Theodore Roosevelt is one of my favorite characters in American history. Like Harry Truman, another of my heroes, Teddy Roosevelt had a reputation for speaking his mind. I don’t think they had public opinion polls or media advisers when he was president, but if they did, I doubt it would have made much difference to TR. The man had a lot of great qualities, but subtlety was … [Read more...] about Feb. 2, 2003: A Conversation with Teddy Roosevelt
Jan. 26, 2003: Good Riddance: Bill Campbell is Leaving Town
Whether you live in Atlanta, Attapulgus or someplace in between: Rejoice! Bill Campbell is moving to Florida. Good riddance. The last thing our state needs is an arrogant, mean-spirited, race-baiting politician like Campbell, the former mayor of Atlanta. Florida can have him and can add him to their list of other embarrassments, such as hurricane season, Janet Reno and the … [Read more...] about Jan. 26, 2003: Good Riddance: Bill Campbell is Leaving Town
Jan. 19, 2003: State of the Column: No New Taxes, No McKinney
My fellow Americans, rather than the rib-tickling, head-scratching, mind-altering prose usually found in this space, today I will present my annual State of the Column speech. (Applause!) I figure if presidents, governors and assorted city and county politicos can waste our time telling us what a wonderful job they are doing in their annual State of the Whatever speech, you … [Read more...] about Jan. 19, 2003: State of the Column: No New Taxes, No McKinney
Jan. 12, 2003: Some Unsolicited Advice to our New Governor
Dear Governor Perdue: You may not remember me, but along with the state’s movers and shakers we used to eat lunch together at the President’s house in Athens before University of Georgia football games. That was back in the days when I was a very important person and you were just another Democratic state senator. Now look at us. Here you are, the new Republican governor of … [Read more...] about Jan. 12, 2003: Some Unsolicited Advice to our New Governor
Jan. 6, 2003: Rename Sanford Stadium For Dooley
Let me say this as simply as I can. When Vince Dooley retires as athletic director at the University of Georgia in 2004, Sanford Stadium needs to be renamed Dooley-Sanford Stadium. I’m not sure who is empowered to make that decision – the university administration, the athletic board, the Board of Regents, the Legislature, the governor, all of the above, some of the above. … [Read more...] about Jan. 6, 2003: Rename Sanford Stadium For Dooley