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Issue 9.65 | Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 | Forward to your friends! |
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McLEMORE'S
WORLD ARCHIVE FEEDBACK UPCOMING NOTABLE ALSO INSIDE _::
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Meet a sponsor
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ABOUT US GwinnettForum.com is a twice-weekly online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA. Contact us today. SEARCH GWINNETT FORUM |
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TODAY'S
FOCUS
DAVIDSON, N.C., Nov. 13, 2009 -- What kind of place do you want the South to be in 2020? That thought-provoking question was the subject which brought together more than 30 planners, politicians, academics and journalists your humble scribe included for a conference at Davidson College this past weekend by the Center for a Better South.
The Center for a Better South is the grandchild of the LQC Lamar Society, which was founded in 1969 by a group of young Southern leaders, including former Mississippi Gov. William Winter, former North Carolina Sen. Terry Sanford, Alabama publisher H. Brandt Ayers and Mississippi writer Willie Morris, to forge a vision for a post-segregation South that would, as Sanford once put it, "avoid making Northern mistakes in a Southern setting." Proposing an agenda for the region 40 years ago took more courage than it does today, but arguably it has never been harder, in what the center's president, Andy Brack of Charleston, S.C., described as "increasingly partisan and media-saturated world of small sound bites for big problems." Take education, which has been at the top of every progressive list of improvements for decades. These days there are both liberal and conservative strategies for improving education, and sometimes they are even in agreement. Witness the praise for the Obama Administration's efforts by Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue at a recent one-day session in Atlanta. But many of the fundamental problems the South faces remain, even as the standard for improvement rises steadily higher. The conferees at last weekend's session didn't break the mold on this subject, but reshaped it somewhat by setting a goal which addresses economic development and education simultaneously. It was an attempt to look at an old problem in a 21st Century way.
Like all good agenda-setting enterprises, this one is an ongoing process. What the group hopes to do is further refine its goals and present them as a starting point for debate and problem-solving to those who make policy and laws across the region. Ayers, in a luncheon speech Saturday, spoke wistfully of how the history of progressive movements in the South has been in many ways a series of burned-out volcanoes, with each successive effort falling short of the ambitions that sparked it. But it's good in any case to initiate a discussion. As part of the agenda-setting exercise, we were asked to list what we liked and disliked about the South. It was striking, I thought, how similar the answers were. I'd listed "narrative ability," a quality I thought would take a lot of explaining, but someone else named "story-telling" as something they liked about the South. Within
this group, it wasn't necessary to explain too much why this quality was
positive and vital. Southerners like to tell a story. We just have to
work harder at figuring out what the story is going to be. EEB
PERSPECTIVE NOV. 13, 2009 -- Oh, how we miss Senator William Proxmire of Wisconsin! The 30-year Senate veteran kept us aware of the outrageous within government as he pierced the cloud of audacity in government spending.
You may remember his annual Golden Fleece awards, as he "publicized outlandish government spending, bureaucratic wastage or money misused in the case of self-advancement." Proxmire, the chairman of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, did not suffer fools easily, and pointed out waste like doormats that cost the U.S. Navy $792 each. Now comes a proposal we are sure would have grabbed the Senator's attention. For a Michigan Congressman, Thaddeus McCotter, has proposed H. R. 3501, dubbed the "Happy Act," or officially "The Humanity and Pets Partnered through the Years" bill. Simply put, it would change the tax code to allow pet owners to get a tax deduction for pet care expenses of up to $3,500 annually. This would include such expenses as veterinary care. How preposterous!
Granted, we realize that 63 percent of Americans own pets of one sort or another, and that such animals are loved by their owners. We also recognize that pets have a positive effect on people, even including heir physical well-being. But a tax break for those with pets? Come on! It's another example of many members of Congress going batty! Some people back in Michigan are not all that happy about this proposal. One group called it a "tax break for the rich wrapped in puppy fur." After all, The Irregular Times blog says: "Finding new ways for rich people to write off their lavish spending does not fit with the times, not unless your district includes the highly affluent towns northwest of Detroit and your name is Thaddeus McCotter." Polipundit.Com (Elections And Politics With A Conservative Bent) called McCotter's bill a "Republican health care plan." Of course, those involved in the pet care business would love Rep. McCotter's bill. But even Nancy Perry, vice president of government affairs at the Humane Society of the United States, thinks of it as part of the overall health care debate. "It's a human health issue to ensure that pets are provided with better care because of the role they play in our families."
What this means is that outrageous as the bill seems, it really is viewed by some people as part of the health care debate. And while we respect the benefit that animals can have on people, especially those older and living alone, we still think this is a ludicrous bill, mere headline-grabbing by a Congressman in trouble with his electorate. (The Congressional district is a likely battleground in 2010, because of McCotter's relatively poor showing against under-funded opponents.) In the absence of Senator Proxmire being around, we would recognize the Rep. McCotter for wasting the time of the Congress as another example of ridiculousness in government, and a clear example of a possible winner of the Golden Fleece Award.
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. For over 60 years, WIKA Instrument Corporation (WIKA) has continued to globally advance pressure gauge, sensor and temperature instrumentation technology and applications. In the United States, WIKA's operation utilizes state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and highly automated proprietary production equipment in its nearly quarter-million-square-foot facility in the metro Atlanta suburb of Lawrenceville, Ga. As the industry leader in lean manufacturing, WIKA offers a wide variety of stock and customized instrumentation solutions for critical applications that often are distributed within days. The WIKA customer service department recently earned the Operational Excellence Award for Leadership from one of North America's leading distributors of industrial maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts. Producing over 40 million gauges, diaphragm seals, transmitters, and thermometers worldwide annually, WIKA has the most extensive product line in the industry. More: WIKA. McLEMORE'S
WORLD ARCHIVE
FEEDBACK These past few weeks I have experienced having three of my Facebook postings being, either immediately removed or within several minutes, due to speaking out on certain subjects. I have just reviewed my home page and none of what is below is being allowed on Facebook.
One dealt with the 'religious Halloween holiday' as it gives homage to witches and warlocks--something we do not "think" about! One was about Thanksgiving and how while I was growing up in the 50's, our public schools did hold Thanksgiving Plays with the Pilgrims--who were asked by the Indians to explain why they bowed their heads and to whom they were giving thanks to, These were part of the plays performed. Once in November in the late '80's, I was substituting a fourth grade class and said that it must have been uncomfortable for the Pilgrims crossing over on the Mayflower. The students gave me a blank look. I asked if they knew what the Mayflower was and one boy said it moved his family to Lilburn! It IS OKAY to teach/talk about the Pilgrims! The other item removed from Facebook was a video in which President Obama states that he is a Muslim and in which he defends Islam with many quotes from the Koran. These types of censorship take place in countries that do not have freedom of the press. Therefore, I am greatly alarmed about what is taking place in OUR country, which does have a religious foundation, and where we are supposed to have freedom of the press! * * * * UPDATE: Then on November 11 (Veteran's Day), I have had two more Facebook entries removed! They deal with Veteran's Day and a link of "The History of Veteran's Day" which has what President Eisenhower said when he stated "...in the year of our Lord." Well, so much for 'Freedom of the Press' for this citizen on Facebook! I have read some comments with vulgar language...but, apparently, for myself, if it deals with anything having to do with our country/government/Christian related, it gets taken off! The posting w/video that I sent about President Obama was removed. This is not 'change' I'm liking to take place in our country!!
UPCOMING Residents of the Norcross area will join in statewide efforts at improving stream quality with a clean-up of an un-named tributary of Crooked Creek on Saturday, November 14, from 9 a.m. until noon. The group will meet on Longview Drive to start the clean up at the city-owned Ruby Fickling Pond. The work will end where the creek crosses Holcomb Bridge Road. Volunteers need to be prepared to get wet and dirty on this thickly wooded property that includes "Lovers Leap" at Doc's Creek, a dirt dam, rocky bottoms, cool running water, and Ruby Pond. Boots, waterproof or sturdy shoes, hip waders, or galoshes are strongly encouraged. For additional information call 404-229-7077. Author to sign new book at Snellville book shop Local author Haywood Smith will be signing her new book, Ladies of the Lake, on Saturday, November 14, at Books for Less in Snellville. The meeting will be in the coffee shop, where teas, coffee and treats will be available. Chorus seeking men who want to sing barbershop style Men of all ages who like to sing are invited to the Stone Mountain Chorus' guest night on Monday, November 16 at 7:30 pm, at the Hudgens Center for the Performing Arts at the Gwinnett Civic Center. It's part of "You Can Sing Too," a North American recruitment campaign by the Barbershop Harmony Society of which The Stone Mountain Chorus is a chapter in the Atlanta area. There is no charge for the event. Chorus member Mike Walsh says: "You don't have to have a terrific voice or even know how to read music. The only requirement is that you enjoy singing, fun and fellowship - and, this is a great hobby for fathers and sons to share." Guests
will be invited to join in singing harmony, and refreshments will also
be served . Wilbanks to give State of School System talk on Nov. 18
Gwinnett
School Superintendent Alvin Wilbanks will give the annual state of the
school system address and discuss the importance of working together to
become a world-class school system at a meeting of Gwinnett Chamber of
Commerce. The event is Wednesday, November 18, at noon at the Gwinnett
Place Marriott Hotel. The Gwinnett public schools provide an instructional program that is based on achieving world-class standards. Participants will learn more about how Superintendent Wilbanks and GCPS are preparing our future workforce. Cost is $45 for members and $55 for non-members. Advanced registration is required. RSVP to Melissa Britt at 678-957-4958 or melissa@gwinnettchamber.com. Snellville theatre group to present month of A Christmas Carol
New London Theatre will present "A Christmas Carol" opening on November 20 through December 20. This year's production will feature evening productions with a full cast and matinee productions with an all children's cast. "A Christmas Carol" is being produced by Teagan Eley and directed by Dawn Berlo. For show times and information about this and future performances, future auditions, ticket purchases, volunteering, or donations, please visit www.newlondontheatre.org or call 770.559.1484. Tickets are $10in advance, $12 on the day of the show, and $8 for children and students with ID. New Alliance Theatre show features former Gwinnettian The Second City is back at the Alliance Theatre after a sold-out 2008 run! The hit comedy team from Chicago will skewer Atlanta's favorite sacred cows and pink pigs. "The Second City: Peach Drop, Stop and Roll" is a World Premiere sketch comedy revue-the Alliance's newest gift to Atlanta---complete with giant belly laughs.
Matt Hovde returns to the Alliance to direct this two-act satire transforming the Hertz Stage into an underground comedy cabaret as he did for the hit 2008 production. Tickets are available at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office by calling 404-733-5000 or online at www.alliancetheatre.org. Of the six-member cast, three local improv and sketch comedy favorites add to the Atlanta-centric nature of the show: Amy Roeder (returning from the 2008 show), Amber Nash (who once lived in Gwinnett) and Steve Westdahl. Members of the artistic team that will bring this hilarious show to the stage are Matt Hovde, director, and Lisa McQueen, musical director. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Nov. 6 - Dec. 13, 2009 on the Hertz Stage. There will not be a 2:30 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Nov. 7. The Sunday, Dec. 6 show at 2:30 p.m. will be Audio Described for the visually impaired. The Alliance Theatre is located at the Woodruff Arts Center, corner of Peachtree and 15th Street, in Midtown Atlanta. NOTABLE Jackson
Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) Gwinnett District Manager Roger
Willis will retire at the end of 2009 following 31 years of service with
the cooperative. Randy Dellinger, senior commercial and industrial marketing
representative in the Gwinnett District, has been selected to succeed
Willis.
Jackson
EMC President and CEO Randall Pugh says: "Roger has played a singular
role in our cooperative, having led our Gwinnett operations as the county
moved through a period of incredible growth and change. Over the years,
he has played a vital role in the Gwinnett community, increasing the cooperative's
visibility and contributing to the county's quality of life through the
many organizations he has been involved with. We believe Randy brings
to the Gwinnett District Manager's position the same level of community
involvement and commitment to Jackson EMC's mission of providing reliable,
affordable power with high quality customer service." Among his many civic and service affiliations, Willis has served as a member of the board of the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism; chairman of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce; past president of the Council for Quality Growth; past president of the Gwinnett Children's Shelter, charter president of the Gwinnett Utilities Association, and past president of the Gwinnett Rotary Club. He has been a board member of the Gwinnett Vision 2010 Steering Committee, Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful; Gwinnett Tech Advisory Board; Gwinnett Hospital System Foundation Council Advisory Board; and the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services. Dellinger has been employed by Jackson EMC for 21 years. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a MBA from Brenau University. Dellinger serves as on the Executive Committee of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce board as Vice Chair of Economic Development, is a member of the Georgia Economic Developer's Association and past president of the Rotary Club of Lawrenceville. Earlier this year Randy achieved a Jackson EMC milestone by signing his 100th "customer choice" electric load at Jackson EMC. Dellinger says: "The cooperative's reputation in the community is a direct result of Roger's leadership and all our departments working together to meet the needs of Jackson EMC customers. That will continue to be my focus as district manager." Rutledge wins award for Gwinnett Fire Department service Capt. Thomas Rutledge of the Gwinnett Fire Department has won the Public Information Officer Award at the Life and Fire Awards ceremony in Atlanta.
Insurance
Commissioner John Oxendine presented Rutledge with the award in recognition
of his dedication, professionalism and demonstrated excellence as a Public
Information Officer. His boss, Fire Chief Bill Myers says, "Captain
Rutledge has been an integral part of the success of the Fire and Emergency
Services Department. He has earned the respect of his fellow staff members
and humbly serves the citizens of Gwinnett County." For the past
six years, Rutledge has served as the department's Public Information
Officer. He was credited for organizing the countywide public information
response team during the recent flood disasters in September.
GEORGIA
ENCYCLOPEDIA Located in Effingham County about 25 miles northwest of Savannah on the banks of Ebenezer Creek, Ebenezer was one of Georgia's original settlements and was Effingham's County seat from 1797 to 1799.
Established in 1734 as a military defense for Savannah, Ebenezer (meaning "stone of help" in Hebrew) was the recipient of Georgia's first religious refugees. The original colonists emigrated from Salzburg in central Europe (present-day Austria), from where they were expelled in the early 1730s for their religious beliefs. General James Oglethorpe offered the persecuted Protestants refuge in the new colony. Although their numbers were never great, the residents of Ebenezer, known as the Salzburgers, provided the Trustees of Georgia with some of their strongest and most enduring support. As such, the Salzburgers were influential in shaping the original laws and character of the colony. Because most of the town's residents did not speak English and the local civil authority was controlled by religious leaders, Ebenezer was also one of the more isolated communities in colonial Georgia. In 1736 the settlement was moved nearer the Savannah River to better land. Disease, including malaria, proved a problem at both locations, but New Ebenezer prospered with a silk operation, mills, and numerous houses. Led by pastor Johann Martin Boltzius, the people of Ebenezer attempted to build a religious utopia on the Georgia frontier. Boltzius believed he could build a spiritually pure and economically successful colony in a manner unlike other southern towns. He believed they should avoid the system of slavery and plantation agriculture. After a decade, the residents began producing silk from mulberry trees and built a successful mill to supplement income earned from the Indian trade. In addition, Ebenezer became an area where other religious refugees, such as the Moravians, chose to settle.
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TODAY'S
QUOTE
Those interested in the history of Gwinnett need to know that the recently published book: Gwinnett: A Little Above Atlanta, has sold fast, with the first editions about sold out. Get yours before they're gone. Go to www.elliottbrack.com to order, or buy the book at a local bookstore shown on the site. The books are available at:
MORE RECENT COMMENTARY
FOR CHARITY. You can give "A Gift of Laughter," a great book of cartoons by Bill McLemore, to help raise money for Rainbow Village. At just $20, it's a fun way to help. To order, call 770-497-1888, or email to info@gwinnettforum.com. SISTER PUBLICATIONS We encourage you to check out our sister publications:
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