TODAY'S ISSUE
Great Gwinnett Smokeout Day great start to stop smoking
By Steve Coldiron
Chairman, Smoke-free Gwinnett
Special to GwinnettForum.com

NOV. 16, 2004 -- Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States and Georgia, claiming the lives of more than 11,000 Georgians annually.

I encourage all Gwinnett tobacco users to start planning now to kick the tobacco habit and to use the American Cancer Society's (ACS) Great American Smokeout® on Thursday, November 18, as the target date to begin a smoke-free life. Setting a firm date is the first step to quitting the tobacco habit and improving your health and well-being. Do it for yourself and your loved ones.

Gwinnett County passed a smoke-free air ordinance that went into effect on April 1, 2004. Tobacco users have a great resource they can use if they want to quit smoking. Let me tell you about it.

In November of 2001 the Department of Human Resources (DHR) began operating the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line, to support Georgians in their quest to become smoke free. The Quit Line (1-877-270-STOP) is a free resource to Georgians who want to quit using tobacco. The line offers free counseling, screening, support and referrals to local cessation services. Trained counselors are available to assist callers in creating a personalized quit plan. Follow-up counseling sessions can be scheduled to help callers reach their goals. Since its inception, more than 35,000 Georgians have received services from the Quit Line.

We hope smokers will want to go further than just quitting for one day by designating November 18 as their quit date. We want Gwinnett residents to set the goal to go smoke-free. Calling the Quit Line and talking to their healthcare provider is the first step.

Tobacco places a considerable disease burden on Georgia each year. More than 11,000 Georgians die yearly from tobacco-related illnesses (4,200 die from cancer; 4,200 die from cardiovascular diseases; 2,600 die from respiratory diseases) - more than all the deaths from alcohol, cocaine, heroine, AIDS, murder, suicide, auto accidents and fires COMBINED. Twenty-six infants die every year because their mothers smoked during their pregnancy.

Financially, adults who smoke account for $1.8 billion in healthcare costs. Additionally, $2.9 billion in lost in productivity costs is lost due to smoking employees and $9 million in infant healthcare costs are attributed to smoking.

The American Cancer Society's (ACS) Great American Smokeout® was started in the early 1970's as a way to draw attention to the problems associated with smoking and secondhand smoke. In 1977, ACS began the event nationwide, and it has become a signature event in the battle to help bring awareness to the dangers/consequences of smoking.

For more information on the ACS Great American Smokeout®, visit http://health.state.ga.us or www.cancer.org.,or call the Quit Line for free information about quitting tobacco at 1-877-270-STOP.

ELLIOTT BRACK
Tradition in Georgia: the more change, the more of the same
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com

NOV. 16, 2004 -- "The more things change, the more they stay the same."

* * * * *

In the days of paper ballots, the poll workers in one South Georgia town were tallying the ballots. Suddenly, there was this quiet in the room, since one of the ballots was found to be Republican. People looked at one another astounded.

"What are we going to do?" they pondered. Finally, the chief clerk said, "Let's get on with the counting. Just put that ballot aside for the time being."

All was well until they discovered another Republican ballot in this otherwise solid Democratic precinct. "Well, that does it," says the clerk, "Throw both ballots out! That varmint voted twicet."

* * * * *

Good government advocates in Georgia have long held that the state's reliance on one political party was not best for Georgians.

And for the last 100 plus years, that meant that good government advocates wanted a true "two party system" in Georgia. They realized that a state dominated by a single party (the Democrats) might try to run roughshod over the people, bullying through and getting their way, and thinking little about good government or the people.

That was before.

Now, good government advocates are again wanting to see a two party system in Georgia. But now they would like to see more Democrats in office, as Republicans now control the state in having the sitting governor, and both houses of the Legislature, under their control.

Republicans, of course, are awash in power, after having been on the outside in virtually every aspect of government before the Perdue years. They are anxious to enact legislation they advocate, and at the same time, bring what they feel is sanity to government (at least compared to what the Democrats advocated and enacted.)

Yet the Republicans face problems in Georgia. Among them:

• They come to government in a time when recent revenues have been down. There are shortfalls in budgets, meaning they won't have the free rein to fund pet programs. Indeed they will have to tighten the belt.
  
  
• They are generally inexperienced in leadership, since that has previously been the purview of the Democrats. Look for some glaring mistakes.
  
  
• Their governor has been in office just two years, and has alienated some with his own inexperience. While his re-election chances are better than previous Republicans, the Democrats are expected to field a strong candidate to challenge him. It won't be a shoo-in for Republicans.

And now Republicans have yet an even greater problem which popped up last week. Republicans no longer have the moral high ground, as one of their stars, former Education Superintendent Linda Schrenko, has been indicted on serious federal charges.

The charges remind us of Melissa Faye Greene in her stellar book, Praying for Sheetrock. She chronicled the plight of the disenfranchised black population of McIntosh County, where a popular and corrupt Democratic Sheriff continued to run roughshod over the people, and get elected. Finally the majority black population of McIntosh elected their own sheriff...who promptly proved that he, too, could be corrupt. (Ms. Greene interviewed the black sheriff in federal prison).

The indictments of Ms. Schrenko shows that it is possible for the previous rather chaste and proper Republicans....to have serious charges leveled at them, too.

Georgia's tradition is for the party in power to be the rascals. The next few years will let us see if the Republicans are as good at this as the Democrats have been.

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FEEDBACK
11/16: Not surprised because of Shrenko's modus operandi

Editor, the Forum:

After benefiting from being in the right place at the right time, Linda Schrenko quickly alienated herself from those who put her in office.

She repeatedly dissed the parents, teachers, administration, and ultimately the children of Georgia's largest school system (Gwinnett) with the arrogance of a Hollywood diva. Broken promises, missed appointments, and a total lack of accountability were her modus operandi.

The accounts of her alleged theft of funds from those very same constituents just reinforce her pompous behavior. The "little people" who carried out the tasks of misappropriating the taxpayer's dollars on her behalf are the same ones who will ultimately lead to her demise.

Do unto others...

-- Brian Luders, Duluth

11/16: With right direction, Democrats could win back this voter

Editor, the Forum:

In regard your recent columnm, "Democrats only need to follow previous Republican action": The Dems could even get me back with a little effort put forth.

-- Roy McCreary, Dacula

11/16: Feels time for Democrats to call for moderate changes

Editor, the Forum:

I find it amazing that so many folks - especially Georgians - have grown to actually HATE Zell Miller because he found the courage to tell the truth (as proven by the election) about his beloved Democratic Party. Maybe with help and guidance, instead of stubborn resistance, the former Democratic party - the party of the common people - can return to its roots.

The far left liberals who have taken leadership of the national party have gotten so involved in their left wing agendas that they have lost the followers who put them where they are today. Now would be a great time for ALL Democrats to call out for a more moderate change and get back to the founding basic's of the party.

Our country needs a strong two party system to continue to grow and prosper - and the leaders of the Democratic Party have stolen this from us this year. Instead of whining about how the other party stole the elections, they should be evaluating how they need to change to meet the needs of their folks and return this country to a more balanced system.

-- Steve Rausch, Norcross

(Editor's Note: Your letter tends to give me pause, Steve, since (note today's column), we tend to agree on your premise that we need two good, strong parties in Georgia. -eeb.)

NEWS
Congressman David Scott speaks Friday morning in Duluth

Congressman David Scott will speak Friday, November 19, at the Gwinentt Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Program. Congessman Scott represents the 13th District of Georgia, including part of the City of Atlanta and portions of 11 counties: Clayton, Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Rockdale, Henry, Newton, Walton, Fayette, Butts and Spalding.

The meeting is at 8 a.m. at the Gwinnett Chamber building, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. There is no charge to attend. For more information, please call: Alicia Krogh 770-232-8809.


Dacula tree lighting set for Monday, Nov. 29

The City of Dacula will hold its annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday, November 29, 2004 at 7 p,m. in downtown Dacula.

The Dacula Festival, the Dacula Centennial Commission and the Dacula Business Association have combined efforts for the Christmas Tree Lighting for 2004. The City will kickoff its Centennial Celebration during this affair.

Singing and caroling will be provided by the Dacula Elementary School Chorus, the Hebron Praise Group and Brass Ensemble and other groups. Mrs. Caroline Parr will be the featured soloist. Santa will be present for pictures.

The Dacula Business Association will be providing a snack table and free balloons for young folks. The Dacula Masonic Lodge will also provide hot chocolate and coffee for attendees.

Cub Scout Pack 530 will be lighting the 100 luminaries representing the kickoff of the City's Centennial Celebration that will continue through 2005. Commemorative tee shirts will be available for sale and advance copies of the Dacula's Centennial History may be ordered after the Tree Lighting.

Mayor Jimmy Wilbanks said, "The Christmas Tree Lighting is the City's gift to residents during the holiday season. Hometown events are important because they give us a sense of place. Every one is invited."

Duluth plans winter skating starting on Thanksgiving

Winter Wonderland in Downtown Duluth kicks off on Thanksgiving Day, November 25. Enjoy outdoor ice skating, a holiday arts and crafts festival, the 12 Days of Christmas with Manuel Covington and visit with Santa.

Ice Skating Rink Days are November 25-January 2, at the following times:

Mon-Thurs (School Days) - 3 p.m.-9p.m.
Friday (School Days) - 3 p.m.-11 p.m.
Mon-Fri (School Holidays) and Saturdays - 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sundays - NOON-6 p.m.
Thanksgiving Day-11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Christmas Eve - Closing at 6 p.m.
Christmas Day - Closed
New Year's Eve - Closing at 9 p.m.
New Year's Day - 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Cost is $8 per person including skates. Call 1-877-423-3836 for group rates or private rental.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION

• 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
11/16: Rep. Carl Vinson was respected, powerful Georgia native

Carl Vinson (1883-1981), recognized as "the father of the two-ocean navy," served 25 consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. When he retired in January 1965, he had served in Congress longer than anyone in history.

He also set the record for service as chair of a standing committee. He chaired the House Naval Affairs Committee for 16 years (1931-47) and its successor, the House Armed Services Committee, for 14 years (1949-53 and 1955-65). By concentrating on military affairs throughout his long career, Vinson became the foremost advocate of a strong national defense and the most powerful voice in Congress in shaping defense policies. His strong support of the navy earned him the nickname "the Admiral."

Although Vinson represented a landlocked district, he secured a seat on the Naval Affairs Committee in 1917. Convinced that increased spending for national defense was absolutely necessary, he believed this committee would provide a needed arena in which to present his views. He foresaw a growing role for both sea and air power.

A modest man of simple tastes, Vinson shunned the limelight and quietly did his duty. When Congress was in session, he lived in a modest six-room bungalow in Chevy Chase, Maryland; when it adjourned, he retreated to his 600-acre farm near Milledgeville. Unlike most of his congressional colleagues, he rarely traveled. He rarely set foot on an airplane or ship and never learned to drive a car.

Vinson asserted, "The most expensive thing in the world is a cheap Army and Navy." During the cold war he continued to stress the need for military preparedness, especially a buildup of strategic bombers. He rammed his views through Congress, often over the objections of the president. Indeed, throughout his career he tangled with presidents, cabinet members, and top brass, whittling pompous admirals and generals down to size. When he was rumored to be in line for appointment as secretary of defense, his standard rejection was, "I'd rather run the Pentagon from up here."

• To access the Georgia Encyclopedia, go to http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
  

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Keeping your eye on the ball of what is really important

"Being in politics is like being a football coach. You have to be smart enough to understand the game, and dumb enough to think it's important."

-- Former Minn. Senator Eugene McCarthy (1916 - ).

• Another invitation: What's your favorite saying? Share with others through GwinnettForum. Send to elliott@gwinnettforum.com.
  

MORE: Contact Gwinnett Forum at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com

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