December 27, 2009
Anytime you think that our political discourse is too “unseemly”, check out the devastating take-down of Brett Favre from Kissing Suzy Kolber.
Second Place: Matt Taibbi ravages the Teabaggers. Read the comments, perhaps even better than the awesome article.
December 27, 2009
(Rough Transcript) “Yeah, we’ve got a deficit alright. This state is in a situation I’ve never seen, and never thought I’d live to see. My state has almost become a Southern California in the process of where we’re standing right now.”
“Anybody that’s voted for the budget of the last several years, you’ve voted for tax increases. Every time you voted for a budget that cut the QBE funding, you voted to raise your local property taxes. When does tax increases become a vote on the budget? It’s been that way, whenever you pass unfunded mandates. Shame on you for making an issue out of this.”
“Yes, we’re in a problem… the problem has been created by everyone in the General Assembly who did not show fiscal restraint during the good times.”
“They need to correct the systemic ills of the budget process in this state. We need to scrutinize every program, every privatized contract, and find out why this state budget has increased 43% in the last seven budgets.”
December 26, 2009
On Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, LOL will annouce it’s ASSHAT OF THE YEAR AWARD.
This post is dedicated to highlight our nominees and allow for some last minute nominations from the floor. Add names or vote in the comments section below.
(Nominees are not in rank order)
Nominee #1: GLENN BECK
Glenn Beck was one of our first nominees for this dubious award. If you don’t remember this lie, just watch his show this week and surely you can find five more. It isn’t Beck’s fault. His network rewards this type of behavior, and he is just trying to stay competitive with Sean Hannity. Now, the left does have their share of news media radicals (Ed Schultz and Keith Olberman come to mind); however, these two do not seem to use the over the top sensational lies that Mr. Beck has become so famous for. Whether you vote for Beck or not, we have to leave you with this video link.
Nomination #2: JAMES CARNEY (aka Moby in the Morning)
This guy has bounced around more radio stations in the Atlanta area than I can count. His first show in the Atlanta market was on KICKS 101.5. It was cancelled after a high profile ratings war with then Atlanta favorite Rhubarb Jones. He bounced around for awhile and has found a permanent gig on WNGC 106.1. You would think that being fired for inappropriate comments and bad ratings would make a man wiser, but then there was this great soapbox moment back in June.
Nominee #3: REPRESENTATIVE JOE WILSON (R – Backwoods, South Carolina)
Known for the scream heard round the world, Mr. Wilson is my front runner for the asshat award. Now, yes Democrats referred to Mr. Bush as several vile things, and people marched around the White House with signs that I would be embarrassed for my mother to see. Democratic leaders even booed Mr. Bush during one of his speeches to Congress, but I have never and I mean never seen a more blatant show of disrespect and asshattery than Mr. Wilson demonstrated when he yelled “You Lied!” at President Obama during a joint session of Congress.
Nominee #4: SC STATE SENATOR DAVID THOMAS (R – Another Back Bencher, South Carolina)
We have to be more careful of how we make comparisons. I was appalled at members of the left claiming that Bush’s terrorist activities were on the level of Adolf Hitler, and the right calling Obama’s healthcare legislation tantamount to the Nazi concentration camps, but comparing the Iranian Protest to legislative stalling techniques is just asinine. Mr. Thomas I hope your life is never in danger due to your political beliefs, but if it is, I promise I’ll make sure you do not have to use Twitter to defend yourself.
Nominee #5 SUE EVERHART
Don’t know who she is, well neither do the republican leaders of this great state. She is the head of the Georgia GOP, but during Saxby’s reelection campaign she was virtually cast to the side lines. In an attempt to make herself relevant again, we get this lovely assertion that “Politics is war!” So you wanted to be relevant again? Well, congratulations Ms. Sue Calhoun-Brooks-Davis Everhart you at least earned your triple hyphenated middle name.
Well, it is a weak field, but that is about all the GOParanoid had to offer this year. Disagree! Add names in the comments section. We will accept nominations until Wednesday night at 12:00 a.m. Also, you can vote for this year’s nominees as well.
P.S.
Icarus, you cannot nominate yourself.
Mills, Fetterman, Rogers sorry but you ain’t worthy of an award. An asshat maybe, but not an award.
December 25, 2009
From MadDog, Bluedog, and Gray, Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight.
December 24, 2009
Please welcome Beyond the Trestle, a long overdue inductee into the blogroll.
December 24, 2009
December 24, 2009
Several days ago, Vice President Biden showed up at Impulse Manufacturing to announce $33 million in stimulus funds to create a broadband network in North Georgia.
Congressmen Deal and Broun were NOT in attendance, as they weren’t officially invited.
Strange, as it was public knowledge several days prior. Certainly they could have made the visit without an official invite.
Also, Deal admits that Sonny Perdue’s made a call to him before the event- and the Governor himself made the trip.
More important: Deal and Broun both voted against the stimulus funds. Why would they even want to attend? So they can take a victory lap for legislation they abhor?
December 23, 2009
Seriously, you couldn’t make up a better story about the Teabaggers’ hateful philosophy.
December 23, 2009
Sorry that I cannot give you a link, but just heard Sen. Johnny Isakson say that Reid postponed the vote to Christmas Eve so that Americans would not pay attention. (wsb tv)
I think Johnny has a big “you lied!” in his future. Reid and the democrats would have voted on this thing last week. It is the Senate republicans who have vowed to delay this vote as long as possible. By the way, their possible ended when they realized they might get bad weather late in the day tomorrow.
Also note to Sonny, Sam Olens, and the rest of the GOParanoid, you cannot challenge something’s constitutionality before it passes. Even James Mills knows that. Otherwise he would never be able to sponsor legislation.
Again sorry no links (traveling with iPhone). Maybe Gray will do a quick edit for me.
Merry Christmas!
Update: Video of which political party is truly holding up the vote.
December 23, 2009
The U.S. courts have been throwing this case around for some time. It seems Bill Gates and MicroSoft got rich just like Homer Simpson said. Stealing good ideas from other companies and driving good software out of the market from a position of market dominance.
Story on the current ban the millions of dollars MicroSoft owes in copyright violations.
December 23, 2009
Fetterman of the Sterling on the Lake City Council likes to shift the blame when confronted with problems like the sewer issues being debated here and other places. However Fetterman or Lutz want to slice the pie, they have to eat it because they begged to sit at the table with the adults. Elected officials don’t get to pick and choose which problems come to them. Lincoln might have said it best. “The man doesn’t make the office. The office makes the man.” Or maybe it was Lincoln that said, “What kills the skunk is the publicity he makes for himself.” (more…)
December 22, 2009
Congrats to Jane Nichols on becoming interim Police Chief for Gainesville.
Good luck on the job!
December 21, 2009
Rockbridge Commercial Bank failed on Friday, December 18th. Rockbridge had been formed as a state chartered bank. The type of bank Representative James Mills ‘oversees’ from his lofty perch as Chairman of the Banks and Banking Committee.
Mills has stated in public that banks are under ‘undue’ pressure from the Federal Government. Well, explain it to me like I’m a three year old, Mr. Mills.
Why did the Georgia State Banking Commission close down this bank? (more…)
December 21, 2009
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip. [received in email today]
You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them.
Just read the e-mail straight through, and you’ll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series Winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies..
Awards tarnish.
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier? The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials. The most money..or the most awards.
They simply are the ones who care the mostPass this on to those people who have either made a difference in your life, or whom you keep close in your heart, like I did.
‘Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia !’
December 20, 2009
No comment from us on this article in the Gainesville Times.
Although it gives some context to the previous several posts regarding Flowery Branch City Council members, and their umbrage at increased sewer rates for the Sterling on the Lake neighborhood.
December 20, 2009
Jeezus, will this topic never end?
Here’s the deal Fetterman and Lutz.
Look, I understand the political realities involved here. If you wish to make hay over this, let’s bring it on. The majority of South Hall does not want to pay for your sewer system. They will resent the fact that your toney neighborhoods are raising sewer rates across the board. Wanna get some class warfare going on? I’m game. But just recognize that it’d take about 100 letters placed to certain influential people (including some in your neighborhood) to make people think ya’ll are both hillbillies with no business sense.
And I can afford a hundred first-class stamps.
Pound on me as you like. Call me a crazy liberal and tarnish this site. It’ll bring increased hits, which is all I really care about anyway.
But recognize this- I’m not some dewey-eyed newbie, and we can be a factor in the upcoming commission election. Not sure which of you are running, but I can figure it out soon enough.
Despite your personal feelings, I don’t have a dog in this fight. I have no desire to work against either of you if you wish to run for higher office. Make your mark where you can. You wanna take on a bigger office? Go to it, fellas.
BUT- don’t piss off people who are indifferent.
December 19, 2009
Q: Why the rush to pass healthcare reform?
A: It’s been 75 years, and this latest bill’s original deadline was in August.
It’s not a rush, but decades of reform that are well past-due.
December 18, 2009
Economics is a very poor science if it is a science at all. It’s worst fault as a science is the central assumption of “All other things remaining the same.” Things don’t stay the same. And changing one thing usually changes several things.
If we cut taxes rates in the hopes that the economy will improve, the improvement is always temporary but the tax cuts and the debts are permanent. (more…)
December 18, 2009
If we had an award for Corporate Responsibility, Habersham EMC has at least earned a place on the short list.
The Habersham EMC homepage does have some information for its customers on the coming changes in energy costs. Those costs are driven by a need to fight global warming or climate change.
True, we don’t know if we can change the future of our planet. But we should try.
Even as we try to preserve life, there will be costs. Most of the costs will come through increased energy costs. Cap and trade provides possible offsets to keep those costs low to the consumer while lowering the doomsday dangers of business as usual.
Habersham EMC takes a reasonable approach to the conflicts of costs. The homepage does have a linkage for people to write their elected representatives. But instead of spewing lies to motivate people. Habersham provides a reasonable framework for discussion.
Fair, affordable, and achievable. Those goals can work. And those are the goals Habersham promotes to it’s customers who want to sound off and be heard.
Well done, Habersham EMC
December 17, 2009
The media came to bury Shirley, not praise her. She knew it even before they did.
In what was likely her last press conference as mayor, Shirley Franklin gave a performance that resembled her term. Fact-based. Not reporter-friendly.
In truth, Franklin has received a raw deal of sorts. Crime is down, but Atlanta residents insist it’s up. The sewers are better, but water rates have increased. Police officers are in the streets, but furloughs have captured the front page of the AJC. A few high-profile crimes can make all statistics seem false.
December 17, 2009
Asked to turn off his cell phone while on a passenger plane. The flight attendant made the public announcement for everyone to turn off their electronic devices.
Schumer refused. Then called the attendant a bitch. Link
No class Senator Schumer, (D). Lieberman is too stupid to be a good senator. Now you’re too special. How rude.
December 17, 2009
We have little pity for Glenn Richardson who pushed himself into depression, attempted suicide, and unemployment. Pity for the family. Empathy for a human. But his actions are understandable in human terms. Some of us should not have power over other people because of our personality defects.
Defective personality and self destructive actions also describe Senator Lieberman.
In this op-ed column, Lieberman is exposed as being another K.C. Cagle. Someone not all that bright who meanders along as the candidate of character and trust. A candidate loved by common folks. Whose failures are the result of evil forces. (more…)
December 17, 2009
Another update on corporate irresponsibility.
From my email a few minutes ago:
Dear [Mr. Mad Dog]
Perhaps you’d like to read this document, http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/100xx/doc10018/03-12-ClimateChange_Testimony.1.1.shtml . The estimates were given in testimony, rather than in the report. We stand by our web site and David’s comments.My reply:
The value of the testimony is moot. It does not address American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) as made clear in Mr. Lee’s comments.
Mr. Lee’s and Mr. Pugh’s comments address ACES. Your emails address ACES as well.
No where in this testimony is there mention of ACES.
Again, when will the public and over due apology be made and how?Their hot retort:
Sorry, but since cap and trade is an integral part of ACES, I really feel that you’re splitting hairs to say the testimony doesn’t apply to that legislation. I’m afraid we’ll have to agree to disagree. Good luck…
My final reply:
In my _, I will call Jackson EMC irresponsible and Mr.Lee and Mr. Pugh liars.
Please note that the CBO did a true study of ACES in June, at the very time you said Jackson EMC downloaded it’s information on ACES.
You will note the cost burden in the actual study of ACES is displayed in Table 1. Per household cost of ACES is estimated at $175 per household.
Jackson EMC was clearly given every opportunity to retract it’s false statements. Those statements are clearly false.
We need accountability and responsibility everywhere, especially in corporations like Jackson EMC.
December 17, 2009
Republicans slam government while praising private business. Can anyone find something dumber than a corporation that pays someone a 6 figure salary for 5 years? Someone who never worked for the company?
Read about some of the dumbest things done in business.
December 17, 2009
In my email this morning from Jackson EMC:
I don’t have a copy [of the documents]. We went to the CBO website back in June and pulled it up. It’s possible that since the ACES legislation has gone through a number of markups and the Senate version is also out there that they’ve taken the report down – I’m not sure.
So Jackson EMC, Mr. David Lee, and the President and CEO, Randall Pugh can not document their allegations that ACES will be “adding $50 or more a month to the electric rates you already pay.”
They expect me to believe they just don’t have a copy of the CBO document? That the CBO changed the website and removed the report?
Talk about corporate irresponsibility!
I’ll bet there’s a huge chance utilities stock prices will fall 50% under ACES. Executives are often compensated with stock and stock options. If ACES is passed, executive compensation could tumble like my 401(k).
There’s a powerful motive for executives to lie to the public.
December 17, 2009
…and the gnashing of teeth amongst the status-quo continues…
