Mayor Ellis Has Signed the Hotel Documents

After much bluster, I'm hearing that Mayor Ellis has signed the hotel documents.

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Breeding the Kingdom?

Be very careful when taking a specious argument to its logical conclusion. Albert Mohler, who is the President of Southern Seminary, is fixated on the idea that, in order to keep the denomination's pews, and presumably coffers, full, Southern Baptists need to get busy and breed. Mohler uses this as an argument against choice and for women being pregnant, submissive homemakers. I've always thought Mohler's argument was creepy, insulting and demeaning to women, but today I came across a new wrinkle that is just plain scary.

I was reading a post by Bob Allen over at Ethics Daily about Mohler's argument that Christians (like his fellow Baptist Al Gore) should be more concerned about saving souls than saving the Earth. The planet was given to humans to dominate and is destined to be destroyed by fire any old way, so why bother?

I was going to post on that nonsense and went over to Mohler's blog to read the post Allen referenced, and I came across this shocking entry: Falling Birthrates, Empty Cribs and Collapsing World Views. Holy cow. Mohler reflects on the work of Steve Ozment who has written about the growth of the Muslim population in Germany. Ozment opines:

In Germany's large Muslim communities, speaking German and mastering the German Basic Law are proving to be effective tools not only for immigrant assimilation to German culture, but also for the ascendancy of immigrant culture over German. With the continuing growth of these communities, and the construction of mammoth mosques within them, will come increasing demands by the inhabitants to govern by sharia law rather than by German Basic Law.

And, Mohler elaborates:

This leads to two related developments. First, these secular worldviews do not encourage large families. Second, this weakening of the family among non-Muslims comes as immigrant Muslims re-assert their commitment to the traditional family and multiple children. An Islamic domination of the culture is just a matter of time.

"Immigrant assimilation" - "Ascendancy of immigrant culture" - "Encourage large families" What????? Where have I heard this argument before?

I half-expected Mohler to end his piece with a proposal to bring back the Mother's Cross.
Mohler seems to be making the dangerous argument that Christians need to out-breed Muslims. The inference is that Christian babies are more desirable than Muslim babies. And that is some scary theology. I, for one, don't think that we can breed our way into the Kingdom.

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SCHIP Could Come Down to Marshall's Vote

I know you're probably sick of hearing about SCHIP, Jim Marshall and the vote to override next week, but you're just going to have to bear with me for a few more days. The vote to override is expected to be on October 18th-this Thursday. In the senate, we have the necessary votes to override Bush's veto, and in the House the margin is expected to be razor thin-maybe just one vote. Marshall's vote.

So, if you haven't, and even if you have, please, sign the petition, send him an email, call him and toss in some coins to help BlogPAC run the ad.

As Flack has said:

People from all across the country will be focused on Rep. Marshall and the choice he makes. We need to be focused on changing his mind. There are many ways you can choose to be heard.

1) You can throw a few dollars to Blue America, who will be running a powerful ad in the Telegraph next week.
2) Sign the petition
3) Write him an email - jim.marshall@mail.house.gov
4) Call his office, and tell him to vote to override the veto.
Phone: (202) 225-6531Fax: (202) 225-3013Phone: (478) 464-0255Fax: (478) 464-0277

The final call will rest with Jim, but next week is your chance to make one too.

I'm not sure this vote is what Marshall wanted to become famous for, but, so be it. I can't remember the last time so many different 'forces' have acted in concert in an effort to convince members of Congress to do the right thing. I don't know what will happen, but I bet if there were a national ballot on this legislation it would win the overwhelming support of the American people. I know Jim Marshall believes that providing access to health care to the children of the working poor is the right thing to do, a fact that makes his vote harder to stomach. I'm hoping that Marshall will ignore his consultants and listen to his head, his heart, his constituents-and do the right thing.

Marshall's failure to support this bipartisan legislation designed to continue and expand access to health care for children of the working poor (how controversial can that really be?) has drawn attention from Georgia and national blogs as well as the msm. Nationally, democrats now see Marshall as the guy who failed to support children's health care, but he has an opportunity to be the hero instead of the goat. A vote to override from Marshall would undoubtedly take the cover from others who would then follow his lead.

This can so be his moment. Come on, Jim. Do the right thing.

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Let America Speak!

Yesterday, John Edwards announced that he favors the creation of a "Citizen Congress" that would use technology to give the President the counsel of a million Americans. Pay attention. This is a BIG idea. Edwards is talking about a basic, fundamental change in the government works. He said:

“These Citizen Congresses will combine old-fashioned town halls with 21st century technology,” Edwards said in his speech. “They will give regular Americans a chance to speak to each other, and to their elected officials in Washington, without the filters of interest groups and the media.”
To my knowledge, this is the first time that an American leader in the national spotlight has called for an institutional reform like this.

Thanks to Mattice for sending me a note this morning pointing out that this strategy is straight out the the America Speaks Million Voices strategy. When I first read about his proposal, I thought that the technology sounded awfully familiar. In Macon, Community Partnership hoped to use this to facilitate a community discussion about needs and goals of our community and brought representatives of American Speaks to Macon to make a presentation to community leaders. In the end, we just couldn't afford it, but the technology and the process is an innovative way to engage and empower citizens.

Edwards really is talking about fundamentally reforming how government works and returning control to the people-where it belongs.

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Iowa SEIU Set to Endorse Edwards

Today, John Edwards was endorsed by the environmental group, Friends of Earth, and multiple sources are reporting that, tomorrow, the Iowa chapter of SEIU, along with other state affiliates, will endorse him. This is great news for the Edwards' campaign, providing important "boots on the ground" and other resources in key early states.

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Stick a Fork in Glenn's Tax

Over the vehement opposition of almost everyone except a few colleagues to whom he can toss plumb committee assignments-or not, Speaker Richardson continues to push his not-so-great tax on everything-a plan that's changing faster than Richardson's moods. But, his latest desperate addition is the death knell for this hair-brained proposal. Stick a fork in it. It's all over but the shouting.

On Thursday, Georgia State released a report on the plan that showing what Alan Essig with the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute told us in January: the plan simply won't produce enough revenue. It's way short-like billions short, unless Richardson includes sales tax on business-to-business services, which he now, predictably says he will do.

The problem is, the experts, like the folks at Georgia State or Georgia Budget and Policy, never even considered that Richardson would propose taxing business-to-business transactions because doing so makes zero economic sense. Essig said that taxing business-to-business transactions would hurt the state's economy and that taxes should be charged only when a product is sold to a consumer. This new wrinkle will add cost at every step of the production process-cost that will ultimately be passed on to consumers (read: "you and me").

So, not only will we be paying increased sales tax, including a brand spankin' new tax on services, the goods we purchase will cost more because of increased cost to business to produce the products. In short, the cost of everything goes up, even before the new sales tax is applied.

Don't spend too much time thinking about it. I'm sure that Richardson will continue his dog and pony show, but the Glenntax is D.O.A.

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Jim Marshall Must Be Feeling the Heat

Thirteen votes. That's what Democrats now need to override the President's SCHIP veto. With the vote scheduled for October 18th, just thirteen votes stand between Georgia's children and greater access to the health care they need. Thirteen votes stand between Georgia's working families and the ability to make sure that their children get preventative and primary care at their pediatrician's office, instead of expensive and often ineffective treatment at the emergency room. Georgia Democrat, Jim Marshall is one of those thirteen votes. He must be feeling the heat because he's catching it from the left-and the right. He shouldn't be surprised. (Read the comments on this online petition, and sign it while you're there.)

From the right, MyDD reports that Catholics United is launching radio ads calling on pro-life republicans to support this legislation. Marshall, who is Catholic, is not one of their targets, but he should be. The ads make the point that opposing this legislation is "inconsistent with their pro-life values." No kidding. You can listen to the ads here.

From the left, today, Blue America and Blogpac, organizations that have already sent robocalls into Marshall's district, posted a page on ActBlue, raising money to run this ad:

There's more than halfway to their goal of raising $10,000 to run the ad, so go there, toss in a few coins, and help keep the pressure on Congressman Marshall. He has an opportunity to lead on this issue. This is not about Ellis telling him to do it, and not about getting re-elected. This is about doing what's right for our children. Come on, Jim, we're counting on you to do the right thing.

And, I'm counting on all of you to keep emailing and calling Marshall. Tell Marshall to be one of the thirteen votes we need. Tell him it's time to lead. Tell him to vote to override!

What do you say?

You can sign an online petition here.

Or, drop him an email here:

E-mail: jim.marshall@mail.house.gov

Or, call or fax him here:

Phone: (202) 225-6531

Fax: (202) 225-3013

Phone: (478) 464-0255

Fax: (478) 464-0277

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God's In Trouble

That’s right. You heard it here first. God, in fact, is in trouble. Due to a recent and seemingly benign development, God is experiencing serious competition for his worship attention.

You see signs of God’s new competition every day, on vehicles and in yards. In fact, many adults are spending as much if not more of their time, not worshipping God, but worshipping, that’s right, THEIR CHILDREN!!

It seems you cannot pass a car, van, or whatever, without some display of the parent’s acclimation of their child’s accomplishments. You see the child’s name, a symbol of the activity, usually sports, that they are involved in, and if their activity is a team sport, their number.

I just don’t get the big deal about proclaiming to the world how great your child is. It may be an outgrowth of the “Baby on Board” sign phenomenon. I guess the parent’s thinking is “my kid not a baby anymore, I’ve got to keep the world posted on what he or she has been up to”. I mean, just because your kid makes it on a team, or takes dance class, does not mean that they are something special. When I was a kid doing those sorts of things was just standard procedure, not the basis for a front page headline.

Imagine the pressure being put on parents of children who are not athletic or interested in ballet. What will those parents put on their vehicles? “My child attends school”; “At least Junior’s not in jail”; “My kid’s O.K., I guess”. You can see the dilemma.

No doubt children are special to their parents, and on occasion, to a few others. However, their mere existence, or occasional participation in group activities, does not merit the moving accomplishment billboard that is your vehicle.

If children get this kind of attention for doing relatively ordinary things, what are parents going to do when Junior does something really special like, say, graduate from high school? I know, they will commission an MTV special.

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Ignorance on Display

As I was driving to work today, I was passed by a rather large truck for whom safety did not appear to be a concern. As the truck went by, I discovered that the reason for the unsafe passing maneuver what that he was from out state. Our Georgia drivers are of course excellent.

What caught my eye was the bumper sticker on the truck which read as follows:
"Life's a B*tch: Don't Vote for One!" This quote was followed by a picture of Hillary Clinton.

Regardless of whom you support, I find the sentiment expressed on the bumper sticker to be utterly offensive. Imagine a commensurate display referring to the ethnic backgrounds of candidates such as Obama or Richardson or the religious background of other candidates.

One of the worst developments of the Bush-Cheney-Rove regime has been the legitimation as a political tactic of attacks based on personal characteristics of candidates or individuals. As a result, private citizens who previously had been driven underground by public condemnation of racism, sexism or homophobia have been given a voice once again.

I just wonder how the significant other or mother of the person driving the truck today feels when she sees such a hateful term for women proudly on display on this man's vehicle. It just makes you wonder what other attitudes the driver of that truck has.

I would be curious if any of you have seen similar types of expressed ignorance. Please let me know by your comments with appropriate editorial changes.

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The Forest Hill Road Saga Continues...

I have heard from several sources that Bibb County Commission Chair, Charlie Bishop, is in the process of scheduling meetings with small groups of City Council members regarding the Forest Hill Road Project. I wonder what the Chairman intends to accomplish at these meetings and whether they are open to the public. I am hopeful that this signals a willingness on the Chairman's part to consider altering the plans.

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Poll: Bush Alliance Drag on Marshall?

From the war in Iraq to SCHIP, Jim Marshall has often "stood with the President" and against his Democratic base. Now, based on some of the information in a new poll, I'm wondering whether Marshall's loyalty to the President may actually hurt him in his district.

A recent poll, conducted by Frederick Polls and Paid for by Altria Corporate Services, Inc., (read push poll from the tobacco industry) indicates that Marshall is very popular in the district-more popular than Bush. Of 400 polled, 49% of respondents thought that Bush was doing an "excellent" or "good" job, while a full 70% said that they had either a very positive or somewhat positive view of Marshall. Add to that the fact that Georgians overwhelmingly favor PeachCare and SCHIP-programs that are more popular than either Bush or Marshall, and it becomes clear that Marshall may just have hitched his wagon to the wrong pony in this fight.

I was actually one of the 400 people in the 8th congressional district who got this push (shove) poll, paid for by the tobacco industry and focused on the plan to increase the cigarette tax in order to pay for the SCHIP. The tobacco industry has spent millions of dollars opposing the SCHIP legislation. We need to tell Marshall to side with Georgia's children in the battle-not with the President, not with Big Insurance and not with Big Tobacco.

So, once more, let's tell Marshall: Vote to Override.

You can sign an online petition here.

Or, drop him an email here:E-mail: jim.marshall@mail.house.gov

Or, call or fax him here:

Phone: (202) 225-6531

Fax: (202) 225-3013

Phone: (478) 464-0255

Fax: (478) 464-0277

If he won't, then tell him to explain it to the children

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Is Ellis Using City Resources for Ramadan Event?

The Macon Telegraph is reporting that tomorrow, Macon Mayor C. Jack Ellis will help lead a Ramadan forum and feast, and the event will be held at City Hall in Council Chambers. After an informational session, the community is invited to participate in a "feast."

What???

I have no issue with Ellis converting to Islam, but I would have issues with him converting City resources for personal or religious use. This is a religious ceremony, so unless the City intends to make this public property available to other faiths that wish to use the facilities, then this crosses the boundary between the necessary separation of church and state-and maybe this incident makes it a little more clear why such separation is needed.

Here are my questions:

1) Has the Mayor used City resources to advertise this event? Someone obviously sent out a press release, and I know from several sources that council members got an email invitation. Apparently other clergy were also invited. Was this done through his office, during work hours, using city equipment, and done by an employee who was on the city's payroll at the time?

2) Who will be paying for the "feast?" I assume that it is the Macon Islamic Center, but I think it's a question worth asking.

3) Will city employees have to work late to provide security or otherwise "cover" the event? If so, who foots the bill?

It costs something to keep the building open after hours.

The problem here is that this is a slippery slope. I don't know what the current city policy is about groups using City Hall for religious events, but the Mayor may be setting a precedent that Macon will have to live with long after he leaves office.

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Jason Carter to Speak in Macon: Save the Date!

Jason Carter, attorney with the Atlanta firm of Bondurant, Mixon and Elmore and grandson of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter, will be our guest speaker for Politics and Lunch on Friday, October 26th at noon. Jason has joined with others to launch "Democrats Work", an organization that will undoubtedly change the way we think about political action by challenging us to put our values into action. Jason will speak about this program and tell us how we can participate. This event is open to the public, but reservations are requested.

We will meet at noon at The Power Station at 1015 Riverside Drive in Macon, Georgia. The luncheon is open to the public, and the cost, $10.00, includes your lunch. Please RSVP to Amy Morton at (478) 741-1138 or AmyMorton@aol.com.

Below is a brief and impressive bio for Jason: Duke University (B.A. 1997); University of Georgia (J.D. Summa Cum Laude 2004); Articles Editor, Georgia Law Review; Order of the Coif; West Award for Academic Excellence; Law Clerk to Honorable Frank Mays Hull, U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 2004-2005; Author, Power Lines: Two Years on South Africa's Borders, National Geographic Books (2002); United States Peace Corps Volunteer, Lochiel, South Africa, 1998-2000.

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"Breathtaking, Fundamental Dishonesty"

Here's what the DLC had to say about Bush's veto of SCHIP:

Though it was hardly a surprise, President Bush's veto of bipartisan legislation reauthorizing and improving the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP) was still breathtaking in the fundamental dishonesty of the case he made for his action.

Read more here, and then call or email Rep. Jim Marshall, the only Georgia Democrat to vote against this critical legislation, to ask him why he is standing with President Bush instead of standing for Georgia's children. Tell, Rep. Marshall that this can be his moment. Tell him to vote to override the President's veto. If he will lead, others will follow.

Let's fill his email box. What do you say?

You can sign an online petition here.

Or, drop him an email here:E-mail: jim.marshall@mail.house.gov

Or, call or fax him here:

Phone: (202) 225-6531
Fax: (202) 225-3013
Phone: (478) 464-0255
Fax: (478) 464-0277

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"The Courage to Think Anew"

Political history doesn't turn on the amount of money you spend, but the courage to think anew. (The Argument, Matt Bai)

A year ago tonight-about right now-Daryl and I were at the Ritz Carlton in Montego Bay-an idyllic, perfectly calm setting for some badly needed rest. Little did we know, that was all about to change. About the time we were having dinner, my brother-in-law, Larry walked into his living room to find my sister, Ava, who had been just fine moments before, slumped over, unresponsive. I didn't find out until the next morning, but a large aneurysm had ruptured in Ava's brain. She was in ICU, on a respirator, clinging to life, against the odds.

In the days that followed, I traded a hammock by the beach in Jamaica for a chair in the ICU waiting room in Charlotte where I learned about things like "grade five bleeds" and "vasospasms." After three weeks in ICU, two surgeries (one that caught the aneurysm just before it "blew" again), weeks on the neuro floor, a month in the rehab hospital and months more of recovery at home, she didn't just survive an event that most do not-she survived with little residual impairment. She still plays the organ at her church and still serves on the planning and zoning board in her community. Amazing really. People, including her doctor, readily use the word "miracle" when they talk about her. She believes that it just wasn't her time to die. God's hand was with us, but there were other more earthly things at work as well.

For, example, Ava was close to a major medical center (Charlotte) with a specialized neuro ICU. She had excellent doctors. And, because Larry is one of those now-rare individuals who has worked for the same large company most of his adult life, she had excellent health insurance, and he had the leave he needed to be with her-especially after she came home.

Anyone can be just fine one moment and in need of state of the art medical care the next. When I talk about access to health care being a fundamental, civil right, it's because I believe everyone deserves the same shot at life that she had. To make that happen, in this new economy will certainly require that we have the courage to "think anew."

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