Columns

I don’t know what I can say about Paul Coverdell that hasn’t already been said except that I think he would be embarrassed by all the attention.  Without question, he had the smallest ego of any politician I have ever been around. I got to know him well during my days at the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games.  One of my responsibilities was dealing with the federal … [Read more...] about July 27, 2000: Paul Coverdell Will Be Missed

I owe an apology to the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. In my column on the Supreme Court decision that upheld the right of the Boy Scouts of America to bar homosexuals as scout leaders, I spoke of the pressures being placed on the BSA. I mentioned that Levi Strauss had dropped its support and that United Way organizations were not accepting solicitations for the Boy … [Read more...] about July 20, 2000: ‘Supercop’ Will Give Gov. Barnes Even More Power

Once again, I hear the siren call of corn-fried shrimp and am off to St. Simons Island and the exquisite little Georgia Sea Grill.  I have decided if I am ineligible for heaven when I die – a likely possibility – I will accept St. Simons as second choice.  I’m not sure I would know the difference.  If they don’t have corn-fried shrimp in heaven, St. Simons would be my first … [Read more...] about July 13, 2000: The Atlanta Media Can Dish It Out, But Can They Take It?

The Supreme Court of the United States just concluded its most recent term with a number of landmark decisions.  Among the more noteworthy actions, the justices reaffirmed the so-called Miranda Law that requires criminal suspects be made aware of their rights before being questioned.  Partial abortion bans were struck down, as were group prayers at high school football games.  … [Read more...] about July 6, 2000: Principles Reign Supreme

I noticed that Robb Pitts, president of the Atlanta City Council and a mayoral candidate, is proposing to sell naming rights to Hartsfield International Airport, much as the free-loading professional sports teams have done.  Mr. Pitts says he was inspired by the fact that Philips Electronics is paying $20 million a year for 20 years to have its name on the arena in Atlanta that … [Read more...] about June 29, 2000: Sell Atlanta to the Highest Bidder?