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TODAY'S ISSUE
Georgia tobacco farmers are entering transitional year
By J. Michael Moore
Professor and Extension Agronomist, Tobacco
UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Special to GwinnettForum.com

MAY 6, 2005 -- About 1,000 farmers grew tobacco in Georgia last year. Half that many will plant the crop this year.

This year will certainly be a transition year for Georgia tobacco growers. Last fall, the federal government ended the tobacco quota program that began in the 1930s. Under the program, only a certain amount of tobacco could be grown each year in the United States. The program helped farmers receive consistent prices and guaranteed tobacco companies a supply.

Through a buyout, tobacco companies will pay about $10 billion in compensation to U.S. farmers over the next 10 years for the end of this program. It's something most farmers wanted.

The buyout and an uncertain future prompted most of the farmers who are leaving Georgia tobacco. Tobacco acreage will be down in Georgia this year, but not as much as previously thought. Last year, Georgia had 23,500 acres. This year, an estimated 20,000 acres will be planted in south-central Georgia, the traditional growing region.

The remaining farmers will now contract their crop directly with tobacco companies. Many have already been doing it for several years. The average price for tobacco last year was $1.85 per pound. Contracts this year are about 35 cents to 40 cents below that. This is close to the break-even level for many growers.

Under the contract system, tobacco companies will grade farmers on how good and how consistent their crops are each year. A farmer with poor grades may not get contracts in the future.

Georgia has historically had good-quality tobacco. But disease problems loom over the crop each year. The tomato spotted wilt virus has damaged as much as half the crop in recent years. Farmers go into each year thinking the virus will infect 20 to 30 percent of the crop.

To help farmers deal with the virus, UGA plant pathologist Paul Bertrand and I have released a TSWV management plan. It recommends certain chemicals, planting dates and other suggestions to help farmers deal with the disease.

Georgia farmers have begun to transplant small plants into fields. But finding these plants was a problem this year. Because of the uncertain future, several tobacco transplant growers didn't grow any. And orders for the ones that did were tight. Some farmers decided to try one more year to see what will happen and how well it will work.

Georgia tobacco is down, but not out. Tobacco companies were uncertain how big the U.S. crop would be in 2005. Many contracted with Brazilian farmers to ensure a supply this year.

But once the U.S. tobacco industry settles from this transition year, the companies may want a more stable supply closer to home and increase contracts with U.S. farmers.

ELLIOTT BRACK
Jennifer Wilbanks doesn't owe media a single interview
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com

MAY 6, 2005 -- The public, fed by a media that didn't have anything much happening last week, is intoxicated with questions for Jennifer Wilbanks and John Mason.

And even in the face of not knowing much of what is going on, the public is "demanding" that Jennifer Wilbanks appear in public.

Even Jennifer's own attorney admits that she had a "emotional problem," yet the public craves blood. The public also seems to think that it "has a right" to this blood, to know more sordid details of "what happened."

That's not the exactly the case. There is no law that says Jennifer has to pay any attention whatsoever to "the public." Legally, that is.

Some might argue that Jennifer pushed herself into the arena of "Public figure," and that is perhaps true. After all, had she not scatted from Atlanta, few people outside of Duluth would have known about her wedding and 14 attendants. Certainly CNN and other media would not have come calling. And if others write unkindly of her, she can't complain, for she brought this media attention upon herself.

But even though she caused her picture to be (as a runaway) in many of the media of the country, still she has no obligation to talk to the public. After all, she is not:

Not only that, but having Miss Wilbanks go before the media could very easily be destructive to her. For the media will ask untold questions and make inferences that could be devastating to her emotional health.

She is a private citizen who got her 15 minutes (really four days) of fame, though she might not have wanted it. But she doesn't owe the public one red cent, although some want her to help pay for her deception of having a public manhunt for her. She might help her case by giving law enforcement and searchers a personal apology.

Years ago, about 1964, another young lady found herself in the public eye, as the result of an abduction. You may remember Barbara Mackle, the Emory co-ed who was buried in a coffin-like box for four nights and three days in then yet undeveloped Gwinnett, near Berkeley Lake.

Once rescued, Miss Mackle to this day has never said anything, never made a public appearance, never written a book nor given the first interview, about her ordeal. Yes, it was involuntary, where Miss Wilbanks was a very voluntary, if troubled, move. We've always admired Barbara Mackle for not allowing the public and media to make a spectacle of her.

We would just as soon Jennifer Wilbanks say nothing more (than perhaps a written statement, which we understands she is contemplating.) We hope she never goes on any talk shows (like her fiancée did), we hope she never writes her own account of what happened. It's not our business.

We only hope that she regains her former private life, and that should she ever marry, it be in some remote spot away from TV cameras, and even away from 14 bridesmaids. We don't want her to be "raw meat" for a continued media circus.

The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today's sponsor is The Peachtree Bank, located at 9570 Medlock Bridge Road. Duluth. The bank also has locations at 185 Gwinnett Drive, Lawrenceville, in Roswell is located at 695 Mansell Road,and 1725 Mount Vernon Rd. in Dunwoody. Monty Watson is president of the bank, which has assets of over $352 million. Member, FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Go to The Peachtree Bank web site at : http://www.thepeachtreebank.com.

As a concerned citizen, that encounters 7-10 traffic signals daily during my work commute in Gwinnett County, I wholeheartedly am in favor of the red-light cameras. I see no less than five people run red lights each day.

Drivers who turn left on red are the biggest offenders that I typically encounter. This is totally crazy to me since the driver usually has a protected left turn during the next signal cycle (just too impatient to wait that two minutes). This total disregard for others at the intersections causes frustration for all. If the cameras will help eliminate their desire to do this by potentially impacting their pocket, so be it. These same people would not make this movement if a police officer was sitting at the intersection.

Breaking the law is breaking the law --- the arresting officer is just a video cop. Traffic signals are a traffic control device. The public, by running red lights, are exhibiting that we are out of control and above the law. If these cameras generate extra income then maybe it will go to add more police personnel so that they can be there to write the ticket in person in the future. For the suggested instances where a driver successfully stopped but across the invisible line, I think these cases can be successfully presented in court.

I find the continued threats to both North Korea and Venezuela a continuation of the previous administration's new policy of pre-emptive warfare or at least the posturing and threatened use of it.

I would like to go on record as saying that this policy of pre-emptive warfare is itself criminal, regardless of what men claim the law allows or does not allow. It flies in the face of all international law which this administration seems to choose to use only to enforce upon other nations which do not follow our bidding.
If international law is to be disdained then fine. But how then can we impose it on others while ignoring it ourselves?

We live on one planet but we do not live as one race or one people yet. Jesus himself said that we should love our enemies. All I would ask is that you ensure the world that the United States will not use nuclear weapons in any pre-emptive fashion. You should be in the position of reassuring the world that the one nation capable of destroying the planet by itself means not to do so. Any use of nuclear weapons in pre-emptive form can only be the act of a rogue nation, superpower or no superpower.

Please stop threatening other nations, until you have done something tangible to stop the killing in Darfur. Please do not tell me a twice popularly elected president in Venezuela is a threat to my safety in Gwinnett County, Ga., or Iran or North Korea also pose some imminent threat, until you stop the genocide in Darfur.

President Bush speaks about a "Culture of Life" yet he allows genocide to continue unabated without any real honest effort to stop it, just as President Clinton did in Rwanda. In a culture of life there is no explanation for allowing genocide to occur yet again.

How many times will we say 'never again' only to watch it all over again? I ask you to reflect upon what Jesus would do in a "Culture of Life" before taking any actions which would further destroy any other nation or people in representation of this American Patriot.

Let it not be forgotten that over 3,000 Americans lost their lives on 11 September 2001. How many more have to die each day in the world before we learn to coexist peacefully the way Jesus and many others have tried to teach us to do? I ask you once again, Dr. Rice, to publicly denounce the use of nuclear weapons against any nation or people. Pre-emptive war is a policy devoid of any turning the cheek and devoid of anything Christian or Christ-like. A culture of life is Christian; pre-emptive war is killing; killing is breaking the Commandment that says "Thou shalt not kill". It seems fairly simple.

In December of 2004, I had occasion to meet with someone who worked in the District Attorney's Office in California. She informed me that California had a law on the books for about seven years that required the perpetrators of serious crimes against children, such as molestation, to pay for the victim's medical and counseling care.

Within a week, I was able to obtain a meeting with Sen. Renee Unterman, a woman who like myself had a heart for those who could not protect themselves. Within 60 days the proposed law was in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which quickly unanimously agreed to its passage. From there the bill went to the Senate Floor where it also passed 47-1.

Our next stop was the Georgia House where unfortunately the law got stuck. During this time and since I continually contacted and lobbied Governor Perdue's office and I thought that those contacts were falling on deaf ears. Boy, was I soon to be surprised.

To begin the 2005 Legislative Session, Governor Perdue sponsored the Crime Victim Restitutions Act of 2005, which set up a procedure for notification, and reimbursement of the victim's medical and counseling expenses. Then 86 percent of the Legislature voted in favor of the bill, which the Governor signed on April 11. It will become law on July 1, 2005.

Together we can all make a difference in this world. Dare to attempt something so great that it will not fail!

-- John Dillard, Duluth

The weekend of May 13-15 will culminate five months of praise as the Hopewell Baptist Church family in the greater metro Atlanta community celebrates Dr. William L. Sheals, who marks 25 years as senior pastor of the church.

On May 13th, a banquet and gala will be held at the Gwinnett Civic Center. Special guests for the evening include Five Men on A Stool and gospel vocalist Darlene McCoy. Morgan Dukes of the Sheridan Gospel Network will serve as mistress of ceremonies.

The celebration climaxes with a praise and worship celebration on Sunday, May 15 at 10 a. m. at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. The special guest speaker will be Bishop Paul S. Morton of Greater St. Steven Full Gospel Baptist Church, New Orleans, La. Music will be provided by guest psalmist Stephen Hurd and the Hopewell Music and Arts Ministry. The Master of Ceremonies for this event will be Larry Young of radio station Praise 1040 AM.

Dr. Sheals has been the senior pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church in Norcross since April, 1980. Under his leadership, Hopewell has grown from 200 to nearly 18,000 members. It has over 60 ministries and auxiliaries. The 32 acre complex, called "The City of Hope", includes a 500 member youth church, credit union, an adult fitness center, senior citizens center, mall, child development center and an on-site Bible College. The church's Christian Academy has Pre-K through 12th grade, with 289 students.

Dr. Sheals received his business degree from New York University. His theological degrees are from Florida Memorial Seminary and the International Bible College, with studies at Luther Rice Seminary, International Theological Center, Morehouse and the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He has recently honored with a Doctorate of Divinity degree from St. Thomas Christian College, Jacksonville, Fla.

Dr. Sheals has been cited extensively for his civic leadership and service, including most recently being named the 2002 Ambassador of Reconciliation and Goodwill of Israel and 2003 Friend of Israel Award, Israel Diplomatic Network from the Southeast Office of the Consulate General in Atlanta.

"I hope this isn't overkill and the readers won't say "Who is this guy!", but I just finished a book I want to comment on.

"The book, Flight of Passage, by Rinker Buck, (that is his name!) is about two teenagers from New Jersey who flew a Piper Cub from their home to California, and I mean Los Angeles! They also flew the Cub back to New Jersey, varying their route on return.

"All this cross-country flying was done with only a magnetic compass to guide them! They did not even have a radio for navigation. The pilot in command was a 17 year old with a private license. His brother, Rinker, was the navigator.

I was interested in the book because I am a pilot, commercial license, who doesn't fly any more. Highly recommend it."

-- David Earl Tyre, Jesup

ENCYCLOPEDIA TIDBIT
5/6: Macon's Little Richard goes through many ups and downs

Little Richard declares himself "the innovator and the architect of rock and roll." In the mid-1950s, his wildly energetic rhythm-and-blues records crossed over to the pop charts and made him one of the first rock stars. His pounding piano, screaming vocals, and exuberant, uninhibited stage persona have been emulated but rarely matched by several generations of rock musicians.

Born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon on December 5, 1932, Little Richard was one of 12 children. His father, Bud, worked as a brickmason, sold moonshine, and operated a juke joint called the Tip In Inn. Despite the business interests of Penniman's father, the family was deeply involved in the church. Penniman first performed in a family gospel group that often competed against other quartets in local contests. By the age of 15 he was performing with a minstrel show and had adopted the stage name, "Little Richard."

He soon gravitated to Atlanta. WGST disc jockey Zenas Sears helped Little Richard secure a record contract with RCA, and at age 18 he had his first recording session.

Little Richard's music career came to a halt after his father was murdered. To support his family, he took a job washing dishes at a Greyhound bus station in Macon. Eventually, he was back on stage with a new band, the Upsetters. In September 1955 Little Richard met Bumps Blackwell of Speciality Records for a recording session, in New Orleans. Blackwell was puzzled by the discrepancy between Little Richard's flamboyant appearance-his six-inch-high pompadour, eyeliner, and loud clothes-and his low-key singing. The frustrated producer called a lunch break, during which Little Richard began clowning around at the piano, energetically singing and shouting. Blackwell instructed Little Richard to repeat this performance once the session resumed, which resulted in the song "Tutti Frutti."

In 1956 "Tutti Frutti" made it to number two on the rhythm-and-blues chart and, surprisingly, number 17 on the pop chart. The song's explosive rhythm, powerful vocals, and crazy humor set the pattern for an eighteen-month run of hits. "Slippin' and Slidin' (Peepin' and Hidin')," "Long Tall Sally," "Ready Teddy," "Rip It Up," "Lucille," and "Keep a Knockin'" were all crossover successes, and his live shows and movie appearances established Little Richard as the wildest of the rock pioneers.

Further hit recordings eluded Little Richard, but throughout the 1960s and 1970s he regained momentum as a live performer, starring on rock-and-roll-revival bills, selling out shows in Las Vegas, and making television appearances. Following a period of drug abuse, he turned again to the church and became a preacher and Bible salesman. In 1984 the publication of a startlingly frank biography of him prompted yet another musical comeback.

Little Richard was among the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. In 1993 he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and performed at U.S. president Bill Clinton's inaugural gala, having seemingly reconciled his religious beliefs with his love of rock and roll.

-- Harvey Mackay, nationally syndicated columnist and author, via Cindy Evans, Duluth

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