I read your paper primarily for the Free Speech articles since they are not written safely as many of the regular letters to the editor. However, I notice the ones you have printed lately have been few in number and not very interesting. We don’t have to go as far as Whoopie Goldberg but any cutback on free speech is intolerable in the U.S.

***

My name is Wendy Kovacs and I have for years written letters to the editor on a myriad of topics that cause my blood pressure to go up. I am a Christian, pro-choice, pro-family, uh-oh, liberal, who has never been afraid to sign my name to my letters. Believe me, I received many an anonymous phone call telling me what I could do with my opinions. Thank goodness for caller ID. That said, I have also sent a few remarks in to the “Free Speech” section on topics I believe did not need a lengthy letter written. Dr. Epps’ article has put me to shame. I have to tell you that in order to save my integrity, prove that I have guts (although due to an operation last year I have less than I used to) and show that I am not a coward, I must own up to the fact that I am the writer who complained about the traffic problem at Crosstown Road and Peachtree Parkway and I also took to task the poor woman whose daughter was late for school because she could not find a parking spot. There, my conscience is clear. Of course there is another answer to the problem of the anonymous, cowardly, gutless individuals who write in to Free Speech: Don’t read it. Nobody is forcing you to read these little blurbs. There are columnists on Friday who used to make me so angry at one point I was going to cancel my subscription to the paper until I realized that all I have to do with that section is remove it and wrap my coffee grounds in it before reading the rest of the paper. Free speech means just that, the freedom to express an opinion. And if this paper wants to let people do so without signing their name, then more power to them. I close with my favorite expression in response to issues such as this: Sheesh!

***

I noticed where the Reverend (who was some kind of Marine) took issue with being compared to radical right people and other things that were written in the Free Speech section of The Citizen. He is even worse than the “cowards” he criticizes for not signing their name, in that he doesn’t define what he is for and against. Anonymous information can always be valuable in cases where powerful people can take offense. How does the Reverend define “family” which he is for? I suppose he means legal and religious marriage only as a family. How does he define “hard work”? How does the Reverend get his money? Do people give it to him because of what he says? What is a genuine minority that he thinks should have rights? Does bettering one’s self, as he ascribes, mean that you don’t rely on anything from the Reverend? I think what the writer probably meant about all of the radical columnists was that there are no columnists with opposite views in that paper.

***

An old man got stomped to death in the DeKalb jail recently because he was mentally retarded and there was no room for him in the mental hospital. Fayette County has stated that although their jail is half empty, they don’t want any prisoners (or mental patients) since it is such a hassle to take care of them. I know what the hundred excuses are for not converting this space as needed, but do we really want to be that selfish? It was bad enough that the conservatives closed all of the state mental hospitals during Reagan’s reign and put everyone on pills, but to stick them in jail with criminals, to get killed, is another matter. I tell you some of these civil employees need to be toned down a lot.

***

The Citizen reports the rather electrifying news that a 15-year-old Peachtree City boy was charged with a battery. That came as a shock to me. Shouldn’t it have been the battery that was charged?

***

Wow! Sam Chapman really seems to have Greg Dunn and his ”me too” candidate worried. You go Sam! I have never seen such an uproar over a candidate because law enforcement supported him. It bothers me that our commissioners despise a candidate so, because he seeks the support of those who protect and serve us (and do such a good job at it.) I keep reading that the issues with the sheriff are accountability. I would rather see money (and any other issues) be accountable to the sheriff than this power-hungry bunch of part-time politicians who are costing all of us tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. Greg Dunn says he is tired of the lies when it comes to Mayor Steve Brown. What about the lies he spouts every week in the paper? We are not fooled, Dunn, when you say it’s about accountability. Your true meaning is it is about power you want and don’t have. Why the other four go along with you is beyond me but hopefully voters will dilute your flock.

***

Just because something is not illegal, that does not make it right! The political ad that has appeared throughout the county showing Sam Chapman surrounded by nine Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputies, with the statement, “We’re Supporting Sam Chapman,” is a gross misuse of the county resources and as a taxpayer, I feel it is at best unethical and at the worst dirty politics. Look carefully at the picture: Everything you see except for the faces of the deputies and Sam Chapman was paid for by the taxpayers or is county property. The picture was made in front of the sheriff’s office (county property), the uniforms worn by the deputies (county property), the patrol cars (county property) and I suspect this was arranged by Sheriff Johnson or at least approved by him (a county employee). I think Sheriff Johnson has done an outstanding job for the citizens of this great county and I just hate to see him involved in this type of politics. We certainly expected better from you, Sheriff Johnson.

***

So what am I missing here? Martha Stewart gets jail time, house arrest, a sizable fine, and probation for lying under oath. Bill Clinton lied under oath and his punishment was ...? I seem to have forgotten!

***

There are many kinds of lying: Martha’s kind; Clinton’s kind; and let’s say news columnists’ kind. But the worst of all, I believe, are the current Georgia politicians running for office right now. Here is just one of their lies: In one speech they rant and rave about jobs going to India and how they will stop it, no way announced, just stop it. On another day they rant and rave about how they are for free trade so that we can buy products (most of them) cheaply. Now the only way to stop cheap products from coming in here is to put a tariff on them in the amount at least equal to the price differential. Both of those statements are lies, and they know it, because all they want are the votes from both workers and big business. Of course the people in charge of editorials who overlook such skullduggery are also lying in a sense, as well as preachers and others who overlook such things if it is their party doing the lying.

***

At least three of the main speakers at the upcoming Republican convention are against much of the important things in the Republican Platform. If you are going to print one thing and say another what does that tell the average voter? It won’t tell colored dog Democrats or Republicans anything, but it certainly will tell the 25 percent independent vote. The Cheneys are for gay coupling; now that Zell is rich he is for more upper level tax cuts; Rudy from New York is for women’s choice. There are many others who don’t buy the platform, but the important thing is neither party has any principles any more. Obtaining the power is what is important in order to be unfair to one group or another. Vote for someone who thinks less like this than any other one. It is not rocket science to run a democracy.

***

In my opinion all of the hubbub between the county and Peachtree City about the SPLOST money is a simple cover-up for a 20 percent tax increase in the sales tax, 5 percent to 6 percent. It doesn’t matter who gets the extra sales tax collected; it is still a tax increase. All these people who are squabbling are ”conservatives” who don’t believe in tax increases, they say. Why don’t they just float a bond? That is not a tax increase either. These guys must have a hard time sleeping. I know I would if I continually said one thing and did another.

***

For years it has been known that teenagers in Peachtree City have needed someplace to go other than performing sports. A social thing is needed other than church. A supervised meeting place with constant new programs, or, no programs if structure turns you off. Given the correct meeting place, there must be 10,000 things that could be provided for selection. The reason it is not done is that the local government doesn’t want the responsibility of running it, using their imagination, sacrificing their time at the movies, at the restaurant, on the road, and generally providing a car and money to dispose of the teenager. Until that type of attitude is changed and we realize that the teen years is what makes it or breaks it, we will continue to raise too many scoundrels and selfish people.

***

Exactly what is the status of the million bucks that the bank says the old, shut down city industrial committee owes them? Has it been decided that we must pay it (taxpayers — yes, the hotel tax is from taxpayers) and everyone is afraid to say so until after the election? If the loan was illegally made by the bank then we don’t owe them a thing. They wouldn’t loan me money under such circumstances.

***

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

The “Free Speech” column is always good for a laugh. It’s like reading what the unpopular kids have written on the back of a door to a restroom stall. It would be even more enjoyable if the comments were as concise and to the point.

***

I am still trying to figure out why the Battle of the Bands format was changed from crowd response to unqualified hand-picked judges this past Saturday night at the Fred. Upon further investigation, I found that none of these judges were DJs from “The Buzz,” which I suppose relegates them to secretaries and janitors. Some of the bands with the best crowd response did not even place? For future reference, unless the youth council comes up with qualified, professional and unbiased judges, let the 400 spectators choose the winner rather than the four or five stooges in the front row. This was clearly a case of what is commonly referred to as “home cookin’.”

***

Robert Jensen: Please, please, please continue to provide your synopses of the editorials. Soggy editions or not, it was more than a welcomed read!

***

I am just happy to live near a town that offers a 4th of July fireworks display (been going to them in PTC since 1985, and now I take my own children to them)! If people aren’t complaining that the holiday was celebrated on the 3rd then they would be complaining that they couldn’t get to church on time due to the parade traffic! Oh, quit your moaning! I think that PTC did a wonderful job with the fireworks, and I had NO problem whatsoever that the event was held on the 3rd! (And all the other thousands of people that were there didn’t seem to have a problem with it either, and I’m sure, like me, they got up the next morning and went to church.

***

To the one who was so upset at having July 4 festivities celebrated on July 3. Get a life! This is not the first time that when July 4 falls on a Sunday that festivities are on the Saturday before. We are not the only community that has done this. For those who get up early on Monday for work, I bet they liked having fireworks on a Saturday night. It sounds like you would have liked to block church traffic on Sunday morning. Maybe this was a consideration. So what! You also seemed offended that some concerts are held in church buildings. No one is asked to go to worship during these performances. They are being held in a building other than the school that happens to be a church. Do you also take offense when a church needs to hold services in a school on Sunday mornings? The schools do benefit from rent money in those circumstances. Gasp! And lastly, it is no wonder that you don’t belong to a church if you think the only reason people go to church is to “rid ... past week’s transgressions.”

***

Why is it I have to drive to Peachtree City to recycle all my old magazines? A certain newspaper has a HUGE parking lot. Why can’t they provide us with bins and we can recycle and use less gas too?

***

Here’s a TV commercial I’d like to hear: “I am required by law to tell you I am John Doe and I approve this message. Well, I am John Doe alright, but I don’t approve of this law which I find silly, and if I’m elected I’ll work to get it repealed.” I’d vote for a candidate smart enough to say that.

***

Having had the opportunity to watch the debate among the six candidates for the Georgia Court of Appeals on public television last Friday evening, I came back with the impression that the candidate who advertises the most on TV, Howard Mead, is also the least qualified. I would say that Lee Wallace (last name on the ballot), a personable lady with an impressive academic background, seems very qualified, and another good choice might be Tom Rawlings, who is now a juvenile court judge for Washington County (half-way between Macon and Augusta). Deborah Bernes, from Cobb County, might also be fine. I hope this helps those who could not watch these debates.

***

The high-pitched ranting and raving about Michael Moore in last week’s letters to the editor reminds me of people who get caught in the wrong and then get very angry because they were caught. There are some things in the Moore documentary that are questionable but there are numerous things done wrong by the administration, obviously, that need explanation.

***

Hey, Mr. Harris, are there any other laws or ordinances on the books you think are unconstitutional? You have my vote if your list of things you won’t enforce matches up with things I can’t do because they’re against the law.

***

Police Tree City: Peachtree City is a fine example of how Americans are steadily losing personal freedom. They are renowned statewide for their ridiculous enforcement of traffic laws. Now they seem to think it is in their power to dictate to business owners how they should run their business. If an owner of a business wants his establishment to be a place where people can smoke, then fine. If a person finds it offensive, then they do not have to frequent the establishment. If enough people quit coming due to excessive smoke, the owner will change the policy himself. That is how free enterprise works. I think Peachtree City should erect an enormous monument to communism; they are definitely turning into a police state.

***

I think the smoking ban is a mockery of rights of the people of this county. Although I am not now nor have I ever been a smoker, I do realize that it is legal for a person to smoke a cigarette. I have no right to take that privilege away from anyone. I also believe in the fact that it is up to an individual business if they chose to have a smoking section or a non-smoking section in their legal place of business. If I do not want to be around smoke for whatever reasons, I can go to a different establishment. When you start banning “legal” actions in this country you are taking one more step towards communism. What next, banning drinking because it causes some people to become rude and obnoxious?

***

I support Fayette’s sign ordinance. If you want to see what Steve Harris is proposing, drive by Sparkles in Riverdale and see what no sign restrictions looks like.

***

To the Free Speecher who complained about the “narcissistic” people in the doorways: Lighten up. Did you stop to think that perhaps these people haven’t seen each other in a while and have been caught in the moment. Haven’t you ever enjoyed a conversation with a friend to the point where you have become “oblivious” to the world around you? If not, perhaps you need to stop and smell the rose’ once in a while. Life is too short to worry about how fast you can get in and out of a store. I’m not sure which part of the North you transplanted from, but here in the South we have a two-word expression that works real well in a situation like this, particularly when said politely and with a smile. It goes like this, “Excuse me.” If you still feel that everybody needs to step aside at whatever business you grace with your presence, I think it’s time you go back North. (Or if you’re not from there, perhaps you should give it a try.) Oh, but when you are in the supermarket picking up a few things for your trip, try not to curse out the old lady in line in front of you that prefers to pay with a check. And when you’re having breakfast at IHOP on the morning of your big move, be sure to tip the waitress even though she didn’t bring your food out in less than three minutes. And one more thing, on your long drive, try not to blow the horn at everyone in the left lane who is not driving fast enough for the Daytona 500. At least not until you cross the Mason-Dixon Line.

***

Chipper is home! Many thanks go out to the Peachtree City citizens, police officers and city employees who kept a lookout this past week for my Jack Russell. His picture, posted all over town at stores and churches, made him somewhat famous here in town. Thank you also to all the business owners who allowed me to post the signs with his picture on it. And thanks most of all go out to the family whose tip led to the recovery of Chipper! My heart goes out to anyone who ever lost a pet that did not return. It leaves you with a terrible feeling, one that I will never forget. Thank you again to everyone who kept a lookout.

***

To the person who thanks the Deity for Rush Limbaugh, the pill man, and three times married, and Fox (unbalanced) news: I suppose you include Bush II, Cheney, Ashcroft, the former gambling Education Secretary, and the much married former Speaker of the House in this group? Now really, isn’t there a few people other than these sorry people who you might emulate or listen to? If all you want is to not pay your share of taxes and have everyone be a Baptist (good or bad) then move to West Texas, or Cuba.

***

After riding through Clayton County last Friday night and seeing the decline, the speeders, etc., it makes me realize just how great Fayette County is, and why. Randall Johnson, whose great leadership has protected us and ruled our county with a firm and guiding hand, should be blessed by all of us each day. I was so glad to read of your good fortune over the July 4th holiday. Someone up above thinks you’re great, too. Your years of devotion to us was rewarded by a small gift from above.

***

Fayette County voters are reminded that school board members and county commissioners must live in the district they represent, but they are voted on by all voters in the county. This political system makes each board member or commissioner accountable to all Fayette citizens and not just to a small entity. The system is designed to cut down provincialism and pork barrel politics found in many counties that vote by district.

***

I’m a proud person, but I’m not too proud to apologize when I realize I’ve done something stupid or wrong. I was wrong, wrong, wrong, when I voted for Steve Brown for mayor. He has never come across a fact he can’t twist or a straight thinking person he can’t alienate. I was stupid and uninformed. It won’t happen again.

July 7, 2004

Can someone tell me why the festivities for July 4th were moved to July 3rd?

***

I have lived around our great country over the years, and never have I seen a city take it upon itself to reschedule the 4th of July. Was it because the parade would interfere with church traffic? What ever happened to separation of church/state? It is bad enough that children in school bands are forced to perform in someone else’s church during the winter concerts. Churches should not be used for state-funded school functions. What is the 4th of July meant to celebrate? Freedom. I guess that means freedom to reschedule the holiday. Don’t give me the malarkey that I can celebrate the 4th on July 4th in my own private way. My tax dollars were used to reschedule a patriotic celebration with a nod to church activities. I see in the local papers that I can go to church on July 4th and have a celebration there. I don’t belong to a church. I witness God’s work every day, in everything around me. I don’t have a standing Sunday appointment to go and rid myself of the past week’s transgressions, only to commit the same ones the following week. Let freedom ring, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the Church.

***

Did anyone else notice that Scott Ballard was the only district attorney candidate WALKING and shaking hands in the Peachtree City parade? The other candidate, Bill McBroom, was in his comfortable vehicle waving while Mr. Ballard walked the entire route, running up to meet people and shake their hands. I was impressed! Anyone who cares that much for the people of Fayette County, and wants to EARN their votes, deserves MY vote!

***

His fellow commissioners have said of Herb Frady that he fails to read the written materials provided them ahead of meetings and comes to board meetings unprepared, that he can’t seem to be able to focus on the problem at hand during meetings, and that he is very frustrating to work with. It’s a shame they don’t have the courage to say it publicly, because now would be the right time to tell the public about it.

***

I have been thinking a great deal about what is written and said regarding past and present presidents. All of the mean-hearted finger-pointing. What joy Americans get out of bashing people. This community is no different. So while all of you are acting like children and blaming the Democrats as being losers or the Republicans as being winners perhaps you better turn your attention to those service people fighting a war many of you would be too chicken to go over and do. And when you do that you better realize you are insulting those very service people trying to keep our country safe that are Democrats as well as Republicans.

***

To all you leftists with your continual rant about everyone and everything conservative, blaming us for every world ill and trying to rewrite history in your own image, I think Doug Giles is one writer who has effectively described your current strategy: “The Left’s dedication to telling the truth makes Baghdad Bob look like John the Baptist. And God help you if you ever challenge them on their misinformation: they stand by their hysterical (or did they say, historical?) record to the end. Disagreeing with Liberal machinations inside or beyond the Beltway, within the public school system, in Hollywood or The New York Times, with ABC News’ Peter Jennings or The Today Show’s Katie Couric, will bring down upon you the full wrath of their blathering mouths and trendy Mont Blanc pens. Those who actually have the nerve to nay-say the Liberals’ endless distortions will be called more foul names than a French tourist who cuts off Dennis Leary in heavy traffic on the I-95.” And then, as soon as the venom has spewed from your orifice, you’ll accuse us of doing exactly what you have just finished doing. Thank the Deity for Rush Limbaugh and Fox News.

***

Mr. Chapman. Talk about political suicide! I don’t think you thought about the message you are sending to the people of Fayette County. Let’s play David Letterman’s Top Ten in reverse. Why is Randall Johnson or Bruce Jordan not standing out there with Sam Chapman? 1. Because the Sheriff’s Department is endorsing someone they will be able to control at county commission? 2. Because they’re not stupid? 3. Because they were off fishing or writing a new book on picture day? 4. Because nine employees (ranking employees at that) of the sheriff’s department speak for all employees of the department? 5. Because no one is in charge of the actions of the sheriff’s employees? 6. Because the sheriff’s department is just too used to “do as I say and not as I do”? 7. Because they don’t have to abide by the laws they enforce? 8. Because, they don’t pay the legal bills? 9. Because no one is running against Randall Johnson in this election? 10. Because Bruce Jordan has grandeurs of being sheriff someday? We have a good commission that is asking officials elected by the people of Fayette County to be accountable for their actions, and I believe they are doing a very good job of it. We need to take a close look at the sheriff’s department, though. Who is running it?

***

Folks, Crosstown Road is not a two-lane when it meets Peachtree Parkway; especially when you are driving an SUV or a Hummer. I will continue to drive down the middle of Crosstown Road and if one of you wants to scratch my old ’93 car and get me a new paint job, more power to you. Perhaps one of our police officers might want to stop by there one evening to view the fun for himself.

***

What has happened to new industry coming into Peachtree City? I don’t even remember the last one of significance. I remember a few leaving, however. Shouldn’t we build some shell buildings to attract somebody? How much land do we still have available to build industrial buildings on? What if Delta goes the way of Eastern? Are there plans to add to what we have or to replace such a catastrophe if it should occur? I don’t see all these big boxes, where we spend money and hire $7 an hour people as our future. Besides, I’m not sure what we have capitulated already to the industry we have, in the form of taxes to get those jobs. I know we give the airport, tennis center, and amphitheater money, not collect any. However, if you want to just be an expensive bedroom for Atlanta just keep it up.

***

My college-bound daughter just started working as a waitress in a popular sit-down restaurant in Fayetteville near the Pavilion. She has been going out of her way to accommodate the people that she serves and has been trying her hardest to learn this new job. I have been shocked at the rudeness she has encountered from Fayetteville customers. Upon several occasions she has waited on people who just do not leave a tip at all. The reasons have varied from “the bathroom wasn’t clean enough” or “the food wasn’t what I expected” or (believe it or not) “I wanted a server of my own race.” I hope people realize that the wait staff only receives approximately $2 per hour and then have to split their tips between other people at the end of their shift! These people are serving you out of an honest desire to make a living and make your time in the restaurant comfortable and enjoyable. Please don’t take it out on them when everything is not perfect! Make their day by leaving a good tip or at the very least a smile and a word of encouragement!

***

Target store construction is approved finally in Kedron as I understand it. My question is why wasn’t Home Depot and Wal-Mart allowed to build in that same location a few years back? The same zoning changes could have been made then. Who owned both properties, particularly the western property, when the decision was made to put Wal-Mart and Home Depot where they are now located? Of course Peachtree Parkway north would have needed to have been four-laned from Ga Highway 54 to Ga. Highway 74, but it needs to be done anyway, and will now. I do know that all the expensive homes on Peachtree Parkway north weren’t yet sold at that time, but really should that kind of marketing be allowed? Forever and ever now we will have to dread going west for anything, or even going to the post office. When are we going to let professionals make these decisions, instead of developers? I know professionals can be prostituted also, but we can put them in jail.

***

First our state superintendent of schools informs us that we should no longer be using the word “evolution” in our elementary and secondary classrooms. Now she tells us that getting 43 percent correct on the state third-grade reading test constitutes mastery. Is it just me or is there something terribly wrong with this picture?

***

I read the letter about the flood with a great deal of amusement. Sir, surely you jest.

***

Could someone (maybe The Citizen could obtain the information) please add up the total taxes I will have to pay on my property this fall and just tell me if it will be more dollars than last year? The county says something unclear (rolling back the evaluation, isn’t that illegal?) and no one adds up the city and the county tax into what the bill will be. Are we spending more dollars next year than last year, and if so how much more per citizen? Inflation was zilch last year according to the government. Let’s stop this game of piecemeal, general, releases and just tell us how much more total (or less) we will pay, and why. I know the politicians will not do this since if they were truthful they would lose votes. Oh, by the way, include bonds.

***

A quick response to the writer who was complaining about tax cuts. I am skilled enough and fortunate enough to make income in the $200,000 range. I am a small business owner who runs all financial activity in Fayette County. I live here and I work here. I pay salary to two full-time employees, two part-time employees and I spend $40,000 a year in contracted billing services (also located in Fayette County). I recently renovated an office facility leading to various workers having a job in the past six months. My federal taxes run about TWICE what was quoted and I would like the name of the accountant who can legally reduce them any further! Stop telling lies and learn some math.

***

PTC parents and retirees are setting a bad example for the teens in our community. You are passive smokers (those who inhale second-hand smoke without concern) and our teens are reflecting your indifference to the danger. You have taught them that smoke really isn’t dangerous and now they are smoking. What did you expect?

***

Can I get this off my chest? I get so irritated by the narcissistic behavior that is displayed by some people. What I am referring to is the group of people who stop to chat in the doorway of an entrance/exit to any establishment. Grocery store, department store, whatever. Oblivious to customers/patrons trying to enter or exit. Get out of the way! Are you so important that others must yield to you, as you and yours block the way? I say a resounding NO.

***

It is time to reinstall the military draft. We have just about destroyed our Guard and Reserves with the current wars. I know that none of our current congressmen or senators would propose such a law, since none of them have a son or daughter on the warfront, and would fill it with loopholes in order to get out, as it was before, if they did have to propose such a law. A leader is needed who can see our great need to protect our country into the future, who doesn’t give a darn about being reelected. Besides, our young people now need 18-24 months of mandatory discipline before they begin college. Some of them might even stay there and serve, who knows?

***

The king of Jordan says if the new Iraqi political leaders ask him to help with soldiers that he will do anything they ask him to do. He knows that one Arab country will not ask another to come and kill Arabs. I guess he means Jordan would train police for them. They are so good at that! An even better joke is Saudi Arabia helping Iraq with soldiers. Saudi Arabia even hires their own protection from foreign countries, and their laborers, and their gardeners, and their launderers, and their cooks. There is nothing to be helped in Iraq anyway. Within a few years there won’t be one iota of difference in pre-9/11 Iraq and then. We didn’t have any idea what we were doing there.

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