Bill Shipp was right on point with his political junkie quiz appearing in Sunday’s edition (10/30) of the MDJ. The Georgia right-wing 2005 Republican-controlled legislature showed little or no interest in the welfare of Georgians. Legislators on the right worked only only to ensure their own re-election by appealing to voters that respond primarily to hot-button class-warfare talking points. Even moderate Republican and Democratic legislators were afraid of alienating the radical right.

Thinking Georgians and progressive Democrats on the other hand, must become more vocal in their denunciation of those that would continue the corruption, incompetence, and cronyism seen in the 2005 legislative session.  We must elect those who will ensure Georgians never have to experience the governmental incompetence demonstrated in the wake of hurricane Katrina. We must elect those that will protect all Georgians, not just those with money and power. 

All Georgians need a quality educational system for their children - not just for those here in E. Cobb or for those that can afford private schools, but also for those that rely on public schools throughout the State. We must provide free quality public primary and secondary education and affordable college education to all that qualify.  We must ensure that all Georgians are provided with affordable quality health care. We must ensure all Georgians are dealt with fairly and honestly regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or economic circumstance, and all are provided equal protection under the law. 

We can do none of this if we continue to respond only to sound bites that appeal to hate, ignorance, fear and our baser instincts. We must realize that the important issues facing Georgia must be dealt with through thoughtful intelligent debate and study. To do less will doom Georgia to continue its decline in education, its increased poverty and crime rates, and worsening public health.

We are a community that succeeds together or fails together.  A community that goes beyond the suburbs of East Cobb, but to our entire county, our State, and our Nation.

(Published in Marietta Daily Journal, 11/2/05)

(Abridged version published in Atlanta Journal and Constitution, 11/5/05)

Contact Sander Bellman

 

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