster care, would mentor students and help them prepare for tests.
Saying, “It’s time for us to take care of our own people,” Barnes said the state should implement programs to keep jobs at home. A bidder that comes within 1 percent of the lowest bid on a local government or state contract would get the contract rather than have an outside company do the work.
Barnes said he was amazed to be talking to a man in Missouri when he renewed his hunting license by phone.
“Georgia workers ought to perform Georgia taxpayer contracts …” he said.
Finally, the New Republic is crediting man known locally as Baby Jesus for Ralph Reed’s return to the national political scene:
[A]fter Barack Obama swept into the White House on the strength of a high-tech political organizing juggernaut, friends implored Reed—the former executive director of the Christian Coalition and one of the key architects of the GOP congressional takeover in 1994—to get back in the game.
As Reed tells his audience at the Mayflower, a phone call from Sean Hannity persuaded him. “I wanted to know that this was not me,” Reed says, “that this was not any ambition of mine. I wanted to know that this was the Lord.”
Reed breaks into a sly grin as he recounts Hannity’s response: “Ralph, God is speaking through this phone line right now, and he’s using me to deliver the message.”
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150 comments Add your comment
david
September 27th, 2010
10:12 am
I’ll vote for Libertarian John Monds for Governor.
dagny
September 27th, 2010
10:14 am
I’ll vote Monds and then I’ll vote Barnes in the runoff.
Amy Morton
September 27th, 2010
10:19 am
Do you know who did defy the odds and win a major run-off victory in Georgia? They call him Mayor Reed in Atlanta now.
Nick Ayers Yesterday’s “Power Player Of The Week.” — Peach Pundit
September 27th, 2010
10:21 am
[...] I recorded Fox News Sunday but haven’t watched it yet so I didn’t see that Nick Ayers was named the power player of the week. Here’s some video via Jim Galloway. [...]
Doug Craig
September 27th, 2010
10:21 am
I am voting for Monds the first Tuesday in Nov. then I hope to vote for him again against Barnes three weeks later
http://www.votemonds.com
Also look at Chuck Donovan for Us senate
http://www.donovanforsenate.com
lmno
September 27th, 2010
10:29 am
The fact that Nathan Deal is polling well at this point is a testament to the mental abilities of the average Georgia Voter.
When Hell Freezes Over
September 27th, 2010
10:29 am
I have already voted for Deal, but in the run-off I’ll vote Deal again.
CJJScout
September 27th, 2010
10:34 am
The whole stay at home dad thing is pretty scary, but Monds is the best choice.
Can I get am Amen?
September 27th, 2010
10:36 am
Another reason not to like Sean. Ralphie is a con man posing as a religious republican. A lot of us moderate repubs can do religion on our own. Enough of the far right hijacking the party already.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
10:36 am
The Monds folks are out early today. Remember, a vote for Monds is really a vote for Barnes. My family voted for Deal and Johnny today.
Larry
September 27th, 2010
10:41 am
Why do people vote for Deal?
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
10:42 am
Why do people vote for Barnes?
Bishop Eddie
September 27th, 2010
10:44 am
We’ll blindly follow you to the jumping off place.
Raquel Morris
September 27th, 2010
10:45 am
@Amy, Mayor Reed won what was officially a non-partisan race (even though the Democratic Party inappropriately injected party politics into it) in a heavily Democratic city. Not exactly the same thing as a Democrat winning a runoff in Republican Red Georgia.
David Staples
September 27th, 2010
10:48 am
Just because Monds chooses to be a stay at home dad doesn’t mean he’s not capable. He has a finance degree from Morehouse and previously worked for Lehman Brothers. Some would say that Monds is living the American dream being able to stay at home and raise his kids.
td
September 27th, 2010
10:51 am
Larry
September 27th, 2010
10:41 am
Why do people vote for Deal?
Because he is not a Democrat. The voters of Georgia are determined to send a message to Obama and the national Democratic party. The Georgia Democrats are running at the wrong time because they are going to feel the wrath of the Georgia voter no matter if the deserve it or not.
Jawja Snake Handler for Jeebus
September 27th, 2010
10:56 am
Shady Deal or Lying Roybama Barnes!!! Bwahahahahhahahaha!!!
Jawja is so screwed, not for the next four or eight years, but from now forward. The US is screwed, but Dixie and the A**hole South will be taking it like Bishop Long and Ted Haggard. What a cesspit!!!
tinhat
September 27th, 2010
10:59 am
So … Hannity speaks for God? I guess someone had to be the voice when Jerry Falwell passed away. Frankly, I would think James Earl Jones would be HIs first choice …
3 Arrows
September 27th, 2010
10:59 am
Monds already has my vote..I’ll not vote in the run off if its Shaddy Deal vs King Roy.
David S
September 27th, 2010
11:01 am
It would be fantastic if the runoff were between John Monds and Roy Barnes. At least that would finally show that the republicans in this state were beginning to wise up and support sound economic principles and the principles of individual liberty.
John Monds is the only choice for Georgia.
And a vote for John Monds is a vote for John Monds. If the republican party actually cared about liberty and freedom and put up candidates who supported these values, then there would be no need for another candidate to run. They don’t, so you either care about principles and value your vote or you don’t.
You cannot get a different outcome by doing the same thing over and over. We have seen that from both the republican and democratic parties for the past 150 years. Time for a change.
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
September 27th, 2010
11:02 am
FoxNews’ (”Vatican TV”) Sean Hannity is a dues-paying member of the “Fifth Column” of the Roman Anti-Christ. How appropriate that hypocrite Ralph Reed should be in cahoots with him…and no mystery as to the self-selection of “Bishop” Eddie Long’s congregants: anybody believing a supporter of a draft-dodging closet-queen, who committed 9/11 to send us to false war after being cheated into office by only the Roman Catholic Justices on the Supreme Court, could actually be a Man of G-d, has a long way to go before obtaining “discernment of the Spirit.”
Eddie Long, Sean Hannity, Ralph Reed: Satan’s little helpers in America.
The Beast won’t be casting itself into the Pit.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
11:04 am
3 arrows-
The other day you called yourself a “true republican” I asked you how a “true republican” votes for some that supports the liberal social agenda of Monds? I.E. pro drug, pro prostitution, pro gay marriage, etc?
Can you answer that for me? Maybe I’m confused at what most republicans beleive in.
Rural Democrat
September 27th, 2010
11:10 am
@Amy and @Raquel Morris: This may shock both of you, but the mayoral race for the City of Atlanta is not a statewide race.
Steve
September 27th, 2010
11:13 am
Barnes can’t afford a run-off, but Deal seem to can’t afford much of anything these days.
This is what's wrong....
September 27th, 2010
11:14 am
td
September 27th, 2010
10:51 am
Because he is not a Democrat. The voters of Georgia are determined to send a message to Obama and the national Democratic party. The Georgia Democrats are running at the wrong time because they are going to feel the wrath of the Georgia voter no matter if the deserve it or not.
Once again see IMNO’s post at 10:29am… you are determining the future of the state of GA, not exacting revenge.
td
September 27th, 2010
11:26 am
This is what’s wrong…., This is not about revenge but it is about sending a message to the political elite of this country that “we the people” are paying attention and do not like what we are seeing from our elected officials. The Dems will suffer this general election cycle, but if you have been paying attention to the primary season the non supportive republicans have already paid a price. If Deal or any of the other state wide Republicans that will be put into office during this election cycle do not learn and continue to ignore “we the people” then they will suffer the consequences during the next election cycle.
Doug Craig
September 27th, 2010
11:26 am
retired soldier
Pro drug? people who want to end the war on drugs are not pro drugs. The GOP has had a shot at using the government to end drug use maybe it is time to do what you preach and allow the free market to come in. Remember Al capone well that is what we do to a large portion of inner city kids while killing people like Kathryn Johnson. If you want drugs use to be safer and less of it maybe we should try fredom and liberty because man those sure are great options
When Hell Freezes Over
September 27th, 2010
11:32 am
It is hard to believe that some of you still don;t understand – or don’t want to understand. I, and apparently many others, vowed after the Obama/Democrat takeover that I would never again vote for ANY Democrat. Folks running as Democrats at the state and county level will not receive my vote either for to run as a Democrat is to say that the candidate agrees with the policies and principles of the national Democrats.
Voting Libertarian for an out-of-work candidate isn’t appealing as he doesn’t stand a chance of winning. A vote cast for Monds is a vote for Roybama.
Adoptsalot
September 27th, 2010
11:35 am
I just read Monds position on a number of issues at his website. Sounds pretty good..not too left or too right. I am waiting to hear his position/plan on illegal immigration before I decide who to vote for.
rightofcenter
September 27th, 2010
11:41 am
As my name suggests, I am conservative and will proudly vote for Deal over Barnes twice if I need to. However, I’m ready for both Ralph Reed and Sean Hannity to exit stage left. Hannity the voice of God? I just don’t picture God repeatedly saying “you know” when he talks – I’d like to think He is more articulate than that.
Jack
September 27th, 2010
11:41 am
I was not going to vote for Barnes nor Deal because Neither suits my taste. now sine I see another name out there in cyber space I shall vote for Monds in desperation…!
Doug Craig
September 27th, 2010
11:42 am
when hell freezes over
So all the Mothers who stay at homoe to raise thier children are out of work. my wife stays at home and she is not out of work she is doing one the greatest jobs in the world taking care of our children. I wish we could switch places and I could be a stay at home father but I own a sheet mteal shop in Atlanta so we made the choice she would do it/
Unlike alot of people Monds takes care of his children and does not have the government take over his duty of taking care of thier education
The Cynical White Boy
September 27th, 2010
11:43 am
I can’t decide which has my head shaking more….
‘Bishop’ Long uttering his carefully worded-lawyer approved message to his flock….or…
The words “Ralph Reed” and “God” in the same sentence.
Either way, YUCK.
GaDMC
September 27th, 2010
11:44 am
These stupid Republicans – After all this sketchy and shady stuff Nathan Deal kees presenting they will still vote for him, Hell he could impregnate a 12 year old and they would still vote for him. This is not about the people of GA this is about Republican against Democrat simple and plain. No matter what the casualties even if it means taking the entire state down. That’s what they will do. How politics turned into the most shady business of all!
It just turns my stomach and I hope that all the folks that vote for Deal and bad things happen will be the ones to pay for it
SmittyATL
September 27th, 2010
11:44 am
King Roy is a professional politician, and Nathan Deal is a crook. The best candidate was defeated in the Republican primary. So Monds appears to be the only remaining viable choice.
Jimmie
September 27th, 2010
11:46 am
With you on legalization – my kids can’t buy cigarettes or beer under age (thankfully) because they are legal and regulated as to how they are dispensed and sold. The drug trade should be legalized, regulated and enforced. It would create vast sources of revenue through tax dollars which could then be used to attack the root causes of dependence, it would clear the streets of dope dealers, because there would be no money in it for them, and it would clean up law enforecement. It is not like the war on drugs has made it any more difficult for people determined to screw up their lives to get drugs currently – they are on every street corner. The best way to destroy any market, as histroy clearly shows, is to turn it into a money maker for the federal government and then tax and regulate it. Legalizing drugs and heavily criminalizing drugs that were not dispensed through a gov’t agency would destroy an incredibly dangerous shadow economy and a lot of at risk kids would have to stay in school and get an education because being a street merchant would no longer be a viable career path. It would also help bring people with addiction into the light so society would better be able to manage the problem. I am a conservative, but when something costs billions and clearly doesn’t work, perhaps it is time to look at the problem from another vantage point. Throwing more money at the war on drugs is just a waste of resources, we need another way forward because the drug trade is absolutely hallowing out our country, one kid at a time.
Mr. G
September 27th, 2010
11:46 am
I am voting for John Monds, he is the only viable choice for Governor. Deal is way to corrupt and Barnes has had his chance. Let’s move Georgia in the right direction and stop voting in the same “ole” losers.
td
September 27th, 2010
11:47 am
When Hell Freezes Over, I vowed to not vote for a Democrat in this election cycle when Obama and the national Democrats in congress decided to not listen to the will of the people and passed health care anyway. I have not vowed to never vote for a Democrat again because I do not want the Republican political class to think they can count votes no matter what actions they take.
3 Arrows
September 27th, 2010
11:48 am
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
11:04 am
As usual you are misrepresenting Monds position.. I am a fiscal conservative that believes in individual rights rather than central government control.
YourDaddyWasRight
September 27th, 2010
11:49 am
———–The only smart vote is a vote for Barnes. A vote for Deal is a vote for a liar who stole the primary from Karen handel. A vote for Monds is a throw away.
3 Arrows
September 27th, 2010
11:52 am
Monds interview in Augusta paprt
ATLANTA — John Monds could serve as a spoiler in the November general election for Georgia governor, but the Libertarian candidate hopes he’s more than that
Georgia Libertarian gubernatorial candidate John Monds faces off against his Republican and Democratic counterparts during a forum held at the Cobb Energy Center, in Atlanta.
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“I wanted to give the voters a choice in what I believe is a better vision for Georgia,” said Monds, a stay-at-home dad from Cairo who home-schools his four children. “I wasn’t willing to wait for somebody to step up and run on the issues I think are important.”
Monds, 45, is a former finance officer for Lehman Brothers whose wife, Kathaleena Edward Monds, works as a professor and the interim dean at Albany State University’s College of Business. He graduated from Morehouse College with a degree in finance.
He’s the first black gubernatorial candidate in state history to appear on the general election ballot.
Monds faces a tough battle: He has little statewide name recognition, and he’s up against two Georgia political giants.
Monds’ platform focuses on individual rights and scaling back government involvement. He wants to lift all corporate regulations put in place by the state and let consumers decide whether casino gambling, horse racing, Sunday alcohol sales and industrial hemp would survive in Georgia.
He said his first order of business would be to fix the state’s economy. Monds said he would do away with the state income tax, instead relying on sales tax with local revenue-sharing, which he says is fairer.
“Everybody pays instead of a particular segment of the population,” Monds said. “You don’t want to punish those who produce, and that’s what an income tax does. We ought to encourage more production.”
Monds said he supports more funding for public education but said parents should have options available to them outside of government-run schools. He said his own four children likely would get a private tutor or attend a private school if he is elected.
He wants to create a $4,000 tax credit for parents who home-school their children or send them to private schools. “Anything that increases the availability of parents to teach their kids the way they want to without giving government more control would be a positive step in the right direction,” he says.
BulletHead
September 27th, 2010
11:56 am
Georgia Rednecks… There won’t be a RUNOFF… Nathan Deal is a financial idiot who will go down in flames in November. Repugilicans (that’s right – nasty republicans)are polling for Nathan Deal out of shame, but many of your lazy republican cohorts will stay at home than vote for RAW deal, Nathan DEAL… LOSERS
No More Incumbents
September 27th, 2010
11:56 am
Maybe we send everyone a message, and vote out all incumbents no matter the party! We should not be voting for a party anyway, we should be voting for the candidate that can do the most good for us.
I totally disagree with Monds softer on drug crime stance, but I like his other positions. Like Adoptsalot, I want to hear about his views on illegal immigration. I think it is a huge proble we are not dealing with. We need a Rapid Deportaion Process.
Dick in Gainesville
September 27th, 2010
11:57 am
I voted for Handel 2x and will vote against Deal in the General & run off. As we say up here Deal has more baggage that Delta Airlines.
Doug Craig
September 27th, 2010
11:58 am
Yourdaddy
throw away vote. Anytime I vote for the best candidate I sleep well at night. If you think barnes is that guy I can respect that but if you think Monds is the best but are afraid because of Deal then we will continue to not get the best people. So I all I can do is ask you to vote for the best person the first time then in the run off do the same thing and vote for the best that make it to the run off
Reality Speaks
September 27th, 2010
11:58 am
All of you Monds dreamers out there, listen up: This is a race between Barnes and Deal, plain and simple. Monds will not win, so man up and make a choice between the two true alternatives. Take your libertarian heads out of the sand.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
11:58 am
3 Arrows-
How am I misrepresenting his position? That is the position of the Libertrian Party. Complete freedom for the individual. Again, do you favor laws banning drugs currently illegal? Do you favor keeping prostitution illegal? Do you favor traditional marriage? Simple questions. If the answer is no, then don’t bill yourself as a “true republican”.
Carol Turner
September 27th, 2010
11:59 am
I have vowed to use my real name to fight back against vicious and untrue anonymous postings that no one will stand behind. I get all the reasons you say you won’t vote for this party or that, but Georgia suffers when your vote is not for the best candidate, partisan politics be damned.
Not So Casual observer
September 27th, 2010
12:01 pm
Barnes can’t afford a runoff and Georgia can’t afford Barnes. Barnes and Deal are bad choices but Deal has the one positive going for him – he is not a far left wing, socialism loving Democrat.
Barnes was a failure as Governor once and despite all of the name calling from the Left aimed at the Deal voters Deal is still a better choice than Barnes. You would have to lock Barnes in the Governor’s office to keep him from chasing all the ambulances headed for Grady Hospital.
3 Arrows
September 27th, 2010
12:01 pm
Monds interview in Augusta paper
3 Arrows
September 27th, 2010
12:03 pm
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
11:58 am
read the Monds interview I posted & quit making things up.
Not So Casual observer
September 27th, 2010
12:04 pm
Carol,
Unfortunately the political parties have not given us a “best candidate”. If ever the lesser of the evils applied this is the election and the Democrats have stepped well beyond the line for evil and a message must be sent on a national scale.
I have asked before and not one person has been able to give me ONE redeeming value of Liberalism.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
12:06 pm
I read it, I have no problem with someone being a member of the Lib. Party. 7 out of 10 would vote Rep if they didn’t vote Lib. I have real heart burn with some one who portrays themself as a “real republican” that isn’t.
Be honest 3 arrows, that’s all I’m saying.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
12:07 pm
Well said Casual.
lmno
September 27th, 2010
12:09 pm
“It is hard to believe that some of you still don;t understand – or don’t want to understand. I, and apparently many others, vowed after the Obama/Democrat takeover that I would never again vote for ANY Democrat.”
No, I understand it perfectly. I wrote that Deal polling this well is indicative of mental capacities of the average Georgia voter and you backed me up with your statement.
Its very clear. You don’t have to word it differently. We all get it. You are voting for Deal because you view politics as a team sport which indicates your level of mental processing.
DJ Sniper
September 27th, 2010
12:14 pm
To all the people who are screaming about how terrible the Democrats are, I just have one question: What make the Republicans any better? Do you all think that things in this country are going to automatically get better simply because the Republicans are in office? I think not, especially if whack jobs like Sharron Angle and Christine O’Donnell are elected.
As for Georgia, putting Nathan Deal in office will ensure that this state will continue to be stuck in the dark ages and move backwards instead of forwards. Roy Barnes is no angel and he has his issues, but I still think he’ll do more for this state than Deal.
lmno
September 27th, 2010
12:14 pm
Hypothetically, a story could break that Nathan Deal is profiting from his own campaign. Let’s say for example, that he owned a company that owned a helicopter. His campaign then leases the helicopter from his own company at a rate 22 times higher than his opponent spends on aviation. I bet that even if something that outrageous were to break, the average voter in GA would still vote for the guy. I mean, something that glaringly obvious of his greedy behavior wouldn’t make a difference.
Hypothetically, of course.
http://blogs.ajc.com/georgia_elections_news/2010/09/27/campaign-paid-135k-to-lease-aircrafts-from-company-nathan-deal-co-owns/?cxntfid=blogs_georgia_elections_news
Sean Hannity
September 27th, 2010
12:14 pm
I am God and Ralph is a good boy despite all that money he and Abramoff stole from those Indian heathens.
Now for my Eleventh Commandment. I am tired of being number 3 in the ratings. As of now Bill O’Reilly & Glenn Beck are traitorous Muslims and it is a sin to watch their shows. You will hold the 3 to 6 timeslot as the new Sabbath and only worship me during that time.
3 Arrows
September 27th, 2010
12:17 pm
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
12:06 pm
I voted for Handel twice & would vote for her again in the general. If you consider some one with Deal’s ethics a Real Republican, then don’t call me a “Real Republican”
JDW
September 27th, 2010
12:18 pm
Hey Casual, FYI just so you know what you are talking about see below.
Liberalism (from the Latin liberalis, “of freedom”[1]) is the belief in the importance of individual liberty and equal rights.[2] Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but most liberals support such fundamental ideas as constitutions, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights, capitalism, free trade, and the separation of church and state. These ideas are widely accepted, even by political groups that do not openly profess a liberal ideological orientation. Liberalism encompasses several intellectual trends and traditions, but the dominant variants are classical liberalism, which became popular in the eighteenth century, and social liberalism, which became popular in the twentieth century.
Washington, Jefferson et al…Liberal each and every one.
RGB
September 27th, 2010
12:19 pm
I watched a brief video of John Monds and he initially sounded appealing. He spoke of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence–which most candidates avoid. Libertarians seem to focus on the theoretical aspects of governing since so few have actually done it. That’s not a knock against them.
Then, Monds was asked a question about transparency in government. He favors it (along with clean water and clean underwear I suppose) but then spoke about being transparent when he was president of the Grady County NAACP.
Maybe the Grady County NAACP has nothing in common with the national organization, but I doubt it. The national NAACP has discredited itself so badly that I couldn’t vote for Monds because of that. Before that, he sounded fine, though I certainly don’t like some of the positioned Libertarians hold previously discussed here.
I’ve never voted for a candidate as a protest against the others, but was considering doing so by voting for Monds.
No longer.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
12:20 pm
DJ-
Two questions:
1. What makes Sharon Angle a “wack job”?
2. If GA is stuck in the “dark ages” and the democrats have controled govt. in GA for 122 of the past 130 years, would the Dems be part of the problem?
Reality
September 27th, 2010
12:21 pm
#1: Never watch FOX news. It isn’t news. At most, it is entertainment embedded with a heavy pitch for republicans. That is all it is – nothing more.
#2: Vote for any candidate in GA except for a republican. The republicans have had total control of this State for 8 years and have run it into the ground – from any angle that you look at it. Now, Deal not only carries the same bad policies, but he has proven that he cannot even handle his own personal finances. Why in the world would anyone vote for him to run the State finances????
Wait – I know that answer to that one! The answer is the dumb GA voters!!!!!
Jefferson Jackson
September 27th, 2010
12:23 pm
Has Barnes committed to anything today? Like, maybe, raising the level of political discourse in Georgia?
Reality
September 27th, 2010
12:24 pm
@ Retired Soldier –
I’ll answer your #2. It is the republicans fault that GA is ’stuck’ in the dard ages because the republicans have had TOTAL control over the last 8 years.
During the last 8 years, GA has gone from the middle of the pack in any ranking of States in any category to almost rock bottom. That is entirely the fault of the TOTAL control of the republicans.
I’m not sure how much clearer it can be. If you would stop listening to FOX news and stop listening to Rush L. and the other idiots, maybe your brain will turn back on and reboot.
North Avenue Ned
September 27th, 2010
12:25 pm
Why is theg Left so critical of FOX, but is perfectly fine with Leftist media (NYTIMES, Wash Post, etc)? At least FOX is honest and upfront about its beliefs and affiliations.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
12:26 pm
North-
Don’t forget about MSNBC, now there is a fair and balanced news channel.
RGB
September 27th, 2010
12:27 pm
“What make the Republicans any better?”
Maybe nothing. But some Republicans:
1. Are fiscally conservative.
2. Believe in smaller government.
3. Value the free enterprise system and pass laws consistent with these values.
4. Believe in enforcing individual liberty and property rights.
5. Protect life.
6. Have sound ideas about restoring the economy.
7. Have ideas that, when implemented, will make us stronger and safer.
A governor of a state has less sway over these issues than the president or congress, of course, but it helps when people of like mind implement good ideas at the federal, local and state levels.
If you’re disappointed this isn’t a canned answer–sorry. And if you love government redistributing other people’s wealth and believe the economy is a fixed pie, then this is anathema to you.
Of course many Republicans don’t give a hoot about the ideas listed above. They need to be turned out of office along with the Democrats.
lmno
September 27th, 2010
12:31 pm
Deregulation leads to financial meltdowns and oil spills.
If you don’t understand how unregulated derivative trading helped collapse the economy, then please, don’t vote.
Reality
September 27th, 2010
12:33 pm
@td
You have GOT to be kidding me!!!
First of all, I seriously doubt that you ever voted for any democrat in your life, much less Obama. You spout your venom here out of frustration that Obama won the election. Get over it.
Second of all, there is very very little connection between State/local politics and National politics. For you to assume so makes you appear even more dumb. The State politicans have run GA into the ground over the last year. And, the State has been under TOTAL control of the republicans. Look at any rankings of States that you chose (unemployment, education, etc.) and GA is at or near the bottom. That is the ENTIRE fault of State republicans.
Third, Obama was elected PRIMARILY on the healthcare issue. He accomplished what he has BASED on the will of the people. The FOX news polls are total crap.
I am THRILLED that health care reform passed. I think that now the small business owners will also be thrilled – the part where they get a 30% tax break to ensure their employees has kicked in. And, I think that as each part kicks in EVEN you will see the benefits for the American citizens.
Stop your whinning and possibly READ THE HEALTHCARE BILL yourself. Stop watching FOX news. Reboot your own brain and think for yourself.
Reality
September 27th, 2010
12:37 pm
@RGB -
Huh?
Republicans are fiscally conservative? Huh? Are you kidding me???? Bush over spending sent this Country into the worst recession since WW II. That is being fiscally conservative???? Purdue has our State on the brink of bankruptcy. That is fiscally conservative???
I think that you need to look up the term “fiscally conservative” because it certainly does NOT apply to the modern republicans of today!
Republicans believe in smaller government? Huh? Under Bush, the federal government GREW by 11% beyond the size when Clinton was in office! That is smaller government?
You really need to get your head out of the sand and stop spouting total crap!
td
September 27th, 2010
12:38 pm
DJ Sniper
September 27th, 2010
12:14 pm
To all the people who are screaming about how terrible the Democrats are, I just have one question: What make the Republicans any better? Do you all think that things in this country are going to automatically get better simply because the Republicans are in office? I think not, especially if whack jobs like Sharron Angle and Christine O’Donnell are elected.
As for Georgia, putting Nathan Deal in office will ensure that this state will continue to be stuck in the dark ages and move backwards instead of forwards. Roy Barnes is no angel and he has his issues, but I still think he’ll do more for this state than Deal.
How will Barnes do better for the state? What can he do with a Republican controlled legislature? I am really interested in yours or any other Dems answer.
Jon Lester
September 27th, 2010
12:46 pm
We may find that the lieutenant governor’s race will end up being the more important, because it’s looking more and more likely the next governor won’t finish a full term.
If people are still listening to Hannity even after his most unqualified attempt to speak for God, then they don’t deserve any better than to experience the consequences of his influence. He could not care less if any or all of you fell away from the middle class permanently.
Not So Casual observer
September 27th, 2010
12:47 pm
JDW,
Would you rather the question was, “Name one redeeming quality of the liberalism espoused by the current crop of Democrats, who calim to be (liberals, progressives, or the intellectual elite- pick one or more)”?
You can’t seriously claim that Obama, Pelosi, Reid, and their supporters would, as you wrote, “support such fundamental ideas as constitutions, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights, capitalism, free trade, and the separation of church and state. These ideas are widely accepted, even by political groups that do not openly profess a liberal ideological orientation.”
I can cite numerous examples of acts by the Administratin and Congress directly in conflict with your whimsical view of today’s Liberal. In fact I would assert those named above do not believe in any ONE of your “widely accepted” ideas.
Reality
September 27th, 2010
12:48 pm
@RGB
I think that the only issue that you got right is: right to life. Republicans demand that the government control female reproductive rights.
Wait a minute! Doesn’t that contradict your presumption that republicans WANT smaller government and less intrusion into over lives?
td
September 27th, 2010
12:49 pm
@td
You have GOT to be kidding me!!!
First of all, I seriously doubt that you ever voted for any democrat in your life, much less Obama. You spout your venom here out of frustration that Obama won the election. Get over it.
Just an FYI: I voted for Sam Nunn twice, Joe Frank Harris and Zell Miller. BTW: I voted for King Roy when he won because I we both lived in Cobb County and I had met him and talked to him when he was my State Senator. The people above, besides Roy, were blue dog conservative Democrats but all of them would now be republicans in Georgia. Roy is the exception because he talked the conservative game but governed as a true liberal. Like Zell Miller said “I did not leave the Democratic party, they left me”.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
12:50 pm
Reality-
Haven’t listened to Rush in at least 8 years. I watch about 50% Fox, 25% MSNBC, and 25% CNN. Can you say the same?
GA is at the middle of education under the Dems? Are you kidding me. Please refer me to your stats.
Reality
September 27th, 2010
12:53 pm
@td -
My motto is “anyone but a republican.”
I never made any claim that Barnes is an angle. However, he is not a republican and that is good enough for me.
Republican in GA are FORCED to SWEAR to uphold the political platform of the republicans. They must vote exactly the same way. They must be behind the same issues. And, so on. This is not true for democrats. Democrats are allowed to be anywhere on the spectrum from conservative to liberal.
I will vote for a libertarian before I vote republican.
I will vote for a communist before I vote republican. At least I know where they are coming from!
Deal has PROOF that he is unethical and that he cannot even manage his own personal finances. Why on Gods green Earth would anyone think enought of him to vote him to lead our State????
Reality
September 27th, 2010
12:54 pm
@Retired Soldier – You said nothing in your post to sway me. And, I seriously doubt you watch any msnbc at all. Can you tell me, without looking it up right now, what channel it is on comcast? I’d bet no.
JDW
September 27th, 2010
12:55 pm
@RB
You need to wake up and smell the coffee. All those points would be good places to start but Republicans have sold us a bill of goods. Actions and words simply don’t match.
1. Are fiscally conservative. Reality is starting with Reagan Republicans have led the charge on deficit spending in this country. The only balanced budget in memory came when the Democrats were in charge.
2. Believe in smaller government. Duhbya alone grew government spending by 67%
3. Value the free enterprise system and pass laws consistent with these values. Republicans have taken care of their own in banking, energy and finance to the considerable detriment to the rest of us.
4. Believe in enforcing individual liberty and property rights. Tell me again why we should care about Gays
5. Protect life. More like try to dictate to others, if Republicans were serious about reducing abortions then they would be promoting proper sex education.
6. Have sound ideas about restoring the economy. Since our current predicament is directly related to Republican rule for 22 of the last 30 years this is laughable.
7. Have ideas that, when implemented, will make us stronger and safer. And Duhbya decided to have a meeting on the terrorist threat in September 2001 after taking office in January. More like asleep at the switch.
Reality
September 27th, 2010
12:56 pm
@td – So then you did lie in your previous post. You did not vote for Obama. Thought so.
When Hell Freezes Over
September 27th, 2010
12:56 pm
td:
I’m probably just more bitter than you are about the democrats hi-jacking our country and trying to make a Marxist/Socialist state. They stand for everything I abhor.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
12:56 pm
Nope because I live in a rural area and have Direct TV. On Direct it is on 356 Doubting Thomas.
Reality
September 27th, 2010
12:58 pm
@JDW –
AMEN!!! Why are these republicans so blind to the truth? Why do they simply believe everything FOX news says (Hannity, etc.)???
News flash – FOX news is owned and operated by the republican party! The connection has been proven with the donations of millions of dollars to the RNC recently. FOX reports biased stuff that is more fictional entertainment than news.
td
September 27th, 2010
1:00 pm
Reality, I will ask you the same question you asked me, name a republican you voted for? I think you are getting on your high horse by trying to claim how bad Deal is because of the financial situation, but in reality, you would not vote for him under any circumstances?
You go vote for Barnes and I will vote for Deal to cancel your vote out and in the end their are more Georgians that feel the way I do and Deal will be the next Governor of this state.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
1:00 pm
Reality-
Get the facts correct, it was a million, not millions.
Not So Casual observer
September 27th, 2010
1:01 pm
Reality,
You need a significant dose of reality.
Obama was elected on the “Hope and Change” ticket and by groveling to the great unwashed by throwing the catch phrase “redistribute the wealth” into their ever-increasing demand for others to take care of them.
MAN UP, Reality and learn to care for yourself and your family without the help of the federal government. There was clearly no mandate for health care reform of the order and magnitude passed under the cover of darkness by the Liberal Congress. If you doubt the significance of the lack of a mandate simply sit back away from your key board and watch the results on November 2.
November 2 will not be an affirmation of anything Republican but merely the people dismissing liberalism and socialism in the greatest country in the history of the world. The move to socialism made the great mistake of viewing the Obama election as an opportunity to speed the process and the actual result will be a stern repudiation of all the Democrat Party and the Socialists therein have quietly attempted to accomplish over the past 50+ years.
ARROGANCE is all we have seen from Obama, Pelosi and Reid – unwarranted arrogance!
JDW
September 27th, 2010
1:02 pm
@ Casual, the question should be name a single redeeming quality espoused by any of our current political parties.
I am not laboring under the delusion that the current crop of Democrats is the answer. At best they represent the beginning of the long march back from the sorry state of affairs the Republicans have led us into since 1980. But make no mistake they are significant upgrade from Duhbya and his minions.
It does seem a bit silly to brand the very school of thought that led to our founding as a nation beyond redemption.
Reality
September 27th, 2010
1:02 pm
@When Hell Freezes Over….
Can you explain exactly how Democrats are making this Country marxist/socialist?
Is it the health care reform? Trying to stop pharma companys from over charging US citizens for drugs when they sell the exact same thing at half the cost overseas – THAT is socialist? Trying to stop uninsured homeless people from walking into an emergency room for free care – THAT is socialist?
Is it trying to ensure a fair tax? Stopping the most very wealthy (top 1%) from getting a tax break – THAT is socialist?
Pray tell – what is it?
JDW
September 27th, 2010
1:05 pm
@ Reality, the disconnect is maddening isn’t. Makes me wonder if we are living The Decline of The American Empire.
td
September 27th, 2010
1:05 pm
Reality
September 27th, 2010
12:56 pm
@td – So then you did lie in your previous post. You did not vote for Obama. Thought so.
If I gave you the impression I voted for Obama then my apologies. Let me make it clear, I did not or would never vote for Obama because I know he is a far left liberal at best and I think he may even be a socialist or even communist. No, I went to the voteing booth, held my nose, and voted for McCain in the general election.
Not So Casual observer
September 27th, 2010
1:08 pm
Reality says,
“I will vote for a communist before I vote republican. At least I know where they are coming from!”
You hate GA and the people, you must hate the Constitutional Republic as a form of government, you would vote for a Communist and you watch MSNBC. I bet you do not have mirrors in your residence either! No one who writes the nonsense you write could possibly stand to look at themselves in the mirror.
Reality, you really should stop consuming so much alcohol in the middle of the day!
Reality
September 27th, 2010
1:10 pm
@Not so casual observer -
Wow. You really need to breathe.
First of all, show me in any speach or in any writing where the democrats said “redistribute the wealth?” You cannot because there is none. It is a fabrication of your mind implanted there by the republican led FOX news.
Obama did include in most every speach with a view of health care reform. I can even recall a speach in PA where he described the plight of a particular woman with cancer without insurance. That was a common theme throughout election season – and he won.
And, by the way, if the democrats and Obama were truely arrogant, they would have pushed throught every single thing on their agenda in the first year (since congress was a majority of democrat) such as: gays in military, closing of gitmo, removing all army from middle east, etc. However, they did not because they DID want to work with the minority republicans.
It was the republicans that refused to work with democrats and just voted NO on anything and everything.
If you want to return to the Bush years and have our “beloved” Country sink further into a new economic recession, if you want us to allow government to control our lives (reproductive rights, control what YOU do in the bed room, etc.), then fine – vote republican. Maybe they will even REQUIRE that all of us become Catholic and go to mass every week – would you like that, too?
Reality
September 27th, 2010
1:12 pm
@JDW –
LOL. Maddening isn’t the word. And, if you look at their posts to me and to you, they go off on some strange tangent and rarely seem to think through what is said. I honestly think that FOX news has created a new race of people like “Invasion of the body snatchers.”
Heaven help us all.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
1:13 pm
Reality-
I notice you ignored my response to your questions. Typical.
Have you read Obama’s books? There is all you need to show Obama believes in redistribution of wealth.
td
September 27th, 2010
1:18 pm
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
1:13 pm
Reality-
I notice you ignored my response to your questions. Typical.
Have you read Obama’s books? There is all you need to show Obama believes in redistribution of wealth.
He also had a slip of the tongue and said it to Joe the plummer on national TV.
Why is it that all these left leaning politicians will not be honest with the people and tell everyone up front what they plan on doing when elected? Why do they have to run as a conservative (like Roy is doing now)? Do you libs not just get sick of them doing that?
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
1:21 pm
Amen td
JDW
September 27th, 2010
1:23 pm
@ Reality, Faux News is quite the spectacle. It reminds me of the consummate yes man, tell them what they want to here, make them feel good about it and pick their pocket when they aren’t looking.
I am struck by how closed minded the vast majority of our society has become. Does not bode well for our ability to solve some very complex issues.
TRUTH
September 27th, 2010
1:23 pm
What are the 2 reasons I am voting for a honest man, John Monds?
1. He is not Deal.
2. He is not Barnes.
Next Question.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
1:25 pm
JDW-
What news sources do you recommend?
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
1:26 pm
Truth-
You can add, he’s not elected.
JDW
September 27th, 2010
1:38 pm
@ Truth, well lets talk Monds then. He is not Deal and that is a plus. On the other issues:
Taxes – I don’t have an issue with focusing our revenue collection on sales tax so long as we collect enough to run the state properly.
Energy – Do nothing is not a solution. Don’t tell us what you won’t do tell us what you will do.
Non Violent Drug Offenses – Amen! Legalize and tax them.
Gun Rights – He is just pandering, this is a non issue.
Jobs – I don’t think legalized gambling and growing dope is going to get us out of the recession. Not that I am against it
Budget – He has some good ideas relative to indexing and zero based. Problem is his starting point.
Schools – We certainly need to be more efficient but we are underfunded period.
Transportation – again doing nothing is not a strategy nor is privatizing roads.
Marriage and Sunday Sales – Amen
Water – doesn’t look like he understands the issue.
Final analysis, some good ideas but not up to the job.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
1:40 pm
JDW-
Still waiting?
Joseph Breyne
September 27th, 2010
1:41 pm
I’m voting John Monds all the way!
JDW
September 27th, 2010
1:46 pm
@ Retired, good question. I use a variety. The major ones are:
Print – Newsweek, Time, Economist, Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, Business Week Financial Times, & AJC
Broadcast – some CNN, some Faux News, but mostly BBC or NPR.
Web – CNN, NY Times, Forbes, Real Clear Politics.
JDW
September 27th, 2010
1:47 pm
@ Retired, I left off the how about you? Where do you get your news?
When Hell Freezes Over
September 27th, 2010
1:56 pm
Reality:
If the goal was to provide insurance to the uninsured, it could have been done without forcing the entire nation into a healthcare program the majority of citizens didn’t want, and it could have been done much more cheaply than this monstrosity of a healthcare bill that was passed. The truth is that the healthcare bill is not really about healthcare but about redistribution of wealth.
Why should ANY income group be taxed at a higher rate than any other? Again, we are talking about redistribution of wealth.
“I will vote for a communist before I vote republican”
I think that statement just about sums you up.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
1:57 pm
JDW-
Why the AJC of course, Wall Street, Wahington Post online.
Real Clear Politics, Fivethirtyeight, cqcongressional, peach pudit, msnbc
TV: 50% Fox News and 25% each MSNBC and CNN.
Even conservatives use a good cross section of sources.
Barry
September 27th, 2010
1:58 pm
Ralph Reed? This is Jesus speaking through the Internet. Ignore Glenn Beck. Stay out of politics. Forever. Go get a real job. Selling used cars would be a good fit, since carnival barker gigs are hard to come by.
JDW
September 27th, 2010
2:04 pm
@ Retired, we use some common sources. I will take a look at some of the ones you use that I don’t. If you get a chance both BBC and The Economist are good worldview sources. I spent a fair amount of time overseas so I still try to keep up.
JDW
September 27th, 2010
2:10 pm
@ Freezing
“Why should ANY income group be taxed at a higher rate than any other? Again, we are talking about redistribution of wealth.”
Everyone is taxed at the same rate. My first $50K and your first 50K are taxed exactly same as is your first Million and my first Million.
After all why should we ask Warren Buffett’s secretary to pay a larger percentage of her income in taxes than he does…O’wait we do…bad example.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/money/tax/article1996735.ece
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
2:12 pm
As did I overseas. I watched BBC in Germany and listened to it in Saudi and Iraq in the first Gulf War. I found BBC to be pretty liberal frankly ant-american. But in the desert you listen to what u can pick up.
td
September 27th, 2010
2:18 pm
JDW, And the bottom 48% of wage earners pay no income taxes. Everyone should pay something so that they will have a some skin in the game.
BTW: How much of an income is enough to pay the government? 30%? 40%? 50% +? If 10% is good enough for the God then why is it not good enough for the government?
When Hell Freezes Over
September 27th, 2010
2:26 pm
td:
“If 10% is good enough for the God then why is it not good enough for the government?”
Oh, horrors! That would mean, God forbid, that the government learn how to manage money and live within its’ means! Surely, you jest?
RGB
September 27th, 2010
2:27 pm
@Reality:
You should read more closely because words mean things.
I wrote:
“But some Republicans…”
And yes many Republicans spend like nearly all Democrats. Bush spent too much but looks like a tightwad by Obama standards–don’t you agree?
Probably not because you likely benefit from “government benefits” (AKA other taxpayers’ money).
JDW
September 27th, 2010
2:27 pm
@ TD, “the bottom 48% of wage earners pay no income taxes. Everyone should pay something so that they will have a some skin in the game”
Not true at all, they pay Social Security, Medicaid, sales tax, property tax, auto tax etc…
What is enough? What it takes to balance a reasonable budget. Clinton balanced the budget with tax collections at around 21% of GDP, Duhbya managed to drive that number down to around 18%. It needs to be driven back up to 21%.
As for God he never said 10% was good enough, that was Man telling us what God thought.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
2:33 pm
JDW-
But the discussion was about income tax, not those others. Property tax? Only some.
JDW
September 27th, 2010
2:36 pm
@ Retired, TD made the assertion that the other 48% had no skin in the game and that is not true. They pay a variety of taxes therefore the no skin argument does not hold water.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
2:41 pm
JDW-
Couldn’t disagree with you more. At the federal level when you pay medicare and social security it is for a benefit you expect to get later.
When you pay income tax you are supporting the current activities of the federal government. Everyone should pay some income tax. Better yet, we should adopt the Fair Tax, them we all pay.
JDW
September 27th, 2010
2:42 pm
@ Retired and TD, but further to that point of the 48%….
There are people in that number that are most certainly dodging taxes by gaming the system to reduce income ie working off the books, collecting payment in cash etc…
There are also people that aren’t in that number that are consuming in the US foreign vistors that don’t choose to go home for example.
Both those situations could be addressed by some sort of consumption or VAT tax. There might still need to be a much reduced income tax as well but it seems to make sense to at least have some portion of the tax base consumption oriented.
JDW
September 27th, 2010
2:44 pm
@ Retired
“Couldn’t disagree with you more. At the federal level when you pay medicare and social security it is for a benefit you expect to get later.”
I don’t think expect is the right word…hope is a better one. As I am sure you know those dollars today are being spent and not saved. Everyone in that system is trusting that future tax dollars will be available to pay them. This along gives anyone paying those taxes “skin in the game”
JDW
September 27th, 2010
2:44 pm
opps this alone gives anyone paying those taxes “skin in the game”
JDW
September 27th, 2010
2:46 pm
RE the Fair Tax…while I favor a consumption tax the Fair Tax as written does not work.
td
September 27th, 2010
2:47 pm
JDW
September 27th, 2010
2:36 pm
@ Retired, TD made the assertion that the other 48% had no skin in the game and that is not true. They pay a variety of taxes therefore the no skin argument does not hold water
But then they receive the EITC(if they earn money if not then they just get about $30,000 per year in in kind support) and that pays for all their other taxes they pay for the year. I did say income taxes. If you want to include these other taxes then the top 25% of wage earners pay about 55 to 60% of their income in taxes. Is this enough? Again what percentage is enough for a person to pay? You spun and talked about GDP and did not answer the question?
BTW: Why is should we be taxed at 21% of our GDP?
You
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
2:48 pm
JDW-
Not in operating the federal government. Obviously you either are happy to pay more or you are part of the 48%. Either way you won’t be convinced and we’ll continue to have a “give me” mentality until the well is dry.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
2:49 pm
JDW-
This will be good. Why won’t the Fair Tax work?
When Hell Freezes Over
September 27th, 2010
2:52 pm
JDW:
You speak of “skin in the game”. Now, would you like to explain the “Earned Income Tax Credit”, and how it relates to all these payroll taxes that are being paid?
The Centrist
September 27th, 2010
3:00 pm
If tuition at quality private schools is $20,000 that increase on average of 5% per year, what will a $4,000 tax credit or tuition voucher do to improve the overall education standards in Georgia? Compare this to the “throwing good money after bad” people who are screaming about spending $8,500 annually per child on public education.
Will
September 27th, 2010
3:26 pm
Deal is the lesser of two evils. Would love to see Monds get elected but it will never happen. I want to vote for Monds in the general but will hold my nose and vote for Deal.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
3:28 pm
Enter your comments here
JDW
September 27th, 2010
3:34 pm
First the 21%–As the Clinton years proved that number balances the budget and does not encumber the economy.
First problem with the Fair Tax is the number is wrong…it is really 34% http://www.factcheck.org/taxes/unspinning_the_fairtax.html
Next problem is that it soaks the middle class. A family of 4 making 30K pays no tax while today they do pay social security and Medicaid. The entire tax burden is assumed by those families spending between $30K and say $750K. Problem with that is taxpayers making over a million per year, about the top ½ of 1%, pay about $250 Billion in taxes. Sorry but I don’t think the middle class is going to pick up that bill.
http://www.irs.gov/taxstats/indtaxstats/article/0,,id=96981,00.html#_grp1
JDW
September 27th, 2010
3:42 pm
On the EIC, frankly I have not given it much thought. From a cost standpoint it is ground noise. In 2007 it cost taxpayers about $89 Billion.
http://www.offeringofletters.org/2010/news/campaign-updates/146-how-much-does-eitc-cost-taxpayers-
Sounds like a lot but that equals less than 3% of Federal Outlays so as far as solving any budget problems you would not gain much if you canned the entire program.
On a philosophical level I have no problem paying a few extra tax dollars to support poor kids.
From an execution standpoint, like any government program it could be run better.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
3:52 pm
JDW-
The first mistake you made is a family of 4 making 30k is not middle class. The second mistake is failing to mention the prebate that every family would receive up to that size family’s proverty level. Third you are assuming your source is correct, they are not. and fourth you assume higher incomes don’t send more, they do.
Nice try, but the Fair Tax is just that, the must fair way to fund our federal government.
Retired Soldier
September 27th, 2010
4:00 pm
JDW-
It might be before your time, Sen Dirkson of Ill. once said “..a million here a million there, pretty soon it adds up to real money.” Well only a committed liberal would blow off 89 billion as not important.
Maybe thats “walk around” money to you, but to the guys and gals that had their income taken away to give to others, it’s real damn money.
JDW
September 27th, 2010
4:10 pm
@ Retired, you need to review the post.
I did not ignore the prebate I simply picked the most logical number for comparison, two adults two children.
http://www.fairtax.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_faq_answers#3
I have heard many things about Fact Check but never that they are incorrect. They are non partisan and do very well researched work. If they are wrong they admit it. In this case they reviewed every point made by the Fair Tax Org and rebutted them. Given the time between our posts I am assuming you did not even read their post. Maybe that would be time well spent.
I do not assume higher incomes don’t spend more. Again I picked a point for ease of reference. The overall point that the Fair Tax proposal shifts the burden to the middle class is well documented.
As I said earlier, I believe that a consumption tax along the lines of the Fair Tax, combined with an income tax on the very high earners is likely the best option. However the Fair Tax as written will not accomplish the objective of balancing the budget.
JDW
September 27th, 2010
4:17 pm
“Well only a committed liberal would blow off 89 billion as not important”
See there you go with the name calling again, I average 50% Republican and 50% Democratic in almost every election year. I do however, unlike many, acknowledge the fact that the rhetoric preached by the Republicans does not match their actions.
Furthermore having had the benefit of solving several large scale organizational problems over the years I know that the place to start is not in the ground noise ie $89 billion in a $3.7 trillion budget. When we get down to the last $500 billion or so we can talk again about the EIC.
td
September 27th, 2010
4:22 pm
JDW, “I believe that a consumption tax along the lines of the Fair Tax, combined with an income tax on the very high earners is likely the best option.”
That is called a VAT(Value added tax). I will not support any type of tax system unless it is accompanied by repealing the income tax also. IF you do not then we will have a national sales tax on top of the state and local sales taxes.
findog
September 27th, 2010
4:22 pm
RS,
how are you going to redistribute that prebate witch out an IRS
When Hell Freezes Over
September 27th, 2010
4:29 pm
Retired Soldier:
“Sen Dirkson of Ill. once said”
Now, there is a blast from the past! Never forgave him for allowing LBJ to sucker him in on all his “Great Society” legislation!
When Hell Freezes Over
September 27th, 2010
4:33 pm
If the ObamaCare isn’t repealed or modified, anybody who buys/sells real estate will be looking at a 3.8% tax on the property – in addition to all other costs/taxes. We have to redistribute all this wealth, don’t you know?
john
September 27th, 2010
4:57 pm
if you want a government that will actually listen to the people and not just whatever it wants to, go vote in november and vote the democrats the hell out of office. roy is nothing but a career politician who already f’ed things up before when he was in office and couldn’t care less if you were dying in a ditch somewhere.
EffWhyEye
September 27th, 2010
6:36 pm
Georgia is a RUNOFF STATE. This means that if a candidate does not get more than 50% of the vote the race goes to a runoff.
READ THE LAW. You CANNOT “help” the other candidate you think is absolutely abysmal by voting for the one you like. If you vote for a candidate who isn’t polling as high and he doesn’t win, the WORST that can happen is that there will be a runoff between the top two finishers – the R and the D – and then you will truly be forced to choose between the lesser of two evils.
Vote your conscience. If you vote for Roy Barnes or Nathan Deal, do it because you’ve done your homework and you think one or the other is the best candidate – not because you’re ignorant of Georgia election law.
Whoever said Georgia voters are stupid is 90% right. To that, I’d add gullible.
JDW
September 27th, 2010
9:00 pm
@ TD, you are right that is a VAT and I believe that it in conjuction with an income tax on high earners say top 5% or so is the best way to fairly distribute the tax burden, while minimizing the collection costs.
Karen Handel Supporter
September 28th, 2010
12:20 pm
I guess all Deal supporters are voteing for Monds so I guess that would make Barnes the winner. Because Karen Handel supporters are voteing for Barnes.
fsdf
September 30th, 2010
4:06 am
right that is a VAT and thank you
thank you صحيفة – أخبار محلية that very nicethank you صحيفة الكترونية – أخبار محلية that very nice
I believe that it in conjuction with an income tax on high earners say top 5% or so is the best way to fairly distribute the tax burden, while minimizing the collection costs.
fsdf
September 30th, 2010
4:07 am
READ THE LAW. You href=”http://www.saudistret.com”>أخبار محلية that very nice
thank you أخبار – اخبار that very nice
CANNOT “help” the other candidate you think is absolutely abysmal by voting for the one you like. If you vote for a candidate who isn’t polling as high and he doesn’t win, the WORST that can happen is that there will be a runoff between the top two finishers – the R and the D – and then you will truly be forced to choose between the lesser of two evils.
fsdf
September 30th, 2010
4:08 am
a runoff between
thank you صحيفة سعودية – صحف الكترونية that very nice
thank you اخبار اليوم – جريدة that very nice
thank you دليل – منتدى حواء that very nice
the top two finishers – the R and the D – and then you will truly be forced to choose between the lesser of two evils.
fsdf
September 30th, 2010
4:09 am
voting for the one you like.
thank you صحيفة سعودية – صحف الكترونية that very nice
thank you اخبار اليوم – جريدة that very nice
thank you دليل – منتدى حواء that very nice
If you vote for a candidate who isn’t polling as high and he doesn’t win, the WORST that can happen is that there will be a runoff between the top two finishers – the R and the D – and then you will truly be forced to choose between the lesser of two evils
fsdf
September 30th, 2010
4:11 am
Furthermore having had th جريدة
أخبار
اخبار محليه
صحيفةصحيفة
صحيفه
اعلانات
اعلانات مبوبة
مواقع اعلانات
e benefit of solving several large scale organizational problems over the years I know that the place to start is not in the ground noise ie $89 billion in a $3.7 trillion budget. When we get down to the last $500 billion or so we can talk again about the EIC.
Your morning jolt: Why Roy Barnes can’t afford a runoff | Conservative GA
September 30th, 2010
10:16 pm
[...] See the article here: Your morning jolt: Why Roy Barnes can’t afford a runoff [...]