It looks like our legislators are about to lose one of their most cherished perks: free football tickets. Bless their hearts. This is the last year lizard-loafered lobbyists can give legislators free access to see our scholar-athletes do their thing on Saturday afternoons across the state. A prohibition against this long-revered tradition begins Jan. 1, as a part of an ethics … [Read more...] about September 23, 2013: Ticket Ban Doesn’t Stop Need For More Ethics Reform
Columns
September 16, 2013: Why We The Unwashed Won’t Help Either Side in Syria
Dear Syrian Rebels: I thought I’d take a minute to correspond with you as you resume your efforts to overthrow Syrian dictator Bashar Assad. You are no doubt disappointed that the United States government chose not to come to your aid as they promised. There is a good reason and that is my purpose in writing you. Although I am not an official of the United States government, I … [Read more...] about September 16, 2013: Why We The Unwashed Won’t Help Either Side in Syria
August 20, 2013: Hard to Make Political Decisions With Broccoli Up Your Nose
It is flattering to have readers tell me I should run for public office. There are also an equal number of adoring fans that say I should stick my head in a bucket of tar. But that is a topic for another day. At various times, it has been suggested that I run for (a) president of the United States, (b) governor of Georgia, or (c) any job where I can keep our intrepid public … [Read more...] about August 20, 2013: Hard to Make Political Decisions With Broccoli Up Your Nose
September 2, 2013: Discovering Legislator With a Sense of Humor a Rare Occurrence
Rats! As if creating this profound and pithy prose each week wasn’t hard enough, now I have discovered a legislator with a sense of humor. The apocalypse is upon us. As those of you who have followed this space over the years know well and those of you who are new to it will soon discover, I feed on the humor-impaired like a possum on a sweet potato, especially puffed-up … [Read more...] about September 2, 2013: Discovering Legislator With a Sense of Humor a Rare Occurrence
August 26, 2013: Last Will And Testament A Reminder That Each Day Is Precious
Please indulge me a moment of introspection and feel free to think along with me. Chances are what I am going to say may apply to you as well. My family and I recently sat through a thorough review of my Last Will and Testament. It was a surreal experience, listening to my friend and attorney, Bill Merritt, read out loud the words that will be attributed to me when I am no … [Read more...] about August 26, 2013: Last Will And Testament A Reminder That Each Day Is Precious