The blog.

28
Aug

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for August 28, 2023

August 28, 1929 saw Governor Lamartine Hardman sign a Constitutional Amendment authorizing the levy of a state income tax.

On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the “I Have a Dream Speech” on the Mall in Washington, DC.

An obscure college professor named Newt Gingrich began his political career on August 28, 1974, as he kicked off his first campaign against Congressman Jack Flynt.

Old Newt Pic

On August 28, 2008, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools revoked the accreditation of the Clayton County Public Schools. Later that day, Governor Sonny Perdue removed four members of the Clayton County Board of Education upon the recommendation of an administrative law judge.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Albany hosted a reenactment of the 1963 March on Washington, according to the Albany Herald.Continue Reading..

25
Aug

Adoptable (Official) Georgia Dogs for August 25, 2023

Archer is a young male mixed breed puppy who is available for adoption from Macon Bibb County Animal Welfare in Macon, GA.

Pesto is a young male American Bulldog mix puppy who is available for adoption from Macon Bibb County Animal Welfare in Macon, GA.

Chip is a young male Labrador Retriever mix puppy who is available for adoption from Macon Bibb County Animal Welfare in Macon, GA.

25
Aug

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for August 25, 2023

General Charles Lee of the Continental Army told Congress that Georgia’s value to the young nation required more forces to defend against the British on August 24, 1776.

On August 25, 1864, Union troops stopped artillery bombardment of Atlanta and withdrew from fortifications around the city. On the same day, in Virginia, Confederate forces attacked Federals under Gen. Grant at Ream’s Station.

On August 26, 1864, having withdrawn from trenches and fortifications outside Atlanta the previous day, U.S. General Sherman sent most of his forces westward around Atlanta and toward the south of the city. Sherman’s forces tore up 12 miles of railroad between Red Oak and Fairburn on August 29, 1864.

On August 25, 1877, delegates to the state Constitutional Convention approved a new post-Reconstruction state Constitution, the seventh in state history, to be submitted to the voters on December 5, 1877.

On August 26, 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was adopted. Ratification took place on August 18, 1920, as the Tennessee House of Representatives adopted it, but adoption became official on August 26, when United States Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby certified the Amendment. It reads:

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

The all-time highest score in a professional baseball game was recorded on August 25, 1922, as the Chicago Cubs beat the Philadelphia Phillies by 26-23.

On August 24, 1931, the Georgia General Assembly adopted a joint resolution appointing a committee to work with the Governor in planning a bicentennial celebration to be held in 1933.

Advertising in the rights of way of state roads and placing signs on private property without the owner’s approval were prohibited in the first Georgia law regulating outdoor advertising, which was signed by Governor Richard Russell on August 27, 1931. Over the years, both practices would become enshrined in Peach State political strategy.

Paris was liberated from German army control on August 25, 1944.

On August 24, 1945, the United States Postal Service held a first day of issue ceremony in Warm Springs, Georgia for the release of a stamp bearing the images of Franklin D. Roosevelt and The Little White House.

FDR Warm Springs

On August 25, 1950, President Harry S. Truman ordered the seizure of the nation’s private railroads by executive order.

On August 26, 1961, the 718th Engineer Light Equipment Company of Fort Valley and the 210th Signal Base Depot Company of Augusta were called up to take part in the American response to the crisis in Berlin.

President Lyndon B. Johnson was nominated for President by the Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey on August 26, 1964.

On August 26, 1965, Sonny & Cher were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘I Got You Babe’, the duo’s only UK No.1. Sonny Bono was inspired to write the song to capitalize on the popularity of the term “babe,” as heard in Bob Dylan’s ‘It Ain’t Me Babe.’

On August 25, 1973, the Allman Brothers of Macon, Georgia released “Ramblin’ Man” as the first single from the album “Brothers and Sisters.” From the Wall Street Journal,

Dickey Betts: In 1969, I was playing guitar in several rock bands that toured central Florida. Whenever I’d have trouble finding a place to stay, my friend Kenny Harwick would let me crash at his garage apartment for a few days in Sarasota. One day he asked me how I was doing with my music and said, “I bet you’re just tryin’ to make a livin’ and doin’ the best you can.”

Then one day in 1972, I was sitting in the kitchen of what we called the Big House in Macon, Ga.—where everyone in the band lived—and decided to finish the lyrics.

My inspiration was Hank Williams’s “Ramblin’ Man,” from 1951. His song and mine are completely different but I liked his mournful, minor-chord feel.

Except for Kenny’s line, the rest of the lyrics were autobiographical.

The WSJ article is worth reading in its entirety if you’re a fan of the Allmans.

Former Georgia Governor Lester Maddox was nominated for President on the American Independent Party ticket on August 27, 1976, making the race probably the only one to ever feature two former Georgia governors. During the campaign, Maddox described Jimmy Carter as “the most dishonest man I ever met.”

On August 27, 1982, Oakland Athletics outfielder Rickey Henderson broke the record for stolen bases in a season, nabbing number 119 against the Milwaukee Brewers and breaking the record held by Lou Brock.

On August 26, 1996, President Bill Clinton signed a Welfare Reform bill, called the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

Georgia Governor Zell Miller addressed the Democratic National Convention on August 27, 1996. In 2004, Miller would address the Republican National Convention, likely becoming the first Georgian to address both major parties’ national conventions. Congressman John Lewis and Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney also addressed the ’96 DNC. That day, President Bill Clinton signed a Welfare Reform bill, called the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

On August 27, 2008, Barack Obama became the Presidential nominee of the Democratic Party, the first African-American nominee of a major United States political party.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

It’s getting hot in here. Please don’t take off all your clothes. From the Ledger-Enquirer:Continue Reading..

23
Aug

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for August 23, 2023

On August 23, 1784, four counties is western North Carolina declared themselves the State of Franklin, setting up its own Constitution and treaties with local Indian tribes. In 1788, they rejoined North Carolina but would eventually become part of a new state, Tennessee.

The Kimball Opera House, serving as the Georgia State Capitol, was sold to the state on August 23, 1870.

On August 23, 1961, four African-American citizens attempted to play tennis at Bitsy Grant Tennis Center in Atlanta, which was informally “whites only.” The Tennis Center was hastily closed rather than allow them to play, but it was the first volley leading to the eventual desegregation of Atlanta’s public recreation facilities.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Georgia State Senators will consider legislation to address Artificial Intelligence, according to the Capitol Beat News Service.Continue Reading..

23
Aug

Adoptable (Official) Georgia Dogs for August 23, 2023

Chewy is a young male Basset Hound and Labrador Retriever mix who is available for adoption from Faithful Hearts Animal Shelter Inc. in Eastman, GA.

Chewy is a lab/basset hound mix who is about one- and one-half years old. He is very sweet and playful who gets along with other dogs. chewy is current on his vaccines, been neutered and started on his monthly heartworm prevention. He would love to find his forever home.

Ruby is a young female Hound and Beagle mix who is available for adoption from Faithful Hearts Animal Shelter Inc. in Eastman, GA.

The late Mrs. GaPundit referred to our hound Dolly as a “Couchhound,” so this depicts the hound in its natural habitat. BTW, Dolly inspired the legislation that named “the Adoptable Dog” as the Official State Dog of Georgia. The celebrity has not gone to her head.

Ruby is a hound/beagle mix who is about one & a half years old. She is current on her vaccines, been spayed and started on her monthly heartworm prevention. Ruby loves to take rides and well the other dogs. Ruby would love to find her forever home with lots of room to run and play.

Roscoe is a young male Beagle and Terrier mix who is available for adoption from Faithful Hearts Animal Shelter Inc. in Eastman, GA.

Roscoe is a terrier/beagle mix who is about one and a half years old. He is current on his vaccines, been neutered and started on his monthly heartworm prevention. He does well with other dogs and wouldlove to fnd his forever home.

22
Aug

Adoptable (Official) Georgia Dogs for August 22, 2023

Dax is an adult male Dachshund mix who is available for adoption from Wet Noses Animal Rescue in Blue Ridge, GA.

Dax is a loving and happy little fella looking for his forever home! He’s pretty new to the rescue and we’re still learning about him, but he’s an absolute love so far. Dax is HW+, but is undergoing treatment and is available for adoption while completing the treatment plan. He is around 5 years old, neutered, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.

Beatrice is a young female Hound (?) mix puppy who is available for adoption from Wet Noses Animal Rescue in Blue Ridge, GA.

Cute puppy alert! Beatrice is around 5 months old and is learning about the world. She likes exploring the yard (there’s so much to see!), taking naps (it’s exhausting being this cute), and playing with her siblings (who doesn’t love a party?). Based on her current size, we anticipate Beatrice will be UNDER 30 lbs when fully grown.

Mac is a young male Coonhound mix who is available for adoption from Wet Noses Animal Rescue in Blue Ridge, GA.

Mac is one of 9 hound mix puppies that were not being fed by the owners. They agreed to surrender them to us so we could see they were fed and taken care of properly. All of them came in terrified but now have transformed into happy, healthy and friendly pups. Mac is very loving and playful. He enjoys romping around the yard with his siblings and is ready for a family of his own. He is crate trained and working on house training. Mac is neutered, current on vaccines and microchipped. He would do best with a young female playmate along with a family who likes adventures outdoors. A fenced yard is necessary to adopt Mac. (No underground fences.)

22
Aug

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for August 22, 2023

The sale of Coca-Cola Company from the Candlers was announced in the Atlanta Constitution on August 22, 1919.

More than 3000 demonstrators disrupted the Democratic National Convention on August 22, 1968.

In 1972, it was the Republicans’ turn, as demonstrators struck outside the Republican National Convention.

Nolan Ryan recorded his 5000th career strikeout against Rickey Henderson of the Oakland A’s on August 22, 1989.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

State Senator Clint Dixon (R-Gwinnett) said he’ll file a complaint against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis when the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission gets underway, according to the AJC.Continue Reading..

21
Aug

Adoptable (Official) Georgia Dogs for August 21, 2023

Sky is an adult female Australian Shepherd mix who is available for adoption from Castoff Pet Rescue in Blairsville, GA.

Meet Sky – she appears to be an Australian cattle dog mix and man is she beautiful Super sweet smart and lovable. Dog selective-depends on the other dog. Sky is approximately 3-5 years old.

Potter is a young male Coonhound mix who is available for adoption from Castoff Pet Rescue in Blairsville, GA.

Sweet Potter is just a young fella who needs some training. He is a happy dog with a sweet temperament. Will make a good companion for the right hound loving family.

Ranger is a young male Shepherd mix puppy who is available for adoption from Castoff Pet Rescue in Blairsville, GA.

9 months old loves to play with other nice dogs. Very loving and sweet.
21
Aug

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for August 21, 2023

On August 18, 1591,the English settlement at Roanoke Island in the Outer Banks of what is now North Carolina was found deserted.

James Oglethorpe and the Creek Indians signed the Treaty of Coweta Town, delineating geographic areas open to British settlement, on August 21, 1739.

On August 20, 1781, General George Washington sent Continental troops from New York toward Yorktown, Virginia to engage British troops under Gen. Cornwallis.

On August 18, 1795, President George Washington signed a treaty with Great Britain called the Jay Treaty, after Supreme Court Justice John Jay who negotiated it. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison led opposition to the treaty.

USS Constitution earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” in battle against the British ship Guerriere off the coast of Nova Scotia on August 19, 1812. Launched in 1797, Constitution is today the oldest commissioned vessel in the United States Navy. Live oak from St. Simons Island were cut and milled for timber used in the constructions of Constitution. From a 1977 New York Times article:

The Constitution won her way into Americans’ hearts in 1812, when she defeated the British Guerriere off Nova Scotia in an exchange of broadsides. The spirit of the Constitution crew was noted by the Guerriere’s commander, James Dacres, who boarded the Constitution to present his sword in surrender.

“I will not take your sword, Sir,” the captain of the Constitution, Isaac Hull, replied. ”But I will trouble you for your hat.”

In the battle, a sailor — whether British or American is disputed by historians — is said to have cried out, ”Huzzah, her sides are made of iron!” as he watched an English cannonball bounce off the side of the Constitution. It was the birth of her nickname.

Part of the ship’s secret lay in the wood used in the design by Joshua Humphreys. He picked live oak, from St. Simons Island, Ga. The wood has proved so strong and resistant to rot that the original hull is intact, said Anne Grimes Rand, curator of the Constitution Museum in Charlestown, Mass.

On August 21, 1831, Nat Turner led the largest slave rebellion in American history; Turner was later hanged in Jerusalem, VA.

The first of the Lincoln-Douglass series of seven debates was held in Ottawa, Illinois, on August 21, 1858, pitting Democrat Stephen Douglass against Republican Abraham for the United States Senate seat held by Douglass. Expansion of slavery in the United States was the topic for the debates.

On August 18, 1862, Confederate Major General of Cavalry J.E.B. Stuart was nearly captured, losing his distinctive hat and cloak and written copies of Lee’s orders near Verdiersville, Virginia.

On August 20, 1906, Gov. Joseph Terrell signed legislation to build a statue of Georgia founding father James Oglethorpe in Savannah and a bill to build a statue of former Confederate General and Georgia Governor John B. Gordon at the State Capitol.

On August 21, 1907, Georgia Governor Hoke Smith signed legislation to place a Constitutional Amendment designed to disenfranchise African-Americans by requiring passage of a literacy test to vote. A number of exceptions allowed local officials to exempt white voters whom they wished to allow to vote; one exemption was for anyone descended from a U.S. or Confederate wartime veteran – the so-called “grandfather clause.”

On the same day, Gov. Smith also signed legislation prohibiting fishing on Sunday, subject to misdemeanor prosecution.

The Georgia General Assembly adopted a joint resolution urging the creation of a federal Health Department on August 18, 1908.

The Georgia Department of Insurance was created on August 19, 1912 when Governor Joseph Brown signed legislation regulating companies selling policies in the states.

On August 18, 1916, the Cherokee Rose was designated the official state flower of Georgia by a joint resolution of the State House and Senate.

Governor Nathaniel Harris signed the first state law requiring school attendance for children 8-14 years of age on August 19, 1916; on the same day, Harris also signed legislation authorizing women to practice law in Georgia.

The practice of tipping service employees was outlawed by legislation signed on August 18, 1918.

Georgia Governor Hugh Dorsey signed legislation regulating the practice of architecture and licensing practitioners on August 18, 1919.

The Georgia Board of Public Welfare was also created on August 18, 1919 when Gov. Dorsey signed legislation establishing that body and a companion bill that created the Community Service Commission.

Tennessee became the 36th state and the final state whose ratification was required to adopt the Nineteenth Amendment on August 18, 1920, which reads:

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

The Georgia Department of Archives and History was created by legislation signed by Georgia Governor Hugh Dorsey on August 20, 1918.

The sale of Coca-Cola Company from the Candlers was announced in the Atlanta Constitution on August 22, 1919.

On August 20, 1920, the American Professional Football Association, which would later be renamed the National Football League, was formed in Akron, Ohio.

“Georgia” was designated the official state song on August 19, 1922 with Gov. Thomas Hardwick’s signature on a joint resolution passed by the General Assembly; in 1979, “Georgia On My Mind,” replaced it.

On August 20, 1923, Georgia Governor Clifford Walker signed legislation requiring state schools teach the United States and Georgia Constitutions and students pass an exam on the documents before being allowed to graduate.

On August 18, 1924 Gov. Clifford Walker signed legislation that would allow a referendum on a Constitutional Amendment to allow Atlanta, Savannah, or Macon to consolidate their respective municipal governments with their county governments. Macon-Bibb County merged in 2014 after voters passed a referendum in July 2012.

Adolf Hitler became President of Germany on August 19, 1934.

On August 21, 1935, Benny Goodman and his orchestra began a seven-night stand at the Palomar Ballroom in Los Angeles, beginning the Swing Era.

The United States Central Intelligence Agency supported a coup in Iran that restored the Shah of Iran on August 19, 1953.

Happy 62d birthday to Hawaii, which became the 50th State on August 21, 1959.

The Beatles played at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium on August 18, 1965. AtlantaTimeMachine.com has a couple images from the night.

On August 20, 1965, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones was released in the UK.

The 1968 Democratic National Convention began in Chicago on August 21, 1968.

On August 20, 1974, President Gerald Ford nominated Nelson Rockefeller as Vice President of the United States.

On August 19, 1976, President Gerald R. Ford was nominated for President by the Republican National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Ford received 1,157 (52.6%) delegates to 1,087 for Ronald Reagan (47.4%). Georgia’s 48 delegates voted for Reagan on the first ballot.

On August 19, 1981, President Ronald Reagan nominated Sandra Day O’Connor as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

On the same day, Dr. Betty Siegel became the first female President of a state college or university in Georgia when she was named President of Kennesaw College on August 19, 1981; under her leadership, it became Kennesaw State University in 1996. Siegel served until 2006. Kennesaw State was recently named the 4th best college for food in the nation.

On August 18, 1991, hardline Commies in the Soviet Union arrested Prime Minister Mikhail Gorbachev as part of a coup against Gorbachev’s reforms.

On August 18, 2015, Jeb Bush visited The Varsity in Atlanta. Here’s the funniest line from the CBS46 story:

Recently, Bush put a series of “Jeb No Filter” videos on YouTube and some say it’s a way to bring up his popularity.

“We’re going to work hard to earn the support of Georgians in the March 1 primary. It’s the second largest state in the primary, it’s our neighbor to our north, we’re going to be working hard,” Bush said.

While the instinct behind “Jeb No Filter” may have been good, it would take Donald Trump to show what No Filter really means.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Separation of Powers

I’d hoped to avoid talking about the Trump trial much, as the mainstream media is in overdrive on that. But two items sparked my interest because of the ramifications for our Constitutional order and the separation of powers.Continue Reading..

16
Aug

Adoptable (Official) Georgia Dogs for August 16, 2023

Nina is a young female Black Mouth Cur mix who is available for adoption from the Humane Society’s Mountain Shelter in Blairsville, GA.

Ivy is a young female Retriever mix puppy who is available for adoption from the Humane Society’s Mountain Shelter in Blairsville, GA.

Kahluha is a young female Terrier mix puppy who is available for adoption from the Humane Society’s Mountain Shelter in Blairsville, GA.