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TODAY'S
ISSUE
Governor
wastes energy on promoting non-existent problems
By Jerry Gonzalez
Executive Director
Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO)
Special to GwinnettForum.com
SEPT. 15, 2006 -- Last week, Governor Sonny Perdue announced a
new policy and legislative initiative called "SecureID"
to crack down on the use of fraudulent documents to obtain state
identification. Governor Perdue touted this as an effort to combat
illegal immigration, identity theft and support homeland security.
Gonzalez |
It is shameful that Governor Perdue is wasting his time and energy
in promoting a crack down on another non-existent problem. Undocumented
immigrants do NOT have access to driver's licenses and have not
had access for quite some time. That is why Latino advocates were
pressing the state legislature several years ago to expand access
to driver's licenses without considering immigration status. When
pressed for specific instances of fraud that have taken place, Governor
Perdue and his team could not come up with one specific instance.
This is simply more smoke and mirrors for Georgia voters during
election time.
Governor Perdue also tried to shamefully use the 9/11 terrorists
fear factor as a reason for his crackdown. What he did not tell
you was that most of the 9/11 terrorists were in the country LEGALLY
and would have been able to obtain Georgia licenses as well, despite
his "crackdown." It is shameful that our Governor is using
this type of fear to evoke emotions to drive his policy initiatives.
Our governor should be exercising his executive leadership of the
state to pressure the failed leadership from our U.S. Congress,
which continues to stall on comprehensive immigration reform. Our
congressional leadership is content with maintaining the status
quo----a failed federal immigration policy. Congress is not interested
in moving forward with real policy solutions. Georgia voters deserve
better than empty promises and unaccomplished tasks.
Governor Perdue's policy initiative is also an empty promise to
non-existent problems. Immigrants come to Georgia for work and not
for a driver's license or for welfare benefits. Fraudulent documents
that many of the undocumented immigrants do obtain are obtained
for the purpose of employment. The IRS estimates $6 billion annually
is likely due to false or duplicate social security numbers. It
is misleading to say otherwise and the Governor should be ashamed
of himself.
Georgia voters should demand real solutions and not political rhetoric
being disguised as a policy initiative. Our national immigration
policy is such an important issue that should not be used as a political
football. We need to address it comprehensively for national security,
continued economic development and to reflect the values we have
as Americans for treating people with dignity.
The governor is quoted as saying during his press conference: "I
firmly believe that if we don't address the issues that are important
to the average person, we don't deserve to govern." This statement
should apply for our failed leadership from our U.S. Congress.
Let's have accountability and follow Governor Perdue's words. "No
solutions = No Governing! Su Voto Es Su Voz!"
Election time is around the corner. We should make it a priority
to hold people accountable for their actions and inactions.
ELLIOTT
BRACK
53rd Gwinnett County Fair continues through
Sept. 24
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
SEPT. 15, 2006 -- You have this weekend and next week to enjoy
one of the major local events of the year, a throwback to the days
somewhat as they once were….when you visit the Gwinnett County
Fair through September 24. Up to a quarter of a million people could
attend.
Brack |
The activity has already been underway this week since Thursday,
with the giant fairgrounds facility abuzz with a busy midway, continual
shows and exhibits, pageants, and overall, lots of fun and excitement
for people of all ages.
This fair is put on by the Gwinnett County Livestock and Fair Association,
a non profit enterprise which governs the fair and its fairground
throughout the year. The fair opens weekdays at 4 and closes at
10 p.m. On Saturday it opens at noon and stays open until 11 p.m,
with carnival activities continuing until midnight. On Sunday the
fair is open from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m., with the carnival staying
open an hour later. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for seniors
and children. Those under six get in free.
The year 2006 marks the 53rd year that the current organizers have
held a fair. But fairs in Gwinnett go back more than 100 years.
There is evidence that in at least one year, two fairs were held
in the county the same year.
Dale Thurman, now in his 11th year as the manager of the fair,
feels that with good weather, the local fair could top the 230,000
record attendance. Last year some 220,000 people came to the fair.
At any one time, up to 400 people are working on the fairground.
Gwinnett County Fair |
Though it rained as the fair was being set up on Wednesday, Thurman
says that "The outlook for the weather is good, And we could
break a record." Heaviest day for attendance is usually on
Saturdays.
This year there will be more attractions, a total of 51 rides at
the carnival. The most spectacular new show comes from the "Fearless
Flores," a new thrill show with a motorcycle riding in a sphere,
high wire acts, juggling, and all-around circus-type performers.
Two shows are set weekdays, and four on the weekends.
Altogether, about 20 livestock shows will be presented, with more
than 1,000 head of animals expected. Gwinnett counts its livestock
show as one of the biggest of any fair in the area.
Among the livestock shows this year will be events shwoing goats,
lambs, ewes, swine, dairy heifer, commercial heifer, Chi-Influence,
and following breeds of cattle: Santa Gertrudis, Angus-Charolais,
Simmental, Red Angus, Chi-Influence, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Shorthorn
and Brahman. Different livestock will be presented each day, and
on one day having more than four livestock shows to be judged.
Thurman recounts the various livestock breed shows. He says: "One
year, a fair attendee wanted to know where the Limousin show was,
went to it, and came back later complaining 'There's nothing but
cows out there.'"
Altogether, with both exhibits and livestock prize money, more than
$120,000 will be awarded this year.
Members of the Fair Board include Fred Banks, president; Bill Baughman,
vice president; Roger Sartor, secretary; J.W. Benefield, treasurer
and CEO. Other board members include Wayne Shackelford, Ron Davis,
John H. Lovin, Bill Atkinson and James Freeman.
For directions: the Fairgrounds is located on Sugarloaf Parkway.
From Highway 316, go east about five miles to The Fairgrounds located
between Georgia Highway 20 and 124 in Lawrenceville at 2405 Sugarloaf
Parkway.
ABOUT
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Gas has been Georgia' low price leader for your natural gas needs,
according to information from the Georgia Public Service Commission.
Call 770/267-2505 or visit www.waltonemcgas.com
to become the next satisfied Walton EMC natural gas customer.
McLEMORE'S
WORLD
Quack
and Iraq do rhyme
Another great cartoon from Bill McLemore:
UPCOMING
Ribbon
cutting for Red Clay Theatre set for Sept. 19
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for Red Clay Theatre and
Arts Center on Tuesday, September 19, at 7 p.m. at the Red Clay
Theatre located at 3116 Main Street in downtown Duluth. An Open
House will immediately follow the ribbon cutting.
Tours will be conducted throughout the evening. Champagne and hors
d'oeuvres will be provided by the Payne Corley House. Mayor Shirley
Lasseter says: "Join us as this exciting new theatre opens
its doors in Duluth."
Opening night for the theatre will be Thursday, October 12 with
the play "Educating Rita". For more information on the
theatre visit www.redclaytheatrearts.com
or call 770-622-1777.
Hopewell plans health
fair, Family Fun Fest on Sept. 23
Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church will host its Annual Family Fun
Fest, Saturday September 23, 2006 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year's
theme is "Elevate and Accelerate."
A variety of health and fitness activities and services, coordinated
through the church's Health Ministry and the Congregational Health
Nurse will be available for the entire family. Health screenings
include: blood pressure checks, vision screenings, nutritional counseling,
HIV/AIDS testing, dental screening, chiropractic consultations,
mini massages, nutritional cooking demos and fitness education.
Screenings and educational seminars will be held in Faith Hall
While the Health Fair is being held, Hopewell Christian Academy
will host its fifth annual Fall Festival in the Academy's Parking
Lot next to Faith Hall. This family fun event will begin at 10:45
am with a mini parade beginning at the Hopewell arch; ending at
the Academy parking lot, where there will be games and activities
for all ages. Food concessions, including burgers, hot dogs and
fish will be sold.
The church is located at 182 Hunter Street in Norcross, Georgia.
Dr. William L. Sheals is the Senior Pastor. The community is invited
to attend.
Annual Elisha Winn
Fair set near Dacula on Oct. 7-8
The annual Elisha Winn Fair is set for October 7-8 at the Elisha
Winn House on Dacula Road in Dacula. It is sponsored by the Gwinnett
Historical Society.
As always the Society will have ongoing bluegrass music from local
musicians, including Phil Tanner and the Skilletlickers.
The Elisha Winn House, where Gwinnett County was founded, and where
its first courts were held, will be open for tours along with the
1870 Walnut Grove School. The blacksmith will be demonstrating his
trade in the blacksmith shop; the Quilt Show will be in the yard;
and there will be plenty of crafters displaying and selling their
crafts. There will be good food, good music and fun. For more information
please contact the Historical Society at 770-822-5174.
Executive business
women to hear clinical hypnotherapist
The next meeting of the Executive Business Express Network will
be October 4, starting at 11:30 a.m. at the 1818 Club, in Duluth.
The speaker will be Marian Massie, founder and CEO of Advanced Perceptions,
Inc. As a clinical hypnotherapist and success coach since 1985,
the speaker has helped Fortune 500 executives, entrepreneurs, lawyers,
physicians and individuals achieve greater personal and professional
success by helping them eliminate subconscious barriers.
The Executive Business Express Network of the American Business
Women's Association meets the first Wednesday of each month. Members
also will hear industry leaders address current issues with topics
ranging from launching a global business from your own office to
achieving balance in a hectic world.
NOTABLE
Students,
faculty named for college Brain Train board
In an effort to expand its public awareness campaign among the
group's namesake, the Georgia Brain Train Group is forming the College
Board for the Georgia Brain Train.
The group consists of faculty and students from seven of the more
than 12 institutions of higher learning that stand to benefit from
the Atlanta to Athens rail line. Representatives' areas of study
and instruction range from urban planning to public policy to engineering
and others.
Founding members include:
Geoffrey Boyce, University of Georgia, MBA Candidate; Abigail Blaylock,
University of Georgia (2008); Alec Young, (2005), Speare Hodges,
(2009), and Matt Milunski, Emory University (2009); Shannon Joyner,
Morehouse College (2008); Nile Johnson, Spelman College (2008);
Daniel Knopp, (2008), Woody Giles, (Master's,2007) and Matthew Vivian,
(Master's 2007), all of Georgia Tech; Brian Stone, Georgia Tech,
Professor of Urban Planning; Edmund McAfee (master's candidate),
Michael Wyatt, (Ph.D. candidate), and Sheryl Flynn, Assistant Professor,
College of Health & Human Services, all of Georgia State University;
and Betty Derrick, Agnes Scott College, Office of Student Life and
Community Relations.
The Georgia Brain Train would link Atlanta to Athens through 12
stops including connections to the University of Georgia, Georgia
Gwinnett College, Gwinnett Tech, Emory University, Agnes Scott College,
Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Mercer University, the Savannah College
of Art and Design, the Atlanta University Center and the CDC.
As discussed during the group's kickoff meeting on September 8,
organizers are planning on campus events, letter-writing campaigns,
a "Build the Best Brain Train T-shirt," and other activities
culminating in a passenger rail awareness day at the Georgia State
Capitol, currently scheduled for February 9, 2007.
The Georgia Brain Train Group, Inc. can be found on the Web at http://www.GeorgiaBrainTrain.com.
For more information about the College Board of the Georgia Brain
Train contact Paul Snyder, A. Brown-Olmstead Associates at 404-659-0919
or paul@newaboa.com.
Mike McGarity to form
new law firm with Sugar Hill address
Attorney Mike McGarity announces the formation of a new law firm,
The McGarity Group LLC. The firm's office will open November 1 at
1305 Mall of Georgia Boulevard, with temporary office space at 4536
Nelson Brogdon Boulevard 1 in Sugar Hill.
Formerly a partner at the Lawrenceville-based firm Anderson, Tate,
McGarity and Carr, The McGarity Group specializes in "providing
solutions to complex and difficult legal matters, with a strong
focus on civil, domestic and criminal litigation, business matters
and estate planning," says McGarity.
The McGarity Group's team includes Kurt Ward, formerly associated
with Anderson, Tate, McGarity and Carr, as well as newcomer Shawn
Fitzpatrick Bratton, previously with the Gwinnett County Solicitor's
office and the Alcovy Circuit District Attorneys office.
McGarity, a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology and
the University of Georgia School of Law has lived and worked in
Gwinnett County most of his life. He began his legal career with
the Gwinnett County District Attorney's office as an Assistant District
Attorney, as well as serving as a partner in two Gwinnett-based
law firms. Additionally, McGarity is active in community and civic
affairs, recently having served as the past president to the Northeast
Georgia Council for the Boy Scouts of America, as well as current
treasurer of the Gwinnett Rotary Club.
.
RECOMMENDED
- An invitation: What
Web sites, books or restaurants have you enjoyed? Send us your
best recent visit to a restaurant or most recent book you have
read along with a short paragraph as to why you liked it, plus
what book you plan to read next. --eeb
GEORGIA
TIDBIT
Cotton States
Exposition showcases Atlanta as new center
In the late 19th century, fairs and expositions were an important
way for cities to attract visitors who, in an era before radio and
television, were eager to see new technological marvels on display.
1895 expo |
These events provided civic leaders with a showcase to lure visitors,
who were urged to come and do business in the host location. In
the years following the Civil War (1861-65), Atlanta's leaders hosted
a series of three "cotton
expositions" that were important to the city's recovery
and economic development. These expositions helped Atlanta stake
its claim as the center of the New South. The great promoter of
the first two expositions was Henry W. Grady, the managing editor
of the Atlanta Constitution and one of the framers of a new
vision for the South and its economy.
The most ambitious of the city's cotton expositions was staged
in 1895. Its goals were to foster trade between southern states
and South American nations as well as to show the products and facilities
of the region to the rest of the nation and to Europe. These objectives
found expression in the official name of the event-the Cotton States
and International Exposition. There were exhibits by six states
and special buildings featuring the accomplishments of women and
blacks. Also showcased was the latest technology in transportation,
manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and other fields. Amusements
such as the "Phoenix Wheel" and an early version of the
motion picture were set up as part of a midway to attract visitors.
On opening day, September 18, military bands played, followed by
speeches from political, business, and other leaders, including
the prominent African American educator Booker T. Washington. In
a speech that came to be known as the "Atlanta Compromise"
speech and that was greeted enthusiastically by white advocates
of the New South, Washington did not challenge the prevailing ideas
of segregation held by advocates of the New South; putting aside
all claims to political power and social equality, he urged blacks
to make progress as agricultural and industrial laborers. In spite
of lavish promotion, fewer than 800,000 attended the three-month
exposition, which was plagued by constant financial problems. The
Cotton States Exposition did showcase Atlanta as a regional business
center and helped to attract investment. Although most of the 1895
exposition's buildings were torn down so that the materials could
be sold for scrap, the city eventually purchased the grounds, which
became the present Piedmont Park.
THOUGHT
OF THE DAY
One guy's assessment
says government discarding people
"Our government has steadily, and increasingly openly, treated
Americans as dispensable assets - to be used or discarded at will."
-- Writer R. Cort Kirkwood, via Marshall Miller, Lilburn,
Ga.
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