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TODAY'S
ISSUE
Fix the issues surrounding
the problem; don't fix the cat
By
Vally Sharpe
Special to GwinnettForum.com
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CORRECTION
Notre Dame Academy open house set on a
Thursday night
Tuesday's story on the new Notre Dame Academy has an incorrect
date for an upcoming Open House. The date should have been
Thursday, April 14, at the site where the school will open
this fall, at 4635 River Green Parkway.
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MARCH 18, 2005 -- I was reading Georgia
Clips last week when to my chagrin, I read that our governor,
a former veterinarian, had publicly neutered his own dog, reportedly
as a publicity stunt for the Atlanta Humane Society. Then I read
this morning about the "usual suspects" in our legislature
who seem unable to act like adults and find compromises on volatile
pieces of legislation that should never have been legislation in
the first place.
I might not have been so disturbed, especially about the first
item, except that AHS is the same organization that once declined
to sell my book, Simon Says: Views from a Higher Perspective, in
one of their fund-raisers. The reason proffered was some vague statement
that there had been a ³disagreement² among staff members
about one of the stories in the book. Oddly enough, the name of
the story is "On Neutering."
You see, the book was written by my cat, Simon, but it is not about
cats. It's 26 stories about the actions of people seen from a fresh
pair of eyes. Something, I might add, that we are in dire need of.
Each of the stories ends with a summary statement by the cat intended
to make us think, for a moment, about the things we do every day
without consideration of their impact on ourselves and each other.
One of the others, for instance, is about facing our fears. It ends,
"If you slap a big dog on the nose, you may find out he's not
as big a dog as you thought he was."
I'm still not sure what fired the "disagreement" about
the "On Neutering" story. Surely no one thought it suggested
we not neuter our pets. I suspect that it had to do with the fact
that Simon pontificates on the fact that he didn't get asked about
his feelings on the "dreaded operation," giving rise to
a discussion of the battle between the pro-choice and pro-life advocates.
If that is true, the decision to reject my book proves the point
Simon and I were attempting to make. No one was willing to sit down
and talk in an adult manner about all of the issues involved. Instead,
they pretended the book didn't exist‹that there could be no
other "side" than the one a particular reader was on.
For a representative democracy to function as it should, we must
have adults in our legislatures, adults mature enough not to waste
time with bills aimed at renaming fried potatoes or fixing things
that aren't "broke"like the Department of Motor Vehicle
Safety. Give some of that public money to smaller counties to get
them online like we did in Gwinnett. My friends haven't stood in
a line to get their tags in quite some time.
I hope someone will soon be courageous enough to take a step back
and look at our issues from a different perspective, a higher and
broader one, where there's a chance to see real solutions instead
of petty partisan paybacks.
It's just as Einstein said…the definition of insanity is continuing
to do the same things over and over and expecting a different result.
Dr. Perdue and company, try doing what Simon said. Fix the reasons
for unplanned kittens and you won't have to "fix" the
cat.
****
AN ASIDE: I recently bought Deepak Chopra's Peace is
the Way, and am once again moved by his wisdom. A substantial
example of the effect of "being" peace in this world was
Ashley Smith's response to Brian Nichols. She disabled violence
by revealing herself and loved him by feeding him, a most intimate
act. You know the rest. If we could all be as courageous in choosing
peace as our way, just imagine what the world would be like.
ELLIOTT
BRACK
Can
you identify some virtually useless traffic signals?
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
MARCH 18, 2005 -- Does it appear to you that we have more traffic
lights on Gwinnett roadways than necessary? Put it another way:
can you identify some traffic signals that you consider useless?
We suspect most of you can do this. So, where are these signals?
Now let's set the parameters: we recognize up front that there
are some roadways where traffic signals are needed primarily at
rush hours, when people are arriving at work, going to lunch and
leaving from work.
Taking the signals above into consideration, do you still have
areas where it appears that traffic lights are more nuisance than
helpful?
Let's go about it this way: e-mail me one or two signals you question.
This way people from all across the county can participate, and
we'll compile a list of these intersections where it appears traffic
might flow just as well without the signals.
We can think of one or two questionable intersections right off
the bat.
And yes, there are a lot of traffic signals in Gwinnett. So far
595 intersections have lights, or have been authorized. And when
you consider that to install traffic signals at the most mundane
level will cost $50,000Š.well, the zeros keep mounting. Some
intersection signal installation cost $100,000!
There are national criteria used in determining where signals should
be installed. But sometimes..we neophytes find these installations
hard to understand.
Where do you think you see underused signals?
* * * * *
CRAZY: it is outlandish to even consider that the $60,000
reward money for the capture of shooting-spree suspect Brian Nichols
would not be paid to Ashley Smith of Gwinnett.
Put it this way: since various governmental units put up a reward
for information leading to the capture of Nichols, who else might
quality for the reward? We question whether any one else even could
be considered.
And not only did Ms. Smith tell police where the suspect was (and
they had no idea), she even got the suspect to surrender, rather
than causing havoc in a shoot-out with police. That alone is enough
to qualify her for heroine's pay, much less question whether she
should get the $60,000 reward.
What we're talking about is credibility of rewards. If Ms. Smith
did not get this reward in this clear-cut case, any reward of the
future would be questioned.
Pay up, and do so immediately. She deserves it.
* * * * *
NEW INFO: Driving and talking on cell phones is a dangerous
combination. Now we learn that it's worse than we think. A new study
tells us that young adults have the same reaction time when they
are talking on their cell phones as 70-year old adults who are NOT
using a cell phone. (MSNBC.)
Researchers found that talking on cell phones while driving dramatically
slows reaction times and is the leading cause for increases in accidents
and traffic jams.
Drivers talking on cell phones were 18 percent slower reacting
to brake lights but kept a 12 percent greater following distance.
However, they also took 17 percent longer to regain speed lost after
braking, which hinders the overall flow of traffic.
We have recognized for years that driving and drinking didn't mix.
Now we are beginning to learn the dangers of driving and dialing!
ABOUT OUR SPONSORS
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public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com
to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is Graphic Communications
Corporation of Lawrenceville, a dynamic full-service print,
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The firm has a digital media and graphic design department for both
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and reproduces interactive CD's. Graphic Communications' biggest
strength is its ability to meet tight deadlines along with the ever-present
demands for high quality and attention to detail. This ability makes
the printing process seamless for its clients. Three of our greatest
competitive advantages are: 1) listening, 2) being organized for
speed, and 3) being detail fanatics. All of its associates are committed
to giving customers exactly what they want, when they want it. Simply,
at Graphic Communications, the customer's needs are the driving
forces behind everything it does, from investment in technology
to the friendly voices that still answer the telephone. For more
information, go to http://www.gccprint.com.
For a list of other sponsors of this forum, go to: http://www.gwinnettforum.com/about/sponsors.htm.
McLEMORE'S
WORLD
3/18: Baseball on Capital Hill
Another great cartoon from Bill McLemore:
FEEDBACK
3/18: Two years, many killed in Iraq, and
peace around the corner?
Editor, the Forum:
This Saturday will mark two years since the bombs started falling
in Iraq. More than 1,516 American troops have been killed, and over
11,220 have been seriously injured. Tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians
have died, and millions are without electricity or running water.
The Bush Administration wants us to believe that a stable peace
is around the corner. Most realists see years of chaos and violence
ahead.
-- Ralph Greene, Snellville
3/18:
Wants more links in postings from readers
Editor, the Forum:
Thanks for providing such great content week after week in the
GwinnettForum. It's a terrific read.
I do have a request, though. I'd love to see more links to sources
for more information about the articles you post. For example, I'm
very interested in the opportunities for adult education because
I am the leader of a women's class at our church that has many moms
who would like to be able to add to the family income. I've been
gathering resources to pass on to them. If the recent Vollmer article
had a set of links to the different education resources mentioned
in the article, and to the Commission for a New Georgia, etc., I'd
click through and bookmark those sites so that I can later send
out an e-mail to my list with those links. So including lots of
links could really help get the word out.
This feature (embedded links) is one I'm really benefiting from
with the blogs I've begun to follow in recent months. One of my
recent favorites is found at www.msnbc.com
- click on "blogs" in the navigation bar on the left,
then look for "My name is Will. This is what I clicked"
-- or you can go right there at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6409077/.
This is a blogger who reports on what's happening in the blogosphere.
He's got quite an eclectic range of topics every day.
So thanks again, keep up the excellent journalism, and please gimme
more links!
-- Ruth Holleman, Berkeley Lake
Dear Ruth: good ideas for more links. That one
on the Commission for a New Georgia is at http://www.gov.state.ga.us/commission_newga.shtml
.--- eeb
CALENDAR
Duluth rail museum will dedicate wall of honor
on April 2
The Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia's Official Transportation
History Museum, will dedicate its Transportation History Wall of
Honor at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 2. A reception will follow.
The Wall of Honor is located inside building one at the Southeastern
Railway museum outside of the audio visual room. It will be seen
by thousands of visitors every year.
The Museum is establishing this Wall of Honor, to be dedicated
to the men and women who built, operated, and maintained the transportation
systems that have made this country prosper, and those who have
helped preserve the history of transportation
You can still become a wall of Honor sponsor. If you have friends
who have relatives who were part of transportation history, tell
them about the Wall of Honor and encourage them to become sponsors
in our mission to preserve, and display transportation history.
The museum is totally operated by volunteers dedicated to preserving
our transportation heritage. It receives no state nor other government
funding.
Annandale at Suwanee
planning 12th annual Jazzy Cajun soon
The aroma of down home Cajun cooking tickles your nose as crawfish
dangle in nets welcoming you into the swamp. A canopy of white lights
and Spanish moss covered limbs stretch overhead enticing you to
step into…Annandale's Jazzy Thing. You will feel like you just
entered a little piece of Louisiana as you listen and dance to music
by Zydeco T, and enjoy savory Cajun cooking provided by authentic
Cajun cooks straight from the Louisiana Bayou.
The event is the 12th annual Jazzy Cajun, which will be held on
Saturday April 23, starting at 6 p.m. in Suwanee. Proceeds will
benefit Annandale Village.
The food alone is enough to bring you to the event, but there is
so much more to this experience. You have to visit the Cajun Bazaar!
Spicy Bites booths provide hors d'oeuvres to tide you over until
the buffets open. Don't forget to visit the casino complete with
Black Jack, Craps, Roulette and new this year, Texas Hold 'em.
The next stop on this stroll through the Louisiana swampland is
the silent auction where you can bid on items from jewelry to memorabilia
to one of a kind finds. There are also raffles, door prizes, and
much, much more!
Incorporated as a private nonprofit organization 35 years ago,
Annandale Village is licensed to serve up to 124 clients in a residential
setting while also offering day programming through our State Certified
Programs Department. Annandale has also recently opened a skilled
nursing facility on the Annandale campus to ensure continued quality
care.
For more information or to order tickets, call Brandi Russell at
678-546-9725.
Congressmen seeking applicants for House page program
Georgia Congressmen are accepting applications for the 2005 summer
session of the Congressional Page program. The Congressional Page
Program gives participants the opportunity to meet students from
around the U.S., attend special classes and seminars at the Page
School, and serve the country's leaders while working in the House
of Representatives.
To be eligible for the summer program, applicants must:
* Fill out an application form provided by their representative's
office.
* Be 16 years of age at the time of their appointment;
* Have a "B" average or better; and
* Be willing to serve as a Page for one month during the summer
before or after their junior year of high school.
An official transcript is required to verify the cumulative grade
point average of "B" or better in major courses. Only
grades in the following subject areas will be included in the GPA
tally: English, science, mathematics, social studies, and foreign
language. In addition to the application form and transcript, the
following items are required:
* A signed parental consent form;
* The applicant's Social Security number;
* A 50-100 word essay on why you want to become a Page;
* A resume of extra-curricular activities;
* Three letters of recommendation; and
* A letter of support from the sponsoring Member of Congress.
The first summer session will last from June 13 to July 1, and
the second session will begin July 11 and conclude on July 29.
RECOMMENDED
READ
- An invitation: What Web sites or books have you enjoyed?
Send us your best recent read along with a short paragraph as
to why you liked it, plus what book you plan to read next. --eeb
ENCYCLOPEDIA
TIDBIT
3/18: Warm Springs
in public eye since Roosevelt's days there
Between 1933 and 1945 the eyes of the nation often focused on Warm
Springs, where U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (pictured
below) maintained a residence. After discovering in the fall
of 1924 that the southern Meriwether County springs eased his polio
symptoms, Roosevelt built a treatment center for polio victims there
as well as a residence that later became known as the Little White
House. He died at Warm Springs on April 12, 1945. Since then the
Little White House has served as a memorial for the 32nd president,
and Warm Springs has returned to its pre-Roosevelt status as a quiet
southern village.
 Located
sixty miles south of Atlanta, Warm Springs grew up around natural
springs with 88-degree (Fahrenheit) water that flows at a rate of
approximately 914 gallons per minute year round. The resort, which
dates back to 1832, brought prosperity to the neighboring village.
When Roosevelt became governor of New York in 1929, and particularly
when he was elected president in 1932, Warm Springs entered a new
era. Whenever Roosevelt arrived or departed, large crowds of local
citizens and tourists assembled to greet him. To accommodate the
recurring flood of visitors a new airport, Roosevelt Field, was
built just north of town. The polio treatment center, known as the
Georgia Warm Springs Foundation (later the Roosevelt Warm Springs
Institute for Rehabilitation) underwent extensive growth.
During World War II Roosevelt had little time to visit Warm Springs,
but in March 1945, near the beginning of his fourth term, he arrived
for an extended stay. Although he looked haggard, he appeared to
benefit from the rest. On the afternoon of April 12, however, as
local leaders were preparing a barbecue and patients at Warm Springs
were readying a special performance, townspeople were shocked to
learn that Roosevelt had died. Eleanor Roosevelt immediately flew
to Warm Springs to accompany her husband's body back to Washington,
D.C., and thence to Hyde Park, New York. The cortege, with a large
military honor guard, traveled past the Foundation to the Warm Springs
depot, where the president's coffin was placed on a train for the
journey north.
Since 1948 the Little White House has been open to the public under
the management of the Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites Division
of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The National Park
Service declared the house as well as the Warm Springs historic
district a National Historic Landmark in 1980. Although the warm
public pools closed soon after Roosevelt's death, visitors can dip
their hands in a fountain fed by the famous springs.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Why Will Rogers thought
being a humorist was easy
"It's easy to be a humorist when you've got the whole government
working for you."
--Will Rogers, via Roy McCreary, Dacula.
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