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TODAY'S
ISSUE
Scouts find fun, excitement,
beauty at Providence Canyon
By
Annette Gelbrich
Special to GwinnettForum.com
JULY 2, 2004 -- It was fun to read in GwinnettForum an article
recently on the Seven Wonders of Georgia.
 As
a Georgia resident for over 20 years, I'm really sorry to have waited
so long to see the "Wonder" of Providence Canyon State
Park.
Visiting the canyon with our Boy Scout troop, I enjoyed one of
my most pleasant and memorable camping and hiking trips.
We loaded up the van Friday night with our camping gear for an
early start on Saturday. Imagine leaving promptly from Norcross
at 6:30 a.m. Saturday with boys, ages 12 through 17!
An uneventful drive brought us before 9:30 a.m. to the park. We
were the first vehicle there. I can't begin to express my pleasant
astonishment at the friendly welcome we received at the Interpretive
Center. Park staff members were extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
The park offers a wonderful slide presentation about the history
and development of the canyon, caused by erosion due to poor farming
practices starting in the 1820s. The steps that have been taken
to minimize future damage are also impressive. Providence Canyon
represents a great lesson in conservation.
While I arranged the paperwork for our campsite and Backcountry
Permit, the Scouts enjoyed the display that further explains the
erosion process and describes the local wildlife. Many of the "critters"
on display have been collected by park rangers themselves.
 Once
we unloaded at our campsite, we ate well, drank lots of water, and
prepared for a long, hard afternoon on the seven-mile Backcountry
(Red Blaze) trail. Uphill and down, hot and humid, we hiked through
the woods and along the canyon rim. A few raindrops didn't stop
us. In fact, they didn't make much of a difference to our sweat-drenched
clothing. The sweat, yellow-flies and hard hiking were well worth
it, though. The views of the canyons are truly awe-inspiring.
We hiked about eight miles that day, and it looked like the boys
had had enough for the weekend. It's amazing, however, how the young
can bounce back! A little rest, and more importantly, a good meal,
and they were ready again for anything.
Providence Canyon offers special presentations occasionally. We
were fortunate to be there on a weekend when they had "Astronomy
Night", presented by Columbus State University. With five telescopes,
everyone had the opportunity to view the night sky. "Astronomy
Night" was a major highlight of the trip, although the big,
black spider and the group of armadillos were high points, too.
After a well-deserved, good night's sleep, we were "up and
at 'em" by 8 a.m. The canyon loop, White Blaze Trail, includes
both the canyon rim and floor. The Interpretive Center has a small
map with directions and park staff offer helpful hints on the trail.
The trail winds quickly down to the bottom of the canyons, where
you can walk along the "wash" or "stream" up
through the bottom of the canyons.
Unique and impressive, Providence Canyon is something that shouldn't
be missed. Just wear shoes or boots that can take the mud and dirt.
Back at the Center, you can clean them with the wire brush "boot
cleaners".
The dirt will clean up. The memories will linger.
ELLIOTT
BRACK
Fahrenheit
9-11 movie begins new assault from liberal side
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
JULY 2, 2004 -- Our take on the movie which has the Republicans
and right-wingers all upset, "Fahrenheit 9/11," is simple.
 It's
comeuppance for their side.
Ever since George Bush the first left office and Bill Clinton arrived,
those hard-core conservatives have had a field day with their efforts
first to unseat Clinton, to no avail; and for the last three and
a half years, to perpetrate George W. Bush in office.
The ironic aspect is that this effort has come primarily through
the conservative media, led by the Rushes, Seans and O'Reillys of
the electronic waves. They have virtually held talk radio ransom,
daily presenting their views to a mostly male audience, all the
time harping on what they call the "liberal" media.
What's amazing to us is that they flail away at the media, of which
they are part. How can they call the media liberal when they themselves
form an obvious big core of it?
All this is introduction to point out that for the last few years,
the rightists have had a field day in the media. Now they are upset
since the tables are being turned on them in another media field,
that of motion pictures, with the release of Fahrenheit 9-11.
Think of all the movie titles that are released each year, and
wonder at the concentrated venom thrown at this particular documentary
movie!
It's like the talk radio pitchmen can't stand to see someone else
get a word in edgewise.
The movie, we feel after viewing it, is essentially an up-front-admitted
documentary by one film maker with an agenda he virtually confesses.
And then he moves to convince people of his views. It's interesting
that religion is no part of Moore's thrust.
Republicans should not see it. They would have to have especially
rock-hard views not to want to change their minds after watching.
Some may not feel they have the courage to overcome the movie, so
don't attend out of fright. Some will say that they don't want to
contribute their dollars to a liberal moviemaker. Some want to hold
their views forever.
Even liberals may feel that Moore goes overboard. No doubt the
movie is "not fair." But who said it was supposed to be?
A newspaper or news report should make every effort to be fair
in news coverage, though by the nature of a free press, it isn't
required to be fair. But certainly a movie doesn't need to "present
both sides."
What most people want in their media is credibility. Liberals may
view the Moore movie as credible. It will be hard for conservatives
to admit to this.
At our viewing, audience reaction made "Fahrenheit 9-11"
good theater!
* * * * *
CHANGE OF PACE: idea from Sen. Trent Lott of Mississippi:
not to replace Alexander Hamilton with a picture of Ronald Reagan
on the $10 bill…..but to coin a gold dollar with Reagan's picture
on it. "Call it the Ronnie," Lott is quoted as saying,
"The Canadians have the Loonie, we can have the Ronnie."
Not a bad idea.
ABOUT
OUR SPONSORS
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to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is Howard Brothers,
which has outlets in Duluth, Norcross and Oakwood. John and Doug
Howard are the owners/operators of the Howard Brothers stores, which
specialize in hardware, outdoor power equipment and parts and service.
Major trade brands are a hallmark of Howard Brothers. And did you
know that Howard Brothers is the largest seller of Stihl products
in the United States? Visit the web site at www.howardbrothers.com.
For a list of other sponsors of this forum, go to: http://www.gwinnettforum.com/about/sponsors.htm.
McLEMORE'S
WORLD
7/2: Another take on
July 4
The latest from cartoonist Bill McLemore:
FEEDBACK
7/2: Muslims and Jews
share the past; need to come together
Editor, the Forum:
As Muslims, our heartfelt wish is for the anger and hatred on both
sides to die down, for the bloodshed to stop, and for peace to come
to both lands. We oppose both the Israeli killing of innocent Palestinians
and the radical Palestinians bombing of innocent Israelis. In fact
there is absolutely no reason for there to be such a war.
1) Muslims and Jews believe in one God, the Creator of the universe
and all things therein. We are all God's servants, and to Him shall
we all return. So why hate each other?
2) Instead of living along with Muslims, would the observant Jews
prefer to live along with atheists or pagans? The Torah is full
of passages describing the terrible cruelties inflicted upon the
Jews by pagans. The terrible genocide and cruelty inflicted upon
them by atheists and unbelievers is clear for all to see.
These atheist or pagan forces hated the Jews, and thus oppressed
them, because they believed in God. Are not Jews and Muslims on
the same side against these atheist, communist, or racist forces
that hate them both?
3) Muslims and Jews love and respect many of the same prophets.
The Prophets Ibrahim (Abraham), Ishaq (Isaac), Yusuf (Joseph), Musa
(Moses), or Dawud (David), peace be upon them all, are at least
as important for Muslims as they are for Jews.
4) The fundamental values of Jews are also sacred to us Muslims.
The word "Israel" is the name of Prophet Ya'qub (Jacob),
peace be upon him, who is praised in the Qur'an and remembered with
great respect by Muslims.
This is our call to the Jews, a People of the Book: As people who
believe in God and obey His commands, let us come together in a
common formula of "faith."
-- Kemal Dohak, Istanbul, Turkey
NEWS
Estafan resigns post
as Community Foundation director
The director of the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia has
resigned. Joe Estafan left his post on June 25, though he will continue
as a consulting role with the Foundation during 2004.
Ethel Andersen, a Lawrenceville attorney, and president of the
Board of Directors, will assume duties as executive director until
a new person is in place. Staff members Bonnie Noble, Beverly Shackelford,
Meredith Wynn and Margaret Bugbee continue in their roles with the
Foundation.
Estafan was with the foundation for 11 years, and has seen its
asset base grow to $14.5 million. During that time, the name of
the Foundation and its focus has changed from the "Gwinnett
Foundation" to the Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia.
Mission of the Foundation is to provide donors with fund management
services and advice regarding charities in North Georgia.
National Museum of Patriotism to open in Atlanta July 4
The National Museum of Patriotism, a "one-of-a-kind"
cultural venue located at 18th and Spring St. in Atlanta's midtown
area, is opening its doors to the public on Sunday, July 4, 2004,
from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. to promote the history of patriotism in the
United States. Ribbon cutting by Georgia dignitaries will commence
at 2 p.m. with a "ringing of the liberty bell", color
guard presentation, and lively, patriotic music conducted by the
National Guard Reserve Band stationed at Dobbins Air Force Base.
"Patriotism is purely a love of one's country, manifested
in many ways," says Nicholas D. Snider, founder of the National
Museum of Patriotism and retired UPS executive. "Through this
flagship location, the intent of the National Museum of Patriotism
is to be a repository of patriotic ideas and artifacts, educating
and inspiring the patriots of tomorrow, encouraging volunteerism
throughout our community, and sharing the words and deeds of our
country's heroes - both ordinary and extra-ordinary."
Snider had a patriot's vision, and over the past six years, has
turned his concept into reality by building the Museum, collecting
the extensive list of museum showpieces, and developing a strategic
vision of the Museum as a "thought leader" in patriotism.
This means that the Museum is a new destination point in Atlanta
for local residents and travelers. Moreover, the museum will virtually
set the stage to teach the values of patriotism through school and
online programs for all ages.
The Museum of Patriotism is a place to learn, honor personal achievement,
respect the rights of others, help our neighbors, inspire good,
and magnify love of one's country in all things Americans do.
Visit www.museumofpatriotism.org
for additional information.
BOOK
RECOMMENDATION
7/2: From Amy Hartwig
Chapter 11 of Norcross
Losing the Moon: by Patti Callahan Henry. This is a delightful
quick read, which conjures images of attending college in the South,
of the variety of people that come in and out of our lives as we
struggle to create a niche for ourselves with the cards life deals
us.
"I also recently finished Three Weeks with My Brother,
by Nicholas Sparks. This is a look at the private life of a man
who has delighted us with his simple stories that could easily fit
the next door neighbor that we haven't quite had the chance to meet.
This personal glimpse into the inspiring true events that have crafted
his writing, make his previous writing even more endearing and special
to the reader.
"As for what I'm reading next, I have no clue; it's a matter
of what jumps off the stack at home."
- An invitation: What books have you enjoyed? Send us
your best recent book along with a short paragraph as to why you
liked it, plus what you plan to read next. --eeb
ENCYCLOPEDIA
TIDBIT
7/2: Georgia's latest
constitution dates back to 1983
State constitutions are best understood with reference to their
historical roots. A review of the history of Georgia's ten constitutions
provides a synopsis of the political, economic, and social history
of the state. Georgia's constitutional history also illustrates
the various methods by which a constitution may be written or revised.
Georgia has used three different methods of constitutional revision:
seven were revised by constitutional conventions, two by constitutional
commissions, and one by the office of legislative counsel of the
Georgia General Assembly.
The 1983 Constitution was the first truly "new" constitution
since 1877. It was the culmination of almost twenty years of discussion,
debate, and compromise. A mixture of old and new, it contained provisions
that first appeared in the Constitution of 1877 and incorporated
other provisions that had never existed before, such as an equal
protection clause, a division of the courts into seven distinct
classes, a requirement for uniform court rules and record-keeping
rules by class for all classes of courts, and nonpartisan election
of judges. Like the nine constitutions preceding it, the Constitution
of 1983 was, and is, a reflection of the state's rich political
and social history.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
How congressmen can
damage troop morale during war
"Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that
damage morale
and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested,
exiled, or
hanged."
-- President Abraham Lincoln, via Jeff and Pam Hooper, Norcross.
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