I knew it was going to get ugly but I didn’t know it would get this bad this quickly. I am talking about the constitutional amendment on charter schools to be voted on in November that asks, “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?” Dr. John Barge, Georgia state school … [Read more...] about August 20, 2012: Charter School Amendment Debate Gets Ugly Quickly
August 23, 2012: Thanks To You, Speaker Might Be Ready To Unload Gravy Train
Are you sitting down, dear reader? House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) has announced that he will propose a full ban on gifts from lizard-loafered lobbyists in the next session. Before you fall over in a dead faint, let me remind you that politicians are crafty sorts. They excel at saying one thing and doing another — “another” being whatever is in their self-interest. … [Read more...] about August 23, 2012: Thanks To You, Speaker Might Be Ready To Unload Gravy Train
August 6, 2012: School Superintendent’s Endorsement Of Chip Rogers Raises Questions
What in the world was State School Superintendent John Barge thinking when he endorsed the reelection campaign of State Sen. Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock)? Chip Rogers, in case you are not aware, is not exactly public education’s best friend. Rogers talks about education “being in his blood” and then proceeds to bleed public schools by promoting a variety of … [Read more...] about August 6, 2012: School Superintendent’s Endorsement Of Chip Rogers Raises Questions
July 30, 2012: Watching The London Olympics 16 Years After The Atlanta Games
Hard to believe, but it has been 16 years since the Olympic Games were held in our state. As I watch the festivities in London, I remembered the phone calls I had received over the past year from media members in Great Britain, asking me if I had any thoughts on what was going to happen when the Games began in London. Here is what I told them: The athletes will perform … [Read more...] about July 30, 2012: Watching The London Olympics 16 Years After The Atlanta Games
July 23, 2012: Recent Trip A Reminder To Take Nothing For Granted
Recent Trip A Reminder To Take Nothing For Granted I have just returned from a memorable trip to Valdosta. I went there to speak to the Rotary Club. The members laughed in all the right places which not only was memorable, but downright remarkable. What made the trip even more special were two visits I made while there. I dropped by to see my beloved college professor, … [Read more...] about July 23, 2012: Recent Trip A Reminder To Take Nothing For Granted