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Taking Steps to battle Crohn's disease
and colitis
By
John Price
Special to GwinnettForum.com
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga., May 6,2008 -- People from all over metro Atlanta
are taking steps to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis,
two painful, unpredictable diseases of the digestive tract. On Sunday,
June 1, beginning at 4 p. m. at Centennial Park, people throughout
Atlanta will walk in the nation,s largest annual event, Take Steps
for Crohn's and Colitis, dedicated to finding cures for these debilitating
diseases.
Melo |
This event will be especially important for the nearly 1.5 million
people nationally and more than 40,000 Georgians who suffer from
these diseases. Locally, Meghan Melo of Snellville will be walking
on June 1, along with her friends and family. Meghan is 15 years
old and has Crohn's disease.
"I love music, hanging out with my friends, TV, and sports,"
said Meghan. "To most people I'm an active typical teenager,
but unlike most teenagers, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease
when I was 12 years old."
Like many others, Meghan is learning to live with her disease,
however, she would love to find better therapies and even a cure
for her disease. This walk is a way to raise crucial research dollars
and the Georgia walk is hoping to bring out 1,500 walkers.
This fun family event is orchestrated by the Georgia Chapter of
the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, whose mission is
to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the
quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases.
For more information about becoming involved in Take Steps for
Crohn's and Colitis and to register today, visit www.cctakesteps.org
or contact Jaime Brown at the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation at
404-982-0616, jbrown@ccfa.org.
* * * * *
About Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis:
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable
illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn's disease may
attack anywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis
inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include
abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and
weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery.
These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon
cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million American
adults and children suffer from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis,
with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop
the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.
* * * * *
About the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: The Foundation's
mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to
improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these
diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits
in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure,
and more than 83 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes
to mission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets
the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including
the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance and the American
Institute of Philanthropy). For more information, contact the Foundation
at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.
Rebate check makes you middleman for oil-rich
sheiks
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
MAY 6, 2008 -- "Oh, boy!" you'll be saying in a few days,
if you haven't already, as a check from the government will warm
your heart and bank account.
Brack |
"Found money!" you might be thinking.
Think again.
About all the money that the government is "giving" you
will amount to is to help offset the higher gasoline you pay these
days. (More about that "found money: later.)
Remember a few months back when we were upset over $2.50 gas prices?
Click ahead only a few months, and now we hunt gas cheaper than
$3.50 a gallon. Let's do the math.
If gasoline costs you $1 a gallon more than it did when we thought
it was high at $2.50 a gallon, and your car holds 20 gallons, you
are paying $20 dollars more every time you fill up. Let's say you
drive enough to fill up once a week. That means that $80 a month,
or $960 a year…..that $1 a gallon of gasoline increase is costing
you.
Now what was it you were "getting" from the government,
was it $600? Now you see that this handout from the government won't
even cover the higher cost of gasoline we now have.
The present Administration sends back a little money to you in
this rebate check. But any "rebate" comes from taxes we've
already paid, since we fund the government. Our rebate eventually
passes on to the sheiks and emirs of the Middle East or fat-cat
South American oil moguls. The American people act, in a way, as
"bankers" for these oil-rich nations, dutifully handing
over their dollars through the gas pumps to the oil barons.
So this rebate really helps not Americans. We are merely the middlemen
for foreign oil interests. Puts it in a different perspective, huh?
* * * * *
Now to top this deep wound with another: if the government is sending
you this rebate, consider also: who is the government?
Yep, you and your neighbors and me and my neighbors. If the government
sends you money, it's a sure bet that the only way the government
ever gets any money in the first place is from the American people!
Oh, sure, corporate America may pay taxes, but are really mere middlemen,
since corporate America can't coin money. Corporate America also
gets their funding from us all, so no matter how the government
gets its funds, you and I are the ones making the sacrifice.
This is said to set the record straight. This rebate doesn't fall
out of the sky. It comes via the U.S. government, which reaches
down and plucks its original monies from us.
Thanks, government? Sure. But you took it from us to give back
to us. And you call that a rebate?
* * * * *
The sad part is that more and more Americans, swallowing more and
more Pablum dished out by government, may not realize this sneaky,
but disguised, ploy.
Mr. Bush and his tactics gave us higher oil, through many machinations,
including losing more than 4,000 lives in the wars against Iraq
and Afghanistan. And now they're robbing us with higher gas prices
for the benefit of oil nations.
America can do better than this.
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currently operates 14 branches throughout the county. Library hours
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books, magazines, CD books, downloadable audio, music and video,
plus online databases such as Morningstar, Science Resource Center,
LitFinder and HeritageQuest. GCPL also offers live homework help
with Tutor.com for students in 4th through 12th grade seven days
a week from 4 - 10 p.m.. Homework help is available for math, science,
college prep courses, language arts and social studies. There is
no charge for this service and it is available remotely. Many online
resources are available. All branches offer wireless Internet, serving
as a remote office via your computer. The Gwinnett County Public
Library also sponsors a number of annual programs, including the
Summer Reading Program, Gwinnett Reads and, the Gwinnett Reading
Festival. For more information, visit any branch, www.gwinnettpl.org
or call 770-978-5154.
Confuses
TAD obligations and stadium bond risks
Editor, the Forum:
The Tax Allocation Districts referendum which will be on the July
15 primary ballot in unincorporated Gwinnett County is not in anyone's
best interest. Access http://aysps.gsu.edu/news/release/tad.htm
and scroll down and click on Georgia's Redevelopment Powers Law:
A Policy Guide to the Evaluation and Use of Tax Allocation Districts.
Read in the executive summary on the costs and risks of TADS and
hedging against the risks of TADS. On the last page of the executive
summary, pay particular attention to the statement about the possibility
of taxpayers being left holding the bag.
Remember, we taxpayers will already be left holding the bag if projected
revenues from the new stadium which would pay off the bond debt
incurred by our county government fails to materialize. Seems like
our county government in order to receive a favorable bond rating
assured the surety company that we taxpayers would be the guarantors
even if it meant a tax increase. Translated, this means that we
taxpayers probably would have to stand good for any outstanding
bond debt.
Bond debt for public works projects which are in the bests interests
of all the citizens of Gwinnett County are fine. However, I have
a hard time understanding how a stadium is in everyone's best interests
to the extent that we taxpayers are underwriting the bond debt.
Same way with Tax Allocation Districts. I am absolutely convinced
that bonds issued through Tax Allocation Districts will only benefit
the developers and could possibly leave us taxpayers holding the
bag.
So I am left with this nagging question. If these re-development
projects are financially feasible on their own merits, why do developers
need government subsidies? The bottom line is that the Tax Allocation
Districts referendum on the July ballot is a bad deal for Gwinnett
County taxpayers.
-- James H. (Jimmy) Orr, Jr., Bethlehem
Dear Mr. Orr: Don't confuse the stadium bonds,
which are a governmental obligation, with TAD bonds. These are
not governmental obligations, and only those who invest in such
bonds would be holding the bag if a TAD bond failed. Issued under
TAD regulations anticipates a lower interest rate. And don't forget
a TAD bond would be cleaning up an eyesore of the community, further
strengthening property values in the area with an improved community.
-eeb
Feels Fair Tax solves
most of the nation's problems
Editor, The Forum:
Surely, ye jest! The poor paying for health care and accountants??
Not gonna happen. If they do, that same tax is already there in
the form of embedded taxes.
Have any idea what it cost to keep up with the government regulations,
insurance, and taxes on small business? You don't think the business
owner is forking over his profits do you? Of course not. It is figured
into the cost of goods/services delivered to the end user. Do away
with our cumbersome tax system and the small business owner can
reduce his prices.
The Fair Tax does away with all taxes on our paychecks with the
exception of states that have an income tax. Can you imagine what
earners would do when they actually get the full dollar amount of
their earnings? How many trillions of dollars in taxfree overseas
accounts would come back into our economy? Politicians are against
this idea because it takes away their ability to buy votes with
more entitlement programs, programs that we as a nation can no longer
afford. This is an idea whose time has come. Without it, our nation
can be likened to unpicked fruit, withering away and dying.
-- Larry Partain, Norcross
Dear Larry: Talk of jesting! Anyone who thinks
the so-called Fair Tax has a chance is really far out. And to
call it fair is another thing entirely. Too many embedded interests
will assure that the present systems continues for a long time
and eventually the Fair Tax guys will wither away. But mainly,
it's far from fair, mainly benefits the wealthy, and more people
are realizing it -eeb
Even thinking of fair
tax is waste of your time
Editor, the Forum:
If you want to waste your time, just go to those Fair Tax rallies.
Those folks are dreamers.
We hear a lot of talk about a national sales tax, but the flat
tax, a comparatively simple tax reform, went nowhere twice, in two
presidential runs by Steve Forbes. People generally weren't interested,
just as in the case of the national sales tax. The flat tax even
allowed an option to file under the present system, your choice,
a postcard-sized tax form (flat tax) or the current monstrosity,
an unbeatable deal, and people yawned.
I thought the idea was great (still do) and was amazed at the way
the voters slept through those campaigns. I voted for Forbes twice.
Voters opted for dull establishment Republicans instead. Imagine
GWB over Forbes - unbelievable!
Forbes also would have avoided the insane Iraq invasion. Status
quo/statist quo Repubs ripped Forbes---in the primary ---which is
disgusting behavior. The reality is, the entrenched political establishment
isn't interested in any of these proposals.
Those who fear the implementation of the national sales tax can
sleep well at night. It will never go anywhere. And can you imagine
the amount of tax avoidance that would take place under the sales
tax? Many would attempt to work barter systems to avoid the sales
tax of seventeen percent, twenty-three percent or whatever the number
is. Avoid the sales tax and avoid taxation altogether. It would
be tempting. The underground economy would grow like crazy under
the Fair Tax system, bringing in extensive and expensive enforcement
by our friends in the tax department.
-- Marshall Miller, Lilburn
Book outlines many
alternate energy answers for us
Editor, the Forum:
I have often written and spoken of my disgust for the doom and
gloom attitudes of many environmentalists regarding climate change
and even our economy. I have also said that we have the technology
today to change the way we use and consume energy and conduct day
to day business on our one planet.
Earth: The Sequel seems to be the answer to my prayer. Finally
a book that takes the doom and gloom sayers and sets them on their
ears. The book details the many global and local efforts in alternative
energy that are ongoing right now.
You won't hear about them in the major media outlets yet. The co-authors,
Fred Krupp and Miriam Horn, also detail how the free market will
be the driving force behind the change.
One example I know of personally is First Solar Inc. I have made
over $4,000 just this year on their stock and I got in late when
it was priced at about $200 a share. Billions of dollars are being
invested in new clean energy technologies from solar, wind, geothermal
and wave or ocean energy. Major corporations are truly embracing
these alternatives and not just paying lip service to it in their
ads. I highly recommend reading the book if you too are tired of
hearing how we are about to jump off the end of the world.
-- Roger Hagen, Lilburn
First
candidate forum of 2008 political season is Wednesday
An early candidate's political forum of 2008's election will be
on Wednesday, May 7 at Meadowcreek High School at 7 p.m. Candidates
invited are those for positions as county commission chairman and
District One commissioner. The Gwinnett Place Community Improvement
District is the sponsor of the forum.
Moderator will be Rachel Kim of WSB-TV. Those wishing to submit
questions may go to www.wsbtv.com/politics
and click on the "Get Involved" link to submit questions.
The most common issues will be addressed.
Relay for Life seeks
to raise record $2.6 million this year
Gwinnett County Relay For Life is scheduled on Friday and Saturday,
May 9-10 at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds on Sugarloaf Parkway
in Lawrenceville.
This is the 15th year for the Gwinnett County Relay. Over the past
14 years the Gwinnett community has raised $20 million in the fight
against cancer! The goals for 2008: 2.6 million dollars, from 375
teams with 8,500 registered participants, 2000 participants in the
Survivor's Walk and over 10,000 community members in attendance.
Gwinnett County's Relay for Life is the top relay in the nation
for fund-raising, and leaders hope to maintain that pace for the
nation.
Survivor registration begins at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, The Survivor
Reception begins at 4:30, and the Survivor Lap begins at 7 p.m.
on Friday. A Kid's Walk, new for 2008, begins at 8:30 p.m.
Philharmonic to perform
jazz numbers at May 13 concert
Duke Ellington's Take the A Train‚ and Glenn Miller's
Pennsylvania 6-5000‚ are among the music selections
to be performed on Tuesday, May 13 by the Philharmonic Jazz, the
big band jazz troupe of the Gwinnett Philharmonic.
Music Director Monte Nichols will direct the Philharmonic Jazz
in Sizzling Swing, Big Band Style, Tuesday, May 13 at 8 p.m. at
the Performing Arts Center of the Gwinnett Center.
Acclaimed jazz saxophonist Sam Skelton is to lead the Philharmonic
Jazz as featured soloist for the second half of the concert. A native
of Conyers, Skelton has been active on the Atlanta music scene for
well over a decade. He graduated summa cum laude from Georgia State
University, and from the private studio of Tony Carere, with a degree
in Jazz Studies.
Tickets are $28 adults, $24 seniors and $12 students, and are available
through any Ticketmaster outlet or in person at the Gwinnett Center
box office, open Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Visit
www.gwinnettphilharmonic.org
or call 770-418-1115 to learn more.
Lawrenceville ghost
tours back for fourth season
Now underway are the Lawrenceville Ghost Tours, returning for a
fourth year. Proving to be more than just a passing curiosity, Lawrenceville
Ghost Tours endure as one of the regions top tourist attractions.
Highlighting vivid stories, a costumed guide will lead ghost tour
groups every night on a 90-minute adventure on the Historic Square
in Lawrenceville.
Tours will run every Friday and Saturday night through September
with an expanded Halloween Schedule that will include tours every
night in October. If you have a large group of folks like a reunion,
Scout troop, Red Hat or church group, office party or neighborhood
association, private tours can be arranged for a minimum of ten
participants. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable
shoes, since this is a walking tour that begins and ends at the
Aurora Theatre.
Cost is $12 for adult sand $9 for children. For reservations, call
678 226 -6222 for the Aurora Theatre Box Office.
Gwinnett watering rules
now mirror state regulations
Gwinnett County has modified its outside watering rules to mirror
the state of Georgia's restrictions. The administrative decision
makes Gwinnett's outdoor watering restrictions identical to the
state's rules. Last month, the Board of Commissioners delegated
day-to-day water conservation decisions to Connell.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of North Georgia remains
in an extreme drought. Lake Lanier, which is currently 13 feet below
full pool, has little chance of filling up this year. "It's
important to know the rules because the Department of Water Resources
will be enforcing them," says Acting Water Resources Director
Lynn Smarr. "Information about outdoor watering restrictions,
along with helpful conservation tips, can be found on the County's
Web site."
Gwinnett County is sponsoring water conservation programs to help
residents and businesses cope with the drought. Through one program,
customers may truck reclaimed water for business uses such as street
sweeping, dust control, sewer cleaning, landscape irrigation, professional
chemical/pesticide application and concrete batch plants from the
F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center in Buford. Another program
offers Gwinnett water customers a rebate for replacing an existing
toilet with a low flow model. Only homes built before 1993 are eligible
for the rebate up to a maximum of two toilets per household. The
County also offers educational workshops from time to time. More
information about these and other programs can be found at www.gwinnettcounty.com.
Camp offers new heights
at Tull YMCA in Lawrenceville
Camp New Heights is now registering at the J.M. Tull for YMCA.
The camp is for ages 5-15, offering sports, travel, nature and even
a high ropes course.
It promises to be a camp experience where every child can soar
to a "new height." For more information, contact the camp
office at 770-513-5956 or e-mail to Scarlett@ymcaatlanta.org
or visit tgy.ymcaatlanta.org.
- 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
colony at first prohibited slavery within borders
Between 1735 and 1750 Georgia was unique among Britain's American
colonies, as it was the only one to attempt to prohibit black slavery
as a matter of public policy. The decision to ban slavery was made
by the founders of Georgia, the Trustees.
General James Oglethorpe, the earl of Egmont, and the other Trustees
were not opposed to the enslavement of Africans as a matter of principle.
They banned slavery in Georgia because it was inconsistent with
their social and economic intentions. Given the Spanish presence
in Florida, slavery also seemed certain to threaten the military
security of the colony. Spain offered freedom in exchange for military
service, so any slaves brought to Georgia could be expected to help
the Spanish in their efforts to destroy the still-fragile English
colony.
The Trustees wished to guarantee the early settlers a comfortable
living rather than the prospect of the enormous personal wealth
associated with the plantation economies elsewhere in British America.
They would obtain this living by working for themselves rather than
being dependent upon the work of others. The Trustees believed that
the silk and other Mediterranean-type commodities they envisaged
for Georgia did not require the employment of enslaved Africans
but could be easily produced by Europeans.
Initially the Trustees believed the settlers would follow their
wishes and not use enslaved workers. Oglethorpe realized, however,
that many settlers were reluctant to work. Some settlers began to
grumble that they would never make money unless they were allowed
to employ enslaved Africans. Many South Carolinians, who wanted
to expand their planting interests into Georgia, encouraged this
line of thinking.
Oglethorpe soon persuaded the other Trustees that the ban on slavery
had to be backed by the authority of the British government. The
influential Trustees easily persuaded the House of Commons that
their intentions for Georgia, and the colony's very survival in
the face of the Spanish threat, depended upon the exclusion of enslaved
Africans. In 1735, two years after the first settlers arrived, the
House of Commons passed legislation prohibiting slavery in Georgia.
But it wouldn't last.
(To be continued.)
Self evident are the
three stages of all truth
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed.
Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being
self-evident."
-- Philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860), via Roger
Hagen, Lilburn
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
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Forum for future publication.
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is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible
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