The Troy Davis Death Penalty Circus, Part II

By Charles Jackson | 07/03/09

  “Supreme Court delays Troy Davis decision” read the headline, (Atlanta-Journal Constitution, June 30). “The U.S. Supreme Court recessed for summer without acting on his latest appeal, likely delaying any developments in his case until fall.” There’s no stay of execution preventing the Chatham County DA from seeking a judge’s order to move forward with Davis’ death sentence. “The... read more »

"Family Values" Republicans

By Charles Jackson | 06/29/09

  South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford was on the list of many conservatives - especially here in the South - as a potential presidential candidate in 2012... Well, we can scratch his name off after last week's bombshell. A number of the politicians involved in extramarital affairs have been among the loudest champions of "family values." A week before, it was Nevada Senator John Ensign's turn. In 2007, Louisiana Senator... read more »

Run, Herman, Run

By Charles Jackson | 06/23/09

  The 2010 Republican gubernatorial race isn't on most people's radar. But us political junkies live politics 24/7, so my radar screen is always dotted with images of the political landscape. And right now, I'm not at all enthused with the Republican candidates I see who're running for governor - they're a dull, conventional and dreary crop of sameness. Last week, I wrote,“Announced Republican candidates for governor next year are... read more »

Ho hum.

By Charles Jackson | 06/16/09

Announced candidates for mayor of Atlanta this year are City Council President Lisa Borders, City Councilwoman Mary Norwood and State Sen. Kasim Reed. Is that it? Same old same old. Ho hum. Announced Republican candidates for governor next year are Congressman Nathan Deal, Secretary of Sate Karen Handel, Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine; states rights advocate Ray McBerry and State Rep. Austin... read more »

Elections Have Consequences

By Charles Jackson | 06/11/09

The Senate Judiciary begins confirmation hearings July 13 on President Obama's pick for the Supreme Court, Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Then the Senate will exercise its Constitutional advice and consent prerogative over the president's nominee. A vote is expected by August 6 before Congress leaves for summer recess. Recent history suggests that confirmation hearings on occasion can be quite a spectacle. I recall the rancor and travesty surrounding... read more »

"King Roy" Wants His Throne Back

By Charles Jackson | 06/09/09

  Former Democratic Governor Roy Barnes a/k/a “King Roy,” announced last week that he wants his old job back and will run for governor in next year's Democratic Primary.  “He intends to become the first former Georgia governor in a half-century to reclaim the office after being turned out by voters,” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 3). Swept into office in 1998, Barnes promptly set about an ambitious... read more »

Georgia Stays Afloat, While Landing NCR, As Other States Sink

By Charles Jackson | 06/05/09

  Declining state revenues are forcing Governor Sonny Perdue to lower revenue estimates which in turn will mean that state agencies will lose a quarter - 25% - of their June funding. These cuts come on top of more than $2 billion in spending reductions for FY 2009. The state budget, that begins July 1, is set for $18,59 billion or some $60 million less than the current budget after the latest cuts. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 29).... read more »

Fools Rush Limbaugh, Part II

By Charles Jackson | 06/04/09

I can’t count the many times over the years I’ve yelled at the radio “Right On!” or “Yeah Man” as I listened to Rush Limbaugh. I was a Dittohead in that Rush more often than not said what I believed. I wasn’t one of those who simply parroted his views and most listeners aren't either. Rush got me through the 1990s with his countdown of those dreadful days remaining in Bill Clinton presidency. He cheered... read more »

The Troy Davis Death Penalty Circus

By Charles Jackson | 05/27/09

  Amnesty International - that self-righteous crowd of folks who Blame America First and think that all death row inmates are victims of cruel abuse, poverty or a racist criminal justice system- have a new cause célèbre, Troy Davis. AI has distributed purplish colored t-shirts, emblazoned with large lettering, “I AM TROY DAVIS.” They are being worn by death penalty opponents and those who maintain that Davis... read more »

Shots Across the Bow...I'm back!

By Charles Jackson | 05/26/09

  “Tanned, Ready & Rested,” so proclaimed the 1968 bumper sticker. Richard Nixon was back in the national political arena. From that point on through 2004, in ten presidential elections, Republicans won seven of them. Just a historical note for those who may be members of the doomsday chorus of despairing Republicans and conservatives. I'm back, too, though certainly not in Mr. Nixon's league. I spent almost a month... read more »