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Michael T. Barrett
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Aug
10
The Lesser Of Two Evils
Category: Opinions, Politics | Leave a Comment | 223 words | Print
Today was the primary “runoff” election, where Nathan Deal and Karen Handel faced off for Governor.
To tell you the truth I am not impressed with Deal or Handel. Neither of them seem to support smaller government, at least they have never done anything to indicate they do. Neither one of them seem to have taken a stance to protect our liberties, which isn’t really difficult to do if you want to do it.
That’s why I could care less who won the runoff today, and why I am voting for John Monds for Governor in November.
Libertarian candidates (especially in Georgia) might not have a realistic chance of winning, but at least I won’t have to vote for the lesser of two evils. I’ll be able to vote my conscience in the upcoming election.
The best news from tonight’s results is the fact that Maria Sheffield got kicked to the curb in the race for Insurance Commissioner. The voters of Georgia did an awesome thing by getting rid of Maria Sheffield and John Oxendine during this election cycle.
Yes, I am still angry about the whole e-mail list debacle. You can’t blame me for thinking it’s a good thing that the two people responsible for stealing my e-mail information were sent packing!
Jul
27
Massachusetts Will Soon Be Seeing Red
Category: Our Nation, Politics, Society | Leave a Comment | 404 words | Print
Did you hear what happened in Massachusetts today?
The Massachusetts Legislature has approved a new law intended to bypass the Electoral College system and ensure that the winner of the presidential election is determined by the national popular vote.
Yes, you read that correctly. The Massachusetts Legislature essentially took the election of the President of the United States out of the hands of the citizens of Massachusetts. You see, no matter who they vote for in the 2012 election, all electoral votes for Massachusetts will be awarded to the candidate which receives the most popular votes, nationwide!
The bill, which passed on a 28-to-9 vote, now heads to Democratic Governor Deval Patrick’s desk. The governor has said in the past that he supports the bill, said his spokeswoman Kim Haberlin.
Under the law, which was enacted by the House last week, all 12 of the state’s electoral votes would be awarded to the candidate who receives the most votes nationally.
This is idea is actually stupid. Plain and simple. If you want to pass a law that awards your electoral votes based on the popular vote within your state, that’s one thing, but this has nothing to do with the people of Massachusetts, or their vote. If the people of Ohio, Florida, or any other swing state end up taking a candidate over the top with the popular vote, the state of Massachusetts is going to award their electoral votes to that candidate, whether or not that candidate did well in the popular vote.
Massachusetts isn’t alone either. Illinois, Hawaii, Maryland, and Washington have also adopted the same law.
I can hardly wait to see the newscasts on election night 2012. When Illinois, Maryland, Hawaii, and Washington are all painted red because the citizens of those states allowed their legislature to elect “the other guy”.
The current Electoral College system is confusing and causes presidential candidates to focus unduly on a handful of battleground states, supporters say. They also say that the popular vote winner has lost in four of the nation’s 56 elections.
Wow. Four times in 56 elections. I can understand some people wanting to abolish the electoral college, but this bill is way over the top. The first time Massachusetts goes red on the map because of this law, the people will stand up and demand it be repealed. Just watch.
Jul
22
Still Disgusted
Category: Life, Photography, Politics | Leave a Comment | 26 words | Print
I am still disgusted at the results of our primary election, so I am posting this photo so I can meditate for a while.
Jul
21
One Day Later…
Category: Politics, Society | Leave a Comment | 468 words | Print
To say I am shocked is an understatement. Last night was the wildest election I have followed since I started voting. I am absolutely stunned. Some good, mostly bad, but completely and absolutely stunned. I just don’t understand what was going through the voters’ heads.
The mission of our local TEA Party organization was to educate the voters, and it’s clear the local TEA parties had absolutely no effect on the outcome of this election. While I think they had a profound effect on the message during the campaign, they had no effect on the voters decision when choosing candidates.
A few candidates won on name recognition alone, and others who busted their ass, won 98% of the straw polls statewide, and gave it everything they had, ended up being kicked to the curb prematurely.
It’s clear that the Republican voters of Georgia did not pick the best candidate to run against Roy Barnes in November. Sure, we still have a run-off on August 10th, but neither Karen Handel nor Nathan Deal are the best candidate for the job. Both of them are better alternatives than Roy Barnes, but they don’t hold a candle to others where liberty and fiscal conservatism are concerned.
With the governors race we have a surrogate showdown between Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin. Gingrich has endorsed Deal and Palin has endorsed Handel. This makes the perfect “career politician” surrogate showdown, with actual career politicians in the candidate as well as endorsing positions.
Doesn’t this make you feel like their way of telling you to “assume the position”?
With the availability of information on the internet, there is no excuse for not researching the best candidate. People have really proven how lazy they are, because voter turn out was extremely low too.
Ten percent of the people have determined the course of the general election for the remainder of the population. I would have thought that conservatives (and independents) across the state would have stepped up to make their voices heard last night, and all we got was the sound of the dedicated few who support incumbents and career politicians.
Republicans in Georgia had a chance to prove they had evolved into a better political party with a mindset on liberty, smaller government, and a return to the values of our founding fathers, but instead they handed the primary election over to the career politicians who got us in this mess in the first place.
Disgusted doesn’t even begin to explain what I am feeling.
Conservatives in general have evolved, but those who just call themselves conservatives are still taking the easy road by listening to one particular talking head at a time and ignoring the issues that matter most.
Yeah, to say I am disgusted is definitely an understatement. ;)
Sphere: Related ContentJul
19
Tomorrow’s The Big Day!
Category: Politics, Society | Leave a Comment | 211 words | Print
Tomorrow is primary day here in Georgia. It’s been a long and grueling campaign for some candidates, while a couple of incumbents have skated by with no opposition.
Whether you are a registered Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or independent (like me), make sure you get out there tomorrow and vote. Mid-term elections are notorious for extremely low voter turnout, and your vote could literally make the difference whether or not your candidate makes it to the general election.
I voted last Friday afternoon, so I could sit home tomorrow and watch the exit polls and keep my eye glued to the election returns. People say it all the time, but this year is probably the most important mid-term election of my generation (and I am not that young anymore). With out-of-control spending, an out-of-control Congress, and an egomaniacal out-of-control President, we need to elect candidates that will get our country back on track and stop the downward spiral our country is taking.
I am confident that many of the candidates I voted for will win their primary campaigns, and I look forward to voting for them again in the upcoming general election. Once we get this mid-term cycle straightened out, we can all focus on 2012!
Jul
16
You Can Never Have Too Much Tea
Category: Opinions, Politics | Leave a Comment | 460 words | Print
I attended “Constitution, Candidates, & Your Vote” presented by The Georgia Tea Party this evening. I had an awesome time mingling with my favorite candidates, listening to Herman Cain, and chatting with good friends.
The event was held at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta, from 5pm to 9pm. I arrived just after 5:30 and wasted no time getting to the candidate “bullpen” to see who I could photograph.
The first candidate I saw was Kira Willis, Libertarian candidate for State Superintendent of Schools. She got my vote earlier today when I left all of the choices for superintendent blank on the primary ballot.
According to the news media, Karen Handel is doing well in the polls, and it looks like the primary may come down to a run-off between her and Nathan Deal.
I didn’t see Eric Johnson at the event, I am not sure if he was able to attend, but you couldn’t miss seeing John Oxendine. Everytime he opened his mouth there was a bright glow in the bullpen. Is it me or are his teeth un-naturally large and artificially white?
By far, the most disgusting experience of the evening was when I was greeted by another candidate who had abnormally sticky and slimy hands. The next time I attend an event like this, I am bringing a gallon of Purell. I can put up with a lot from people, but this is just disgusting.
Of course, there were many bright spots (and I am not talking Oxendine’s teeth) in the candidate’s area. Gerry Purcell, candidate for Insurance Commissioner, was there. He was greeting people, answering questions, chatting with supporters, and posing for photos.
The next Attorney General for the state of Georgia, Max Wood, was on hand to listen to voters and remind people why we need someone like him in that office.
I spent far too much time in the bullpen, but as soon as Ray McSlimy shook my hand I had to leave in search of hot water, or at the very least someone with a bottle of Purell. I quickly took my seat in the bleachers with the gals from the Douglas County TEA Party, Brenda, Beth, and Teresa. We listened to Herman Cain as he did his live show, and spent the evening chatting about all things “local”. Or was that “loco”. Hmm. I forget.
So I am sitting here tonight, at almost midnight, and I just realized I have to be out the door around 7am for a camera club field trip. You can see the rest of the photos I took on my Facebook page or my Flickr page. If you need the link, it’s at the top of the page.
Sphere: Related ContentJul
13
The Official 101 Dead Armadillos Endorsements For 2010
Category: Opinions, Politics | Leave a Comment | 917 words | Print
Many people seem to be under the impression that I am a Republican. I have no idea why people make this assumption. I make no secret about being a conservative, but I have not registered with any particular party for a very long time.
With the election just around the corner, one week away, I thought I would list my official endorsements and my reason for endorsing, or not endorsing, each candidate.
For U.S. Senate, I am supporting the Libertarian candidate, Chuck Donovan. I’m sure a few “by the book” Republicans just made a loud gasping noise, but I do not think Johnny Isakson has done a very good job for the people of Georgia and it’s time to give someone else a chance who will.
While it’s not difficult, right now, for Republicans to stand as a solid alternative to the current Democrat induced spending craze in Washington, some of us can actually remember what this country was like before Nanny State Nancy and Scary Harry took over Congress. A quick check of their voting records show that many Republicans, Isakson included, weren’t doing a very good job back then, so why should we think they will start doing so now?
The Governor’s race is really heating up. With one Libertarian, 7 Republicans, and 7 Democrats vying for the position, it’s the craziest statewide race. If you are a regular around here, you know which one of the 15 that I will definitely NOT be voting for. Second only to Roy Barnes, John Oxendine is the worst candidate the people of Georgia could pick to run our state.
I usually have issues voting for “career” politicians, but in this race, I support Eric Johnson. I’ve heard him speak a couple times, I’ve reviewed his record, and I think he’s the best candidate in this large field of choices.
Polling has been spotty, to put it mildly, but it’s clear that no one candidate is going to walk away with 50%+1 of the vote on Tuesday, but I am really hoping and praying we are not stuck with the choice between John Oxendine and Karen Handel. If so, I’m afraid Roy Barnes may be our next Governor, again.
I am not happy with any of the choices for Lt. Governor. I may just leave that choice blank. I really wish more people would step up and run against incumbents at the primary level. If there’s one way to remind a politician that they are an employee of the people, it’s to make them stand up, defend their record, and remind people why they are the best person for the job.
For Secretary of State I am tossing my support to Doug MacGinnitie. Doug is not a career politician, and he has common sense, conservative ideas.
The logical choice for Attorney General is Max Wood. There is no better qualified candidate in the race. Max has experience as a prosecutor, which many of the other candidates do not. He also has also stepped up and got the job done, time and time again.
To be honest, I could really care less about the Commissioner of Agriculture race, but my sources tell me that Gary Black is the man for the job. I know, this seems to completely contradict what I wrote about a week or so ago, but I do think he is the best man for the job.
And now, my favorite candidate of this election cycle. Gerry Purcell. Gerry Purcell is a good man and he’s a great candidate. I’ve been following his campaign for Insurance Commissioner since day one, and I have no doubt that he is the best qualified candidate for the job. He has great ideas for fixing the insurance industry with free market solutions. I’ve heard him speak at several events, and unlike all of the other candidates I am endorsing today, I have met him in person. I’ve had a chance to speak to him and see who he really is. Gerry Purcell is a good man, and in politics, you don’t see that very often.
My choice for the next State School Superintendent is Kira Willis.
Melvin Everson has my vote for Commissioner of Labor.
After my articles about the entire Maria Sheffield/John Oxendine e-mail scandal, you would think I’d have a problem with my next endorsement, but I don’t. Tim Echols, the former campaign manager for John Oxendine, is running for Public Service Commissioner, and I think he’ll do a fine job if he is elected to that position.
Phil Gingrey is running unopposed for the Georgia 11th Congressional seat. I mentioned before that I would prefer it if candidates were forced to run against someone, and while that is true, I would vote for Phil Gingrey no matter who he was running against. Why? Look at his record. His record is consistent, and he has never let me down. As the person who represents me in Congress, he has never let me down.
I’m supporting Bill Hamrick for State Senator, and Tim Bearden for State Representative.
So there you have it, my official endorsements for 2010. I may (or may not) be revising my endorsements after the primary on Tuesday, July 20th. If I do make any revisions, I will do so in a new post, which will reflect the outcome of the primary races.
Sphere: Related ContentJul
12
Permission Denied, John Oxendine Style
Category: Politics | Leave a Comment | 213 words | Print
Why on Earth would anyone believe a word John Oxendine had to say, let alone elect him governor of Georgia?
Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine has denied persistent rumors that he was once the subject of a corruption investigation. But newly obtained documents show that the Republican gubernatorial front-runner was indeed the focus of a state probe that was later referred to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
John Oxendine has denied that he was once the subject of a corruption investigation. I don’t know what reality he lives in, but here in the real world, truth carries more weight than words. How can you deny you were the subject of a corruption investigation, yet refuse access to the files the federal government compiled in the case?
There’s some evidence the feds also pursued the case, but Oxendine has refused the AJC’s request to authorize the newspaper’s access to any file the federal government may have compiled.
The mere fact he is denying permission to access files pertaining to the investigation completely contradicts his earlier statements that there was no investigation.
It does not take an investigation to demonstrate that John Oxendine is nothing but a liar.
Every Georgia voter needs to remember John Oxendine’s own words when they head to the voting booth on July 20th.
Sphere: Related ContentJun
26
Saturday Summary
Category: Our Nation, Politics, Society | Leave a Comment | 445 words | Print
I have several thoughts I want to write about that cannot wait until my next Thursday Thoughts post. Maybe I’ll start doing a “Saturday Summary” each week to summarize some more thoughts since they don’t always come to me by Thursday each week.
Thought #1
Are people really surprised when allegations of wrongdoing are brought against John Oxendine? Really?
11Alive News has learned the University of Georgia Office of Legal Affairs is weighing its options on the Oxendine campaign’s use of school trademarks.
Republican candidate for Governor John Oxendine has been featuring the Georgia “G” and use of the word, “Dawgs” on stickers, banners and campaign signs.
The article states that many campaigns are using the logo, but 11alive chose only to post an example of Oxendine’s use. Interesting. Are they trying to make it sound like it’s excusable because “everyone is doing it” or were they trying to make an example of Ox?
Either way, it’s wrong, and he should stop using the logo.
Thought #2
The last person we need in any elected position is a lobbyist, no matter whether they are ethical or not.
Conservative Republican candidate Darwin Carter of Alma, Georgia on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 has filed an ethics complaint against CEO/Lobbyist Gary Black for failure to disclose the use of his office as CEO/Lobbyist for the Georgia Agribusiness Council (not-for-profit) to run for Commissioner of Agriculture. Additionally, Carter charges that Black’s lobbying firm, Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) is a nonprofit 501c6 corporation and according to the IRS, should pay taxes on their extensive partisan political work.
These are some serious allegations. It doesn’t matter to me if he is guilty or not, I don’t trust lobbyists anyway.
Thought #3
Jan Brewer is an awesome governor. She never hesitates to tell it like it is.
Thought #4
There are 2000 oil skimmers in the United States. 20 of them are in use right now in the Gulf of Mexico. The fact that we are not utilizing every resource to contain this spill shows just how negligent the Obama administration has been since this disaster began.
17 countries have offered help 21 times since the DeepWater Horizon rig exploded in April. Every offer of assistance has been turned down. In addition to being the most negligent administration in the history of the United States, it is also the most destructive. Had these offers of help been accepted from day one, we wouldn’t have oil seeping 6-inches into the beaches along the Gulf shore, hundreds if not thousands of birds wouldn’t be dying, and the economy of the southern gulf states wouldn’t be in shambles.
The Obama administration truly is an abomination.
Sphere: Related ContentJun
24
Thursday Thoughts
Category: Our Nation, Politics, Society | Leave a Comment | 353 words | Print
Thought #1
How quick do you think federal authorities can evacuate Tampa Bay, Florida?
As FEMA and other government agencies prepare for what is now being called the worst oil spill disaster in history, plans to evacuate the Tampa Bay area are in place.
The plans would be announced in the event of a controlled burn of surface oil in the Gulf of Mexico, or if wind or other conditions are expected to take toxic fumes through Tampa Bay.
Let’s see… The oil has already started killing forms of life we haven’t even discovered and they are talking about a “controlled burn”? I’m no expert, but something tells me that lighting the entire Gulf of Mexico on fire is a really bad idea.
Thought #2
The entire Gulf of Mexico might not be on fire yet, but it sounds like someone’s working on a lethal solution for endangered sea turtles. Watch this…
If I heard him correctly, BP brought in a group of people to help rescue the turtles, but then in frustration that the rescuers were “present”, they cut the program short. I think we have a President who voted “present” for a long time. Stupid is as stupid does.
Thought #3
Speaking of stupid… If you looked in the dictionary under the word “stupid” you might find the photograph of a county supervisor from Wisconsin.
Peggy West was speaking during a hearing to decide whether or not Milwaukee will boycott Arizona because of their new immigration law. This is what she had to say about the great state of Arizona.
If this was Texas, which is a state that is directly on the border with Mexico, and they were calling for a measure like this saying that they had a major issue with undocumented people flooding their borders, I would have to look twice at this. But this is a state that is a ways removed from the border.
Did you catch that? She actually said that Arizona is not a border state. Then, when someone called her on it she said she “misspoke”. That’s not misspeaking, that plain, unadulterated, genuine stupidity.
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