Marilyn Watts and her son Lane tried to rule the Republican Party in Fayette County with an iron fist. A lot of people got fed up with them.

They love bashing the Dems but they're so inept because of a lack of ideas that people moved away from the RINOs. When you think about it, Herb Frady and Peter Pfeifer are considered local GOP experts and it can't get much worse than that.

"I'm NOT John Munford"

Mrs. Moore, Chair of the Fay. Co. Democrats:

"Race and political party appear irrelevant."

“After Kennedy, Johnson, and the Civil Rights Movement, the South became just as solidly Republican.”

Why bring in party affiliation then if this issue is not about party?

How do you come to the conclusion that since the 1960s the South has been "solidly Republican"? (There's that party designation again.)

There are currently 6 (D) & 7(R) U.S. House representatives from GA, with Democrats controlling a majority in both chambers of Congress and holding a majority of state governorships and state legislatures.

All GA U.S. representatives were Democrats from the 44th Congress (1875, after the Civil War) until the 89th (1965-1967) when 1 Republican won (which is just 1/10, or 10%). Republicans were in the minority until the 104th (1995-1997), with 8 (R) and 3 (D).

2 (R) in the 90th-93rd (94th & 95th, all Dem), 1 (R) in the 96th-98th, 2 (R) in the 99th-100th, 1 (R) in the 101st-102nd, 4 (R) & 7 (D) in the 103rd (1993-1995), 8 (R) & 3 (D) in the 104th-107th, 8 (R) & 5 (D) in the 108th, 7 (R) & 6 (D) in the 109th-110th (current)

In Georgia, all 38 governors from 1872 to 2003 were Democrats. Now we have a Republican governor (elected in 2002) who was a lifelong Democrat and won a state senate seat as a Democrat (1992), but switched to the Republican Party in 1998.

“Until recently, Georgia's state government had the longest unbroken record of single-party dominance of any state in the Union. For over 130 years, from 1872 to 2003, Georgians only elected Democratic governors, and Democrats held the majority of seats in the General Assembly. However, most of the Democrats elected throughout these years were Southern Democrats or Dixiecrats who were very conservative by national standards, even after the 60s segregationist period.”

“During the 1960s and 1970s Georgia made significant changes in civil rights, governance, and economic growth focused on Atlanta and was a bedrock of the emerging ‘New South.’”

“The political dominance of Democrats ended in 2003, when then-Governor Roy Barnes was defeated by Sonny Perdue, a state legislator and former Democrat himself, in what was regarded as a stunning upset. While Democrats retained control of the State House, they lost their majority in the Senate when four Democrats switched parties. They lost the House in the 2004 election; currently, Republicans control all three partisan elements of the state government."

“Many conservative Democrats, including former U.S. Senator and governor Zell Miller, have decided to support Republicans in recent years. The state's socially conservative bent results in wide support for such measures as restrictions on abortion.”

Since 1963, in TN there have been 8 governors, 5 (63% D – current) & 3 (R). [(1869- 1963) Only 3 governors were Republican.]

Since 1963, in SC there have been 9 governors, 5 (56% D) & 4 (R – current). [(1876-1975) All governors were Democrats.]

Since 1961, in NC there have been 8 governors, 6 (75% D – current) & 2 (R). [(1877-1973) All governors were Democrats except 1 Republican.]

Since 1963, in AL there have been 12 governors, 9 (75% D) & 3 (R – current). [(1874-1987) All governors were Democrats.]

Since 1960, in MS there have been 11 governors, 9 (82% D) & 2 (R – current). [(1876-1992) All governors were Democrats.] -- (Wikipedia)

Tell me again how the South is "solidly Republican." Isn't the North "solidly" Democrat?

This is a political issue, and, as you say, “Politics is about power.” And the district voting bill sponsored by Rep. Virgil Fludd (D) is a not so subtly veiled Democratic grab for power.

“District Voting Bill Reeks of Secrecy”

It was an interesting experience at the County Commission meeting last Thursday night. I admit I have never attended one before and it was interesting to see how the wheels of government actually work.

Some observations:

* The councilmen seemed a tad nonplussed at the size of the crowd

* There were quite a few unhappy homeowners attending the meeting. Most of them were in very strong opposition to Phase I of the West Fayette Bypass. It appears that traffic is going to be one hellish nightmare on Sandy Creek road from the time Phase I is complete until Phase II is complete, roughly 24 months beginning Jan 2009. Of course, not having district voting meant they had to complain to all five commissioners instead of one who would have been looking out for their best interests.

* Chairman Jack Smith cut short any debate on the Bypass and would only entertain complaints about perceived safety issues. Commissioner Frady whined about having to discuss anything at all about the Bypass.

* For all the talk about the anti-District Voting folks showing up in large numbers at the meeting, very few did (of course, "Lost" was on). It seemed to me that the ratio of pro-District voting to Anti-District Voting was about 3:1.

* People were largely civil towards one another. One notable exception was "Republican Leader" Marilyn Watts, who continually hissed like a grotesquely over-inflated leaking tire whenever a person of color got up to address the commissioners. "Old times there are not forgotten" indeed. She was near-continually throwing out her own nasty commentary to anyone within hearing distance (3 rows either way) and the chubby female deputy did nothing to shut her up.

* One sorry excuse of a human being stood up and began an anti-District voting rant about "Clayton county this, Clayton county that". (not unlike Skyspy does here all the time). This guy then gave a revisionist lecture about the Civil Rights Act of 1964, attempting to portray it as a "Republican vs. Democrat" issue (of course, nothing can be further from the truth...it was a "North vs. South" issue, and the racist Southern Democrats left their party for George Wallace in 1968 and then later to the Republican party, where the old Dixiecrats practice their hatred to this day). (With the exception of Robert Byrd, of course. He was left behind so the Republicans could have someone to point a finger at as "proof" of Democratic "Racism"). Anyway, this race-baiter was roundly booed, and deservedly so, in my opinion.

* There was an awful lot of demogauging on both sides. Quite a number of people framed the issue in racial terms. Personally, I thought the Bypass/Sandy Creek issue, which transcended race, showed more of the benefit of district voting than anything else.

* Some people put some genuine thought into their remarks. Even though I am pro-district voting, I applauded a number of "anti's" who made good arguments.

_______________________________________________________
Truthsleuth Speaks!
Don't Click This Link, Denise!

Many of us Southern ladies were instructed by our mamas never to talk about politics and religion because that would surely result in unpleasantness. They surely were right about the unpleasantness part. But following such advice leaves a vacuum to be filled by those who have no qualms about being unpleasant, as evidenced by many of the bloggers who visit this website.

There are no more important topics in a democracy than religion and politics. Religion is about values and politics is about power. Democracy is inevitably messy because we humans get emotional about challenges to our values and to the relative power we have to shape the communities we live in. For democracy to work we have to make compromises about what values we will share as a community and how we will allocate power.

Fayette County is in the midst of a conversation about how county commissioners shall be elected in the future. That conversation became very public on February 28th. On its face, the issue is simple: Should all commissioners be elected by all the residents of the county or should different communities have their own commissioners answerable only to them on Election Day? Stated that simply, race and political party appear irrelevant.

However, we know this issue is anything but simple because it occurs against the historical backdrop of Southern history. Southern history is the story of race in America.
Southern political party allegiance reflects that story. After Lincoln and Reconstruction, the South was solidly Democratic. After Kennedy, Johnson, and the Civil Rights Movement, the South became just as solidly Republican.

Fayette County mirrors this Southern history. The white citizens of this county used every legal and illegal means at its disposal to keep non-whites from voting. Fear and mistrust between the races is the inevitable result. This will not go away until those who still benefit from this history reach out to those who still suffer from its injustice. One step in the right direction could be taken by the five white men who now serve as the Fayette County Commission. They could ask the Georgia General Assembly to act affirmatively on a local bill calling for district voting. This would completely deflate those on both sides of this issue who argue that party and race are the determining factors.

Why should any of the current commissioners fear district voting? If a current commissioner feels that he would lose his seat if he had to answer solely to the residents of his district, then perhaps he doesn’t really represent the interests of his district.

Much has been said about the role of white guilt on this subject. The issue is not guilt but responsibility. The circumstances of my birth provided me privileges denied to others by race and class. I did not earn these privileges. They were a gift to me provided by those who lived before me. With those privileges, often purchased by others at great cost, come great responsibilities. Because of my faith and my patriotism, I believe that I have a responsibility to join with others who want to build a community of mutual trust and equal opportunity in this land of the free.

After talking with several people who attended the meeting about the many statements made, it seems that both sides are resolute in their positions. The “for district voting NOW” group murmured and vocally expressed disapproval and waved signs while speakers for the opposing side were speaking. Their agitation was evident. There were claims that the issue isn’t about race, yet emphasizing race, or about Dem vs. GOP; yet the division seems to be decisively along party lines.

I fail to see how any registered voter is “disenfranchised” (deprived of voting rights), a claim made by those requesting district voting. Some may FEEL that they are not represented, but this is not the same as being kept from voting. Since “all voters vote on all County Commission posts” (“In other words, you are not limited to voting only to fill the position of the Commissioner living in your District. You may vote on all County Commissioners.”), each registered voter can vote for or against each commissioner. I’d guess that many who are in the minority in Fulton Co., Clayton Co., etc. FEEL that they are not represented either, even with district voting.

For example, if you’re a Democrat living in the south end of the county, how do you suddenly acquire “representation” if that district elects a Republican? Will you not still FEEL “disenfranchised”?

Hear a previous statement (similar in tone and content) made by “Chair of the Fay. Co. Democrats” Judith Moore (August 20, 2007), and her emphasis on the “racist” past of the “Old South.” Her comments at the meeting emphasized the “racists” in the Southern Baptist Convention and “racist” events of years past. (Read similar comments made by fellow Democrat, “Sniffles” in his post “Skyspy, Southern Baptists.”) She remembers that “this county was once all Democratic” [which is OK, I suppose] but now is “totally Republican.”

“It’s about race, pure and simple.”

Mrs. Moore chides Republicans about the Civil Rights Act of 1964; however, more Republicans, as a percentage of the party, voted for it than Democrats did. 95% of Southern Democratic senators (including Al Gore's father) and 93% of Southern Democratic representatives voted against it. Yet, Republicans are reviled as racists. When one speaker at Thursday’s meeting pointed out some of these facts, the “pro district voting” group strongly reacted by waving signs, turning their backs to the speaker, and murmuring their discontent. Evidently, facts don’t matter.

Mrs. Moore also admits that many Democrats have changed party affiliation; yet she blames “Republicans” (RINOs) for all of our racial problems.

She refuses to see that it is the “values” of the Democratic Party that are rejected by the voters here. [As reflected in her comments: “Republicans have no business in the bedrooms,” “tax breaks and other special privileges for oil companies,” “an economy driven by militarism” (big exception: FDR’s WWII economy)] It seems that there’s been no worthwhile Republican since President Eisenhower, who was elected more than 50 years ago. (Why do Democrats seem stuck in the past? ) She criticizes Republicans who “maintain power at whatever the cost.” But isn’t that what Democrats do also?

Her claim to be “a relatively new member of the Democratic Party” (“kevin madden,” 12/10/2007) seems to contradict her comments made at the commissioners’ meeting.

________________________

Listening to Mrs. Moore gives validity to the concept of “White Guilt.”

“White guilt undermines black progress and race relations because it generates disingenuous racial policies – diversity, affirmative action, and welfare without expectations (until the late 90s). These policies enable whites to fend off the racist stigma they live with but rob blacks of the incentive to work harder for their own advancement. All these ‘white guilt’ policies ask nothing whatsoever of blacks. They are an incentive to weakness rather strength.”

“Affirmative action smears and denigrates those it claims to help by casting them as ‘dependents’ on white goodwill: ‘you wouldn't be where you are if it weren't for affirmative action.’”

“Like all white guilt policies, affirmative action enables whites to once again see blacks as inferior even as they steal credit for black achievements. In these policies both white supremacy and black inferiority are once again imposed on American society.”

“Only two statements are guaranteed to make a civil rights leader truly angry: to say that racism is no longer a formidable problem for blacks in America and that blacks are now free to make of their lives what they will.”

“If the left began to say that personal responsibility was the best – if not the primary – way for blacks to reach equality in America, it would lose its power, a power completely dependent on the idea that whites are responsible and that blacks are victims.”

“White collective responsibility is the great fount of power for contemporary liberalism. This formula for power – seizing responsibility for correcting the damage done by America's sins – is now being applied even to the environment. Liberalism casts the environment as a victim because it then gains power by taking responsibility for it. It also gains the power to further stigmatize the right as indifferent (racist) to the environment, and to assert that the right, in its 'indifference,' is an illegitimate and unworthy steward of power in America.”

“The Age of White Guilt: and the Disappearance of the Black Individual”

“White Guilt and the Western Past”

“The Double Bind of Race and Guilt”

Bill Moyers’ (PBS) Interview with Shelby Steele about Barack Obama (Video or Transcript)

Shelby Steele, a self-described Black conservative, is the author of The Content of Our Character: A New Vision of Race in America, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award, A Dream Deferred: The Second Betrayal of Black Freedom in America, and White Guilt: How Blacks and Whites Together Destroyed the Promise of the Civil Rights Era.

I wonder whether Mrs. Moore and fellow Democrats would vote for Mr. Steele if he were to run for the office of county commissioner.

________________________

Vice-Chair of the Fay. Co. Democrats (?) Peter Lewin (a.k.a. Yardman5508) said that the most important issue for Fay. Co. Democrats is district voting. How did he know this? Fay. Co. Democrats wrote what they considered their most important issue on Popsicle sticks at one of their meetings, and district voting was the overwhelming concern. The most important issue was not crime, schools, development, etc. but getting a Democrat elected, which is the goal of district voting. Despite his assurances that the Fay. Co. Democrat Party is local-issue centered and reflects the values of the community, actions speak louder than words. Local Democrats embrace the policies of their national party and work to enact legislation accordingly.

Yardman “applauds” Sniffles’ (a.k.a. Basmati) statements:

“In short, I cannot think of any particular tenet of conservatism that I agree with” and “As a Christian, I find the basic tenets of conservatism to be incompatible with Christianity.”

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See also other comments by Mrs. Moore’s (Chair of the Fayette County Democratic Committee):

“District Voting”

“I happen to be white, but that should be irrelevant. Nevertheless, if the only way I can get district voting is to support a federal lawsuit based on the Voting Rights Act, I will.”

“Kevin Madden” “the only real conservative”

“the radical economic agenda of the Republicans in the State House”

“kevin madden”

“Read the words of their prophet, Milton Friedman. The 'bible' of the neocons now running the other party is Friedman’s Capitalism and Freedom. If you think Marx is scary, you should read this guy.”

Transcript of Judith Moore’s Statement to the Fay. Co. Commissioners’ Meeting (8/20/07)

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(Acting Chair of the Fayette County Democratic Committee) Peter Lewin's Posts:

“Examples abound: Local Republican leaders know better than ‘the People’”

“Fayette Democrats present local party platform”

One of the lowlights of last evening's council meeting occurred when Councilman Maxwell's young attorney friend (I didn't catch his name) addressed the county commission. After bragging about his "2500 cases tried", he proposed "cleaning up state district voting first" and that counties needed 1 state senator and 2 state representatives of their own before discussing district voting at the county level.

It wasn't until I was driving home that I realized that this attorney was proposing nothing less than a return to Georgia's archaic and infamous county unit system, which was declared unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court in 1962 as a fundamental violation of the concept of "one man, one vote".

I found the idea of an attorney proposing something that the Supreme Court has specifically outlawed to be a bit troubling.

_______________________________________________________
Truthsleuth Speaks!
Don't Click This Link, Denise!

If Marilyn Watts is considered a Republican leader in Fayette County, it's pretty easy to see why things look so bleak for the party.

It appears the Confederate wing of the local GOP is leading the charge. This probably explains why Ms. Watts fought to keep the ancient district lines from back when we still had slaves.

With the exception of Rep. Fludd (D) and a few special interest groups that support the local Democratic Party agenda, the broader issue of district voting is a slogan looking for substance.

All one needs to do is recall the 21 March 2006 special election for Commission Post One in Fayette County. Several African-American candidates ran for the vacant position. Voter turnout in Fayette county for this election was a paltry 8.37%. (See Fayette County http://www.fayettecountyga.gov/elections/election_results.htm)

Had race-based lack of representation been a major grievance of the African-American population in Fayette County...one would think that the voters in these precints would have flocked to the polls in order to elect the candidate of thier choice. Instead, voter turnout from these precients mirrored the remainder of the county. And with no disrespect intended against Mr. Horgan, he was elected by garnering a grand total of 2709 votes out of almost 63,000 registered voters in Fayette County. Not exactly what one might consider a compelling case-study supporting the argument that the African-American voting block is being deliberately diluted.

Despite the calculated outcry Rep. Fludd has raised over the past several years that the present system is biased against the African-American vote in Fayette County, the election numbers in this case tell a completely different story.